Page 12

Tempest

Beach House

The crash of waves pulled me from sleep, Kasen’s warm body still tangled with mine. Soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow across her skin. My fingers traced idle patterns on her hip as her eyes fluttered open.

“Morning,” she murmured, a smile playing at her lips.

“Sleep well?” I asked.

She nodded, nestling closer. “Better than I have in years.”

I’d spent so long keeping my distance, convinced I wasn’t the right man for her. Now, holding her in my arms, I wondered how I’d resisted for so long. “Kasen,” I breathed, cupping her face. “I --”

She silenced me with a kiss, slow and deep. Fire ignited in my veins. I rolled her beneath me, drinking in the sight of her. My hands roamed her body, relearning every curve and plane. I kissed her back, tasting the sweetness of her lips. My body reacted to hers, instinctively knowing how to satisfy her.

“Please,” she whispered against my mouth.

I slid into her hot, tight pussy. Her body welcomed me, and I moaned as she arched into me. With each thrust, I became more lost, completely consumed by desire.

“Fuck,” I growled, unable to contain myself any longer.

She gasped softly, her fingers digging into my shoulders as we moved together in a frenzy of passion. “Rick,” she whispered my name like a prayer.

Our hearts raced, and every thrust brought us closer to release.

“Fuck,” I gasped, no longer able to hold back. The sound of skin slapping against skin filled the room like a primal symphony. Every time our hips met, I felt her all the way down to my soul.

We both moaned softly, lost in the heat of the moment. The tension coiled deep within me began to unravel as wave after wave of pleasure washed over me. My entire body tensed up before exploding into ecstasy under her unskilled touch.

“Shit… Yeah…” I groaned out as I filled her with load after load of cum.

Our sweaty bodies pressed tightly against each other in the aftermath of our passion. “Damn,” I murmured tenderly against her neck, kissing softly before pulling back. “You feel so good.”

“I… I love you, Rick,” she said softly.

My heart hammered in my chest at her words, and my throat grew tight. I knew I cared about her, didn’t want to live without her, but I wasn’t sure I knew what love was.

“You’re my world,” I said, hoping it would be enough to convey how much she meant to me.

My gaze dropped to the evidence of our lovemaking on her thighs. A primal part of me growled in satisfaction, but concern nagged at me.

“Kasen,” I said hesitantly. “I should have said something before, but I’m clean. Haven’t been with anyone in a long time.”

She gazed up at me, eyes soft. “I trust you. Completely.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. Trust. Such a simple thing, but so precious. I tugged her close, burying my face in her hair.

“I don’t deserve you,” I muttered.

She pulled back, fixing me with a fierce look. “Don’t say that. You’re a good man. Maybe your temper leaves a bit to be desired sometimes, but I’ve always seen the good in you.”

I wanted to argue, to list all the reasons she was wrong. But the conviction in her eyes stopped me. Maybe I could be the man she believed me to be.

I helped her out of the bed and we quickly showered together. I yanked on my boxers and jeans, and Kasen picked up one of my shirts, pulling it over her head. It fell to her knees, and I thought she looked fucking adorable. We headed to the kitchen, both of us starving for something other than each other. I’d never cooked with anyone before, but I had to admit, I kind of liked it.

The sizzle of bacon filled the air as I maneuvered around Kasen in the tiny kitchen. She was at the stove, expertly flipping pancakes while I grabbed plates from the cabinet.

“Watch it, hot stuff,” she teased as I brushed past her, my hand grazing her hip.

I smirked. “Can’t help it if you’re in my way, darlin’.”

She swatted at me with the spatula, but I caught her wrist, pulling her close. Our lips met in a quick, heated kiss before she pushed me away, laughing.

“Food’s going to burn if you don’t behave,” she warned, but her eyes sparkled.

I held up my hands in mock surrender. “Yes, ma’am.”

We fell into an easy rhythm, moving around each other like we’d been doing this for years. It felt… right. Domestic. A pang of longing hit me, sharp and unexpected.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Kasen asked, sliding a stack of pancakes onto a plate.

I shook my head, pushing the feeling aside. “Just thinking how good you look in my shirt.”

She rolled her eyes, but I caught the flush on her cheeks. “Smooth talker.”

After breakfast, we headed out, the rumble of my bike a familiar comfort between my legs. Kasen’s arms wrapped tight around my waist as we tore down the coastal road.

The wind whipped through my hair, carrying away the last threads of tension. Out here, there was no club, no responsibilities. Just me, Kasen, and the open road.

I felt her press her cheek against my back, her grip tightening. My heart raced, and it had nothing to do with the speed. For the first time in years, I felt truly free.

I pulled the bike to a stop at a secluded stretch of beach, the roar of the engine fading to the gentle crash of waves. Kasen slid off first, her legs a little unsteady. I caught her elbow, steadying her.

“You good?” I asked, unable to keep the smirk from my face.

She swatted my arm. “Just getting my land legs back, smartass.”

We found a spot in the sand, close enough to feel the spray of the ocean. Kasen settled beside me, our shoulders touching. The silence stretched, comfortable but charged with unspoken words.

“Tell me about your family,” she said suddenly, her voice soft.

I tensed, old instincts flaring. But when I looked at her, all I saw was genuine curiosity. No pity, no judgment. I took a deep breath.

“Not much to tell,” I said, my voice gruff. “Dad was a mean drunk. Mom… she was sunshine. Until the cancer took her. Hodgkins. Unfortunately, she didn’t get checked early enough. It had progressed so far the treatments were only able to give her a few extra months.”

Kasen’s hand found mine, her fingers intertwining with my own. “I’m sorry.”

I shrugged, fighting the tightness in my throat. “Long time ago.”

She hesitated, then asked, “Have you heard anything about Rin? Wraith’s old lady?”

The change of subject was a relief. Even though, the topic of Rin’s rather recent breast cancer diagnosis wasn’t exactly a happy one. When Wraith had found out, I thought the man was going to explode.

“Yeah, actually. Wraith says the treatments are working. They’re expecting a full recovery.”

Kasen’s face lit up. “That’s amazing news! Usually Akira keeps me up to date, but now that she’s pregnant and married to Logan, we don’t get to meet as often. We met not too long before we came to the beach, but I’m afraid I didn’t think to ask about Rin. I feel awful, looking back. How could I have been so selfish as to only think about my own problems when she’s going through so much? I’m sure she’s relieved she’ll have her mom around a long time, but I was a shitty friend.”

I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips. “Yeah, it is good news. The whole club’s been pulling for her. But for the record, I doubt she thinks of you as a bad friend. You needed someone and she was there for you. I’m sure you’ve been there for her plenty of times.”

“You’re right. I have been. That’s what family does,” Kasen said softly.

The words hit me harder than I expected. Family. The club was my family now, had been for years. But sitting here with Kasen, I realized I wanted more.

She must have sensed the shift in my mood. Her grip on my hand tightened. “What happens when we go back?”

I turned to face her, seeing the worry in her eyes. “What do you mean?”

“My dad,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “He’s not going to be happy about… us.”

I cupped her face in my hands, forcing her to meet my gaze. “Listen to me. I don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks, including your old man. I’ve got you, you hear me? No matter what.”

She nodded, but I could still see the doubt lingering. I leaned in, pressing my forehead to hers. “I mean it. Anyone tries to come between us, they’ll have to go through me first. For what it’s worth, I’m fully prepared to take whatever beating your dad gives me. I need you to not interfere when it happens.”

The tension in her shoulders eased slightly. “You’re insane. You know that right? He’s called Tank for a reason.”

“Yep, but I can handle it.” I then gave her a kiss that left us both breathless.

I pulled back, my heart racing. “C’mon,” I said, rising to my feet. “Let me show you something.”

Kasen took my outstretched hand, her brow furrowed. “What?”

“Self-defense,” I replied, leading her to a flat stretch of sand. “If you’re gonna be with me, you need to know how to protect yourself.”

“Dad already showed me. I just… froze when I needed to use the things he’d taught me.”

“No arguments,” I cut her off, my voice brooking no opposition. “Now, stand here.”

I positioned her, my hands lingering on her hips. The proximity sent a jolt through me, but I pushed it aside. Focus, damnit .

“First, we’ll work on your stance,” I explained, demonstrating. “Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.”

Kasen mirrored my position, determination etched on her face. “Like this?”

“Close,” I murmured, stepping behind her. I pressed against her back, adjusting her posture with my hands. “There. Feel the difference?”

She nodded, her breath catching. “Y-yeah.”

I guided her through basic moves -- blocks, strikes, escapes. Her skin was warm under my touch, her scent intoxicating. But beneath the distracting sensations, I saw her potential.

“Good,” I growled as she executed a perfect palm strike. “Again.”

We moved together, my body shadowing hers. With each repetition, her confidence grew. Pride swelled in my chest, mixed with a primal possessiveness I couldn’t shake.

“Now,” I said, circling to face her, “let’s see how you do against a real opponent.”

Kasen’s eyes flashed with challenge. “Bring it on.”

I lunged, telegraphing my moves. She dodged, countering with the techniques I’d shown her. We grappled, sand flying as we struggled for dominance.

Suddenly, she hooked her leg behind mine, sending us both crashing to the ground. I landed on my back, Kasen straddling me triumphantly.

“How’s that for self-defense?” she panted, grinning down at me.

The sight of her -- flushed, breathless, victorious -- undid me. I surged up, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Kasen melted into the kiss, her body molding against mine. The heat between us sparked, threatening to ignite into an inferno. I rolled us over, pinning her beneath me in the soft sand.

“You’re a quick study,” I growled against her neck.

She arched into me, her fingers tangling in my hair. “I have a good teacher.”

My hands roamed her body, relearning every curve. The thin fabric of her clothes was maddening, a flimsy barrier between us. I tugged at her shirt, desperate to feel her skin.

“Wait,” she gasped, pushing against my chest.

I froze, immediately pulling back. “What’s wrong?”

Kasen glanced around, her cheeks flushed. “We’re on a public beach.”

Reality crashed back. I cursed under my breath, rolling off her. “Shit. You’re right.”

We lay side by side, catching our breath. The sound of waves filled the silence, a gentle reminder of where we were.

“Rain check?” Kasen asked, a hint of mischief in her voice.

I turned to her, drinking in the sight of her disheveled hair and swollen lips. “Count on it.”

We gathered our things and headed back to the bike. The ride home was charged with unspoken tension, Kasen’s body pressed tight against mine.

As we pulled up to the beach house, my phone buzzed. I fished it out of my pocket, my stomach dropping at the name on the screen. “Fuck,” I muttered.

Kasen peered over my shoulder. “What is it?”

I showed her the message. Two words that shattered our peaceful bubble: Come home. -- Tank

“Last night,” I said. “Time to go home tomorrow and face reality.”

* * *

The porch glowed with candlelight, casting flickering shadows across our faces as we sat down to dinner. Waves crashed rhythmically in the background, a soothing counterpoint to the tension crackling between us.

I watched Kasen across the table, mesmerized by how the soft light played on her features. “This is… nice,” I managed, my throat tight.

She smiled, a hint of shyness in her eyes. “It is. I didn’t know you could cook like this.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” I said, my voice low.

Kasen’s gaze locked with mine. “I want to learn.”

The air between us seemed to thicken. I reached for my drink, desperate for something to do with my hands. “Careful what you wish for, darlin’. I’m not an easy man to know.”

“I’m not looking for easy,” she countered, leaning forward. “I’m looking for real.”

My heart pounded. I stood abruptly, needing to move. “Let’s go inside.”

As we stepped through the door, the atmosphere shifted. Kasen’s fingers brushed mine, sending electricity up my arm. I turned, catching her wrist and pulling her close.

“Kasen,” I growled, “tell me to stop.”

She shook her head, eyes wild. “I can’t.”

That was all it took. I crushed my mouth to hers, years of pent-up desire exploding between us again. I started to think I’d never get enough of her. We stumbled through the house, shedding clothes, hands roaming desperately.

I paused at the bedroom threshold, searching her face. “You sure about this? You have to be sore.”

Kasen’s answer was to pull me down onto the bed. We came together in a tangle of limbs and breathless moans, exploring each other with a mix of hunger and reverence. She was so eager and ready, I slid inside her with ease.

As I moved inside her, the world fell away. There was only Kasen -- her scent, her taste, the sound of my name on her lips. For the first time in years, I felt whole.

The moment she came, I knew I couldn’t hold on. I took her harder, deeper, not stopping until my balls drew up and filled her with every drop of cum I had in me. Afterward, I cuddled her against my side.

I traced lazy circles on Kasen’s bare shoulder, her head resting on my chest. The room was quiet except for the distant crash of waves and our slowing breaths.

“Tank’s gonna kill me,” I muttered, tension coiling in my gut. It was one thing to tell him I was claiming his daughter. It was another to have already slept with her before talking to him.

Kasen propped herself up, eyes flashing. “I’m not a child. This is my choice. It’s not his decision.”

I cupped her face, my thumb brushing her cheek. “I know, darlin’. But your dad… you’re his little princess, and he has every right to be pissed about how I handled this.”

“Do you regret it?” Her voice wavered slightly.

“Hell no,” I growled, pulling her closer.

* * *

As dawn broke, reality intruded. We packed in near silence, the weight of our impending return pressing down. I caught Kasen’s hand trembling as she zipped her bag.

“Hey,” I said softly, pulling her into my arms. “We’ve got this.”

She nodded against my chest. “I know. It’s just… I’m not ready to leave our bubble.”

I understood completely. This beach house had become our sanctuary, a place where we could just be us without the complications of the outside world.

“Me neither,” I admitted. “But we can’t hide forever.”

Kasen squared her shoulders, a determined glint in her eye. “Then let’s face it head-on.”

I grinned, pride swelling in my chest. This was the woman I’d fallen for -- fierce, unafraid.

As I stood by my bike, my eyes were drawn to the ocean, its endless expanse a stark contrast to the confined world we were about to re-enter.

“One last look?” Kasen’s voice was soft behind me.

I nodded, feeling her hand slip into mine. “It’s been one hell of a week.”

We stood there, the salty breeze whipping around us.

“You okay?” Kasen squeezed my hand.

I turned to her, drinking in the sight of her windswept hair, her eyes bright with a mix of apprehension and hope. “Yeah. Just… processing.”

She nodded, understanding in her gaze. “It’s a lot.”

“Understatement of the fucking year,” I muttered, then sighed. “But I wouldn’t change a thing. Well, except the part where you were kidnapped. That I could have done without.”

Kasen leaned into me, and I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. “But I think it brought us together. It gave me the final push I needed.”

“And here I thought by coming with me, you’d already agreed to be mine.” Honestly, I knew what she meant. For her, things had been moving too fast. Then she’d been kidnapped, thought she’d never see me again, and it made her realize moving fast wasn’t always a bad thing.

We stood there for a moment longer, the crash of waves a steady rhythm. Then, with a deep breath, I stepped back. “Time to go.”

The ride was silent, the tension palpable. I could feel Kasen’s anxiety radiating off her in waves. Hell, I was feeling it too. The club, Tank, the potential shitstorm we were driving into -- it all loomed large. I hadn’t even told Savior yet that I’d claimed her.

The road stretched out before us, an uncertain path. But for the first time in a long time, I felt ready to face whatever came our way. With Kasen by my side, I could take on the whole fucking world if I had to.