Page 43

Rain

I know I’m being dramatic, but Xander just landed in Raleigh—and I thought he was arriving tomorrow.

I’m still in Azalea Creek, thinking I had until morning to make the drive. If I‘d known he’d be here at ten tonight, I would’ve already been there, waiting. I’m dying to see him.

Rain : Do you have training tomorrow?

Xander : Yes, morning skate is optional. The afternoon session is mandatory.

Rain : Why didn’t you tell me you were coming tonight? I won’t see you until tomorrow. *cry emoji*

Xander : I know, babe. I’m sorry, I don’t know how I got it wrong. But I’ll be home for the rest of the week.

Rain : Fuck it, I’m going now. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.

Xander : No! Promise me you won’t drive at night, it’s dangerous.

I’ve been texting him for a while now, itching to grab the keys and just go.

But my boyfriend thinks it’s not safe.

Ugh. I love that he cares, but I miss him.

Rain : Didn’t you get me a brand new car so I could be safe while driving back and forth?

When he doesn’t respond right away, my heart lurches.

Fuck this shit.

I jump up, grab a pair of yoga pants and a hoodie. No matter what he says, I’m going tonight.

I’ve just pulled my pajama shorts off and started dressing when I hear a noise.

I freeze.

The TV is off. The dishwasher isn’t running.

Then—I hear it again.

Someone is trying to force the RV door.

“Who the fuck is out there? I’m armed!” I shout, yanking my pants up and grabbing a knife from the counter.

“Babe, it’s me. Open up.”

“Xander?” I ask, catching his laugh. I’d know that sound anywhere.

“Yes, it’s me.”

I hurry to unlock the door—and there he is. A huge smile on his face.

I leap off the RV, and he catches me.

My whole body exhales in relief.

“I wanted to surprise you, but as you can tell, I suck at lying. Gio sent his helicopter to pick me up and gave me a ride from the heliport.”

I chuckle and wrap my arms around him. “At least it was a good surprise. I was starting to think something was wrong.”

Xander laughs and presses a kiss to the top of my head. I look up at him and kiss him back, sliding my arms around his neck.

He tastes like cherry. I need to enjoy this kiss before giving him shit for buying cherry-flavored lip balm—I’ve missed him.

We head inside the RV, and he locks the door behind us.

“I’m sorry I lied, Cherry. Do you think I could’ve spent the night without you after a whole week apart?”

He starts undressing, shaking his head. I raise a brow, the mischief practically radiating off me.

“What?” he chuckles. “I want to claim my snack, Wild Cherry.”

He tosses his shirt at me. I bring it to my face and inhale deeply. His scent hits me hard, lust zipping down my spine. I strip too.

The moment my pants hit the floor, Xander lunges, catching me with a yelp and carrying me to bed.

He lays me down, mouth hot on my neck, tongue tracing lazy circles.

“I’m starving, Cherry. This one is going to be quick.”

He kneels, grabs my legs, and flips me on my stomach.

I glance back at him, grinning. He licks his lips.

“Ass up, Cherry. I want to eat you whole.”

I obey, heart racing.

He positions himself behind me and spreads me open. The first stroke of his tongue on my throbbing clit makes my head drop to the pillows.

God, nothing compares to him. My vibrator has been working overtime this week, but it’s not even close.

His fingers slide inside me with ease, and I start to move, chasing my release.

“Do you like that, babe? What if I do this?”

His thumb presses against my other hole, teasing gently as his fingers pump in and out of me.

“Fuck, Xander. That shouldn’t feel this good.”

He chuckles darkly, never letting up.

It’s a new sensation, but it feels just as good.

My moans get louder as Xander gently works both of my holes.

“Fuck, I need to be inside you,” he growls, his voice thick with want.

His fingers are gone in an instant, and then I feel it—his thick cock teasing my entrance.

I push back, and he slides in deep. We moan together as his hands find my waist.

“I missed you,” he says, moving with me. “You feel like home, Cherry.”

His words cut through the haze. I’m his home.

And he’s mine.

“Xander,” I cry out, feeling his breath on my neck. A few more thrusts, and I’m gone, swept under by a wave of pleasure.

He comes with me, spasming inside of me, our pleasure crashing in tandem.

I collapse into the bed, chest heaving. He’s careful not to rest his full weight on me, even though I love when he does.

He slips out, and I lie there, catching my breath, basking in the afterglow of being loved by him.

“Babe, open up your legs.”

I do, and he gently wipes me with a wet cloth.

The mattress shifts as he lies beside me, and I instantly drape myself over him—leg, arm, everything.

“Thank you,” I whisper against his bicep.

“What for?” he murmurs, placing a kiss on the top of my head.

“For loving me the way you do. For coming all the way here when I could’ve just driven to meet you. I love you, Xander González.”

His arm tightens behind my neck, pulling me in.

“You don’t need to thank me. You’re everything to me. You know that, right?”

“Ditto.”

He exhales—slow, deep. I feel the tension gathering in his chest.

“Is everything okay?” I ask, tracing lazy shapes over his skin.

“Yes. It’s just… something happened after the game in Boston. I need to tell you.”

I sit up fast, instinct flaring.

He mirrors me, then starts.

“After the interview, this guy comes up to me and says he’s a big fan. But he’s wearing a Boston jacket, and something feels off. Then he says he knows my girlfriend and he needed a favor. Wanted to talk to you.”

My blood turns cold. One person comes to mind.

Xander holds my hands. I hadn’t noticed I was trembling.

“Yeah,” he says. “When I asked his name and he said Dennis, I lost it.”

My heart hammers. What the fuck did Dennis do to him?

“I held him by the lapels. Said some things I won’t repeat. All I wanted to do was beat him to a pulp.”

Tears fill my eyes as I take in the anger carved into Xander’s face. I can only imagine the repercussions this would have on his career.

“Matt showed up right then. Pulled me back, told me he wasn’t worth it. And he was right, but I couldn’t let that asshole just walk away. He hurt you, Rain. I couldn’t.”

I start to cry, and he wipes my cheeks immediately.

If Xander loses everything because of my past, I’ll never forgive myself.

“Mom, Dad, and Gramps were nearby. When Dad saw what was happening—and I said he’d hurt you—that was all he needed. He handled that sleazy bastard for me.”

I let out a shaky breath. Relief. Shame, Rage.

All of it crashes in at once. Now Matt and his dad know.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that,” I whisper.

He lifts my chin, dark brown eyes steady and shining.

“You don’t need to apologize, my sweet Cherry. That asshole clearly can’t take a hint. I’m just glad my dad was there, because if he wasn’t, I would’ve taken care of him myself. Consequences be damned.”

I shake my head. Something inside me clicks into place.

“I’ve let this go on too long. He touched you. He tried to mess with you. I don’t know if his goal was to get you in trouble or not, but I honestly don’t care. I’m done playing nice.”

My voice is steady. My heart is certain.

“He had a deal with River, and he broke it. It’s time I take matters into my own hands.”

“What do you want to do?” he asks gently.

I nod slowly as a plan begins to take shape.

“I need to tell the family. It’s not something I ever wanted to do, but he’s left me no choice. I want them to hear from me—before I go to the police and file a sexual assault report.”

Xander squeezes my hands, his gaze unwavering. “Whatever you think is best, I’m with you. All the way.”

I give him a grateful smile and climb into his lap.

He embraces me, and I feel surrounded by his love.

“You’re so fucking brave, Cherry,” he murmurs as he rocks us gently. “I’m proud to be your man.”

I don’t say anything. I just cry silently into his shoulder, letting his warmth carry me through it.

MacAllisters Sibling Chat

Rain : G’morning, everyone. Breakfast at eight at Mama’s house. I need you all there.

River : Everything okay?

Miles : Free breakfast? Count me in.

Ruin : I’ll be there. Can Gio come or is this a siblings only thing?

Rain : I’d rather tell you all in person, so please be patient River.

Rain : Gio is family, of course he can come.

Merlin : I’m at soccer camp, sorry! You all will let me know later, right?

Miles : *thumbs up emoji *

I see Xander coming out of the bathroom, a damn towel slung low around his hips. Water trickles down his chest, disappearing into the dark curls there. His damp hair is tousled to perfection, lashes still wet.

“How dare you come out of the shower looking like a snack when I’m a bundle of nerves about this family conversation,” I mutter.

He smirks and strolls over. I breathe him in as he presses me against the kitchen counter.

“I can help you release some tension. I’m at your service,” he says, voice rough as he captures my lips.

My hands explore his chest, endorphins rushing through me like they always do when I touch him.

“Thank you, Hotshot,” I murmur. “But we need to get going. I have to make breakfast for everyone.”

He sighs as he gives me one more kiss. “I’ll be ready in no time.”

The ride to Mama’s house is quiet. Xander offered to drive, and I let him.

Even though I know in my heart I’m doing what’s right, I don’t want to see judgment in anyone’s eyes.

It’s been ten years, and I’ve been carrying this secret all by myself—except for River. I don’t want the family to turn against him for keeping this from them either. Why did Dennis have to show up in my life again? He’s done enough damage. And now I’m about to break Mama’s heart.

“Mama? Granny?” I call as I open the door to my childhood home.

“Sweetie? Is everything okay? Oh, Xander. Hi dear—I thought you were away.”

Mama comes downstairs, fixing her hair.