A Glimpse of the Dream (30 page)

I awoke in the middle of the night to the feel of Kane tasting me on the inside, his head between my legs, and his tongue buried deep inside of me, his hands on my ass, lifting me up so he could more fully feast. Shamelessly, I grabbed his head and moved my hips against his mouth. He stroked me to yet another orgasm and then lapped at me like a cat at a bowl of milk. When he climbed from the bed, I rested up on my elbows.

“Where are you going?”

Standing just to the right of me, he was a picture—every inch of him naked and so fucking beautiful, including his scars. My eyes drifted lower; he was aroused, big, hard, and thick. As I stared, his hand wrapped around his erection, his legs spread a bit, and he started stroking himself.

“Kane?”

“For years, all I had was this, my hand and my memories. Can’t go back to that, can’t spend the rest of my life away from you, your body, your heart, or your soul.”

My heart was aching right along with my body. Moving to sit on the edge of the bed, I reached for him and pulled him closer. Pushing aside his hand, I touched him, a gentle touch, tracing the veins, running over the tip, then down to the base. The muscles of his abs flexed when my tongue touched the tip of him, then ran under the shaft and back up again. Gripping his hips, I moved to the edge of the bed and took him into my mouth.

His hips jerked, his eyes closed, and his hands moved to my hair, his fingertips applying pressure while I pleasured him. Stroking the length of him with my tongue, his hips started to move as he thrust into my mouth.

“Tea,” he growled and moved so fast, pulling from me, then lifting me as he fell onto his back, gripping my hips and yanking me down onto his mouth. Surprised at the intensity of his loving, the wildness of his need, I lost myself to the sensation burning through me. Arching my back, I rode his face for a minute as his tongue drove into me. Bending forward, I took him into my mouth again as my hands squeezed the sac between his legs. My hips were pumping, his were rocking, and just when his saltiness filled my mouth, I came again.

We laid cuddled into the other, my head resting on his shoulder. My body had never been so sated, my heart never so full.

“I’ll come with you to Boston.”

Shifting myself so I was partially sitting up, I studied Kane’s face. “Are you serious?” I was almost afraid to ask.

“Yeah, its time I broke with the familiar.”

No words would come, so instead I kissed him with everything I was unable to say.

In the morning, I took a shower while Kane was still asleep. I was guessing he was really tired after our night of lovin’, and then the door of the shower opened.

“You didn’t wake me.” He pressed me against the tile wall, my breasts flat against that cold hard surface, his mouth on my neck, and his erection between my legs. Tilting my ass back, he teased me by slipping just the tip in. He played like this for a while before his hand reached for the dispenser of soap. Lathering, he proceeded to wash my body, taking a good long time between my legs: the sting of the soap coupled with his fingers pushing into me felt so good. Before I wanted him to, he stopped and turned me to him. His hands palming my breasts, squeezing and teasing.

Returning the favor, I reached for the soap and lathered him up, sliding my hands down his body, over his chest and abs, to the hard length of him. Up and down I worked him, squeezing and pumping, until I felt his shaft getting harder and thicker. Watching his face as he came, feeling his hot seed spilling out over my hand, was brilliant. His hand joined mine, our fingers linking, as his orgasm moved through him. And then he was moving my hand with his down my body to between my legs.

“Touch yourself here,” he ordered just as he dropped to his knees, spread me, and pushed his tongue deep. Brilliant, fucking brilliant.

Kane

Tea went back to sleep after our shower. I had worn her out, and I felt damn smug about that. Our lovemaking had been more raw. I liked that too. Finding my jeans, I pulled them on. Zeus at my side, I headed for the kitchen. Simon was there. I heard him moving around.

“Just put on the coffee. I’ll make some scrambled eggs, if that’s okay,” he said by way of greeting.

“Yeah.”

“Can Zeus have some?”

Zeus barked. He never barked unless it was about him and food. I chuckled, “Yeah.”

“Is Teagan still sleeping?”

I could tell by Simon’s tone that he knew how we’d spent most of the night and morning. We hadn’t been particularly quiet.

“Yeah.” Resting up against the wall, I listened as Simon worked in the kitchen like a man who knew his way around one. I had been hoping to get Simon alone. I had wanted to talk with him ever since he had come to see me that day. As much as I didn’t want to hear the details, I needed to. I needed to know just what I had put Tea through. “What was it like for Tea, after . . .”

I heard the skillet pulling from the heat and knew that Simon had turned to face me. “Honestly? Terrifying. She was lost. She’d given up. She wouldn’t get out of bed for weeks, wouldn’t engage, almost flunked out. Looking into her eyes—forgive the expression—you’d see nothing, no sparkle, no humor, no Teagan. Emptiness and, just beneath that, pain. I really believed that she wasn’t going to pull through it.”

“She did, though,” I said.

“Yes, after I pushed her to get professional help. She learned to move on, learned to cope, but she never got over it. There was always a part of her held back from people. She never stopped mourning you, the life you two were supposed to have. She never missed a sunrise. I’d catch her staring at it like it was the first time she was seeing one. I asked her once what was so fascinating about seeing the sun coming up that she never missed one. She said it wasn’t the sun, but the memories that drew her to the window every morning. I never understood what was so damn special about the two of you that it deserved such loyalty, especially after learning that you had moved on and married another. But being here, and seeing the two of you, I get it now. And Teagan . . . that spark’s back.”

My chest ached. It was worse than I’d imagined, and I’d imagined it was really bad. “I thought I was doing the right thing.”

“I know. I hated you, wanted to pound the shit out of you for hurting her so callously, but knowing now why you did it, I think you were right.”

My head snapped up at that. “Really?”

“I think if she had been there, if she had seen you right after the fire and the months and years after, where you struggled just to live, it would have changed her. She would have been there, no question, but seeing the one she loved going through something so horrific would have altered her. And with everything that came after, it wouldn’t just be you dealing with the feelings of helplessness, but her too. Can you imagine how she’d be now? She’d smother you and you’d grow resentful. It sucks not having the one you need most with you, but in the end, I think you made the right call. Despite all the pain it caused on both sides.”

Hearing my own rationale being validated eased some of my guilt. “Have you said this to Tea?”

“She isn’t ready to hear it, but she’s a smart cookie. Of course, I’m a single gay man who has had only one meaningful relationship, so I may not have a clue what the fuck I’m talking about.”

“You agree with me, so I think you’re a very wise man,” I managed to get out without laughing.

“Let me get these eggs on. I’m not liking the way Zeus is eyeing my leg.”

“Thanks, Simon.”

His voice sounded a little funny—“Yeah, no problem.”

Teagan

Kane had left earlier to work at the library. My feet hadn’t quite touched the ground since he’d told me he’d come to Boston. He was making that step for me. What was even better, he seemed excited about the trip.

Simon and I had just returned from the hospital, and, though Mrs. Marks hadn’t regained her ability to speak, she was staying awake for longer stretches, even though she was still a bit out of it.

“Have you heard anything from the PI on Mr. Sleazy?” I had googled Sleazy and, though there was all kinds of press shit out there on him—the man really seemed impressed with himself—nothing I’d learned helped me understand how he’d heard of Raven’s Peak.

“I did, he called last night. We have a phone meeting with him . . .” He looked at his watch. “About now, actually.”

Sitting in the study, I listened to Simon’s PI on speakerphone. “Dimitri Falco, born 1986 to Francesca and Joseph Falco in Greenwich, Connecticut. Got decent grades, parents are pretty affluent, went to Yale for undergraduate and graduate. Estranged from his parents after a few priceless pieces from their home went missing, parents convinced he took them. Logical, since the man likes the finer things but doesn’t usually have the money for them. Bought himself a top-of-the-line Jag a year ago, when he was floating on a wad of cash; the cash dwindled, and he couldn’t afford the payments, so it got repossessed. Passed the bar on the first go, worked as an associate for a year before getting hired by Connelly, Drake, and Bowen. I’ve been looking for the connection between Falco and Bowen and found something, Bowen’s daughter, Camille, also attended Yale at the same time as Falco. She flunked out early into the second year. They may not have known each other, but the connection deserves a closer look.”

“Thanks for getting on this so quickly,” Simon said.

“You bet. I’ll call when I know more.”

Simon hung up the phone. “So what do you think about the lovely Camille going to school with Sleazy?”

“Not a coincidence. I couldn’t figure out how he’d learned of Raven’s Peak, but now we know. I’m guessing his interest is getting his hands on some of Mrs. Marks’s priceless pieces, like he allegedly did with his parents. It seems to fit what we know about him. Learning there was a treasure trove like Raven’s Peak ripe for the picking was no doubt too tempting for him. That I get.”

“And Camille?”

“She loved this place—she wanted to live here with Kane. When we were younger, she threatened him that she’d get him back for not sharing her ridiculous plans for the future. She’s still nosing around, stopping by to chat with him.” The lightbulb in my head flashed on. “Maybe she isn’t really here to chat with Kane. Maybe she’s eyeing some of the pieces she’s drooled over since our youth. Maybe she plans on getting Sleazy to steal them. I wouldn’t put it past her.”

“Well, she did claim that her waitressing gig was temporary. Maybe her little scam with Sleazy was what she was alluding to.”

“Possibly, but what I don’t get is her father. Why would a well-respected man hire someone with a past like his? There had to be something that forced Bowen’s hand.”

“You’re right. You think it could be related to Camille flunking out? Embarrassment for her old man? Maybe he brushed that failure under the rug and Sleazy found it?”

“I don’t know, I don’t get how the minds of the super rich work. Maybe. Seems kind of stupid to stake the reputation of your firm and yourself on the fact that your daughter isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer. All anyone has to do is talk to her to figure that out.”

“Ha! True but funny.” He laughed, leaning across the table. “Maybe we should hang a shingle and go into business.”

“Investigation? Nah, leave that for the Scooby gang.”

“Tell me you’re ecstatic that Kane’s agreed to come to Boston.”

“Yes. He’s going to love it. I can’t wait to take him to the marina, and I know he can’t see the boats, but I’ll describe them to him, and he can run his hand over them.”

“You’re really good about that with him.”

“What do you mean?”

“Without being asked, you describe a scene for him so he’s a part of it. And having never been around a blind person before, it’s instinct. I think that’s what I find so fascinating about the two of you. You move as if you’re attached, effortlessly from one to the other. It’s like one mind and two bodies. I had never believed in soul mates, but now I’ve seen it with my own eyes.”

A warmth moved through me hearing Simon describe how he saw Kane and me, because he was exactly right. “It’s been like that with us since our very first meeting. I never felt uncomfortable with him, actually quite the opposite. I only ever felt truly comfortable with him.”

“It’s the same for him. He isn’t one to show emotion, but whenever you’re near, he’s more relaxed—the hardness of his jaw eases, his shoulders aren’t so square.”

“That’s love, Simon. It isn’t just a feeling, it’s a state of being.”

“I need to find me that.”

“Usually happens when you’re not even looking for it.”

“Good to know. All right, I’m smelling something sinful, so let’s go pester Mrs. T to let us sample it.”

He rose and started for the door, and I followed. “Kane’s probably back. I’ll go see if he wants to join us.”

He stopped in the door and turned to me. “Call him.”

“What?”

“Call him. He has a phone. You don’t need to go get him. I know your instinct is to keep him close, to hold his hand, to be his eyes. But, Tea, you’re also the woman he loves and, as a man, he needs to feel in control of himself. He needs you to see that just because he’s blind, it doesn’t mean he can’t be all the things you need him to be. You undermine that every time you act in any way you wouldn’t normally, placing his blindness right there between you.”

“I didn’t . . . I . . .” Pulling a hand through my hair, I felt ill, because Simon was absolutely right. “I didn’t realize I was doing that.” Clarity came. “That’s why he doesn’t want my help.”

“Yep.”

“God, I’m an idiot.”

He wrapped his arm around me. “Not an idiot, just overprotective. But he’s the man in the relationship, and he needs you to know that he can protect you sometimes.”

My arms wrapped around his waist, happiness making me feel almost giddy. “You are a very wise man, Simon.”

“You are not the first to say that, and it’s true—wise, handsome, charming, witty—I’ve got it all, except for food in my stomach, so let’s call Kane and get some before I wither away.”

Later that night, Kane and I were spooning in my bed. Zeus was at the foot, stretched out and snoring. My stomach was full, my body sated, Kane’s naked body pressed up against mine. Life was good. Remembering the phone call from the PI, I turned to Kane, my head resting next to his on the pillow.

“Want to hear something interesting?”

His fingers drifted up and down my spine, the sensation so soothing. “What?”

“Camille and Mr. Sleazy both went to Yale at the same time. And now Mr. Sleazy works for her dad. And he’s here in the house that Camille coveted as a kid.”

His jaw clenched. “You don’t think it’s a coincidence.”

“Nope. He has a habit of spending beyond his means. He’s estranged from his parents because of stealing some valuables from them. Seems to me he’s not here to update documents but to case the joint.”

“Well, shit. You couldn’t have picked a better mark, three old people and a blind man watching over the place.” Bitterness dripped from his voice.

“Stop.”

“Seriously, I could be sitting right there in the library and he could be stealing us blind, fucking pun intended.”

“You said it yourself—your life has limitations now. The fact that you can’t see some criminal invade your home under the guise of a friend . . . most sighted people wouldn’t be able to see that either.”

“You did.”

“Only because Simon and I often have encountered people like Sleazy in our business, grifters who come with ‘rare’ treasures that they’re willing to sell to us at a discount. The first few we fell for, but after getting burned a few times, we got wise to it. Had I not experienced that, I wouldn’t have picked up on Sleazy’s intentions either.”

Leaning over him, I rested my arms on his chest. “You’re blind.”

“Thanks for pointing that out.”

I slapped him, but playfully. “Let me finish. You’re blind, and yet you know every inch of this house without needing to feel your way around. You can get into a boat and cross a body of water, climb the steps up to Raven’s Peak, and find your way inside like a sighted man. You’re building a boat and doing whatever kind of fighting you are with that man, often kicking his ass. You’re beating Mr. Clancy in chess, and you make love like a god. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

He was silent for such a long time that I had no idea what he was thinking. “There’s somewhere I’d like to take you. Will you come with me?”

“Yes.

“You don’t even want to know where?”

“I’ll be with you. Where doesn’t really matter.”

He rolled so I was pinned under him, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Tell me more about me making love like a god.”

“Why tell when you can show me?”

“I like the way your mind works.”

“Shut up and kiss me.”

Walking down the brightly lit corridor, my stomach roiled and my hands were damp from nerves. The place Kane wanted to take me was the burn unit of the hospital, the place where he had spent almost a full year of his life. As soon as we entered the sealed doors, the nurses at the station moved from around the desk to greet him warmly.

“Kane, you’re early this month,” one nurse, whose name tag declared her to be Lydia, said affectionately. “And who is this?”

“This is Tea.”

At the announcement, three sets of eyes flew to mine like I was a celebrity or something. In the next second, I was being hugged hard by Lydia. “So nice to meet you.”

Clearly. “You too.” I sounded lame, but I had a suspicion there was more to the pointed stares I was receiving. Mr. Clancy had mentioned that Kane had called out for me; was that why they were looking at me the way they were?

“You’ll have to suit up. Kane knows the way,” Lydia said before adding, “it means so much to the patients. Thank you for coming.”

Since I didn’t know what I was doing yet, I only smiled at her. Kane reached for my hand and started pulling me down the hallway. We entered a locker room with gowns wrapped in plastic and boxes of latex gloves.

“Kane?”

“I come every month, sometimes a few times. Remembering what it was like, I come and sit with some of the more severe cases. Just the sense of another human presence can make all the difference.”

My eyes stung and a lump formed in my throat. “Who came to see you?”

“More than I needed and not the one I wanted.”

“I would have been camped in your room, would have handcuffed myself to your bed.”

“I know.”

I needed to be calm for these people, but I suspected I was going to have a major crying jag, which, considering the amount of crying I’d been doing lately, wasn’t that much of a surprise.

“Okay. What do I have to do?”