Not All Who Wander are Lost (5 page)

Finn got up to leave. “This isn’t over, you know.”

“Oh, it is. Be gone with you now. I’ve got to get to work myself!” Katie shooed him out the door.

Chapter 9

F
inn dropped the wrench for the third time. He was having a really hard time concentrating on the brake job he was doing. His mind kept straying back to long black hair under his hands and soft warm skin against his. He couldn’t remember ever being so intrigued by any other woman. Sure, he was pissed that Katie had interfered, but deep down, he was really glad she had. He was really looking forward to getting to know everything there was to know about Crimson Thorn.

An hour later, he had three scraped knuckles and was nowhere near being finished with the brake job. He cursed as he dropped the wrench yet again.

“Don’t drop that,” a welcome voice said. Finn smiled and stood up. Crimson was leaning in the door frame, looking stunning in her tall black boots.

“Can you take a break?” she asked, walking across the shop to stand in front of him.

“For you? Anytime,” he said taking her in his arms. “I’ve been thinking about you all day.”

“Me? Really? It must be really hard to get any work done.” Crimson said innocently.

“You have no idea,” Finn grinned. It had been hard, almost all day. “Want to come upstairs?”

“Is that where you live?”

“Yeah, I have an apartment up there. It’s not much, but it’s home.”

Crimson pulled away and took his hand. “Show me.”

Finn had never actually brought a woman up to his apartment before. His was a little apprehensive. He kept wondering if he had picked up his dirty laundry and remembered I had been a while since he’d vacuumed. He knew his apartment was a pretty typical bachelor pad—milk crate bookcases and second hand furniture. He had a great TV and sound system, but that only made it more of a man cave.

He opened the door. Crimson looked around, her face unreadable. There were dirty clothes on the couch, but only a few. Finn swept them aside so she could sit. “Sorry about that,” he apologized. “I don’t have many visitors.”

Crimson smiled and patted the seat next to her. Finn gladly took it. “How was your day?” he asked.

“Fine. Quiet. I watched some television, did my dishes. Nothing strenuous. You?”

“I spent all afternoon working on Mrs. Johnson’s brakes. It was a real laugh riot.” Finn quipped.

“Kate called me.”

“Oh.”

“She mentioned that you stopped by this morning. She suggested I come by and see how you were doing.”

“She did, did she, why?”

“She thought you might be upset about something.” Crimson said, with concern. “I just thought, well, you are not upset about last night are you?”

“God no!” Finn exclaimed. “Last night was great. I, wait, you’re not upset about it are you?”

Crimson leaned up to kiss him. “Do I look upset?” she purred.

“You look you need to be kissed. And you are wearing way too many clothes,” Finn said. To prove his point, kissed her neck and slid his hand up under her sweater to cup her breast. “This sweater is seriously in my way,” he said pulling it over her head. “What is this? More layers. Are you cold?”

“Not anymore,” Crimson replied and pulled off her camisole. He could see that her nipples were hard beneath the sexy black bra she still had on. He took one in his mouth, tonguing it through the silky fabric.

“On second thought, leave this on, I like it.”

“Really?”

“MMM…” Finn started to kiss his way down her belly.

“And what exactly do you think you are doing?” Crimson teased.

“I thought I would see if the panties match the bra.”

“Nope. I’m wearing the cows you wanted to see.”

“Show me!” Finn demanded playfully.

Crimson stood and slowly unbuttoned her skirt, letting it fall to the floor. “You like?”

“I’m still deciding. Turn around and bend over for me.” Crimson eagerly complied. “Very much.” Finn never imagined that he could be so turned on by a pair of demure cotton panties covered in cows. He stood up behind her pulled her up to him, kissing the back of her neck. Caressing her breasts, his gently licked her ear. He felt a slight magical tingle as her glamour slipped just a little, revealing the delicate point, just for a moment. His hand moved down into her panties feeling her slick center. Crimson moaned and leaned her head back against him.

He gently nudged her forward to the couch. Crimson grabbed the back of the couch and planted her knees on the edge. “You have a magnificent ass, “Finn growled. He ran his finger from her knee, up her inner thigh, and pushed her panties aside. She was hot and wet. He slipped his finger inside.  Crimson arched up to meet him as he moved it slowly.  Finn went to his knees and pulled her panties down to the tops of her boots. His tongue traced the path his finger had and until he tasted her.

Crimson panted. “Do you like that?” He asked. Crimson could hardly speak, “Uh huh,” she whispered.

“Turn around.” Crimson turned and lay back on the couch. Finn carefully removed her panties, keeping her boots on. Crimson spread her legs, resting one on the arm of the couch, allowing him better access.  She ran her hands down her body, caressing her breasts. Finn felt himself grow even harder at the sight of her hands on her body.  “Show me how you want me to touch you,” Finn breathed. Crimson let her hand stray down, down, until her red tipped finger reached her damp curls. “Like this,” she murmured.

Fin knelt in front of her. “Can I help?” he asked with a grin.

“Please,” she breathlessly replied. Finn leaned in to lick where her fingers had been. He knew she was close. He looked up and watched her eyes change. He wanted to watch her come. He wanted to feel it. His slid his fingers inside her and picked up the pace. Her breathing came faster and faster. Soon, he felt the warm rush of wetness as she climaxed.

He looked up and smiled. “Your eyes are so sexy when you come.”

Crimson stretched. Finn handed her her sweater. “You should probably put this back on.”

“Why?” Crimson said, a little offended.

“Because I hear my neighbor’s dog barking like he’s losing his mind. He only barks that way at Katie,” Finn answered, handing her the skirt. “But these are mine, “he said slipping the cow panties into the front pocket of his jeans. Crimson tried to grab them from him; he playfully slapped her hand away. “Mine. Hurry, I hear her on the stairs.”

Crimson managed to get her clothes on and her hair put to rights just in time.

“Finn? You up here?” Kate called.

“Yeah,” Finn called back. Come on in.” Kate let herself into the apartment.

“Good, I caught you,” she said. Crimson instantly blushed to the roots of her hair and turned away, hoping Kate wouldn’t see. “I thought you two might be going out on the town or something. But since you are here, I need a favor.”

“Of course, Kate!” said Crimson. “What can we do?” Finn shook his head at her as if in warning, but was too late.

“My shipment of silver pendants is stuck in Portland. Do you think you could go and fetch it for me? I’d go myself, but my damn glasses broke again. Do you mind at all?”

“Of course, Katie,” Finn said with a shrug. “We would be happy to.” He looked at Crimson. “Feel like a drive?”

“Only if we can take Big Red,” Crimson answered. “And I get to drive.”

“Good then, we’re all set,” Kate said, pulling an invoice from her bag. “Here’s the address. They close at 10, so you should get going.” Kate turned to leave, stopped, then turned back. “Oh and Crimson, your sweater’s on inside out.” Kate chuckled as she left down the stairs.

Crimson looked down dumbfounded. It was inside out and backwards. Crimson punched Finn in the arm.

“Ouch! What the hell was that for?” Finn cried. That was going to leave a mark. “Fix your sweater, so we can go. It’s a long drive, slugger.”

“Can I at least have my underwear back?” Crimson asked demurely, sliding her sweater on the right way this time.

“Nope, those are mine. Sorry. Spoils of war and what-not.”

“My panties are not what-not.”Crimson feigned offense.

“They are not yours anymore either.”

Chapter 10

T
he drive to Portland didn’t seem so long with Crimson to keep Finn company. It was fun to see how much Crimson enjoyed driving. They talked about little things, like TV and food. Crimson, it turned out, had discovered the Food Network. She was fascinated by cooking competitions. Finn loved just watching her expression when she talked. She was so passionate and animated. Being with her was easy. She made him feel more alive than he had ever thought possible.

Of course, it didn’t hurt that she was more than a little easy on the eyes. At first glance, she was tiny and looked fragile, but he knew that she was strong, yet soft. His thoughts strayed to all of the ways he wanted to get to know her beautiful body.

But it was about more than just sex. Just holding her hand made him feel stronger somehow. He wanted to hold her and protect her. He wanted to show his world to her and see the sparkle in her eyes when she discovered something new. He barely knew her, but it felt as if he’d been waiting for her to bring him to life.

They finally arrived at the warehouse just before eight. The street was dark and deserted, the only light coming from the small window near the warehouse door. Finn thought it was odd that the street lights were out. He’d been here before to pick up silver for Katie. Her supplier was a grizzled old dwarf with a grumpy nature, but an eye for fine jewelry. Finn had long suspected that some of the items he brought in for Katie came from the other realms, but had never really thought much of it. Katie didn’t traffic in magical items, so he never saw the harm in it.

As they approached the door, Finn smelled something odd—earth and rusty iron—dwarf blood. He turned to Crimson and knew from the look in her eyes that she smelled it too. Kicking into Guardian mode, Crimson drew a dagger from her boot. “What did Kate say her friend’s name was?” Crimson asked quietly.

“Garm, why?”

“Figures.” Crimson put her finger to her lips, effectively shushing him. “I think he may be in a little bit of trouble.”

“You think?” Finn said sarcastically.

“Garm!” Crimson cried out suddenly. “You old bastard, are you in there? You cheated me again!” With that, she burst through the door, knocking down the surprised Elf who was standing just behind it. Not knowing what else to do, Finn followed her in. He watched a she quickly disarmed the Elf who was standing over Garm, who was tied to a chair and looking a little worse for wear. He knew he should feel a little emasculated having a woman, especially one as tiny as Crimson, do all the heavy lifting, but God, watching her made him practically drool. Watching her hit that guy with an elbow and take his gun was the sexist thing he’d seen her do yet.

That was when he heard the click behind him and felt the barrel of the gun against his neck. “Crimson, baby, so good to see you,” came a voice from behind him. Finn saw the look in Crimson’s eyes go from fierce, to shocked, to hurt.

“Rickon,” she said with a weary look. “What are you doing here?”

“I got a tip that our old friend Garm here was selling black market goods again. Looks like I was right. The price on his head is a small fortune. What are you doing here, besides kicking the shit out of my useless associates? And why are you here with him?” Rickon motioned towards Finn. Finn felt Rickon sniff his neck, and then released him. Skin crawling, Finn wiped his neck where Rickon had sniffed him. Rickon looked sideways at Finn.

“Kate asked me to pick something up for her. I’m sure that she didn’t know he was selling anything illegal.”

“Working for them are we now? You really need to get your priorities straight. I heard they’d sent you out on some fluff mission. Protecting pretty boy here? I’d be careful with this one, smells a little fishy to me.” Rickon said, wrinkling his nose like he’d smelled something bad. “Anyway, I’m taking Garm with me. Take Kate’s silver. I’m really here for the more dangerous stuff anyway.”

“You are so kind,” Crimson said sarcastically. “And the pretty boy happens to be my boyfriend.” Crimson moved to Finn’s side and wrapped her arms around his waist. Finn didn’t mind the contact, but wondered at the gesture. Rickon’s eyes narrowed. He shot Finn a poisoned look.

“I suppose some like their women tall and frigid. Anyway, I really should be off. Good to see you again Guardian Thorn. I’ll be sure and tell Drella you said hello.” Rickon made a small gesture and all three Elves and Garm disappeared.

Crimson sunk into a chair and let out a sigh like she’s been punched. Finn wasn’t sure how to react. He knew he should try to be shocked by all the weirdness he’s just witnessed, but he was too stunned seeing Crimson’s reaction to Rickon to worry about his cover right now. He went to her and stroked her hair. “Are you ok? You seem really shaken up.” Finn said with concern.

Crimson looked up at him with a strange look. “Why aren’t you? Shaken up that is?”

“I’m still feeling a little high after watching you kick that guy’s ass. You are truly dazzling, you know that?” Finn gushed.

“And yet, you don’t seem surprised. Why aren’t you freaked out Finn? You just saw some next level shit go down here, but you’re all, ‘My girlfriend’s a badass!’ instead of scratching your head with curiosity. Am I missing something here?”

“I know who you are, if that’s what you mean.” Finn answered. He looked a little cowed. “You’re not mad are you?”

“How long have you known? Christ! This job has been a cluster from the very beginning. Does everyone know what’s going on except me?” Crimson threw her hands in the air, stood up and started pacing the room, ranting to herself. Finn tried to hide a smile as he listened. Her cursing would have made a sailor blush. It only endeared her to him more. Finn reached out and brought her to him.

“Shhh. Does it really matter why you are here? I’m just glad you are here with me.” Finn whispered into her ear.

Crimson pushed him away. “Of course it matters, you asshole! They sent me here to guard you. They tell me to be all sneaky about it. I’ve spent days working on my glamour, and you knew? You knew the whole time?”

“Not the whole time.” Finn said putting up his hands in surrender. “And why are you calling me an asshole? Have I done anything to make you think I’m an asshole?”

“I’m just so embarrassed,” Crimson said, sounding defeated. “I have done this all wrong. I’m supposed to be in charge. I’m supposed to be strong. Instead I’m acting like a love struck child, throwing myself at you. I can’t imagine what you must think of me, knowing what I am and why I’m here.”

“Crimson,” Finn said softly, taking her in his arms again. “I think you are a strong and beautiful woman who is trying her best. That is what I think of you. As for the glamour, I wish you didn’t need it. Your eyes are so sexy when you come, I bet they look that great all the time.”

Crimson, blushed so red, she was nearly purple. “That was how you knew? Oh my stars, I’m so humiliated.” Crimson started to cry in frustration. Finn just held her tighter. “I’ll never be able to show my face at Court ever again. I’m the worst Guardian ever. No wonder they all laugh at me. I deserve it.” Crimson cried even harder.

“You are an amazing Guardian. The moment you sensed trouble, you took over and kicked ass. Don’t run yourself down like that. Why would you think such terrible things about yourself?” Finn kissed her cheek, tasting her tears. He gently lifter her chin and looked down into her eyes. “Is it something about that guy Rickon that is making you feel like this, like you are less than the sexy, smart, strong woman I know you are?”

“He’s my ex,” Crimson said, looking down and pulling away. “It wasn’t that serious, I was never in love with him, but it ended badly. Like, he dumped me publically for my sister, bad. And he made sure everyone knew it was because she’s prettier and better in bed. It’s taken a long time, but I thought I was past it. Seeing him, here, when I’m already feeling so confused and unsure, it just…” Finn kissed her hard and stopped her from speaking.

Finally, pulling away and giving her a minute to breathe, Finn looked into her eyes and smiled. “Stop. We don’t have to do this right now. Let’s get out of here. We have a long drive back. You are freaked out, frankly, despite what you seem to think, I am a little freaked out too, but not about you. Come on, let’s go. I’ll drive, you can just relax, and when we get back to your place, we’ll talk, ok?”

Crimson sniffed and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “Ok. But you better be nice to my car.”

“Always,” Finn grinned.

Crimson snuggled up next to Finn in the car, and soon, she was snoring quietly. Finn thought it was the most adorable thing he had ever seen. Holding her close to him with his free arm, he could not imagine how he had gotten so lucky.  All the resentment he had against Katie for setting him up just went away. The only thing he wanted to do was spend the rest of his life proving to Crimson that she was the perfect woman for him. He had never believed in love at first sight. Even the stories that Katie had told him about his parents’ and their great love had seemed silly before. But he was starting to understand.

Finn pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine, “Crimson love, wake up. We’re here,” he whispered to the sleeping girl next to him. Crimson didn’t wake, just mumbled something and snuggled closer to him. Finn got out of the car and unlocked the cottage door. Then, he went back to the car, gathered Crimson in his arms and took her inside. Being careful not to wake her, he slid off her boots and undressed her. He pulled the white cotton nightgown that was hung over the

ba
throom door over her head, laid her down, and covered her up. Taking off everything but his boxers, he slid in beside her. There was nothing he would rather do than sleep next to her and wake up with her next to him. He turned out the bedside lamp and went to sleep.