Pieces Of You & Me (15 page)

Fire truly was beautiful, however it could unleash its damaging, ugly side. It also took lives.

How many people had been mesmerized by beauty and ended up shattered and broken?

Edith, though it was ages ago, I bet she’d still carryout her threat. Before Greyson had come, she had been a sweetheart and a dear friend, but she let it all slip away because of a boy; a boy she had been obsessed about.

“If you’re waiting for him to come meet you down here, don’t waste your breath.”

I spun around, startled from the sudden intrusion of privacy. It was Greyson, leaning against the bar, looking poised… relaxed.

“Excuse me?” I narrowed my eyes on him, suspicious. What was he blabbing about?

“Jack.”

He thought Jack was going to meet me here? If I wanted to hook up with him, I wouldn’t go subtle. I would most probably flaunt it in Grey’s face just as he had done to me upstairs.

Why was he here anyway? Wasn’t he busy with Sam?

Ignoring him, I went on and stared at the fire, listening as the wood cracked, sparking a small burst of flames.

“Should I warn him that you’re just a tease?”

I willed myself not to spit in his face. Douche, he was being an arrogant jerk!

“Or maybe the fact that you don’t put out at all?” He paused, laughing drily. “Oh yeah, that was just me, huh? You only needed to fuck me good, not my dick, though.
Nah, not you. You aimed higher than that.”

Son of a gun.
“Sounds like a personal problem to me.” I glared at him. “But if I ever decide to fuck Jack, I’ll make sure you hear it.”

He shot out of his relaxed pose from the bar, striding towards me. His eyes… they had become fire—
alive
—lit up even in the dark.

“I fucking dare you!” he gritted out.

“I wouldn’t need daring!” I fumed.

He leaned close, whispering into my face, “Ha, you’re all talk, princess.” 

“Screw. You.”

He inched away from my face, studying it closely, like he was memorizing everything about it. “Oh, I’ve wanted to.” His eyes dropped to the edge of the towel where my breasts sat confined. “For a long time,” he finished in a raspy tone before meeting my gaze, heating my body in flames. “Say it—and I’ll have you screaming my name in less than a minute.”

Say something
, I quietly urged my will, but I was left without any smart comeback. Grey’s spell had been cast. The powerful pull of his lava-like gaze melted me inside out. This curling need that had been simmering in my core could only be unleashed by him—his touch.

“You know it’ll be good…” The back of his fingers grazed my cheeks, sliding down to my neck. “Let’s get it out of our system… Just this once…”

Once. Could we keep this to ourselves? Was he right? Would this deep pang of yearning ebb away?
Once…
Maybe I could go through this. For one night, I could actually have him.

“You hate me.”

He softly grabbed my hand and guided it towards his hardened state. “Does it feel like I hate you?” He pressed harder against my shaky hand. “Does it?”

I shook my head, speechless; I had been mesmerized by his impressive size. Although normally, I would be appalled by his more than blatant intentions, right now, my hand was glued against him. There wasn’t one piece of me that was protesting his manhandling.

Standing in the middle of the room with only the fireplace to light the area, Grey kissed me, and this time it was different.

It wasn’t his usual, hungered, slow torture kisses, no. This time, his kiss felt like finality
; a welcome and a goodbye. It was fire and ice. I could feel his hate and his passion.

I felt him…
I felt it all.

It barely registered that my towel had already been peeled off my body. He had moved in a rapid, energetic pace. All the while he was gently grinding against my hand at the same time that his hands were busy touching, squeezing as he expertly took off my bikini top.

He was kissing me thoroughly, not giving me time to process anything at all.

“I need you so bad,” he murmured against my lips, one hand cupping behind my head, unwilling to let my lips go anytime soon.

I responded in the same feverish manner. I had become desperate. Intense. Ravenous.

A sharp yelp crossed my lips when I felt him playfully tug at my nipple. “Fuck, Grey…”

He groaned while both hands were now playing with my breasts. “Very soon… you’ll know how I fuck—and I fuck really well.”

Gently, he lowered me onto the dark, sheepskin rug. His eyes connected with mine, making sure I was with him all the way, and I was.

The cool softness of the rug cushioned my back as my half-lidded gaze watched the man before me, eyes glued to me, looking at me like I was the most precious thing in the world. His fiery gaze made me feel everything.

Reaching out to touch his face, our eyes spoke silently, basking in each other’s faces, consuming every detail as we exposed our bodies.

When he lowered his head and his lips captured a nipple, I lifted my chest towards him, seeking more of his touch. One by one, he pulled at the strings of my bikini bottoms.

The moment I realized what he was aiming to do, my hands reached out to his face, pulling it towards me, pleading.

“Kiss me,” I begged. “Please.”

“Olivia,” he moaned my name as he situated himself in-between my heated thighs, feeling my passion
as our kiss deepened once more.

Pressing forward, he let the tip of his shaft graze the lower lips, teasing it slowly as he made love to my lips. My body felt like it was going through wave after wave of sensory quakes. Each touch rippled through me.

I knew what was coming soon, but I had to ask him anyway. “Condom?”

He broke our kiss, though he kept his face so close to mine. “Upstairs,” he breathed out, panting. “Give me a minute.”

Shit. I didn’t have a minute to spare. “Are you safe?” I knew how his lifestyle went and I needed to make sure he was being responsible when it came to his body.

He nodded. “Positive. I get myself checked every six months. Everything’s good.”

Licking my lips, I gave a small nod. “Okay.”

“Liv, I—”

I cut him off with a passionate kiss. Words always got in the way. Tonight was mine. I wanted every moment to be ingrained in my memory, and talking certainly wasn’t a part of it.

Slowly opening my legs wider to accommodate him, his body shivered when his tip slid on top of my clit, sending warm tingles all over me. I felt its pulse, waiting adamant for my body.

Our noses touched and our mouths remained slightly open as we stared into each other’s eyes as we concentrated on the beauty of the friction. His eyes were intense, penetrating into my soul as he readied our bodies.

I clung on to him, wrapping my arms around his neck as he slid himself lower towards my opening, teasing and cajoling my entrance with the tip of his shaft. I felt its angry pressure, wanting to invade, wanting to break me open.

“Fuck, why can’t I go in?” He thrust one more time before he finally went into my wet channel, breaking my barrier at the same time. It evoked a sharp yelp from me.

He stilled, pushing up on his elbows as he eyed me fully. “Liv?” he asked in a strained voice—full of wonder. “Did I hurt you?”

He was throbbing halfway inside me, looking like he was being tested for restraint. I gladly appreciated that he had some control to pause, to stop and ask me if I was okay.

Apart from the ebbing pain, I felt great.
He
felt amazing. Glorious. Superb.

“Kiss me. Take me slowly this time.”

His eyes held questions while he wiped the tears that had been freed from the side of my face with the pad of his thumbs. He gently kissed the spots where it was still damp from my tears before staring into my eyes, disarming me with his intensity.

“I knew it was always going to be you.” He lightly kissed me. “It’s always been you.” He took my lips once more, never letting them go as he slowly made love to my body and soul.

He was gentle, but as our bodies demanded more, his pace gradually picked up, shattering us both as we moaned each other’s name.

I had never thought that the last part could be this profound, life-altering kind of experience where I felt him becoming one with me. In that moment, he was mine and I was his. I felt intense joy as I became awash with emotions while I held his spent body, him breathing heavily on my neck as he slowly kissed it.

“Thank you.”

I wanted to cry. His words, the ones he’d said earlier, held meaning; but I had nothing to say, so I kept my mouth shut.

We remained still for another minute or so before he finally decided to get up and clean himself. The dancing fire only illuminated his toned body as my eyes ate him up, blatantly admiring him without shame.

“Shit—anyone could walk in on us!” The thought had just dawned on me, making me panic as I eyed my clothes, ready to dash.

Greyson gave me his arresting smile. “Oh, now you worry? Calm down; I made sure I locked the door before coming down here.” He strode over to the washroom, running the water before coming back with a black hand towel.

“How did you know your actions were going to be successful this time?” I eyed him warily. Somehow the thought of him plotting to get into my pants cheapened the experience we’d both just shared.

He sat on the rug, facing me as he cupped my cheek, making sure I saw the truth in his eyes. “I’m guilty for always wanting you. You’ve known that almost all your life. You became this challenge—a dream—but never doubt that tonight has been special for me… because it has.” He waited for me to say something, but I looked away, feeling too much.

“Liv… I found traces of blood when I cleaned up.”

Still, I remained silent, staring at the fire.

“Are you on your period? Or is this what I think it is?”

I didn’t want to freak him out, yet either way, I knew I had to tell him the truth.

Flushing, I bit down on my lips, ready to face embarrassment. “I had my period last week.”

“Oh, wow.” He sounded shocked. “
You mean?
” He blew out a breath. “
Yeah???
”

Was he running out of words? Sounded like it. “Yeah.” I was, too, it seemed.

What did I do now? Just walking out of here? Shit.

Not wanting to face him, I eyed my scattered clothes as I reached for my bikini bottoms, not willing to show him how this was affecting me.

“Hey, hey—stop.” He reached for my arm before twisting half of my body so I could be face to face with him. “Come here.” He kissed the top of my forehead then left another on my lips. “I’m honored, even though I have so many questions right now…”

I gave him a small smile, grateful for him not gunning me with questions that were on the tip of his lips.

He gently wiped me with the black towel he had retrieved earlier and made sure I was clean before he wrapped a towel around my body.

“There’s a secret passage that leads to the main hall upstairs,” he informed me. “I want to give you a warm bath, so you’re not sore tomorrow.”

What? Grey gave women baths? “It’s not necessary. I’m okay.” Was he feeling guilty? Shit, I hoped not.

“Please?” he begged. “Let me take care of you.” His voice held a plea. “Don’t worry, no one will see us.”

Damn, as if I could really resist him right now, especially not after what had just happened between us. “Show me the way.”

Chapter 25

Liv

Grey did give me a long, hot bath in his suite. I enjoyed him washing my body as I leaned against his chest. Not once did he try anything sexual, either. At first I was glad, but as the time progressed, I started to worry. He even went so far as to dress me in his shirt.

His room had a fireplace going, too, and like downstairs, I was drawn into staring at it.

“Feel like spending the night with me?” he whispered from behind my back, hugging me from behind while he planted his chin on the top of my head.

I wanted to, however I didn’t want Josie poking in my business as of yet. Besides, we still had tomorrow. “Josie might wonder where I’ve gone…”

I could feel him smiling against my ear. “You know she’s going straight into Gavin’s room, right? Did you see how those two were all night?”

Then there was always that possibility. Either way, I needed a breather to take it all in. “Maybe next time?”

“Okay, I’ll let you slide this time.” He took hold of my hand and gave it a tight squeeze. “Ready for bed? I’ll walk you to your room.”

“You sure? I can find my way.” Even though the cabin was enormous, sooner or later, I’d reach it. I hoped.

He swiftly spun me around to face him, beaming down before me. “Of course I’m sure. Besides, I want to kiss you goodnight.”

Darn was that my heart fluttering or my stomach doing somersaults? “I’d like that very much.”

“God, you’re too everything.” He kissed the tip of my nose, eyes glittering at me. “I just want…” He paused, sighing. “Never mind. We can talk some other time.” He tugged on my hand, planting a kiss on the back of it. “Let’s go.”

What was he about to say?
I wondered. I wanted to ask, but I wasn’t sure I had the answers to his questions.

In the dimly lit hallways, we walked hand in hand until he reached my room without me telling him where to go. “How’d you know where I was staying?” I hush-whispered at him, amazed.

“Let’s just say I keep a close eye on all of my guests.” His thumb brushed my cheek while his eyes zeroed in on my lips. “You most especially.”

I looked around, noting that the empty hallways remained the same before I brazenly pulled his face to mine, kissing him with everything I had. Grey responded in the same manner. We were breathless as we eyed each other with want—with need. Goodness, could I want him again after what had happened not that long ago? Fuck, yes.

“Grey,” I breathed out.

“Olivia.”

Licking my swollen lips, I grudgingly said my goodnight. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” I wasn’t sure how things would be tomorrow morning. Hopefully, it would be just as blissful.

“Count on it.” He leaned over and whispered into my ear, “Sleep well.”

With a heavy heart, I went inside my bedroom. Without switching the lights on, I headed straight for bed, wanting to dream about what had occurred with Greyson tonight.

Just as he predicted, Josie didn’t show up, so I had the room all to myself. At some part of the night, I had to stop myself from seeking his warm body, to take him up on his invitation.

Tomorrow was another day. Maybe I could have him for another day after all. I smiled before closing my eyes, finally succumbing to exhaustion.

***

The next morning, my senses were on high before I even opened my eyelids. My nose kissed something soft, something that smelled florally and silky.

Fluttering my lids open, my sight was greeted with red roses that had been splayed out on the pillow right next to mine. There was a small note next to it, which had been handwritten by him.

Roses are red

Violets are blue

My heart skips each time I think of you.

Picking up one of the velvety red-tipped flowers, I placed it against my nose and inhaled its intoxicating scent. It filled me with anticipation of seeing him again. I took one stem and broke up the top, saving the rose as I got up and scoured for a book.
Pride and Prejudice
was the first thing I saw. After inserting the rose in there along with his note, I went back to the rest of the flowers and found a glass to put them in then filled it with water and placed it on the table settee. I smiled at it before hop-skipping towards the bathroom to have a quick shower.

After ten minutes, I was out the door, dressed in white sweat pants and a white cable top, ready to greet everyone as I descended the stairs, but I was surprised to find that the cabin was eerily silent.

I stood in the middle of the living room, wondering where they had all gone. What time was it anyway? Glancing at the rustic wall clock, it indicated that it was about half past ten. It was still early, but where the hell did they all go? Besides, where was Greyson? He was the one who I wanted to see the most.

“Good morning! I’m glad you’re up.” I heard him behind me.

When I spun around with an overeager smile, I saw him halfway down the stairs, studying me.

Should I say something about the note he’d written me? Or should I just sidestep around it?

“Good morning.” I moved closer to him. “I got your flowers.” I bit my lip when he remained silent. “You were the one who sent them, right?”

“Unless you have another secret admirer?” His eyebrow rose, questioning.

Why was he being weird? Was it because of the note?

I shook my head. “Not that I know of.” I looked around because my sanity couldn’t handle gazing at him when all I wanted to do was run up to him and kiss him like there was no tomorrow. “Where did they all go?” I wondered out loud.

“Skiing. Snowboarding.”

Why wasn’t he joining in on the fun?

“I can take you if you’d like,” he offered, still unmoving from his spot on the stairs.

I shook my head, slowly moving towards the kitchen. “I’m fine. You go right ahead.”

As I made it to the kitchen, I had the thought that coffee would help my brain function to be sharp and keen instead of having a mini-heart attack each and every time I heard him around me. When did I start becoming like this? I always had control of my body. Always. Even with Liam, I had exceptional restraint; but when it came to Greyson, my will vanished.

There was a pot full of coffee sitting about and I went straight to it, trying my damnedest not to think too much about what was going on with his actions.

My heart skips each time I think of you.
What the fuck did I say to that? My heart did the Cha Cha and Meringue each time I thought of him, however I would never say it out loud. Because if I did… the consequences were too high and I just couldn’t risk it.

“Can I get you anything to eat?
There’s fresh croissants, pastries and fresh fruits. There’s pancakes and a bunch of cereal in here as well. They even have Lucky Charms.” Lucky Charms had always been my favorite. It bothered me a little bit that he still remembered my favorite cereal from yesteryears.

He was somewhere in the vast kitchen, but I concentrated on filling my cup with coffee, sugar and cream before stirring it lazily, watching as it blended together from a rich, dark brown to a creamy, delicious tan.

“I’m fine.” Carefully sipping on my mug, I was surprised when I found him stacking my plate with food. “I’m not hungry, Greyson.”

“Spare me the excuse. I want to feed you.” He pulled a chair out at the dining table. “Sit.”

“But I said I’m not hungry,” I protested, frustrated at his ice-cold treatment of me.

“Have a little. I promise I will leave you alone after this.” He sounded like he meant every word.

Leave me alone for the rest of the day, or leave me alone for good? I was afraid to find out. There were things I couldn’t undo, and being with him was one of them.

“Okay.”

Silently I ate a croissant with butter and a few pieces of fruit. All the while I felt the heavy weight of his stare. I knew he wanted to say something to me, but he was holding himself back.

Feeling like I had to say something to ease the tension, I blurted out, “I’m sorry for last night. It shouldn’t have happened.” It shouldn’t have, but I was happy that it had.

“Why do you do this?” he finally asked after a full minute of silence.

I barely glanced at him without meeting his eyes. “Do what?”

“You gave yourself to me last night… and you wake up the next day as if nothing’s happened. Why?” His voice cracked. “Why do you do it?”

He was getting way too emotionally involved after one night. “Grey… I… It’s
compli—”

“I don’t want it to end,” he gritted out. “I don’t want
us
to end.”

I pulled my arms off the table, placing them on my lap as I stared at it, wondering if I had lost my mind. I was really thinking hard about what he had just said.

“If people knowing about you and me bothers you because our parents are dating, we’ll keep it quiet until you’re ready to tell everyone—I don’t care. I just want you.
You
and no one else, Olivia.”

How did we keep it between ourselves? Sooner or later, he was going to demand more. He was that kind of guy who wanted it all, and I couldn’t give him my all. I simply couldn’t.

“I’ll think about it.” I wanted to buy time, even just for a little while.

“How long do you need?”

“I don’t know.” I was aware of what the outcome would be, yet the selfish part of me wanted to keep seeing him, too. It was inevitable that one of us would get hurt, but looking at him now; he wasn’t ready to give up the fight.

“I’ll wait… however long it takes. I’ll wait.”

“Grey—”

He silenced me as he cupped my face, penetrating his gaze into me. “
I’ll wait.
Last night, you showed me something beautiful, something special that
you
alone could give me.” His eyes flickered back and forth. “I’ll wait.” He meant every word. Vowing as if it were life and death.

I nodded, feeling helpless. “Okay.” How much time did I have? A month? A couple? A few?

No matter what, I had already sealed my fate. I wanted the forbidden fruit and the consequences were going to come knocking soon, but as for now, I had him.

That’s all that mattered.

For now.