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Not as a capturer claiming his possession.
Kissing me as a man with desires. Desires that matched the ones ravaging my body.
When his tongue danced with mine, I let out a gasp, breaking the spell we were in.
Matthew pulled away and smiled, but he said nothing more. He tucked the blankets around me one last time and made his way to leave.
When the door closed behind him, I allowed the tears to fall. I wasn’t sure why I was crying. I wasn’t sad. I’d just received the first kiss of my life that truly meant something.
I continued to sob, realizing I was crying because of the relief. Because for the moment, I was safe, I was warm, and I was free from my father’s grasp. For at least tonight…
The only thing I did know, was his strong embrace helped ease the sobs shaking through my body. Something about Matthew calmed me.
As my eyes grew heavy, I hoped to God that for once in my life, sweet dreams would indeed come.
18
Matthew
Several days had passed and just as Aria’s health had completely improved, so had the weather. Spring was in the air, and as much as I loved the snow and the warmth of the fire, there was something special about the mountains of Colorado in the Spring. The days inside had been some of the best days of my life. Easy, casual, and natural. Tennessee had cooked us food that was absolutely sinful, and I soon realized he had missed his calling as a culinary chef. The three of us had played games, laughed, read books and drank bottles of wine I had been saving for the perfect occasion. If we all didn’t think about the circumstances of what brought us together, it would have been the perfect vacation getaway. I had even behaved and kept my hands to myself. I wanted her to get better, and as much as I enjoyed fucking her, I doubted I was helping her progress along by doing so. I knew she needed rest, and I had to behave myself. But it was hard. Really fucking hard.
I had several messages on my cell, and I knew they were from the men back at Spiked Roses. No doubt they had information about Vittorio Costa and my shipment, but I had no real desire today to ruin the mood by hiking to the top of a nearby hill to get the cell service required to check the message without it breaking up and to make a call out. It was too nice a day and Aria was in amazing spirits, and I loved seeing the smile on her face.
But I had to remember that business was business, and everyone was waiting on me.
“Aria,” I called to her upstairs. “Come on down. I was thinking we would go for a little hike today and get some fresh air.”
“Don’t worry about little ol’ me and if I need fresh air,” Tennessee joked as he walked by me. “I’ll stay cooped up in this house until I die of Vitamin D deficiency.”
“Oh, sorry. Do you want to—”
Tennessee laughed. “Hike? No. I’m just kidding. I’ll go sit in that large tub of yours and stare up at the skylight for all the vitamins I need. You better have the good oils and bubble bath.” He patted me on the back as he started to walk up the stairs. “You kids have fun. Don’t get into any trouble.”
“Aria!” I called up again.
“Coming. Hold on a second. I’m looking for hiking shoes,” she called back.
Patience was not one of my virtues but I paced back and forth while I waited. Luckily, it wasn’t long. She came bouncing down the stairs with a smile on.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“I have to check my phone for messages and make a few calls. There’s only one area nearby where I can get a strong enough signal. It’s a pretty walk and even goes by a river.”
“Great. Can I make some calls too?” she said with a playful smile. “It’s been a while since I’ve checked in,” she teased.
“Ha, ha. Very funny.” I swatted her ass as I led her out the door.
The sun beat down on us as we hiked over a small hill and entered a meadow with the river I had told Aria about. We were both a little winded from the exertion, but it was worth the walk. “We have to go on top of that hill,” I pointed. “But first—”
“But first what?” she said as she stared at the running water in the river. “We rest and put our feet in? Yes, that’s my vote.”
I leaned forward to nibble on her ear and said, “Let’s get your clothes off.” She turned and looked over her shoulder in surprise. “To go swimming,” I clarified and chuckled.
