I glance back at the room. “What are you suggesting?”
“I’ve paid for another night at the motel. There’s also some cash waiting at the front desk if you need food or supplies. Take today to let her recover properly. I’ve got Mason and Maddox watching the road to make sure you’re safe and nobody is coming for you. Let her decide when she’s ready to face the world again.”
“Beau…” I don’t know what to say. We’re brothers, but he’s been away for so long that we’ve drifted apart. But he’s come through for me in a way nobody else ever has.
“You’re my brother,” he says simply. “And from what I saw yesterday, she’s important to you. Take care of her. Take care of yourself. Everything else can wait.”
After we hang up, I lean against the wall, processing. Another night. Another day with her before reality crashes in.
When I return to the room, I find Carla stirring in bed, her eyes fluttering open.
“Morning,” I say, setting the coffee on the nightstand.
She stretches, then winces, a flush creeping up her chest. “Morning.”
“How are you feeling?” I ask, trying to gauge if the heat has truly passed.
She shifts restlessly under the sheets. “I thought it was over, but...” she trails off, biting her lip. “I woke up, and it’s building again.”
My bear perks up immediately, but I keep my voice steady. “What do you need?”
“I don’t know. Maybe a shower? Some food?” She sits up, the sheet falling to her waist, and we both freeze.
She’s naked beneath it, her skin flushed and glowing with perspiration. The air between us charges instantly.
“Carla,” I start, but she’s already moving, crawling across the bed toward me with intent in her eyes.
“Don’t,” she whispers. “Don’t overthink it. Just... please.”
My control snaps. I meet her halfway, our mouths crashing together in a kiss that’s all heat and need.
She pulls at my shirt, frustrated when it doesn’t come off fast enough.
“Too many clothes,” she complains against my mouth.
I strip quickly, then tumble her back onto the bed. This time, there’s no hesitation, no careful exploration. We know each other’s bodies now, know exactly what works.
When I slide into her, we both groan at the perfect fit. She wraps her legs around me, urging me deeper, faster.
“Yes,” she hisses, nails raking down my back. “Just like that.”
We move together frantically, chasing the relief we both need. When she comes apart beneath me, I follow immediately, my bear rumbling with satisfaction.
But it’s only a temporary reprieve.
Within an hour, she’s burning again. We barely make it through breakfast. She keeps shifting in her chair, pressing her thighs together, until finally, she gives up pretending.
“Billy,” she says, voice strained. “I need...”
“I know.” Already moving, I pull her onto my lap. “I’ve got you.”
This time, we don’t even make it to the bed. I take her right there in the chair, her hands braced on the table, as she rides me with desperate abandon.
“Don’t stop,” she gasps. “Please don’t stop.”
“Never.” I promise, gripping her hips to help her move. “Whatever you need.”
The day blurs into a haze of tangled limbs and sweat-slicked skin.
