My thighs tremble. My hips rock of their own accord, chasing every last pulse, greedy for more even as it overwhelms me. My knuckles ache where I’m white-knuckling the sheets, the fabric twisted tight in my fists, anchoring me to something solid while the rest of me comes completely undone. My pussy clamps down hard, clenching and releasing in waves that roll through me one after another, each one deeper than the last, each one stealing what little breath I have left.
A sob of pleasure builds in my throat that I have no hope of voicing.
I gasp into the mattress instead, every muscle locked and trembling as sensation floods every corner of me, too much and not enough all at once. I’m completely weightless and entirely wrecked, my whole body pulsing like a single, sustained heartbeat.
”Fuck.” The word leaves him on a sharp exhale, and his rhythm stutters. “I’ve got you.” Then, almost to himself, he groans, “Christ, Effa, you have no idea what you do to me.”
Kaden drives in deep with a low, restrained growl, stills, and unloads, his chest dropping to my back as he exhales hard. Aftera beat, he rolls off to the side, and I turn my head to look at him, heavy-lidded and utterly spent. His arm crosses my back, and he watches me with that quiet, sly smile he saves only for moments like these.
I smile back, fighting to keep my eyes open.
He reaches over and sweeps the hair from my face, then leans in and kisses me, soft and careful, nothing like the man who was in control of me only moments before.
“Are you okay?” He searches my eyes, looking for any flicker of something wrong.
I nod slowly. “I’m amazing.” I let out a long exhale. “Ireallyneeded that.”
He chuckles and rolls on his side, facing me, propping his head up and resting his arm on his elbow. “You look tired.”
I nod. “I am, you’ve worn me out.”
“And that’s all it is?” he asks.
I know what he’s doing, he’s fishing to see if thereareany issues. There’s not. Sure, I’m way more spent than usual after sex, but I’m sure that’s expected a little over a week after my issues. I’m still recovering, so I feel like my weakness right now is a very normal thing. Nothing for him to be concerned over or even know about.
“Yes. Now let me cuddle you and have a nap, so we’re all fine to go out tonight.”
He nods. “Okay, a little nap, then shower, dinner, and then to the pub. But you have to take it easy at the pub. Yes?”
I chuckle and roll my eyes. “Okay,Dad.”
He snorts and rolls on his back, opening his arm for me to snuggle into him, which I do. “Speaking of your dad, is he coming to the pub tonight? I know they’re leaving soon, I’d like to chat with him some more before they leave town?”
Furrowing my brows, I shrug. “Not sure. I can call and ask if you like.”
“Great,” is all he says before he kisses the top of my head.
Chapter Fifteen
MERCS
“So, will there be much involved with Effa’s testing on Monday?” Gran asks.
Exhaling, I shrug. “Not sure, she was told it’s mostly blood work over the phone. We won’t know anything definite until we get there.”
She nods slowly. “And how are you coping with all of this? Being worried about Kiera is one thing… but having Effa sick as well? That’s something else entirely.”
I lift a brow. “Me? This isn’t about me.”
She chuckles softly. “It’s as much about you as it is her, my boy. She’s part of you. If something’s wrong with her, it affects you just as much. I see how deeply you care… how you worry. Don’t tell me the possibility of something serious isn’t eating you alive.”
Swallowing hard, I look away. “It’s the not knowing that’s the worst. She’s got symptoms, that much is obvious. I just don’t know what they mean.”
Gran loops her arm through mine and sighs. “You’ll get answers. And whatever they are, you’ll face them together.”
“What if…” My throat tightens. “What if she’s sick. Like Kiera.”
Gran stops walking. Her face hardens as she turns to me. “Stop that right now. Kiera is going to be fine. Effa is not sick like Kiera. She was in a coma, Kaden. For goodness’ sake, that doesn’t give someone cancer. You’re spiraling.”
