Page 72 of Wicked Rush

Chapter Twenty

Braelynn woke, and reached across the bed. Lars. He was the first thought in her head when she woke and the last when she’d fallen asleep. Every time they made love, he claimed another piece of her heart. Love. The word danced in her head, yet the devastating prospect of losing him loomed over her like a foreboding storm. An impossible relationship, it’d never work.

Her eyes fluttered open and she scanned her surroundings. Bright light streamed into the bedroom, and her breath caught as she took in the breathtaking sight of the Pacific. She’d only visited Big Sur once before in her lifetime but the distinctive view of its majestic cliffs captivated her.

Realizing she was naked, she spied a folded white t-shirt on the dresser. She stepped out of bed, crossed the room, and took it into her hands. Braelynn sighed as she brought it to her nose, inhaling the sexy aroma of Lars’ cologne. His delicious scent reminded her of the night before, his hands on her skin, his lips on hers. Her nipples hardened as she recalled how he’d made love to her. Although she wasn’t attracted to Seth in the same way she was to Lars, he’d been kind and gentle. Her dark fantasy of being overwhelmed by two men had almost been fulfilled, and she considered how Lars had encouraged their play with no jealousy. He’d controlled the situation, giving her just enough leeway to test the waters without drowning.

Braelynn sighed and yanked his shirt over her head. Walking toward the window, she pressed her palms against the cool glass. Like an ominous warning, the waves smashed against the rocks with force. The coastline along Big Sur was both dangerous and gorgeous. The average swimmer would struggle to survive its cold water and strong currents. With both unpredictable weather and wave sizes that could change on the flip of a dime, even experienced surfers would be challenged in the rough surf.

Braelynn took a deep breath, having made the decision to tell Lars everything. Up until this point, Braelynn hadn’t compromised her clearances by divulging the discovery she’d made or the implications of the data. But this morning, Lars planned to call Garrett and ask for his assistance. All the secrets would come to light, including what was contained in the chip and documents. She’d decided that when Lars found out the truth, it would come from her lips. Whether he left her to the wolves or chose to believe her, she’d live with the consequences. She prayed he’d understand how she’d been given no choice but the path she’d taken.

The clank of pans resounded from below, breaking her contemplation. Braelynn padded into the hallway toward her sentence. The time of reckoning was upon her, and she’d face it with courage. In the same way she’d bared her body to Lars, she’d reveal all her secrets.

As she stepped into the kitchen, Lars stood waiting. Braelynn fell into his outstretched arms. Lars provided the refuge she’d sought, his embrace assuring her that everything she’d experienced the night before was as real as the man holding her. A delicious scent filled the kitchen and her stomach growled. His low laugh warmed her from the inside out and she closed her eyes, listening, attempting to remember exactly how it sounded, felt. After today, she’d never hear it again.

“How’s your head?” Lars gently brushed his fingers over the tiny bump.

“I feel great.”

“You sure?”

“Hmm…yes. My lip, though…” Her voice went soft as she recalled the slap to her cheek. “He hit me.”

“I’m so fucking sorry, Brae. I should never have left you alone.”

“It’s not your fault. It’s mine. I…”

“Let’s eat something before we get into it.”

“No Lars…”

“You must be hungry, sweetheart.”

“Hmm…yes.” Braelynn snuggled into his chest one last time. She was starving but couldn’t decide what she craved more, food or Lars. “But I need to tell you…”

“The quiche is cooking. I’m going to throw the steaks on in a bit.”

“You made quiche?” she asked, a smile breaking across her face. His lips pressed to her head and he tilted her chin, so that her gaze met his.

“Why is everyone surprised I can cook?”

“Because we don’t, that’s why,” Seth joked from across the room.

Braelynn’s eyes went to his and her face flushed with heat, recalling Seth’s touch.

“You don’t need to be embarrassed,” Lars told her.

Her stomach flipped as he brought up the subject. She’d loved having their hands upon her skin, but admitting it in front of both of them was difficult. All she knew was that she’d enjoyed the experience.

Glancing to the pitcher, she wrenched out of his arms and attempted to change the subject. “Good morning, Seth.”

“Morning, darlin’.”

“I…” She began pouring juice into a glass that had been set out on the counter. “I need to tell you both about the chip. The papers I stole.”

“Brae…” Lars attempted to interrupt her.

“I need you to know what I know,” she pressed.