Unravel Me

“Not so fast, Holden.”

I shoved his body against the wall. Shocked, he exhaled harshly. I kissed his neck.

“You were saying about how you like it when I take charge? Don’t move.”

As I lowered to my knees, he grabbed my arms and pulled me back up. “Wait.”

I looked at him, dumbfounded. “For real? You were just plastered all over me.”

The thick cloud of want returned with a vengeance. His fingers dug into my skin as his grasp tightened. I could see him battling with himself internally. But why? Thinking as quickly as my love-fuzzed brain would allow, I placed my hands on his hips and leaned into his chest.

“Tell me what you want,” I insisted, using the words he’d spoken to me time and again.

His expression faltered in a manner so subtle I almost missed the change. Releasing his hold on me, he aimed a laser stare in my direction. “I want you, love.”

I unbuttoned his jeans, peeling them off as I sank to the floor. He made the male body look like a piece of art. I traced along his hipbone, savoring the v-shape. His labored breathing filled the hallway. I teased him a bit, running my nails along his inner thighs before taking his erection into my mouth. I loved hearing him sigh and moan as I took my time enjoying his body. Every little quiver, no matter how subtle, spurred me on. I had him exactly how I wanted him; vulnerable. He shoved his hands through my hair, pulling it. I responded by hollowing my cheeks, forming an airtight suction.

He groaned, his left leg shaking violently. I kept one hand on his hip and the other around his length. He was close. I could feel it. His body was rigid. Fisting his hands in my hair tighter, he held me in place. Always the control freak. I teased him again, releasing him from my mouth and letting my warm breath glide over him.

“Don’t stop,” he ordered in a hoarse whisper.

Looking up at him, my heart skipped a beat. Eyes closed, his head was pressed against the wall. Ecstasy was etched upon his face. Mine. Carnal instinct took over. Focusing on just the tip, I wrapped my lips around him. With a yell, he came hot and thick in my mouth. I didn’t move until he finished.

Folding to the floor like a paper doll, he sat in front of me. I sat back on my heels, admiring his sated expression. Tilting his head to the side, he ran a hand through the tousled mass of dark red hair framing his gorgeous face.

“No hallway sex, huh?” I smiled.

“Bit of a minx, aren’t you?”

I laughed. “You have no idea.”

“So it seems.”

“Are you blushing?”

“No.” He smirked. “Come closer, please.”

Scooting forward, I leaned over him, placing my hands on either side of his legs. The warm glow radiating from his emerald eyes made me so happy. He cupped my cheeks, smiling softly.

“Welcome back to Glasgow. I hope this is a weekend you’ll never forget.”

“So far, so good.”

Still smiling, he pulled our foreheads together. “You probably want to freshen up after your long flight. Everything you need is my bedroom. I’ll fix us some breakfast.”

He stood up, redressing with ease. I grabbed his hand and walked with him toward the kitchen. Everything sat in its place in his immaculate house. It would look perfect gracing the pages of Architectural Digest with its luxurious furniture and ornate decorations. Neutral tones suggested a warm welcome, subtly accented with deep, rich colors. But there were no personal touches, nothing that gave anything away about the guarded man who lived here. My heart pinged with sadness. Buried beneath his hard outer shell was a broken soul trying to heal after years of self-reproach. Nobody saw that part of him except for me.

Slapping me playfully on the behind, he told me to take as much time as I needed. I scurried off to the bedroom. The door to his walk-in closet was wide open. I peeked in, stunned by the array of clothes bursting from each corner. One side held all of his suits, ties and dress shirts. Shelves stacked with more casual clothes lined the wall.

I swallowed, looking to my left. The rest of his closet was filled with clothes for me. Not just jeans and capris and other everyday items I wore but formal dresses and gorgeous high heels, too. Neatly folded on shelves were various satin and silk nightgowns and robes. Jesus. There are enough outfits in here to last at least six months.

“Too much?”

Startled, I spun around. Alastair leaned against the doorframe, concern flashing in his eyes.

“It’s, um, there’s a lot of stuff.”

“I don’t want you to think…Lia, are you alright?”

I held onto the doorknob. Everything that happened this past week flooded back into my consciousness. The room spun. I felt Alastair’s arms tighten around my waist.

“Look at me.”

I did as I was told, focusing on his firm hold. “I’m fine, sorry. Must be the jet lag.”

His searing eyes scrutinized my face. I forced a smile, hoping to convince him nothing was wrong.

“Seriously. You know me and jet lag. Next thing you know I’ll be tripping over carpets.”

That seemed to work. He lifted my hand, pressing a small kiss to the palm.

“Did you buy all this yourself?”

“Of course I did. Who else would?”

“I don’t know. I thought maybe you’d sent Paxton to do this.”

“Paxton?” His eyes widened in amusement. “He’s a great bloke and all but I don’t think he’d appreciate being sent out with a list of women’s clothes and beauty products to purchase.”

“Well, I mean, he drives you around. I just thought he—”

“He drives me around for work purposes, that’s all. He’s my security detail, not my errand boy,” he scowled, retreating a step behind his shield.

Dammit.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to imply you can’t do things for yourself.”

Too late. The relaxed, sated aura dissipated. He stared at me blankly for a few seconds. The silence was deafening. I’d much rather he shouted or complained about whatever it was that bothered him. The quiet added layers of tension but this was his way. I’d be able to see through his cracks if I was patient enough. Of course, he could see through me with zero effort. The give and take was a delicate balancing act we were still figuring out.

“I’ll leave you to do whatever freshening you need. Come find me in the kitchen when you’re done.”

Without so much as a backward glance he walked out. I felt sick to my stomach. Deciding not to dwell upon his abrupt mood swing, I went into the bathroom. Lined up on the counter were a variety of my favorite beauty products. He remembered. I grabbed the bottle of almond scented bubble bath. Stripping out of my clothes, I filled the white stone bathtub until it almost overflowed. Settling into the warm soapy water, I leaned my head back. Another unpleasant replay of the week’s events consumed me. I had to stop thinking about it. All I wanted was to enjoy my time with Alastair. Nathan and those damn photos could wait. There was no way in hell I’d bring up the crazy accusation that his uncle hired a tabloid reporter to follow me. Not until I knew for certain.

“Room for one more?”

I jumped, opening my eyes. Alastair stood in the middle of the bathroom in all his naked glory. I took my time admiring every toned inch of him.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” He climbed in and sat down facing me. “Come here.”

The egg-shaped tub was more than big enough for the two of us so I straddled his lap with my legs wrapped around his waist. He scooped a small handful of bubbles from my shoulder.

“I could smell this in the kitchen. I’m glad you like it.”

I cupped his jaw, kissing him. “Of course I like it. It’s from you.”

A little smile curved his mouth. “You don’t mind if I postpone breakfast a bit, do you? The thought of you sitting in here naked without me was distracting.”

“I don’t mind. You’ll have to feed me eventually though.”

Pulling him closer, I pressed our bodies together. This intimate skin-on-skin contact made us both shudder. Apparently the tense exchange by the closet was forgotten. I hugged him a little tighter, kissing his shoulder.

“You feel so good,” he murmured, sliding his hands down my back. I leaned back to look at him. “Don’t move. I want you close. I always want you to be close.”

“I want that, too.”

He squeezed my ass. “You’d better.”

“Hey.” I pulled back, greeted by a smug grin. “Watch your hands, chief.”

“Oh, I am.”

Another squeeze. I narrowed my eyes. “Enjoying yourself?”

“Quite. You have a nice, pert bum.”

“So, you basically interrupted my bath to cop a feel?”

“I’ll take what I can get. Although, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to shag you senseless right now.”

I laughed. “Shag? Honestly, you Brits are too polite.”

His dark, challenging stare quickened my pulse. “I can be impolite if you prefer.”

My skin tightened and warmed under the firm grasp of his fingers. He cupped my left breast, sealing his mouth around the nipple. It beaded under the warmth of his tongue. His other hand disappeared under the water. I jumped when his fingers slid between my legs.

“You can’t—”

“I’m not going near anything you don’t want touched. Trust me.” His hot, commanding stare burned through me. I twitched in his lap, eliciting a small moan from him. This connection, this intensity we shared scared me as much as it turned me on.

Circling both arms around my waist, he brushed his fingers over my tailbone. I shivered, amazed at how sensitive that area was for me.

“What this look does to me.” He traced one finger up my spine. “You own me with those beautiful amber eyes.”

On cue, my body woke with ravenous desire. I wanted him and his come-hither stare. Figures my hormones would rage when I was, for all intents and purposes, incapacitated in the sex department. A devilish grin curved his lips as he cupped my jaw.

“Close your eyes.”

I did, basking in the warmth of his skin on mine.

“Keep them closed,” he whispered.

The heat from his hands left my face. I swallowed, wondering where I’d feel them next.

I waited.

Nothing.

I’m an idiot for sitting here with my eyes closed.

“Want to know what I’m doing?” His low, raspy question tickled my neck. It startled me.

“No.”

He chuckled, pressing gentle kisses along my jaw, stopping at the corner of my mouth.

“You’re so soft and silky,” he whispered, gliding his lips down my neck. “And beautiful. And—”

“Alastair.”

“I like the way you say my name.”

Teasing along the edge of my lips with his tongue, he coaxed them open without any resistance. I was a rag doll in his arms, sighing into his luscious kiss. He invaded my mouth, claiming and savoring me. I kissed him harder, pressing into him. The desperation and intensity of his movements increased. So did the way he stroked the skin over my tailbone. Sparks of pleasure shot through me, filling every inch until I thought I might burst. Unable to control myself I rolled my hips, sending ripples through the water.

“Stay still, kitten,” he ordered, his rich voice and velvety accent invading my senses. Pulling one hand away, he pressed his palm to my lower abdomen. I felt his thumb slide down, stopping just shy of where I wanted his touch the most.

“You’re teasing me, Holden.”

“Am I?”

Opening my eyes, I was greeted with a white-hot stare. The vulnerability behind it took my breath away. “Yes.”

“I’m at a disadvantage, love. Unless,” he paused, sliding his thumb lower, brushing it against my hypersensitive button of nerves. I nearly shot into orbit. Gauging my reaction, he pressed and held his thumb against me. “Is this impolite enough for you?”

Steam from the warm water mixed with our mutual desire, altering the climate in the bathroom. No longer were we just sitting in a tub. We were nestled deeply in our never-ending craving for each other. It was hard to imagine there had been a time when I shrugged off his advances.

Another firm press sent a shockwave of pleasure cascading through me.

“Look at me,” he growled. “I’d better be the only thing dominating your thoughts, Amelia.”

Crushing his lips to mine, he finished me off with expertise and finesse. The disorganized mess that doubled for my mind shorted out, succumbing to an orgasm so intense it took awhile for me to regain composure. If I owned him with just a look, he possessed me with one touch. Sagging into the water, I wrapped my arms around him, resting my head on his shoulder.

“Feel a bit more relaxed now?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” He kissed the top of my head. “I have something fun planned and need you stress-free.”

I looked at him. “Am I stressed?”

“You’ve seemed a little off since we spoke yesterday.”

His ability to see through me could be annoying. I rolled my eyes. “I’m fine.”

Arching a brow, he squeezed my waist. “We both know something is bothering you. However, I’m going to give you a free pass this time.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“That smart mouth of yours will get you in trouble one of these days.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes.” He nipped at my earlobe. “Especially if I have anything to say about it.”

“All bark and no bite, Holden.”

He had my arms pinned behind my back so quickly there was barely a ripple in the water. “Is that a challenge?”

“Only if you’re up for it.”

The look of surprise that crossed his face amused me. I wondered how many of his ex-lovers acted this way around him or if they just gave him what he wanted, no questions asked.

“Feisty.”

“I try,” I said, grinning facetiously.

“I like it.”

“I like you.”

The unguarded smile that blossomed on his lips was so beautiful it warmed my soul.

“I like you, too,” he said, releasing my arms.

“You’d better, otherwise I’m sitting naked in a bathtub with the wrong guy.”

He squeezed my waist so hard I yelped.

“I told you that smart mouth would get you in trouble,” he smirked.

“Be gentle when you tickle me. I’m delicate.” I could barely the get the words out and not laugh.

“You are delicate. And you’re mine. No naked anything with other men.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I whispered, kissing him hard and wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Alright then. I’m hungry, so you must be famished.” Carefully lifting me off him, he stood and climbed out of the tub. I pouted.

“None of that.” He leaned over and kissed my nose. “Finish up in here. I’ll have breakfast waiting for you.”

I stared at his naked backside as he walked out. Grinning, I slid under the water. Love, lust and infatuation. Girl, you’ve got it bad for him.

CHAPTER FOUR

The lush Scottish countryside flew by in a green blur. I hung my arm out the car window, skimming my hand along the warm breeze. The sun shone bright in the sky, fending off the wisps of clouds that tried to spoil its celestial show. For me, this sky was far more beautiful than any sunny day in Orlando.

“Now are you going to tell me what we’re doing?”

“Nope.”

I looked over at Alastair. He flashed a brilliant smile and gave the car a little more gas. The Mercedes’ engine growled, kicking into higher gear. I did enjoy watching him drive. Especially out here in the middle of nowhere. His fluid control and relaxed stance behind the wheel added another layer of hotness to his already scorching exterior.

The car rolled to a stop on a dusty patch at the side of the road. A large meadow spread out to our left. Aside from various clusters of trees, there was nothing to see for miles.

“We’ve arrived.”

Leaving the engine idling, Alastair got out of the car. I followed him, spurred on by a healthy dose of curiosity.

“Where are we?”

“Carbeth.”

“And what’s so special about this place?”

He turned, a goofy grin plastered on his face. “Nothing. It’s a bit out of the way and I thought it would be a good place for your lesson.”

Now I was completely confused. Alastair kept that ridiculous smile aimed in my direction.

“You’re going to learn how to drive my sexy little car.”

“What?”

A loud laugh echoed through the breeze. “Don’t look so excited. It’s really simple.”

I folded my arms. “Why do you want me to drive your car?”

“No reason. Just curious to see you behind the wheel.”

“I told you I can’t drive a stick.”

“Yes, I know. Hence the lesson. Get in.”

“So bossy.”

I settled in behind the wheel and adjusted the seat so I could reach the pedals. Alastair folded his lean frame onto the passenger seat and grinned.

“Looking good, doll face.”

“Oh my God. What did I say about faking the American accent?”

He chuckled. “Are you ready to learn?”

“I suppose.”

“Alright. Press down on the brake and clutch. Put the gear in first and release the emergency brake.”

“You might want to buckle up,” I muttered, doing as he instructed.

“Now, gently give it some gas and lift your foot off the clutch slowly.”

The car rumbled beneath me as I pressed on the accelerator. Tightening my grip on the steering wheel, I carefully lifted my foot off the clutch. The car stuttered a bit before rolling forward.

“That’s it. Give it a little more.”

Taking a quick glance to my right, I eased the car onto the road. Stay on the left, stay on the left. Driving on the wrong side of the road while sitting in the wrong side of the car was a tad disorienting. I kept repeating my little mantra as I accelerated, shifting into second. I’d only driven a stick shift a few times. My dad tried to teach me when I was sixteen. He thought it would be beneficial to know ‘just in case.’

Okay, this might be easier than I thought. The road didn’t have any major curves as far as I could see. I eased the car into third, feeling more confident I wouldn’t end up upside down in a ditch. Adrenaline gave me an added boost of courage.

“Ready, Holden?”

I gunned it, charged by the power raging in the SLK55’s engine. I heard a thump and looked to my left. Alastair clasped the door handle.

“Too fast?”

“No, love,” he answered in a low, gravelly tone.

By the time I hit sixth gear I really had a feel for it. The car purred and hugged the road at my command. Alastair remained suspiciously quiet, observing every move I made. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face if I tried. This was almost as liberating as jogging along the coastline.

I glanced at him. His expression may have been blank but his eyes glowed a molten forest green. After several miles, I saw an area to pull over. Gliding the car to a stop, I put it in neutral, popped the brake and cut the engine.

“How d—”

I was silenced by a kiss.

“Impressive, Meyers.”

He looked a little peaked but otherwise seemed fine. A twinge of guilt shot through me. Maybe my driving so fast had reminded him of the accident that killed his family. My stomach sank. Not what I was going for.

“Come with me.”

Those words always sent a charge through me. Grinning, he got out of the car. I waited while he grabbed a blanket from the trunk and followed him to a large elm tree. After he spread the blanket he motioned for me to sit. Once I was settled he laid down, resting his head in my lap. I played with his hair, enjoying the quiet. Only the occasional chirping bird interrupted the relative peace of our little roadside pit stop.

“Everything okay at work?” I asked. There was a long pause before he answered.

“I suppose.”

Here we go. The parade of vagueness begins.

“How’s your grandfather been feeling?”

“Fine.”

“And your aunt and uncle? How are they?”

“Same as always. Katherine keeps asking when I’m bringing you by the house again.”

The house. I had to stifle a laugh. My whole apartment building could fit neatly inside the Holden Estate with room to spare.

“We should go back there and visit. I’m sure they’d love to see you outside of official family gatherings.”

Alastair folded his arms across his chest and stared up at the sky. I could tell he hated the idea. He’d mentioned he avoided going to the estate unless it was necessary. His aunt was a sweet woman, though. I couldn’t imagine why he wouldn’t want to spend time with her. The uncle was another story. I’d noticed Alastair’s relationship with him seemed strained.

“You look lovely today.”

I came screeching back to the present and glanced down at him as he fingered the hem on the green chevron striped tank top I’d picked from the closet. I’d paired it with denim shorts.

“Thank you.”

“Everything fits alright?”

“Um, yeah.”

“But…?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Well, the bra is a little snug. But I think that has more to do with, you know, hormones and stuff.”

“Snug?” He reached up, skimming his fingers over the swell of my breasts and cupped one of them. “Feels good to me.”

“Smart ass.”

“What? I think you look smashing. Sexy as always.”

“Whatever.”

A slight frown marred his otherwise serene expression. Anxiety rushed through my body. The late afternoon sunlight shone off his eyes as he looked up at me, turning them an even more vibrant green.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing.”

He smiled bitterly. “Is this what I do to you? Give annoying one word answers when there is clearly something going on?”

“Sometimes.”

He was quiet for a few seconds. “Okay then. This morning, when you asked about Paxton running errands for me? The reason I got upset is because when I was younger my uncle always drilled into my head that nothing should ever be handed to me. I should work hard for every advantage, just as he and my father did. It didn’t matter that we were wealthy. The minute we let someone else do the most simple task for us, we lost our sense of independence.”

The transformation in his manner of speaking was jarring. He sounded monotone, almost as though he were reciting an unpleasant oath. Regardless of my suspicions about his uncle, this seemed to be a decent piece of advice. But what did I know?

Some of the tension melted from his face. “Sorry I was so abrupt with you. It’s a bit of a sore spot with me.”

“You have a lot of sore spots.” I poked him in the stomach. “I’m going to need a roadmap pretty soon to navigate through them.”

“No you won’t,” he said softly, staring up at me with reverence. “You’re gorgeous in this light.”

Sitting up slowly, he twisted a piece of my hair around his finger. Sunlight reflected off the chestnut strands in shades of copper and auburn. More stunning for me was the way it set his hair ablaze with color.

“So are you.”

He scrunched his nose. “If you say so. Come. I want to take you somewhere.”

For the first time ever I didn’t ask where we were going. I simply followed him back to the car and remained silent. I liked how this weekend was progressing. We felt more comfortable around one another, physically and emotionally. At least I did. I could tell he did to a certain extent. There were still an abundance of layers to peel away before I’d be secure enough knowing he fully trusted me with his emotions. Patience was the key. The last thing I wanted to do was rush him. Or complicate matters with accusations of stalking.

I winced, pushing the thought out of my mind.

“We’ve arrived.”

I glanced out the window and saw a familiar looking thatched cottage.

“I remember this place,” I grinned, following him to the front door. The same ‘at home’ feeling washed over me when I entered the cozy living room. Everything about this cottage was the exact opposite of his house. It was modest and lived in. The hard wood floors were a warm honey color partly covered by a soft cream throw rug. Small lamps and sconces cast a pleasant glow throughout. Even the low ceilings had charm with their exposed beams.