Infinity Chronicles Book Two, page 19
Ares brings the car to a slow stop but he doesn’t move to get out, or even turn it off. “I will assume that whatever you’re not telling me is because Maggie told you not to.” Ares turns so his back is somewhat against the door and he can see me better.
I chew on my lip, warring with myself for not telling him. Ares sighs, squeezing his temples between his thumb and other fingers. “I will also assume she has her reasons, so I will try,” he puts major inflection on the word, “to let this go.”
Reaching over I pull his hand from his face. “It’s nothing bad, okay?” My hand is still on his wrist and I offer the small bit of information hoping it will ease him.
His mouth tightens, but he jerks his chin down once. The sun is still high in the sky shining down through the sunroof, and shadows dance over his features even as the light bathes him in a warm glow. “What are you looking at?” His question makes my cheeks flush, but I don’t look away.
“You.” I don’t tell him how sometimes I wonder what I did to get so lucky to have him and the others in my life. Without their help I wouldn’t have any idea what, or who I was. I’d still be in that camper begging for my mom to come back with no hope of ever finding her.
The corner of his lip curves up. “Do you like what you see?” His cheesy line makes me bark out a laugh, my head thrown back. It’s something I would expect Ollie to say, not Ares. He’s usually as smooth as silk.
I lower my chin, looking in Ares’s direction when my peals of laughter subside. He’s leaning over the center console and his face is only a few inches from mine. Any lingering giggles die on my lips when he leans forward and seals his mouth to mine. Ares kisses me like he wants to steal my breath from my body with hungry little nips of his teeth, while stroking his tongue with mine.
My heart picks up to a steady gallop. The low console between us feels like an obstacle I want gone. It’s keeping me from getting as close to him as I want, keeping him from getting as close to me as I need.
Like he knows exactly what I’m thinking, Ares slides his hand under my arm and lifts, pulling me over. Thankfully, the SUV interior is roomy and with his help I crawl over. With the steering wheel at my back I straddle Ares’s thighs, never breaking the kiss.
Having him under me changes the dynamic of our kiss. I’ve never been the one to dominate a kiss with him before, he’s always the one in control. With the roles reversed, I place my hands on his wide shoulders and my hands trace over the thick muscles that lead up to his neck. Lowering myself onto his lap, Ares makes a low groaning noise. His hands tighten around my waist as he drags me even closer. My breath leaves in a heavy pant as our chests fuse together. There isn’t an inch of space between us, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
My nose brushes against his as he tilts his head trying to deepen the kiss. I can already feel his hand traveling up my back and I know right where it will land. Ares’s palm settles on the back of my neck, his fingers tilting my head, so he can hold me in place. Slitting my eyes open when Ares moves his lips down my neck, I see his inky lashes fanned over his cheeks and the tip of his tongue as he delivers a lazy lick up the side of my throat. I tilt my head back to give him better access, but I catch a glimpse of our surroundings.
We’re sitting the driveway, a few steps from the side door where anyone could walk out at any moment. “Ares.” My voice cuts through the fog and I curl myself against him. His hips lift from the seat as he grinds up against me. “Ares.” His name is a breathy plea, but I’m not sure if I’m trying to get his attention or beg him to continue.
He hums a response, his mouth still on the side of my neck. He’s not showing any sign he cares where we are, or who might find us. “We should probably go in.” I can’t damper the pout from my voice.
He groans again, but not the one I like, the sound that makes my toes curl, no, this one is born of disappointment. Ares’s forehead hits my collarbone and I run my hands through his hair, enjoying the feeling of him clinging to me.
“Give me a minute.” His voice is gravelly as his hands go to my hips, and he squeezes me, halting my movements.
Scooting back a few inches, my lower back hits the steering wheel. “Sorry.” I wince, because I told him we needed to stop, but my body had other ideas.
Ares peers up at me, the darkness receding from his eyes, shrinking back down to dilated pupils. “Why are you sorry?”
Pursing my lips I widen my eyes, then glace down at his groin, his erection still obvious between us. “Um, I know that getting excited and not, um… uh… finishing can be painful?” It definitely comes out more like a question. I’ve heard more than my share of guys complaining about girls who are teases and the effects of blue balls.
Ares traces his thumb under my eye, and then over my cheek. “Cara, there isn’t, nor will there ever be any expectations between us. No matter how far we go, or have gone, you can always tell me to stop, there isn’t a point where there’s no turning back.” Ares pauses, he’s looking at me with an intensity I don’t quite understand. “Do you understand what I’m saying?”
I lift my shoulders. “That you’re okay making out?” Ares is older than the other guys, and I know he has experience with sex, everything about him oozes sensuality. If I’m being honest, it’s part of the reason I’m more comfortable being with more than one of them at a time. There’s a comfort knowing none of them will try anything with the others around.
Ares clears his throat. “Yes, I’m absolutely fine making out, but it’s more than that. My reactions to you are my own, you’re not responsible for sating me.” I bite my bottom lip, this is the first time I’ve had any conversation about sex and it’s a little awkward.
Ares's eyes close slowly, and when he blinks them open, he exhales a heavy breath. “Let’s head inside.” Leaning around me he hits the button to turn off the car and then opens the door.
As easy as it was to climb on his lap, it’s just about that awkward it is to climb out the driver’s door backwards. My leg gets stuck over Ares’s thigh, so I end up jumping on one foot until I can pull free. Finally, setting both feet on the ground, I straighten up and run my hand over my braid.
Ares reaches for my hand the moment he gracefully steps out of the SUV. I look around the drive, noting Mia’s car is missing from her usual spot again, but that doesn’t mean she’s not here.
Ares notices my gaze and squeezes my hand.
“She here?” I ask.
“She was when I left to come pick you up.”
“Where’s her car?” Stepping up on the porch he pushes the door open, waiting for me to enter first.
“Don’t know, I didn’t even think to ask.” Ares doesn’t bother taking his loafers off, but he gives them a few extra wipes against the rug.
I kick my sneakers off and use my toe to line them up near the wall. “Finally, what took you guys so long?” I hear Ollie call from deeper in the house. Does he know how long we were sitting in the driveway? I peek back at Ares and he gives me a slow wink.
Making my way to the kitchen, I find the guys all lounging in the living room area. Dante tracks my movements as I head toward the sink to wash my hands. I’m starving so I waste no time rummaging through the fridge to find the leftovers I’ve been thinking about all day.
“Anybody hungry?” I call with my head still half in the fridge.
“Always,” Dante answers from much closer than a few moments ago. Startling upright I glance over my shoulder and see he’s standing right behind me. “Hey,” he rumbles, his eyes running over me like it’s been days instead of hours since he last saw me.
“Hey, I’m going to warm this up, you want some?” I offer, lifting the silver tray filled with the small bites of chicken from last night.
“Sounds good, let me help.” Dante takes the pan from my hand and sets it on the counter. With my hands free I have the urge to close the distance between us. Feeling braver since our bonding, I take a step in his direction. Dante looks at me, his brows raised. Wrapping my arms around his waist and completely invading his space, I lay my head against his chest.
Dante’s arms come around me without hesitation. He dips his head to mine and inhales deeply. His body relaxes while squeezing me tighter. I never really realized the comfort a hug could provide—my mom was never big on affection—but it’s quickly becoming addictive.
Leaning back without letting go I look up and Dante gives me a sweet smile. “I’m glad you’re home.”
“Me too, but I’m starving so let’s warm this up.”
“I’ll take a cuddle,” Ollie interrupts, not even giving me a chance to release Dante as he pulls me from him and spins me around. “Hey sweet cream.” I roll my eyes but let myself be hauled against his chest. “Milo, come over here. Let’s make a cookie.” Ollie chuckles as Milo approaches me from behind. Hesitantly, he places his hands on my hips and leans his head near my shoulder. I thought Ollie’s joke about making me a cookie sandwich was funny, but now that I’m in between the two of them my humor evaporates. Heat rises up from my chest. “Switch,” Ollie calls out the warning before he spins me in his arms so I’m facing a wide-eyed Milo. Ollie doesn’t have an ounce of reservation as he smashes me against Milo’s chest and seals himself to my back.
I think it's only Milo’s natural ability for strength that keeps us all upright. If Ollie put this much weight against me alone, I’d be a pancake on the ground. My breath leaves me on a whoosh as they crush me between them. “Can’t breathe,” I pant.
Ollie chuckles but steps back. I sag against Milo, not sure I can hold myself up yet. With extremely gentle hands Milo brushes his fingers over my cheek. “I didn’t know he was going to do that, are you okay?” Before I can tell him I’m fine, Ollie spins me around again. I’m getting dizzy.
“Oliver,” I call out in warning.
“Oh, my God, I’ve got it!” Ollie exclaims.
Milo, still standing behind me, lets out a low moan before pulling me back to his chest to protect me from Ollie I assume. “What now?”
Ollie grabs a hold of my cheeks, squishing them together. “You’re my little Muenster,” is all he says like that’s all the explanation we need.
“Dear God,” Dante groans from the counter where he’s dividing the chicken, rice, and beans onto two plates.
Unbothered with Dante’s reaction, Ollie continues, “Don’t you see? The best thing about a sandwich is the cheese, and the best cheese around for a sandwich is Muenster. You’re my Muenster.” He grins at me like he’s waiting for my approval.
I shake my head, but Muenster is way better than a few of the others he’s come up with. “I always thought you were cheesy.” Ollie’s mouth pops open like I’ve shocked him, but he throws his head back and laughs.
Milo and Dante chuckle along with him. “What’s so funny?” Ares questions as he walks into the kitchen. He didn’t follow me into the kitchen because he said he needed something from his office, so he missed the whole sandwich discussion.
“You really don’t want to know,” I tell him, giving Milo’s forearm a squeeze before stepping away to help Dante with our food.
“Muenster?” It’s not the first time Ares has questioned Ollie regarding his new love of the pet name he’s bestowed upon me.
“What and Cara is better?” Ollie defends. “So original.”
“At least it doesn’t sound like I’m calling her a monster,” Ares bites back, clearly offended that Ollie is calling him out.
Ollie barks out a laugh. “Yeah, it sounds like you’re calling her another woman’s name.”
Ares snaps his neck to look in my direction. My cheeks flare red. That’s exactly what I thought the first time he called me Cara. “It means dear, beloved.” Ares bristles. I frown, both of them are actually getting upset about this.
“Hey, it’s fine, both of you can call me whatever you like.” I look between the two of them. Ares’s brows are pinched, but Ollie has a smug grin on his face, and he mouths to me I win when Ares isn’t looking. I click my tongue at him, looking away.
“You guys want to watch something?” Milo pipes up from beside Ollie. We’re all still in the kitchen and I’ve been done eating for a while, but Dante was still snacking. We all just kind of ended up at the island.
“We could play a game?” Ollie offers.
“I don’t want to play video games,” Ares interjects.
“No one said it had to be a video game.” Ollie looks up at the ceiling like he’s thinking. “We could play charades, truth or dare, spin the bottle, seven minutes in heaven.”
“Sounds like you just want to take turns kissing Laura.” Ares snorts.
Ollie raises his hands in surrender. “Totally not was I was going for, but your house, your rules.” He claps his hands together once like it’s been decided.
Ignoring him altogether Dante asks, “Have you heard from Mom?”
Ares gets a pensive look on his face. “Yeah, Malcolm called. They couldn’t get a flight until sometime today, so I’m guessing they won’t be here until tomorrow.”
Dante nods. “Do you think they’ll stay?”
“For a while, probably,” Ares responds.
“Should we tell Gloria, and have her freshen up their rooms?” Dante’s question perks me up. I noticed he said rooms, not room. Do they not all sleep together?
“They might get here before Gloria tomorrow morning, we should do it just in case,” Ares answers.
“I can help,” I offer, interested in what their rooms are like.
As a group we pass Dante’s room and head down a hallway I haven’t been to yet where there’s a double door with a single handle. Ares pauses like he’s gearing himself up to enter the room. My stomach twists with tension from how hesitant they all seem.
“This is weird.” Ollie doesn’t hide the fact that he’s uncomfortable being in Ares and Dante’s parents’ room. They do, in fact, have more than one bedroom. Three to be precise. There’s a large bathroom located off what I would call the master bedroom. The bed in there is almost as big as the one we made in Ares’s room. On either side is a smaller room, each with a king-sized bed of its own. Before the bedrooms is a large sitting room with another smaller bathroom off to the side. Something like this would be nice for us, I catch myself thinking.
I’m not weirded out at all, maybe it’s because I’ve never really met Ares and Dante’s parents. Or maybe it’s because I’m too curious about how they all live together to be weirded out.
“Just grab some clean sheets from the closet and be quiet,” Dante orders and I notice his gaze darting around quickly. I think he’s reluctant to be here as well.
“Should we do the other rooms?” Milo’s in the doorway, all of them seem hesitant to enter.
“Guys, it just a bed. Here, I’ll do it.” I pull back the covers of the tightly tucked blanket and reveal crisp white sheets. “Are we just doing the sheets?” I don’t want to throw the comforter on the floor if we’re reusing it.
“I saw another set in the closet,” Ollie offers before rushing away. I let the blankets and sheet fall to the ground, and Milo hands me the new pale, sheets stepping back to the doorway right away. I roll my eyes.
Seeing me struggling with the huge bed, Ares finally comes in to help. After helping me tuck in the top sheet, he makes his escape. Dante brings me the folded comforter and matching blanket. His face twisted up.
Throwing my hands in the air I ask, “What is the big deal, were you guys not allowed in here as kids or something?”
“No, we were in here all the time. I slept in that room until I was like eight.” Dante points to the right, meaning one of the adjacent rooms.
“Then why are you guys being so weird?” My hands land on my hips. I don’t understand them. I slept next to my mom until I got too big to share our tiny bed with her.
“It’s just different now.” Dante shrugs, his face pinched.
“How, it’s just a bed, a place to sleep, a place to… oh.” I snag the blanket from his arms, tossing it over the sheets. No one says anything else as I finish making the bed.
I find the guys waiting for me in the sitting room area. They’re all playing it cool like they weren’t just freaked out about their parents having sex. “Are we doing the others?” I motion to the two other rooms.
“No, they don’t use those much.” Ares winces with his statement. “Let’s get out of here.”
Instead of going back to the living room we all migrate to Ares’s room. I change into a soft pair of sleep shorts and a tank top before crawling into bed. It’s still early, maybe around seven, but I know once I lay down I’m not going to want to get up to change.
Ollie and Milo discuss what videogame they’re going to play while Dante strips off his shirt and pants, leaving them on the floor—much to Ares’s displeasure—and climbs in next to me. His tightly muscled stomach bunches as he leans down, and the feline grace I’ve noticed before makes more sense now that I’ve seen him in his shifted form.
“Did it hurt?” I wonder.
“Huh?” Unaware of my thoughts Dante has no idea what I’m talking about.
“When you fell from heaven, did it hurt?” I roll my lips in trying to keep a straight face. Ollie snaps his head around, which tells me he was listening.
Dante freezes, like goes completely still, with his hand still poised over the bed. I can’t help it, I burst out laughing. Wiping the tears from the corner of my eye, I laugh so hard it turns to just a breathy hyena laugh.
“I’m so sorry, it just popped out I couldn’t resist.” I tell them through my tears. Ollie lets out a few low chuckles, facing the TV again. “Don’t be mad, I was just teasing.” I trace my fingers over Dante’s dark brows, smoothing them out. He’s lying on his side, facing me. His features relax as I continue to run my hand over his face, moving to his hair.
Dante’s hair is thick, but silky. His dark brown locks are a little unruly and fall into his light amber eyes. I scoot closer, so our noses are only about six inches apart. Sighing as I watch him move into my touch.
