Deceit (Gallows Hill Book 1), page 22
I pull him towards me as I slowly walk us to my couch, before gesturing for him to lay down. He releases my hand, shrugging off his jacket and setting his gun on the floor beside him before laying flat on his back. I smile softly at him when his hand reaches up, catching my hip and gently pulling me towards him. I don’t know why I let him pull me. I’m even more unsure why when I get to the edge of the couch, I crawl on top of him, settling my body to lay on his.
My head rests against his chest, where I can hear his heart beating like a drum as I feel his arms wrap around me like a cocoon. The feeling of safety that washes over me is indescribable. I’ve never felt anything like it in my entire life. Like absolutely nothing could hurt me. Like I’m invincible.
I feel his chest heave up as he inhales the top of my head, releasing that same breath with a content sounding sigh that sounds very uncharacteristic for this broody, grumpy man.
“How did you get into my room?” I ask softly.
“Made a duplicate of the one Liam made,” he answers easily.
I frown, turning my head up to find him already watching me.
“How did you know he made one?”
“I study people, Siren. I watch them. I follow them. It’s what I do.”
“Why?” I ask.
“No better way to beat your opponent than to memorize their every move.”
“Liam is your opponent?” I laugh lightly, though my laughter dies at the seriousness of his voice.
“Yes.”
Those piercing eyes are staring at me so heavily, his sharp features painting him more like a warrior in this midnight lighting. I’ve never realized just how gorgeous he is before now. I knew he was good looking, obviously, but god. He’s seriously beautiful.
I want to ask him why Liam is his opponent. What they would even be fighting over. What the prize would be. Before I can though, he leans down and presses his lips against my forehead, sending a flurry of confusing butterflies rushing through me as he does.
“Sleep, Siren. I’ve got you.”
I feel my eyes shut of their own accord, as if they answer only to him and I fall asleep to the rhythmic beat of his heart beneath my head.
Sunlight warms my face and like a sunflower, I smile into it. Slowly, I blink my eyes open disoriented at first when I realize I’m not in my bed. I’m even more confused when I see Liam standing over me shirtless, with just his sweats on, smiling at me with a mischievous smirk. The thing that throws me completely though, is when I hear a voice I was definitely not expecting come from beneath me.
“Good morning, Siren.”
My head turns to find Vincent staring at me, that same impassive look on his face, though I could swear his eyes look lighter today somehow. His arms are still wrapped around me, and my body is on top of his.
Turning to face Liam again, he’s still watching me with that damn smirk.
“I’ve got to be honest, this is not what I expected to wake up to,” he says.
I push away from Vincent quickly, standing to my feet before faltering for a moment. Vincent’s large hand reaches out to my hip, stabilizing me until I’m balanced. Liam’s eyes flick down at the move, intrigue filling his green gaze as he looks back up to me.
“Vincent heard me yell last night. I was having a nightmare, and you didn’t wake up and I didn’t want him to sleep in the hall or anything so I told him he could stay and—”
“And you thought you’d be a good host and snuggle up with him instead of offering a blanket?” Liam asks, his amusement clear in his tone.
I frown as Vincent sits up on the couch, shrugging his leather jacket back on and tucking his gun into his pants. When he stands up I can practically feel him tower over me and the same feeling of safety cloaks me as he steps forward, resting a hand on my hip and pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
“See you soon, Siren,” he says, before he’s moving through the room and slipping out the door.
My mouth is parted in surprise, but not as much as Liam’s is. He turns back to face me with wide eyes and a laugh.
“Lucy, you got some explaining to do!” he says, in a terrible Ricky accent from I Love Lucy.
When I don’t laugh, he shakes his head.
“I’m not mad, baby. A little confused to wake up and find my girlfriend snuggled up with another man. The meanest, coldest man on campus, of all people, honestly. What’s going on with all that?” he says, as he gestures towards the couch.
“I don’t know. I was kinda freaked out from my dream and he made me feel…safe. Nothing happened. I swear,” I assure quickly, to which he pulls me into his arms and shakes his head.
“I know, baby. Even if it did, I’m cool. I’m already sharing you with Ronan. Why not Griggs too?”
I scoff, attempting to push him away as I shake my head.
“Me and Vincent? Yeah, right. The guy hates me and he’s an ass. There is no way. Us? Ha!” I laugh sarcastically, knowing how defensive and ridiculous I sound to my own ears.
Liam’s smile only grows, as he shakes his head and gives me a quick peck. “Whatever you say, babygirl. I’m just saying, I wouldn’t mind adding another man to this little thing we have going. You guys would be hot as fuck together.”
Something unfamiliar runs through me at his words and I can feel his eyes watching me carefully, as if he were testing me. I don’t respond and thankfully he doesn’t push it anymore. Vincent and me? The most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard of. I’m taken, happily. I don't have just one boyfriend, I have two! And an asshole fiancé. I’m so good. Yeah, no. Hard pass.
Right?
Chapter Thirty One
Vincent
I’m sitting outside of Skyla’s door, disassembling and reassembling my gun over and over again as I pass the time. My eyes are continually tracking the hallways, waiting, watching.
One of the reasons I’m so excellent at my position within the Brethren is my patience. I could stake out a job for days, my attention never wavering. I wasn’t lying to Skyla that once I set my eyes on something, I don’t stop until it’s mine. Whether that be a dead body, a stalker or her.
I don’t give a fuck about her ‘boyfriends’, I don’t even give a damn about her ‘fiancé’. I want her and no matter how impossibly difficult it will be, I will have her. One day. When she’s ready.
A breathy moan sounds through the door that has my hands pausing. I listen again, some muffled words that have me frowning. I quickly reassemble my gun, loading one in the chamber before standing. Swiping the key card I made for her room, her door opens easily, and I push inside, my eyes scanning the empty still room.
I know for a fact that Asher, Liam and Ronan are all out of town. I couldn’t get the specifics for what, just that they are in New York for a job. Which is interesting because I was supposed to be in New York for a job this week that was suddenly canceled. There is no way the two could be connected. Then again, maybe they could be.
Moving lightly on my feet, I’m able to clear both the bathroom and her closet before coming to her bed. She’s alone, laying perfectly in the middle of it, the straps of her white tank top a beautiful contrast to her sun kissed skin. Goddamnit, she’s so perfect.
Her hair is fanned out across her pillow like it would be in the water, like the perfect sea temptress she is. Her rosy red lips are begging for my cock to slide in between, her hard nipples straining against the thin shirt aching for my mouth latched around them.
“Liam,” she moans, her voice soft and sleep drenched. “Oh, Liam. Please, touch me,” she begs.
I can’t tell if she’s asleep or only semi-conscious. Either way, it doesn’t matter to me. I find myself closing the distance between us, coming to her side as my fingers skate against her cheek.
“I’m here, Siren,” I murmur, not giving a shit that it’s not my name on her lips, it’s not me filling her dreams. It will be when I’m done with her.
“More,” she whimpers. “Give me more,” she begs, as her back arches and her legs seem to rub together beneath the sheets.
I feel my cock stiffen, and before I know what I’m doing, I’m peeling back her blankets, exposing her bare legs in nothing but a tiny pair of sleep shorts. Kneeling onto the bed, I crawl between her legs, tucking my gun into my waistband before resting my hands on her knees. My tattooed fingers are such a stark contrast to her blank skin. It feels forbidden, like I’m about to soil her with my blood stained hands. Like they are too keen to violence for her precious body.
Not precious enough to stop me when the next moan flutters from her mouth. My hands force her knees apart, allowing her to open up to me so that I can take in the view. She’s fucking perfect. Just like I knew she would be. My face is only a foot or so away, I can smell her arousal from whatever fantasy she is dreaming about right now, and I don’t even attempt to hold myself back.
Sticking my tongue out, I run a long line through her, her taste instantly spreading across my tongue. I grumble my pleasure against her. Goddamnit, she’s fucking delicious too. What isn’t perfect about my Siren?
She gasps at the touch, and I do it again and again, allowing moan after moan to fall from her lips.
“Yes, Liam,” she groans. “You feel so good. Don’t stop,” her sleepy voice murmurs.
It only slightly irks me that she continues to call me Walcott. Can’t she tell that it’s me? That he could never make her feel the way I can? He wasn’t made for her. I was.
Proving to her that it couldn’t possibly be Liam, I continue licking and sucking her before my teeth graze against her clit. She rewards me with a sweet sounding groan before I do it again and again. I feel her body begin to shake beneath me and with one well timed nip against her clit, she comes hard.
I’m not sure how she’s able to still be sleeping or if she’s trapped in some type of half dream, half sentient haze. She’s able to orgasm beautifully though, moaning and wiggling in the sheets as I continue eating her through her release until her body is still and breathing heavy. She doesn’t speak after that and I try to continue, but she doesn’t respond to my touch.
I could try waking her. It’s clear that her body wants me, even if her mind isn’t ready to admit it yet. Then again, she came to me so easily yesterday, crawling on top of me and falling asleep like I was her safeguard. It was easily the best night of my life, and I didn’t even get a wink of sleep.
Deciding that she needs her rest, I place a gentle kiss to her inner thigh, a promise of more to come and soon. I slide out of her bed, tucking the blankets over her and resuming my position outside her door, reinvigorated and ready to shoot any motherfucker that even steps foot on this floor.
Chapter Thirty Two
Skyla
The next day went by fairly uneventfully, despite the embarrassingly large wet spot on my panties. That dream with Liam was so realistic I could practically feel him.
Liam walked me to all my classes, and we had lunch together. Asher avoided my gaze entirely, which is better than being glared at everywhere I go. Aunt Steph and I chatted for a little while before Maggie and I went to the mall after my last lecture of the day. Still haven’t really told her about the whole me, Ronan and Liam thing. Is it so bad that I don’t want to? Not yet at least.
Liam texted me a few hours ago saying that he had to go meet up with Ronan in New York. I guess whatever he’s doing there he needs Asher and Liam’s help. I wish I could ask questions, but I’ve already caught on to the fact that if it has to do with the Brethren, I won’t be getting any answers.
I texted both Liam and Ronan and told them I missed them, that I couldn’t wait for them to be back. Which prompted Liam to create a group chat. It’s almost midnight and I’m ready to pass out, but I shoot off a text to the chat after Liam asked Ronan and I if we were stranded on a desert island, what are the three things we would bring. As soon as I hit send, I hear a soft thunk against my door.
Frowning, I stand up slowly, reaching around for any kind of weapon I can. Unplugging the bedside lamp, I grip it in my hand and raise it like a bat, slowly opening the door in anticipation of whatever is on the other side.
As soon as those grey eyes collide with my own, relief floods me and I lower my makeshift weapon as I blow out a breath. His eyes flick between the lamp and me before a small grin spreads across his face. Honest to god, a grin, and god, it’s glorious.
“What were you going to do with that, Siren? Club me to death?”
“If you were trying to hurt me, yes.”
His grin stays in place as he nods approvingly.
“You could have chosen worse weapons on the spot.”
“Thanks,” I huff.
He doesn’t say anything, continuing to stare up at me from his post against the wall.
“Are you going to camp out here every night?”
Vincent nods.
“He hasn’t bothered me at night, though,” I point out. “And I haven’t heard anything from him since that note.”
“Probably because he knows I’ve been watching you like a hawk. As soon as you drop your guard, he’ll be back. That’s a guarantee.”
“So, what? You’re just going to keep patrol outside my room and watch me until the end of time?”
“If that’s what it takes,” he answers immediately.
“Why?” I ask, with a shake of my head.
He pushes off the wall, crowding me against the door jamb, before resting one hand on the wall above me. I watch in fascination as his black hair hangs in his face slightly, and his hand reaches up to brush a piece of hair behind my ear.
“You’re a smart woman, Siren. You already know the answer to that.”
My heart is thumping wildly in my chest as this unnamed pull seems to hum between us while my eyes flick back and forth between his.
“Tell me anyways,” I practically whisper.
He leans forward, his face so close to mine it barely grazes against my cheek as his lips rest on the shell of my ear. I wait with bated breath for his words as I feel his lips move against my skin.
“No.”
It’s a defiant word, not sexy or swoony at all. Tell that to my body, though. Chills breakout across my skin, from my arms to my toes. Slowly, he pulls away, just enough to meet my eyes again as he turns his head to the side.
“Are you going to invite me in again?” he asks curiously.
“Will you say yes if I do?” I question.
His hand runs through my hair again, tangling through the strands before winding around them and making a fist. He pulls my head back just slightly, so that he can tower over me that much more.
“Ask and find out.”
Vincent’s lips are so close to mine, I’m practically dizzy. The power he exudes is overwhelming. I can barely keep myself upright as I get lost in his metallic gaze.
“Will you come in?”
That same grin returns, and it nearly takes my breath away being this close to it.
“Sure, Siren. Whatever you want.”
In the next moment, he releases his hold on my hair, taking a step back and gesturing for me to step inside. Blinking quickly, I nod to myself and step back in, tugging down my sleep shorts slightly as if that were going to hide the wet spot that has soaked through.
Vincent steps through the door before shutting it behind him, but he doesn’t move apart from that. I make my way over to my bed, pausing before speaking.
“If you’re going to be my acting guardian angel, I want you to at least get some sleep. Wherever you’re most comfortable,” I say, as I crawl back into bed.
He nods, slipping off his jacket, setting his gun on the table and kicking off his combat boots. Then he practically prowls over to me, slipping beneath my covers before gripping my hips and dragging me up and on top of him. I open my mouth to say something when he speaks.
“This. This is the most comfortable I’ve been in my entire life.”
Something in his words melts me and I find my body relaxing against his, though my eyes still remain on him.
“You can’t be comfortable sleeping in your jeans.”
“I’m harnessing every ounce of self-control I currently possess, Siren,” he says. “If I took them off, terrible things would happen.”
Frowning, I turn my head to the side.
“Like what?”
I watch as his eyes dilate, and his arms tighten around me.
“I’d tear through your precious virginity so fast, you wouldn’t get the chance to breathe the word no.”
Choking on my breath, I stare at him with wide eyes, unsure of how to respond.
“So, yeah. The jeans stay on,” he says simply, before pressing a kiss against my forehead. Something he clearly enjoys doing.
“I have a boyfriend,” I say softly, my mind still reeling that he would even say something like that.
“You have two last time I checked.”
“Yeah, I do. I…probably shouldn’t be lying in bed with you.”
“Probably not,” he agrees.
I stare at him, waiting for him to move but he just continues to watch me.
“Are you going to let me go?”
“No.”
“No?” I question.
“Yeah, no.”
“But I don’t think Liam and Ronan—”
“Aren’t here right now. They are off doing fuck knows what for the Brethren, while there is a predator out there harassing you. Their priorities are fucked.”
I push up from him as much as he allows while I glare daggers at him.
“Fuck you. They don’t even know about any of it.”
This seems to take him by surprise for a moment.
“You haven’t told them?”
I shake my head.
“But you told me.”
“Well, technically, I accused you.”
He nods. “But when you found out it wasn’t me…you still didn’t tell them? Why?”
