Page 24 of Love Fire

I groan inwardly as I begin delicately extricating myself from his possessive embrace. I’d much rather stay here, in bed, pressed against his muscular body, but Nate is waiting.

Free from the sheets, I shiver as the cold air hits my skin. I look down and chuckle. Late or not, I don’t imagine my brother wants me to show up naked to our little meeting.

Unfortunately, my torn blouse is in no state to be worn and I haven’t the foggiest idea where my underpants are.

Sighing, I shimmy into my soft black leggings, the burner phone still tucked away safely in a hidden pocket, and don Brent’s discarded dress shirt. I roll up the too-long sleeves and hurriedly button it up enough to be semi-modest before slipping out of the room barefoot.

Padding down the hall, I silently make my way to the basement door. It creaks slightly as I slowly crack it open.

The musty, earthy scent of the basement hits me square in the face. I hate the smell. It reminds me too much of my father’s tunnels.

I slowly pull the door closed behind me, waiting for the soft click before descending the steps.

I shiver as my bare feet make contact with the cold rough stone basement floor. The air is damp and dark, only a whisper of predawn light filters through the tiny window on the far wall.

I blink rapidly, desperately trying to get my eyes to adjust to the darkness. I carefully shuffle further from the door, unable to see my hand in front of my face.

“Nate,” I whisper into the darkness. "Are you there?” The sound of my bare feet scraping against the hard floor is the only response.

Suddenly a large hand slaps across my mouth while another snakes around my waist. I jump with a start, my yelp cut off by the smothering hand.

I try to wiggle free and hear a soft chuckle behind me. “Tsk, tsk, calling my name out like that. Don’t you know better when it comes to secret meetings?”

With that, Nate quickly removes his hand from my mouth and spins me around, so I am facing him.

“Damnit Nate, give me a break?” I say, lightly punching him in the shoulder. “You have no idea what kind of day I’ve had.” I huff.

“Did Brent follow you?” he asks, ignoring my complaints.

“No,” I reply. “He’s sound asleep.” I tactfully leave out the bit about patiently waiting for Brent to drift off into post-coital slumber.

“I’m due back at the hospital soon, so we’ll have to keep this brief.” Nate continues.

“What are we going to do about dad?” Nate asks without preamble. “Why can’t he just leave us alone?” Nate mumbles. He slumps against a concrete pillar, sounding defeated.

“Because he thinks one of us is a rat,” I sigh.

“What on earth gave him that idea?” Nate asks angrily. “Have we not been playing the part of dutiful children?” Nate scoffs.

“I have no idea what’s gotten into him.” I reply. “All I know is that his people now watch me wherever I go.”

I can’t hide the nervousness in my voice and Nate approaches me, laying his hands on my shoulders.

“Erin, you need to get out of here. It’s not safe.” Nate says. “Playing around with a Draconis Fire agent is just going to make Father more suspicious.”

“It’s fine,” I reply, shrugging out of his grip. "No one but you even knows I’m here.”

Nate looks at me skeptically. “Is he that good of a lay,” he asks, making suggestive thrusting motions with his hips.

Yes, yes, he is, I think to myself. Images of Brent handcuffing me, ripping open my blouse and punishing me with his cock begin flashing through my mind.

The musky scent of his aftershave sneaks its way into my nostrils from the collar of his shirt. I close my eyes and breath in deep, feeling the ghost of his touch all over my body.

When I open my eyes again, Nate is staring at me with a thunderous look. His anger pisses me off. Who I choose to sleep with is my own damn business.

“Fuck off, Nate!” I exclaim. "You’re my brother and I am not having this conversation with you.” I say, turning away.

“Jesus Christ, Erin!” Nate whisper-shouts. “I didn’t think you were actually fucking him.”

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