Page 30 of The Hero's Bride
“Stairs,” he commanded, walking her to the entrance of the pool. He laid her on the top step and yanked the bathing suit bottoms over her hips before positioning her legs over his shoulders. “So fucking stunning,” he murmured, breathing in her sex. When he ran his tongue up and down the outer edges of her folds, she dragged in a ragged breath. He reveled in her taste as he laved his tongue over her core and up to her clit, flicking and teasing with his tongue. Her whole body was taut.
“Breathe, baby.” With a gentle touch, he slowly eased one finger inside her. She was impossibly tight, and he immediately stilled. “Am I hurting you?”
“No. Please don’t stop.” He continued to lap and suck while curling his finger just inside her inner wall. He knew he found the right spot when his name broke from her lips. Her whole body shook, thighs quaking around his neck. He didn’t stop, drawing out her release until she slumped against the step. Her breath was still ragged when he gently lowered her body into the water. Positioning his hands on the step above her, he leaned in to kiss her lips. When her hand dipped below the hem of his shorts and encircled his length, he had to grit his teeth. “Fuck, Thalia.” He allowed her to stroke him for a few moments, tenderly gripping her wrist when it felt as though his eyes were going to roll back in his head.
“Please, Mason. Let me.”
He touched his mouth to her forehead. “When we’re inside if that’s what you want, you can explore all you’d like, but I promised you a swim and that’s what you’re going to get.”
“You’re going to spoil me.”
“That’s the plan, sweetheart.” He cradled her in his arms, slowly moving through the water whispering endearments and stealing kisses. He wasn’t sure how long they stayed in the pool—talking, laughing, and flirting—but he knew it would go down as one of the most memorable nights of his life. Having Thalia wrapped in his embrace as they enjoyed the refreshing outdoor hideaway felt like paradise. He was already so gone for this woman, he knew down in his soul he’d never get over her.
Later that evening, he made good on his promise to let her explore. When her hand wrapped around him, gliding over him, white spots crowded in the corners of his vision as he gritted his teeth and growled his release. He’d never had an orgasm so strong that stars marred his vision. What he felt for Thalia ran deep. Attraction blazed between them. He wanted her friendship, and someday, he wanted everything. It was dangerous to entertain the feelings coursing through him, but he couldn’t seem to control his mind where she was concerned. He fell asleep with his heart full and his arms around the woman he was quickly falling in love with.
Chapter Fifteen
Flying on anairplane was a very different experience from taking a flight in a helicopter. For one, the airplane had been smoother and quieter, so she could talk to Mason throughout the flight and hold his hand, as opposed to gripping on to his arm at every unexpected dip. When the flight attendant delivered soda and snacks, she decided she loved flying. They’d landed a half hour ago and she gripped Mason’s hand as he guided her away from the panoramic windows overlooking the planes in various stages of arrival and departure. They passed several gate terminals, some empty and others packed with passengers. The occasional bar, snack kiosk, or restaurant framed the walkways, and reminded her of a bustling city.
They were standing on an escalator, another first for her, moving toward the first floor, when she heard shouting. She stiffened, gut clenching, until she spotted a pale-haired blonde bouncing next to a man who simply towered over her. The man’s assessing gaze raked over the crowd with suspicion, but when his eyes landed on Vivienne, his expression morphed into one of pure adoration.
“Thalia!” she called, clapping her hands in front of her. Mason helped her off the escalator and Vivienne bounded forward, practically lifting her up. They hugged hard, losing their balance and falling into a heap on the floor. Vivienne, always exuberant, peppered her face with kisses, then they sat on the tiled surface and both began to cry. The three men formed a protective circle around them, letting them have their moment to reunite. Once they were able to gain their composure, they stood with their arms linked and made their introductions. Vivienne hugged each one of the men, just as Thalia had thrown her arms around Iron, thanking him for rescuing her friend from a marriage she didn’t want.
“Vee rescued me, too.” The sincerity in Iron’s voice had Thalia swallowing around the lump in her throat. “Glad you’re here. Anything you need, you only have to ask. I know the plan is for you to go with Red and Sully back to California, but I want you to know I’ve always wanted a vacation home. Maybe a little beach house on the opposite coast. I don’t think Vee would give me a hard time about it.” Thalia couldn’t seem to remove the smile from her face. Not until Sully grabbed his bag and turned to her.
“Thalia, thanks for giving my buddy a chance. Keep him in line until I get back.” She hugged Sully hard, whispering thank you in his ear. The men exchanged hugs and backslaps before walking outside to the passenger pickup area. Iron had told Sully it was no problem to drop him off at the Navy base, but the lieutenant commander’s assistant had been tasked with picking him up.
The men carried the bags as they walked to Iron’s vehicle. She and Vivienne got into the back seat so they could stay close, while Iron and Mason sat in the front.
“I know I only get you for tonight and tomorrow before your flight leaves for California. I thought we’d keep things low-key tonight and then if you’re up for it, I’d love for you to meet some of Hannah’s friends. They were so kind to me when Hannah was in the hospital.”
“Hospital?” Hannah had seemed okay the day of the rehearsal dinner. Vivienne’s face sobered. The look was so unnatural on her friend’s sunny features that her gut tightened.
“There’s a lot that happened after you were taken.” She took Thalia’s hand. “Regina shattered Hannah’s knee with a rock.”
She couldn’t quiet her gasp, and Mason immediately turned in his seat, his expression etched with concern. “Okay?” he asked softly. The sincerity riding his tone and the soft words directed toward her alone resonated through her chest. It had been a long time since someone had worried about her besides Vivienne, and no one had ever made her feel so important before. To protect her heart, she’d vowed not to think of forevers with Mason, but it was no use. He seemed hell-bent on her finding her own path, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t soak up all his kindness until then. No matter what happened between them, he’d always hold the most special place in her heart, right alongside her beloved mother and father.
She cleared her throat. “Vivienne is updating me on what happened after I was taken away from the reception. I’m okay, I just can’t imagine someone hurting a member of their family. Anyone really, but a sister? Please tell me she’s going to be okay.” A painful wedge had formed in her throat. So much senseless hurt.
“She had surgery to repair the damage, and she’s home now with her son, Collin. If it wasn’t for him leaving a trail of UNO cards through the woods, I don’t know if we could’ve found her in time. Her boyfriend Branch has been driving her crazy with his hovering.”
“She doesn’t seem like a woman who would appreciate being fussed over.” Thalia had found Hannah’s no-nonsense exterior during their brief meeting a refreshing change from the other members of the Day family.
“As much as it annoys her,” Vivienne said grinning, “I think she secretly feels very lucky for his care.”
“And you?” Thalia turned in her seat, now fully facing her friend. “Were you hurt?”
Vivienne swallowed hard and exchanged a glance with Iron in the rearview mirror.
“Tell me.” Her words came out as a demand.
“Regina shot at me, but Iron jumped on top of me, shielding me.”
She had recalled Iron walking with a stiff gait and wondered if he’d been hurt. The car had gone quiet as they turned down a street edging the ocean. A weathered, gray-washed beach cottage surrounded by soft hills of sand came into view. Tall gold and green grass speared up from the dunes, swaying in the breeze. Behind the home, a strip of the sea was visible. Iron stopped the car, parking in the driveway. She pressed the latch on her seat belt, scrambling out of the vehicle. The others were right behind her, but she rounded the car to Iron, throwing her arms around him once again.
“Thank you for what you did. If anyone deserves a champion, it’s Vivienne.” She leaned back and offered him a smile. One she hoped conveyed her appreciation for what he’d done.
“From what I’ve heard, you do too,” Iron said. Weight on her shoulder had her glancing back to where Mason stood, offering his silent support. “And it looks like you found one.”
