Page 120 of Their Reckless Thief
Her.
She leaned forward, her hands braced against my shoulders, her breath hot and ragged against my skin. The intensity between us was too much, too raw, and as we moved together, I knew this was more than just sex. It was more than just a moment. It was everything.
I couldn’t hold back anymore. I thrust up into her, hard and deep, and she cried out, her nails digging into my skin. It was primal and intense. And I loved every second of it. The way she clenched around me, the way her body responded to mine… it was everything I’d ever wanted and more.
When she finally reached her peak, trembling in my arms, I followed right after her, holding her close as we rode out the ecstasy together.
Afterward, we stayed like that, tangled together in the cooling water, neither of us saying a word. I didn’t want to let her go. I didn’t want this moment to end.
Fuck, I was screwed.
I was so fucking in love with her, and she had no idea.
And that scared the shit out of me.
I watched Celeste dress.The magical salve had already started working on her cuts, knitting the skin back together almost seamlessly. She was running her fingers over her arms, her expression somewhere between amazement and disbelief.
“You sure Luca didn’t slip me something else with that salve?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “It seems impossible for my wounds to heal this quickly.”
I winked at her as I pulled on my shirt. “It’s just good stuff. You know, the perks of running with wolves and vampires and whatever the fuck Luca is.”
She laughed softly, but there was a tired edge to it. These last few weeks had been hell on all of us, especially her. Between the heists, the wounds, and the constant danger, none of us had had an opportunity to just breathe. Just be.
Which was why I had an idea.
“You know,” I began, running a hand through my hair, “you need a break from all this mafia shit.”
“And how do you suggest I do that, Dorian?”
“Well…” I tried to sound casual, but my excitement seeped through. “I was thinking of going to visit my old pack. My family. Check in on them, see how they’re doing. They live out in this secluded forest on the edge of Vincenzo’s territory. You might like it. Quiet. No mafia lords breathing down your neck. What do you say?”
She chuckled and shook her head. “Taking me to meet the fam. Don’t think you’re going to weasel your way into my heart, Mr. Voss.”
“I know,” I replied quickly, trying to hide the sting her words inflicted. “It’s a simple visit, no strings attached. Besides, they’d love you. I’m sure of it.”
There was a hesitation in her eyes, but she gave me a soft smile. “Why the hell not?”
I didn’t give her a chance to change her mind. We were out the door and into the SUV in no time, the earlier tension melting away in the ease of her laughter and my stories as I drove.
The closer we got to the edge of Vincenzo’s territory, the quieter it became. Dense trees and sprawling woods replaced the dark opulence of The Below. It was the kind of place that made you forget, even for a second, about the madness of our world.
A hidden haven.
When we finally pulled up, the familiar cabins nestled among the trees came into view. Quaint, charming log homes, smoke curling from chimneys, wolves roaming freely. The kids ran out as soon as they saw the car, barefoot and wild, with big smiles plastered across their faces.
They barreled toward me. “Uncle Dorian!”
I barely had time to react before they leapt into my arms. I caught one under each arm and twirled them around while they shrieked with joy.
Celeste watched, her arms crossed, a rare smile tugging at her lips. “You never told me you were good with kids.”
“Eh.” I grinned, setting the kids down. “I have my moments.”
She stood there, observing the scene like it was something completely foreign. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen children in The Below before.”
I nodded, motioning to the pack around us. “This place is different from other territories. Packs are family-oriented. We take care of our own, especially the young ones. Vincenzo ensures we’re safe here. It’s one of the few places in The Below where kids can run around without looking over their shoulder.”
Celeste’s expression softened as she took it all in. “This is so much different from what I expected.”
