Page 17 of Rescuing Rebel

Ethan

Despite the clearblue skies and serenity of the Californian coastline, a storm brews within me. Everywhere I turn, reminders of Rebel amplify my hunger—a stray redhead in the crowd, the tantalizing scent of Rebel’s perfume lingering on the breeze, the soft melody of a tune she always hums. Each one turns simple cravings into visceral pangs of need.

But as much as my body screams for release, my conscience weighs heavily on me. The challenges she faces, the emotional labyrinth she’s navigating—her recovery isn’t just an obstacle in my path. It’s a stark reminder of the care she requires.

She deserves understanding and patience, not the unchecked desires of a madman craving her touch.

When I try to immerse myself in work, her image fills my mind and makes concentration impossible. Whether it’s the women’s mundane chatter or the ocean’s distant roll, every sound around me fades to the background as I remember the echo of her laughter, the promise lingering in her whispered words and the pleasure behind her soft sighs.

Nights are worse. There’s no rest in the emptiness of my bed. The cool sheets do nothing to quell the burning heat that spreads through me when I remember our stolen kisses.

With each night that passes, the divide between what I crave and what seems right widens. I struggle for air, clarity, and control while the beast within me rages for more Rebel.

Yet another beautiful sunny day, I find myself back on The Facility’s grounds, getting ready for another training session with the rescues. The quintessential California sun beats down on me, but its warmth pales compared to the fire Rebel ignites when we kiss.

I get to see her today. Lord help me restrain myself.

Three days and three nights have done their worst, dragging out the agony of the desire flowing in my veins. Three restless nights where my sole relief was found in my hand, followed by the fleeting satisfaction of an empty release. What pleasure I experienced was hollow and empty, tainted by my growing frustration.

Each time I close my eyes, Rebel’s face, lips, and touch haunt my thoughts. My need becomes a palpable ache clawing at my insides.

I’m a man standing on the edge, teetering dangerously between longing and taking what I want. My hunger for her grows. My desire to taste her lips intensifies. My need to feel her tucked in tight against my body turns dangerous.

But as my desire ignites, I remind myself what brought her here.

There are dangerous lines I shouldn’t cross.

The late-midday sunlight streams into the courtyard where we train those we’ve rescued. My attempts to fill out progress reports on our new students keep getting sidelined when my thoughts drift to Rebel.

Tangled in tactile memories—the warm glide of her skin under my hand, the hungry press of her lips claiming mine—I still feel her curves molded tight around me, our passion cresting like the crashing waves around us.

Even now, my pulse quickens, my body reliving each gasp and desperate plea for more. I shift restlessly, craving her touch, her taste, and her sweet embrace. The woman drives me wild.

I need more.

But there’s a line.

A line I can’t cross.

With my thoughts in turmoil and not at all focused, Sam, leader of Guardian HRS, makes a surprise appearance. Great, this is exactly what I don’t need. I stand at attention as he saunters across the courtyard, his shrewd eyes fixed on me.

His presence, while a surprise, isn’t alarming. Sam often pops in unannounced, checking in on his team. It’s something he encourages in CJ and Mitzy as a way to enhance teamwork.

“Got a minute?” he asks.

“Just finishing annotating the progress of our trainees. It’s time to split them up and work on their strengths.”

“Excellent. I’m happy to hear that. I wanted to check in and see how you’re acclimating to taking over Charlie team.” Sam takes a seat on a low-set wall.

“It’s going well. The men have welcomed me. I’m not sensing any friction.”

“How’s the training going with the women?” Sam’s eyes bore into mine.

“I’m impressed by Guardian HRS’s dedication to helping those you’ve rescued.”

“We’verescued. You’re a part of our team now.”

“True, and honored to assist any way I can.” I meet his gaze evenly.

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