Redemption (12 page)

“How...” He took in another breath as she pulled at one side of his shirt and three buttons released all at once. “How did you finally remember?”

She pulled his shirt apart, letting it rest at his sides, before crawling further on top of him to place a gentle kiss over his heart. She then rested her chin on his sternum and looked up into his eyes. “Martin was essentially a father figure, and as a father he wanted his daughter happily coupled off with a mate. He introduced me to Jean Paul, a vampire who had been turned during the French Revolution when he was just twenty-three. Martin thought we could be perfect for each other, but every time I thought of even coming close to him I saw your face.” Her fingertips lazily traced the defined contours of his jaw. “I remembered your eyes and the way they lit up every time you saw me. I remembered how soft your lips were every time we kissed.” Her fingertips softly tread across his lips. “Jean Paul was a very passionate young man, very adventurous. He got swept up in a moment one night we were out and pulled me into a passionate kiss.”

Ryan rolled his eyes as he squirmed underneath her.

She smacked his chest lightly. “Stop. He was a wonderful man, but when he kissed me everything came flooding back. Growing up in Boston, my parents, moving to London… The first time we snuck off to the kitchen and you kissed me right after we had finished off one of Emily’s apple pies… It was all there.”

“So, what happened with Jean Paul?” He raised his eyebrows as he stroked his fingers through her hair starting at her temple.

“We had fun together, but nothing romantic ever happened after that. Even being the second man I’d ever kissed, he was nothing compared to you.”

“And Ian? How did he compare?”

Her head dipped down, her lips flush with the skin of his chest. “He reminded me so much of you,” she mumbled into his chest.

“A ruggedly handsome bloke, then?”

She looked up with a smile. “Yes, very handsome, but his mannerisms too. His playfulness and his eyes. He gave me a flutter and I tried to see where it would take me, but I let it get too serious; hence my move to Iceland.”

“Do you feel a flutter now?” He leaned down, his lips meeting her forehead.

“More like a raging inferno. No one else ever came close to making me feel what I am at this moment.”

“Inferno? Hmm... Let’s see if we can warm you up a bit more.” He sat them both up then tore his shirt from his shoulders. “It might be a tad bit unconventional, but I think every stitch of clothing needs to go.” He grasped them hem of her navy cotton t-shirt and swiftly pulled it over her head.

She reached in between her breasts to unclasp her burgundy bra, before sliding it off her shoulders and down her torso. She seized his shoulders, pulling his chest flush with hers and in a breath, their lips met. The heat from his breath entered her mouth with every kiss, flowing deeper and deeper inside of her until she felt she might melt at any second.

His hands went to the front of her jeans, pulling at the button then the zipper. He nibbled on her bottom lip as he spoke. “This was a lot easier when it was just a dressing gown. I think I hate zippers.”

“Me too.” She pulled on his with a little too much force, ripping one side of his jeans from seam to seam across his thigh.

They instantly pulled back from each other, inspecting for any real damage.

“Oops.” Lily batted her eyelashes innocently before Ryan grabbed her arms and flipped her onto her back.

He sat on his haunches between her legs, removing each shoe and then pulling her legs out of her jeans one leg at a time. He was rewarded with the sight of a pair of matching burgundy lace boy shorts. He licked his lips before jumping off the bed and ridding himself of his shoes and ripped jeans.

She turned and sat on the edge of the bed bringing his upright form closer. She began to lay long soft kisses around his navel as he massaged her scalp.

“Things have really changed since the last time we were together.” Lily’s tongue traced a circle around Ryan’s navel, her fingertips following the trail of hair leading down lower. “Some of the things I always wanted to try back then were so forbidden. Now, I...”

Ryan slipped his fingers under her chin bringing her gaze to his. “I want to touch, kiss, and taste every inch of your body. I know if we would have had more time we would have explored each other fully. I want to give you the pleasure I never had a chance to, just tell me what you want. I’m yours.”

She smiled against his stomach as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Her fingers slipped into the back of his black boxer briefs making their way to the front before tugging them down. He kicked them off and looked down to see her admiring his hardened length. She looked up at him, silently asking for permission. A soft nod and a caress of her cheek gave her the courage to continue. Her fingers flowed lightly over the silky soft skin, the veins began pulsating beneath her palm as she slowly began to stroke.

“Lily, that feels...” Ryan groaned before struggling for air taking short gasping breaths.

She leaned in with closed eyes and reverently kissed the tip. Once, twice, three times before she braved to open her mouth a little wider. She was stopped by Ryan scooping her up beneath her arms and throwing her into the middle of the bed.

He hovered above her, his fingers teasing at her lace. “May I?”

All she could do was nod, any other thought escaping her.

He pulled the lace from her hips and down her legs, throwing it off to the side to join the rest of their forgotten clothing.

He layered kisses from one hip to the other with light sweeps of his tongue in between. His hands lightly massaged her thigh, opening her up to him. His breath swept over her stomach, reaching her breast as he began to suckle on her nipple. Her breath hitched at the powerful sensations surging throughout her body. The long, languid licks that at one time would have made her blush ten shades of red were common place at that moment. She whimpered at the feeling of his thumb lightly tracing one nipple while he kissed, tugged, and bit at the other.

Her moans reverberated off the bedroom walls causing both of them to continue to ache where they needed each other most. Her fingers tangled through his onyx strands while his lips traveled across her collarbone and up her neck. She felt him teasing at her entrance as his lips hovered above hers.

“Ryan.” She brought her hand from his hair to caress his cheek, attempting to keep her body from writhing off the bed. “Don’t make me wait any longer.”

“I aim to please, my sweet.” His lips met hers as she felt him slowly slide into her.

She groaned as he slid in and out of her. Her muscles began to pulsate around him as his thrusts became deeper and longer. The sweat dripped from his brow as they each came closer to the release they’d waited over a century for. Her fingertips dug at his hips as she pulled him in. His breath fanned across her breast which seemed to be directly linked to her undulating core.

He sped up with her encouragement, thrusting without thought or rhythm. His breaths were coming in short pants as he couldn’t hold himself back anymore.

“Are you with me?” he whispered.

“Yes!” Her muscles convulsed around him and she felt him empty himself into her.

The panting slowed down as he lay spent with his head on her chest. He kissed the side of her left breast, his breath flowing across her nipple.

“That was worth the wait.”

She sighed and brought her lips down to the crown of his head. “Definitely.”

“You know the best part about us being the way we are now?” He questioned, as he slipped from within her and lay on his side next to her.

She raked her hand through her hair, attempting to control the mess they had created. “No. I can’t see the upside in us being apart for this long and me being a blood-sucking vampire while you ferry souls to the other side for the man upstairs.” She turned to look into his eyes and was met with his brow scrunched up in an irritated glare.

“What I mean is that we have an unending supply of stamina for all the make-up sex, which I hear is the best kind.” He leaned in and placed as soft peck on her nose.

“Make-up sex? I thought that was for only after a fight, or so I’ve been told.” Her fingers made their way to his temple to sweep the sweat drenched hair from his forehead.

“Ah, but this is ‘make-up for lost time’ sex. I know how much we talked about making love before we were married and we only got to put it into practice a few times, but-”

“Eight times,” she interrupted. “Eight perfect times.”

“Yes, eight, you’re right – but we have a century to make up for. Peter himself is going to have to drag me away. I don’t ever want to be away from you again. I’ve never stopped loving you, not for one second of eternity.”

She placed her forehead against his. “Nor I you. I tried so hard to forget, but even this un-beating heart of mine would never let go of you. He must have a plan for us. Maybe this was how we were supposed to be all along.”

“I have no idea.” He brought his lips to hers, brushing delicately across them. “Whatever His plan is, I hope we figure it out soon.”

They heard a knocking on their suite door at that moment. They looked at each other, then to their bedroom door. “Speak of He and He shall arrive. Or maybe it’s just Peter here to spoil all our fun.”

Lily got out of bed and pulled on a hotel issued robe, making her way out of the bedroom to the front door of their suite to find the person behind the disruption of their reunion.

So many things flew through Becca’s mind for the remainder of the flight. Finding out that Gideon was the reason behind her mother’s death made her comb through all the memories she had of her mother in the last year of her life.

She tried so hard to remember, bu
t it had been at least twenty-two years. Twenty-two years of trying to forget. Little things popped out here and there, but nothing overly odd. She did remember lots of weekend trips to The Manchester Group offices. Becca remembered getting her own security card so that she was able to explore the building on her own while her mother worked on... She really couldn’t remember what her mother had been working on.

Sam had made special arrangements for them to land at Reykjavik Airport. Normally, private international flights didn’t land there, but when you had the money of The Manchester Group in the palm of your hand, almost anything was possible.

Once they had gathered their bags, they made their way to the car park. A black sedan was waiting with a driver holding a sign that read ‘Fleming’.

Sam approached the driver and shook his hand. “I’m Sam Fleming. These are my companions, Ian Holt and Rebecca Swift.”

The young man shook each of their hands before introducing himself. “Liam Caldwell. I’ve been instructed to be at your disposal. You have reservations in town, but I was told we would be going somewhere else first.”

Becca could barely see Liam’s eyebrows rise behind his dark aviator glasses. She looked to Sam to answer the man as they loaded the bags into the trunk.

“We were hoping to spend the day in Seltjarnarnes. We are looking to surprise a friend that lives close.” Sam tightened his wool coat around him as Liam shut the trunk lid.

“Beautiful part of the country up there. I’m sure your friend will be happy to see you.” Liam opened the back passenger side door. “Miss Swift?” He motioned for Becca to enter the back of the car.

She slid in, slightly relaxing as her backside took comfort in the heated leather seat. Ian slid in next to her shivering while Sam sat up front with Liam.

“When you said cold weather, you really meant it.” Ian cupped his hands in front of his mouth and tried to blow his hot breath on them.

“This is nothing. Hopefully we won’t have a blizzard while we’re here.” Becca replied, resting her head on the back of the seat as the car began to move.

“Oh, come on. No snowmen or snow angels for you?”

She turned her head and gave him her best glare, but it soon melted once she noticed the pouting lip and bright blue eyes pleading with her.

She straightened up in her seat and looked out the front window before she spoke again. “Once we find Lily, I have a feeling we won’t be spending time together goofing off in the snow.” She could feel the very real ache in her chest grow as she spoke the words she knew to be true. She was doing her best to keep herself together when she felt Ian’s cool hand grasp her own.

“No matter what happens from here on out, you will always be a huge part of my life. You’ve given me something I thought I’d never have again; Hope.”

Becca swallowed hard before turning her gaze back to him. “I’m glad I could help. Lily deserves all the happiness in the world.”

“You do too.” She felt a soft squeeze of her hand which sent a sharp pain straight to her heart. “You’ll find it. Someone as amazing as you are deserves to be shared. Any guy would be lucky to have someone as beautiful, funny, and smart as you.”

“Thanks.” Becca let out a deep breath before taking her hand out of Ian’s. She faked a yawn and laid her head back against the seat. “I hardly slept a wink on the plane. I think it’s catching up with me.”

“Rest. I’ll wake you once we get there.”

Becca smiled and fluttered her eyes closed. She concentrated on Ian’s breathing as she slowly relaxed and actually fell asleep.

Ian’s gaze stayed on Becca as her breathing evened out and his mind began to wander. He began to think about the words he’d just spoken to her.

“Someone as amazing as you deserves to be shared.”

The ache in his chest was a familiar one, but not where Becca was concerned. He’d felt the ache in a thousand different degrees since Lily had left him, but when Becca showed up it was replaced by the feeling of hope she’d brought with her. He wondered why Becca finding someone to spend her life with would cause the feeling to return.

He thought about the way they had ended up talking like old friends the night she arrived in Boston. They talked about anything and everything, and had discovered they had so much in common outside of Lily. They loved to cook, enjoyed the same type of music, and even liked to dance on occasion.

The sudden vision of he and Becca dancing at one of his father’s many political functions came to mind. He could see the blue silk perfectly formed around her curves, almost feel it beneath his fingertips as they caressed her backside. The thought brought a smile to his lips, yet he wondered why he had never thought of Lily in that way.

He was brought out his vivid thoughts as the car pulled up outside a tavern and came to a stop. Sam stepped out after instructing Liam to wait for them all in the car.

Becca slowly woke as Sam opened her door and took her hand.

“We’re here,” Sam whispered.

Becca straightened up before sliding out to stand on the street. Ian came around the back of the car to join Becca and Sam.

“You ready for this?” Sam looked to Ian but was really addressing them both.

“As I’ll ever be,” Ian answered, as he placed his hand on the small of Becca’s back.

They walked up to the front door and entered the charming local tavern.

They noticed a petite redheaded woman wiping down the bar once they were all inside. The rest of the tavern was empty.

“Sorry ‘bout the mess. We haven’t really been open for regular business for a couple of days.” The woman busied herself with cleaning a few glasses as the three of them approached the bar. “What can I...”

The woman’s gaze froze on Becca. “I can’t believe it. You’re Rebecca!” The woman rushed around the bar to give Becca bone-crushing a hug.

“Yes, and you are?”

Renee pulled herself back with a flush of embarrassment across her cheeks. “Oh, right. I’m sure Lily hadn’t mentioned me, but I thought maybe Peter would have. I thought I made a pretty good impression. Anyway, I’m Renee. This is my place.”

“Wait, slow down.” Sam stood in front of Renee. “You know Lily and Peter?”

“Well, I’ve known Lily since she bought the cabin a few years back. Peter came just a few days ago. I thought maybe bringing her sister here was the surprise he had promised.”

Sam shook his head while his eyes were squeezed shut. He lifted his head to see Renee’s excited eyes.

“I’m sorry, I’ve been rude. I’m Sam Fleming. Lily used to work for me.” He then motioned to Becca. “This is Rebecca Swift, as you know, Lily’s sister.” Sam stepped next to Ian and clasped his hand on his shoulder. “This is Ian Holt.”

Ian stepped forward to shake Renee’s hand. “Has Lily mentioned me?”

“I’m sorry, no. Are you another brother of hers? You don’t really look like Peter, though.” Renee looked slightly confused as Sam brought her attention back to him.

“No, no. Ian is a close friend of the family.” He placed his hand gently on Renee’s shoulder. “When was the last time you spoke with Lily?”

“Sometime yesterday. She left here after we talked about the surprise Peter would be leaving for her. I take it by all of your faces, your visit is not the surprise.”

“Peter didn’t send us, no. Lily doesn’t know we’re coming. Do you think you might give her a call and see if she could come here? We’d appreciate it.” Sam’s fingertips made their way down to Renee’s hand.

“Sure.” Renee went back behind the bar and grabbed the phone.

Sam noticed Becca being calmed by Ian from what looked like a minor panic attack. Sam went over to them and tried to explain the situation.

“What was Peter doing here?” Becca was noticeably frazzled. “We haven’t seen him since the whole Gideon mess. Doesn’t he only come around when, He,” she pointed upwards, “has something for her to do?”

“Yes, but I hadn’t heard anything that would need her specific attention. Nothing Debir or Filipp couldn’t handle.”

Ian’s breath had regulated as he looked to Sam confused. “Who are they?”

“The only other vampires in known existence. They work for us, thankfully.” Sam sighed as he thought about the two of them working together in Bucharest.

“She’s the only female vampire?” Ian shout whispered.

“Calm down.” Sam ushered the three of them to a nearby table to sit down. “Yes. That is why she knows how important it is that we know where she is at all times; she had to tell me where she would be.”

“I hope a few draughts are alright.” Renee placed three glasses of amber liquid on their table. “Lily’s not answering at home or on her cell. I called work, but she’s not there either.”

“Is that unusual?” Becca asked before taking a sip. “Wow, this is really good.”

“Thanks. But yeah, it is a little. She never turns her cell off.” Renee stood with her hands on her hips deep in thought.

At that moment, the front door opened and closed. Liam stood at the door. His hand reached back to the door and turned the lock before switching the sign to ‘closed’.

Sam stood to address Liam. “I thought I’d asked you to stay in the car.”

“Plans have changed, Sammael.”

Sam swallowed hard, as shock of his true name being spoken surged through him. He felt Becca stand next to him and take his hand.

“Oh, and the beautiful Rebecca. I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment. I’ll have to adjust my plans a little to accommodate Mr. Holt, but no bother. More incentive for our favorite immortal.”

Rebecca shuddered at Sam’s side as Ian slowly rose next to her, his hand grasping her hip tightly.

“I don’t know who you think you are, but you’re not welcome here,” Renee stated, as she approached Liam and attempted to shoo him towards the door.

He pulled out what looked like a ballpoint pen before pressing the tip into Renee’s bicep. Within a second, she fell unconscious to the floor.

“Now that she’s out of the way, shall we be going?” Liam stepped over Renee’s body while placing the pen back into his pocket.

“What have you done?” Becca’s voice came out as a strangled cry.

“She’ll wake up, I think.” Liam smiled as he removed his aviator glasses to reveal the purest blue eyes.

“You can’t be, your kind died out decades ago...” Sam took a protective stance in front of Becca and Ian.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. You know better than to underestimate us.” Liam rolled up his sleeve to reveal a small, black circle of flames embedded in the skin at his wrist. “Maybe The Manchester Group isn’t as all knowing as you thought.” Liam rubbed his hands together in excitement. “Shall we get this show on the road?”

“What do you think you’re going to do? You can’t have any real powers having never been really fed on.” Sam was confident in his assessment as he stood tall in front of Becca and Ian.

“No, but I do have this.”

Liam pulled out a small box from his jacket pocket. The top split open into four angled pieces. A red orb glowed increasingly brighter as he brought it up for Sam to examine.

“Bye-bye.” The red glow encompassed the tavern completely before the four of them disappeared, leaving Renee unconscious on the floor.