Entanglement Read online

  He pulled his head back, turning slowly to glare at Gavin and one of the waitresses as they walked through the parking lot. Emmy exhaled softly as the ground reappeared under her feet. Her hands ran down his strong arms, her eyes set to the profile of his face, taking in every bit of perfection the moon allowed her to see.

  “Evening,”

  As Gavin spoke with a chuckle, Emmy’s attention shifted to him. She could see it in his expression, that look of amusement at seeing her there with a stranger… at least, a stranger to her. He gave Jeremy a nod before placing his arm around the waitress, disappearing around the corner of the lot.

  Emmy fixed her shirt, disappointment settling in. She couldn't help but wonder if that killed everything. Was the moment lost? Would he be done with her? Say goodnight and disappear back to wherever he came from? Licking her lips, her eyes met his as he stood before her in silence.

  Here it comes, she thought. She made a mental note to kill Gavin the next time she saw him, bringing her hands up to brush strands of her hair behind her ears. They turned at the headlights gliding through the distant darkness before his voice brought her attention back to him.

  “How close is your place?”

  “My place?” she asked with a smile, stepping toward him as she placed her palms against his chest. So the moment wasn't ruined, though she hadn't expected to take him home.

  “You don’t seem like an alley kinda girl,” his lips curved into another devastating grin.

  “We would have to be careful so we don't wake my roommates.” He stepped forward, running his hands down her body once more, giving her ass another tight squeeze.

  “We could stay here if you want,” he suggested. As if to accentuate his words, he arched slightly, body pressing against hers again. His lips traced lightly down her nape, moving gently along her shoulder. Emmy closed her eyes, her hands gripping around his forearms as she let out a soft moan.

  At the invitation, his mouth parted, lightly biting her bared flesh. At that, she tightened her grip, blurting her address. Climbing onto the back of his Harley was another first for Emmy. She couldn’t stop smiling from the excitement of it all.

  Wrapping her arms around his waist, she braced her thighs tightly around his frame as she let out a breath. She knew this was a one night thing, there was no future with this mystery man and she would take every second with him open-minded to ensure she didn’t miss a single thing.

  Arriving at the condo, Emmy unlocked the door with a quick twist of the lock. Pushing it open, she started to step inside when she felt Jeremy grab her wrist, spinning her around. Their bodies collided, his lips immediately finding hers again. Dropping her keys to the floor, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling her own body tighter into his. Not caring who they woke, Emmy became lost in him.

  Emmy returned to his arms without hesitation. His hands moved to her ass instantly, securing her in a tight grip. Her legs wrapped around him, crossing at the ankles, just at the small of his back. His lips moved to just above her breast, leaving a heated trail of love bites. Her eyes closed, her body burned as her hands pulled at the back of his hair. She was fighting the desire to beg him to claim her, to take her places she’d never go again. To awaken every single sense inside her she'd ignored for so long.

  “Last room on the right,” she managed to whisper through a moan. She had no problems with him carrying her.

  “Say it first,” he spoke, voice husky with lust. Say what? Her expression must have given away her confusion.

  “Say what you want,” he explained, his body moving to secure her tighter against the front door. She had told him what she wanted, shown him what she wanted, how did he not know? Was this his way of making sure she knew what was happening? Was there actually a rational trail of thought happening in his mind?

  Emmy’s lips parted to give confirmation that she was of right mind, as she believed it to be what he wanted, when she felt his hand move between their bodies. Her eyes remained locked to his, heart beating rapidly as she felt the button of her jeans being undone with a quick flick of his fingers.

  “Jer…” her words stuttered to a halt as she felt his fingers slide between her folds, then move within. Her hands curled around his shoulders instantly, body stretching straight up, eyes rolling back in her head. Her thighs loosened around him only to be rewarded with another finger claiming her, his body pressed tightly against her, serving to press him deeper.

  Her mind quickly became hazy with pleasure, a louder moan falling from her lips. Emmy knew then he didn’t want to know she was aware of her choices. No, he wanted her to beg him. “Please,” she spoke, voice raspy.

  “Please, what?” he asked, his lips moving along her collarbone. Emmy was near losing her mind, her moans certain to wake the entire condo.

  “I want you, please... I’m yours.” Pulling his fingers from her, Jeremy pulled her from the door and carried her through the large room, pausing at the entrance of the hallway. Turning to move into her room, he carried her to the bed before he placed her down in the center, his body hovering over hers. She looked up at him in awe, this God-like man in her bed, touching her, kissing her, ready to claim her… even if only for the night. Lifting her hands up, Emmy placed one on his cheek, the other on his shoulder as their eyes met.

  Jeremy’s body lowered, his hand moving down her side to stop at the hem of her shirt. Gliding his fingers upward under the material, he leaned down, his lips pressing against her stomach. The light brush made her quiver in anticipation. He hadn't even undressed her and she could feel her climax building.

  “Do…door…” she whispered, “get the door.”

  He lifted from her, glancing back at the opened door before he pushed himself from the bed. Emmy watched him, taking in his beauty revealed by the soft glow of the dimmed light. Hearing the lock click, everything became real, moving in slow motion as her breathing grew ragged, her heart feeling as though it could burst through her chest.

  He stepped from his boots and socks, moving across the room as he reached behind his head to tug his shirt off. Then, he paused at the foot of the bed, just looking at her. No way this could be happening to her, Emmy thought. This man looked to be sculpted from clay, given to the women of the world, most being forced to only admire from afar. He was extremely toned, his dedication to staying in shape clear. His body was a literal work of art, tattoos covering his right arm and half of his left. Undoing his belt, he lowered his jeans, placing his knee on the bed.

  As he moved up to her, Emmy's body nearly shook from the excitement and nervousness that wracked her. His hands tugged at her shirt, pulling it over her head smoothly. Tossing it to the floor, he moved back to her jeans, pulling them down with a gentle yank. Emmy felt him remove the rest of her clothing quickly, her body now almost bared to him except for the thin scrap of lace between her legs. He climbed back over her, her thighs parting to easily welcome him between them. Seconds passed, both waiting in anticipation before he kissed against her throat under her chin.

  She felt like a Goddess being cherished by a God as her hands slowly rubbed up against his sides, fingertips moving along the sword tattoo down his left side. She was floating on air, lost in a trance of pure bliss and heaven as he surrounded her, the scent of him damn near intoxicating when combined with the feel of him against her.

  Opening her eyes at the cool breeze against her firm peaks, she looked to him as his lips trailed down her chest. She arched, feeling his mouth enclose her nipple, hardening further against the circular sweeps of his tongue. Her hands roughly slid through his hair, palms cupping the back of his head to bring him down harder against her. Her hips arched up towards him, the tip of his erect manhood rubbing against the wetness of her panties.

  Just as quickly as it had started, it stopped. She blinked, brow creasing in confusion. What happened? Did she do something wrong? Was he just messing with her head? She felt slightly nauseous, a pang of sadness with the thought that her one go at adventure would end without fully playing out.

  Jeremy rose over her, his hands pressed firmly to the bed along her sides. Rubbing her fingertips along his arms, her thighs caressed his sides as they lifted then fell. Her movements slowed as the silence continued, unsure of where they stood. Just when she was about to ask, his raspy voice stopped her from her questions.

  “Say it again,” he commanded.

  Something changed as he spoke those three words. He was different. His eyes shifted, they were no longer bright blue with a welcoming pull. They were darker, primal almost, transforming like a werewolf would in a movie. She lay beneath him, the siren's lure of him still pulling her hips upward to involuntarily rub herself against him greedily.

  “I’m yours.”

  Those words twisted something in Jeremy that raised a giddy mix of fear and excitement in her. Lowering himself down, he forced his lips against hers, his tongue battling with hers for dominance. She had lost every ounce of reserve she had left, her moaning pleas escaping with every breath.

  His hands slid down her sides, his fingers dipping under the hem of her panties. Emmy lifted her hips enough for him to pull them down before she dug her fingers into his shoulders, as though to hold on. She felt the sweetest pain between her thighs, an ache she had never felt before... her body calling to his, pleading for release. He lifted one of her legs up, his hand coming up under it.

  She offered him no resistance, no question of what she wanted. She was ready to cross this line of 'good girl' she'd been forced to live her entire life. Their lips parting, she opened her eyes to meet his, a smile tugging at her features as she basked in what many would call the calm before the storm.

  Then her eyes rolled back into her head, her fingers bent, forcing her nails into his skin as he slid into her. With one roll of his hips, she was thrust into ecstasy with the feel of him moving. As his rhythm increased, her moans rose in pitch and tempo, until she almost couldn't separate them.

  For Emmy, everything changed that night with Jeremy. He awakened something in her, revealing to her that living without fear, without regret would ensure living a full life. There was no worry of protection, no fear of anyone hearing them. They remained wrapped in one another until the sun nearly claimed the sky. She didn’t need to know his full name, where he came from or his birthday. She just needed a night of pure pleasure with no ties.

  The next morning, Emmy woke with a wide smile on her face. She rolled to her side expecting to see Jeremy, a bit saddened to see he had left sometime in the early morning hours. There was no note, no number, nothing but tangled sheets and the hint of his cologne that lingered in the air. It was enough. Grabbing the pillow, she brought it to her face as she smiled wider, breathing in a scent she'd never forget.

  She felt like a new woman, braver, ready to take on the world. Laying there hugging the pillow, Emmy basked in the flashes of her night with Jeremy, still feeling him on her skin. Without warning, the door flew open and there was Maria and Landon standing in the doorway. Emmy jumped, pulling the sheet up over her chest seeing their expressions... like looks a parent would have. Landon leaned forward, taking an exaggerated sniff before he shook his head.

  “Smells like sex in here.”

  Emmy closed her eyes from embarrassment before picking up her pillow and throwing it at the two of them.

  “Come on, get up. Coffee is ready,” Maria teased, knowing Emmy was probably naked under her sheet.

  “I’ll be there in a second,” Emmy replied.

  “Is there a reason you can’t come now? Could you be… naked under there?” Maria's smile was getting even bigger. Landon shook his head before moving back toward the kitchen. Maria stood in the doorway for a few seconds more, before giving her best friend a wink and closing the door.

  Emmy climbed from the bed quickly, wincing in pain as the night's activities caught up with her. Before they wandered back in, she hurried to dress and tug her hair up into a clip. Looking at her reflection in the vanity mirror, she gave herself a quick once-over to ensure there were no visible marks before stepping into the kitchen where all three met her with wide grins. Emmy ignored them, instead going to the coffee machine to fill her mug.

  “So, who was he?” Jennifer asked without delay.

  Emmy turned, blowing on the hot liquid in her mug with a small shrug. “Just some guy I met at the bar.”

  “Name?” Landon quickly added.

  “Not giving you his name. I’m sure you guys know him, and I don’t want to ruin last night with lectures or whatever else you’ll more than likely do.”

  Maria's stare was unnerving. “You planning to see him again?”

  Emmy shook her head in response. “I don’t think so. I don’t think he lives here, and he didn’t leave me a number or Instagram name or anything. If he did though…”

  “If he did?” Maria asked.

  “Well, I wouldn’t kick him out of my bed, that’s for sure.” Emmy gave her friends a wink before exiting the room, leaving her friends there to run down the possible people she could have brought home.

  Chapter Four

  The season changed, the calmness of Autumn weather rolling in. It had been over two weeks since Emmy had her life-changing night with Jeremy and just as long since she'd seen him. He'd vanished like she thought he would. What would've normally made her question herself, regret meeting him and giving herself to him or driven her mad, she now found calmness in. Jeremy was brought to her for a reason and he'd served his purpose.

  Emmy no longer looked at the world with questions of what could or should happen. She no longer feared the pain of acting upon her wishes. It was strange that one night with a stranger could do that, but the experience she shared with Jeremy was eye-opening. She knew better than anyone how short life could be and wasn’t willing to waste another minute.

  The first week after, Maria accused her of making everything up to get them to lighten up on her choice of a caution-filled life. Emmy had gone into great detail with her girlfriends on her night with Jeremy, sharing everything from his tattoos to his blue eyes to the way he touched her. Still, she hadn't given a name, leading Maria to believe he was fake.

  It was only after she began to change, becoming braver, that Maria admitted the night with the mystery man had evolved Emmy, a running joke between the friends. She now lived more in the moment, allowing herself to explore worlds she had left long ago. She began to write in her journal again, poems of adventures, love, sadness and Jeremy. She took up jogging again, making sure she started her day with a five-mile run along the shore. She felt alive and at peace with herself for the first time in her life.

  More than once, Maria had spoken of not giving a man credit for who you are. Emmy always agreed with a slight smile, knowing Jeremy was to thank for her new outlook, no matter how you looked at it. He opened a world to her that was filled with emotions Emmy had no idea were real. He'd pulled down the blinders that had sheltered her all her life and taught her it was okay to do something scary.

  Sitting on a bench in Willow Park, Emmy read the newest book delivered to the store, sipping on hot cocoa. The novel was a romantic one, her favorite, about a young man who fell in love with the outcast. They became best friends, lovers, then engaged. Just one week before their wedding, they were in a car accident and she was horribly injured.

  Emmy sat near a Sugar Maple, her light jacket wrapped around her, her gloves gliding along the edges of the pages. Reading about the man holding his love in his arms, waiting for help as he cried and begged her to stay with him, tears began to fill her eyes.

  “Excuse me?” Looking up, Emmy blinked in surprise at who was in front of her. “You okay?”

  Those hazel eyes peered at her in concern as she took a moment to remember he'd asked a question. “Y... yes,” she finally spoke with a soft smile. “I’m great, Nate. Thank you.”

  “So, you remember me?” he asked, shifting in his stance.

  “You’re pretty hard to forget,” she spoke before she could catch herself. Her cheeks flushed, her eyes closing in embarrassment as she brought her hand to her head before she shook it with a chuckle. “That was horribly corny,” she added as she glanced back to him.

  “Yeah, yeah it was,” he replied, sitting down on the bench next to her. “So, guess it will be our secret.”

  Giving him a wider smile, Emmy looked away from him. She hadn’t seen him since the day he'd stopped at the bookstore, but she couldn't deny she'd thought of him often. Her words might have been corny, but they were the truth. Though their interaction had been short and unremarkable in all respects, he'd somehow managed to leave a lasting impression.

  “So, what’s gotten you so upset from the story?”

  Emmy brought her attention back to him. “Um,” clearing her throat, she looked back to the book briefly, “a young man falling for a girl labeled an outcast.” She was momentarily lost again when she met his gaze. His eyes were hypnotizing, utterly dangerous to her senses.