Chapter 15

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Sean

I f I have to be sidelined and stuck in bed, I can't think of a better way to pass the time than playing house with Piper. Last night, when Tag told her about Ryan's death, she pulled her hand from mine and withdrew.

I thought I'd lost her.

Thankfully, a night's sleep has tempered her hurt with the reality that it was him or me. ‘I don't blame you or Tag for fighting to be the ones to survive.'

Her words chip away some of my sharp edges. How did I end up on the winning side? I didn't expect it, but I also won't question it.

No. For whatever time I get to have Piper in my life, I'll be greedy and enjoy every moment.

My phone buzzes with another notification, but I don't look at it. The MC has been blowing up my cell since four a.m. and there's nothing I can do about it.

If I could get out of bed—I would.

If I could ride to the burning warehouses and help clear out the contents—I would.

But all I could do was phone Tag in the bedroom down the hall and tell him either the McGuires, the Russians, or maybe the Campbells came after.

How did we end up with so many enemies all of a sudden? However it happened, three Quinn warehouses were mysteriously torched the night we killed one of the McGuire boys.

It doesn't take any stretch of the imagination to guess who lit the match. If there were something I could do—I would. Since there's not, I intend to distract myself.

Before Piper gets back, I tilt to one side, pull my underwear off my ass and then tilt to the other side to get rid of them.

Fuck, that hurts.

Which is why I have to get it done and be smiling by the time Piper gets back. It takes a couple of tries and a great deal of cursing in my head, but I get them down my thighs.

She can take it from there.

Piper shuffles back in and lifts the orange pill bottle in the air. "Mission accomplished. Did you miss me?"

With her swinging her hips and her dress swaying around those silky thighs, how could I not? And why the fuck didn't I think of picking her up a few dresses? Because this is a fuck ton better than seeing her in my old t-shirt and sweats.

Not that I don't love seeing her in my clothes—I do.

But this is better.

"Lock the door and get your pretty little ass over here. I'll show you how much I missed you."

She obeys without question, and it does my heart good to see her beaming smile as she hurries to get to me. When was the last time someone was genuinely excited to spend time with me?

The MC cut bunnies are a good workout when I'm stressed or want to forget my troubles for a night or two, but I never go back for more than that.

I would hate to give any of them the wrong idea.

And there are nights I take the emotions out of things altogether and go to one of our gentlemen's clubs. Bride Nolan's girls respect our involvement in keeping their interests safe and are always happy to give a Quinn brother a little thank you perk.

But the way Piper's smile warms when she sees me is both endearing and terrifying. In my head, I'm pumping the breaks big time with this girl. In my heart, I've committed the greatest sin of all—hoping it can last.

Not that I'd admit that to anyone. Ever.

The click of the lock is like a Pavlovian trigger, and I lift my plate to hand it to her. "Let's clear the playing field, shall we?"

Her smile dims. "The deal was that if I got my pills, you would eat."

I flash her a lascivious grin. "Och, I intend to feast. Now, set this aside. There's a new bounty on the menu."

In truth, I'm still starving, but whatever. A man's got to have priorities. Orgasms first. Nutrition second.

"Take one of your pills and then come tend to the wounded, baby."

She makes a show of pouring one of the white tablets into her hand and washing it down with a swig of orange juice. "If I were tending to the wounded properly, I wouldn't be humoring your libido."

"Humoring my libido. Is that all this is to you? I'm crushed."

She rolls her eyes and climbs onto the bed. "I'm sure you are."

I pat the mattress beside my hips. "Come here. Let me get under that dress."

"Are you sure I won't hurt you?"

I toss the covers down my legs and give her the full show. "No more than I enjoy, I promise."

She crawls up the bed on her hands and knees, her gaze locked on my cock. Her tits sway as she comes to me and I'm practically done in. Then, she pauses and bites her bottom lip. "May I try something, Mr. Quinn?"

"Is it on your sex list?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Then yeah. Go for it."

She leans forward, gripping my shaft and drawing her tongue over the bead of precum escaping my cock.

I press my palms into the mattress and try to remember how to breathe. "How do I taste?"

She takes another lick and the pressure in my balls triples. "Like salty sin."

Her head drops again and her lips part over my crown as the sweet heat of her mouth sucks me in. My vision bursts into fractals of light and I close my eyes.

"Am I doing this right?"

It takes a moment to make words form in my mind, but I get there. "You're a natural."

"Really? I've always wondered what sucking cock would be like. It's sexy. Your skin is so soft, and it slides over the steel rod beneath."

She's killing me. Piper is literally going to end me.

"I'm pretty sure your cock is laced with some kind of addictive substance, because I'm hooked. I want to explore what it can do all day and night."

Oh, little girl. Be careful what you wish for. "I can make that happen—we've both been put on the sidelines for the next few days. Might as well make the best use of our time."

She glances up from my lap, her pale blue eyes dancing with mischief. "What about Tag? He won't be happy to find out you're sleeping with a McGuire."

"Who said anything about sleeping?" I reach down her side and slide my hand under the fabric of her skirt to pull her closer. I'm pleasantly startled to find nothing but warm, bare skin. "No underwear?"

"I took them off when I went to my room. I thought you might like the surprise."

"I fucking love it." I splay my fingers and run my hands over her bare ass. With a satisfied smirk, she drops her head and claims me with her mouth again.

As she entertains herself and finds her way, I do my best not to go off early and ruin her fun. It's tough, though, because I wasn't exaggerating when I told her she's a natural.

"That's my good girl. I swear, you were meant to suck my cock, Piper. It feels so good."

My erection is being treated to so much genuine appreciation it's incredible. When she finds a slow, sensual rhythm and starts to suck, my eyes roll back, and I swear I almost black out.

"If you keep doing that, I'll finish way too soon."

"Says you."

There's no mistaking the challenge in her voice or how greedy she's getting with her stroke and suck. "You deserve to be worshipped, too, kitten. In fact, I think you should be rewarded for the no underwear game and come sit on my face."

"Yeah?"

"Definitely."

She pops off the end of my cock and flashes me a wicked smile. "Rain check. I'm not done feasting on you. Besides, you took good care of me when I was hurt. I want to return the favor."

I see stars when she sucks me back into her mouth and then reaches lower and grabs hold of my sac.

Incredible. Piper may not have had a lot of experience, but what she lacks in finesse, she more than makes up for in enthusiasm.

Which is cute as fuck.

I drop my head back and shift my grip on her ass to slide between her legs. She's warm and wet and when my fingers slide into her heat, I match her efforts stroke for stroke.

If she doesn't want to give my cock up, who am I to argue? She's got a dominant side blossoming inside her and I'm so on board for that, it's crazy.

Whatever Piper wants to do with me—I'm game.

As she works me over, I rub her clit and wind her up like she's doing to me. It doesn't take long before she's groaning and grinding against my touch. "Come sit on me, Piper. Let me fill you up."

She shakes her head. "You're hurt. I don't want you pulling your stitches open."

"I won't be able to pound into you for a few days, but I'm capable of sitting here and letting you ride me. We're fine."

She chuckles. "Why do I feel like you'd say that whether it was true or not?"

Because she's an exceptionally intelligent woman. It's still true. "I'm taking it easy here and letting you get me off, but I can do more. I promise."

She considers for another moment before she shakes her head and resumes her fun. With her head down and her attentions locked, it doesn't take long for her to find her rhythm again.

And all I can do is enjoy the ride.

Fuck, when was the last time a woman was this focused on pleasuring me? A woman that wasn't an MC groupie or a professional, that is.

I can't think because Piper finds her stride and the pressure at the base of my balls is incredible. I don't want this to end, but there's no way I can hold back.

"Kitten, I'm going to come so hard, I'll be shooting straight into your stomach. If you don't want me in your mouth, now's the time to use your hand."

But she doesn't pop off and there's no holding back.

My release explodes out of me in hot streams as my hips buck and the world fractures around me. It's so good. I grind my teeth and try not to shout out and bring the household running.

Waves of pleasure pulse through me as I give her everything I've got. And through it all, Piper makes this feminine sound that's a cross between a purr and a groan.

"Holy hell," I grind out between clenched teeth. "You're going to kill me."

Piper freezes. "Oh, god. Did I hurt you?"

My eyes are clenched shut, and after a couple of calming breaths, I meet her panicked gaze. "No, lass, but you made me come so hard I'm still seeing stars."

"Really?"

"Really. Sweet mercies, Piper. You have no idea what you do to me, do you?"

"If it's anything like what you do to me, we might be in trouble."

I laugh. "We are definitely in trouble."

"But you liked it?"

"I fucking loved it."

She's all grins and glowing pride as she climbs up the bed and settles on the pillow next to me. "Do you know what I loved most?"

"Tell me and I'll make sure I never stop doing it."

She bites her bottom lip. "When you called me your good girl while I was having my fun."

I stiffen a little more. "You like that?"

Her ebony hair has fallen over her cheek, but it doesn't hide her blush. "Is that weird?"

"Not at all. One thing you learn when you have lovers, is that whatever happens behind closed doors between consenting adults is fair game. If it makes you feel good, claim it."

"Then yeah, tell me I'm your good girl." She meets my gaze, and I see her mind spinning.

" Annnd ? Is there something else you'd like?"

"I'd like it if you wrapped my hair around your hand and pulled it a little, too." Her cheeks flush pink and I swear this little vixen is going to be the death of me. "Behind closed doors, right?"

I groan and wish for the thousandth time that the two of us were in full fucking form. "Behind closed doors, kitten. Anything you want. All you have to do is tell me and I'll make it happen. Now, let's take care of you."

The frown on Piper's face isn't what I expect, but then she lifts her hand from my side. "Sean. You're bleeding. Did I open your stitches?"

I frown down at the traitorous blood and curse my bad luck. The stain of scarlet is creeping forward, growing darker and spreading across the gauze. "No. You did nothing wrong. I'm fine."

She swings her legs off the bed and rushes to the bathroom to wash her hand. "We should call Doc Kelvin and get him back here."

"No. You should lift your dress and straddle me. That would do more to heal me than any stitches or pills."

"It's a solid no." She hands me back my plate and sits at the end of the bed with her back against the footboard. "Toss me a pillow."

I do as she asks, and she sets herself up, facing me with her legs stretched out beside mine. "Time for you to rest. I'll watch to make sure the bleeding doesn't get worse. Then, we'll see how things turn out after Kelvin checks you over tonight."

"You're worrying about nothing, Piper." I gesture to the bandages and scowl. "It's not even that much blood."

"No means no, Sean. Now, finish your breakfast or I'll go back to my room."

I arch a brow and flash her a smirk. "My kitten has a bit of wildcat in her."

She grins. "After the past four days, you might not realize I have claws, but I do."

I wave away her words. "Only someone with claws could've survived what you did. I imagine it took a lot of fight and strength to grow up in the McGuire household."

She grows a little sullen, so I focus on eating the rest of my breakfast and leave her to her thoughts. Laine was right when she said that a few more days would allow Piper time to grow stronger. And, with a nudge here and there from me, she'll leave here understanding how capable and valued she is.

The silence that follows is comfortable and I think she might doze off until she touches her cheek and bites her bottom lip. "What is it like having a scar so noticeable? Do people comment on it? Do they ask you where you got it?"

She's studying the scar that slashes down my cheek and cuts into my lip. It's a stark reminder of a terrible time that marked me when I was twelve.

"It changed how strangers saw me. Teachers and kids at school treated me differently. Like I was a tough kid, or a bit broken."

Piper's fingers trace the tender flesh of her cheek. Of course, she's worried about her scar—she's always been seen for her beauty, and now it exposes a vulnerability.

"It never changed the way people close to me treated me, though. The people who knew me saw past the damage. At home and with my truest friends, it was never an issue."

"It's earned you a reputation on the street, for sure," she says, offering me a sympathetic smile. "There are all kinds of local myths about how you got it."

I chuckle. "I've heard a few. The one about the crossbow and the clowns high on PCP is my favorite."

"But not the truth?"

I laugh again. "No. One of Da's competitors snatched me off the street after school one day when I was a kid. They meant to use me as leverage, but there was a spot where a vent cover was unscrewed in the room where they locked me up. I bent back the metal to climb free, but my face and my hands got sliced up bad."

She squeezes my thigh through the sheet and swallows. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

"It's fine. It doesn't bother me. It was so long ago I'm over it."

"I can't imagine being over it. I'm terrified that I'll see it every time I look in the mirror and think about Vladmir attacking me and about my father throwing me away."

My chest tightens at her words, and more-so, the pain and fear laced through them. I run my hand gently up the inside of her ankle. "What was done doesn't make you any less beautiful."

"Liar."

I'm not lying—not even a little—but having been where she is, there's nothing I can say that will convince her of that. All she sees is the carnage of violence and betrayal. "Plastic surgeons can do incredible things. I bet they can erase the damage or make it so it's barely noticeable."

She looks at me, her gaze seeking reassurance.

I squeeze her ankle. "But even if you're left with a scar, it's okay. That scar, like mine, is a symbol that you survived the worst night of your life. It's proof of your strength, not a sign of weakness."

Piper's eyes glisten, and she draws in a deep breath. "Do you really believe that?"

I tap a finger against my lip. "Knowing my story, what does my scar signify to you?"

Her mouth eases up into a sweet smile. "That you were strong enough to survive even when you were alone, scared, and in danger."

"Exactly. And that's what anyone who knows you and loves you will see, too. If they don't, they aren't your people and they don't matter."

The moisture in her eyes brims over and I open my arms. She crawls up the bed and sinks against me, burying her tears in my chest.

Many men get put off by the tears of women—I don't. After I made it home from my kidnapping, Mam would cry often when she saw me. She used to hug me close and say that emotions build up in women the same way they do in men.

Tears are a woman's way of release and reset, unlike a man's need to punch his fist through a wall or start a fight. And given what Piper's been through, she can use me as her emotional outlet for as long as she needs.

"The mark on your cheek doesn't change how I see you, Piper. Not negatively, at least." I lean down and press my cheek to the top of her head. "To me, it tells a story about what a brave, strong, and unbreakably beautiful woman you have become."

I hold her while she resets, the world outside fading into insignificance. After a while, her sobs quiet and her body relaxes. When the soft in and out of her breathing tells me she's fallen asleep, I'm more content than I've ever been.

This.

If we weren't from opposite sides of a brewing war, I would claim this woman and keep her forever. It would be my greatest honor to protect her and hold her when the world becomes too much.

But we are on opposite sides.

No matter how much I wish it could be different, Piper isn't mine to keep. I need to stop pretending she is and get my head back in the game.

What happened between us over the past four days has to be about protecting an innocent, offering her a chance to heal, and helping a fellow human being.

Nothing more.