Chapter 18

O pening my eyes, the first thing I notice is the sun shining directly into my eyes. I could have sworn that I shut the blinds last night to prevent this very thing from happening before I got into the shower. Mornings and I don't mix that well. I need time to wake up slowly and adjust to the morning light, not this bright shining glare greeting me. Groaning, I grab the pillow under my head and bring it over me to block the sunlight out, and that's when I realize I'm not in my bed. This pillow isn't the one on my bed. No, I'm somewhere else. Bolting up, the bedding wrapped around my body drops to my lap making me realize I'm completely naked.

Fuck.

I never sleep naked. That's not who I am. As I sit and think about why I'm naked and not in my own bed, the memories of last night begin to come back. I reach down between my legs to see if it was real or just a dream. The second my hand touches my clit, I jolt from the pain. I'm sore. I've never experienced anything like this before. Yesterday I was a virgin, not because I wanted to be one, still at twenty-one, but because no male would come close to me due to my father. that's not the case anymore. I found the one man who isn't afraid of who my father is, who isn't afraid of what being with me would mean. No, Steel charged into the bathroom last night proving he's the type of man to take what he wants and not ask questions. He didn't hesitate when I told him I was a virgin. No, he smiled and said he was glad he would be my first and only. He'd ruin me for anyone else, not that anyone would ever get a chance. He'd make sure of that.

Twisting in bed, I realize that Steel isn't in the room with me. My heart drops at the realization, knowing I woke up alone. I had thought last night was magical. Steel made me feel things I'd never felt before, made me ask, no beg, for things I never would have thought I'd enjoy. I would have hoped that it meant as much to him, but waking up alone was making me question everything. Did I make a mistake sleeping with him? Did he just use me to scratch an itch and lie to me with every word he said? No, I don't want to believe that. I want to believe Steel is a better person than that. Sure we hated each other just a couple of days ago, but was it really hatred or just lust veiled as hate, while we both denied ourselves things we wanted? I'm not sure I know the answer to any of the questions. But I do know that I have two choices; I can either sit here and wallow in self pity believing that he used me, or I can get out of this bed, get dressed, and go hunt him down to demand answers.

I really want to do the first, but I know the second option is the better choice to make right now. Putting on my figurative big girl pants, I toss the covers back and begin to get out of bed. I have no clue where my pajamas ended up; last time I remember seeing them, they were sitting on the bathroom floor. I doubt they were brought in here at any point, which means I either risk running down to my room to find clothes or search through the drawers for something in here to wear. I'd much rather not do the walk of shame naked, so stealing clothes it is. Rifling through the drawers, I pull out a black T-shirt. Pulling it over my head, the shirt is so big on me, it comes to mid-thigh. Pulling open another drawer, I find a pair of basketball shorts and steal those as well. I have to flip the waistband four times before they even stand a chance of staying up on my small body, but it'll work for the moment

The second I open the bedroom, the smell hits me. Bacon, sausage, and pancakes… with cinnamon? Someone is in the kitchen cooking. My stomach rumbles, making my decision for me. Walking down the hall, I pass my room and keep going to the kitchen where I find Grace sitting at the counter, dancing in her seat, and Steel standing at the stove flipping pancakes and dancing as well. Taylor Swift's "Starlight" is playing through the speakers and both of them are singing along, Steel is completely off-key but it's cute and definite blackmail material. He uses the end of the spatula as a microphone when he gets to the chorus singing "I said, 'Oh my, what a marvelous time' It was the best night, never would forget how we moved. The whole place was dressed to the nines and we were dancing, dancing. Like we're made of starlight." I couldn't help but silently sing to myself knowing it was one of my favorite Taylor songs.

"So... you're a Swiftie? Huh, wouldn't have pegged you as one," I call out, crossing my arms over my chest as I lean against the wall beside the fridge. I could have let their little concert carry on, but I wanted him to know I was watching.

Steel jumps slightly, swearing as he turns to look at me. His surprise is quickly gone when he sees me standing in his clothes before him. He looks me up and down before winking at me. "You still have so much to learn, Princess. Nice clothes," he mouthes with a smirk, turning back to flip the pancakes he's working on.

“Wait! What are you wearing? Those aren’t your pajamas.” Grace asks, pulling my attention her way.

Damn. I should have known she would notice that. “I fell asleep in Steel’s room while watching a movie. I was too tired to go to my room so he let me borrow these. And before you ask, he slept on the couch.” I quickly reply, glancing at Steel with a wink.

“Okay, whatever you say,” she retorts, shrugging her tiny shoulders. "I like him. Can we keep him?" she asks out of nowhere in typical Grace fashion.

I'm right there with you, Sis. I like him too, even though I shouldn't. This man is bad for me. So, so bad for me, but it just makes me want him more. Seeing him in the kitchen cooking breakfast for my sister as he danced around singing to Taylor Swift made the walls I built around my heart soften just a little bit. I still don't like that I woke up alone, but seeing him doing this, I can't be as mad.

"Take a seat. Breakfast is almost done," Steel states, nodding his head to the empty chair open beside my sister at the kitchen island.

I do as he instructs, grabbing the seat beside Grace and watching on as the two of them continue their dance party, while Grace pesters him with questions in between songs. All of this feels strangely normal. Something that I could get used to.

"Breakfast is served," Steels singsongs as he brings two plates over to the island. Instead of reaching across to hand them to us, he walks all the way around, first placing Grace's place in front of her, then coming around to the far side of me and placing the other before me. "You know I like seeing you in my clothes, but you look even better out of them," he whispers in my ear before backing away to grab the third plate. He doesn't come to take the seat beside me, instead opting to stand across from me, watching me with every bite he takes. His words and his heated looks at me make me shift in my seat. I'm sore from last night but my damn body is betraying me, making me wish we were back in bed.

Damn him, and his sexual charm.

"What's the plan today?" Grace asks between bites of food. I'm so thankful for her interruption from my thoughts. The last thing I need is to be getting turned on with my sister sitting right beside me. God, that's embarrassing.

"You two are going to stay here, inside, watching movies or playing games. I need to run to the store and pick up some more food for us. Normally, I'd take you both with me but you're safe here and I trust you both to follow directions," Steel answers after finishing his last bite of food. Grace and I weren't even halfway finished but he was already done and about to start dishes. Damn, did he even taste any of it?

"We can't go with you?" Grace asks softly. Her hand hangs slightly in disappointment. The man has already won my sister over, and I don't think he even realizes it. Grace doesn't get to talk to very many people, especially new people. The fact that Steel has taken time and gotten to know her means everything to her. That fact alone scares me slightly. What if something happens between us and he walks away? I can handle that pain but Grace, well she doesn't deserve me bringing someone into her life who may leave. And let's face it, Steel may very well leave when he realizes I'm too young for him, or because my father makes him. We really should put a stop to what's going on between us, even if he's all I can think about.

"Not this time. I'd prefer it if you stayed at the cabin. It's safer here." I can see the war he is having with himself. Almost like he doesn't want us staying here either, but if that's what he wants then maybe he's thinking it's less safe in town. He did say the fewer people that see us the better.

"We can watch one of your favorite movies and didn't I see Villainous in the game cabinet?" I turn to look at Grace, watching a smile break out on her face as she looks at me and begins to bounce in her seat. "Finish breakfast and get dressed so we can play."

That's all the push she needs. After what felt like seconds, she was done with her plate, pushing it forward on the counter, and already rushing to head upstairs. "Don't," Steel murmurs when he sees me turn to look at her. Let her get dressed; I'll put the plate in the dishwasher."

I don't know how he does it, but he knew exactly what I was going to yell at her before she disappeared. Grace knows better, but I suppose I can let her have this one. "Thank you," I answer, finishing the last bite of food before he takes my plate from me as well. "I can get the rest of the dishes."

"Nope, not happening. Let me just finish this real quick then I want to show you something." The smirk I was expecting is missing, replaced with a serious expression as he looks at me "Come on," he prompts, after putting the last dish in the dishwasher. He holds out his hand for me to take as I round the island. "I don't think you'll need to use it at all but I want you to know where things are, just in case."

"Just in case what?" I hesitate, worried about what he's saying. Does he think something is going to happen? I thought this place was supposed to be safe and off the grid.

"For any scenario," he answers, giving my hand a squeeze as he guides me to the office. "There's a hidden safe room in here. It isn't big but it will fit both of you girls comfortably and there are supplies as well. If anyone comes up the driveway and to the door that isn't me or anyone with Rockport Security, then I want you to bring Grace to this room and lock the door. You don't come out no matter what. Do you understand?" His voice is firm, but his eyes tell me he's worried about me, about us.

"You're scaring me," I murmur, afraid of what this means. "If you think something is going to happen by leaving us here, then why can't we come with you?" I'd rather stay with him. I don't want to stay at the cabin without him. At least when he's here, I know he will make sure nothing happens to us. Now I'm scared.

"I'm not trying to scare you, Illeana." He uses my full name. "I just want you to be aware of all the security here. You are safe. No one is going to find you here. Come on," he pulls me forward until we're standing in front of a bookshelf,` where a picture of the guys is sitting. "To gain access to the room, pull this picture toward you. The bookshelf will pop open. It isn't heavy, just pull it toward you. When you have the door open, you'll see a keypad," he pauses to pull the picture and pull the bookcase open. "This keypad is programmed to open with your birthday. Just enter it, and the door will pop open. When you step inside, just pull the bookcase shut behind you and then close the metal door. Air is circulated through the room, so you don't need to worry about that. When the door is opened, it will send an alert to Knox and Trevor. There's a phone inside that one of us will call and ask for an update. You'll stay in the room until we come get you."

"Steel," I shake my head trying to find the words. "Please tell me that we won't need to use that. Or better yet, just take us with you. I don't want to stay here without you. Please," my voice cracks, as I try to hold back the tears forming in my eyes.

"Princess," he sighs, pulling me against his chest. His arms wrap around me tightly and I can smell the sandalwood of his body wash as I take deep breaths trying to calm myself. "You are safe here. I promise. I only wanted you to know, just in case. Even if I was here, you'd need to know how the room works. It's just a precaution. I was going to tell you when we got here but seeing as how we weren't on the best of terms I held off." He pulls back to press a soft kiss against my lips. "Nothing will happen to you. What did I tell you last night? You're mine and I take care of what's mine." He deepens the kiss as he lifts me in his arms, my legs wrap around his waist as he carries me out of the room and down the hall to his bedroom.

Making it to the bedroom, Steel sits down on the edge of the bed, settling me in his lap as he does. He doesn't break the kiss, but I do, pulling back to stare at him. "You think kissing me is going to make me forget what you just showed me?" I sass, with my arms still wrapped around his neck.

"You think I need to kiss you to make you forget? Wow, Princess," he laughs, leaning in to kiss me again as he pulls me tighter to his body. "I'm kissing you because I want to. Not because I'm trying to make you forget. Now, give me one more kiss so I can head out.The sooner I leave, the sooner I get to come back and show you just how much I enjoy you."

"You mean so you can fuck me all night long?" I lean forward and kiss him on the cheek creating a trail of kisses down his neck to his collarbone.

"That, and so much more. Just admit it; you're addicted to me, Princess." His hand comes up to wrap around my neck pulling me back and taking control. The old me would have hated the power move, but I absolutely love it when he does it. The move turns me on every time and now has me grinding in his lap, looking for the relief my body is starting to beg me for. "Are you going to be a good girl for me and wait here?" he whispers against my lips.

"Yes, but only if you don't make me wait too long. I woke up alone and now you have me horny. You're not playing nice," I pout, wanting some sort of friction but with Steel's hand on my hip holding me in place I can't find it.

"I wanted to surprise you with breakfast, and you need to let your body rest and heal today. I know you're still sore even if you don't want to admit it." He gives me one more kiss before lifting me off his lap and placing me on the bed beside him. "I won't take long. Three hours max, hopefully less."

"Where in the hell is he?" I mutter to myself, standing in the living room looking out the window. Every so often, I look at the wall at the clock hanging there, taunting me that in ten minutes, Steel will be at the three-hour mark. I've done everything I can to keep my anxiety down, but something feels off. He said it would be three hours max and nothing so far. I really wish he had left us a phone to communicate with him. I thought about turning my phone back on but I knew it was a risk. I did it once when we first got here when I shouldn't have. Doing it a second time? I'm not sure it's a good idea. I'm pretty sure that Steel would kill me if I did that just to check on him. He'd probably ream me a new one and then some. No, I need to trust he will be back safe and sound.

Maybe he just got caught in the snow? Yeah, I nod to myself. That's exactly what happened.

"When will Steel be back?" Grace asks from where she is sitting on the couch doing some homework. She has history homework that she wants to ask Steel to help her with. I offered, but she shut me down, saying that Steel would be a better fit to help her. It made me laugh, but I let her think she was right.

"Soon," I answer, praying I'm right.

As soon as the words leave my mouth, I hear a car coming up the drive. I'm not waiting long before I see a black SUV breaking through the trees. Turning away from the window, I go to the front door and wait until I hear multiple car doors shut. Opening the front door, I rush outside and slide to a stop at the top of the steps.

Oh Fuck.