Chapter Fourteen

Adalee

I was startled awake by the sound of Garett's voice. "He just pulled in, sweetheart." He was putting on his coat while Mark rose from the couch, stretching his arms over his head.

"About damn time," Mark grunted. "This couch is shit to lay on."

I wiped the sleep from my eyes and glanced at the clock. "We only slept for like half an hour," I laughed.

"That's because you put on that boring movie. I was supposed to be your bodyguard, and instead, I knocked out."

A knock sounded on the door, and Garett looked through the peephole. "What's the password?" he called.

"Open the damn door," Fade replied.

Garett shrugged and unlocked the door. "That will do."

Fade walked in, and my heart skipped a beat. His presence always had that effect on me, taking my breath away with his rugged good looks and confident demeanor. He gave me a flirty look, his eyes sweeping over me in a way that made my cheeks flush.

"Is now the time you tell us what the hell is happening?" Mark asked, his voice laced with frustration.

"Or are we just going to have to keep covering for something that we don't really know what it is?" Garett drawled.

Fade patted Garett on the shoulder. "Tomorrow. Yarder will clue you guys in. I don't have it in me to go through all the shit again today."

"You know the shit, don't you?" Mark asked me, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

I nodded. "Yeah, and I'm too exhausted to tell you guys either."

"Is this shit going to get us hurt?" Garett asked, his voice tinged with concern. "I got a wife and kid, man."

"Nothing is going to happen to you, man. Don't even worry about it," Fade promised, though I wasn't sure how he could promise that unless his meeting with Russ went much better than he thought it would.

"You got her tonight?" Mark asked Fade. "I slept like shit last night worrying about, well, I don't know what, but I was worried."

"You're off duty tonight. Just make sure you guys lock up," Fade replied.

Mark and Garett exchanged glances before heading out. "Stay safe," Garett said, giving me a quick hug.

Fade locked the door behind them, and I remained on the couch, feeling the weight of his presence in my tiny house. It suddenly felt even smaller with him in it.

Fade walked over and sat beside me, the cushions dipping under his weight. "How are you doing, cupcake?" he asked, his voice softening.

I shrugged, trying to muster a smile. "Better now."

He reached out and took my hand, his touch sending a reassuring warmth through me. "You ready for bed?" he asked.

I shook my head. The half an hour nap had rejuvenated me. "What happened with Russ?" I asked, needing to know more.

Fade sighed, running a hand through his hair. "He's in the wind right now. We think he's lying low and trying to gather evidence against Boone and Gibbs. His secretary showed up needing our help but also willing to help us in return. She said she was working with Russ to get out from under all of this shit, and then he suddenly disappeared, and she got fired. It's bigger than we thought, Adalee. There's like a fucking network, and Boone and Gibbs seem to be pulling all of the strings."

I squeezed his hand tighter. "What about the secretary? Can you guys trust her?" It seemed risky to trust someone on their word alone right now.

"I think so," he said, though his voice had a hint of doubt. "Her name is Fallon. Yarder believes she's telling the truth, and right now, we don't have much of a choice. This shit has the damn governor involved now."

"Max McGrave?" I gasped.

Fade nodded. "Yeah, cupcake. Like I said, this shit is running way fucking deeper than we ever thought."

I nodded. "So this probably isn't even close to being over."

Fade shrugged. "We don't know, cupcake. Fallon thinks that if we find Russ, then we have a better chance of things being over. The problem is we have no fucking clue where he went. He was here, and then suddenly he was gone when he got what we think is a hit-list of people that Gibbs and Boone are going after."

"They have a hit-list in writing?" I gasped. "That seems pretty risky."

"I don't think it's from Boone and Gibbs. On my ride over here, I was thinking maybe Russ had someone else helping him. Someone who came up with that list, and for some reason, Russ took off when he got it."

"Would Dove know where her dad took off to?" I asked.

Fade shrugged. "Dove and her dad are not that close. There's a chance she might know, but probably not likely."

I sighed heavily. "I was kind of hopeful that you would come in and say everything is good and it was all a dream," I laughed.

"That would be nice, cupcake."

There was a comfortable silence that stretched out between Fade and me.

"Are you really going to stay the night?" I asked.

Fade nodded and sat back on the couch. "That's the plan, cupcake. At least for tonight. I think Yarder is going to move you guys to the clubhouse tomorrow."

"Is Yarder really going to tell Garett and Mark what is going on?" I wasn't sure it was safe to involve more people in this. If anyone found out that Garett and Mark knew about Boone and Gibbs, that would put a target on their backs.

"That's going to be up to Yarder. If I were him, I'd be vague about what is going on and not mention Boone and Gibbs. Tell them enough to keep them safe, but still informed."

I smothered a yawn with my hand. "Seems like a good idea. Garett is married and has a cute kid. I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to him."

"Nothing bad is going to happen to any of us," Fade promised.

I hoped that was a promise Fade and the club could keep. I yawned again.

"You should get some sleep, cupcake. Seems like all the commotion the past days is catching up with you."

I was pretty tired. "I'll sleep on the couch. You can take my bed. There's no way you can sleep on this couch."

Fade shook his head. "I'm not taking your bed. The couch is good for me. I don't sleep deep when I'm on watch."

I could tell that Fade wasn't going to let me convince him to take the bed. "Fine, but at least let me get you a pillow and blanket."

Fade agreed.

I climbed the winding staircase to the loft, pulled the throw blanket off the end of the bed, and grabbed the extra pillow from the closet.

"I hope one pillow is enough," I called downstairs to him.

I peeked over and saw Fade stand and move to the bottom of the stairs. "I've slept in some pretty shitty places before, cupcake. A blanket and a pillow sounds good to me."

I started to make my way down the stairs, but halfway down, my feet became tangled with the blanket. Before I could react, I felt myself tipping forward.

"Oh boy," I gasped, feeling the rush of panic as I started to fall.

Fade moved quickly, catching me in his arms before I tumbled down. His grip was strong and steady, holding me securely against him.

"This feels like déjà vu all over again," I said, my breath coming in quick, nervous bursts.

Fade chuckled. "Except this time, you've got clothes on."

A blush crept up my cheeks as I remembered the last time I slipped, my naked body pressed up against Fade when I slipped by the tub. "Thanks for the save," I murmured, trying to steady my racing heart.

"No problem, cupcake,"

The feeling of Fade's strong arms wrapped around my waist was intoxicating. I liked it. A lot. His embrace was both protective and possessive, sending shivers down my spine.

Fade carried me down the stairs and gently set me down, but he didn't let me go. His arms stayed securely around my waist, holding me close.

"You always seem to be saving me," I whispered. He was like my own prince, rescuing me all the time. First at the donut place, then when I slipped by the tub, and now when I almost offed myself by tumbling down the stairs.

He pulled the pillow and blanket from my hands and tossed them toward the couch, but his arm remained firmly around my waist. The air between us was thick with unspoken words and charged with electricity. Fade's eyes were heated with desire, making my chest flutter wildly.

"Fade," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"Shh, cupcake." His voice was soft yet commanding. Fade's hand moved up, cradling my cheek with a tenderness that made my heart race.

"You don't have to..." I trailed off, feeling overwhelmed by his closeness. It seemed like he would kiss me, but I wasn't sure of anything right now. Fade, being this close to me, seemed to scramble my brain.

"I want to, Adalee. It's the only thing I can think about right now." His lips were a breath away from mine; his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my knees weak.

Then, Fade closed the distance, capturing my lips with his. The kiss was soft at first, exploratory, but quickly deepened. His lips were warm and demanding, moving against mine with a hunger that matched mine. I melted into his embrace, my hands reaching his chest, feeling the solid muscles beneath his shirt.

Fade's tongue teased my lips, and I parted them willingly, allowing him to deepen the kiss. His tongue caressed mine, sending waves of pleasure through my body. The sensation was overwhelming, a mix of desire and need that left me breathless. His hands moved to my back, pulling me even closer as if he couldn't get enough of me.

I lost myself in the kiss, in the feel of his lips and the taste of him. It was everything I had secretly yearned for and more. His touch was both gentle and demanding, his caress igniting a fire within me that I never wanted to extinguish. Time seemed to stand still as we kissed, the world around us fading away until there was only us.

Fade's hands caressed me while he kissed me and sent waves of pleasure coursing through my body. His touch was both gentle and possessive, his fingers tracing patterns on my back, sending shivers down my spine. The heat from his hands seemed to ignite something deep within me, a need I hadn't known existed.

We both pulled away, breathless. "God damn," Fade whispered. "Your lips are like fucking velvet, cupcake. I can't get enough of them."

My brain was fried. I couldn't believe Fade had kissed me, and it seemed like he wanted more. I hadn't had many boyfriends, and the ones I did have never kissed me like that. They never made me feel the way Fade did, either. Everything felt new and different with him, exciting and intense.

"We gotta do that again," he growled.

Fade's lips were on mine again instantly. He lifted me back into his arms, carrying me to the couch. He sat down, and I straddled his lap, feeling the hardness of his muscles beneath me. His hands roamed my back and sides, pulling me closer as our lips moved together in a passionate dance.

I ran my fingers through his hair, pulling him closer as his hands explored my body. His touch was electric, setting my skin on fire wherever he touched. I could feel his desire matching mine, his need as urgent as my own.

With a swift motion, I pulled Fade's shirt over his head. I marveled at the tattoos covering his chest, intricate designs that told a story I longed to know. I ran my fingers over them, feeling the heat of his skin beneath my touch.

Fade's eyes heated with desire as I touched him, his gaze burning into mine. He moved to pull my shirt over my head, but I quickly stopped his hands. "No," I whispered, feeling a sudden rush of uncertainty.

His eyes connected with mine, filled with concern. "What's wrong?"

"I just..." I trailed off, struggling to find the words to explain what I was feeling. "I'm not really..."

How did I tell him that my brain was telling me there was no way in hell that he was interested in me, even though his mouth and hands were all over me? Guys like Fade weren't interested in someone like me who had rolls, curves, and thunder thighs.

"We don't have to do this if you don't want to," I said, my voice trembling slightly as I looked into his eyes.

Fade looked down at his bare chest and back at me. "I am a million percent in, cupcake. I don't get half-naked for someone I'm not interested in."

My brain disagreed, flooding me with insecurities. I bit my lip, unsure how to voice my doubts. "But why?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why would you be interested in me?"

Fade's brow furrowed in confusion. "Why wouldn't I be interested in you? You're amazing, Adalee. You're smart, kind, and fucking gorgeous."

I shook my head, feeling a lump forming in my throat. "Guys like you don't go for girls like me, Fade. I'm not... I'm not perfect. I've got rolls, curves, and thunder thighs."

Fade's expression softened, and he cupped my face in his hands, his touch warm and reassuring. "Adalee, you're perfect to me. Those rolls and curves? I love them. They make you, you. And those thighs? Sexy as hell." His hands snaked around and squeezed my ass. "Don't even get me started on your ass, cupcake. Now that I've got my hands on you, I'm not going to stop touching you."

I blinked, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "You really mean that?"

He nodded; his eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that took my breath away. "I really mean that. You're everything I want and more."

His words hit me hard, breaking down the walls of doubt and insecurity I had built around myself. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. "It's just hard to believe, you know? I've never had anyone look at me the way you do."

Fade pulled me closer, his arms wrapping around me in a protective embrace. "Well, get used to it, cupcake. Because I fucking want you more than my next breath."

A small smile tugged at my lips. "Even though you were ready to toss me over a cliff before when I kept bugging you about an interview?"

"Definitely," he said, leaning in to kiss me softly. The kiss was gentle yet full of promise, and I melted into it, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. "I was an idiot to push you away like I did."

"I think you can be forgiven since you were just trying to protect the club. Very honorable."

Fade pressed a kiss to my lips. "We good now? Or should I get into more detail about every inch of your body I want?"

"I think we're good."

He pushed my hand away and lifted my shirt. I didn't stop him this time. It was stupid of me to not want him not to take my shirt off, but I was okay with him touching me on top of it. He may not have been able to see the rolls and bulges, but he could feel them. Make it make sense, Adalee.

He pulled my shirt over my head and tossed it aside. My bra was quickly disposed of, and then his hands were on me like there were magnets in them, drawn to every part of my body. His touch was electric, sending shivers down my spine as he caressed my skin. Fade's fingers traced the curves and lines of my body, making me feel like he was worshiping every inch of me.

His lips were all over my face, trailing down my neck, leaving a path of fire in their wake. My hands moved over his body, feeling the hard muscles under his skin. I ground down on him, feeling the bulge of his dick through his jeans, making me ache with need.

"I want you, cupcake," Fade gasped, his voice rough with desire.

"I want you, too," I whispered, my voice trembling with anticipation.

My hands moved to the button of his jeans, popping it open. I slid down the zipper, feeling the heat of his body against my fingers. Fade lifted his hips, helping me tug his pants and underwear down. His fully erect and hard cock sprang free, and my breath caught in my throat.

"Oh my god," I gasped as my eyes took in his enormous cock with a piercing glinting at the tip.

Fade's hands gripped my hips, pulling me closer. "You like what you see?" he asked, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

I nodded, unable to tear my eyes away from him. "Yeah," I breathed, feeling a flush of heat spread through my body. "I really do." I scrambled out of my pants, not wanting to be away from Fade.

He chuckled softly, his eyes dark with lust as I climbed back on top of him. "Good," he said, his hands guiding me down. "Because I can't wait to feel you around me."

I shivered at his words, my own arousal growing. I shifted, positioning myself over him, feeling the tip of his cock brush against my entrance. Slowly, I lowered myself onto him, gasping at the sensation of him filling me. He was big, stretching me in ways that made me feel every inch of him.

Fade's grip on my hips tightened, his eyes locked onto mine. "God, Adalee," he groaned. "You feel so fucking good."

I moaned softly, rocking my hips, feeling him deep inside me. "You too," I whispered, my hands resting on his chest as I began to move.

His hands guided my movements, setting a rhythm that had us both gasping and moaning. The piercing added an extra layer of sensation, driving me wild with pleasure. I could feel my orgasm building, a tight coil of heat in my core.

Fade's lips found mine again, kissing me deeply as we moved together. Our bodies were in perfect sync, each thrust and grind pushing us closer to the edge. I felt his hand slip between us, his fingers finding my clit and rubbing it in time with our movements.

The sensation was too much. I cried out, my body tensing as my orgasm crashed over me. Fade followed me over the edge, his own release triggering mine. I felt him pulse inside me, filling me with warmth.

We stayed like that for a moment, catching our breath, our bodies still connected. Fade's hands caressed my back, his touch gentle and soothing.

"That was fucking amazing," he whispered, his lips brushing against my ear.

I smiled, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. "Agreed," I replied, resting my head on his chest.

I kept my head on Fade's chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing. His heartbeat was strong and comforting beneath my ear. I closed my eyes, soaking in the warmth and the afterglow of what we'd just shared. It was perfect, and for a moment, I forgot about the shitstorm surrounding the club.

But then I felt something unexpected—a slight shake beneath my cheek. At first, I thought it might be my own imagination, but then it happened again. Fade's chest was trembling, and I realized he was laughing.

I lifted my head and looked up at him, puzzled. "What's so funny?"

His eyes were alight with amusement, a wide grin spreading across his face. "You, cupcake," he chuckled, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. "The way you looked when you saw my piercing. I don't think I've ever seen someone so shocked."

I blushed, the memory of my reaction coming back to me. "I wasn't expecting that," I admitted, biting my lip. "You caught me off guard."

Fade laughed harder, his body shaking beneath me. "Well, I'm glad I could surprise you," he said, his hands moving to rest on my hips. "But your reaction was priceless."

I couldn't help but laugh with him, the sound bubbling up from deep within me. It felt good to laugh, to share this moment of lightness with him. "I guess I'll just have to get used to it," I teased, poking him playfully in the chest.

He raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, you will," he said, his voice low and promising. "I plan on giving you plenty more reasons to be surprised."

Our lips met in a gentle, tender kiss, starkly contrasting the passion we'd shared earlier. Knowing that Fade was here, I felt a sense of peace wash over me.

When we finally pulled away, I nestled back into his chest, feeling his arms wrap around me. "You know," I said, my voice muffled against his skin, "I never really liked this couch before tonight."

He stroked my back, his touch soothing. "See, all you needed was me to help you appreciate it."

"Maybe you can help me appreciate my bed more," I whispered.

Fade's chest trembled beneath me again. "I think I can help with that."

As Fade and I began to untangle ourselves from each other, I could feel his strong arms reluctantly releasing their hold around my waist. I tried not to cover myself, not to hide from him. He had already told me he liked what he saw, and I wanted to believe him, to embrace being in the moment with him.

"I'll meet you upstairs, cupcake. I'll lock up," he said, his voice low and soothing.

I nodded, grabbing our discarded clothes off the floor. I scurried up the stairs, fighting my insecurities the whole way. Once I reached the loft, I tossed our clothes in the corner and fell into bed. I listened to the sounds of Fade checking the locks on the doors below; each click a reminder that he was making sure we were safe. Then the lights went out, and everything was plunged into darkness. I reached over to turn on the dim bedside lamp and waited.

The sound of him climbing the winding staircase reached my ears, each step bringing him closer to me. My heart flipped when I saw him appear at the top of the stairs, silhouetted against the faint light from the window.

"Did you just walk around naked while locking up?" I laughed, unable to keep the amusement out of my voice.

Fade looked down at his body and then back at me, a mischievous grin on his lips. "Well, you brought my clothes up, and I know I'm not done with you yet."

His words sent a rush of heat through my body. I watched as he stalked toward the bed, his gaze never leaving mine. The intensity in his eyes made my heart race, and I wanted him so badly, even though we had just been together minutes ago. The urge to ask him if he really wanted me again was strong, but I managed to swallow the words, not wanting to break the spell between us.

Fade slipped into bed next to me, gathering me in his arms. His touch was electric, sending shivers down my spine. He kissed me with a renewed hunger, his hands roaming over my body with an urgency that matched my own desire.

He shifted, positioning himself above me. He looked into my eyes, his gaze filled with raw need. "I want you again, Adalee," he whispered, his voice thick with passion.

I barely had time to respond before his lips were on mine again, and he entered me with a swift, powerful thrust. The sensation was overwhelming, and I clung to him, my fingers digging into his back as he moved inside me. Each movement was quick and intense, a reflection of our shared desire.

Fade's hands gripped my hips, pulling me closer to him with every thrust. My body arched beneath him, meeting his movements with a desperate need of my own. The heat between us built rapidly, and I could feel the tension coiling tighter and tighter.

He kissed my neck, trailing his lips down to my collarbone, and I moaned in response, the sound escaping me before I could stop it. His name was a whisper on my lips as I felt the first wave of release wash over me, my body trembling with the force of it.

Fade followed moments later, his movements becoming more frantic before he finally stilled, his body shuddering against mine. He collapsed beside me, both of us breathing hard, our bodies slick with sweat.

For a moment, we just lay there, basking in the afterglow of our passion. I turned my head to look at him, and he met my gaze with a satisfied smile.

"You're incredible, Adalee," he said, his voice a soft murmur.

I smiled back, feeling a sense of contentment settle over me. "So are you, Fade."

Fade shifted, reaching for the blanket, and pulled it over us. He settled back into the bed, holding me close.

"Tomorrow is going to be crazy, isn't it?" I asked sleepily.

"That's all part of being with the Iron Fiends, cupcake. You never know what is going to happen next." He pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Sleep, cupcake. I've got you."

I closed my eyes, snuggling into his chest, feeling his warmth surround me. "Goodnight, Fade," I whispered, my voice heavy with sleep.

"Goodnight, Adalee," he murmured.

I didn't know what was going to happen tomorrow or even next week, but right now, I was pretty damn happy in Fade's arms.