16. Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Ethan

I t took hours for the body to be taken away, for the investigation to be complete, and then Mel, Clyde and I, cleaned up the blood and mess from the ordeal, while Freya took a shower, being given a clean bill of health from the paramedics. I'll insist on her getting an MRI when we get back to the states, but for now, she seems a little shaken up, but otherwise okay. I knock on the bathroom door. "Freya? You okay in there?"

"Yes. I'll be out in a minute." She answers, sounding fine.

I've called the jet back, so that we can go home, to North Carolina, away from Scotland for a while, and Freya is perfectly fine with that. After she emerges from the washroom, she looks refreshed, albeit exhausted. "I think I'll sell this place after all." She says aloud, as if talking to herself.

"After this, I don't blame you, lass." Clyde states honestly. "Once blood is on the floor, the smell never comes out."

"Aye. I was thinking about selling this place for a while. When I first arrived, I was glad I'd kept it, but now I don't think I can ever bring myself to come back."

I feel bad that this has sullied her feelings for her former home, but maybe with time, she'll feel better. "Why don't you hold off for a while, hm? Don't make decisions so fresh after all that's happened today."

She looks at me and nods. "You're right. I should let this rest for a while. Besides, Mary would never forgive me if I didn't come back to Scotland."

"I didn't say you couldn't come back to Scotland, lass." Mel adds. "I just meant here."

I get a message on my phone that the jet is ready. "Time to go. Do you need a hand, Freya?"

"No. I only brought a duffel bag."

All the way back to North Carolina, Freya sleeps, nestled in my chest. She's completely exhausted and I'm anticipating what my da will say upon my return. The investigation for the other men responsible for taking Peg are still at large. Only Nathan is in custody, and, of course, Wesley is dead. We'll see how pleased da is about all that when I see him. We're almost ready to land when Freya wakes up. "How's your head?" I ask her.

"It's okay, actually. I slept well."

"You did." I say, wiping imaginary drool off my shirt.

She scoffs a laugh, and I look at her. "I'm going to take you to the doctor once we land, and then I've got to go see my da and face the music. I'm sure he's well aware of everything that went down on account of Mel and Clyde's debriefing."

"Do you think he'll be angry with you?"

"It's hard to tell with da, as you know. We'll see."

Despite Freya's protests, she let me take her to the doctor, and after she got a clean bill of health, I took her home, so she could get some more rest. "You call me when you wake up, okay? I'll bring you over some dinner."

"God, Trudy doesn't know any of this, Ethan. She's going to freak."

"You want me to be there when you tell her?"

She shakes her head. "No. I'll let her know I'm home and have her come over. Tell her in person."

"That sounds like a good idea." I pull her to me, taking in her scent, breathing deeply. "I'm so glad you're okay."

"Aye. That makes two of us. I'd be hard pressed with a concussion or worse, being a software developer and a banker." She jokes.

I chuckle with her and plant my lips on hers for a soft kiss. "I'll see you later."

"Okay."

I search her eyes. "I love you, Freya."

She smiles warmly. "I love you, too, Ethan."

"I'm telling you, the boy threw the knife straight into the motherfucker's heart, man. It was epic. Brilliant." Clyde brags, telling da the story. I'm sure it isn't just to brag, but also to take the heat off him, for not clearing the house, as I pointed out.

Caleb's face brightens. "No shit?"

"No shit. It was fucking awesome." Mel adds. "The dude dropped like a marionette just laid down the strings. No shot was fired. Nothing." He explains, cutting the air with his hand for emphasis.

"I taught you well, my brother." Caleb frowns, nodding.

"How's Freya?" Da asks.

"She's fine." I explain. "I took her to the doctor myself. She had her hair back in a ponytail, which cushioned the blow from the gun, and she was only out for seconds. The M.R.I. was clean."

"Good. Where is she now?" Da asks.

"She's at home resting. I'll go see her later."

Da smiles. "Bring her by for supper tomorrow. We didn't get a proper chance to meet her at the wedding."

"Aye, on account of him spooking her." Maverick pokes. "I've never seen two women scurry out of here so fast."

"You're just upset because you didn't get laid." Caleb points out with a smirk and a scoff, resting his feet on the boardroom table.

"Fuckoff." Maverick snickers.

"Have you even spoken to Trudy since the wedding?" Da asks, and I'm shocked. The man changes more and more with each passing day.

"You okay, da?" I ask him, suddenly half curious and half worried. He's always been, for as long as I can remember, cold, driven, motivated only by progress and money. This is more than just a turn of the cheek. I thought him getting Caleb married to a billionaire mogul was the end of his matchmaking, but he seems to be relentless, adding me and Freya, and now Maverick and Trudy, to the mix.

"Aye." He nods confidently. "Why do you ask?"

"I just never knew you to be like this."

"Like what, son?"

"Well, the old da would be telling us to get back to work and stop chattering on about the lasses. Now, you're knee deep in the conversation, trying to get us paired up. What's up with that?"

Da folds his hands together in front of his lips, contemplatively, but yet still smiling warmly. "All my life, I worked hard, provided for the family, your mama and I, that is, make no mistake. And we groomed all of you, and most of the extended family, to run this business. But I never really got to enjoy my bairns and children, and now, something tells me it's time. Time to enjoy my grandbabies and my children, as adults. We've got Peg now, and Caleb's got a bairn on the way, and we've got all the riches we need. We're the cream of the crop, financially speaking, and I feel like I want to enjoy it now. Do you understand, Ethan?"

I nod, understanding completely.

Caleb, being the smartass that he is, says with a smirk. "So, what, before it was just an act?"

I snort a laugh, so does Maverick. Malcolm, sitting over in the corner, barks a laugh.

Da looks straight at Caleb, face turned to stone. "Are you making fun of me?"

Caleb's face falls, and the room goes silent.

Da's mouth twists up into a smile. "Gotcha."

The sighs are heard all around the room. "Nice one, da." Caleb says, hand on his chest, in relief.

"Okay, now, back to business." Da states, and we discuss the impending investigation, new clients, potential clients, challenges, upcoming conferences, and before we know it, it's almost supper time. Da looks at me. "Didn't you promise Freya you'd be there for dinner?"

I nod. "Aye. But it can wait."

Da tilts his head. "Ethan, you've left that lass waiting long enough. Go."

Freya

I'm awake, lying in bed, thinking about what happened yesterday, or whenever it actually did happen, since the last two days, with severe jetlag, are a blur. How that dirtbag got into my house and attacked me, but Ethan was there to keep me safe, with nothing but a bruise at the back of my neck, and a headache, to show for it. I got off lucky. Real lucky. Peg was kidnapped, and I believe that that's what this man was trying to do, if not, he was going to shoot me. Either way, my life would have been cut short, if it wasn't for Ethan and his quick thinking and skills. I'm sure it wasn't a lucky shot, since he had the blade in the back of his pants, ready to make a move if necessary.

Instead of being freaked out or suffering from P.T.S.D., I just can't wait to see Ethan again. He loves me. I love him. And I keep rewinding in my mind that look on his face when he held me close. It's the only thing that's keeping my mind off the other terrorizing things that happened. I'm just grateful that it did, or who knows what sort of mental shape I'd be in right now. As I lay there, I start letting my mind wander to work again, and then I can't stand it, I have to get up. I don't even bother turning my phone on, as I go directly into production mode, which is when I forget all about interruptions.

Until there is a knock at my door, and I look at my computer monitor, noting that it's six o'clock. "It's Ethan." I hear him call, as I approach the door.

I open the door and Ethan walks in. He smells so good I can't help but smile. He was always so good at smelling so fresh and clean, it made my toes curl, and still does. "I tried calling, but you must have your phone off."

"Aye. A little personal rule I have when I'm working."

"I'm the same sometimes." He pulls me close, not hesitating. "How are you feeling?"

"Good. I slept well. Got some work done." I say, kissing his lips, and then taking a step back, so I can close the door behind him. "Is everything okay with your da?"

He nods, stepping inside the house, taking his shoes off and walking into the living room. When he sits down on the couch, I put a kettle of water on for tea, and then start making it. "Aye, as long as you're safe, he seems pleased. He'd like to get the other guys behind bars, but wouldn't we all"

"Aye. I'd feel much better, too, Ethan. Lord knows what sort of arrangement they all had together."

"Exactly." He licks his lips and I can't help but recognize the worried look on his face. "Freya, I need to talk to you."

"Sure." I say, spooning the sugar and milk into the mugs, as the kettle boils. I pour the water into the pot and set the tea bag inside, bobbing it into the water to speed the process. "Go ahead."

"Well, in short, I'd like you to stay with me." He lifts a hand. "It's not to move in permanently or anything. It's strictly for your safety. Just until this case gets put to bed, or until the perps are behind bars."

"Like...at your house?" I clarify, bringing the mugs over, setting one down in front of him.

"Aye. I have top notch security there, and unless you want to hire people to keep watch on your house, I have to insist. You're clearly a target."

I get the feeling he's not finished, even though the thought of living with Ethan is something I dreamed of when we were together. Back then, it was merely a pipe dream, since he wouldn't even introduce me to his family, let alone even think about asking me to live with him. I know he said that it's strictly for my safety, but still. The thought of seeing that man's beautiful face every morning sets my pulse racing. But I don't want to seem too eager. After all, we literally just set the record straight between us. He continues, lifting a hand. "I know that what we have may be complicated, but we can work on that as we go, if that makes sense. We can take things slow, and simple, and you can even sleep in my guest house, you don't have to feel obligated to stay in my room or even in my house, if that doesn't suit you."

"Well, then, what would be the point in staying for security, if I'm not even in the house, Ethan?" I point out kindly.

He takes a sip of tea and then looks at me. "I just want you to know that your options are open, Freya. There is no pressure here."

His reasoning is so beneath him. Ethan is not a man to negotiate. The proof was in the pudding when I told him about my past and he literally walked out the door without a second thought. Then he retracts. "Dammit, Freya, I want you safe. If you're not at my house, then you're at my da's house, or at your parent's house. You are not safe in this place, alone, with no security beyond a punch pad and a goddamn screen."

I chuckle, lifting a hand, taking a seat on his lap. "Okay, Ethan. I get it. I'll stay with you. I don't like seeing you so upset."

He looks at me with that warm glow again. "You will?"

I nod. "Aye."

"But we can still take things slow, Freya. You can have your own room if you like."

I search his eyes. He searches mine. We remain silent for a few beats. Then he says softly. "I love you so much, Freya." I swear I hear his voice crack with emotion.

It makes my eyes turn misty, too. "I love you, Ethan. This is like a dream."

"I wish we never lost all that time together." He says, using his thumb to wipe the tear off my cheek.

"Me, too. I missed you so much. There was never a day that went by that I didn't think about you. I thought I lost you forever."

"Yesterday, I thought I would lose you forever, Freya. It was more terrifying than anything else. I never want to lose you again."

I kiss his lips, sighing. "You won't. You're stuck with me now."

He kisses my lips. "And you're stuck with me."

His brown hair is so soft and loaded with little curls, and my hands can't help but get lost in it, as my kisses get deeper, and he sweeps his tongue inside my mouth, while he pushes his hands up the back of my shirt. "God, I missed you." He breathes between kisses, making my pulse quicken.

"Take it off." I whisper, only taking my lips off his long enough to say it.

He doesn't need to be told twice. I pull his shirt out from his dress pants, and undo enough buttons, so he can take it off easily, and he takes my shirt off, too. Once our skin meets, he lifts me up, from his lap, like I can't weigh more than fifty pounds, and he carries me to the bedroom, just like old times. Only this time, his touch is different. It's gentler, while at the same time, more protective. Like he wants to keep me close, but he doesn't want to be rough with me, even though part of me loves it when he is. Our chests touch as he lays me down in the bed, pushing his hands under me, in a tight embrace, making me feel like I'm in a safe cocoon.

His kisses grow more tender yet erotic, a hot sensation that only Ethan can pull off, given his full lips and artful technique. Tongues brushing up against each other, I feel my whole body turn to pudding, as his hardness is next to the apex of my thighs. Reaching down, I pull at the tab of his trousers, and he lifts, giving me access. Seconds later, he's doing the same thing, and a minute later, we're both just in our underwear, me in my bra, too, reveling in the contact and connection that's been missing for so long.

He slides his hardened cock over my clit, hiding behind my panties, and it's all I can do not to beg for more. Lips still on mine, like it's a lifeline, like I'll die of oxygen depletion if he doesn't keep kissing me, he reaches back and pulls the eyelet on my bra, freeing it from me. I wiggle out of it, and his lips leave mine, only to trail kisses down my neck and to my breasts, making me arch my back, this time begging for more. Palms down against my thighs, his hands skate their way south, bringing my panties with them, as I hook my feet into the waistband of his briefs, and pull them down.

Seconds later, we're naked, and his cock is right against my clit. His mouth is still on my breasts, as he sucks and licks them with one hand, while gently gripping the nipple of the opposite one in the other hand. I can't help the panting and mewling coming out of me as he sets me on fire. As he speeds, I feel myself climbing fast, and I can't help but rock my hips in time with him, as he brings me to climax so fast my heart feels like it'll pump out of my chest. Ethan keeps moving as I come, making me feel every second of it, sucking my nipples harder, dragging every nerve ending out for the event.

As I come down, he makes his way down my body, kiss by kiss, inch by inch, making me squirm, until he reaches my wetness, where he sets his mouth on it and makes love to it, the way he does best. He French kisses it, sucking the clit at just the right moment, using the perfect amount of pressure, like we never missed a beat. His fingers stay at my breasts, as he gently pinches them, adding to the pleasure, until I can't take it any longer, and I explode at his mercy, almost shouting it feels so fucking good. He doesn't stop until I place my hand on his head, and then he kisses his way back up my body.

"Turn over." He says, voice laced with desire, cock pointing north, veins popping out of the glistening shaft. I lick my lips just looking at it. His arms are corded with muscle, as he presses his hands into my back, helping me flip over, for God knows what, but my heart beats with anticipation, for Ethan is a fucking god in bed. As I turn over, he puts his chest on my back, his cock at my entrance, one hand on my breast, the other he uses to circle my clit, as he enters me with a healthy thrust, making me moan in ecstasy. He softly growls in my ear. "God, you feel so fucking good, Freya."

"Mmmm…fuck me hard, Ethan." I mewl, feeling his thrusts deepen, as his finger works my clit.

"Aye." He breathes, taking in the sensations. "Your wish is my command, lass."

He fills me and pulls out slowly, deeply, while stimulating my clit in the same rhythm, bringing me closer and close to the edge with every pass. And as I feel his balls gently smack me in the ass, I feel myself go over the edge, and I let go a third time, while he holds his breath, hanging on by a fucking thread, he's so good. He waits until I stop shouting and pulls out, exploding all over my backside, and some down my back. His grunts are loud as he comes all over me, giving me delicious shivers, and then he skates his wet, impossibly hard, satiated cock, all over my ass, rubbing it in his seed a little.

"God, Ethan. Was it always this good?" I ask, lowering myself to the bed, as he grabs the tissues off the nightstand and cleans up.

"It was good, but not that good, lass. I think absence makes the heart grow fonder." He replies, sinking down next to me, laying his head on the pillow, facing me. "Of course, things always change when you love someone, Freya."

I smile, tracing a finger down his shoulder and back. "Aye. I suppose you're right."

He leans in and kisses me. "I love you with all my heart."

"And I love you. Always have. Always will."

He smiles warmly, pulling me to him, sighing happily. "I can't stay here long. I've got to head back to the office. Da wants you to come over for supper tomorrow night. Can I help you put some things together, so you can come with me, and we'll get the rest another day?"

"It won't take me long to put a bag together. I just need to add extra clothes, since I didn't unpack my duffel bag. I've still got lots of vacation time, so I can hang around another day or two, before heading back to the office."

"What do you need so you can work on your programming, lass?"

"Just my laptop. I have software on that, and I have two other laptops I use, which I can bring. I'm working on a project right now that's pretty high tech, but it's mostly using coding, not hardware at this point. I can work on that anywhere."

"Good." He looks down my body and draws in a deep breath. "God, you're so bonnie, lass. You're perfect." He traces a finger down my chest and tummy, giving me tickles and goosebumps.

"You keep doing that we'll have to go for another round."

He smiles and it's so goddamn sexy, especially with his hair all messed up from sex. "We'll see about that."