Taylor smoothed her hands over the loose, simple black dress she’d chosen and regarded her complexion one last time. She frowned seeing the ghostly pallor haunting her face. She tried pinching her cheeks to bring back some of the color but to no avail. Her heart hammered frantically in her chest as she hurried back into the kitchen. Sebastian had sounded beyond stressed on the phone, and the sparse contents she had to choose from after not taking anything out to thaw certainly wasn’t helping to calm her nerves. She hoped Marx was a fan of sausage fried with potatoes and onions.

 

Hearing the whir of the garage door, she turned and wrung her hands, her stomach rolling. Uncertainty paralyzed her. Did she hurry to greet him as usual or give him his space in front of his boss? All she had to go by was his past expectations. She edged toward the laundry room, her ears straining. Hearing nothing, she pulled the door open and froze. 

 

Tension lined Sebastian’s forehead as he jerked the belt to his overcoat free and his eyes locked with hers. They weren’t just cold; they were tortured, haunted, and full of something she just couldn’t read. Marx loomed behind him, his massive shoulders all but filling the door leading into the garage.

 

Reaching out, she took Sebastian’s dress coat and draped it over the hook while he kicked out of his boots. The anger and tension rolling off him was strong enough to be an entity all of its own. Closing her eyes, she sent up a quick prayer that she got through the night without making things worse.

 

“Dinner will be done in a few minutes, if that is okay,” she said, before daring a peek at his boss. “Hello, Marx, sir. It’s nice to see you again.”

 

He grunted, one of his thick brows creeping toward his hairline. “Is it?”

 

Taken aback by the rudeness, her mouth opened and closed as she struggled to come up with an appropriate answer. “I…”

 

“Make yourself useful and go fix us a drink, Taylor,” Sebastian ordered, cutting her short. “I’ll take some tea.”

 

“Scotch, neat if you have it.”

 

Still reeling from the curt instructions, she bit her tongue and headed for the kitchen. Her skin prickled as the men followed behind her. Sebastian reclined a hip against the counter beside her, but it was Marx’s heavy gaze that tracked her every move.

 

“Dinner smells good.”

 

She whirled at the soft rasp of her fiancé’s voice. Clinging to the hope the small compliment offered, she smiled. He didn’t return the gesture, but the look in his eyes softened before he lifted the lid to peek inside the skillet.

 

“I certainly hope there is more to it than whatever that is,” Marx said, drawing her attention. The sudden shift caused the room to pitch and she squinted against the motion as the colossal man rubbed his belly. “I’m starving.”

 

Taylor poured the rest of the drinks and slid Marx’s across the counter with a smile she didn’t feel. “I also have some biscuits in the oven, sir. If you will please excuse me, I need to finish setting the table.”

 

His voice followed her into the next room, its cavernous boom rattling clear down to the pit of her stomach: “Is it just me or is the little spitfire boasting a bit of an attitude tonight?”

 

“It’s just you,” Sebastian replied stiffly. “She’s trying to get my dinner on the table. Guest or not, pleasing me is still her top priority, Marx. Not entertaining you.”

 

The director’s deep laugh bowled through her system, leaving her chilled. 

 

“Touché. Every man should be the king of his own castle, even if only for a night.”

 

It wasn’t amusement riding the thundering notes of his voice, or even acceptance. It was something dark and challenging. Resisting the urge to rub the gooseflesh on her arms down, Taylor straightened the napkins and inspected the table. She was about to make her way back into the kitchen when a box sailed through the air in her direction. Catching it, she turned the package in her hands, her brow gathering in confusion.

 

“Put those away, and next time grab them yourself when you’re at the store. It’s not my job to get them, and I don’t appreciate the inconvenience.”

 

The irritation in Sebastian’s tone only threw her off more. Glancing up, she found Marx leaned against the doorway, his eyes dark and brooding as he took in the exchange. Something was off, she just couldn’t figure out what. He was watching them, inspecting everything, and waiting. But for what? 

 

Unease crawled down her spine, making her shiver as Taylor tried to play along. “Yes, Sebastian. I’m very sorry. It won’t happen again.”

 

“No it won’t,” he agreed. “Go do as you were told. We will address the issue later.”

 

She faltered as Marx’s looming shadow fell over her. His wide body blocked her path, and his slow chuckle felt like ice creeping through her veins. 

 

“Don’t hold back on my behalf,” he said, trailing his hand across the top of the dining room table. The heavy silver rings circling his fingers glinted ominously in the candlelight. “Now is a good of a time as any, Sebastian. Humans are like puppies. You don’t want to wait to discipline them or they won’t remember what they’re being punished for. Corrective actions should be swift and consistent.”

 

Her lungs collapsed. Unable to help it, her eyes darted to Sebastian in a silent plea. If he noticed, he did a good job of not showing it. His dimples deepened in a tight smile.

 

“I assure you, it will be dealt with, but now is not the time,” he said, setting his tea down. “Taylor’s discipline is a personal matter between the two of us. It’s not a public spectacle for your entertainment, Marx.”

 

“Perhaps not, Baas. But it is meant for your benefit.”

 

Sebastian’s pale shamrock glare swung her way. “Put the goddamn box away now or you won’t sit for a month!”

 

Taylor startled at the harsh bark aimed in her direction. He never yelled and the sound was enough to render her numb. Fumbling the box, she scrambled around Marx in a beeline for the half-bath off the kitchen. Her heart pounded so hard, she couldn’t hear over the deafening roar of blood in her ears. After tossing the tampons under the sink, she skidded to her knees and hugged the toilet. Resting her head on her forearms, she drew a shaky breath and prayed for her stomach to calm down.

 

“Get up.”

 

She jumped at the cold civility in Sebastian’s voice. Before she had a chance to respond, he pushed his way into the bathroom and kicked the door shut behind him with enough force to rattle her teeth. The blood drained from her face when he stepped closer. Shaking, she pressed closer to the wall in an attempt to flatten against it.

 

“Please…” she choked.

 

“Shh,” he warned, crouching down beside her. Worry clouded his eyes as he stroked a tender thumb over her brow. Tipping her face toward his, he kissed the top of her head. “I love you,” he whispered. “No matter what, remember that.”

 

Before she could respond, he rocked to his feet and batted the soap dispenser off the sink. The decorative blown glass hit the wall mere inches beside her and shattered. Both noise and action wrung a startled cry from her lips as Sebastian jerked her to her feet without warning.

 

“Are you trying to embarrass me, Taylor?” he asked, loud enough that Marx surely heard it. “Get out there, get the food on the table, and straighten your ass up!”

 

She winced as he jerked the door open and sent her staggering into the kitchen on a shove. Marx nodded in approval as Sebastian stepped out behind her. She knew he was only trying to protect them both the best way he knew how, but it didn’t make the experience any less terrifying. 

 

Her heart threatened to burst when she scented the air. A faint burning smell was already wafting from the oven, and the director was surveying the contents in the skillet with a look of dissatisfaction. His broad features screwed into a tight grimace. Taylor’s eyes widened as he snatched the skillet off the burner and tossed the thing, contents and all, into the soapy water she’d used to rinse the prep dishes. Sebastian’s jaw corded—a sharp contrast to hers, which hung open in disbelief.

 

“Why did you do that?” she asked in a choked whisper.

 

She wished she hadn’t when both men pinned her with a glare capable of stripping paint.

 

“Shut your mouth, Taylor. I don’t want to hear another word out of you tonight. Is that clear?” Sebastian asked.

 

She wrung her hands with a mute nod, watching as he crossed the kitchen and jerked open the oven door. He snagged the mitt off the counter and thrust it in Marx’s direction. 

 

“The biscuits were burning, not everything else but here, while you’re at it, you might as well finish. Who the hell wants to eat?” he snapped.

 

“That wasn’t food. It was slop. It’s what you get when you shack up with some worthless truck stop waitress. You were supposed to train the girl and uphold her to a certain set of standards, not fall into disrepair beside her. I suggest you get your damn priorities straight and for God’s sake teach her to be useful somewhere besides the bedroom.”

 

Lowering her head, Taylor tried to ignore the sting of the big man’s words, but they cut deep. As much as she wanted to lash out at him and ask what gave him the right to be so judgmental and cruel, she knew it wouldn’t be wise. Not just for her sake, but for Sebastian’s as well. This wasn’t just any man. It was his boss, and being in charge of SKALS, he was quite possibly one of the most dangerous men in the world. Her pride wasn’t worth the trouble it would cause.

 

“I’m terribly sorry, Marx, sir. I’ll fix something else.”

 

“No.”

 

She glanced up when Sebastian uttered the single, soft word from across the kitchen.

 

“No,” he repeated with a stern shake of his head. “Don’t you dare apologize, Taylor. You did the best you could with what you had to work with. I’m the one who sets the standards in this house, and if Marx has an issue with them, he can take them up with me. You have nothing to be sorry for.”

 

The director’s mouth quirked. His mammoth shoulders jerked as he folded his arms across the broad expanse of his chest. The buttons on the front of his uniform tilted with the strain. “Is that a fact, Sebastian? You’re taking your whore’s side over mine?”

 

Shutting the oven with one hand, he raked the other through his hair and gave a humorless laugh. “If that’s the way you choose to see it, who am I to argue?”

 

“Who indeed,” Marx repeated. “I told you this little game of house was going to end.” 

 

Taylor took an uncertain step back as he whirled on her, one of his huge bear-sized paws extending in her direction. 

 

“Give me the ring.”

 

She shook her head in denial. Cradling her hand against her chest, she took another step back. “No.”

 

“It wasn’t an option, Miss McAvay. Give me the ring, or I will drag you out of here and cut the damn thing off, finger and all.”

 

Words failed her and a jolt of raw terror zapped her system. She had no doubt the man meant what he said, but her heart reacted on its own accord. Clenching her hands tight, she balled them under her chin. The big man’s body seemed to tighten and curl in on itself, and for one petrifying moment, she was sure he was going to launch and make good on his threats.

 

The chilling click of a safety broke the silence. Her breath hitched as she caught sight of Sebastian’s gun. Marx’s spine snapped straight and he froze.

 

“Take one more step toward her and I will blow your fucking head off. Believe me, after the week I’ve had, you do not want to give me a reason. Get away from her right now and get the hell out of my house,” Sebastian warned in a menacing growl.

 

“Excuse me?” Marx asked. Seeming to regain some of his confidence and composure, he turned to confront the brushed chrome pistol with a raised brow.

 

“You heard me. Get your keys, grab your coat and shoes, and get off my property before I have security escort you out in pieces.”

 

The director’s broad shoulders jerked. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are talking to, but I would think very carefully if I were you. Proceed and I promise you, you will regret this decision.”

 

Sebastian offered a cold smile that fell short of easing the savage gleam in his eyes. “What’s that you always say?” he asked with a questioning tilt of his head. “Maybe someday, Marx. But today is not that day. Now move.”

 

The big bull of a man aimed an accusatory finger her way, but Taylor held her ground. Lifting her chin, she met the hatred in his eyes head on. One of his fists clenched and lifted, as if he meant to let it fly, but Sebastian stepped closer. Still trapped in the lethal sights of a Desert Eagle, Marx rethought the wisdom of his intentions. His jaw jutted with rage, and fury stamped his lined face as he stormed past her. Sebastian wasn’t taking any chances. Following in the wide berth of the commander’s shadow, he kept his pistol aimed. 

 

It wasn’t until she heard the front door slam that Taylor released the breath she’d been holding. Her legs shook as she fumbled for the support of the counter behind her. Even a backwards truck stop waitress like her could sense the magnitude of what had just happened. Sick, heavy dread blanketed her, its presence cold and smothering. Sliding down the cabinet facing, she drew her knees to her chest with a miserable swallow.

 

This wasn’t good. This was bad. So bad. It was about as bad as things could get.

 

A few moments later, Sebastian returned. He stood over her in silence as he relocked the safety and returned his gun it to its rightful place at his side. Without a word, he lowered onto the floor beside her. Taylor tensed and turned her face into his shoulder as he drew her into his arms.

 

“It’s going to be okay, baby,” he murmured, pressing a kiss against the top of her head. “He gone. Rupert and the rest of the staff escorted him out.”

 

“This is bad, Sebby. He hates me, and after what you just did, he’s going to want you dead.”

 

“Don’t worry about that, Taylor. Keep your head straight and stay focused on us. Concentrate on taking care of yourself and our baby.”

 

“I’m trying.”

 

“Don’t try. Just do. I know you don’t understand this, but part of him respects what I did. That’s the anger, the type of calculating killer SKALS wants to see. Marx just needs time to cool down. Everything will be okay.” He took her hand and absentmindedly stroked the ring on her finger. “Go ahead and order whatever sounds good to you. You know what I like. I have a phone call to make. When I’m done, we’ll talk. Okay?”

 

“Seb?”

 

“This is important, Taylor.” 

 

She watched as he sprung to his feet and retrieved his cell phone from his pocket, already heading toward the privacy of his office. Plowing her still shaky hands through her hair, she scrubbed her scalp and tried to pull herself back together. She tried not to think about what the consequences of tonight would be—for either of them—but it was hard. So damn hard. If there was one thing she’d learned about SKALS and the men who ran it so far, it was that every action had a very definite reaction.

 

 

 

~*~*~*~

 

 

 

 

 

Sebastian paced the floor of his study, muttering in agitation beneath his breath. He’d tried Josh’s cell three times to no avail. His eyes darted to the decorative clock stationed above the mantel. It was almost six. His partner should have been home by now. He listened as the home phone hit its fourth ring, his hand tightening around his cell. The relief he felt when he heard the melodic notes of his sister’s voice was almost shattering.

 

“No time for greetings,” he interrupted. “Where is Josh?”

 

“He came home with a headache. He’s resting.”

 

“Put him on the phone, Monique.”

 

“Did you not just hear me?” she asked, her voice rising an octave in disbelief.

 

“I heard you. I don’t have time to worry about his boo-boos. We have bigger problems. Give him one of your Midols and put him on the phone, now.”

 

Perching on the edge of his desk, he pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration as he listened to the ensuing voices on the other end. Several more precious seconds ticked by before his partner’s smooth baritone sounded on the other end.

 

“What’s going on, Baas?”

 

“You need to lock things down. Marx is probably on his way over there, and he’s not happy.”

 

Josh sucked in a sharp breath. “What the hell did you do now?” he asked, not bothering to mask his irritation.

 

“The guy dumped my dinner in the sink and threatened Taylor. You tell me.”

 

A long strand of curses followed on the other end of the phone. “You know what? You seriously need to get your head on straight. I’m not in this. If you pissed him off, that’s your problem, pal, not mine.”

 

Annoyed, he sprung to his feet and tried to keep the venom out of his voice. “You keep telling yourself that, but that’s my sister you’re shacked up with. I don’t care what you have to do, but you keep him out of that house and away from her.”

 

“This is exactly what I was talking about!” Josh yelled. “Why do you keep doing this? Why are you even putting me in this position? If you don’t care about yourself that’s one thing, but at least try to give a fuck about the rest of us.”

 

“I do,” he stated quietly. “More than you know.” Deathly silence reigned. “Just keep her safe. One way or another, I will make this up to you. I promise.”

 

“And just how in the hell are you going to do that?”

 

“I will do whatever it takes to protect my family, Josh. You know that. Just promise me you will do the same.”

 

“Yeah. Okay. Are we done?”

 

“Goodnight, Josh.”

 

Sebastian closed his eyes for a brief second as he disconnected the call. The stress and pressure lately was becoming too much. Reaching over, he poured himself a stiff drink, downed it with a grimace, and wandered back into the kitchen in search of Taylor. His eyes raked over the spacious area, including the great room upon finding it vacant. She wasn’t on either of the leather couches or the plush chair where she liked to curl up sometimes to read. A quick glance outside revealed an unoccupied deck as well. Frowning, he bounded up the stairs, taking them two at a time. His heart hammered as he flung open the doors to the master suite. Still no sign of her. He crossed the bedroom and peered into the bathroom. Nothing. Raking a hand through his curls, he charged back out into the hall and called her name.

 

He was just about to key in the coordinates on her necklace when movement below drew his attention. She’d popped the lid to the trash was dumping the last of the broken soap dispenser off the dust tray by the time he entered the kitchen. Taking it from her hands, he set it aside and steered her into the living room.

 

He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her temple, drawing the sensual scent of warm vanilla and cashmere deep into his lungs in an attempt to calm himself down again. “Did you call something in?” he asked.

 

“Yeah. I ordered a Mediterranean pizza and some wings.”

 

“That sounds good.”

 

She shrugged and tucked her legs under her. Keeping her gaze averted, she picked at the hem of her dress. “He wants to hurt me, doesn’t he?” she asked.

 

Sebastian let his head fall back to rest against the back of the couch. The muscles along his jaw twitched as he debated an answer. “He wants to hurt me, Taylor. You just happen to be an unfortunate byproduct of that agenda.”

 

She folded her hands then wrung them in her lap. “I don’t know what to do here, Seb. What to say.”

 

“I already told you what to do, baby,” he said, threading his fingers through hers. “As for what to say, just tell me you love me. Tell me you’ll be careful, but most importantly, tell me you’re going to stay.”

 

“You know I will, Sebastian,” she assured him, closing her eyes.

 

“I’m going to take care of this, Taylor. All of it. He’s not going to hurt you. I won’t let him destroy us. I promise.”

 

She nodded against his shoulder. He held his breath, waiting, as the precious seconds ticked by.

 

“It’s not us I’m worried about,” she finally admitted, her voice a strained whisper that barely met his ears. “It’s the rest of the world, Seb. I’m worried about what’s going to happen if Marx goes through with his plans and where that future will lead.”

 

His chest rose and fell with his reluctant sigh. As selfish, cold, and uncaring as he could be, the burden of those things rested heavily on his shoulders as well. It was hard to make promises when the future was so bathed in uncertainty but, right now, words were all he had.

 

“I’m not going to let that happen,” he assured her. “I will take care of it, Taylor. One way or another, Marx’s reign is coming to an end.”

 

“How is that possible, Seb? If something happens to him, you are going to be the first person everyone looks at. They aren’t going to believe you did it to save them or your organization. They’re going to think you just wanted to take over and sit in his place.”

 

“Believe me, sweetheart, that is the last place in this world I would want to be.”

 

“I know that,” she said, peeking up at him to meet his steady gaze. “But do they?”

 

Frowning, he shrugged. Probably not, but taking Marx out seemed to be the only option left anymore and that task wouldn’t be easy. The commander seldom left headquarters, and there wasn’t a moment that passed anymore when the pompous prick didn’t have security close by his side. He knew he was pushing buttons and testing boundaries. He knew other agencies were looking on, watching, just waiting for him to make a mistake so they could take him down and skewer his head on a stick.

 

The mere visual of which made him smile.

 

Blowing out a heavy breath, Sebastian wondered how many of his teammates would back him. With new recruits streaming in almost daily now, the odds were no longer tipped in his favor. Or were they?

 

He thought about the man who’d tried to recruit him so many years ago. Life could have been so different, so much easier and less complicated if he had taken that path and stayed planted in the FBI. It was a stretch, but he might have even turned out to be a semi-decent human being. He shook his head, scattering the wistful notions. No. Like it or not, something inside him needed the violence and release SKALS offered. Despite what Taylor wanted to believe that seething darkness was a large part of who he was. He would never be ‘normal’ or fit into the neat little boxes and perimeters of society. He’d never be considered socially acceptable or sane—just an ugly little necessity that was best kept secret.

 

It was too late to turn back. But maybe it wasn’t too late to move forward. Jack had been looking for assurances last night. He was fishing, hoping for some confirmation on where they might stand. Perhaps it was time to give the Feds what they were looking for. His hands were tied, but theirs were free. It was a risky maneuver, a shaky gamble at best, but it was all he had. With any luck at all, they would play along. He needed Marx out of the picture. He needed the bastard dead.

 

He turned his attention back to Taylor. Her eyes met his and a renewed wave of determination swept through him as he covered her stomach with his hand.

 

“Thank you for standing up to him tonight,” she said. “For keeping us safe.”

 

His lips curled into a pensive smile before he kissed the top of her head. “You don’t have to thank me, baby. I will always do whatever it takes to be with you and keep you safe. Always. I’ve spent a lifetime waiting for this,” he said, stroking reverent fingertips across her belly, “and I refuse to let anything take it away.”

 

“So with love comes the death of duty?” she asked, quoting the most recent show they’d seen.

 

Smiling into her hair, Sebastian shook his head. “No. Duty never dies, Taylor. It’s only a man’s perspective that changes.”

 

Cuddling closer, she trailed a finger over the hard swell of his chest. Her attention seemed glued on the tarnished silver skull and crossbones pin secured on his lapel. “Wise words, but I doubt Marx will see it that way.”

 

He shrugged and let his head fall back to rest against the couch again. “I don’t care what he thinks. I’ve warned him to steer clear of my family. I’m loyal to my country, my organization, and my men. That is where my duty and service lie. Not with him.”

 

She winced at the harshness overtaking his voice, but he couldn’t help it. Just thinking about the man and the hell he was putting them through was enough to make his blood boil. One day, he was going to take great pleasure in hearing Marx scream, but not today.

 

Glancing down, he watched Taylor’s fingers dance across his belt buckle. Though her head was lowered, there was no missing the mischievous smile playing on her lips.

 

“What are you doing?” he asked.

 

“Reminding you of your other duties, Special Agent Baas.”

 

“I see,” he stated slowly. “And just what would those be?”

 

“Using that incredible body of yours to pleasure me.”

 

He blinked, thrown a bit by her forwardness. It wasn’t like her to be so outright and bold. Unable to help it, he laughed, shaking his head as her words had their desired effect and his cock twitched beneath the seam of his pants.

 

“Is that so?” he asked, hooking a finger beneath her chin.

 

“Mmmhmm. You have a new assignment tonight and you, sir, are already slacking. I might just have to start this mission without you.”

 

A low growl rumbled through him. “Don’t you dare,” he warned, dragging her up over him to straddle his lap. “I accept the challenge. Now lose the clothes. I’m going in.”

 

 

 

~*~*~*~

 

 

 

 

 

Taylor had just finished stacking the last of the breakfast dishes and swiping her hands dry on her hips by the time Sebastian descended from his morning shower. He looked as dapper as ever dressed in his uniform fatigues, his golden curls still damp and a dark glistening auburn in the sun. Adjusting his pins, his gaze tracked her movements as he regarded her with a bemused expression.

 

“We have towels for that you know.”

 

“I know.”

 

Nodding, he prowled closer. His hands spanned her waist and tugged her forward until her body pressed flush against his. “If you want to be wet, baby, all you have to do is ask. I can think of much better ways to accomplish that.”

 

“I’m sure you can, but I’m still reeling from two rounds last night. Have I mentioned you are impossibly horny lately?” she asked, biting back a moan as he ground against her with a tantalizing roll of his hips.

 

“Not that I recall, but I’m inclined to agree. This constant ache has been making me quite miserable.”

 

His hold tightened and Taylor squirmed as his lips worked their magic against the side of her neck. “I swear to God, Sebastian. If you don’t let up our kid is going to come out with a dented forehead.”

 

He laughed, his body shaking against hers in quiet amusement. “I find that highly unlikely.”

 

“Is that really a chance you’re willing to take?”

 

“When it comes to you?” he asked, plying her skin once again with hungry kisses. “Absolutely.”

 

Her eyes drifted shut as he slid a hand between them to cradle the tender swell of her breast. The other eased beneath the hem of her nightshirt. Surging forward, Sebastian claimed her mouth in a hungry press, his long fingers cupping and stroking her mound. The thin fabric did little to shield her body from his skillful coaxing. Winding her arms around his neck, she returned his kiss with equal fervor. Groaning low in his throat, Sebastian pinned her against the counter, his tongue teasing hers in a light sweep. He still tasted like syrup and the deliciously intoxicating flavor that was his and his alone.

 

Unable to help herself, she fumbled desperately with the button on his pants. The instant it popped it free, Sebastian caught her hands and rapidly backed her into the hall between the half bath and laundry room. Shielded from the view of their security team, he let his pants fall. Undoing the buttons on his shirt, he shrugged out of it, making the corded muscles in his arms ripple and play.

 

Holding his gaze, Taylor hitched her thumbs in the elastic band of his black briefs and eased them down the corded muscles of his thighs. His breathing faltered when she sank to her knees and wrapped her hand around the base of his cock. Long and powerful, it jumped in her grasp, jutting in a proud line up past his navel. The momentary sense of control, seeing, feeling the effect she had on him was as powerful an aphrodisiac as any. 

 

Leaning forward, she trailed her tongue up the underside of his shaft before tracing the velvety ridge. Sebastian fisted her hair, the lean lines of his body trembling with anticipation and need. His fingers sank deeper as she slowly drew him into her mouth. His free hand slapped against the wall behind him in a bid for support. The other remained locked in her tresses, guiding her efforts and setting the pace. Closing her eyes, she hollowed her cheeks and focused on taking him deeper. Her own body ached in response, the throb between her legs nearly unbearable, as his touch and the familiar scent of his skin wove through her senses. Each slow plunge felt like a ghostly torment inside her.

 

Unable to help herself, she reached down between her thighs, hoping to pantomime the glide of her tongue along his shaft. A low growl rumbled through Sebastian and she gasped as he wrenched her head back so hard he slid from her mouth with an audible.

 

“No,” he warned, the word coming in ragged pant. “Don’t. No one gets to make you come but me.”

 

She stared at him, trying to comprehend the words while mourning the loss of his body.

 

“Get up here, Taylor. Now.”

 

She wasn’t sure how to respond. She didn’t need to. Sebastian hauled her up and drove her against the wall. Pinned, she struggled to catch her breath but only managed a winded cry as he drove his thick length inside her with a powerful lunge of his hips. Her nails bit into his back as he ground deeper, impaling her until her body bordered on delicious pain. He dragged her thighs up higher, opening her up even more. His piercing sage eyes locked with hers as he pulled back, nearly withdrawing. A frantic plea fell from her lips, and she tightened her grip. Smirking, he eased his cock back in with a teasing swirl. In and out. Slow. Steady, he managed t0 keep release just out of reach.

 

Her body tightened. Need became so intense it hurt. She fought, but he gave her no quarter.

 

“Sebastian. Please. I can’t take this.”

 

A lazy swirl ground against her sweet spot, bringing her closer, but left her aching on the brink of madness.

 

“Suffer,” he breathed, biting down gently on her earlobe. “I want you to feel what you do to me. I want you to know the same ache I feel whenever I think about you.”

 

Switching gears, he began pumping into with slow, shallow thrusts that left her even more bereft. Moaning into the warm juncture where his shoulder met his neck, she fought the urge to rake furrows into his skin or pull his hair in an effort to gain more. Wrapping her legs tighter, she rocked against him as best as she could.

 

“Mmm,” he groaned, picking up the pace. “You feel so good, baby. So hot, so tight it makes me crazy.”

 

His mouth sealed against hers in a bruising claim. Sharp stubble pierced her skin like a thousand fiery needles, but she didn’t care. She sucked the soft swell of his lower lip between her teeth, nipping it gently as Sebastian pumped deeper. His hold tightened and she almost wept with relief as his thrusts became faster and almost frantic. Something rattled on the other side of them in the bathroom. The sound of splintering glass filled the air. One knee buckled slightly beneath him as he shifted position and his damp palm skidded against the wall.

 

“Hold on to me,” he snarled.

 

Taylor cried out as he pounded into her, his heavy cock pistoning without mercy. Pleasure and pain melded into one. Her entire body contracted around him, squeezing, as the devastating explosion of her orgasm hit. Her fingers bit deep enough to bruise as the exquisite bliss ripped through her, rendering her helpless. Sebastian’s husky roar echoed through the house as he drove into her again and stilled with a violent shudder.

 

Chest heaving, he slowly slid down to the floor, pulling her with him. With their bodies still joined, he rested his forehead against hers as they tried to slow their hearts and catch their breath. Reaching up, he trailed his fingers over her cheeks and brushed the sweaty strands of hair away from her face.

 

“Why do you do this to me?” he asked quietly. “I’m going to be late.”

 

“That’s not my fault. You started this.”

 

“Yes it is,” he argued. “You turn me inside out, Taylor. It doesn’t matter what I say or what I do. I can never get enough. Every minute I spend away from you drives me crazy.”

 

“I don’t know if that’s a bad thing. I feel the same way. Whenever you are gone, a huge part of me is missing. I count the minutes, the hours…but the times when I have to count the days…those are the worst. I don’t think I could bear it if he locks you down today.”

 

Wresting his eyes from hers, he lowered his head and nodded. “I won’t let that happen. I don’t know if Marx will ever come around, but I am tired of waiting, Taylor. I want to do right by you and the baby. I want us to get married before our child is born. You deserve that much and I want it…so bad.”

 

“Seb, listen,” she said, twining her fingers through his. “I know you love me. I know you aren’t going anywhere, and there is nothing in this world that could ever drag me away from you. As nice as it would be, we don’t need a piece of paper to promise each other those things. Not if it’s going to cause trouble for you or your family. You have my heart, Sebby. You’re always going to have it.”

 

Closing his eyes, he sighed and settled his forehead against hers again. “I know, baby, but that’s not the point.”

 

“You’re worrying about nothing,” she reassured him, stroking her hands over the top of his damp curls. “We’ll have our wedding when the time is right. It’s not a problem and you aren’t disappointing me. We still have each other, and you have much bigger things to contend with right now. Focus on those.”

 

Sebastian shrugged. “I want to take care of my family, Taylor. That is what’s most important to me.”

 

“You already do, Seb. You do whatever it takes.”

 

“How the hell do you always manage to have so much faith?” he asked.

 

She kissed the hollow of his throat before lifting her gaze to meet his. “What else is there? Life is scary enough without convincing yourself that nothing is ever going to go your way. Besides, if we sit around always expecting the worst to happen, who’s to say we don’t manifest that?”

 

His eyebrows lifted, making his forehead crease and he snorted in amusement. “Is this some New Age life sunshine and rainbows regime? Have you been conspiring with Monique?”

 

Sighing, she gave an exasperated roll of her eyes and shifted into a more comfortable position. “No. It’s just a different school of thought. It couldn’t hurt anything, right?”

 

“Besides my reputation? Maybe not,” he countered with a humored smirk. “But you are sadly mistaken if you think our son is going to have some frou-frou Earth child name.”

 

Laughing, she batted his chest and leveled him with a playful look. “Who says it’s going to be a boy?”

 

“I do,” he said bumping his forehead against hers. He grinned as he traced the outline of her navel. “I can feel it,” he murmured, “We’re going to have a son, Taylor. A beautiful, healthy, vibrant little boy and he is going to be the center of our entire world.”

 

She smiled and kissed the tip of his nose. “I see. And what if this baby comes out with missing parts and ends up being a girl?”

 

“I suggest you keep it inside you until it’s done.”

 

Bursting into laughter at his deadpan expression, she nudged him hard enough to make them both tilt. “Sebastian!”

 

“I’m kidding,” he said, laughing as he righted their position. “I will love it regardless, baby. I would be just as thrilled with a little girl to dote on and spoil. All that matters is that we are together and our child is healthy and happy. They will never go through the things we did, Taylor. Our little one will grow up feeling loved and safe. They will never have to know the pain or fears we did growing up,” he said, twining his fingers through hers and kissing the top of her hand. “They’re going to have a great life.”

 

“I’m so glad to hear you say that, Sebastian,” she whispered. “I love you, but I would never let you hurt them.”

 

He mulled that over for a long moment. His expression hardened some, but he lowered his head with a conceding nod. “I remember all too well what it was like to have my father towering over me. I respected him, Taylor, but I feared and hated him more than I ever loved him. I don’t want our kids to feel that.” Sighing, he glanced up at the ceiling and let his head fall back to rest against the wall. “I see no reason why a timeout or a stern lecture wouldn’t set them on the right path should they ever stray. It seemed to work well with the boys and Mia. I never once had to raise my voice no matter what the circumstances.”

 

Relieved, she buried her nose against the fragrant warmth of his skin and did her best to contain her smile. “I’ve always found the pain of disappointing someone you love is worse than any punishment.”

 

“Is it now?” he asked, raising a brow.

 

“For the most part,” she admitted. “But if time outs and lectures didn’t work, you could always give them your thousand-yard death glare. That would definitely do the trick. That look alone is enough to put the fear of God into anyone.”

 

Giving a quiet laugh, he squeezed her against his side and kissed the top of her head. “Thanks. I think.” His grin faded. Frowning, he tilted his head and seemed to contemplate her words. “Do you trust me, Taylor? Do you believe I will do right by our kids?”

 

“Of course I do. I needed to hear it, but I see the love and sincerity in your eyes whenever you think about them, Seb. I’ve seen how you were with Christian and Mia. I know you would have died to protect them.”

 

He lowered his head, but not before she saw a staggering amount of shame and grief lance across his handsome face. His swallow sounded harsh and strained in the continued silence of their room. “I would have done anything to take Christian’s place.”

 

“I know, baby. I know,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck. Letting her lids drift shut, she begged whoever might be listening to help ease his inner turmoil, to smother the painful whispers of the past that continually echoed in his head, even if only for one night. He’d been through so much torment, so much pain. Kissing his temple, she prayed he would be able to find a mere moment’s peace.

 

“I love you,” he murmured. “So much, Taylor. So damn much.”

 

“I love you, too, Sebby. You’re going to make a wonderful father.”

 

A sad smile plied the corners of his mouth as he threaded his fingers through her hair. It was filled with doubt, reservations that cut and wounded her soul. It was a lofty expectation, but one he wanted so badly to live up to and own. The desire to overcome the inner darkness was there, the need so deep and volatile it burned in his eyes. He closed them, shutting her out from seeing the emotions that wound through him. She wondered if their love would be enough to save them, if they would ever be able to escape the damning echoes of SKALS and their past.

 

She liked to think they could, but there were no fairytales in their story. Just the painful and bitter smack of reality. Breathing in her scent, Sebastian sighed.

 

“I’m not perfect, Taylor, but I will try my best to live up to your hopes and not let you down. You are the only thing that makes this life worth living. You and that little bobble head you’re carrying inside you.”

 

She couldn’t help but laugh at his off-color comment. This was his way of lightening the mood, and humor from him was such a rare and precious gift. Tugging her arm free from beneath his hand, she gave his shoulder a playful nudge. “Nice, Sebastian. Real nice.”

 

“I’m sorry, but it’s true,” he countered, a hint of genuine amusement returning to his face. His dimples lie dormant as he peered down at her. “As gorgeous as you are, that kid of ours looks like an alien. At least when I saw it. For both our sakes, I sincerely hope it grows out of that stage.”

 

“Didn’t you ever see pictures of Mia before she was born?”

 

This time, his smile deepened. “Of course I did. I was only teasing you. Monique had ultrasound pictures plastered all over the place. She was even kind enough to decorate my appliances as well. I’m sure our child will come out just as beautiful as Mia. If not more so, because it’s ours.”

 

Her entire being seemed to warm with his words and the genuine sincerity in his voice. This was the beautiful side of him. It was one he was deathly afraid to show, but it was always the side of him she’d loved the most. Reaching up, she sank her fingers into his thick, unruly tumbles. He raised a questioning brow in response.

 

“I love you so much right now,” she admitted. “This side of you, seeing you laugh and smile. It makes me happy.”

 

Winking, he lifted her up and settled her on the floor beside him. “That may be true, but right now I need to focus on getting through the day.” Snaring her chin, he stole a quick kiss. “I’ll see you tonight. Take care of yourself and stay safe.”