Soar (The Empire Chronicles #1) Page 18

Before I could reply, he had me pinned against the wall with his arms on either side of me. His lips were on mine again, and I eagerly welcomed him back. He tasted so damn good, the opposite of the dank room we were trapped in. I wanted more. I wanted all of him.

  His hand moved to the button of my jeans, and I didn’t stop him. Nothing else mattered. Not the fact that we were locked in a cell in a part of the prison that didn’t technically exist or that I barely knew him. He slipped his hand into my jeans, brushing his fingers over my panties, but then he pulled his hand out and stopped kissing me.

  He smiled. “You test my resistance.”

  “I do?” I struggled to pull out of my fog. Damn that guy could kiss.

  He laughed. “Yes. We need to get out of here.”

  “And you know how we’re going to do that?” I buttoned my jeans.

  “Yes, but first, what’s your number?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Tell me your phone number.”

  “You’re asking me for my phone number at a time like this?”

  “Considering how close I got to taking you against a cell wall, you shouldn’t be too surprised.”

  I shivered at his words. They sounded better than I’d ever admit out loud. “631-555-0120”

  “631-555-0120.” He repeated the numbers back.

  “You memorized it already?”

  “I’ve got a good memory. Now let’s get out of here.”

  “How?”

  He smirked. “Just give it two minutes.”

  I heard the grunts first and then the door was wrenched open.

  “Casey?” Toby sounded panicked as he ran into the cell with Owen.

  “Yeah, I’m here.” I looked at him guiltily. I reminded myself about what Nelly said. He’d never get over Allie.

  He hugged me, making the guilt even worse. I pulled away so we could walk out.

  Jared tugged on my arm, pulling me further from Toby as we headed down the corridor. We didn’t pass any guards that were upright, but there were quite a few on the ground.

  “When we get out of here, you’ll have to explain to me how the hell you managed to get locked up in a cell.” Owen laughed as we slid through the same window we’d entered from.

  “How much trouble am I in?” Jared looked nervous for the first time that night. He hadn’t even seemed nervous when he discovered he couldn’t break us out.

  “Tons.”

  “Fantastic. I guess this means I’m going to have to cancel on our plans, Casey.” He let out an exaggerated sigh.

  “What plans?” I asked.

  “It’s way past eight, but I was supposed to take you out tonight.”

  “You kind of did. Just not downtown.” After the words came out, I realized how bad they sounded. As disappointed as I was about how things went down with Toby, I didn’t want to hurt him.

  “He’s going to kill you.” Owen brought the conversation back to Levi.

  “Yeah, well. At least if I die, I had a good time tonight.”

  “A good time?” Owen asked and then looked at me. “I know girls can’t resist him, but in a prison cell?”

  “I didn’t have sex with him!”

  Jared laughed. “No, you guys arrived too soon.”

  Toby growled. Even more than his wings, the growl made him seem less human. I needed to get back to New York and away from the whole mess.

  I turned back to Toby. “Can I take your plane home?”

  “You want to leave tonight?”

  “I need to.”

  He nodded. “Then we will.”

  I wasn’t looking forward to spending time on a plane with him, but I couldn’t wait to get back in my little bed in the closet.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Jared

  Avoiding Levi would only make things worse. The more time I gave him to stew over things, the angrier he’d be. I needed to hit it head on.

  He was waiting for me on his front porch. Either he’d been listening or he knew I’d come over to face his wrath. In all my years of knowing Levi, I’d never crossed him that way. I’d also never gotten myself into such a ridiculously dumb situation.

  “I assume you have an explanation.” He sat in an Adirondack chair, giving me a look that was half annoyance and half pity. I could handle the annoyance but not the pity.

  “I couldn’t let it go.”

  “Obviously. Why I didn’t plan on you being such an idiot, I’ll never know.”

  “It’s not my fault he broke out.”

  “I never said it was.”

  “Then what are you angry about?” I leaned back against one of the columns, just waiting for him to stand up and confront me face to face.

  “You deliberately disobeyed me, and you put an innocent human at risk.”

  “Disobeyed? What am I your puppy now?” I took a seat on the railing.

  “I’ve put up with your crap for years, but I am your superior. It would be nice if you showed an ounce of respect once in a while.”

  “You’re my superior because you were born into it.” I’d never voiced those words before, and I instantly regretted them.

  “Are you implying I don’t deserve to be king?” He finally stood up and moved toward me.

  “No. But I am saying you don’t know everything.”

  “And you do? You know the best way to handle things, huh?”

  “Maybe I was too late, but waiting longer wouldn’t have helped either. The bottom line is Bryant escaped. Now what?”

  “Now I decide what the hell to do with you.” He looked toward the front door then back at me. Maybe he was afraid Allie was listening in. She probably was.

  “Are you threatening to fire me?”

  “I should fire you. That would be the responsible thing to do.”

  “You’ve never been responsible, Levi.”

  He cracked a smile. “Not often. That’s why I’m giving you another chance to prove yourself.”

  “How?”

  “Find Bryant. Find out who’s behind these attacks. I’ll give you whatever tools you need.”

  “I won’t let you down.”

  “I know you won’t, but I’ll be watching.”

  “I need to go back to New York. That’s where it started so that’s where I need to be.”

  “And this has nothing to do with that girl?” He raised an eyebrow.

  “No.” That was mostly true.

  “Don’t screw this up. I’m not giving you another chance.”

  “I get that.”

  “All right, can you guys just hug and make up. It’s getting late.” Allie graced us with her presence, walking out on the porch in a Tulane hoodie and shorts.

  Levi turned to her. “You really need to do a better job eavesdropping.”

  “Why? You didn’t make me leave.” She grinned.

  “All right, I’ll leave you guys to whatever it is you’d be doing if I wasn’t here.” I gave a wave and nodded to Levi as I left the porch.

  “Don’t let me down, Jared. I don’t want to lose you.”

  “I won’t.” I meant it.

  Two days later, I was packed and ready to go. Owen gave me a ride to the airport. As convenient as flying myself can be, it’s more difficult when you’re trying to bring a couple pieces of luggage with you.

  “Do you think you’ll be back for graduation?” He pulled over to the curb outside departures.

  “Maybe. I don’t really care whether I walk.” Luckily, I didn’t need to finish any of my classes to graduate. I had enough credits by the end of my junior year. There just never seemed to be any rush to finish.

  “If you get bored again, just give me a call.”

  “I won’t get bored.”

  He grinned. “Tell her I said hi.”

  “Who says I’m talking about Casey?”

  “You just did.” He lightly punched my arm.

  “I don’t know if I’ll even call her.”

  “You know she dumped Toby.”

  “Wh
at?” Was he serious?

  “Yeah. Hailey and Allie were talking about it.”

  Had Casey dumped Toby for me? Maybe what happened in the cell meant more to her than I thought.

  I checked-in for my flight and called Allie. My curiosity had gotten the best of me.

  “Missing me already?” Allie didn’t bother with a normal greeting.

  I let out a deep breath. Allie was never going to let me hear the end of this. “I heard Casey broke it off with Toby.”

  “You heard right. But the question is who told you?”

  “Owen.”

  “Oh, I guess he heard me telling Hailey.”

  “When did it happen?”

  “Right after she got back to New York. She’s feeling pretty awful about it, but she didn’t want to lead him on I guess.”

  “Wait. You talked to her?”

  “How else would I know?”

  “Why were you talking to Casey?” I wasn’t sure how I felt about Allie and Casey having some sort of friendship.

  “I was worried about her. I happen to know how frustrating the Pteron world can be to humans.”

  “Sure, sure. Did she mention me?”

  “Oh my god. I wish I could record this conversation. Yes, she mentioned you. Call her.”

  “I might.”

  “She really likes you.”

  “You think?”

  “I know. And now you’re scaring me. You never get weird about girls.”

  “I’m not being weird.”

  “Don’t use her, Jared. I like her.”

  “Good to know.” I reached my gate. “I’ve got to go. Talk to you soon.” I hung up, ready to get to New York.

  ***

  “Hello?” That sweet yet sultry voice answered the phone, and I knew I’d made the right decision. I’d debated whether to call her or not for weeks, but I could still picture how good that body of hers felt against mine, and my willpower lost out. Girls didn’t usually do that to me. I liked them, but I didn’t need them. At least not anyone in particular. Casey was different. She’d gotten under my skin, and our few stolen moments in that prison cell weren’t going to cut it. I needed to finish what I’d started. Maybe then I’d get her out of my head. Besides, she’d dumped Toby for me. I’d be an ass if I didn’t at least go see her.

  “Hello there. I’m looking for a girl I used to share a cell with. Any idea where I can find her?”

  “Jared?” She sounded both surprised and excited. “I wondered if I’d ever hear from you.”

  “Did you? Glad to know you’ve been thinking about me.” I leaned back against a brick wall.

  “You left an impression. Believe it or not, you’re the only guy I’ve ever made out with while trapped in a prison.”

  “Yeah? Glad I can be your first in one way.” I was glad I’d given her one memorable night. If things went my way, I’d be giving her an even more memorable one.

  “How are things in New Orleans?”

  “I wouldn’t know.”

  “Why not?”

  “Look outside your balcony window.” I watched as that pretty face of hers peeked out.

  “I don’t see anything.”

  I stepped out of the shadows, and she jumped back from the glass door.

  “Jared?” she asked with disbelief when she opened the door.

  “I thought I’d come by for a visit.”

  “I’m glad.” She was wearing a little set of PJs. They showed off her legs and just enough cleavage to make my pants tight.

  “Do you want to come in?” She sounded coy, but the look in her eyes could only be read one way. She wanted me as much as I wanted her.

  “I thought I’d take you for a flight.”

  “A flight, huh?”

  “Sound good?” I watched her, assuming she knew I was talking about two different kinds of flights.

  “Yeah. I should change though.”

  “Don’t.” I reached out for her arm and pulled her against me. “I’m the only one who’s going to be looking at you, and you’ll be wearing less than that very soon.”

  “Will I?” She smiled at me in a teasing way.

  “Yes, you will. I hope you know what you’re getting into though.” I closed the balcony door. She wasn’t going back inside that night.

  “And what’s that?”

  “A night you’ll never forget.”

  I tightened my hold on her and jumped off the balcony. Her chest was pressed against mine, and she was staring up while we flew. By the look of euphoria on her face, she liked it.

  I landed on my balcony without releasing her. We were on the highest floor, so I wasn’t worried about too many people seeing us.

  I laid her on the padded double chaise and pressed my weight down on her. I wasn’t messing around. “I’ve missed you, Casey, and it’s time to find out just how much you’ve missed me.”

  “Oh yeah?” Her eyes were wide with anticipation and adrenaline from the flight.

  “Yeah.” I pulled her shirt over her head, refusing to have any fabric separating our chests. I needed her skin against mine, and I needed my mouth on her. I tasted the first breast while fondling the other, all the while keeping my eyes trained on hers. I wasn’t going to miss a second of her reaction. She reached out to fumble with my belt buckle and finally released me from the jeans I’d been straining against.

  Her hands were tentative, but mine weren’t as I pushed down her shorts and panties in one motion. Without moving my mouth from her breast, I spread open her legs with my free hand.

  She moaned, her hand tightening around me.

  I shifted out of my jeans, kicking them, along with my boxers, off the chair.

  I had her completely naked and waiting for me, looking up at me with an expression of anticipation and nerves that was so completely hot it actually tested my resistance.

  She felt so good, so wet, hot and ready. I took her lips, wanting her moans against my mouth. She squirmed under me and that only made me want to make her do it more.

  She stroked me, and I wasn’t sure how much more I could take. I unwrapped one of the condoms I’d stuffed into my jeans.

  I spread her legs wider, slipping between her thighs the way I’d wanted to for weeks.

  “Jared, please.”

  Those two words nearly undid me, and I thrust into her. She was tight and wet. Perfect. I grabbed her ass as she wrapped her legs around me. I pushed into her over and over, loving that each time she reacted more, her breathing becoming heavier and her nails digging into my back. I could have taken it easy on her, but I didn’t want to. I wasn’t going to be satisfied until I’d used up every ounce of her strength. Her gasps and screams of passion eventually pushed me over the edge. I released, feeling a level of satisfaction sex had stopped giving me years ago.

  Sweaty and out of breath, she lay there watching me. “Oh my god.”

  I kissed her, something I never did after sex. Her lips were still sweet, but also salty now.

  “I’m not sure I ever want to let you go.”

  “You don’t have to yet.”

  “No. I don’t.” I picked her up, leaving our clothes behind as I opened the French door, never putting her down even as I walked us to the bathroom and turned on the water. I needed her wet, surrounded in steam. I needed her like we hadn’t just fucked so hard I could still feel her tightness around me.

  I pushed her up against the wall, glad to see the eagerness in her eyes. “Do you want more, Casey?”

  “Yes.”

  “How much more?” I needed to push her, to see if she was as affected by our physical connection as I was.

  “Lots.”

  “When do you want more?”

  “Now.”

  She got what she asked for. She screamed louder this time. Maybe it’s because we weren’t outside or maybe it was the echo in the bathroom, but it’s like her cries surrounded me. I could feel them. We moved together so damn well, like our bodies were designed to be locked together in a co
nstant stream of motion. Her legs wrapped around me so tight I could barely stand up. I just pushed her back harder against the wall and thrust deeper. I wanted her to feel every inch of me.

  “Jared.” She called my name before biting into my shoulder. I did the same to her as I released. I’d never bitten a girl, but I was out of control.

  That should have been enough. That should have led to us sprawled out together in my bed, fast asleep, but it was only the beginning. I couldn’t stop and neither could she. We were like animals, needy and desperate, and unable or unwilling to come up for air. The sun was already half up by the time her eyes closed. We were back in my bed, the sheets tousled and tangled at our feet.

  Moments later, her breathing evened out, and I realized she’d fallen asleep. I still felt like I was inside of her. I’d lost track of how many times we’d gone, and I just hoped that wasn’t it. It couldn’t be. I’d finally met my match in a girl, and there wasn’t a chance in hell I was letting her go.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Casey

  My entire body ached. Every inch of me pulsed and buzzed with Jared. I could feel him, smell him, taste him everywhere. His arms and legs covered me like a blanket as we lay there completely exposed in the middle of his bed. What the hell had happened to us the night before? I’d dreamed about having sex with him, but it was nothing like that. Not that mind blowing experience that I couldn’t possibly explain in words. We’d spent hours tangled up in each other. We’d moved together in so many different ways, but each had been fantastic, exciting, and new in its own right. I ran a hand down his muscular back. My fingers moved slowly over a bite mark on his shoulder. Had I actually bitten him?

  “Morning, babe,” he mumbled against my neck.

  “I think it’s afternoon.” The sun was high in the sky, and it was the heat and light pouring through the window that woke me up.

  “Same difference.” He nipped at my neck and squeezed one of my breasts.

  “That was some night.”

  “Absolutely fucking amazing.”

  “I don’t know what got into me.” My sexual experience was limited, and I’d always been a fairly timid partner. My performance the night before had been anything but timid.

  “Sure you do, Casey. I got into you.” His hand slid down my body, stopping on my inner thigh.