Well, we can't say we weren't warned what to expect when an Arrow gets angry.
SweetSue62
How is it legal those people are roaming around? They're a danger to society. Aden Kai better keep his assassins in check.
Anonymous
Is anyone else green with envy? How did that brunette manage to get her hands on such a fine example of the male species? Maybe they're just friends. I hope they're just friends. And I'm seriously considering going to that Psy café in SoHo…
Q. Daily
Top comments on the NewsYork article 'Inhospitable Storm'
It is my purpose to serve the Squad.
How her heart had broken at those words. Even now, the morning after their intimate night together–intimacy that had nothing to do with physicality–Hailey felt the organ twist. Listening to James, watching the shadows take him over, it was hard. He had suffered through so much, and it had scarred him. More than he liked to admit, and more than he was probably aware of.
Hailey couldn't imagine what it was like, to live her life loveless, to be brutally tortured, knowing it wouldn't end. And even when it ended, when training was finally over, the torture still wasn't. Because seeing the things James had seen, doing what he had to do, it was torture all the same.
She let out a deep sigh while she walked over to her music installation. Going through her playlist, she selected a danceable song.
James was right; she couldn't change what had happened to him. But she was able to influence his future, and Hailey vowed to make it as wonderful as she could. She would pull James out of the darkness every time he needed her to.
She fixed her hair in a half-updo while singing and dancing to the music. She was still wearing denim shorts and an oversized band shirt but figured she could get dressed properly later in the afternoon.
James was currently meeting up with another Arrow stationed in the city, and Hailey had taken the opportunity to buy some groceries. She wanted to visit Shane and Morgan later in the afternoon, because she wasn't sure if James and she would be able to stay in the city for much longer.
He'd already put his life on hold for her. Though she was grateful for that, she was also aware he was quite occupied–as proven by his current absence.
Hopping to the kitchen, she quickly fixed herself a strawberry and banana smoothie. She poured the mixture in a glass and added a colorful straw before sipping on her drink. Twirling back to the living area, she sang along to the music while using the straw as a microphone.
Delectable.
Gasping, Hailey swiveled around to see James standing in the small hallway, his eyes focused on her. She'd moved fast enough for half of her drink to spill. James didn't even look at her hand, but Hailey could see the liquid floating back into the glass before it could have hit the floor.
She quickly made a movement with her free hand–which the audio installation registered–to turn the volume down. Her heart thudded in her chest, her skin simmering under the heat in his gaze. "Delectable?"
Yes, his dark voice a hum in her mind, it's a word I've never had the opportunity to use before, but it's the first thing that comes to mind when you move like that.
He walked closer, and somehow it felt like he was a lion sneaking up on its prey. Even though James was Psy, there was a protective core inside him akin to a dominant predatory changeling. Though, lion didn't feel quite right. Wolf, maybe.
Yes.
Agile and strong, with great capacity for loyalty and deeply respected by his pack.
What are you thinking about, Hailey? That voice filled with sinful promises made her nipples furl to small beads, the timbre a caress to her skin. Swallowing, Hailey shared her thoughts with him as he circled around her. She closed her eyes when his telekinetic touch stroked up her leg.
"If I am a wolf, what are you?"
Hailey dropped her glass at the feel of his hot breath against her neck. She opened her eyes to see James had caught the glass and levitated it towards her coffee table.
"You tell me," her voice was a husky whisper.
One big hand slid around her waist, the other brushed her hair from her shoulder. His lips touched the sensitive skin of her nape, causing her to shudder.
Your voice is seductive, as is your body. He sounded rough as he sucked on her pulse. A siren.
Hailey laughed at his apt description. "Yes, perhaps that is fitting." She turned into his embrace and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Dance with me."
James' blue eyes looked like they were afire. "Show me how."
She made twisting gesture with her hand towards the music installation. The electronic dance music stopped playing and was swapped for a ballad.
Smiling, she placed James' hand on her lower back and laced her fingers through the other. She gently nudged him with her Tk, which got her a slightly raised eyebrow, but he followed her motions as she telepathically sent him images of people dancing, slowly swaying to soft music.
Though his movements were sometimes off, it was wonderful being in his arms. It felt amazing that her lethal Arrow was doing something utterly mundane like dancing, even if he nearly stepped on her bare feet with his big boots once.
When Hailey released one hand to twirl around, James hauled her back in his embrace after she turned, and kissed her with deep, dark possession.
A couple of hours later Hailey was standing outside in a small garden at the back of the hospital. She'd gotten Shane some food and something to drink and had sat with Morgan for a while. He looked so pale, so young and so sick.
Her worried heart clenched at the memory of Morgan's sheet white face. The iv's were causing purple bruises on his arms and the medics had placed several devices on his limbs in order to keep the blood flow in his body steady, narrowing down the chances of him having a stroke.
After a while she'd told Shane she had to go to the bathroom, but Hailey had actually needed a bit of fresh air before she could be strong for her friend again. She wanted to scream at the unfairness of it all, but that wouldn't help anyone.
She'd asked James to wait for her, needing a moment of quiet to herself. James had brushed her cheek with his knuckles before she went outside. At first he had disagreed with her, yet after they'd discussed it–where she'd reminded him he wasn't her bodyguard–he'd reluctantly let her go. He didn't like it, but he did it for her.
When Hailey turned around to walk back through the sliding doors, she almost bumped into a tall, auburn haired man. Snapping up her head to apologize, she recognized the pale blue eyes staring back at her.
"Hey, Hales. You here for Shane, too?"
"Hi," she said to Matt. "Yeah. It sucks, doesn't it?"
Matt nodded. Though Matt was one of Shane's friends, Hailey had never really liked him much. He was always a little rude, a little mean, just because he could; the typical high school athlete jock who'd been unable to make his sport dreams true due to an injury in college. Matt wasn't good with people and didn't like studying, so he never finished his college education… which was why it probably made sense he was a bouncer at a shady strip club.
But he was Shane's friend and he was here, so Hailey figured she had no right to treat him in a condescending way.
"I didn't see you at Morgan's floor," she said.
"Nah, I just arrived. Just wanted to have a breather before seeing Shane." He looked around the small garden. "You want to go for a walk with me?"
Hailey felt a little bit reluctant but nodded. She didn't know Matt very well, mostly saw him at the bar and birthdays. Even then they hardly spoke.
Matt was… different. His voice made him a good singer, and Hailey had agreed to do karaoke with him once. She also vividly recalled the way he'd treated her on and off stage.
Pushing away that awkward memory, she walked in silence together with Matt over the wide path. On either side of the path were some bushes and trees, but there were mostly grass and flowerbeds planted, with the occasional bench between the greenery.
Hailey stiffened when Matt hooked his arm through hers but kept on walking.
"I have to get back in a minute." She looked up at Matt, who was staring at her.
"Yeah, sure." He took her in from head to toe, and Hailey felt a tingling sensation run up her spine. "How have you been, Hailey? Haven't seen you around at Doctor's Order," Matt drawled, naming their local bar.
Hailey pulled back her arm. "I'm fine. Been busy for the past couple of weeks." She looked around and saw that they were the only ones in the garden.
Don't go crazy, Hales. He might be a jerk but that doesn't have to mean anything.
"You know, I really have to get back to Sh–"
"Who's that guy driving you around?" he interrupted.
Hailey froze. Suspicion flooded her mind. If Matt had just arrived, he wouldn't have seen James. "He's someone I train with, why?" She was unsure how much she was allowed to say about her stay at the Arrow facility, so she'd promised James she'd be vague about her whereabouts. Shane had known about the sudden erratic spike in her abilities, but he didn't know where she had gone to get control of the situation either. Aside from that, Shane knew it was important to keep Hailey's secret; he wouldn't have mentioned anything to Matt.
Matt shrugged as he put his hands in his coat pockets. He walked a little further before turning towards her again. "He's a Psy, isn't he? No one remotely human would look like that."
Hailey frowned and stepped back the way they came. "Why does that matter?"
Matt stalked over to her, gripping her arm before she could take another step back. "Is he hurting you?"
Hailey tried to yank her arm out of his grip, fear and anger coiling inside her. "No, but you are. Let me go, Matt." She coated her voice with ice.
Matt ran his pale eyes over her face. Then he pushed her away, the sudden movement making her stumble a few steps back. "Jesus," he ran his hands through his sleek hair. "You're fucking him. So you're whoring for the Psy now?"
Hailey stood nailed to the ground at the sudden change in Matt's behavior. "What the hell, Matt?" She shook her head. "If you're upset because of something, don't take it out on me. I think it's best if I go." Hailey turned around and walked away before she'd lose her temper and hurt him, but Matt grabbed her arm again.
"Wait, Hailey. I'm sorry."
Hailey turned around to use her Tk to wrench herself free. Just when she pulled, their eyes locked… and Matt's light eyes darkened.
The hairs on her neck rose as her hands tingled, a gentle buzz humming through her head.
"Let me make it up to you," Matt said, his voice soft, soothing, safe.
Yes, he'd be safe. He'd be so good for her. He was such a nice guy. Handsome and smart, he'd be perfect for her. How could she not have seen that before? He'd make her so happy, give her everything–
What?! NO!
Ordering her mind to reject the deep sense of security Matt could provide, Hailey angled back her head. "Get your fucking hands off me," she hissed, but the words came out slurred.
Matt smiled lazily, pulled her into his embrace and bent down. Nausea churned in her stomach as Hailey tried to push him away, but she couldn't lift her arms. She couldn't even move the tips of her fingers.
Shit!
He grabbed hold of her chin and hauled her closer as he leaned in to kiss her. Hailey bit her lips closed and tried to turn her head, but her mind was foggy and her movements draggy, like she was stuck in mud. She attempted to lift her leg in order to plant her knee right into the family jewels. The only response her body gave was a slight jerk of her upper thigh.
The sound of blood rushed in her ears and her heartbeat slammed inside her chest. With the sickening scent of Matt's aftershave penetrating her nostrils, forcing her body not to heave took effort, the acrid taste on her tongue spreading throughout her mouth. Hailey tried to move her hands again, tried to use her Tk but she was unable to do anything as she felt her mind darken more and more. Tendrils seeped into her head, whispering sweet promises, all the things Matt could offer her.
Matt's lips were a hairsbreadth away from hers.
Shit, shit, shit!
Suddenly, Hailey was lifted off the ground and pulled back while Matt flew through the air and smacked against the wall next to the back entrance of the hospital.
Landing in James' arms, Hailey snapped out of the hypnoses Matt had used on her. She shook her head and blinked her eyes a couple of times. Only when the hazy cloud in her head lessened, she became aware of James' intense gaze on Matt. Horror crept through her veins when she heard something crack.
Matt's scream was barely audible through the thunder shuddering the sky. Hailey's head snapped into Matt's direction.
Arms and legs spread, he was pinned against the building, invisible manacles holding him in place. Rain poured down on him, a sliver of blood running from his mouth. When Hailey turned her head towards her savior, the look in James' eyes made her motionless.
He was losing control.
"James, stop," she said, cupping his face to get his attention. His eyes remained on the man trapped in telekinetic shackles, seething fury roaring in depths of blue. Hailey looked over her shoulder and saw Matt fighting the telekinetic hold as he groaned something.
"James, please stop," she tried to push herself out of his hold, but he didn't budge. Knots in her stomach, Hailey tried to connect to him. You have to let go.
James didn't respond to her telepathic message and kept his focus solely on the object of his rage while rain kept pouring down and lightning flashed in violent streaks through the dark sky.
For the first time, Hailey saw the true darkness in James' eyes, the blood-honed assassin he told her he was. And in his taut body, she recognized the true danger of his emotions spiraling out of control.
It frightened her.
Not because she was scared he was going to hurt her. Not even because he was hurting Matt.
No.
She was scared for him. The glacial look in James' eyes made it very clear he was going to kill Matt. Slowly. Painfully. He was meting out retaliation for what Matt had tried to do to her. But she couldn't let that happen.
"James." She grabbed hold of his hair and pulled him in her direction. He finally looked at her, the azure in his eyes overtaken by shadowed Prussian as thunder sounded overhead. Wind swept through Hailey's wet hair, dark tendrils clinging to the sides of her face.
"He tried to force you," James' voice was soft and low, seemingly contained, a wolf in sheep's clothing. The fact that he was speaking so calmly scared Hailey even more. It kicked her mind into gear.
"He did. I think he got the message, so release him," her voice was steel. She was ready to counter him, to fight for him to save his soul.
"Would he have released you?" James' seething anger was a palpable force. She could sense it in his body, taste it in the rain, feel it in the way the air vibrated around them.
Hailey pulled at his hair again, forcing him to focus on her. "He already has, because of you. You're going to hurt him, James. Please don't." She swallowed past the lump in her throat. "Please don't become the thing you hate because of me."
James remained quiet as he looked at her, the internal fight reflected in his blazing eyes. Hailey's heartbeat was a drum in her ears as she stared back, silently praying for him to listen. Then she heard a thud and a grunt behind her.
Relief flooded through her system as she petted James' chest, belatedly registering he was wearing his armor. "Thank you," she said without breaking the eye contact, "will you put me down now?"
His jaw granite, he gently lowered her to the ground, steadying her with his hands on her waist. She slowly reached up and stroked his cheek, a slight stubble noticeable against her fingertips.
"I was right!" an astounded shout echoed behind her. Hailey swiveled around as Matt stood up and held his right arm cradled against his chest. "You are fucking that Psy statue!" Disgust dripped off every word.
What happened next happened so fast, Hailey acted purely on instinct. She spun towards James as blue fire of fury ignited in his gaze. He blasted out his Tk again, his crosshairs trained on Matt. Hailey quickly slammed out her hands to James' chest and he was shoved back by a burst of her Tk.
She used her telekinesis to create a shield, blocking James' attack on Matt. In rebuke, James used his abilities to avert her sudden boost of power after he was pushed back several yards, his shoulders angled forward to keep his balance. The violent strength of his Tk kept on battering against her fragile wall when James stood up straight. Her shield started to falter when the pressure increased.
Hailey gulped in a deep breath and focused.
"Move," James ordered while he walked back until he stood two feet away from her. Wind swept through his damp hair while a bolt of lightning crashed into a nearby tree, causing the earth to shudder under her feet. Deflecting the shockwave with a shield of his own, James turned to her again. He looked lethal, his icy order belying the rage scorching in his eyes.
Defiance jolted through Hailey's body at his commanding tone, no fear in her heart when it came to James. Not anymore. "I'm still not a dog," she said through gritted teeth while tipping up her head, provocatively sticking out her chin at his harsh tone. "I'm not letting you hurt him."
She could feel James pushing viciously against her paper-thin shield, the depth of his rage apparent in his psychic touch. Rain kept falling down, dripping from her chin as she held her now shaking hands in front of her, pushing the shield outward.
"You know I can make you." Again, the words were ice cold.
Anger surged through Hailey's veins at James' insinuation, which amped up her shield a little more. The rain also seemed to help, making the telekinetic wall visible as the droplets spread over it.
"Do it," she sneered, "and see where that'll get you." Hailey looked straight at him. I don't care about that bastard. I care about you. So stop this, right now! Anxiety grew when James looked in Matt's direction again, his rigid body ready to take down his target. You're not a monster and you are in control. Please, she whispered.
James' eyes gleamed as his hands to curled into fists, his knuckles white bracketed against the gold of his skin. The crashing waves of his Tk against her shield faded little by little. Darkness had descended in his eyes by the time the telekinetic surge against her shield stopped. Hailey was heaving from psychic exertion and felt the sweat drip down her back, her face clammy from the continuous rain. She tipped up her head towards her dangerous Arrow.
The air around him was simmering with violent energy, his mouth a grim line and his posture stark; every inch the elite soldier.
Her eyes met his… and Hailey's heart broke for this passionate and protective man as her shield dropped, water gushing to the ground.
Then James' gaze was on Matt, who was watching the spectacle in front of him with a sheepish expression. In the time when James and Hailey had been fighting, he'd wiped his mouth. A watery streak of blood was visible on his left cheek, his hair dripping wet.
"I was told you only picked even fights," Hailey needled James, hoping he'd focus on her rather than coiling into the darkness that was taking him over.
"Yes," he said slowly, his eyes flicking from Matt to her, "that's why I only verbally spar with you."
"Then stop trying to protect me and let me handle this," she argued. Hailey was very aware of the fact that Matt wasn't off the hook just yet. And even though Matt was an inconsiderate asshole, he didn't deserve to be tortured–or killed–because he had a small brain and a big mouth.
More importantly: James shouldn't hurt others, shouldn't scar his battered soul anymore with these kinds of actions. If she was right about the person she'd glimpsed, the man he'd shown her, he would eventually regret his decision and turn that anger onto himself. She couldn't allow that to happen, wouldn't let him add more scars and guilt to his tormented soul for her.
Hailey saw James' jaw tighten; white lines visible around his strained mouth. "You're mine. Mine to protect."
Even though the circumstances were horrible, Hailey felt warmth seeping through every inch of her being. She decided to use the opportunity to reach James psychically, distract him a little more. I'm yours but I'm not your property. There's a slight distinction. She looked over her shoulder at Matt, who was still watching them but had taken a few steps back under the threat of James' gaze.
Coward.
"Besides," she said aloud, "you taught me how to fight for myself. Have you got so little faith in your own teaching abilities?" She left James to think about that as she stomped towards Matt, who stood a couple of yards in front of the sliding doors of the hospital. He'd remained silent all this time with a dumbstruck expression on his face, but had found his voice again and directed his attention to Hailey.
Unfortunately, he was only able to make things worse for himself.
"Get that Psy asshole out of here!" he shouted, his eyes wide and wild.
Hailey clenched her teeth at his words, her drive to protect James from Matt's cruel insults as big as James' need to protect her. "Oh, we'll leave. But not until after this," and she swung out with her fist, using a tiny–okay, modest–amount of Tk to spice up her punch.
She made contact with his jaw and Matt lashed back, his head whipping backward as he fell to the ground. Matt groaned when he hit the floor. "You bitch!" The words sounded muffled through the hand he held in front of his face, his other arm lying limp in a very unnatural position.
Hailey had always disliked Matt. Now she loathed him. "That was disgusting! You have to force yourself upon others now?" She felt violated and sickened by the abuse of his powers. "Don't you dare call me names when you use other people like that! You should be fucking ashamed of how low you've sunk." Anger uncurled inside her as she ranted to his fallen form a little more. "You better make sure this was the first and last time you've used your abilities on someone like this." Her lips curled in disgust. "Don't think Dev won't hear about it, I'll make sure to tell him myself."
"What the hell is happening here?" Shane's distinctive raw voice sounded appalled as he breathed heavily, probably because he'd ran towards them.
It was only then that Hailey noticed several people had gathered in front of the windows looking out over the small garden. Her gaze went up, to the rooms with a view of the garden. People were watching in open astonishment, their phones in hand, aimed at the spectacle. There was no doubt in her mind they'd filmed at least part of the show they'd just given.
Oops. Sorry, Dev.
Yes, they'd probably made quite the spectacle. Hailey wondered how fast the Eagles would turn up before she angled her body towards Shane. "We've already worked it out, right, Matt?"
A small grunt sounded behind her, Matt still holding his hand against his bruised face. Hailey stepped towards Shane and hugged him. "I'm really sorry for causing a scene. We'll leave right away." He held her for a moment, and Hailey saw James' eyes turn stone cold when she looked at him over Shane's shoulder. Rolling her eyes at him, she let go of her friend.
"It's okay, Hales. I'll bash some sense into that idiot." Shane narrowed his eyes when Matt limped past them, shooting Hailey death stares before entering the main hall of the hospital. "It might take my mind off things." He cupped her cheek. "You take care, okay?" A glance over his shoulder to where James was standing. "That guy seems–" His words cut off at Hailey's raised eyebrow. Shane shook his head. "Just be careful."
She mock-punched his shoulder. "Shut up." Her small smile was replaced for a solemn expression. "I hope Morgan will get better soon. I'll contact you when I can."
Shane nodded and followed Matt while Hailey walked towards James. He was still staring intently at Shane when she reached him, and she decided not to pick a fight over it. "Shall we go?"
James turned around and walked in front of her through the main hall towards the parking lot. He opened the passenger door when they reached the car. Hailey got in and fastened her seatbelt. James started the car and drove manually, confidently shifting gears as he drove through the suburbs towards the highway.
"We could stay at my apartment for another night," Hailey opted, breaking the tense silence between them after keeping quiet for ten minutes. James didn't respond, didn't even look at her.
Hailey stared out the window and absently watched the scenery pass. The rain had stopped shortly after she'd punched Matt. Now sun broke through the clouds as eagles flew circular patterns in the light grey sky above the East River.
She bit her lower lip. She didn't want to fight with James–once again–but she knew they would have to talk about everything that happened today. He would probably be pissed because she'd retorted against him shadowing her. She'd get annoyed because he wasn't her bodyguard.
A deep sigh escaped her lungs, aware there was no easy fix. James was extremely protective and she wasn't going to turn into a damsel in distress to beckon him at her every need–even though she had needed his help today. Hailey was grateful for that, but it didn't mean that James had to protect her all the time and everywhere. How could they ever have a normal relationship if he was always working?
The car came to a sudden halt, and Hailey saw James had parked it in front of her apartment building. Still a bit dazed from using her Tk in such an explosive way, she got out of the vehicle and walked towards the front entrance. They stepped through the door and walked into the elevator in tense, uncomfortable silence.
Hailey wrung her hands in order to keep herself from touching James, unsure if he'd be able to deal with that right now. When she looked up, James was staring straight at the closed doors, his face a blank mask.
It was like a repeat of yesterday. She couldn't help but wonder how they'd gotten to this point.
From wonderful to terrible in such a short amount of time…
"Why are we here?" she asked quietly, recalling using the same words yesterday.
James didn't look at her when he answered. "I do as I'm commanded."
God, he was pissed.
Exhaling deeply, Hailey walked into the hallway after the elevator doors opened and unlocked the door to her apartment. Kicking off her grey flats in the small hallway, she stepped into the living room and looked out of the window for several moments before turning around.
James stood in the center of the room, his arms crossed in front of his chest and his legs slightly spread, his anger filling the small space, lapping against her skin. When his eyes locked with hers, she felt a shiver run down her spine as she wrung her hands again.
A muscle pulsed in James' jaw.
Shit. This was bad.
Not ready to face off with him just yet, Hailey muttered she'd be right back and walked to the door on the right of the living area, into her bedroom.
The queen-size bed was made up neatly with a knitted light grey blanket on top. Black flower outlining covered the wall where the cast iron headboard of the bed was faced. One guitar hung above the right side of the bed. The clip on the left side was empty, since her other guitar was still in the cabin at the valley.
Hailey walked to the bathroom on the other end of the room and washed her face and mouth. Thoroughly. She decided to brush her teeth as well, while she was at it.
When she dried her face and looked into the mirror, she noticed her skin looked a little pale. Her eyes were almost completely brown, the jade and gold flecks reduced to tiny pinpoints. She pushed back rain-damp strands of hair as she exhaled.
Don't be nervous, she said to herself, it's not like you guys never argued before.
While that was true, she also had never cared so much about someone's opinion and feelings before.
She looked down to her left arm and rolled up the sleeve of her still-damp green blouse to reveal the jagged scar. Tracing it with her fingertips, she closed her eyes.
No. He'd never hurt you. He'd never hurt her during training, hadn't hurt her during their fight and he wouldn't harm her now.
He only ever intends to protect you, even if it's at his own expense. It was exactly why Hailey had felt the explosive urge to stop him. And now it was time to make things right between them.
Feeling more confident of a positive outcome, Hailey walked back to the living room and saw James looking out of the window next to the piano, vigilant and watchful. Her stomach clenched at the sight of him.
God, he was gorgeous. But so, so angry.
If she hadn't known him, the pure sense of danger he exuded would have made her run into the opposite direction. The air around him was charged with violent energy, his arms crossed in front of his chest, his shoulders rigid.
Azure eyes hard as stone slammed into her when James turned, making her shiver at the intensity of him. Hailey wanted to open her mouth but he was already on her.
He pushed her against the wall between the living area and the bedroom and kissed her hard while fisting her wet hair in his hand. The familiar flavor of James combined with mint lingered on her tongue, his lips possessively covering hers. James braced his free hand on her hip, squeezing the voluptuous curve. Hailey melted into him, butterflies fluttering through her stomach as her fingers tunneled through his rain-damp hair.
His kiss demanded everything from her and she gave it all, comforting him with the touch he was so desperate for, the touch she needed, too. She cried out when he placed his hand on her sensitive breast and squeezed as he bit her neck, sucked on her pulse. Hailey felt heat pulsing between her legs, her damp flesh rubbing against her panties at the aggressive but oh-so welcome impact of him on her body.
She placed her hands on James' shoulders when he lifted her and pinned her against the wall, his erection pressing against the juncture of her thighs. Her trembling fingers attempted to remove his armor, but she was still shaky from the explosive use of her powers. James took her hands, tangled his fingers through hers and held them on either side of her head against the wall as he kissed her again, deeply, roughly.
Oak moss and sandalwood intoxicated her with every breath, her hips moving in a restless rhythm, pushing against the evidence of his arousal. James groaned and wrapped a hand around her throat while licking out at her tongue. He bit her lip, sucked on the plump flesh with skill that belied his lack of experience. Hailey whimpered as she felt the wetness in her panties grow.
Then his hands slid underneath her thighs and he carried her to the bedroom. Landing softly on the bed, Hailey watched James' beautiful body in motion as he kicked off his boots and removed his armor and shirt before covering her with the boldness of a man confident of his welcome.
Thunder shuddered through the apartment building.
She cupped his face and placed gentle, sipping kisses on his mouth, jaw, cheeks and neck. "Don't be angry with me," she whispered as she kissed the outer shell of his ear. She had no problem arguing with him, but she didn't want the tension to create distance between them.
James held her chin and looked into her eyes, desire and fury reflected in depths of blue. "He tried to take what he wanted from you for the second time now," he said, his voice rough-edged. "He wants you."
Hailey's eyebrows rose in surprise. "What?"
James stared at her. "He's tried to kiss you twice without your consent." The slightest crease appeared between his eyebrows. "And he looks at you the way I'm only allowed to look at you."
Warmth uncurled in her stomach, erasing the nerves she'd felt since the moment they'd stepped inside the car. My sweet, protective Arrow.
The accidentally telepathed words seemed to startle him a little. "Sweet?"
Hailey bit back a smile as she brushed the blond waves off his forehead, not bothered by the fact that she'd shared her thoughts with him this time. "I don't think he'll dare to try it again, since I'm very much taken." She placed feather-light kiss on his chin. "You know you're mine just as much as I'm yours, right? I'm keeping you even when you pull the I'm-a-dangerous-and-arrogant-assassin-badass act."
"I'm not arrogant."
The tone of his voice made Hailey burst out in laughter. James' rock-hard muscles seemed to relax a little when she ran her hands up and down his arms.
A small smile lingered on her lips as she spoke. "I'm sorry for what happened, but I'm not sorry for demanding my own space." She ran her fingers over his back and felt a fraction of smug pride when James shivered a little.
"You like control, as do I. We're going to have fights about these kinds of things." Her eyebrows knitted together as she watched her hands sliding over the dusted-gold skin of his pectorals, brushing her fingertips through the hair lightly covering his chest. "I've been rejected a lot of times because men say I'm too direct and stubborn, but I like the fact that I can stand up for myself and take care of my own business."
Compelling eyes of azure watched her as she continued. "I understand you were angry and I'm glad you helped me today." She looked away for a moment. "You were right. I don't think Matt would have stopped out of his own initiative." Hailey fought the shiver that slithered over her skin. She would not take the bad memories of today's event into the bed she shared with James. "I don't want you to hurt other people because of me. You've already had to do so twice now. I can't imagine what it demands from you."
James brushed his knuckles over her cheek and tucked a loose tendril of hair behind her ear. "I've vowed not to harm innocents. In both cases you were in danger and the men harming you were far from innocent. By coming to the valley you've entered a different world, one where violence is a part of life."
Hailey scowled. "Okay, but you can't use that as an excuse to incapacitate whomever you believe to be a threat to me." She ran her hands up his back again, enjoying his smooth skin under her fingertips. "Like I said: you've taught me how to fight. I've been training hard to master those techniques, and even though I'm not nearly at my 'full potential' yet," she made a face, "I'm not completely defenseless either."
Looking into his eyes, Hailey saw the anger fade little by little. She kept stroking his chest, shoulders and arms as she spoke. "You're very protective and possessive."
James closed his eyes and leaned into her touch a little more. "Only for you."
Her heart swelled so much, it hurt. She grabbed his shoulders and hauled him in for a seductive, coaxing kiss. Licking her tongue over his lower lip, she ran her nails over his back and felt his body go taut, this time for all the right reasons. She nudged his head aside with her nose so she could kiss his neck, suck at the place where his pulse raced beneath his skin. He tasted intrinsically male, the addictive flavor of salt and heat and him.
Her hands skated down and reached the waistband of his cargo pants. She slid them to the front to flick open the button and heard thunder crashing outside. James helped her by pushing up, his beautiful body toned and hard and so other from hers, it made her want to demand him to just stand naked in front of her so she could capture every inch of him.
Stroking her hand underneath the back of the waistband, Hailey explored the hard curve of his buttocks and ran her nails to the front of his body. James rested his forehead against her shoulder, his breath choppy as she slid her fingers through the curls between his legs. He bit her shoulder through the fabric of her blouse when she gently fisted his penis and stroked him.
"You're gorgeous and delicious and I want to put my mouth on every inch of you," she whispered, her cheeks heated and her hand tightening around him.
He bit her earlobe and tugged gently as he fisted her hair. "I don't think I'll be able to handle that today." The honest words were harsh breaths against her skin, making her hips arch upward and her heat pulse through her body. She moved her hand a little faster while kissing his shoulder and sinking her teeth in that beautiful, gold-dusted skin.
Thunder boomed in the sky above her apartment and flashes of lightning filled the room.
Hailey looked up and saw James' dilated pupils, his jaw a brutal line and the tendons of his neck standing out starkly. She released his erection and moved her hand to his side, cupping his cheek with her other hand while softly nipping at his lips. "We don't have to do this," she whispered.
He tilted his head slightly, making locks of blond hair fall over his forehead. It made him look younger, softer. "I don't easily feel pressured." It came out rough and rugged.
Hailey's lips twitched. "Stop joking, I'm being serious!"
James traced the smile on her lips with the tip of his index finger. "I'm Psy. It's difficult for me to tell."
Hailey snorted in laughter and bit his finger. "Yeah, right. Just like you find it difficult to tell when you're driving me crazy?" She flicked her tongue over the length of his index finger and sucked on the tip.
James' breathing turned jagged.
"Funny and a passionate lover, I couldn't have chosen better if I tried," she grinned.
"No one will believe you if you tell," he said as he bit her lower lip before locking gazes with her again. "But I'm not your lover yet."
She stared at those beautiful, expressive eyes, smoldering azure pools in Prussian borders. Sighing inwardly, warmth flushed her cheeks as she whispered, "I want you to be. I want to be yours in every way."
His hand tightened in hair as he kissed her, his need so clear. And she wanted to give him what he needed, wanted to have him, because he belonged to her and she belonged to him. She'd seen his darkness and wanted him all the same. If he'd ever fall into the shadows again, she'd be there to pull him out of it, using every weapon in her arsenal. It didn't matter if she'd use words or her body. She would be there for him.
Laving her tongue against his, Hailey moaned when James molded her breast through her clothing. I know, James telepathically said as he sent her various images.
Hailey sucked in a breath at the sight of them and covered her mouth with her hand in surprise. They were the fantasies he'd triggered during their sparring session in the valley. "That…" she cleared her throat. She wouldn't feel ashamed of her daydreams. Not when the man she'd been fantasizing about was as hungry for her as she was for him. "I didn't know I sent those," she murmured.
The corners of James' mouth tugged. "I'm not erasing them," he said. Perhaps they'll prove to be useful blackmail material when you disobey me again.
Hailey laughed, aware he was playing with her. "I'm under the impression you don't share well, Mister Addison," she said as she lightly scratched her nails over his back. "But perhaps I could offer my services to others. After all, reality can be so much more satisfying than the fantasy."
She laughed even harder when he growled, kissing her hard with his possessive mouth. No, Miss Logan, his rocky voice causing her to grow damper, you're mine and mine alone. Say it, he ordered.
Hailey arched up her hips and felt James' grip in her hair flex, lightning flashing outside once more. Cupping his face with gentle hands, she whispered, "Yes, love. I'm yours and you're mine." She brushed her lips over his. "Now, kiss me before those commands of yours make me change my mind."
He sank his teeth her lower lip again, then slowly released the swollen flesh. She moaned when he kissed her deeply, her chest rising and falling in a jagged rhythm.
Hailey impatiently started opening the small buttons of her blouse. As she lifted up a little, James helped her out of the blouse and reached back to undo the clasps of her bra. He kissed her neck and Hailey held him close to her, enjoying the feeling of her Arrow's weight on top of her.
When his hands kept fumbling on the clasps, Hailey's shoulders started shaking. James bit her neck and she let out a small cry, laughing aloud now.
"The manuals did not cover this part," he mumbled, more to himself than to her. Then she heard a tearing noise.
"You did not just ruin my perfectly good bra!" It was an aghast cry as he removed the ripped garment. James bit her again and she melted into him despite her disgruntled statement. "You better buy me a new one, milor– Ah!" She sucked in a hard breath when he ran his teeth over her nipple, flicking his tongue over the furled bud.
I will, James' deep voice echoed with warmth in her mind. She moaned when he started molding her other breast with his large hand, his callused fingers deliciously abrasive against her soft skin. Then he moved down, opening the button of her tight black jeans and pulled down the zipper. He planted a kiss on the soft fabric of her lace panties and Hailey whimpered. In seconds she was naked, her jeans and panties gone as he covered her again with his big body, her legs spread to accommodate him.
"The manuals did include another part," he said as he kissed her soft abdomen, stroking his hands firmly over the curves of her waist and hips.
Hailey's stomach made a somersault. "Oh?" she asked breathlessly, heat covering her entire body. Her toes curled when he kissed her hipbone. "What was that?"
Instead of vocalizing his intentions, James decided to give her an example. He slid his arm underneath one leg while spreading the other wider and kissed the damp and swollen tissue between her legs. Hailey sobbed when his tongue explored her, running over her wet folds and flicking over her sensitive clitoris.
I see why this was so pleasurable for you when you did it to me.
She made incoherent sounds as he feasted on her, lapping up her cream with relentless deliberation. Her head arched back when that sinful voice echoed within her mind again. You taste exquisite, Miss Logan. You're succulent here as well.
Another deep lick.
Does it arouse you, Hailey? Do I make you wet?
Before Hailey could respond, he used his fingers and Hailey felt her mind haze at the sensory overload. He stroked her gently, sliding one finger inside her. Then he added a second.
Yes! she answered, please don't stop!
Hailey grabbed hold of his hair, his shoulder, everywhere where she could brace herself as he started moving his fingers faster. One of her hands moved to squeeze the needy flesh of her breast, tug on her nipple.
James' head snapped up, his eyes endless black, focused on the hand that was covering her breast. "That," he said, his voice as rough as the storm outside of the apartment, "is something you'll have to repeat for me."
Hailey bit her lip and moved her other hand over her neglected breast. She softly massaged herself, rolling her nipples between her fingers without breaking eye contact. James watched her with unblinking focus, his fingers digging into the softness of her thighs. When his thumb brushed her damp folds, she arched her back and drew in a sharp breath. Instantly making the connection, James dipped his head and sucked on the small bundle of nerves between her thighs. A wave of pleasure exploded inside of her as she cried out.
Thunder crashed hard enough for the apartment to shudder as lighting bathed the room in flashes of white.
Hailey was still shaking, the aftershocks of her orgasm rocking through her body, when James licked her one last time before he moved up higher. Sharply inhaling a breath, she cupped his face and kissed him, tasting herself on him. The intimacy of the act made her stomach clench, wanting more.
"I really don't see why you need a manual," she panted as she met the darkness of his eyes.
"Since you are as responsive during acts of intimacy as you usually are," James said as he softly stroked her side, making her jerk a little, her body sensitive from his delicious lovemaking, "I don't believe I need one either."
Hailey raised her eyebrows. You make that sound like a bad thing.
He kissed her neck. On the contrary, he sucked on her pulse, it's most insightful to me. Hailey smiled and nudged at his shoulder. When he fell back on the bed, she removed his cargo pants and straddled him, the fabric of his boxer shorts the only barrier between them.
I'd love to provide some more insight, then, she telepathically sent with a wicked smile on her lips. But before she could move downward to enjoy the feeling of his beautiful, hard body, to his repay generosity, James grabbed her wrists.
"Wait," he said as lightning filled the room once more.
James had been pushing his Tk in the air, causing lightning storms above New York. He mustered every ounce of his Arrow training to force his abilities under control, but the sight of a pleasure-flushed Hailey on top of him? He didn't think the city would survive if she'd put her hands on him.
Her features softened. "We've done something similar before. You won't hurt me or anyone else."
James' wasn't so sure. With the tart taste of her still on his tongue and the visual and sensory stimuli of her when she'd climaxed fresh in mind, he felt his control slipping. The way she had moaned had made him so hard, he wasn't sure he was even able to handle the slightest touch of her before he came.
James didn't think the dissonance would kick in fast enough to stop him before he did serious damage. He had felt the dull spike of pain in his head from the moment he'd kissed Hailey in the living room, his emotions spiraling out of control as a result of the events that had passed today. The only thing he knew he wanted, he needed, was her. But he refused to put her in danger.
Hailey sensed his hesitation and petted him, comforted him. "We don't have to do this," she repeated.
James looked into her eyes. "I know." Yet he wanted to.
More than anything else, he wanted to have all of her. He knew it was selfish, his desire to keep this woman with light in her soul since his own was filled with shadows, corrupted by all he'd done, but he needed every part of her as much as he needed to breathe.
By now, there was no hiding from it anymore. Hailey had witnessed the violent darkness that possessed too much of his soul, had seen the easy way he'd injure and would have killed if she hadn't stopped him. That was who he was; a man who'd choose violence in protective impulse. A man who'd approached her in the same aggressive, violent way.
But her acceptance, her warm, welcome lips, her sweet, gentle caresses and honest words… it shattered him. It was like Hailey knew what he needed and was willing to offer it all despite the darkness she'd glimpsed.
You will never be able to let her go again if you do this, the rational voice in his mind said. James thought about that for a moment and knew that wasn't right. He was already unable to let her go, even though he was fully aware he wasn't deserving of her.
She's mine.
She'd given herself to him and he didn't have the strength to part with her. The greed inside his soul wrenched at the reins, ready to take what was his. But he had to be sure.
"Are you sure?" If she wanted to share her body with him on the most intimate level. If she wanted him.
Her eyes were completely devoid of jade and gold when she processed his words, her emotions always clear for him to see. She kissed him so soft, so gentle, that something inside him snapped.
Yes, her warm, husky voice inside his mind. I want this. I want you. Only if it doesn't hurt you.
A punishing spike of the dissonance slammed through his spinal cord at the same moment as her last sentence. James released Tk into the sky, lessening the effects of the dissonance and causing thunder and lightning to encase them in the intimacy of her peonies and cedar-scented bedroom.
He'd made a promise not to lie to her, and he'd keep it. "It will, but," he said when her eyes darkened in rejection, "I don't want the conditioning to take this away from us, from me."
She shook her head, her mouth a flat line. "Get them removed first. I can wait." He rose to kiss her, felt something inside his stomach twitch when she didn't respond and kept her lips closed.
Stubborn woman.
"I can't," he said to her lips before pulling back enough to look into her mesmerizing eyes. He'd always been patient and icily controlled, but with Hailey, he had no resistance, no patience. Keeping his eyes off her naked body in order to have this conversation took serious effort. The visceral, compulsive need for her was a pulse under his skin. I've been waiting thirty-two years for you. I need this. I need you.
She scowled, jade jolts in deep brown. "You're not playing fair. You can't use those words to coax me."
"I'm not." An absolute truth.
Big eyes stared at him; the internal conflict reflected in the darkness of her gaze. "You need to stop if it'll damage you. We can stop any time you want," Hailey said as she pressed her body against his, and James knew that was untrue. He already was unable to stop himself, even though he could feel the pressure inside his head increasing slightly, the dissonance tightening around his mind like a vise.
He didn't care. Nothing was more important than her in this very moment. He'd use that as proper motivation to make sure his Tk wouldn't harm her.
Decision made, he grabbed hold of her hair and kissed her, angling her head the way he liked it. She let him taste, drink in all of her. His muscles went taut when she ran her hands along his sides, brushing her fingers against his boxer shorts.
James watched her sit up and pull off the remaining piece of clothing between them, her naked body a feast for his eyes. He never experienced anything more erotic than watching Hailey move under him, on top of him. Every which way, it didn't matter. The visual material in the manuals didn't come close to her. She was perfect.
She straddled him again and leaned forward to kiss his chest. Her skin covered his, the delicious softness of her as intoxicating as her taste had been. Dark hair fell over her shoulders, softly brushing against his skin and adding another layer of sensation to everything he was experiencing. Only when he saw sweat sheen a fine layer on her back, James noticed his Tk was moving the air molecules around them so fast, the room was close to tropical temperatures.
Using every technique he knew, he reined in his abilities once more. Hailey seemed undisturbed by his loss of control and kept stroking and kissing his neck, chest and shoulders. When he clenched his hands on her buttocks she jerked, and he felt the warm, damp softness of her against his rock-solid penis.
Another burst of thunder made the lamps in the apartment falter.
Hailey's pupils were dilated as she watched him, swirls of jade and gold sparking when he flexed his hips and moved against her. She sighed and arched her head back, the ends of her hair brushing his thighs.
Even though James didn't have sexual experience except from his time with Hailey, this position didn't feel right for him, not now. He used his Tk to lift her–which seemed to help numb some of the throbbing dissonance–and sat up, leaned against the pillows in front of the headboard before lowering her. Hailey was still straddled across his lap, but now he was in the perfect position to touch, kiss and look at her.
Unique eyes seemed to look straight into his soul when she spoke, a blush covering her cheeks and her lips kiss-swollen, yet he could see the concern underneath the desire. "Are you certain you don't want to stop?"
No one had ever been concerned of his well-being aside from his ability to function, not on the level Hailey was concerned for him. It was odd but welcome to be cared for, to be claimed in such a way.
"Yes." Never had he been surer about anything in his life. He clenched his hand in her hair and kissed her deeply. No restraints. No worries. Promise me you'll give me all of you.
I can't say no to you, Hailey whispered to him, you have me, but I'm allowed to worry.
She lifted her hips while bracing her hands on his shoulders and moved herself over him. The moment his erection pressed against her slick core, his hand flexed in her hair, his free arm wrapped tightly around her waist as she slowly lowered over him.
His heart thudded double-time in his chest, jolts of pleasure sparking though every cell in his body as he processed the feel of her tight, wet warmth around him. Hailey let out a soft cry as she slid over every inch of him, her pleasure-swollen tissues accommodating him ever so perfectly. She waited and held him as he took a few moments to release his Tk. The experience of her liquid heat enclosing him was staggering.
"You feel so good inside me," she whispered against the shell of his ear. Her husky words made him jerk inside her, which made her gasp softly in return.
I think you finally made good on your promise, he said as sweat dripped down his temple, his body trembling. You're killing me.
James could feel her smile against his cheek as he placed his hands under her thighs, carefully lifting her before she lowered herself over him again. He hissed out a breath and heard her whimper. Hailey's internal muscles clutched when he bit her earlobe and licked over the small hurt. He used every ounce of his training to stop his body from taking over, wanting to extend this experience for as long as possible.
Hailey rested her forehead against his, one hand cupping his face, the other gripping his hair tightly. "Are you okay?" she asked, her eyes heavy lidded and her breath choppy.
He lifted her again, his jaw a tight line. Hailey pulled his hair and exhaled a shaky breath. "I'm fine," his voice sounded like gravel when she slid over him, pleasure searing through his system, the dissonance momentarily side-tracked by a burst of Tk into the sky. "Why?"
She laughed, light and desire in her eyes, fading her lingering apprehension. "Because," she said as she teasingly lifted her hips and slowly moved over him again, "your jaw is clenched tightly enough for you to break yourself."
James was aware Hailey was trying to distract him, trying to make him relax a little. His heart twitched as he responded to her taunting comment. "Arrows aren't easily broken."
Her eyes sparked. "You've never experienced my variety of an interrogation before."
James decided to take her up on her challenge another time. He lifted her and lay her down on the bed without breaking their intimate connection. Hailey's long, dark hair fanned below her, framing her caramel skin flushed with a deep pink blush. James vocalized his thoughts. "You're beautiful."
Hailey smiled shyly and kissed him when he bent over. So are you, her words amplified by the molten gold of her eyes. James intertwined his fingers with hers, holding their hands beside her head.
Then he started thrusting into her with the rhythm his body was urging him to use, losing himself in her. Hailey wrapped her legs around him, opening herself for him even more. She arched her back and met his hips as he sank deeper into her.
There were no more taunts, only the feeling of pure ecstasy that washed over him when Hailey cried out his name, as thunder roared through the sky.