Chapter Twenty-two
He reached out and realized instantly - she was gone.
Panic filled him. His heart was pounding. He sat bolt upright in bed.
"Alison!" Rafe nearly screamed, struggling to get up. He needed to find her.
Quickly turning off the stove and moving away from the kitchen, she was at his side in seconds.
"I'm here. I'm right here," she said softly as she brought him down to sit next to her on the edge of the bed.
"Alison." he turned and pulled her to him tightly.
Easing back, he looked deep into her eyes, his hands moving to her face, traveling down her arms and back again, each touch reassuring him that she was here, she was OK.
"It's alright. We're home," she said as she leaned in to kiss him. "We're fine."
"Yeah," Rafe said as he held her again, still not convinced, even though he could see it with his own eyes.
"How long have I been asleep?" he asked, his hand moving to caress her cheek, his voice groggy, his breath still a bit ragged.
"A long time." Alison replied with a grin. "Obviously. Since you slept even later than me."
"Well, that's a first," he said and now that he was finally sure she was safe, he began to chuckle.
"I'm so glad you did. You were exhausted," she said, moving back a bit to look at him, her voice full of concern. She lifted her hand to run it gently through his hair, her fingers resting on the back of his neck, her featherlike touch teasing his skin.
Rafe knew that Alison was simply trying to calm him, but her actions actually caused his heart to beat faster. Though this had been a far shorter time, he felt just like he had on that glorious night they had shared in Capri. After days of barely being able to touch each other, finally being this close to her again had him flooded with longing - wanting nothing more at that moment than her.
Now that he had her back in his arms, right where she belonged, he wasn't going to let her go. And knowing her as well as he did, he knew just what he needed to do to make her stay. He took a deep breath. If he played this right, he thought with a grin, she'd never know what hit her.
"What smells so good?" he began his quest as he leaned close, placing a kiss just under her chin.
"umm.ahh." Though Alison had just come from the kitchen and knew what he must be talking about, she was at a loss for words at the moment. "Oh, I'm making pancakes." She finally said.
"I think it's, mmm, vanilla," Rafe commented, as his lips moved downward, inhaling the scent of her skin. "Are you making vanilla pancakes?" Rafe asked innocently. By way of response, instinctively, without even realizing she'd moved at all, Alison turned her head, giving him better access to the column of her throat. His fingers moved to the nape of her neck urging her to hold still. As they did he realized that her hair was slightly damp, just like it was after she had taken a bath.
Rafe immediately remembered the conversation they'd had the night before. There were three things she'd said she'd wanted once they were free from Joshua.
The first was handled. The dress that cretin made her wear was gone forever. He'd made sure of that last night.
Apparently the second was accomplished as well. She'd had a hot bath, laced with vanilla bath beads, he guessed. The scent was still so fragrant; he could nearly taste it on her skin.
One day, long ago, he promised to make all her wishes come true. It was time to grant her third one.
Which, coincidentally, was also his.
Alison tried to focus, but Rafe was making it really difficult. Though it took some effort, she made an attempt to answer him, "No, just, no j-j-just regular. Regular pancakes."
"Well. Sounds good. I'm starving." Rafe said, as he slowly kissed a path to her ear. "Lucky for me, pancakes are my second favorite."
Alison's brain became more muddled each second. His teeth were gently tugging on her earlobe; his breath teasing her ear. She was convinced. He was the absolute best kisser in the world.
The thoughts in her head were all twisted around. Thoroughly preoccupied, she fought hard as she could to remember. This was important. As a small way to thank him she had wanted to make him his favorite breakfast this morning. But she honestly could hardly think at all - all she could do was feel him and now, oh God - he was busy tracing the line of her ear with his tongue.
It's official. I could die happy right this minute, she vowed.
Rafe pulled away from her slightly and smiled. His plan was clearly working. Her face was confused, her eyes cloudy, her breath was beginning to hitch.
Concentrate, Alison, she said to herself, lifting a hand to her forehead. The room was beginning to spin. Rafe took her hand and kissed it, gently teasing her knuckles with his teeth, before he let it go. As he did, he watched her hand as it fell limply to her side.
He knew he had her - right where he wanted her. Well, angel, you better look out, he thought, his lips curving to a smile. I'm just getting started.
Alison was fighting as hard as she could but she was quickly losing ground. C'mon, think, just for a second. OK, Rafe had always liked pancakes. It wasn't waffles - she didn't have a waffle iron in the apartment. Did he mean French toast? No, his favorite breakfast was pancakes - definitely.
"Rafe? ahh.umm. I'm --, I'm pretty s-s-sure that pancakes are your favorite."
While she spoke, his lips moved away from her ear, his mouth gliding to her shoulder, left bare largely because the shirt she had slept in was much too big for her. All the while she could feel his hands on her, his touch nearly possessive. They eased carefully down her sides, finally resting on the curves of her hips.
Rafe had a wish of his own at the moment. As cute and as sexy she looked wearing it, he'd much rather see that shirt on the floor.
"Nope." He finally responded, his lips on her neck again, his voice a whisper against her skin.
Nope, what? Alison wondered to herself, not understanding. What in the world had they just been talking about? His lips worked their way up and down her throat and he could feel her pulse pounding there as he kissed her. As if they had a mind of their own, her hands moved to his hair. She raked her fingers through it, encouraging him to keep doing exactly what he was doing. She felt his teeth nip lightly on her shoulder and was beyond caring.
Mesmerized, Rafe pulled back a bit as he watched her eyes flutter closed. It was no use keeping them open, Alison decided. She couldn't see straight anymore anyway.
It had taken her a while, but all of the sudden, she knew. Seriously, Alison, you're such an idiot, she laughed to herself. She now realized exactly what he had been trying to say.
Normally, pancakes were his favorite. But this morning, Rafe was hungry for only her.
Well, I'm glad that's settled, Alison thought as she heaved a sigh of relief. As her body went lax, he could actually feel her surrender. Alison couldn't stand it another minute. She had never wanted Rafe more than she did at this precise moment, never needed to feel the warmth of his skin against hers as much as she did right now. She knew she'd die soon if he kept this up. Desperation had her leaning across the bed, aching to feel him near her.
Triumphant, smiling wider, Rafe moved closer to her. His hands came up to frame her beautiful face as his lips resumed their journey, kissing her temple, grazing her cheek, until finally, thankfully, she felt his mouth settle firmly over hers. Once there, he moved lazily, taking his time, as if he had all day. The small nibbles and bites he took had her even more dizzy. He was driving her slowly insane.
Alison felt Rafe's arms tighten around her. She was now clinging to him. She rose up and kneeled on the bed and he joined her - the space between them reduced to mere centimeters, her body firmly pressed against his. She tried to speak between torturous kisses, but couldn't finish her sentences. Her words came out broken and breathless - "Rafe - please, no - I want - more. I need - now. Oh God, - Rafe." When she spoke, her voice was merely a murmur, but every nerve in her body was screaming for him.
He heard her - loud and clear. The very next minute, it seemed that all the anger and fear that had been running through his mind the night before was channeled into his desire for her.
He, quite literally, took her breath away.
Alison's lips parted under his with a sigh. She moaned quietly in the back of her throat as Rafe deepened the kiss, his tongue slowly darting in and out, twirling and dancing with hers. They swayed gently in time with their kisses, rocking back and forth in each other's arms. Quickly they found that familiar, easy rhythm they shared every time they were together like this.
Rafe lay back on the bed and took her along so that Alison was now sprawled on top of him, their mouths still joined. They fit together perfectly, always had. His hand moved to the back of her neck, releasing the clip that held her hair up. The silken strands fell all around them, curtaining them both.
Gasping for breath, Alison placed her hands on either side of Rafe's head. She raised herself up, finally breaking their kiss. Her actions caused her hair to fall across his bare chest, gently teasing his skin. The sensation had him reaching for her once more, eager to touch her. His intention had been to drive her mad, but now, Rafe was quickly losing his sanity himself.
Giggling quietly, Alison knew it. Figuring out his plan had cleared her mind a bit. She decided to give Rafe a taste of his own medicine. He may have started it, but she was going to finish it.
Think you're so smart, slayer? Alison thought with a smile. Let's just see how you like it.
She dipped down to place her mouth on his, barely even touching her lips to his before she moved away. Repeating the process over and over, teasing Rafe as he had teased her. She was so quick he couldn't even begin to return her kisses, leaving him desperate, wanting her even more than before. He had begun a dangerous game and Alison was now inching ahead.
Rafe moaned as her hands began to roam across his chest, down toward his waist and back again. Alison was thrilled as she felt him shiver each place she touched. How she loved the feel of his skin, she thought as her fingers moved lazily over and over, as if to memorize him, though she already knew every inch by heart.
She was slowly driving him crazy - but, man - what a way to go, Rafe thought. He was trying to figure out a way to regain control, when he was shocked to feel her pull away from him completely. She moved toward the end of the bed, just out of his reach. He sat up as his hands searched for her blindly. Alison heard him say in a voice that was deadly serious, "Get back here. Now."
Pressing him gently back down into the pillows, she kissed a path from his chest to his chin, ending up gazing lovingly into his eyes - her lips dangling just above his.
"Rafe.I love you," Alison whispered sweetly, her voice victorious.
"Alison." Rafe said her name like a warning, which was clearly echoed by the look in his eyes.
His lips curved into a wicked grin. "Nice try."
Alison had been so sure of herself that she was thoroughly surprised when she felt his hand on her neck, pulling her towards him, a bit roughly. In a split second he rolled over her, so she was now pinned beneath him. Before she could get a word out, Rafe's mouth took total possession of hers.
This banter, back and forth had them now both nearly ravenous with need. Rafe's hands streaked up and under the shirt she wore - discovering nothing but her underneath. Taking this thing off will be much easier than putting it on, he thought. Rafe turned with her in his arms, bringing Alison to rest on top of him once again.
As if she was reading his mind, Alison tore her lips away from his and sat up, straddling him as she raised her arms high above her head. Her back arched as his hands skimmed over her body, stripping her bare in one swift motion, tossing the shirt carelessly to the floor. Her eyes were closed, her hair tousled and curling down her back. Looked up at her, it never ceased to amaze him, how absolutely perfect she was. Rafe ached to touch her, knowing before he did she'd feel so unbelievably soft, her skin was exactly like satin.
Alison's eyes opened, caught his and held. Their thoughts were exactly the same. Smiling, Alison collapsed back down, crushing his mouth with hers.
Evil lurked just outside their door, but it was held at bay for the moment.
They were, finally, most certainly - home at last.
He reached out and realized instantly - she was gone.
Panic filled him. His heart was pounding. He sat bolt upright in bed.
"Alison!" Rafe nearly screamed, struggling to get up. He needed to find her.
Quickly turning off the stove and moving away from the kitchen, she was at his side in seconds.
"I'm here. I'm right here," she said softly as she brought him down to sit next to her on the edge of the bed.
"Alison." he turned and pulled her to him tightly.
Easing back, he looked deep into her eyes, his hands moving to her face, traveling down her arms and back again, each touch reassuring him that she was here, she was OK.
"It's alright. We're home," she said as she leaned in to kiss him. "We're fine."
"Yeah," Rafe said as he held her again, still not convinced, even though he could see it with his own eyes.
"How long have I been asleep?" he asked, his hand moving to caress her cheek, his voice groggy, his breath still a bit ragged.
"A long time." Alison replied with a grin. "Obviously. Since you slept even later than me."
"Well, that's a first," he said and now that he was finally sure she was safe, he began to chuckle.
"I'm so glad you did. You were exhausted," she said, moving back a bit to look at him, her voice full of concern. She lifted her hand to run it gently through his hair, her fingers resting on the back of his neck, her featherlike touch teasing his skin.
Rafe knew that Alison was simply trying to calm him, but her actions actually caused his heart to beat faster. Though this had been a far shorter time, he felt just like he had on that glorious night they had shared in Capri. After days of barely being able to touch each other, finally being this close to her again had him flooded with longing - wanting nothing more at that moment than her.
Now that he had her back in his arms, right where she belonged, he wasn't going to let her go. And knowing her as well as he did, he knew just what he needed to do to make her stay. He took a deep breath. If he played this right, he thought with a grin, she'd never know what hit her.
"What smells so good?" he began his quest as he leaned close, placing a kiss just under her chin.
"umm.ahh." Though Alison had just come from the kitchen and knew what he must be talking about, she was at a loss for words at the moment. "Oh, I'm making pancakes." She finally said.
"I think it's, mmm, vanilla," Rafe commented, as his lips moved downward, inhaling the scent of her skin. "Are you making vanilla pancakes?" Rafe asked innocently. By way of response, instinctively, without even realizing she'd moved at all, Alison turned her head, giving him better access to the column of her throat. His fingers moved to the nape of her neck urging her to hold still. As they did he realized that her hair was slightly damp, just like it was after she had taken a bath.
Rafe immediately remembered the conversation they'd had the night before. There were three things she'd said she'd wanted once they were free from Joshua.
The first was handled. The dress that cretin made her wear was gone forever. He'd made sure of that last night.
Apparently the second was accomplished as well. She'd had a hot bath, laced with vanilla bath beads, he guessed. The scent was still so fragrant; he could nearly taste it on her skin.
One day, long ago, he promised to make all her wishes come true. It was time to grant her third one.
Which, coincidentally, was also his.
Alison tried to focus, but Rafe was making it really difficult. Though it took some effort, she made an attempt to answer him, "No, just, no j-j-just regular. Regular pancakes."
"Well. Sounds good. I'm starving." Rafe said, as he slowly kissed a path to her ear. "Lucky for me, pancakes are my second favorite."
Alison's brain became more muddled each second. His teeth were gently tugging on her earlobe; his breath teasing her ear. She was convinced. He was the absolute best kisser in the world.
The thoughts in her head were all twisted around. Thoroughly preoccupied, she fought hard as she could to remember. This was important. As a small way to thank him she had wanted to make him his favorite breakfast this morning. But she honestly could hardly think at all - all she could do was feel him and now, oh God - he was busy tracing the line of her ear with his tongue.
It's official. I could die happy right this minute, she vowed.
Rafe pulled away from her slightly and smiled. His plan was clearly working. Her face was confused, her eyes cloudy, her breath was beginning to hitch.
Concentrate, Alison, she said to herself, lifting a hand to her forehead. The room was beginning to spin. Rafe took her hand and kissed it, gently teasing her knuckles with his teeth, before he let it go. As he did, he watched her hand as it fell limply to her side.
He knew he had her - right where he wanted her. Well, angel, you better look out, he thought, his lips curving to a smile. I'm just getting started.
Alison was fighting as hard as she could but she was quickly losing ground. C'mon, think, just for a second. OK, Rafe had always liked pancakes. It wasn't waffles - she didn't have a waffle iron in the apartment. Did he mean French toast? No, his favorite breakfast was pancakes - definitely.
"Rafe? ahh.umm. I'm --, I'm pretty s-s-sure that pancakes are your favorite."
While she spoke, his lips moved away from her ear, his mouth gliding to her shoulder, left bare largely because the shirt she had slept in was much too big for her. All the while she could feel his hands on her, his touch nearly possessive. They eased carefully down her sides, finally resting on the curves of her hips.
Rafe had a wish of his own at the moment. As cute and as sexy she looked wearing it, he'd much rather see that shirt on the floor.
"Nope." He finally responded, his lips on her neck again, his voice a whisper against her skin.
Nope, what? Alison wondered to herself, not understanding. What in the world had they just been talking about? His lips worked their way up and down her throat and he could feel her pulse pounding there as he kissed her. As if they had a mind of their own, her hands moved to his hair. She raked her fingers through it, encouraging him to keep doing exactly what he was doing. She felt his teeth nip lightly on her shoulder and was beyond caring.
Mesmerized, Rafe pulled back a bit as he watched her eyes flutter closed. It was no use keeping them open, Alison decided. She couldn't see straight anymore anyway.
It had taken her a while, but all of the sudden, she knew. Seriously, Alison, you're such an idiot, she laughed to herself. She now realized exactly what he had been trying to say.
Normally, pancakes were his favorite. But this morning, Rafe was hungry for only her.
Well, I'm glad that's settled, Alison thought as she heaved a sigh of relief. As her body went lax, he could actually feel her surrender. Alison couldn't stand it another minute. She had never wanted Rafe more than she did at this precise moment, never needed to feel the warmth of his skin against hers as much as she did right now. She knew she'd die soon if he kept this up. Desperation had her leaning across the bed, aching to feel him near her.
Triumphant, smiling wider, Rafe moved closer to her. His hands came up to frame her beautiful face as his lips resumed their journey, kissing her temple, grazing her cheek, until finally, thankfully, she felt his mouth settle firmly over hers. Once there, he moved lazily, taking his time, as if he had all day. The small nibbles and bites he took had her even more dizzy. He was driving her slowly insane.
Alison felt Rafe's arms tighten around her. She was now clinging to him. She rose up and kneeled on the bed and he joined her - the space between them reduced to mere centimeters, her body firmly pressed against his. She tried to speak between torturous kisses, but couldn't finish her sentences. Her words came out broken and breathless - "Rafe - please, no - I want - more. I need - now. Oh God, - Rafe." When she spoke, her voice was merely a murmur, but every nerve in her body was screaming for him.
He heard her - loud and clear. The very next minute, it seemed that all the anger and fear that had been running through his mind the night before was channeled into his desire for her.
He, quite literally, took her breath away.
Alison's lips parted under his with a sigh. She moaned quietly in the back of her throat as Rafe deepened the kiss, his tongue slowly darting in and out, twirling and dancing with hers. They swayed gently in time with their kisses, rocking back and forth in each other's arms. Quickly they found that familiar, easy rhythm they shared every time they were together like this.
Rafe lay back on the bed and took her along so that Alison was now sprawled on top of him, their mouths still joined. They fit together perfectly, always had. His hand moved to the back of her neck, releasing the clip that held her hair up. The silken strands fell all around them, curtaining them both.
Gasping for breath, Alison placed her hands on either side of Rafe's head. She raised herself up, finally breaking their kiss. Her actions caused her hair to fall across his bare chest, gently teasing his skin. The sensation had him reaching for her once more, eager to touch her. His intention had been to drive her mad, but now, Rafe was quickly losing his sanity himself.
Giggling quietly, Alison knew it. Figuring out his plan had cleared her mind a bit. She decided to give Rafe a taste of his own medicine. He may have started it, but she was going to finish it.
Think you're so smart, slayer? Alison thought with a smile. Let's just see how you like it.
She dipped down to place her mouth on his, barely even touching her lips to his before she moved away. Repeating the process over and over, teasing Rafe as he had teased her. She was so quick he couldn't even begin to return her kisses, leaving him desperate, wanting her even more than before. He had begun a dangerous game and Alison was now inching ahead.
Rafe moaned as her hands began to roam across his chest, down toward his waist and back again. Alison was thrilled as she felt him shiver each place she touched. How she loved the feel of his skin, she thought as her fingers moved lazily over and over, as if to memorize him, though she already knew every inch by heart.
She was slowly driving him crazy - but, man - what a way to go, Rafe thought. He was trying to figure out a way to regain control, when he was shocked to feel her pull away from him completely. She moved toward the end of the bed, just out of his reach. He sat up as his hands searched for her blindly. Alison heard him say in a voice that was deadly serious, "Get back here. Now."
Pressing him gently back down into the pillows, she kissed a path from his chest to his chin, ending up gazing lovingly into his eyes - her lips dangling just above his.
"Rafe.I love you," Alison whispered sweetly, her voice victorious.
"Alison." Rafe said her name like a warning, which was clearly echoed by the look in his eyes.
His lips curved into a wicked grin. "Nice try."
Alison had been so sure of herself that she was thoroughly surprised when she felt his hand on her neck, pulling her towards him, a bit roughly. In a split second he rolled over her, so she was now pinned beneath him. Before she could get a word out, Rafe's mouth took total possession of hers.
This banter, back and forth had them now both nearly ravenous with need. Rafe's hands streaked up and under the shirt she wore - discovering nothing but her underneath. Taking this thing off will be much easier than putting it on, he thought. Rafe turned with her in his arms, bringing Alison to rest on top of him once again.
As if she was reading his mind, Alison tore her lips away from his and sat up, straddling him as she raised her arms high above her head. Her back arched as his hands skimmed over her body, stripping her bare in one swift motion, tossing the shirt carelessly to the floor. Her eyes were closed, her hair tousled and curling down her back. Looked up at her, it never ceased to amaze him, how absolutely perfect she was. Rafe ached to touch her, knowing before he did she'd feel so unbelievably soft, her skin was exactly like satin.
Alison's eyes opened, caught his and held. Their thoughts were exactly the same. Smiling, Alison collapsed back down, crushing his mouth with hers.
Evil lurked just outside their door, but it was held at bay for the moment.
They were, finally, most certainly - home at last.