The hard plastic chairs add to the torture of waiting for news. Each time the swinging doors open, we all sit up a little straighter. Thoughts of Filip, my brother and Donna and Jax run through my head. My eyes grow heavy and LuAnn hands me a cup of hot coffee. I smile at her. Aunt LuAnn and Uncle Otto have always been so good to me. When I see my brother walking toward us hand in hand with Ellie, I rush over.
"What's going on?" I ask him, bending down to check my niece over.
"Nothin, she just wasn't acting like herself." He said, not making eye contact and shifting uncomfortably. I knew when my brother was lying. I sent Ellie over to say hi to Gemma.
"Now, what's really going on? Is she ok?" I ask, forcing him to look at me finally.
"Yeah, she's all right. Clay wanted me to do something tonight and Donna freaked. We decided to use Ellie as an excuse. Just wanted to make it look legit." He said; his face flush with embarrassment. My heart went out to him.
"Opie, I'm gonna be honest with you because I love you with all my heart. You need to talk to Donna. I know it's hard and I know she doesn't even want to hear it but it's going to tear you apart if you don't talk about it. Why don't you take Ellie home and spend time with your family?" I wrap my arms around his middle, burying my face in his shoulder. There's nothing I can say to help him right now but I want him to know I love him no matter what.
"Yeah, ok. I'll talk to you later." His voice is far away. I watch him walk away, gathering Ellie up into his arms before disappearing around a corner.
The swinging doors open once more and Tara comes out. I sit back down by LuAnn while Gemma talks to her. I silently pray he made it through. Relief washes over Gemma's face and I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding.
"He's not out of the woods yet but he's stable." She tells us. I stand up and give her a hug.
"I'm gonna head home. I'll go in and open TM tomorrow. You stay as late as you need mama. I love you." I tell her as I grab my purse and sweatshirt. LuAnn gives me a hug after promising to stick around for a little bit longer. As I turn to leave, Gemma presses something into my hand, when I open my hand it's the key to my house.
When I get to the house, I hurry in and close the door. Most everything is put away and unpacked with the exception of my room. I rummage around in a box before finding a pair of pajama pants and a flannel shirt to change into. I take the time to look around my room for the first time. Gemma hung a few family photos for me. I smile at the images of Jax and me when he took me to my junior prom or Opie teaching me to ride a two-wheeler. One photo in particular catches my eye and I reach out for it. Jax, Opie and I are in the garage, working on Jax's first Harley with dad and Uncle John. My eyes well up a little at the memory. I spend the next couple of hours unpacking my few belongings from Piney's. Around midnight, I decide to finally head off to bed.
I'm locking up the door when there's a soft knock. I check the peephole and Filip's standing there, cigarette hanging from his mouth. I open the door, leaning against it. His face is strained and his eyes are tired but they shine when he sees me standing there.
"How do you like it?" he asks. "All settled in?"
"Just about. I have a few more boxes and a few things I have to put in the garage but that can wait until tomorrow. Is there something I can help you with?" I bat my eyelashes at him with an innocent smile.
He flicks his cigarette to the sidewalk and walks in without a word, closing the door behind him. I raise myself up on my toes and press my lips softly to his, slowly letting my tongue slide across his bottom lip. His rough hands find my hips, pulling me leisurely into his arms, deepening the kiss. I pull away and slip my hands under his kutte and help him shrug it off. It drops carefully to the couch.
Whatever happened while he was out is weighing on his mind. I don't ask questions, I learned a long time ago that wasn't my place. Instead, I pull him through the kitchen and into the dark bedroom. I pull his shirt off over his head and admire his body. My finger trails lightly over the outline of a tattoo on his chest. Just as I'm about to reach for his belt, his hand closes over mine.
"I'm gonna take my time with you tonight Aubrey." His raspy voice barely a whisper. He needs this just as much as he wants this.
"Whatever you want baby." I tell him as he leans in to kiss me, his lips are coarse but gentle. There's no hurried need right now. I let myself melt into the kiss and when we break apart for air, I'm dizzy. He pushes me gently back toward the bed and sits me down on the edge. He reaches down and slowly unbuttons my shirt, sliding it delicately over my shoulders. I tremble at his touch.
He kicks off his boots and socks as he climbs into bed next to me. I lie back on my pillows and he leans over me. I stare up into his wild eyes; unfamiliar feelings wash over me. He lowers his lips to mine. His warm palm slides across my stomach to my hip. As he runs his fingers lightly along the edge of my pants, I arch my back into him. The sensation sets me on fire. He works his lips to each of my breasts, using his tongue and his warm breath to make me moan. I bury my hands in his hair, holding his head in place, begging wordlessly for more.
His fingers effortlessly slip under the fabric of my pajamas, exploring every inch of me. He slides two fingers inside of me and I instantly grind against his hand with a soft whimper. He raises his head with a wicked smile; obviously enjoying the look of pure pleasure on my face. Lowering his mouth to me again, he grazes his lips across the sensitive skin under my breasts. His name escapes my lips in a breathless whisper.
The sudden absence of his fingers leaves me wanting more. He pulls my pants off, leaving me in the black lace thong and repositions himself between my legs. Gently running his fingers along the outline of the fabric, he smiles at the shudder that runs across my stomach and into my legs. Lips slightly parted, he lets his tongue explore the inner part of my thigh. Excitement grows inside me. I lie still, afraid of breaking the feeling. Biting my lower lip, I resist the urge to pull his face into me.
Just when I'm about to beg him for more, he reaches his destination and my body spasms. His tongue massages my most sensitive areas as he wraps his arms around each of my legs, dragging me closer to him. I don't even try to quiet my cries as he sends me over the edge more than once. By the time he releases his grip on me, my knees are shaking uncontrollably and I can barely catch my breath.
My eyes close for a moment while I try to gain my composure.
"Don't close your eyes baby. We're not done yet." He whispers as he removes his remaining clothes. He quickly slides me out of my panties and situates his body between my legs. We lay that way kissing for some time, tender, slow kisses. I feel him hard against my thigh and I wiggle under his weight, wanting to feel him inside of me.
I dig my nails into his back, urging him forward. He carefully and methodically pushes himself deep inside me. I grind my hips against him, wanting everything he has to offer. His gentle kisses continue as he moves at a steady rhythm. I'm soon calling out his name, over and over in release. He quickens his pace, eager to satiate my loud pleas. I melt into his arms. His pace returns to the slow and steady movements, prolonging my climax.
A burst of energy rushes through me as I push on his chest, rolling him over to his back. I slide over him and take him into me in one smooth motion. His hands grip my hips, pulling me down. I sit up grinding into him. He reaches up and grabs my arms, pulling me down to meet his lips as he begins pumping me hard and desperate. My guttural cries tell him that he's close and with few more thrusts we both collapse in relief.
"What are you doing to me?" I ask, finally able to catch my breath again as I slide off of his chest, curling up against his side.
"I was gonna ask you the same thing." He moves to sit up on the edge of the bed and starts pulling his clothes back on. I reach out for his arm; he turns his face toward me.
"Stay with me." I plead. "Just stay, please." He stares for a moment longer before abandoning his clothes and returning to the spot next to me. I lay my head on his chest and listen to his heartbeat as I fall asleep.