Tobias and I take our time walking home along the long, winding path. I now realize that I could maneuver it blindfolded without making a single misstep. And to think, I fell from it last year. I'm embarrassed to even think about it now. Peanut contentedly nurses while we quietly talk about everything we learned today from Tori's possible involvement in her own disappearance to the fact that we now have DNA evidence that ties one person to two of the deaths. Zander asked Tobias to stay behind to go over Jennifer Chaucer's forensic examination results, and they were worse than expected. I believe that her husband can only be classified as a psychopathic sadist. I feel a renewed sense of pride that we were able to help her get her family and herself away from him before it was too late. We stop at Tobias' office to file the forensic report as well as the DNA test results from Sam and Harrison's autopsies then head up to our apartment. Avery and Callen are cuddled up against each other on the couch sound asleep when we get home. Either Tyler wore them both out or the long hours at their new jobs have them exhausted because it takes a little bit to rouse them.
"Avery," I say as I shake her shoulder after putting Peanut in her bassinet. "Avery, wake up. We're home." She moans then opens her eyes. She frowns as she looks around, disoriented.
"Tris?" she asks. "What? Oh! I'm sorry. I must have fallen asleep." She sits up straight, stretches her arms above her head, and yawns. She looks down at Callen and smiles sweetly. "He's so cute. I've never seen him asleep before." She blushes as she reveals this little tidbit of information. She touches his arm and leans in. "Callen, wake up." I hear Tessa start whining through the monitor, and Tobias excuses himself to go get her before I can ask. Callen finally opens his eyes and looks up at Avery with furrowed brows then they relax, and he smiles brightly.
"Hey," he says, yawning into his hands.
"Hi! Oh, Tris, I almost forgot. We found something on the computer after Tyler went to bed," Avery says. She starts to drag the laptop that's sitting on the coffee table toward her and I shake my head.
"Anything you found can wait until morning," I say. Nothing is getting in the way of seducing my husband tonight … nothing. "Four and I are exhausted. You two obviously are worn out. Go home. Have a good night's rest, and we'll talk about whatever it is in the morning. Okay?"
"Okay," they say at the same time then Avery continues. "Tyler fell asleep at around 8:15 while we were watching Cars. I swear if I ever have children, that movie will not be a part of my collection." At the mention of children, Callen pales. He's obviously not ready for a family. "Callen carried him to bed while I was giving Tessa a bottle. I put her to bed at a little before 9:00. She's changed so much. She babbles all the time and pulls herself around the apartment. She nearly broke my heart though when she drug herself over by the door and kept saying Mama over and over."
"Can you say Dada yet, little one?" Tobias asks as he walks into the living room with Tessa, who has her fist shoved in her mouth.
"Ma ma ma ma ma ma," she excitedly says when she sees me, kicking her legs and squealing.
"I guess not," he says with a chuckle. "I think someone wants her mommy." He hands me my little one, and I hold her up and give her several kisses that leave her giggling.
"Did you miss me?" I say. "I sure missed you."
"We've got to go," Avery says. I hold my breath hoping she doesn't mention anything about the information they found. "We'll see you tomorrow."
"Thanks again for watching them for us," I say. "We really appreciate it."
"You're welcome," Callen says at the same time Avery says, "It was my pleasure." He takes her hand and leads her out into the hallway and toward the stairs. Tobias locks the door behind them and picks up a couple toys Tyler left on the floor behind the couch. I sit down in the club chair to nurse Tessa, and Tobias collapses onto the love seat. I wasn't lying to Avery when I told her he was exhausted. I only hope he stays awake long enough for me to enact my plan.
"Did you check on Tyler while you were upstairs?" I ask.
"Yeah. He's lying in a little ball in the middle of his big boy bed. He looks tiny in that thing," he says with a loving smile on his face. "I think I'll take Peanut upstairs and put her to bed. Can I get you anything before I go?"
"No, I'm alright but thanks for asking," I say.
"It's my pleasure, love," he says. "I'll see you when you come to bed." Oh, you sure will! I glide my eyes over his body as he picks Peanut up. He looks my way and does a double take. "You look like that cat who just ate the canary. Spill."
"I don't know what you're talking about," I tease. He furrows his brows at me.
"You're up to something," he states.
"No. Just admiring the view." He smirks, shakes his head, and disappears around the corner. I look down at Tessa as she eagerly nurses, content in my arms, and am surprised she's wide awake for it being just before midnight. I lightly tickle all over her face like she loves as she gets her belly full, and soon her eyelids are drooping. After she finishes, I turn off the solitary light and carry her upstairs. I expect Tobias to be in bed but he's not. I change Tessa's diaper without waking her and put her in her crib then check on Peanut. I carefully lift her from the bassinet, put her in a clean diaper, and lay her in her crib. I make sure the monitor is turned on and fully functioning then gently close their door behind me.
I head into the bathroom fully expecting him to be taking a shower but he's not. Where are you? I slip out of my clothes, letting them stay where they land. I take a quick shower making sure not to get my hair wet then pat myself dry and apply my coconut oil lotion. I look in the full-length mirror by my closet as I contemplate what to wear … if anything. My body has changed since Teagan. My breasts are fuller, my hips are slightly wider, my midsection is softer, and of course there's the ugly scar. Will he like me like this? Will he want me like this?
"I know what will help him say yes," I say out loud to myself. I go into his closet and find his crisp white tuxedo shirt then slip unnoticed into my closet. I look through my shoes, trying to find just the right pair. When my eyes land on the round-toed red suede 3-inch platform stilettos I bought the last time I went shopping with Christina, I know what I'm going to wear for his seduction. I put on the sheer red lingerie I wore for him on Valentine's Day then slide his tuxedo shirt on. I roll the sleeves a couple times so that my fingers are free then button the majority of the buttons, changing the dress shirt into a nightshirt. I slip back into the bathroom and heat up my curling iron and quickly put some wavy curls in my hair. I stain my lips a light red and line my eyes with gray. I stand back and look at myself. Hopefully, he finds me irresistible.
I take a deep breath to calm the fluttering butterflies that just appeared in my tummy then turn off the light and walk into the bedroom but Tobias is still nowhere to be found. I sigh. But instead of being discouraged I take advantage of the solitude and go to my closet and get the black cherry and vanilla scented candles and bagged red rose petals I stashed away for this very occasion. I take the quilt and top sheet off the bed, fold them, and put them in the empty bottom drawer of the chest. I arrange the black and white candles on the furniture throughout the room, lighting each one as I go then I scatter the supple, fragrant petals across the bed and on the floor around it. After putting everything away, I stand in the doorway, ready to search out my husband and look at our bedroom. It's perfect. Tonight will be perfect … I just know.
I go out into the hallway and hear a faint clicking sound. Wondering what it is, I follow the noise to our home office and find him sitting at the computer in nothing but a pair of long satin sleep pants … working. I guess I can't blame him. He doesn't know what I have planned for us. I soundlessly slip up behind his chair and wrap my arms around him and press my lips to the sensitive spot just below his right ear. A moan rumbles from his chest as I kiss my way up his ear. He stops typing as I stick my tongue in the canal before raking my teeth down the lobe. He quickly turns around, startling me, and pulls me down until I'm straddling his lap. His mouth lands hard on mine in a ferocious kiss, our need for each other prominent. He fists his fingers in my curls as I hold tightly to him, our lips fluidly moving together like this might be the last time we taste each other. He groans and rips his mouth from mine, panting loudly.
"We need to stop," he breathlessly says as he closes his eyes and rests his forehead against mine. "We shouldn't be doing this."
"Yes, we should," I say all breathy and needy. "Why do you think I was talking to Isobel earlier?" He pulls his head back, opens his eyes, and stares intently at me. "She told me to listen to my body," I glide the backs of my fingers up his stubbled jawline, "and right now it wants you … badly. We can make love, Tobias."
"What exactly did she say, Tris?" He moves his hands from my hair to rest on my hips. I look into his indecisive eyes and see a man battling himself. He wants me just as badly as I want him but he doesn't want to hurt me either.
"Her exact words?" He nods. "It was something like, 'Everyone heals at a different rate. There's no one timeframe that works the same for everyone. If you're feeling good, make love to your husband. If anything doesn't feel right or hurts, then stop. It's that simple.'"
"She really said that?" I hear hope seeping into his voice as he asks the question.
"Yes. I wouldn't lie to you about something this important," I say. "I know you're worried about me. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous but I need you, Tobias Eaton. We haven't been right these past few weeks, and we both know why. I'm not going to belittle what we have by saying that our relationship is all about sex because it's not. What we have is so much more. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't feel … complete without being able to make love to you. I know you feel the same way. We have this … pull that draws us together, especially in stressful times, and it's strong right now. It's like an invisible chain that keeps us tethered together. We need each other just like we need air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat, and sleep to restore us. We keep each other sane. Please, baby. Let me make love to you." His eyes never leave mine as I make my speech. He slips his hands back up into my hair and caresses my cheeks with his thumbs.
"I want you. There's no hiding just how much," he says. He's right. I feel him beneath me … hot, throbbing, hard. "But if we're going to do this, you have to promise to tell me if something doesn't feel right or if I hurt you. I know we're very much in tune with one other but I can't read your mind. You have to tell me how you're feeling."
"I feel good," I say as I move myself against his erection, making him close his eyes and groan. "But I want to feel better." He moves his mouth to mine at the same time that he wraps his arms around my waist and stands up. I grip my arms and legs tightly to his body, and he kisses me the entire way to our bedroom. He sets me on my feet after kicking the door shut then he flips the lock. That simple sound heightens my arousal twofold. When he turns back to me he freezes, and I think that he's changed his mind, and I automatically start to pout. He can't get me this worked up and not deliver. I would need a cold shower that lasted until dawn … three days from now.
"When did you do all this?" he asks, fire dancing in his eyes as he takes in the lit candles and rose petals decorating our bedroom.
"I wanted tonight to be perfect," I throatily say. He turns his attention to me when I speak. His stare turns predatory and his breathing becomes labored and irregular.
"What are you wearing?" he roughly asks as he looks me up and down, an animalistic quality to his gaze. I look down, forgetting that I dressed up for him.
"Do you like?" I ask, my voice full of desire.
"God, where did you get those shoes, love?" he growls as he stalks toward me like a predator about to devour his prey. I take an involuntary step back, knowing that this night won't last long once we get our hands on each other. We've had nearly five weeks of foreplay.
"I bought them especially for you," I say, my voice foreign in my ears. I'm surprised I haven't attacked him yet. I kick my foot out so he can get a better look. "I knew you would like them."
"Did you think this," he waves his hand all around, "would help you get your way?"
"I didn't think it would hurt," I say.
"Come here, love," he hoarsely says, summoning me with a finger. I take two steps on trembling legs, bridging the distance between us, and he cups my cheek and gently glides his thumb over my parted, moist lips. "Do you have any idea how good you look right now? You are so damn beautiful." I feel his other hand snake around me and rest on the small of my back. When he leans over and kisses my left ear, I close my eyes as a shiver runs through my body. I feel his thumb glide from my lips to my chin, down my neck onto my chest and stops at the first button of his shirt. "I see you have something on under this." He moves the first button from its home, and my breath hitches in my throat. He's barely touching me, and he has me trembling before him. "Shall we see what it is?" I tilt my head back as he continues kissing my neck and ear as he slowly unbuttons each of the buttons, grazing his fingertips along my heated flesh as he does. When he finishes, he takes a couple steps back and gazes at me with a ravenous look in his nearly onyx eyes.
"Would you like me to take it off or would you like to do the honors?" I ask, my voice trembling with desire along with my body.
"I want to be the one who takes your clothes off," he says, "but we're leaving the shoes on. They're making me so hard right now," he says and I gasp. A sly smile stretches across his face. "I want to look at you for just a moment more." I watch him as he stares at me. His eyes dilate until there's no blue left. His breathing changes becoming more labored and choppy. His fingers ball up into fists after repeatedly twitching my way. I can tell he's just itching to get them on me and I can't wait myself. He finally stalks back to me and puts his hands inside the shirt and slowly pushes it off my shoulders until it falls into a pile at my feet, revealing the sheer red lingerie. He blows out a rough breath and groans. "God, you are unbelievably beautiful." He slides his eyes up my body to mine, a reverential look on his face. "I love you, Tris."
"I love you, Tobias," I say. He sweeps me up in his arms, taking me by surprise, and his mouth lands on mine in an aggressive, need-filled kiss. I wrap my arms around his neck as he carries me across the room to our bed.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" he asks, indecision in his eyes once again.
"I'm more than sure," I say as I lovingly caress his face. "I need this. We need this."
"You're right. I just don't want to hurt you." He sits his knee on the edge of the mattress and lays me down in the middle of the soft rose petals. I pull him down on top of me, relishing the weight of his body on mine, and his mouth captures mine with a hungry urgency. We expertly move our lips together in a ravenous kiss for what seems like hours then he slides his tongue through my parted lips and caresses mine possessively as our hands explore each other's bodies like it's the first time.
I suck in much-needed air as he kisses his way from my mouth to my jaw then up to my ear. He takes his time teasing the sensitive flesh while I squirm beneath him. I fist my fingers in his hair and moan as he kisses down my neck to my collarbone. He darts his tongue out of his mouth and traces then kisses each of my raven, lingering like he always does on the largest. He continues further down until he stops at my heaving breasts. He sucks first on one achingly sensitive bud and then the other through the sheer material until they are both straining painfully to be free. He pulls each cup down one at a time, revealing the swollen mounds.
"So beautiful," he breathes as he massages the aching flesh. He flicks his tongue out of his hot, moist mouth and laps the throbbing peak. As my breathing becomes harsh and uneven, I grasp the sheets and arch my back, pushing my breasts further into his hungry mouth. He sucks the bud between his lips then circles the tip with his tongue.
"Oh, God," I moan as I toss my head to and fro. He releases the bud and kisses his way to the neglected flesh of my other breast and kisses every inch before capturing the painfully aching bud into his mouth. He sucks, nibbles, and licks it until I'm about ready to explode. He slides a hand beneath me while he continues with his ministrations and expertly unhooks my sexy bra. He drags it off my body and tosses it aside while he continues to tease with his tongue, teeth, and lips. I'm writhing beneath him as he continues kissing his way down my body. He peppers my belly and navel with soft kisses then does something I never thought he would do, he stops at my cesarean scar. I lift my head and watch him worship it until he notices my gaze.
"Something wrong?"
"Don't you find that scar ugly?" I ask, embarrassed by its presence. I still wish I could have had a natural delivery. He runs his fingers over the red mark.
"Not at all," he says. He leans down and kisses it softly. "This scar saved the lives of my wife and daughter. Without it, I might not have Peanut and I might not have you. I thank God for this scar every single day." I reach down and caress his cheek, and he captures my hand in his and lovingly kisses the palm. He has a unique way of looking at things. He sees something that I view as an eyesore as a blessing. I need to try harder to see the good in things … to see things the way he does. I lie back and close my eyes as he continues kissing further down my body. As much as we want each other, he is prolonging the experience and building the anticipation to a fevered level. He passes my lingerie-covered womanhood and kisses down one leg until he's kissing the delicate strap that circles my ankle. "I love these shoes. You have no idea what they're doing to me right now." Oh, baby, I do have an idea. He licks and kisses the exposed skin of the foot until it's thoroughly worshipped then moves to my other leg starting with the ankle, working his way back up until he's kneeling between my outstretched legs with his hands on my see-through boy shorts. "I love you in sexy stilettos."
"I know," I breathlessly say as he slides my panties down my legs and off my body.
"Would you like me to show you how much?" he asks. I eagerly nod. He lies at the end of our bed between my outstretched legs. He kisses the inside of one thigh, my pelvic bone, and then the inside of my other thigh. I'm shuddering with anticipation when he says, "I've missed this … very much." His hot breath washing over my most intimate place makes me shiver, and I gasp as he starts kissing me everywhere.
"Oh, Tobias," I moan when he finally darts his tongue out of his mouth and lightly laps at the throbbing bundle of nerves. I find the hand that's splayed across my belly and grasp it tightly, lacing our fingers together. He delicately licks up one side of my nubbin, barely touching it, and then up the other side before unleashing the full effects of his talented tongue right down the center causing a jolt of pleasure to rapidly move through me from my center outward in all directions. My hips sway with the rhythm of his lapping tongue as he continues his assault then he capture the nubbin between his lips and sucks hard. "Oh, God! Tobias!" I'm close when he alters his attack again, taking my nubbin between his teeth and gently circling his tongue all around it, building my orgasm that much higher. "Please. Please, Tobias. Oh, God! Please!" I can hear myself begging but I'm not sure if it's for him to continue or to let me come.
Time seems to stand still for a moment as my orgasm overtakes me … overwhelms me. It's almost like I'm looking down at us: His head between my legs, his arms wrapped tightly around my thighs holding my body in place as he moves me through the pleasure he's causing and me with my back arched off the mattress, my face contorted in the painful yet pleasurable throws of my release, my mouth hanging open, my eyes shut tight, my fingers twisting the sheets, my toes curled almost painfully. I can almost hear his name hanging in the air. It really is a sight to behold. I gasp for air as my heart starts pounding in my chest, and Tobias starts kissing his way back up my body. He settles himself between my thighs and lies down on top of me so that we're eye to eye. He stares down at me as I try to catch my breath.
"You made me a promise, love. If anything hurts … and I mean anything, you must tell me and we'll stop. And please don't think that I don't want you because that is the furthest thing from the truth. I just don't want to hurt you. I wouldn't be able to live with myself."
"Baby, you have to stop worrying about me so much," I say, running my hands up and down his back, tracing his tattoo from memory. "Don't get me wrong, I love that you do but the added stress isn't good for you." He gives me a look like he's expecting an answer. "If anything is wrong, I promise I will tell you." I push on his chest and he rolls us so I'm lying on top of him. "Now I think it's time for me to have a little extra fun."
"You don't have to," he says.
"I know I don't," I say, moving my hands into his hair. I kiss his cheek then drag the tip of my tongue to his ear. "But I want to. I love how you feel in my mouth." He groans at my admission and draws my mouth back to his. The kiss is aggressive as he thrusts his tongue deeply into my mouth. We let them tangle as our swollen lips move together roughly. I move my mouth from his and drag my lips and tongue over his jaw, down his neck, to his collarbone. I pepper kisses over his chiseled chest until I reach his distended nipples. I kiss each one before taking one in my mouth and eagerly sucking on it.
"Shit, Tris!" he groans. "Love, not so hard." I guess I'm a little too excited. I circle the bud with the tip of my tongue as I give him an apologetic look. He lies his head back down, obviously enjoying my teasing. I capture the rigid peak with my lips and flick my tongue against it a few times before nibbling lightly, causing him to moan deeply. God, I love that sound. And I love that I'm the one causing it. I continue to suck, nibble, and lick each nipple for a time until he is writhing beneath me, and I can't hide my smile. "You're damn … proud of … yourself … aren't you?" he pants. I don't say anything. I just catch his eyes and give him a playful little wink. He shakes his head then collapses back down on the mattress while I continue my way down his body. I stop at the patch of Dauntless flames on his right ribcage. As I trace them with my tongue, I imagine that it must have been excruciating for him to get this tattoo. He doesn't have an ounce of fat on him. Before I let my body image problems derail our evening, I drag my lips down to his navel, dropping kisses along the way. I stick my tongue into his bellybutton and French kiss it until he grabs my head and groans loudly. I forgot how sensitive he is here.
I slide my hand down, and the satin of his sleep pants offers no resistance and my palm glides effortlessly back and forth over his hard thickness. His breathing comes in short, harsh gasps as I kiss my way from his navel to the line of dark hair on his taut abs. I continue inching further down the bed until I'm lying on my tummy between his outstretched legs. I feel him move and when I glance up at him, he's resting on his elbows, his eyes on mine. I move my hand and kiss him though the satin then put my hands on the waistband of his sleep pants. He lifts his hips as I pull them down, freeing his hard length. I struggle into a sitting position and drag the material down his legs then toss them to the floor. I take in the completely male Greek God-like creature before me: Broad shoulders; hard, hairless chest; tight, flat abdomen; narrow waist; lean hips; long, powerful legs; muscled thighs; and then there's his virile masculinity, laying proudly on his belly for my eyes only. My tongue darts out of my mouth and wets my suddenly parched lips. I want him badly. I lean over and kiss the faint scar on his left knee then continue up his thigh. I see him hold his breath as I place a soft kiss on his left hip bone then I start all over with his other leg.
After placing a kiss on his other hip, I kiss the tip of his hard length then run my tongue up and down it a couple times. I feel his body tense when I take him in my hand and raise my eyes to his. I very slowly lick up his shaft and a groan rattles around in his chest arousing me further. I circle the tip of my wet tongue around the head, concentrating on the sensitive underside then run my tongue up and down some more. I gently start stroking his length, alternating the force of my grip on every other pass. He hangs his head backwards and an expletive bursts from his lips when I take him in my mouth. I sheath my teeth behind my lips and suck him further into my mouth with each pass until he's hitting the back of my throat. I coordinate each movement of my mouth, tongue, and fist, making sure he likes my effort. He collapses back on the bed when I speed up the movement of my head and fist. He starts thrusting his hips up every time I move my head down and when he threads his fingers in my hair, I know he's close. I suck a little harder and grip his shaft a little tighter as I speed up the rhythm further. His whole body stiffens then he explodes in my mouth while calling out my name. I swallow quickly, catching every drop as he continues to shudder and convulse almost violently. I hear him gasping for air as I continue the up and down movements with my mouth and hand. When the mini spasms stop, I release him from my mouth. His hands are still on both sides of my head as I slowly crawl back up his body, dropping kisses as I go. When my lips land on his, he thrusts his tongue into my mouth and mates it with mine. He rolls us until I'm once again beneath him. He tears his lips away from mine, and we stare into each other's eyes as we allow our heart rates to return to normal.