Unravel Me (5 page)

“What this look does to me.” He traced one finger up my spine. “You own me with those beautiful amber eyes.”

On cue, my body woke with ravenous desire. I wanted him and his come-hither stare. Figures my hormones would rage when I was, for all intents and purposes, incapacitated in the sex department. A devilish grin curved his lips as he cupped my jaw.

“Close your eyes.”

I did, basking in the warmth of his skin on mine.

“Keep them closed,” he whispered.

The heat from his hands left my face. I swallowed, wondering where I’d feel them next.

I waited.

Nothing.

I’m an idiot for sitting here with my eyes closed.

“Want to know what I’m doing?” His low, raspy question tickled my neck. It startled me.

“No.”

He chuckled, pressing gentle kisses along my jaw, stopping at the corner of my mouth.

“You’re so soft and silky,” he whispered, gliding his lips down my neck. “And beautiful. And—”

“Alastair.”

“I like the way you say my name.”

Teasing along the edge of my lips with his tongue, he coaxed them open without any resistance. I was a rag doll in his arms, sighing into his luscious kiss. He invaded my mouth, claiming and savoring me. I kissed him harder, pressing into him. The desperation and intensity of his movements increased. So did the way he stroked the skin over my tailbone. Sparks of pleasure shot through me, filling every inch until I thought I might burst. Unable to control myself I rolled my hips, sending ripples through the water.

“Stay still, kitten,” he ordered, his rich voice and velvety accent invading my senses. Pulling one hand away, he pressed his palm to my lower abdomen. I felt his thumb slide down, stopping just shy of where I wanted his touch the most.

“You’re teasing me, Holden.”

“Am I?”

Opening my eyes, I was greeted with a white-hot stare. The vulnerability behind it took my breath away. “Yes.”

“I’m at a disadvantage, love. Unless,” he paused, sliding his thumb lower, brushing it against my hypersensitive button of nerves. I nearly shot into orbit. Gauging my reaction, he pressed and held his thumb against me. “Is this impolite enough for you?”

Steam from the warm water mixed with our mutual desire, altering the climate in the bathroom. No longer were we just sitting in a tub. We were nestled deeply in our never-ending craving for each other. It was hard to imagine there had been a time when I shrugged off his advances.

Another firm press sent a shockwave of pleasure cascading through me.

“Look at me,” he growled. “I’d better be the only thing dominating your thoughts, Amelia.”

Crushing his lips to mine, he finished me off with expertise and finesse. The disorganized mess that doubled for my mind shorted out, succumbing to an orgasm so intense it took awhile for me to regain composure. If I owned him with just a look, he possessed me with one touch. Sagging into the water, I wrapped my arms around him, resting my head on his shoulder.

“Feel a bit more relaxed now?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” He kissed the top of my head. “I have something fun planned and need you stress-free.”

I looked at him. “Am I stressed?”

“You’ve seemed a little off since we spoke yesterday.”

His ability to see through me could be annoying. I rolled my eyes. “I’m fine.”

Arching a brow, he squeezed my waist. “We both know something is bothering you. However, I’m going to give you a free pass this time.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“That smart mouth of yours will get you in trouble one of these days.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes.” He nipped at my earlobe. “Especially if I have anything to say about it.”

“All bark and no bite, Holden.”

He had my arms pinned behind my back so quickly there was barely a ripple in the water. “Is that a challenge?”

“Only if you’re up for it.”

The look of surprise that crossed his face amused me. I wondered how many of his ex-lovers acted this way around him or if they just gave him what he wanted, no questions asked.

“Feisty.”

“I try,” I said, grinning facetiously.

“I like it.”

“I like you.”

The unguarded smile that blossomed on his lips was so beautiful it warmed my soul.

“I like you, too,” he said, releasing my arms.

“You’d better, otherwise I’m sitting naked in a bathtub with the wrong guy.”

He squeezed my waist so hard I yelped.

“I told you that smart mouth would get you in trouble,” he smirked.

“Be gentle when you tickle me. I’m delicate.” I could barely the get the words out and not laugh.

“You are delicate. And you’re mine. No naked anything with other men.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I whispered, kissing him hard and wrapping my arms around his neck.

“Alright then. I’m hungry, so you must be famished.” Carefully lifting me off him, he stood and climbed out of the tub. I pouted.

“None of that.” He leaned over and kissed my nose. “Finish up in here. I’ll have breakfast waiting for you.”

I stared at his naked backside as he walked out. Grinning, I slid under the water.
Love, lust and infatuation
.
Girl, you’ve got it bad for him
.

CHAPTER FOUR

The lush Scottish countryside flew by in a green blur. I hung my arm out the car window, skimming my hand along the warm breeze. The sun shone bright in the sky, fending off the wisps of clouds that tried to spoil its celestial show. For me, this sky was far more beautiful than any sunny day in Orlando.

“Now are you going to tell me what we’re doing?”

“Nope.”

I looked over at Alastair. He flashed a brilliant smile and gave the car a little more gas. The Mercedes’ engine growled, kicking into higher gear. I did enjoy watching him drive. Especially out here in the middle of nowhere. His fluid control and relaxed stance behind the wheel added another layer of hotness to his already scorching exterior.

The car rolled to a stop on a dusty patch at the side of the road. A large meadow spread out to our left. Aside from various clusters of trees, there was nothing to see for miles.

“We’ve arrived.”

Leaving the engine idling, Alastair got out of the car. I followed him, spurred on by a healthy dose of curiosity.

“Where are we?”

“Carbeth.”

“And what’s so special about this place?”

He turned, a goofy grin plastered on his face. “Nothing. It’s a bit out of the way and I thought it would be a good place for your lesson.”

Now I was completely confused. Alastair kept that ridiculous smile aimed in my direction.

“You’re going to learn how to drive my sexy little car.”

“What?”

A loud laugh echoed through the breeze. “Don’t look so excited. It’s really simple.”

I folded my arms. “Why do you want me to drive your car?”

“No reason. Just curious to see you behind the wheel.”

“I told you I can’t drive a stick.”

“Yes, I know. Hence the lesson. Get in.”

“So bossy.”

I settled in behind the wheel and adjusted the seat so I could reach the pedals. Alastair folded his lean frame onto the passenger seat and grinned.

“Looking good, doll face.”

“Oh my God. What did I say about faking the American accent?”

He chuckled. “Are you ready to learn?”

“I suppose.”

“Alright. Press down on the brake and clutch. Put the gear in first and release the emergency brake.”

“You might want to buckle up,” I muttered, doing as he instructed.

“Now, gently give it some gas and lift your foot off the clutch slowly.”

The car rumbled beneath me as I pressed on the accelerator. Tightening my grip on the steering wheel, I carefully lifted my foot off the clutch. The car stuttered a bit before rolling forward.

“That’s it. Give it a little more.”

Taking a quick glance to my right, I eased the car onto the road.
Stay on the left, stay on the left
. Driving on the wrong side of the road while sitting in the wrong side of the car was a tad disorienting. I kept repeating my little mantra as I accelerated, shifting into second. I’d only driven a stick shift a few times. My dad tried to teach me when I was sixteen. He thought it would be beneficial to know ‘just in case.’

Okay, this might be easier than I thought
. The road didn’t have any major curves as far as I could see. I eased the car into third, feeling more confident I wouldn’t end up upside down in a ditch. Adrenaline gave me an added boost of courage.

“Ready, Holden?”

I gunned it, charged by the power raging in the SLK55’s engine. I heard a thump and looked to my left. Alastair clasped the door handle.

“Too fast?”

“No, love,” he answered in a low, gravelly tone.

By the time I hit sixth gear I really had a feel for it. The car purred and hugged the road at my command. Alastair remained suspiciously quiet, observing every move I made. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face if I tried. This was almost as liberating as jogging along the coastline.

I glanced at him. His expression may have been blank but his eyes glowed a molten forest green. After several miles, I saw an area to pull over. Gliding the car to a stop, I put it in neutral, popped the brake and cut the engine.

“How d—”

I was silenced by a kiss.

“Impressive, Meyers.”

He looked a little peaked but otherwise seemed fine. A twinge of guilt shot through me. Maybe my driving so fast had reminded him of the accident that killed his family. My stomach sank.
Not what I was going for
.

“Come with me.”

Those words always sent a charge through me. Grinning, he got out of the car. I waited while he grabbed a blanket from the trunk and followed him to a large elm tree. After he spread the blanket he motioned for me to sit. Once I was settled he laid down, resting his head in my lap. I played with his hair, enjoying the quiet. Only the occasional chirping bird interrupted the relative peace of our little roadside pit stop.

“Everything okay at work?” I asked. There was a long pause before he answered.

“I suppose.”

Here we go. The parade of vagueness begins
.

“How’s your grandfather been feeling?”

“Fine.”

“And your aunt and uncle? How are they?”

“Same as always. Katherine keeps asking when I’m bringing you by the house again.”

The house
. I had to stifle a laugh. My whole apartment building could fit neatly inside the Holden Estate with room to spare.

“We should go back there and visit. I’m sure they’d love to see you outside of official family gatherings.”

Alastair folded his arms across his chest and stared up at the sky. I could tell he hated the idea. He’d mentioned he avoided going to the estate unless it was necessary. His aunt was a sweet woman, though. I couldn’t imagine why he wouldn’t want to spend time with her. The uncle was another story. I’d noticed Alastair’s relationship with him seemed strained.

“You look lovely today.”

I came screeching back to the present and glanced down at him as he fingered the hem on the green chevron striped tank top I’d picked from the closet. I’d paired it with denim shorts.

“Thank you.”

“Everything fits alright?”

“Um, yeah.”

“But…?” He raised an eyebrow.

“Well, the bra is a little snug. But I think that has more to do with, you know, hormones and stuff.”

“Snug?” He reached up, skimming his fingers over the swell of my breasts and cupped one of them. “Feels good to me.”

“Smart ass.”

“What? I think you look smashing. Sexy as always.”

“Whatever.”

A slight frown marred his otherwise serene expression. Anxiety rushed through my body. The late afternoon sunlight shone off his eyes as he looked up at me, turning them an even more vibrant green.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing.”

He smiled bitterly. “Is this what I do to you? Give annoying one word answers when there is clearly something going on?”

“Sometimes.”

He was quiet for a few seconds. “Okay then. This morning, when you asked about Paxton running errands for me? The reason I got upset is because when I was younger my uncle always drilled into my head that nothing should ever be handed to me. I should work hard for every advantage, just as he and my father did. It didn’t matter that we were wealthy. The minute we let someone else do the most simple task for us, we lost our sense of independence.”

The transformation in his manner of speaking was jarring. He sounded monotone, almost as though he were reciting an unpleasant oath. Regardless of my suspicions about his uncle, this seemed to be a decent piece of advice. But what did I know?

Some of the tension melted from his face. “Sorry I was so abrupt with you. It’s a bit of a sore spot with me.”

“You have a lot of sore spots.” I poked him in the stomach. “I’m going to need a roadmap pretty soon to navigate through them.”

“No you won’t,” he said softly, staring up at me with reverence. “You’re gorgeous in this light.”

Sitting up slowly, he twisted a piece of my hair around his finger. Sunlight reflected off the chestnut strands in shades of copper and auburn. More stunning for me was the way it set his hair ablaze with color.

“So are you.”

He scrunched his nose. “If you say so. Come. I want to take you somewhere.”

For the first time ever I didn’t ask where we were going. I simply followed him back to the car and remained silent. I liked how this weekend was progressing. We felt more comfortable around one another, physically and emotionally. At least I did. I could tell he did to a certain extent. There were still an abundance of layers to peel away before I’d be secure enough knowing he fully trusted me with his emotions. Patience was the key. The last thing I wanted to do was rush him.
Or complicate matters with accusations of stalking
.

I winced, pushing the thought out of my mind.

“We’ve arrived.”

I glanced out the window and saw a familiar looking thatched cottage.