Unbroken (The Disclosure Series Book 2) Page 23

  He pulled away, stilling her hands and breaking the kiss. “We probably shouldn’t do this on the porch, baby. We’ll scare the neighbors.”

  She waved away his concern. “It’s fine. They saw me naked this morning.”

  He shot up, his eyes wide. “What? Who? What were you doing naked in front of our neighbors?”

  Embry giggled. “I was stretching in front of the bay window when I woke up this morning. I gave a few people an eyeful before I realized I was naked.”

  He didn’t like the idea of anyone else sharing what was his. That wouldn’t be happening again. He’d put up blackout curtains, board up the windows if need be. He ran his hands over her body, emphasizing every curve until he reached her ass and squeezed. “All of this” —he kissed her roughly— “is mine.”

  “All yours,” she agreed.

  “Good. No more peep shows for the neighbors,” he said possessively.

  “Okay,” she promised, her voice laced with laughter. “So, dinner?”

  Luke rolled the idea over in his head. He was enjoying having her to himself, and he didn’t want to be out around a bunch of people at the moment. “Are you starving?”

  Embry shrugged. “Eh, I could eat, but not really.”

  He stood from the hammock, pulling her with him. “Want to take a walk then? We won’t catch the sunset over the ocean, but it’ll still be nice.”

  Her eyes lit up. “I’d love that.”

  They grabbed sweatshirts to battle the coolness of the night, left their shoes on the porch, and headed for the shoreline.

  Embry reached for Luke’s hand, her small fingers weaving through his, and they walked silently along the water while the cold waves crashed over their feet.

  “So, can I call the movers tomorrow?” Luke blurted out, breaking the silence. It was all he could think of, getting her in his bed permanently. He’d waited long enough.

  Embry looked up at him, eyes gleaming. “You’re serious?”

  He nodded. “We have a few days between when we get home and when your classes start back up. It’s either get it done now or wait until the end of the semester.”

  Embry tilted her head as if considering the option, and he leaned down, his eyes serious.

  “I’m not waiting that long, beautiful.” His tone was sincere and somewhat demanding.

  “Well,” she said, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth, “I guess the decision’s already been made then, hasn’t it?”

  He shot her a rueful smile. “I guess so.”

  Embry stopped abruptly, picking up a flat, black rock. She held it up as she ran her fingers over the smooth surface, inspecting it in the fading daylight. “Good skipping rock.”

  “Huh?” She skips rocks?

  She chuckled to herself. “Nothing. My dad and I used to skip rocks together at the beach. We’d stand there forever just searching for the perfect rock to throw into the ocean. Every time he found a good one, he’d say ‘now that’s a good skipping rock,’ and we’d count out loud how many skips we got.” He saw the nostalgia in her eyes as she fingered the rock, looking out over the water.

  Luke watched as she tossed the rock into the ocean, silently mouthing the number of skips as the rock bounced over the small waves.

  He walked up behind her, his arms coming around her chest as he rested his chin on top of her head. “Seven.”

  She nodded. “Luke?”

  “Yeah, baby?” He dipped his head and nuzzled her neck.

  “What about my stuff?”

  “The movers will take care of it. You can pack it, move it, store it. Replace my stuff and redecorate with yours, I don’t care.”

  She seemed to hesitate. “But I feel like I’ll be taking over your home.”

  He paused at that. He’d never had a relationship serious enough to consider living with a girl before, and he was it would be an adjustment. But all he really cared about was the fact that when he woke up every morning, he’d be waking up to her. That was all that mattered.

  “Do you want to look for a new one together?” he suggested, already loving the idea of them house shopping and picking something out for just the two of them, with both of their inputs making the decision.

  Embry shrugged. “Not necessarily, I just feel bad. It’s your home.”

  He shook his head. It was hard to explain to her how little it mattered to him where they lived or how she decorated. Although, he didn’t want her to think he didn’t care.

  He tightened his arms around her and placed his hand over her heart. “My home’s right here, Embry. We can stay in my place, move to a new one. I’ll live wherever you want. As long as you’re there, I’m home.”

  She turned and jumped into his arms, wrapping her legs tight around him as she cupped his face. “I love you, Luke Brody.”

  He shot her a devastating grin. “I know you do.”

  When her lips collided with his, they tumbled into the sand, a tangle of arms and legs. Her kisses were urgent, demanding. Her tongue traced the seam of lips before sweeping into his mouth, exploring, and Luke’s hands roamed her body, pushing her dress up her thighs and caressing every bit of bare skin he could reach.

  Remembering where they were, he lifted his head for a brief moment and scanned the empty beach. It was nearly deserted, no one walking on either side for as far as he could see. Confident that they were as alone as they were going to be, he ground against her, his hard cock begging for attention. “I need you.”

  She rolled on top of him, straddling him as she freed him from his pants. Just the brush of her hand against him nearly unmanned him. Her hair hung in waves around her face, shadowed by the fast-setting sun as she sunk down onto him with a sigh. “I’ll never stop needing you.”

  Embry woke before it was light. Silently untangling herself from Luke, she wrapped one of his shirts around her, then headed into the kitchen. She checked the clock on the stove. It was only six-thirty. She’d woken from a bad dream, one she couldn’t quite remember, but now thoughts ran through her mind on fast-forward. She wouldn’t be getting any more sleep.

  Brewing herself a large cup of coffee, she grabbed a blanket from the back of the couch and tiptoed out onto the porch, settling in one of the rocking chairs.

  Finding a slow, soothing rhythm, she rocked back and forth in the dim morning light, watching the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean.

  It was so peaceful and quiet; the only sound was the small waves crashing on the shoreline, turning to foam on the sand and retreating back into the sea. The horizon lit with soft blues, purples and pinks, which soon gave way to blazing oranges and yellows as the sun finally reached its peak, reflecting off the water in a brilliant display.

  It was their last morning on the island; their flight was a few hours away, and then they’d be headed back New York… back to reality. It’d been a perfect trip. They’d been perfect. They sunbathed, went for walks on the beach, made love in every position, every place she could’ve ever thought of—she was still finding sand in places it didn’t belong from their nights on the beach.

  They’d gorged themselves on crab legs at The Crab Shack, watched the sunset from the Tybee Lighthouse, explored the island and then came home at night and explored each other. It was truly paradise, but Embry couldn’t escape the feeling that the second they set foot back in New York, all their problems would return.

  They’d been through so much—Luke’s lies, Jack’s threats and the hearing, and everything in between. Maybe it was the fact that she’d so recently put her past to rest, or that things between she and Luke were going so well. As perfect as they seemed, there was always that tiny piece of her that she pushed aside, hid away, that still worried whether or not Luke would hold up his end of the deal and remain truthful.

  She shook her head, dislodging that last thought. It had been over four months. He’d gone above and beyond to prove himself, and she believed him. It was her own damn insecurity. She wanted a life with him, a future, and she was taking a
big step toward having that. Although they’d spent the majority of their time together anyway, the thought of waking up to him each morning, falling asleep beside him every night, getting to see him every day, no matter how busy they were, caused happy flutters.

  So then why couldn’t she shake the sick feeling in her stomach?

  The front door creaked open, and Luke padded out onto the porch in nothing but his boxer briefs. He looked down at her with tired eyes, his hair sticking up in disarray. “Come back to bed,” he rasped.

  “I couldn’t sleep.”

  His tired eyes lit, and his lips tipped into a smirk. “I didn’t say anything about sleeping.”

  Chuckling, she set aside her empty coffee cup and stood to wrap her arms around his midsection, losing herself in his warmth. His touch calmed her nerves and quieted her mind. But even as he led her back into the house, back into bed, their bodies tangling together one last time before they left paradise, she still couldn’t dispel that feeling—the one that told her that everything around them was about to crumble.

  Tires screeched as the plane touched down on the runway. Embry glanced at Luke, who was white-knuckling the armrest. Poor guy. She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Safe and on the ground in one piece.”

  His eyes flicked to hers, his lips twisting in a sheepish smile. “I hate landing.”

  She chuckled.

  He narrowed one eye at her. “Are you laughing at me?”

  Embry shook her head, schooling her features. “No, never.”

  They packed up their things, collected their luggage, and walked out of the terminal and into the cold, rainy New York night. People pushed and shoved, paying no attention to anyone else around them. It was a far cry from their little slice of heaven on the beach.

  “Welcome home,” she muttered.

  Luke wrapped an arm around her shoulder and kissed the side of her head as they stood, waiting for the town car he’d called. “We can turn around right now. Live like hermits, and grow old and salty together on the beach.”

  She laughed despite herself. Part of her wanted nothing more than to turn around and leave it all behind—just her and Luke and the beach. Before she could form a smart response, their car pulled up. They slid onto the plush leather seat, and the driver headed east.

  “My place or yours?” Luke asked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

  Embry suppressed a giggle and rolled her eyes. “How long have you been waiting to say that?”

  Luke shrugged, grinning widely. “Since before we landed.” His arms came around her, his lips teasing the shell of her ear. “Come on, it’s the last night I get to say that. The movers come tomorrow, and then you’re all mine.”

  She leaned closer, snuggling into his arms. “I’ve been yours since the first time I saw you in that hallway, Luke.”

  That earned her a devastating smile. And while the bad feeling in the pit of her stomach still hadn’t gone away, she realized that if she had him, if she had that smile, she’d be okay, even if everything around them crashed and burned.

  “Let’s go back to my place.” She beamed back at him. “Since I can only say that for one more night.”

  “What about my bed?” Embry asked around a bite of lo mein.

  The driver had dropped them at her place, and they’d settled on the couch, ordering Chinese and opening a bottle red wine for a lazy night in.

  “What about it?”

  She shrugged. “Well, I really like it. But it’s a queen and yours is a king. I just hate to see it go.”

  Luke chewed on a cheese wonton, washing it down with a sip of wine. “So we’ll put it into one of the guest rooms. Or put it in the living room for all I care, doesn’t matter.”

  She made a face. “That’s just silly.”

  He shrugged. “I’m just saying, if you want to keep the bed, keep it. I don’t care where your things go, as long as it means you’re in my bed every night.” He winked at her.

  She smiled. “I guess I can deal with that.”

  “Good. It’s just as much your home as it is mine, Bree. Bring what you want, and we’ll make it work. If you want to put some things in storage and go through them once the semester’s over, then we’ll get a storage unit. I want this to be easy, not cause you more stress.” He set his food aside and reached out, giving her hand a squeeze.

  “Thank you,” she said quietly. Other than her family and Morgan, no one had ever gone so far out of their way for her, to help make her happy. She wasn’t regretting asking to move in with Luke for a second, but her nerves were starting to creep up on her. “I’m excited…” She trailed off.

  He tilted his head in question. “But?”

  “I’m excited, no buts. But,” she giggled, “what if I do something you don’t like?”

  “Like what?” He took another sip of wine. “I need examples. Do you have some horrible habits you’ve been hiding from me?” He cringed dramatically.

  “No!” She swatted at his chest. Racking her brain, she tried to think of anything that might bother him, but they’d spent so much time around each other already, she couldn’t come up with much. “I don’t know. What if I’m too messy?”

  “Then we’ll get a cleaning lady,” he said matter-of-factly. He leaned toward her, raising an eyebrow. “Anything else?”

  She chewed on her lip, trying to think of any other scenarios but couldn’t. It wasn’t that she really thought they’d have any major problems, she’d just never taken that step with anyone before. It was a big deal and as it got closer, her worries kicked in. “I just don’t want you to get sick of me. I’ve never lived with a boyfriend before.”

  “That makes two of us.”

  “You’ve never lived with a boyfriend either?” she asked, laughing.

  He silenced her with a searing kiss, his lips hungry and demanding, flaying her wide open and annihilating any concerns left floating around her brain.

  She pulled away, panting, and rested her forehead against his. “Point made.”

  He tipped her chin up, bringing her eyes to his. “I thought we covered this. I want all of you, baby. I know you’re not perfect; I don’t need you to be. I just need you.”

  She let out a long sigh and nodded. “Okay.”

  Picking up her glass of wine, she tucked her feet beneath her and settled back on the couch. His words had put her at ease. But then she thought of something that he definitely might not like. “Oh! What about Morgan?”

  Luke nearly choked on his mouthful of sesame chicken. He swallowed with effort, then narrowed his eyes on Embry. “What about Morgan?”

  “Well, we’re kind of a package deal, you know. You don’t get me without her. You’ll be seeing a lot more of her.” Embry winked, making a goofy face. “I know you’re excited about that. Wine nights, movie marathons dance parties…”

  “As long as she’s medicated” —He paused— “or I am, we shouldn’t have an issue.”

  She threw her head back and laughed in earnest. “Medicated with wine?”

  Luke shrugged. “Whatever works. Speaking of Morgan,” he said nonchalantly. “How’s the whole wedding thing going?”

  Embry raised an eyebrow. “The whole wedding thing?”

  “I’m trying to show interest.” He shot her a charming smile.

  “It’s good, actually.”

  They sat and talked, planning out the move and chatting about what they both had to catch up on. It’d be a busy few weeks ahead, with Luke on trial and Embry’s oral argument coming up. She was suddenly even more thankful that they were moving in together. Even if they were busy, at least they’d be able to spend every night and every morning together.

  “You know what we need?” Luke said, breaking into Embry’s thoughts. He leaned in, refilling both of their wine glasses.

  Embry stared up at him. She couldn’t believe she’d be moving in with him tomorrow. Her life had changed so much since last summer, and even though there had been some rocky times in between, she wouldn
’t change a thing if it meant being where she was right now. “What do we need?”

  Lifted his eyebrows suggestively. “A little first date fun.”

  “First date…” Realization dawned on her as a huge smile crept onto her face. “Rapid-fire question round?” She’d loved that game, prying information out of Luke by peppering him with questions instead of dull, forced conversation.

  Luke nodded and Embry let out an excited whoop. She loved that he remembered her silly game and was always willing to play along.

  “There’s that smile.”

  “Yes! I love it, let’s play!”

  Luke nodded. “You start.”

  She raised her eyebrows in a challenge. “You sure about that?”

  “I think I can handle it.”

  “Hmmm, you’re very brave,” she teased.

  He winked. “The bravest.”

  Embry narrowed her eyes at him, getting her game face ready. “Okay, let’s get warmed up, shall we? I’ll start you off with some easy ones. Favorites again.”

  “All right.” He rubbed his hands together. “Ready.”

  “Favorite word, sound, place. Go.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Fuck. You coming. Between your thighs.”

  A shiver of pleasure ran through her as her skin heated. “Mmmm. So that’s the game we’re playing then?”

  Luke shrugged, feigning innocence. “I’m not sure what you mean. I’m just answering your questions, sweetheart. Getting warmed up.”

  Embry giggled. “I’m warm.”

  His smile turned wicked. “Then let’s do this.”

  “Fine. Guilty pleasure.”

  “You.”

  She stared at him disbelieving. “I’m your guilty pleasure?”

  Luke chuckled, then tilted his head in thought. “No. Nope. I need to revise that answer. I don’t feel at all guilty taking pleasure in you.” His devilish grin widened and he leaned over, sweeping his lips against hers. “Let’s say favorite indulgence instead.”

  Embry eyed him playfully. “I can deal with that. Okay, chocolate or vanilla?”