Page 68 of Stolen Sun

Noel

Ajolt wakes me. I look around to find Declan sitting next to me. I’m usually terrible at sleeping on planes, but I don’t remember a thing about our flight. I must’ve crashed soon after we took off. Declan hands me a bottle of water, and I take it graciously.

We didn’t sleep at all last night. My body is sore everywhere, and my brain is still empty from so many orgasms. Declan knows my body better than I do, and it was euphoric to let him take control.

Between rounds, we talked. He told me he transferred my ownership of Isaiah’s investment account back to Isaiah. I was shocked that he had gone to Grant, but he left my former father-in-law in one piece.

Aside from looking at the potential expansion property, we plan to enjoy Nashville without the stress of the past week hanging over our shoulders. Traveling is something I love to do. It feels so good to be getting off a plane now, breathing in different air from a few hours ago.

Declan takes my hand as we walk through the airport to baggage claim. We find our things and go pickup the rental car keys.

Walking up to the black Tahoe, I ask, “Do you drive anything other than black vehicles?”

He gives me a sideways glance and grins, showing me one dimple on his stubble-covered face. “No.”

I smile and shake my head. I get in while he puts the bags in the back. Instead of driving into downtown Nashville where most hotels would be, he takes us out of the city. We pull into the driveway of a cute little house.

“No hotel?”

“The way you scream? People would think I’m murdering you. We need privacy,” he says and gets out of the SUV to grab our bags.

My cheeks heat up.He’s joking. Right?Deciding to be a little quieter next time, I get out in time to follow him inside.

The house is nice and clean but pretty generic for a rental. I follow Declan into the bedroom to unpack some of my things.

He wraps his arms around me from behind as I set things on the bathroom counter. I look up at him through the mirror as he rests his chin on top of my head. The sight of us together has my heart fluttering. I’ve never seen us together before.

As if reading my thoughts, he says, “I’ve waited almost half of my life to see this.”

I lean my head back into his chest, not sure what to say. “We’re here now,” I say more to myself than to him.

Kissing the top of my head, he walks over to turn on the shower. He takes off his shirt, and I watch as his muscles work at the movement. When my eyes find their way back to his, he undresses me. His lips meet mine as his fingers work, and my hands explore the ridges of his abs on my way to the button of his jeans.

He lifts me up to wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me into the shower. Standing me under the water, he begins to wash my hair while I keep my arms wrapped around his middle. I close my eyes as he massages the shampoo into my scalp.

“Why did you stay in Birmingham?” He asks.

“It’s just how things played out,” I say.

“Hmm, you mean it’s what Nate wanted,” he counters.

Opening my eyes, I stare up at him.

“Not that it matters now, but we had a deal. Live in Birmingham but travel often. A compromise,” I defend myself, knowing he wouldn’t understand but trying anyway.

“Sounds fair. Where did he take you?” He asks.

“Declan,” I warn, pulling away from him and rinsing my hair myself.

He pulls me back, forcing my hands to his hips before continuing my hair.

“Oh, wait, Italy is the only place so far. It’s alright, sunshine. I’m going to make your dreams come true. Speaking of dreams, where would you live if you had no ties to Birmingham?” He continues to push.

“My life is in Birmingham,” I deflect.

“Answer the question,” he demands.

“I don’t know. This is where I want to be now. With you,” I answer honestly.

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