Page 67 of Freeing Hawk
“It’s pretty. But that didn’t answer my question.”
“I’m happy.” She told me. “I’m writing better now, halfway through my next book and the ideas keep flowing. He’s kind and loving and gentle. He ugh—” She glanced over her shoulders then back at me. “Has nightmares sometimes at nights. When he wakes up, he’s terrified.”
“Of the nightmares?”
“No. That he might have hurt me.” She exhaled heavily. “And when I tell him I’m okay, he holds me like he wants to crawl inside me. It breaks my heart. I’ve talked him into seeing one of the counselors down at the VA. What else can I do?”
“You’re already doing it.” I assured her. “Being there for him, make sure he doesn’t feel less than because of these monsters on his back. Sometimes, he’s going to come home and just want to curl into your arms, let him. Just know he’s one of the strongest men you’ll ever meet, and he’ll have your back, lift you up.”
“I know that.” She hung her head as a smile traced her lips. “When I think of all the time we’ve wasted being afraid.”
“Don’t.” I hugged her. “Don’t think about that. You’re where you are right now and that’s a good place to start. Now, grab wine and glasses. There’s a party happening.”
Leta stepped back. “I’m so proud of you, Angel.”
“Of me? Why?”
“The life you’ve built, the family you’ve put together for yourself.”
I touched her cheek gently and smiled. Once I was alone again, I pulled salads from the fridge and carted them outside. When I was entering again, voices in the hall caught my attention just as Hawk descended the stairs.
“Oh wow!” She cheered. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
I rushed to see who she was talking about.
Cadmus grinned at us. “Surprise?”
“The best.” Hawk stepped forward to hug him then stepped aside to let me.
Nikau closed the door and turned to us. “I had to pick him up at the airport.”
“You must be tired.” Hawk told him. “Want to use one of the bathrooms upstairs to freshen up? Keegan will be happy to see you.”
Cadmus nodded. “Thank you. I’d appreciate that. I brought a gift for Keegan.”
Hawk accepted the wrapped package then I escorted Cadmus up the stairs to show him one of the fully socked bathrooms. I then left him to hurry back downstairs, hoping to catch Hawk alone. I knew it would be a very long time that day before I would and then she’d be exhausted.
“I miss you.” I wrapped my arms around her from behind and led her into the study. I closed the door and turned her to face me. “I miss you so much.”
“I’m sorry.” She pressed her face into my neck. “I’ve just been so tired. Can we steal a few minutes to ourselves? Does that make me a bad person?”
“Well, a few minutes won’t hurt.” I backed her into the door and leaned back slightly so I could caress her breasts.
Hawk whispered something but reached up for my lips even as I pinched her clothed nipples then tugged on them. She wrenched her mouth away and clamped a hand over it.
I smiled, turned her to face the door and hiked her dress up, exposing the green lace of her panties. Sliding the material to the side, I freed myself from the confines of my pants, pressed a hand to the small of her back to get her body to tilt just right.
Pulling her left earlobe between my teeth, I bit even as I slid into her from behind.
Hawk sighed.
“Shhh.” I hushed her. “Do you like it this way, Hawk? Do you like it knowing we could get caught?”
She moaned.
I pulled my hips back only to send it crashing forward again.
“Yes!” Hawk cried out only to cover her mouth again.
