Page 44 of Claiming Veronica

“It does. You’ve been very helpful, Eli. I haven’t forgotten that you’re in my cousin’s bedroom,” he began, and I immediately hung up.

“Well, that’s done,” I said with a grin. “Went well,” Eli growled and yanked me forward.

“As well as can be expected. Now, let’s get back to what we were doing. I think that pussy needs something.” God, his mouth. I’d been fine throughout the entire call, keeping on task, but immediately, I went from zero to sixty, the nerve endings throughout my body lighting up like a Christmas tree. He could make me melt with just a few words.

Fitting myself against him, I straddled his lap and pressed my mouth to his. Eli kissed like he did everything — thoroughly. He’d bite my lip, suck and nibble a little and slide his tongue against mine before retreating as he let me catch my breath, and then he would continue thepattern along my ear or my throat. Before I knew it, I was grinding against him, trying to get off. I was hot and needy — desperate again as if I’d not had sex an hour earlier.

Pulling off our clothes, Eli had me naked on the bed in record time and snuggled me against him in bed. For a moment, I was disappointed and confused. I was turned on and ready for a little more action. Then I felt him against my backside, hard and slightly wet, as he pulled me back against him and placed his hand between my folds.

“This was where we were when you suddenly thought of what you wanted to say. Right?”

“Yes,” I whined and wiggled a little against his hand, canting my hips against his fingers so they slid back and forth.

“Does my greedy girl want something?” he teased, nibbling the curve of my shoulder as he flexed his hips against my backside. “I know I want something.”

“Take it,” I urged. I wanted him to take everything from me. To leave me sore for days. His cock stroked into me, suddenly feeling even larger than before, his fingers caressing the joining, making it feel even more erotic.

“Putyour hand on your pussy Veronica. Feel us together.” I did as he asked, linking fingers with him in the slippery wetness as he fucked me. “Greedy thing,” he said as my walls pulsed. I knew he could feel it. “That’s it.” He gave my clit a pinch, and I came. “Yes, my gorgeous girl.” Just like before, he pumped savagely up and came hard. I loved feeling him inside me, the jets of cum warm and liquid. It felt like life to me.

I turned my head against his shoulder and kissed him, biting back the words I wanted to say. It was too soon for words like that. Right? The bracelet he gave me winked in the light, and I wondered what sort of relationship this was. Booty call? Exclusive? Should I ask? The thoughts drifted through my head, and then I sleep took me.

Chapter 23

Eli

“Keep them open, boy.” Spitall flew from Kent’s mouth as he said the words, and my fingers gripped the wood grain of the chair. I knew the penalty for shutting my eyes. I wouldn’t make that mistake. Even at four years old, I knew better now.

Kent ran a greasy finger over my brother’s bare skin. “Don’t forget he’ll be the one to suffer if you don’t listen. I’ll do it anyway, and then it’ll be the pond for him.” My brother’s head dropped to his chest in defeat.

I came awake in a sweat of tangled sheets, my mouth open to a silent scream, the nightmare fresh and vivid enough to make me want to vomit. Scrubbing a hand over my face, I eased out of bed. Veronica was still dead to the world, and I didn’t want to disturb her. The nightmaresdidn’t always come, but when they did, they were vicious and cruel. I pulled a blanket back over her and got dressed.

I spent the first part of the morning on business. The nitty-gritty of our empire needed to be handled, but almost ninety percent of that could be done from the wonderful world of my phone. Part of that also meant checking on my side project. Veronica had managed to cover her tracks. My extra precautions were just that — precautions, but that was fine.

The next part of my morning was spent working on breakfast. If Veronica was going to be mine, that meant I would take care of her, and she needed real food.

The smell of coffee drifted through the kitchen, mixing with the sound of bacon sizzling in the pan. The early morning light streamed through the expansive windows, casting soft shadows across the countertops. I wasn’t much of a cook, but I could manage the basics—especially regarding Veronica. The coffee was for me. I’d made her one of those smoothies she liked, but there was no way I could face the day without coffee.

She was still downstairs, probably curled under those blankets, looking small and peaceful, like she hadn’t been up half the night tangled withme. The thought of it—her warmth, her soft gasps—made me smile, something I didn’t do often. I cracked an egg into the pan, watching it bubble as I recalled last night.

Veronica didn’t make me feel safe—that wasn’t what I was after—but she made me feelseen. Like she knew every shadow I carried and still wanted to be close. Letting someone close to the fire was dangerous, but she wasn’t scared. Maybe she should’ve been.

A door creaked open behind me, and I tensed out of habit, turning to see Natasha standing in the doorway, her arms crossed. She was dressed like she always was, sharp and put together, but the way her eyes narrowed told me she wasn’t expecting to find me here.

“Eli,” she said, her voice steady but edged with something harder. “I didn’t realize you were here. You’re making breakfast.” She frowned.

I wiped my hands on a dish towel, keeping my movements slow and deliberate. “Yeah, well, I am.” I had no intention of hiding my relationship with Veronica, especially from her sister.

Her eyes flicked to the counter, the coffee brewing, and the breakfast I was making. “For Ronnie?”

I didn’t bother answering. She already knew.

Natasha stepped closer, her eyes never leaving mine. “I need to ask you something, Eli. What exactly are your intentions with my sister?”

I would have laughed in their face and told them to fuck off if it were anyone else, but this was Natasha. I exhaled, leaning against the counter and crossing my arms. "My intentions?"

“Yes. I know about your past, and you’re not exactly the ‘settle down and play house’ type.” Ouch. “So, forgive me if I’m a little cautious when I find you in my kitchen after what looks like spending the night with my sister.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “I can’t believe I’m having this conversation. Ronnie is delicate. She can’t be just played around with and discarded like trash.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle a little, which caused an immediate frown. “If you have questions about my past, I’ll answer them, but it sounds like you know all about it.” I tried to get the anger out of my voice and tell myself she was protecting Veronica. “I’m not here to play house, Natasha. I’m not pretending to be something I’m not. She knows who I am. Veronica’s an adult and not an invalid, so I’m not discussing this with you behind her back. If you have concerns, go to her.”