Chapter 84: Zachery
Zach was awake when Monroe dressed that next morning. Monroe kissed Angel while she continued sleeping and left the room. Neither of them had spoken. Zach got up and quickly put on clothes in his private bedroom. When he was ready to put shoes on, he spotted a letter from Monroe waiting on his dresser and read it while fastening his laces.
Zachery,
I should have explained more to you, but time moved too quickly. My unfinished business will hopefully keep danger from the special world we have built. I had no choice and will let nothing happen to the people I love.
Angel will need discipline that you are generally lax in providing. She has been wrapped tightly within a safe little cocoon for a year and I trust that you will do what is best for her.
The kiss wasn't a mistake. I want more. I've always wanted more and that will never change. To hold you and Angel, I will always respect your wishes.
Please review our emergency safety plans with Angel, Marguerite, and Stephens. I will do my best but it is possible danger could come your way. You are the only person I trust with the lives of the people I love.
M.
Stephens and Marguerite had taken care of Monroe for years and Zach had no doubt he loved them. As for Angel, Monroe's love electrified a room whenever she was near. Zach ran his fingers through his hair, pulled on his running clothes and tried not to think about Monroe's feelings for him.
Zach knew he himself had issues with their relationship, but he'd slowly gained confidence with the three of them sharing Monroe's large bed. Zach even enjoyed the uninhibited sexual games they played. He loved Monroe in his own way, but couldn't let himself go enough to give in to his feelings like Monroe wanted. And, until yesterday, Monroe's iron control had never slipped.
Zach could still feel Monroe's lips against his forehead, and thinking about it again caused anger to sizzle just below the surface.
***
The first week passed slowly. Zach took Angel hiking at Big Bend National Park and he made love to her high on a ridge overlooking the beautiful, almost untouched area. She picked at her food, dropped some of her bratty attitude, but continued to be apprehensive with Monroe gone. Zach didn't ignore the sadness that crept into her eyes, and used dominance to bring her back into the now.
They fell into bed the night after the hike without playing in the dungeon or making love. They were both too exhausted to do more than shower and brush their teeth. Her jerking movements and whimpers woke him hours later. She hadn't had a nightmare in months. Rolling over, he placed his hands on her face, talking gently the entire time. "I've got you, Angel, you're all right."
She kicked and bucked her body, trying to dislodge him. "No, no, you're killing her, please no." The words tore from her throat.
Her screams eventually filled the room and he settled his body more firmly on hers. He'd never used Monroe's technique to bring her out of night terrors, but he had to try. Pinching off her nose, he covered her mouth with his. She continued to struggle, and when he pulled away she gasped for air. He covered her mouth again and exhaled, pushing his breath deep into her lungs. "I've got you, baby, come back to me." He did it again and felt her body go limp. "I've got you."
Her ravaged eyes cleared and huge racking sobs filled the room.
His hand ran through her hair. "Shh, you're okay. I'm here and I'm not leaving." He spoke a jumble of soothing words while holding her tightly and allowing her to cry.
"I'm sorry," she said between gulps for air while trying to wipe her eyes and hold back sniffles.
"You shouldn't be. We're both strung fairly tight."
"Do you miss him?" she asked softly.
He tried to deny it, but the lie wouldn't pass his lips. Zach missed Monroe's friendship, their easy comradery, and spending time with him daily. "Yes," he said at last.
Her hands curled around his shoulders and he relaxed against her warmth. Even in the dark, he had trouble admitting his feelings, and part of him wasn't sure exactly what those feelings were. They fell asleep a short time later.
The next morning began with their run. It was another day that brought them closer to Monroe's return. And they both wanted him back.
"We're going to the club on Saturday," Zach said after Marguerite cleared their dinner dishes and placed small bowls of chocolate souffl?in front of them.
"And if I don't wish to?" It was the first bratty thing she'd said since her nightmare.
"I'll only go harder on you." He took a bite while watching her closely.
"I'm expecting cramps this weekend."
He knew her body better than his own and by his quick calculation she wasn't making it up. "I'll work around them."
"You are kidding... right?" Her large eyes shot daggers making his cock twitch.
"No, I'm not kidding. Your cramps don't incapacitate you and I'd planned to allow you to wear some of your gauzy clothes, but I'm quickly changing my mind." His lips set in a tight line after he completed the sentence. He lifted a spoon full of thick, rich chocolate to his mouth, letting her know the discussion was over.
Her expressive eyes did a slow blink. Twice. "I love you."
That stopped his spoon mid-lift and his eyebrows shot up. "Did that work with Monroe?"
She tried to hide her smirk without success. "Never."
Zach laughed and then continued eating his dessert. He watched her squirm while eating only half her bowl and knew she craved a release outlet. "I think my baby has needs." He winked.
Her long eyelashes swept down and then lifted. "I hate you."
He laughed the entire way to the dungeon, deciding to grant them both a bit of relief before they went to bed.
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