“You cannot hide in there all night, Beautiful. I can hear your brilliant mind spinning out of control from out here.” Bristol opened the door, her cheeks scarlet red with embarrassment.
“I was trying to figure out what to say. You’ve been so patient, nothing like Charlotte portrayed you.” Her comments got Israel’s attention. What the hell had his sister-in-law said about him to make his mate so wary. She obviously sensed his concern because she immediately started shaking her head, “No, it wasn’t what you’re thinking.” She walked over to the bed, sitting where he’d pulled the coverlet back for her. “She told me you and Austin were the most determined businessmen she’d ever met. There was more to the conversation, but I’m not sure I should repeat it since it took place at my office.”
“Let me guess, she described my brother as a steam-roller and didn’t feel I was much better.” Bristol’s mouth dropped open, the plump lips of her bow-shaped mouth, forming a perfect O. Damn, he was looking forward to seeing his cock slide between those rose-colored lips.
It was true, he and Austin were bulldozers when it came to business. Asia was a wrecking ball, and the youngest of them, Paris, would take you apart and put you back together in a way she found easier to manipulate. Kensington had been relentless in his acting career, holding out for the best roles and negotiating contracts his fellow actors envied—all while marching to his own drummer.
“Bristol, as a group, all the Adlers are steamrollers in our professional lives because we are driven to be successful. Remember, fate has chosen mates for us who are our perfect matches. Paris needed a mate with a personality similar to hers but stronger. Without Trinity providing balance, she is the very definition of rushing in where angels fear to tread. Asia needed a mate who was both intelligent, politically connected, and possessing a high level of magical ability.
“What I’m trying to tell you, in a very obscure way, is fate matches the Adlers with strong mates—mates who can go toe-to-toe with us. Mates who bring much-needed counterbalance and intellectual stimulation. Mates who challenge us in all the right ways.” Pushing several strands of her white-blonde hair behind her ear, Israel relished the silky feel of the locks between his fingers and let the gesture lure her in. It was the perfect segue, allowing him to change the subject without being rude.
“I love your hair. I’ll always braid it before we play in our playroom or at the club.” Her eyes sparkled with interest, but he shook his head. “Not tonight. You’ve had a few crazy days, and I’m looking forward to holding you while you sleep.” He looked pointedly at the shirt she’d found while he’d been down the hall. “Lose the shirt, mate. We sleep naked. Being skin to skin makes it easier for our bodies to synchronize. You may be a shifter, but you have a lot to learn about your own body, Beautiful.”
“I’ve heard about the synching, but I’ve never experienced it. I’ve talked to patients who describe it as a powerful connection, a level of inner-peace they’d never experienced before.”
“Take off the shirt, sweetheart, and let’s find out for ourselves.” He made quick work of the buttons, letting her see the appreciation in his eyes as his gaze moved over the bare skin he exposed. Watching the white cotton slide sensuously off her shoulders was so fucking hot, Israel felt his cock stiffen in response. “You keep teasing me, and it’ll be a good long while before you get any rest, Bristol.” When he reached for the light, she went completely still.
“I won’t be able to sleep if it’s completely dark in the room. It’s disorienting and terrifying.”
He could tell there was more to the story and suspected there was more to her parents’ abuse than simple neglect. Moving from the bed, Israel turned on the soft lighting in the shower before pulling the en suite’s door partially closed. Bristol’s whispered thanks made his heart clench. He doubted she would ever be completely free of the lingering effects of childhood abuse but hoped he and his family could help alleviate some of the more severe impediments to her happiness.
“Being able to get my bearings without waiting for my eyes to adjust will help me go back to sleep when I wake up during the night.”
Last night, Israel had assumed she woke every half-hour or so because she was in a different place. If she regularly struggled with sleep disruption, her success was even more remarkable. Climbing back into bed, Israel pulled her back against his chest, sighing in contentment when she relaxed into his embrace. His cock snuggled between the cheeks of her ass, happy to be close to heaven but resigned to letting her tender tissues recover from his intense fucking.
“Go to sleep, sweetheart. I’ve got you. Contrary to the way it feels, my cock isn’t calling the shots. My brain is still in charge, and I know your body and mind both need rest.” Israel smiled to himself. This was going to be one of his favorite parts of every day—holding his naked mate in his arms, feeling her relax as her thoughts slowed enough for him to finally track them.
So comfortable. Tired. I want to let him help, but I’m afraid. What if it’s a slippery slope? It would be so easy… too easy. I’ll talk to Tobi or Charlotte or Lilly.
Goddess help him if she consulted with Lilly. Smiling to himself, Israel couldn’t help but wonder about the relationship between the two women. Lilly was only at the club for special events. She’d told him once, she had no desire to see her sons naked ever again.
“Their childhood was enough. My husbands don’t want to see the woman they consider their daughter in her birthday suit, either.”
When Israel told her, he understood her position but thought it was a shame the three of them didn’t feel as though they couldn’t play at the club, they’d watched their sons build, Lilly had laughed out loud.
“Oh, honey, we still play at the club—we’re just choosy about when we show up. Timing is everything. So many people our age are annoyed by insomnia. Hell, my husbands and I think it’s the best-damned thing ever. We have keys to Prairie Winds, and since our boys no longer live upstairs, we can come and go as we please. I swear if the apartment upstairs wasn’t being utilized so often, I’d suggest the three of us move in and sell our place to a young family.”
Israel had expressed interest, but now that he knew Bristol had plans to build a house on a parcel of land she’d purchased nearby, there was no way he’d ask her to change her plans. Making a mental note to talk to Kent and Kyle, Israel wondered if the sprawling home would interest Catalina and Cooper.
Yes, it would. Hold that thought, and don’t mention it to Cat. I’m in a bit of a pickle right now. It’s only a matter of time before all the feelers Cat’s putting out give her the information she’s after. When that happens, promise me you’ll keep her close. I don’t want her walking into the trap I know is being laid for her.
Israel was shocked. It was the first time he’d been able to hear Cooper Hicks so clearly. Trying to see through the other man’s eyes, Israel heard Cooper’s strained laughter.
Leave it. I called Cam, and he’s sending help. Watch Catalina. She’s damned good… too good, and she’s getting way too close.
Israel felt the connection between them sever and wondered what kind of trouble Hicks had gotten himself into this time. Turning down the Agency’s offer of employment when he’d been in college had been the smartest thing Israel had ever done. He’d seen the way Catalina changed when she’d started training and known it wasn’t for him. As impressed as he was with his connection to Cooper, the significance wasn’t lost on him, and it was a huge concern.