Austin - Piper Stone Page 0,14

the bank of windows surrounding a lovely wooden table. I envisioned him and his family enjoying meals and conversations, laughing over events of the day. Something orange caught my attention coming from the other room. A fire in the big stone fireplace. I was thrown for a few seconds to the motel fire, the vision of her lying nearly unconscious on the bed.

Jesus. We both could have died. The thought hadn’t dawned on me until now.

“We all did, still do, but each one of us has learned that harboring anger and guilt just eats away at you, likely ruining the rest of your life.” Hawk sighed.

“Maybe that’s what I deserve. Did you ever think of that?” I glared at him and seeing the slight surprise in his eyes made me huff. “Come on, Hawk. You can’t tell me that every single one of you doesn’t blame me for Snake’s death.”

This time, I had shocked him, my former commander opening then shutting his mouth. He looked away, his chest rising and falling. “You had nothing to do with Snake’s death. What happened wasn’t anyone’s fault. We did was what required of us and we tried to save him.”

“Required? If I remember correctly, you went against orders. You had to be the big man, the hero.” Fuck me. I sucked in my breath, the hatred spewing from my mouth just as toxic as the goddamn fumes I’d just consumed. I thought we might come to blows, but when I dared to look at him again, I saw the same kind of haunted look in his eyes that had been in mine for these long months. “I’m sorry, Hawk. You didn’t deserve that.”

“Yeah, I did. And you’re right. I should have followed orders. But I couldn’t stand the thought of leaving Snake in that fucking prison cell. Rotting. They would have eventually tortured him.”

A cold chill shifted down my spine. “I know.”

He grabbed the bottle, pouring more into both our glasses. “Anyway, the only thing that’s helped each of us was visiting Snake’s grave. He’s buried in the Big Sky cemetery. I think you know where.”

I had no plans on visiting the grave anytime soon if ever, but I nodded. “Maybe I should go. I invaded your space.”

“Don’t be a dumbass, Vader. From what I can tell, you walked here, at least from somewhere. Now, I’m not going to grill you on what happened, but it’s obvious you need a little help. At least stay through the night. I have an extra room. Then we can talk in the morning and I can see how I can help you. Besides, you look exhausted.”

I had to think about what he was offering before I answered.

“I’m not going to invade your privacy, but I won’t lie that it’s been a long couple of days. Just the couch by the fire will be fine.”

He narrowed his eyes, chuckling softly. “That’s fine, but I can guarantee you that one little girl will interrupt your beauty sleep somewhere around eight in the morning. And she won’t take no for an answer.”

I allowed myself to grin, enjoying the thought. “Sounds fine to me.”

“All right, buddy. At least let me get you a pillow and a blanket. There’s a bathroom down the hall with some towels and washcloths. I’m certain you’ll want to wash that mug of yours.”

“I wouldn’t mind.” He stared at me for another two minutes before finishing his drink and walking away. I knew his expression well, the one full of concern. He’d always tried to carry the burden of the world on his shoulders, acting as if he was our big brother when he wasn’t even the oldest. I’d resented it more times than I could count, including when he’d gotten the promotion over me. Maybe I’d never been able to fight the feeling of inadequacy.” I swirled the drink before walking into the living room, staring at the fire.

I only hoped that if I was able to fall asleep, the nightmares would stay away. They were beginning to become intolerable. My body had enough adrenaline remaining that sleeping would be difficult if even possible. And all I could think about was Franny.

Her silky curls.

Her voluptuous breasts.

Her soft lips.

Her delicious pussy.

And the way her muscles had wrapped around my cock.

I shifted my aching cock, the pinch of my jeans becoming unbearable. I could easily fuck her again for hours, keeping her tied and ready for my use. A lurid grin crossed my face.

Damn, I had it