Wolf Mountain Peak Complete Series, page 95
part #1 of Wolf Mountain Peak Series
Nevertheless, Olivia was a realist. This day was most welcome, but she couldn’t deny that it was just a break from reality. In twenty-four hours, they would have to go back to their everyday routine, and the threat that loomed over them would return. What could she do in order to savor more of these carefree days? Her answer was as quick, as it was instinctive: end David’s brothers. With the proper help from her friends, it was certainly within her capabilities. Still, Olivia rejected that solution with repulsion. She was a warrior, not a murderer. Killing vampires in the field of battle was honorable. There could be no honor in taking someone else’s life to serve her personal interests. Also, even if she did decide to follow that plan, she didn’t know if her friends would be willing to risk their lives so deliberately. The main reason for not proceeding with this insane idea, however, was none other than David himself. Should Olivia kill them, he would not just be broken. He would be a man torn apart. They were still his family, and losing them would destroy him. She meant to help him heal, not drive him to the brink of insanity.
A few minutes before eleven, Olivia arrived at Brooklyn Promenade. Right away, she realized that it was completely different from the noisy city she expected, the idea of which terrified her. In a way, it reminded her of her hometown, as it featured tall trees, flower beds, playgrounds and benches. The Promenade also offered an obstructed view of the Statue of Liberty, the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline. As beautiful as those images were though, there was one thing that she valued much more: it was peaceful. People were strolling up and down, chatting with one another, and the rumble of car engines on the bridge was too distant to bother her. Olivia put her hands on the railing, gazing out over the river, feeling the warm sunrays on her skin.
“I’d love to be in one of those boats someday,” she thought to herself, noticing a few vessels floating down the river. But then, a small amount of pressure on her back, along with the sensation of two, strong arms, hugging her from behind, drew her attention back to herself.
“I told you you’d like it,” David whispered in her ear, as his grip around her tightened. Olivia closed her eyes at how good it felt to be in his embrace, as she tilted her head back.
“It’s just beautiful out here,” She purred like a contented cat, resting her head on his chest, as she reached back to cup his cheek. “Good morning, by the way.”
“It is now,” he muttered, planting a sweet kiss on her cheek. “We should definitely visit this place during the night, too. The skyline is just majestic.”
“Sounds good to me,” Olivia chirped, turning around in his arms to face him. “So, what do we do now? What do you have in mind?”
“For starters…” David paused, releasing her, as he eased back. “I’d like to do this,” he added, taking her hand into his.
“I feel so much lighter today,” she confessed, as they started down the platform. “The past few days have been really intense.”
“Let’s not talk about that,” he suggested, throwing a sideways glance down at her. “Would you like to know about the first thing that popped into my mind, when I saw you?”
“Other than ‘she’s a wolf’?” Olivia teased, smiling, as she looked up at him.
“Yeah; I said to myself: ‘I’m going to have to fight against a wolf. She’s too pretty to be alone.’” David told her, as their gazes met.
“I was alone, at the time of that battle,” she affirmed, as her smile vanished. “I ended things with my ex, about six weeks before I joined the pack.”
“Judging by your reaction, it couldn’t have been pretty. You don’t have to tell me,” David pointed out, slightly lowering his tone.
“It’s okay.” Olivia assured him. “There was no love there. I was relieved, to be honest with you.”
“Because: no hearts were broken?” There was no curiosity in his voice. On the contrary, he sounded like someone who had reached a conclusion, as if he knew precisely what he was saying.
“You know about our weakness?” She asked, her voice raising an octave, as she gave him a puzzled look.
“I do,” David admitted with a nod. “Annabelle kept telling me and my brothers that the key to winning wars was exploiting our rivals’ weaknesses. She kept praying that shifters and wolves would never fight against each other, because we could do nothing about your kind’s weakness. The first time she told us about it, she was so frustrated and angry that I thought she was going to have a heart attack. She screamed something like: ‘What can you do? Marry them and divorce them?’”
“It’s too bad she’s dead,” Olivia spoke, her tone weakening, as she averted her gaze from him, to look out on the river once more. “She sounds like a very interesting woman.”
“My whole world went to hell the day she died,” David confessed, his baritone cracking. “We all knew she was terminal, but still, it hurt a lot. Right after her passing, my brothers started arguing with each other about the letter she had left me. The day she died, I didn’t lose her. I…”
“... Lost your family,” she finished his sentence, as she turned to face him. “Look, I’m not going to pretend to know what you’re going through. I’m an only child; I can only imagine what it feels like. But, you need to put it behind you. I don’t mean let it go. How can you let go of two dead brothers? You might not even want to. What I mean is focus on you; or on us.”
“On us,” he gave an almost soundless snort of amusement, as he gazed deep into her eyes. “I just got goose bumps.”
“I got those on the night you played that song,” Olivia whispered, leaning closer to him, as a powerful breeze tossed her hair about. “In fact, I got more than that. You made me cry; did you know that? The music, the echoes, your voice… God…” She sighed, curving her arms around his neck. “It was beyond beautiful.”
“I’ll do it again,” David declared, softening his tone. “I’ll do it over and over again, until you get tired of it. Or me.”
“That’s not going to happen,” She let out yet another whisper, as his left arm went around her waist. Tipping her head up, Olivia closed her eyes, as he raised his free hand to her forehead. David pushed a few strands of her hair back from her face, as she surrounded him with gestures of affection. She could feel quite a few pairs of eyes on her, but she couldn’t care less. For the first time ever, she tasted his kiss, with no fear, but with eagerness emanating from deep inside her. Olivia did not consider stopping for anything or anyone. The moment belonged to them. It was filled with sweetness and passion, reminding her of the day of her massage, as electricity shot into her body in tantalizing waves. She welcomed the sensation - as a flower welcomes the rain after a long, grueling drought - kissing him, holding him, as she lost herself in his embrace. Moving his lips up, he kissed the space between her mouth and her nose. Olivia snorted a brief chuckle, as he made his way up, kissing the tip, the space between her eyebrows, and finally, her forehead. She leaned forward, and placed her head on his chest, as her hand slipped down his neck.
“If this is the start of our date, then the end has got to be wonderful,” she said, her voice emanating a sweet, relaxed tone.
“Just wait and see, my dear Olivia,” David murmured, laying another, soft kiss just above her hairline. “Just wait and see.”
Chapter Sixteen
After a relaxing stroll by the river, Olivia and David had lunch at a nearby restaurant. During the meal, she couldn’t help but wonder what he had in store for her that day. She would want for it to be romantic, just like the beginning of their date. However, even if he had planned a visit to another beautiful spot in the city, it occurred to her that it wouldn’t be ideal. Yes, she wanted romance, she needed his deep voice filling her ears; but, in her opinion, the ideal conclusion to their date was one more, steamy encounter. Their first time together had blown her mind. His body heat, his kisses and his moves were still swirling in her mind, making her yearn for more from him. Also, much to her pleasure, there would be no awkwardness between them. Instead, there would be electricity in the air, a passion that would grow with each caress. Sadly, though, this would have to wait. They both had to go to work the next morning, and, in order to get a good night’s sleep, they would have to leave New York by 10pm at the latest.
Still, she didn’t let that detail bother her. They were together, teasing one another, having what they couldn’t have in Paxton or anywhere else around her birthplace: fun. Minute after minute, hour after hour, they were joking, laughing, or even kissing. Being in a public place where they could get thrown in jail for indecent behavior didn’t allow them to French kiss, but it didn’t really matter to her. She was having a great time with him. David seemed to follow her advice, and focused on her. Not once did he mention his brothers or Annabelle, after their stroll. This change in his behavior flattered her. It was a clear sign that he valued her input. He was making her feel special, and Olivia loved it. Of course, she would forgive him if he brought up his grief –after all, everything had happened very recently, and he had suffered a great deal of loss - but David did no such thing.
Later in the afternoon, much to her liking, she discovered that David had no intention of leaving the area as the two of them went to a nearby café on Montague Street. She wouldn’t have to suffer the noise that had tormented her ears on her way over. Furthermore, even though she had only been to New York four times in the past, Olivia knew that the distance between burrows was considerable. Traffic jams would ensure that reaching a romantic spot in Manhattan or any other part of the city would take a while. Eventually, they would get there in a terrible mood, and their date would be ruined. Happily however, Olivia and David stayed right where they were, doing what they did in the restaurant, with their spirits high.
Red, orange and pink colors had spread out across the clear sky over the big city as the two of them exited the café. Naturally, she expected him to head back to the Promenade. It was getting dark, and he had told her that the view of the Manhattan skyline was even better during the night. Still, once more, he had a surprise for her. David took Olivia by the hand, and turned left and out of Montague Street.
“David, the Promenade was straight ahead,” Olivia remarked. “Where are we going?”
“There’s a great little place on Furman that I’d like you to see,” he replied, with a wily smile on his face.
“Please, don’t tell me we’re having an early dinner,” she muttered, a hint of complaint in her tone. “I don’t want to leave New York in the next two hours.”
“Don’t worry. We won’t,” he assured her, tossing an enigmatic glance down at her. “You liked the Promenade, right?”
“Yes,” she nodded. “Why are you asking?”
“Because what I have in mind is ten times better than that,” David explained, tracing his thumb across her wrist.
“How can a building be better than a walkway by the river?” she wondered, curiosity written all over her face. David would not dignify her question with an answer. He merely lengthened his strides, a few seconds before they turned right and into Furman Street. A closer view of the imposing Brooklyn Bridge greeted her, adding to her confusion.
“We’re here so we could take a better look at the bridge?” Olivia asked, raising her voice.
“Not really,” David said as his eyes glinted with amusement. “We’re here, because tomorrow is my day off. Do you see that building over there?” He pointed up at a massive structure to the right. “That’s ‘1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.’ I’ve booked us a room.”
“What about…?”
“Yeah, I know,” He interrupted, turning to her as he came to an abrupt halt. “You have to go to work tomorrow. I respect that, but can’t you keep your store closed for a day?”
Olivia felt soft shivers, racing through her. She wasn’t going to tell him, but she had decided to accept whatever he proposed, before he posed that question. It would be an ideal conclusion to a wonderful day. Her anticipation would be over, much sooner than she initially believed.
“Yeah, sure,” she chirped and a big smile formed on her face. Without saying another word, David trotted off towards the hotel, firming his grip around her hand. Olivia didn’t think much of the brown-gray exterior. It looked – and felt - old-fashioned. But when she climbed the stairs to the lobby, she had a change of heart. The white, marble floors glowed under the bright lights. A mix of flowery scents flooded her nostrils once the glass door slid open sideways. A quick sweep of the lobby told her why. There were at least ten flowerpots, placed around black and white leather couches.
“This doesn’t smell at all like New York,” she said to herself while they made their way towards the reception. “This feels like Paxton: good job, David. I bet this is the same feeling Helena got on her date with Cliff. I can’t wait to take you to bed.”
“You’re not mad at me for planning this without letting you know, are you?” David asked as they headed for the elevator.
“No, not at all,” Olivia retorted. “I love it. Like I said, I didn’t want to leave New York just yet.”
“Great,” David replied and gave a satisfied nod as the empty car opened sideways. When they left the lobby behind, anticipation began to spread within her. Being minutes away from one more, steamy encounter with him had her heart pounding in her chest. But, in this confined space, free from any other noises, she could hear two, separate heartbeats. David’s was even stronger and faster than hers was, arousing her, tempting her to touch him, right there and then. However, the elevator bell compelled her to disregard that idea.
Silent, but with a promising smile on his face, David unlocked the door. Olivia walked inside and her jaw dropped. This wasn’t just a room; it was a large, spacious suite with a wonderful view of the Manhattan skyline. Well-lit, with a beige leather couch in the upper left corner of the room, and a black granite kitchen in the right one, it overlooked the river. Staring at the massive buildings, she rushed toward the floor to ceiling glass window. The thousands of flickering lights in the background of the calm river made her heart flutter in her chest. There was something in this magnificent setting that she appreciated even more: the peace and quiet. No boat or car engines could disrupt the tranquility. However, all this luxury felt somewhat odd. David was a massage therapist, not a millionaire.
“It’s gorgeous,” Olivia commented in a low voice as she glanced up at him over her shoulder. “This must have cost you a fortune. How…?”
“I haven’t been completely honest with you,” David stated, sauntering towards her. “I’m not just a masseur. I inherited ‘La Femme North’ when my folks passed away, six years ago. I didn’t tell you that the night I ran into you because I wanted you to know that I would be your therapist. Imagine if I had said I owned the place, and you saw me in that parlor, instead of one of my employees. I doubt you would have taken it well.”
For an instant, Olivia found herself in a dilemma. He had lied to her, leading her to believe that he was just another employee in that beauty salon. Yet, this was probably one of the shortest debates in her life. His excuse made total sense, and she could not get mad at the man who had been treating her with nothing but respect so far.
“I wouldn’t have,” she affirmed, keeping her attention on him when he once again hugged her from behind.
“Listen…” he muttered, planting a short kiss on the side of her head. “I need to call reception, and arrange room service. Why don’t you go check out the view from the bedroom?”
“Oh, I will,” Olivia chuckled, easing out of his hold. Delighted, she started down the hall and to the right. As much as she had loved the view from the living room however, she was not interested in doing what he had suggested. David had offered her a fantastic day. It would only be fair of her to try and return the favor. She partially closed the bedroom door behind her, wondering what she could do for him. Her options were limited, but she didn’t let that fact bother her at all.
“Entice him,” a little voice in her head commanded as she stood next to the king size bed. Understanding that it wouldn’t take him long to join her, Olivia began taking off her clothes in a hurry, recalling the sensual massage he had given her.
“Those big hands on my back, rubbing me, while that music took my breath away. And when they squeezed my butt - God, I thought I was in heaven. I still get goose bumps every time I think about it.”
Lying in bed, she bent her knees as she looked up at the door. She placed her right hand on her stomach as she raised her left to her lips. Olivia slipped her index finger into her mouth, moving her palm down her body. Upon hearing the sound of his footsteps on the floor, she parted her legs slightly. She closed her eyes, a breathy sigh escaping her, feeling the tip of her middle finger moving onto her clit.
“Talk about seduction,” his masculine voice filled her ears, causing her eyes to snap open. There he was, scanning her body from top to bottom, standing under the doorframe. “Yes, that’s what I call it: sizzling-hot seduction.”
“Not like yours,” she whispered, pressing the heel of her palm onto her clit. “I thought I was going to melt on that table.”
David did not speak. Gazing upon her, he grabbed his t-shirt and pulled it up over his head, exposing what Olivia had suspected, but had not yet seen: deep grooves that framed each of his heavily defined abs; a broad, chiseled chest; complete with rock-hard pecs. His shoulder muscles were rounded, and now, she could even see his thick veins going all the way up his arms. She pulled her finger out of her mouth, and licked her upper lip while he got busy with the top button of his jeans.
