Broken Dreams(173)

They were still grumbling over which way we would go. “Henry! Listen to me. I’m telling you that the coast would be far too dangerous,” Nick insisted.

“We’re traveling the coast. And that’s final!” Henry barked.

“Listen…”

Henry slammed his fist down on the table. “I said we are traveling the coast. If you don’t like that idea, you can stay here!” Henry stood up so quickly, he knocked his chair over. I was waiting for an explosion.

“Henry…” He whipped his head around to me, his fists clenched at his sides. His eyes were graying, his jaw was set, and his breathing was short and rapid. He hadn’t had a big dose of blood since the bag he split with Sophie and Nick.

“Just calm down, alright? Have a seat, and eat this.” I set a jar of peaches and his favorite apple butter down on the table. “You know what? Let me get you a drink, as well.” I turned around, and Claire was standing in the doorway of the kitchen looking terrified. I whispered, “It’ll be okay, Claire. I’ll handle it.” I grabbed a couple of glasses and the open bottle of whiskey off the counter. I went back into the dining room and poured everyone but Thomas a drink. Henry was still glaring at Nick.

I admit that I was worried that there would be some sort of macho altercation. I could see that Henry was doing the best he could to push down his anger. I also knew he could kill Nick in a heartbeat so I had to keep a close eye on the situation.

“Henry! Sit your arse down!” We all looked back toward the stairs. Sophie was coming down, carrying the supplies needed to perform a draw. Henry grabbed his chair and sat down, grumbling the whole time.

Sophie went to Thomas and hooked him up to draw a bag. Claire and I sat down next to our men. I was getting more and more used to the blood being passed around the house like a two dollar tramp. Henry was still glaring at Nick.

“I’m not going to sit here and be the recipient of his anger.” Nick stood and stalked off into the family room.

“Nick. Nick! Come back.” Claire got up to chase after him, but before she made it to the doorway, she pointed her finger at me. “You need to control your man a little more!”

“Control my man?! Do you see marionette strings anywhere?!” That really pissed me off. I was absolutely floored that she would even say something like that.

“He needs to learn to respect others and their opinions! He can’t be Mr. Ego all the goddamn time!” Claire stormed off after Nick.

“You know, she’s right. Henry, you need to control yourself a little more.” Sophie was trying to be the voice of reason.

“Oh, shut the fuck up, Sophie. You get all pissy, too.” I stood up and ran upstairs before anyone could see the tears running down my face. I didn’t understand how Henry’s outburst was my fault.

“Elaina, wait,” I heard Henry say as he stood up again. “Jesus Christ, this is all I fucking need right now!”

“Henry, sit your arse down. Leave her alone. You need to wait until you’ve had your fix.” Henry ignored Sophie’s demand, following me up the stairs.

“Elaina!” I made it to my room before he could catch me. I slammed the door shut, leaning up against it, trying to suck back my emotions.

He knocked. “Elaina, can I come in?” I didn’t move. “Elaina! Come on. Open the door.” I heard a light thud against the solid wood door. I had a feeling it was his forehead. “Elaina... I’m sorry. Please, let me in.” I couldn’t be mad at him. It wasn’t his fault.

I whipped open the door and yanked him inside. After slamming the door again, I forcefully pushed him up against it.

“Love, I’m sorry. I know I need to control myself better. It’s just…”

“Shut up,” I rasped. I lost all control of myself. My beautiful man…or whatever the fuck he was…stood before me, looking sad and guilty.

I felt my core stir, aching for him to pound himself into my deepest depths. I grabbed him and started kissing him on his lips, then his neck. I was rubbing my hands all over his cool, trimmed body. I wasn’t going to waste a moment.

“Elaina…stop…” Henry tried to push me away, but I knew from the obvious visual signs that he wanted me as badly as I did him. “Elaina…please…” I pulled off his shirt. I worked my way down to his navel, nipping his taut skin. He shuddered and his breathing deepened. “Elaina, please. You said we can’t. Don’t do this to me. It’s not right.”

I stood up rapidly and put my finger on his lips. “Shhh,” I growled. I unbuckled his belt and began reaching for what I desired. He moaned loudly and his head thudded against the door as I took him in my hand. “Shhh, I said!” I growled at him again. Damn it. He was going to follow my orders for a change whether he wanted to or not!