∞ The Tethered Ones ∞

Chapter 39

━━─── • ───━━━

• Luna •

It was nearly two in the morning before Luna and the guys had returned to Salvation Estate. After crossing the gate, she and Amir went straight to the house where they were staying. Despite their protest, Ethan had promised to inform Dominique of what they learned at the club. They didn't trust him, but there was nothing they could do about it. She simply needed a good night's sleep because they were exhausted from everything.

She walked straight into the bedroom once she entered the house. Amir followed her into bed, still wearing his pants and boots. She merely relaxed in his arms, allowing his steady presence to soothe her frayed nerves. She was too dazed to tell him to get up and change into his skivvies.

Her mind kept replaying Titus's question about Davenport's memories. She wasn't expecting him to walk right into her mind like he was in a movie theater. She thought he should've brought popcorn and snacks to enjoy the show. She tried everything she could to keep her mind safe when she realized he was different. He could still tether to her whether she wanted him to.

And did it make her feel at ease? No.
But that was a problem for another time.

She was a zombie by nine a.m., and Ethan's disgustingly cheerful demeanor outside the house made her want to vomit. She was still dressed in last night's clothing since she was too exhausted to change.

When he decided to walk up to the porch, she groaned, taking a sip of her ice-cold instant coffee. He'd be a dead man if he woke Amir up.

"What's up with the face?" Ethan came to a halt on the front step. "Are you still tired from last night?"

She groaned in response to his stare. "Don't you have anything better to do?"

"No, not really. I was out walking when I noticed you on the swing. That's a nice swing."

"I'm glad you like it."

"What's with the 'tude? I thought you'd be happier," he said. "Everything will be over by Labor Day."

She snorted. "It won't be that easy."

"You just need to have faith that our plan will work."

She nearly choked. He wanted to talk about faith, but he was a man they couldn't put their trust in. However, they had no choice but to do what they could. "I'm actually looking forward to Monday. In four days, you'll be out of our hair."

"You know you're going to miss seeing me around here," he told her.

"You're so irritating." She averted her gaze and concentrated on a patch of grass between the houses. "Is there anything I could do for you? Aside from giving you a much-needed punch in the face?"

He chuckled. "Yes. I was going to tell you that Owen is looking for a map of the lake. We can research the best route."

She gave him a tight smile. "How thoughtful."

"Do you want to punch me?" His brows furrowed.

"I'm not sure if that's a genuine question."

He snickered as he tipped his head down. "It's not. You could try to punch me, but you'd lose."

Luna scooted off the swing and took a step forward. "Wanna bet?"

"Evil," Amir's voice oozed from the shadowed doorway.

Luna took up her mug and smiled at Amir, grateful for his presence. He was staring at Ethan as if he was about to pummel the hell out of him, but he remained motionless . . . heaving. "If you know what's good for you, you'd leave my yard right now. Don't even come near us."

Ethan retreated, giggling. As he continued down the sidewalk, he waved to a group of neighbors who were calling out his name.

"I can't stand that guy," he grumbled.

"None of us can." Luna walked into the house and shut the front door. "But we need him until Monday."

"He's asking for it." His gaze was fixed on a broken clock on the wall. He then walked over to the couch and collapsed. "What was he even doing in our yard?"

She entered the kitchen and poured herself another cup of cold coffee. "I'm not sure. Most likely, he's bored."

A tiny smile sprang out. "I know a way to kill time."

"I'm sure you do," she said in a mocking tone. "Like I didn't know that was coming."

He chuckled. "I wasn't referring to myself. I was thinking about you and bringing out the dark side. Anger him with it."

She shook her head. "No way. It's far too early for that."

"All right. Maybe later?"

She laughed. "We'll see."

He took a deep breath and then said, "I was about to pray and wash up."

"That is a fantastic idea. I'll join you."

Amir's brows rose. "Eager much?"

Gripping his waist, she said, "I meant for praying. But now that you've mentioned it, I wouldn't mind joining you in the shower as well. It will save time and water." He laughed in her arms. "Then we'll find something to eat."

"I like that plan, Moon."

She flashed him a grin. "What else is new?"

• • •

Luna decided to tell Amir what she saw in Davenport's mind after lunch. When it didn't sit well with her, she abruptly withdrew that plan until his family was free. He needed his full attention to break them out of the facility that was holding them hostage. Later that day, when they were at Zoe's house to discuss Monday's plans with the Salvation crew, she reminded herself that it wasn't the best time to bring it up.

Especially since neither Zoe nor Dominique's spouses would agree to their demands to accompany everyone on the raid.

"Both of you need to stand back in case something goes wrong, Domi," Owen advised.

Although Luna didn't know them well, they appeared to be just as determined as she was to get their people out.

Dominique lowered her arms. "Do you think I can't handle you guys? That if I fall, I'll stab Ethan to death?"

"Hey!" Ethan exclaimed in the back of the room. "I'm still here in case you forgot."

"Oh, believe me, you don't exist to me. My brothers would not be in this situation if it weren't for you," she told him.

"I've told you I'm sorry time and time again," Ethan begged. When Zoe handed Amir and Luna bottled water, he added, "What more do you want?"

"I just want you to leave my family alone," Dominique replied. "Once Jamal is out of there, he can stay here, and you can leave."

"I guess you forgot I'm tethered to your other brother. Don't forget Kai."

She rolled her eyes and turned to face Luna. "What do you think?"

Luna's shoulders sagged. "I don't know you that well, so my opinion doesn't matter."

"No, Luna. I meant to accompany you. Even though I don't have the same skills as you, I can still help."

Owen made a semicircle and threw back his head. "I don't want you to get caught, Dom."

"What about the rest of you?" she asked, her dark eyes darting around the room. "You're all taking a risk. What's the difference if I do it?"

Standing up, Connor stuffed his hands into his pockets. Just looking at him made Luna's stomach clench. He reminded her so much of her ex-fiancé, who was still unconscious in their hospital. Chase's twin...

"Dominique, we need people on the outside," Connor murmured, meeting her cold stare. "People to stand guard and possibly be the getaway driver."

"Seriously?" She gaped. "That's just an excuse."

While they continued to argue, Luna and Amir sat back and listened.

"You can't deny me the opportunity to free my family," she told her husband.

Owen propped one foot against the wall while running his hands through his black hair. "We'll be in and out quickly. Then everything . . . everything will come to an end. You don't have to come."

Luna could tell Amir was thinking about his family when he blinked slowly. Perhaps he imagined them and wondered where they were inside the building. She was as miserable as he was.

Amir took a deep breath. "I need to get some fresh air. I'll be right back, Moon."

Luna took in her surroundings. The sun had not yet set. But it's not like he needed it. He'd already left through the front door before she could respond.

"I'll go talk to him," said Connor.

Luna rose. "No. I should go."

"It's probably the stress of this operation and how it will go," Connor responded. "Plus, none of us trust Ethan."

"Gee. It's interesting to see where everyone's faith is." That came from Ethan.

Owen sighed. "One of these days, we'll come up with a good strategy and have no drama."

Dominique sighed and chuckled wearily. "You are the cause of the drama. Zoe and I have already decided to go. We'll stay in the truck."

"Fine. That's something I can get behind," Owen said.

"That's good because you're not going to win this argument."

Zoe faced Luna and said, "I'm sorry you have to hear our dispute. We're not usually like this, I assure you."

She smiled. "No worries. We all have disagreements sometimes."

"By the way," Owen, who was still standing by the wall, said, "General Davenport has given his approval for your group to come here. We have three houses set up for them. Hopefully, that is enough space."

Luna grinned softly at him. "That's plenty. Thank you."

"No problem." He stepped aside and sank into the chair next to Dominique. "Would anyone from your group be interested in joining us on this raid?"

His wife shifted her gaze to him. "Unbelievable," she exclaimed. "I can't deal with you right now."

Dominique jumped out of her seat and dashed for the side door, causing it to slam shut.

"Someone's in the doghouse tonight," Ethan said quietly, his brow furrowed.

"Great, and I just left it three days ago," Owen grumbled.

"If you don't stop talking, I'm going to staple your lips," Zoe threatened Ethan. "Dominique has every reason to be enraged. Especially at the two of you."

Luna swallowed and cleared her throat. "I think Amir told everyone he didn't want them to go because of the risk."

"See, Zoe?" Ethan said. "To be honest, I think Amir, Owen, and I should be the only ones."

"No way," Zoe said. "You three are incapable of rescuing several people. There are six adults and two children in total. You'll need help."

"Exactly," Luna concurred. "Anyway, I've got to go."

"Sure," Zoe said quietly, reaching for her hand. "We'll talk more about this when your group arrives."

Luna nodded and stepped out of the front door, noticing Amir standing beside their porch railing. She dashed across the yard to join him.

"Hey," he muttered. "I'm sorry I left like that."

"You have nothing to apologize for. Ever."

He stood quietly and looked down at her.

Her mouth was parched. "What?"

His lips curved upward. "It's . . . quiet." He extended his hand, and she took it in hers. "It's weird. The group was fighting for quite some time."

"That's because I think Dominique got her way, but then Owen blindsided her."

"What did he do?"

Luna exhaled a breath. "He basically asked me if anyone in our group might go on the excursion, and that was right after he told Dominique she shouldn't go."

He nodded. "I understand where he's coming from."

"And that is why I love you," she told him, cupping his cheek.

"And I love you, Moon." Amir drew her to him, and then she was in his arms as he carried her quickly into the house. He put her on her feet in the bedroom. "Sorry. I don't want to be outside with Ethan lurking around."

Feeling a little dizzy, she laughed. "That makes perfect sense."

"You know, we should make the most of this quiet time." He moved toward her like a predator with its prey in sight.

"Really?" She backed up until she hit their bed because she was suddenly overheated.

"Really." He kicked off his shoes. "We don't have long before someone interrupts us."

Her gaze dropped as he yanked his shirt off and tossed it.

She inhaled sharply. "True."

His lips formed a wicked smile. "So let's say we have twenty minutes, give or take five." He came to a stop in front of his wife, his eyes hooded. "Not nearly enough time for what I'd like to do to you, with you. We can work around that."

Heat rushed through her veins, making her dizzy once more. "We can?"

"Mmm-hmm." Amir put his hands on her shoulders and pressed down until she was sitting on the edge of the bed. He knelt between her shaky legs, his hands on her cheeks, so they were eye level. His lashes lowered, fanning his cheeks. "I've missed you."

She wrapped her fingers around his hips. "You just saw me a few minutes ago."

"I know," he murmured, pressing his lips to the spot where her pulse pounded along her neck. "But we were with other people."

That was so true. She and Amir had only spent a few minutes together before being summoned to the house. These quiet moments were priceless, fleeting, and stolen.

She smiled as he trailed a line of kisses up her chin, stopping just short of her lips. "Perhaps we shouldn't waste it by talking."

"Uh-huh," he said as he kissed a corner of her mouth. "Speaking is such a waste of time." Then he kissed the other corner. "And when we talk, we end up disagreeing with something."

She laughed. "Not always."

"Only when we're facing an ambush."

"Maybe, but most of the time, we get along just fine."

Amir drew back, his brow furrowed. "Moon . . ."

"A." He climbed over her body, his arms huge and powerful, as she scooted back. She was sometimes in way over her head with who he was. "You could be right, but you're wasting time."

"Then I don't want to waste time talking."

She opened her mouth to say something, but his lips took control of hers, and his tongue penetrated deep within her, melting muscle and bone. His mouth swept across her lips, and he could have been right all the time as long as he kept kissing her like that.

When he lifted his head, she slid her finger through his hair and tugged. She wanted to respond, but he was kissing his way down her throat, over the edge of her blouse she borrowed from Zoe, down the little lily-shaped buttons, and lower still, until she couldn't hold onto his head. Or keep track of where he was going.

Amir sat back on his knees, reaching for her sandals, which she had borrowed as well. He yanked one off, tossing it over his shoulder. It landed softly on the wall. "What are these made of? Plastic?"

"What?" Luna busted out laughing. "No. "They're made of leather."

"Those didn't feel like leather." He got the other one off and that hit the dresser, instead. He jerked away as he kissed the top of her foot. "Your skin is smooth and lovely." He lifted his head, smiling. "I really like the tights. Those should come off, too."

"Yeah?" Her eyes were fixed on the ceiling, but she couldn't see anything. Not with his hands creeping up her ankles. "Does it have anything to do with the fact that they're . . . black?"

"Yes." His hands fluttered to the bed as she felt his cheek on her knee. "And they're so skinny. And, of course, hot."

Hot? She was definitely feeling heated. His hands moved up her outer thighs, pushing the material up. She bit her lip so hard that a metallic taste entered her mouth. The material was thin, a frail, nearly nonexistent barrier between his and her skin. Every touch she felt was like a thousand volts of electricity.

"Baby . . ."

"Hmm?" She squeezed the covers.

"Just making sure you're still awake." He kissed a spot above her knee. "Don't want you falling asleep quite yet."

Sleep? Like sleep was even possible. Not right now.

His eyes widened. "You know what? Give me two minutes. That's all."

"What?" she murmured. "What are you wanting to do?"

"Just cuddle."

She began to laugh, but his fingers found the band along the top of her tights and he pulled them down, groaning when they became tangled at her feet.

Yeah . . . cuddling.

"Do you need help?" she asked, her voice quivering.

"It's all good," he mumbled, balling them up. They, too, hit the wall.

Things were progressing faster than she had anticipated. She was tired, but she didn't want to go to sleep. She was overjoyed, and she desired him irrevocably. Then there was nothing between his hands and her skin or his lips, and she stopped thinking, unable to form any coherent thought. There was just him and the insane rush of sensations he drew from her like an artist creating a masterpiece. She was no longer herself because her body couldn't shake that much. She was floating like a balloon being pulled down and then released, and there was a soft whitish glow slipping over the ceiling that had come off of them.

When she locked eyes with him, his were brilliant rhinestones. He appeared awestruck, which she found endearing because he had awed her.

"We glowed a little," he said, rising. "That was my first time seeing it."

Her mind wandered back to the night of their exposure, but she didn't want to dwell on it. She was content where she was. It was good—great, even—but she couldn't say anything. Her mind was mush. She had no idea their glow could look so good. She was surprised it happened at all, and she felt compelled to express her gratitude in some way.

He smiled at her with male pride and arrogance, as if he knew he'd scrambled her brain. Stretching out beside her, he pulled her close to his chest and kissed her deeply.

"It's dark outside," he whispered. "And it's still quiet."

Her heart was somewhere in her throat. "For now."

"Yeah," he mumbled. "For now."

━━─── • ───━━━