HEADMASTER

  Once I manage to capture my breath a little, I look up to find Easton’s eyes scanning my face. “I want to be inside of you.”

  I’m a hot mess. No matter how many times we have sex it’s never enough. We’re certainly still in that honeymoon phase of our relationship—or whatever you can call us.

  I raise one eyebrow. “So, what are you waiting for?”

  I don’t need to coax him any further. In no time he’s rid me of my sweats and is pounding his way inside me causing another earth-shattering climax within minutes.

  My mother agrees to go to Edinburgh to meet Easton’s family, but says she can’t come until a couple of days after us, and wants to travel back on Boxing Day in order to spend time with Eric. Everything’s perfect. So why do I have this nagging feeling in my bones that something isn’t quite right? I still feel it—eyes watching me. It hasn’t left since that day at school when I ran thinking Liam was back and coming for me. It never quite leaves me. I’m so happy, but I know I can’t fully be happy as long as he’s out there searching for me. A part of me wonders what I’ll do if that ever happens. I would like to think that I’d fight—no matter what the cost. I guess I will never know unless I’m put in that position.

  A shiver runs up my spine at the thought. I still remember my room. I can still smell the musky scent of the old, but homely house that Liam kept me prisoner in all those months into years. Looking back it all seems like a blur to me. Days dragged, but all too soon the days sped up and turned into months. I spent two birthdays with that man until I finally obtained my freedom. Two birthdays were wasted with someone who wanted me enough to abduct me, hold me prisoner, manipulate me into believing that he was the only person in the world I had left and therefore was the only person I could rely upon, and I still don’t know the reason for it all.

  I still feel stupid every time I think about those days. I still shiver at the thought that I was so naïve. It never leaves me. I could have gotten away much sooner than I did, but I held onto him. Part of me actually believed that he was my saviour.

  “Penny for them?” Easton asks, as we hold hands waiting in Departures for our plane to Edinburgh.

  I snap out of my thoughts and smile. “Nothing,” I lie. “I guess I’m just a little nervous about meeting your family.”

  He squeezes my hand. “You needn’t be. They’ll love you.”

  I laugh. “Like Grayson loves me.”

  He tuts. “Grayson’s too stuck up in what happened to me in the past. The trouble is he’s too damn protective for his own good.”

  “You should be lucky that you have a sibling who is protective over you.”

  He winces. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

  “I didn’t mean it the way it sounded either. I think sometimes it’s just hard to lose focus on the ones who love you. You have to appreciate every single moment that you have.”

  “Of course,” he agrees.

  The intercom sounds announcing our flight, so we queue up to get on the plane. I must admit I am nervous at the prospect of meeting his mum and siblings for the first time. All of them will be there—even his sister who is over from the States.

  “Does this feel weird to you?” I ask as we’re settled into our seats and waiting to depart.

  Easton threads his fingers through mine with a smile. “Does what feel weird?”

  Leaning over, I whisper, “Being in a relationship with me knowing what I am to you during the day?”

  Easton’s lip curves up into a smirk. “You mean a sex goddess?”

  We both chuckle at the same time as I nudge him. “No, silly. You know what I mean. When I’m at school, we have to be … somewhat indifferent around each other.”

  Easton’s smile fades a little as he scans my face. I hate it when he does that because he always has this knack for making me feel like he wants into my knickers. And boy do I want him in my knickers.

  “To be honest I try not to think about that too much. Every day I get to spend with you without consequence is a day I cherish. I sometimes think that if we’re too careful then it’ll ultimately end up with us getting caught. Well, that’s what I tell myself. We may be doing wrong as far as the system tells us, but I can guarantee to you, Sasha, that what I feel for you is anything but wrong.” Easton holds me prisoner with his soft brown eyes. “I felt a connection with you from the moment I met you. Why would I want to shy away from something like that?”

  When I hear myself speak, I realise I’m a bit breathless. “Why is it that whenever I am near you, I have an incredibly strong urge to rip your clothes off?”

  Easton raises an eyebrow and smirks. “Ah, so it’s working, lassie? I’m impressed.”

  “Impressed by what? Yourself?”

  He nods, and I roll my eyes. “Oh, come on, lass. Even you’ve got to admit that you’re impressed by the fact that I make you want to rip my clothes off all the time?”

  Just then, we hear someone clearing her throat. Faces heated, we both look up to find a stewardess smiling. She’s almost close to laughing. “Erm, sorry to interrupt, but can you please fasten your seatbelts? We’re about to take off.”

  Immediately our intimacy’s broken. “Sure,” we both say in unison.

  “Thanks,” she answers, walking off and sniggering into her hand.

  We both burst out laughing as soon as she walks off. He looks down at my hand, wrapping his around mine. I love it when he’s intimate with me. It is fortunate that we’re both touchy-feely people, since we can’t keep seem to keep our hands off each other lately. I remember that certain times with Liam would be like this, but unlike my reaction to Easton, I would sometimes choose to remain aloof with Liam, and I never knew why I sometimes felt the need to withdraw. At the time, I just thought that I was inherently less affectionate than Liam was. Only since entering into a relationship with Easton have I realised that I was just with the wrong person all along. Given the circumstances, that really shouldn’t have been such a surprising revelation, but it was, and even though I can’t fault myself for being inexperienced in such matters, I still find my naïvety quite frustrating.

  “So what do I need to know before we land?” I ask, ignoring the dark thoughts that have crept into my head.

  Easton offers me that cute knowing smile—the smile that says he knows I’m nervous, but also keen to impress.

  “Well,” he begins. “Ella loves America, so if you touch on anything to do with the US, she’ll love you for it.”

  I nod. “Got it.”

  "Hamish is the eldest, and as he’s a sergeant in the police he loves talking shop—even when we don’t have a clue what he’s on about.” I chuckle, and then he continues. “Gregory is only with us until Boxing Day as he has to go back to his barracks to start another tour in Cyprus.”

  “Very nice,” I observe.

  “Anthony works at the docks. He absolutely loves anything to do with boats and fishing, so bring that up and he’ll love you forever.”

  “Got it,” I say again, feeling nervous. How am I ever going to keep up?

  “And my mum, well, she loves anything to do with us. Oh, and cooking, and wine. Preferably together.”

  I giggle at that. “Your mum sounds lovely.”

  I see the proud smile that rises on his lips at the mention of her. “That she is. I just know she’s going to love you.”

  I gasp when I remember something. “I nearly forgot. I got your mum and sister a present. Well, it’s not really ready yet, but I wanted to give it to them once I got to know them more.”

  He raises an eyebrow. “Okay, I’m intrigued.”

  “It’s just a thing I like to do. Charm bracelets with all the favourite things that people love on them. I know Pandora does those, but I put my own little spin on it. I hand make everything.”

  “You’re a dark horse,” he replies, grabbing my hand. I let out a nervous deep breath again. “You’ll be fine. I know it.”

  Dinner

  Once the p
lane has landed we get into our hired car and drive forty minutes into the countryside. The views here are spectacular. I never knew Scotland to be so green and hilly. I’m mesmerised the whole journey towards his family home. When we approach the gates of what looks like a mansion surrounded by a lake, I gasp.

  “You don’t seriously live here, do you?”

  Easton starts laughing. “As well as my mum and dad there were six of us. A big family to house. My dad was a very successful banker before he died.”

  “Wow,” is all I can say as we near the huge dark red door with a big wreath hanging on the front. With its huge bay windows and limestone bricks, the house is impressive. For those brief moments I forget that I’m here about to meet the family until the huge red door opens and out pours Easton’s entire family.

  “Easton!” They all seem to sing together, making me smile. Already I can tell they’re a very close family.

  “How long has it been?” A slightly older woman asks, which I assume must be his mother, Evie. She has the same chocolate coloured eyes and beautiful brown hair that Easton possesses. In fact, they all do.

  “Hi, Mum,” Easton says back, taking her in his arms. One by one they quickly hug before he pulls me into his side. Everyone stares at me like I’m this shiny new toy. A flush reddens my cheeks. They all smile. Well, all but one. The only one not happy to see me is Grayson, but then we kind of knew this would happen.

  “This here is Sasha, my girlfriend.”

  “Aww,” Evie says, rushing towards me and giving me a surprise hug. “Easton’s right, you’re very pretty.”

  “Very pretty,” another lady says. She must be Ella. One by one, they all hug me as Easton smiles apologetically at me. The only one who doesn’t hug me, again, is Grayson. All he does is huff in our direction. No one notices as they’re too busy fussing over us, but Easton and I do.

  “Come, let’s get you settled and then we can have some dinner. I’m cooking your favourite, Easton. Irish stew.”

  Easton hums his approval as he rubs his tummy. “I can’t wait.”

  Grabbing all the bags, we make our way into the massive hallway. “Easton, show Sasha to your room, get freshened up and come down to the family room. Don’t take too long now,” she teases.

  “Thank you for having me,” I say, feeling I should at least say something. This is like a whole new world to me.

  “No need,” she answers, waving her hands dismissively. A close friend of Easton’s is a close friend of ours.” She walks up closer to me as we’re about to approach the stairs. She grabs my arm pulling me in closer to whisper. “I know this must be overwhelming for you, but I promise we’re all harmless. Well, all but Grayson. He’s a scallywag.”

  I laugh at the name for Grayson. It suits him well. “I appreciate that, thanks.”

  “I just know you’ll fit right in. Once you’re finished upstairs, come down to the kitchen so you and I can have a little chat. I have wine,” she winks before pulling away.

  “Sounds lovely,” I answer. “I’ll look forward to that.”

  She walks away leaving Easton and I to ascend the stairs. Even the stairwell is huge. “Your family’s lovely. And your house is so huge! How many bedrooms does it have?”

  Easton laughs as we reach the top. “That was a lot in one sentence.” He chuckles again as he leads me down a huge hallway. “It has eight bedrooms.”

  “Eight bedrooms!” I screech. “I’m going to get lost here, aren’t I?”

  Trying to cradle all the bags under his arm, he says, “Stick with me and you won’t.” We reach a door at the far end of the hall. “This is my room. Wanna make out?” He quirks his eyebrows making me giggle.

  “I’m too nervous for that.”

  “I’m sure I can help with that,” he replies, pushing his door open.

  We walk through into a huge sunny yellow room with dark mahogany furniture. The bed must be at least a queen if not larger. Everything looks virtually brand new—and expensive. If I were to picture Easton’s bedroom it wouldn’t have been this.

  “You look, I don’t know … shocked. What is it you’re thinking?” He places all the bags next to his bed before coming to a stop in front of me. I still can’t help roam my eyes around his room.

  “I think I pictured something more teenagery.”

  He laughs. “Teenagery?”

  “I know you lived here virtually all your life, so it’s silly of me to think you’d have football posters on your wall and shit.”

  He quirks his eyebrow. “And shit?”

  I nudge him, making him laugh. “You know what I mean.”

  He inclines his head towards the bed. “Are you sure I can’t tempt you?” He pulls me in close, nuzzling his nose into my neck. “I’ve never made out with a girl in my room before.”

  “Seriously?” I ask shocked. “I find that really hard to believe.”

  “Why’s that?” He starts kissing the side of my neck making me breathless.

  “Well, you’re … you.”

  He pulls his head back on a frown. “What does that mean?”

  My eyes widen. “Have you seen you?”

  “Every day in a mirror.”

  “You’re hot.”

  He smirks coming in to kiss me. “Am I now?” I nod my head. “Well, this hot guy wants to make out with his hot girlfriend.”

  I start pushing him away, but it’s a token effort. “Easton, stop. Your family's downstairs.”

  “So? They won’t notice if we’re missing for ten minutes.”

  I manage to yank away from him to say, “Only ten minutes, huh?”

  “We can make up for it later.”

  He starts back on my neck again, but this time I’m more forceful. “Easton, no. They’ll think I’m a hussy.” I start giggling as he nibbles my neck.

  “Okay,” he says, finally pulling away. “As long as I get extra time later.”

  I huff in his direction, but then notice something very obvious. I point to his groin. “You may want to fix that before we go downstairs.”

  “Well, I kind of hoped you’d fix it for me.”

  I start shaking my head in exasperation. “You’re too much.”

  “And you’re more than enough.”

  I bite my lip trying to suppress my smile and then he walks towards me. “Come on, then.” He takes my hand and leads me towards the door. “I’m sure a few seconds with my family will no doubt deflate my raging hard-on.” He tucks himself away so that it’s not that obvious. All I can do is giggle. I’m so glad I don’t have that problem.

  “Once we reach the bottom of the stairs, I say, “Point me towards the kitchen.”

  Easton smiles before showing me a hallway to the right of the landing. He points in the direction of a door at the end of the hall. “That’s the kitchen. Do you want me to come with?”

  I shake my head. “No, you go see your family. I have my boyfriend’s mum to visit.”

  He lightly taps my bottom and I quickly scurry off before he man-handles me again, but this time in the hallway for everyone to see.

  I make my way to the end of the hall and push the door open to find Evie singing “Stand by Your Man” by Tammy Wynette at the top of her lungs. She’s so engrossed as she stirs her stew that she doesn’t immediately notice I’m there. But after a couple of seconds, she must sense a presence as she turns, yelping her surprise.

  “Whoops, sorry,” she says, quickly running towards her radio to turn the music down.

  They don’t make songs like that anymore.”

  “You have a beautiful voice.” And she does.

  She waves her hand at me. “I used to sing at the pubs when I was a teenager to make a few pennies. That’s how I met Easton’s father.” She picks up an empty glass on the table. “Wine?”

  I nod. “Yes, please.” I look around the vast country-style kitchen. “Can I help you with anything?”

  She shakes her head as she pours me a glass of white wine. “Just sit down and keep me co
mpany.”

  “Now that I can do.” I nod, taking a chair to sit as she places the now filled glass in front of me.

  Afterwards she sits too and gazes at me for a moment. “Easton tells me you’re a student.”

  I swallow hard because I doubt very much that Easton would have told her where. “Yes, that’s right. I’m doing a bit of everything because I don’t really know what I want to do yet.”

  “You’re so young. How could you possibly know for sure at your age? You’re doing the right thing.” She places a hand over my arm and squeezes. “How did you meet our Easton?”

  Now that I can tell without having to skirt round the truth. “We met in a bar. We just seemed to hit it off.”

  “Instant chemistry?” she asks. I nod my head. “Aww, young love. It was like that for me and Alastair when we first met.” She starts laughing. “Isn’t it funny that you and Easton met the same way my man and I did?”

  “Unfortunately I didn’t have the same singing voice as you, though.”

  She starts chuckling. “Ah, he loved it when I sang to him. The best kind of foreplay he said.” She looks off dreamily into the distance and it makes my heart ache for her.

  “Have you never met anyone else?”

  She looks back at me, shaking her head. “No. I will stay that way until the day I die and eventually meet him up there.” She points to the sky and crosses herself.

  “That’s total love and devotion for you.”

  She nods, smiling. “It is.”

  She then goes on to ask about my family—albeit the very small family I have compared to her. Thankfully, despite the fact I’m dating her son she makes me feel extremely welcome. After only ten minutes of talking with her I’m enamoured by her.

  “Dinner is served,” she sings, placing the huge pot onto the dining table we’re all now sitting at.

  “It smells absolutely delicious,” I say, taking my seat next to a smiling Easton.