"You doin' okay?" Wolfe murmurs as he hands me my mug.

"Fine," I smile back and take it from him. My legs swing off the island mindlessly but Wolfe stops them with his hand, pushing my knees apart so he can't stand between them. I'm at eye-level whenever I sit on the counter and I look into his now, dark brown with flickers of blue that only pop out when he's feeling something intense. That shade of blue has never looked so prominent as he stares at me. "What?"

He doesn't answer right away. Instead, his hand slips behind my neck as he ducks his head, his mouth meeting mine. I set my mug down so I can wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer. I'd forgotten what a good kisser he is. Of course I didn't forget our first kiss but it got hazy as the weeks went by, the heightened intensity that I felt when it first happened diminished over time even though I thought about it all the time. I always wondered if I'd have the chance to kiss him again, so he could give me that same feeling that I'd become addicted to when I first got a taste. Now I'm drunk on it because we haven't been able to keep our mouths off each other for the past couple of hours we've been fooling around.

Intimacy with Wolfe is unlike anything I've ever experienced. I'm used to shutting off entirely when getting physical with anyone. I have my reasons for engaging in sex anyways, because having consensual sex makes me feel like I'm getting my power back, the very power that was constantly taken from me over the years. Having consensual sex has helped me heal physically, teaching my body that something that was ruined for me can actually feel really good. It's what it does to me mentally that I'm working on. My brain is so used to turning off during intimacy that turning it back on has always been — up until now — impossible. But I didn't turn myself off once when Wolfe touched me. I fought against it and everything he did to me, and everything I did to him, I felt it. I felt him.

I moan softly into his mouth when his tongue tangles with mine, our kiss going from innocent to explosive within seconds. We're so greedy for each other it's a miracle we stopped at foreplay. But I insisted on it because Wolfe already did so many new things physically I don't want to overwhelm him. So I showered since he'd come all over me and I was a mess and told him to grab something to eat in the meantime. Besides, we still have a lot to talk about because we promised we were done with the secrets and I don't want any between us when we have sex. I'm not going to taint his first time like that. But we'll get to that. Right now we're enjoying each other way too much and I'm okay with that.

"Wolfe," I laugh when he pulls away and pushes me to lie back against the counter. I lift up on my elbows to raise a brow at him. "What are you doing?"

"I want you," He says simply and tugs on my legs until my ass is hanging off the edge of the counter. He reaches underneath the shirt of his I'm wearing and takes hold of my panties, sliding them off and letting them drop to the floor. He locks my ankles at the back of his neck, his hands grazing up my legs until he's gripping my thighs.

"You just had me," I remind him breathlessly when he bends his head. My stomach flips with anticipation, remembering what it was like to have his mouth on me. He did an unbelievable job for his first time so I know he's only going to get better.

"And it wasn't enough," He mumbles. He lifts his eyes for a moment, holding my gaze while his lips slowly curl up into a barely-there smirk, and then his tongue pushes into me.

"Oh my God," I cry out, unable to hold myself up anymore. I fall back against the counter with my eyes closed shut as his tongue works me without any instruction. Jesus, he's a fast study. He remembers exactly what I like, from pressure to speed, and I'm alarmed that tension is already building low in my abdomen. I know Wolfe has always been a quick learner but I think I underestimated just how good he is. His fingers dig into my thighs to hold me in place when I start squirming uncontrollably. He feels so good it's almost too much. "Oh! God, just like that."

My hips start rocking against his face, urging his tongue in an out of me. Wolfe groans, a sound that's deep and vibrates from the natural huskiness of his voice, and it only turns me on more. It's intense enough when you're fucking a man's face but when it's Wolfe? A beast of a man who's unsurprisingly as giving in bed as he is with everything else? I don't stand a chance. He's gentle yet commanding, strong yet lenient, innocent yet powerful. He's my undoing.

"Right there. Please," I beg now, my toes curling when the pressure starts to build.

Wolfe's tongue slips out of me and he drags the flat of it through my folds and up until he reaches my clit. He sucks it into his mouth just as two of his fingers push inside of me without warning. I gasp in surprise, my back arching to get closer to his mouth.

"Fuckin' love how you taste," He murmurs, the tip of his tongue flicking my clit almost playfully before running it around in circles. He's so eager for me, so dedicated to make me fall apart, that it only brings me to the edge faster.

"Wolfe," I moan. My hands grip the edge of the counter to steady myself, my thighs tensing in warning.

"C'mon, baby girl," He coaxes. His fingers pump me faster, his tongue flicking me harder. "Want you all over my face."

Oh, God. He's too much to keep up with. If there's anything about Wolfe it's that he's a perfectionist. He's always nervous about trying new things but once he does them, he does it right and with unshakable confidence. Hours ago he was asking me to show him the ropes about how to make me fall apart. Now he's dominating and there's not a trace of nerves or hesitation.

When he bites down on my clit unexpectedly, my restraint shatters. My grip on the counter tightens as my body trembles violently when release hits me hard and fast. My inner walls contract over and over again, gripping Wolfe's fingers tightly and almost desperately. I hear Wolfe curse under his breath, feel his hand tense, and I know I'm squeezing him too hard for him to move. His mouth becomes almost violent then, hungrily sucking on me and into his mouth. And I feel every second of it. The burn of his beard on my inner thighs, the heat of his mouth on me, the press of his fingers when they dig into my skin. It's the most intense orgasm I've ever had.

I'm drowsy and sated when I finally come down from the high of it. I feel Wolfe's arms slip under me, one below my knees and one across my back, and then I'm cradled against his chest as he carries me. He doesn't feel tensed up or strained in the least, like he doesn't even feel my weight. He effortlessly walks down the hall and I hold on to him with my arms around his neck, kissing the side of it lazily because I can't keep my hands off of him either. I feel his pulse thrum faster under my lips and I laugh softly, dragging one hand along his bare chest. Jesus, he's so huge and broad. The tattoos covering him are the icing on the cake and I trace them one by one as he enters a room. I look around when I realize it's not mine.

"How would you feel about spending the night in my bed?" He asks quietly.

I suck in a startled breath. I definitely didn't expect him to ask me that. We both know what a huge step it would be for me to say yes. Ever since Uncle Gary, the one thing I always refused to do was sleep in the same bed with another man, especially overnight. I always felt safer in the comfort of my own bed, locking my door at night, knowing my space was my own and no one could get to it. I never once thought I'd be considering otherwise.

"I don't know," I answer honestly. Wolfe immediately stops at the foot of his bed and nods, turning like he's prepared to leave. For some reason that disappoints me and that's how I know I have my answer. I stop him with a hand to his chest. "I just mean...I want to. But there's a really good chance I'll wake up and freak out on you without meaning to. I don't exactly make a good sleeping buddy."

"That's okay," He kisses my forehead and his grip on me tightens. "I'll be there to hold you if that happens. And if you still feel unsafe then your room is right across the hall and you can leave whenever you want. I won't be offended."

I stare at him disbelievingly. One second he's a dominating sex maniac and the next, he's so soft and sweet. I shake my head. "You know, you're really good at this boyfriend thing. I'm definitely the one who's going to suck in this relationship."

"I sure hope so," He smirks and I burst out laughing when I catch on to his innuendo. I tap his cheek lightly with the back of my hand in reprimand.

"I think I officially dirtied up the innocent Wolfe Emerson."

"Not likely. I always had the dirty in me. You just bring it out."

"Real poetic, big guy."

"Seriously, Mel. You gonna be okay to do this?"

I grow serious again. Will I? Part of me feels like I'll be fine and another part of me feels like I won't. But there's no way of knowing unless I try and for him, I want to try.

"Okay," I finally answer. He kisses my forehead again and takes us to his bed, laying me down first and then getting in beside me. We face each other and immediately entangle ourselves as if it's instinct. His arm goes around my waist, the other pushing under my pillow so my head is on his bicep, and I throw one leg over his and burrow deeper into him. I may have gotten physical with other men before but this? This is the most intimate thing I've ever done and it's definitely a first of mine.

"Moment of truth?" He asks softly, searching my face. I already know what he's talking about. My eyes drop to his chest nervously and I focus on his tattoos, the tip of my finger mapping them out one by one.

"There isn't much to say," I start and avoid eye contact. It's too hard otherwise. "I got the very first phone call five months ago on my cell. He asked for me when I picked up and I recognized his voice right away. I hung up in less than a second and threw up a second after that. Then I went to get my number changed the next day. I didn't think twice about it until I got another phone call a month later but this time he called the studio. It was bad luck that I picked up and again, I hung up as soon as he said hello. I kind of freaked out because it was too much. Not seeing him for years and then two phone calls brought back all the memories. Titus found me in my office crying and breaking shit. I was hysterical. Him and Gia managed to calm me down and I told them the basics, that I used to live with my uncle and he raped me for many years. That's all they know but it was enough. Titus went back to save the number so he'd know if Uncle Gary called again and said he'd answer from now on."

"Good man," Although Wolfe says it in a calm voice I can feel how tense he is. How livid. I know if I look at his face I'll see the murder he's feeling so I keep my eyes downcast.

"He calls me once a month so up until now he's called me five times. Every time I tell myself I'll see what he wants but I can never do it. It's like the strength and confidence I have vanishes just when someone mentions him. He makes me feel so powerless. I don't even know why he's reaching out to me or what he wants but I figure it must be something important if he's being this consistent. Titus offered to find out for me but I don't want anyone talking to that wretched man. I'll do it myself but I think I may be in over my head. I just...can't. I'm sorry I kept it from you. He makes me so weak and helpless and I didn't want you to see that part of me."

"You're not weak or helpless," Wolfe's voice is gentle but it also leaves no room for argument. I listen to him silently knowing he's commanding my attention right now. "He's the weak one. He preyed on an innocent little girl. I bet he's terrified of you because you turned out to be a fighter and he wasn't prepared for that. It may not feel that way to you but you could kick his ass no contest."

"Yeah right," I laugh but I grow warm from his words. Somehow he makes me feel like the bad parts of me aren't so bad at all.

"Can I ask you something?" He says when neither of us says anything for a while.

"Sure."

"The next time he calls...let me answer."

I finally lift my eyes to meet his. "But...you don't talk to anyone except me."

"I know," His jaw clenches. "But I will. For you I will. He hurt my girl and I sure as fuck won't stay quiet about it."

Damn me. My eyes sting with impending tears and I quickly look at his chest so he doesn't see them. I focus on one of his tattoos to keep me distracted or I'll start bawling like a fucking baby.

"Okay," I finally whisper, my voice thick and giving me away. "What will you say to him?"

"You let me worry about that. And the next time he calls I'll be there to make sure you find out why. You'll get your answers."

"Thank you," I rasp and clear my throat, feeling way too vulnerable. "Um, you go now."

That sobers him up. He nods with a jerk of his head and his entire body tenses up. I briefly wonder how bad this is going to be.

"Do you remember when Asher got shot?" He starts and I blink in surprise. Of all the things I expected it sure as shit wasn't that.

"Yeah, of course," I nod slowly. I'll never forget how terrifying that day was. He was in critical condition after being shot by a street gang member who had it out for him. I don't know the entire story behind that but I do know Asher did work for his birth parent's gang years ago and got tied up in the wrong crowd. Made some dangerous enemies, hence being shot. "What about it?"

"Well, I knew a bit about what he was involved in before everything fell apart," He admits and my brows go up in surprise. Wolfe knew? "Coach reached out to me a couple of times when him and Asher were trying to figure out who was threatening Asher, before they found out it was Christian. I helped them tech-wise, you know, clearing up pictures and tracking dead-end trails down. Coach knew he could rely on me to keep things quiet and mind my business. When he flew to New York to meet with Asher's birth parents he took me with him. None of the guys know this but he thought it would help to bring me along in case things got ugly and he needed the extra muscle power. He met with his former gang while we were there — the South Bloods."

I blink fast, my brain trying to process all this information. I'd be convinced he was making this all up if it wasn't for the seriousness on his face. "Greg used to be in a gang?"

"Yes," He confirms quietly. "His father created the South Bloods and Coach was expected to take over the family legacy. He got out of there because it was too dangerous but they've come a long way since then. They're more civilized and less ruthless, but dangerous nonetheless. I met with them briefly and they were impressed with my tech work. Their leader, Dante, took a particular interest in my skills."

My stomach sinks when I realize where this is going. The shady errands Wolfe runs, spending hours on his computer, the mysterious "D" that's always texting him. My voice is a whisper when I plead, "Don't tell me what I think you're going to tell me."

His eyes grow dim with regret but he keeps them on mine, his arm tightening around my waist. "Dante didn't ask me outright to help him. He was smart in the way he lured me in. While Coach was meeting with Asher's parents, Dante offered to show me their main headquarters. Took me straight to the tech room and introduced me to databases and servers created with technology ahead of our time. Completely low-key and probably illegal. But I was impressed and Dante let me play around with their equipment. He let me use their latest tracking database that they use to find people who live under fake names and such, people who are usually in debt to Dante and are trying to run away. He asked me to find someone for him using the database, just to see if I could, and I tracked him down in under three minutes. Dante offered me a job on the spot."

"And you took it?" I try to keep the judgement out of my voice but it's hard to believe. Why would Wolfe work for a street gang? And I've heard about the South Bloods. Asher is scared shitless of them because they run New York in its entirety and that says a lot. On top of that Greg left them behind which only means Wolfe is downplaying how dangerous these guys really are. How could he get mixed up with them? "Why would you do that?"

"I didn't take it right away," He defends softly. His eyes shift down and I know this is only getting harder for him to admit. I run my hand up and down his arm in silent apology for the way I'm probably coming across. I'm sure he has his reasons but I'm scared shitless for him right now.

"What made you take it?" I finally ask when he doesn't continue. He's clearly hesitating about something.

"You're going to see me differently after this," His voice is so quiet I have to strain my ears to understand him. "You might not like my reasons or trust them and that's why I hid this from you for so long. I don't want you to be less in your eyes."

"What?" I cup his face, brushing my thumb across his cheek and staring at him. His eyes are still downcast, the harsh lines that accompany the space between his brows prominent. This is why he hid it from me? He thinks I'm going to hate him or something? "I doubt that'll be the case, big guy. I know who you are at your core and I also know that no matter what you did this for, you're still that person. That's all I care about."

I use my thumb to smooth out the crease between his brows and he chuckles softly, his face relaxing again. He takes hold of my hand and turns it to kiss the center of my palm. He really has a thing for that.

"So?" I urge.

He sighs then and his arm goes back around my waist. I feel crushed underneath the weight of his bulky biceps but I kind of like it and I wiggle closer to him.

"I didn't take the job when he offered. Coach and I were only in New York for a couple of hours and we left after that. I pretty much forgot about it right away because I was more concerned about Asher since he was still unconscious back in Boston. We wanted to get home and see him and that's all we were thinking about. It wasn't until a month later that Dante showed up at my door. It wasn't surprising he figured out where I lived and tracked me down but it was surprising that he still wanted me to work for him. He talked more about the job, how they have a headquarters in Boston too so I could easily work from home, the pay was mind-boggling, and I didn't have to interact with anybody. They'd just give me a case and I'd do it. It sounded like straight work but I still didn't trust him and turned him down again. Until he mentioned my parents."

"Holy crap," I mutter. It's obvious these guys don't mess around when they want something and it only makes me more uncomfortable knowing Wolfe is working for them.

"Yeah," He agrees, jaw ticking. "Bastard did his homework. Offered his condolences but I knew he was full of shit. It wasn't until he asked me if their murderer was ever captured that I knew why he came to me."

"He offered to find him for you?" I guess because that would make sense. I'm sure he could do a lot of illegal shit to make it happen.

"No, he didn't have the skill. But I did. He offered me full use of their tracking database to find Kane myself. Their technology, what they have for this shit, it doesn't exist anywhere else. Of course they must have put it together illegally but I knew that it was my best shot at finding that fucker. He got away and for him to not have resurfaced ever since the murder, I know he's taken a new identity and it probably hiding in plain sight somewhere. This was my chance, Mel."

I nod slowly. I get that. I get how this persuaded him to get involved with the South Bloods. His parents' murder has been haunting him for two decades because it was never resolved. This was his only chance. "And what would happen if you found him?"

He must've known the question was coming because he sighs in resignation. "Dante offered to take care of him for me. Said him and his gang would wipe him off the face of the earth."

Now that's some dark shit. I keep my eyes on his when I guess, "And you agreed."

He doesn't hesitate. "My offer was that I get my hands on him first. Take my time returning all the pain he gave me and my parents. But I'm no killer so I asked Dante to finish him off when the time comes. The South Bloods will bury him into the ground but only once I'm through with him."

Holy hell. My breath catches momentarily and all I can do is stare at him. This is all so unlike the Wolfe I know. It's hard to believe those words just came out of his mouth with such animosity when I know him to be unfailingly gentle. But deep down I know he's capable of this, of hurting Kane if he ever found him. I know that even though I feel safe and protected in the arms that are holding me now, they can inflict a hell of a lot of pain to his worst enemies too. He can be gentle, yes, but powerful.

"I can't say I blame you," I finally whisper. It's hard to wrap my head around. I always thought Wolfe wouldn't even hurt a fly and now he's telling me he's working with a street gang who promised to murder his enemy. Murder. But then I think of what Kane did to Wolfe and I know that he lives in the deepest and darkest part of the big guy. And we all have darkness in us.

"Do you feel unsafe with me?" He asks, his fingers lazily skimming my back. His gaze holds mine. "Have I frightened you?"

"No," I answer truthfully. I've seen Wolfe inflict harm on to others and I know he's probably going to torture Kane if he ever gets his hands on him but I also know he'd never hurt me. Never. "I always feel safe with you. This doesn't change that."

"But?" He stretches the word out, sensing there's something I'm not saying.

"But I'm scared for you. I know you were a defenceless kid back then but that doesn't mean Kane isn't dangerous. Your father was a cop and Kane killed him in cold blood. That should tell you he's good at what he does."

"I know. I've considered that. But I won't be alone when I track him down once I find him. Dante and five of his best men will come with me. We'll be prepared."

"Wolfe, I'm talking about the bigger picture. Yes, you may be able to one-up Kane, but don't you think by killing him you'll create new enemies? And what if they come after you? You're placing a target on your back."

"I won't be the one killing him, Mel. Dante will take care of that. Any revenge case will be traced back to the South Bloods and no one messes with them. They'll announce a ban on my name just like they did with Asher. They'll protect me."

"It seems too easy," I can't shake my paranoia. "Are you sure Dante is legit?"

"Yes. I'm paying my price with him. While I've been tracking Kane, I've been doing case after case for him. I've tracked down many of his enemies who were convinced they'd slipped away."

I chew my lip nervously. I guess that makes sense. Doesn't mean this whole ordeal isn't a fuck show. Wolfe is still putting himself in serious danger.

"I'll be okay," He reminds me gently, his thumb pulling on my lip until my teeth let go. He kisses me then, pulling me closer by the waist and crushing our bodies together. Even the most simple kisses with him are explosive. When he pulls away, his eyes cloud with worry. "It's you I'm worried about. I wanted to keep you as far away from this as possible. This isn't something you should be involved in."

"Neither should you," I frown. I know he can handle himself but this is crazy. And goddamn terrifying.

"I need to do this," He whispers and presses his forehead to mine. His eyes close and he swallows hard. "For them. For Gramps. I need answers."

"I know," My hand continues to stroke his face absentmindedly. It doesn't escape my notice that I can't keep my hands off him. I never realized how touchy I am until Wolfe. It's surprising, the good kind. "I just wish there was a better way."

"I did try, you know? During my teen years I researched a lot about my parents' death and looked into my dad's files that Gramps kept. I tried to find Kane on my own even as I got older but I kept meeting dead ends. I tried everything. If I still can't find him then...I'll let it go. I've been at it for months anyways and this is the closest I've gotten to finding him but I don't know if I will. I don't know if I should give up."

"Don't," I say with conviction and Wolfe's eyes open again, the surprise in them clear. "If this is the closest you've gotten that means you'll regret it that much more if you let it go. Don't stop trying until you're certain you've done everything you can. Do you think you have?"

He shakes his head slowly. "No. I know I can do more."

"Then keep going. Your parents and your grandfather, wherever they are, have all the time in the world. I'm sure they don't mind the wait."

The look on his face is something I can't name. Whatever it is, I feel like he can't see anything except me in this moment. I try not to squirm at his sudden intensity, holding his stare. "My family would have loved you."

I smile and look down, feeling oddly shy. "Yeah. Mind would have loved you too. It sucks that they're not here anymore."

I feel his lips kiss my forehead gently and he pulls me closer, hugging me to him. He doesn't do anything but hold me and I feel my throat tighten with emotion because I can't remember the last time I was held like this or if I ever was. But he's holding my now and that's all that really counts because I can't imagine it being anyone but him.

"Melanie?" Wolfe whispers. I'd almost drifted off to sleep but my groggy brain makes out his voice in time.

"Yeah?"

His chin settles on top of my head. I can feel the steady pulse coming from his chest and it's crazy but I think it's beating in complete sync with mine. "You're my family too."

_________________________

A/N

THESE TWO I SWEAR TO GOD. THEY WILL BE THE DEATH OF ME! I have to admit my heart was stuck on Ash and Ria because I felt they shared the deepest bond but these two are seriously giving them a run for their money. New faves? I think so. They compliment each other so well and are constantly facing their fears for each other.

Also, who saw this coming about Wolfe? And HOW FREAKING SWEET IS HE? He melts my damn heart, you guys. I'm so excited for him and Melanie to have sex already! I know it's going to be perfect.

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Happy Reading :)