C.A.K.E

Elliott makes it back to his home around one in the morning. He hadn't intended to be this late getting home. But he hates leaving things half done. If he didn't get the samples ready for testing, it could have been weeks before the lab had another opening. This case has been delayed long enough already.

He spends a few moments just sitting in his car and staring at the concrete wall of the parking structure in front of him. Aside from his constant work-related stress, his personal life is threatening to strain him even more than usual. His kids are back in town much earlier than expected. Much earlier than the court-ordered agreement he and Melinda signed says they should be. It's not likely Melinda approved their trip home. Otherwise, he would have gotten a call from her. And that can only mean that she's gearing up for one of her legendary rampages.

He runs a hand over his face, rubbing at his eyes. Exhaustion creeps through every part of him. The last thing he wants to do this week is to deal with his ex-wife. He sighs and gets out of the car, praying that this isn't the calm before a massive storm.

“Good morning, Dr. Stone.”

Edward, the night concierge, greets him. Though he knows the building has 24/7 concierge service, hearing the young man's voice stops his tired trek across the lobby.

“Morning, Edward.” Eli adjusts the bag on his shoulder and catches his breath. “Don't you ever take a break?”

“Not for more than five minutes.” He shrugs. “Never know when someone might need something.”

“Right. Then don't let me distract you from your post.” He waves goodnight to Edward over his shoulder, as he steps on the elevator.

The apartment is quiet when he steps inside. Eli expected the twins to be waiting up to explain their sudden runaway status. But nothing is moving in the moonlit darkness of their living room.

Elliott puts his things away in the study, before heading for the master bedroom. He leans against the door frame to smile at the sight on the bed. His three favorite people are fast asleep on top of the plush bedding.

Rowan and Teagan are sprawled across the bottom of the bed, while Arden lies at the head of it with her knees pulled toward her chest. They're still dressed like they all passed out in the middle of a department store ad.

Eli removes his shoes one at a time and sets them at the foot of the bed. He climbs onto the covers and moves toward Arden's sleeping form. Thanks to the memory foam mattress, his arrival doesn't disturb the slow breathing of his family.

He rests his hand on Ardi's waist. Then he lets his grip drift lower, excited by the way this particular pair of Levi's is hugging her bottom. Eli slides closer so that he's spooning her body, hooking an arm around her middle.

Being next to her warmth flushes the fatigue out of his tired bones, replacing it with another basic need. A certain part of him is now very much awake and knocking at the zipper of his jeans.

Elliott brushes Arden's hair off her neck and buries his face there. Nothing has the power to make him feel whole again like holding his wife.

For a moment, he just breathes her in. Vanilla and brown sugar, with a hint of citrus—her scent must be what heaven smells like. He takes another deep breath and tightens his grasp on her waist. He kisses her neck, tasting every glimpse of her skin.

Arden stirs and places her hand over the arm he has tucked around her waist. She sighs and arches her back so that her butt is pressed firmly against his crotch.

“I really hope your name is Elliott,” she whispers.

“Turn over and find out.” He plants another kiss at the back of her neck.

“What if I don't like what I see?”

“Then keep your eyes closed.” He gives her hair a slight tug and grinds his growing erection against her backside. “I know you'll like what you feel.”

“A cocky one, huh?”

He puts his lips to her ear. “The biggest.”

She stifles a laugh, turning her head into the comforter. He tightens his grip on her waist, barely able to contain himself now.

“You seem very sure of yourself. But ...” Arden moves her hips in tortuous circles. “I'm not convinced yet.”

He flips her onto her back and positions himself between her legs. Their eyes meet and smile at the mutual desire reflected in them. He keeps his body raised above hers, by resting his weight on his forearm. Eli places his other hand on her neck, making her hold his gaze.

“Doing a lot of talking for someone in your position.” He licks his lips, while his attention falls on the two buttons that have been left undone on her blouse.

As she breathes, the fabric shifts. Her breasts play a mean-spirited game of peek-a-boo with him, from the cover of her thin shirt.

“Then shut me up.”

and shakes his head.

him, then skims the inside of her lip with her tongue. “Wait

with his. Their exchange is desperate. Her chest rises each time their lips part like he's stealing a piece of her

away from his lips and smirks. “I don't know

“But I know where they're

kiss when his grip greets one of the

Miri.” Rowan's voice startles them.

adds. “And

sister's direction. “Did she mention that we can

separate like horny teenagers

pillows and headboard providing some much-needed support. The pair adjusts their rumpled clothing and smooths each other's hair,

get

a visual aid, Dad.” Rowan shields his

... Come

voice beckons them, and they obey. They're helpless seafarers against her siren call. Though unlike

dad's stare,

your mother

She's sitting right here,” Teagan answers,

though. Arden is their mother. She's nursed them back from every fever, and

regrets the decision he made twelve years ago every time he looks at Arden. They would have made beautiful children together. Maybe

agreement was that he couldn't tell Arden about the vasectomy. But he did. He couldn't have her thinking something

soul that she is, she said that wasn't a deal-breaker for her. Arden

the last time she lied to him.

her infallible maternal instinct on children of her own. He knew she was settling for him, and he was selfish enough to let her

refers to the twins' biological mother by her first name. As they do, when she's not around.

you two are here?”

does she

gave you and your sister her express permission to come home, you guys can't be here. This

doesn't want us there, Dad,”

“Did she say that?”

“No, but—.”

you don't like spending time with

can respond, Arden

do right now. So let's

his jaw remains

parents a kiss and say goodnight, before

on a plane in the morning.” He stares straight ahead, choosing to burn a hole in the wall rather than look at

He rests his hands on her waist, letting his fingertips slip under her shirt to massage her back.

that for

head back on

consider. They have to

can't be bothered with her own children.” He turns his head away from

the courts are concerned, Ro and Tea belong to her three months out of the year. That's the custody agreement that we

worst that could happen, if we let them

As in, ten

“You're exaggerating.”

He scoffs. “We're kidnappers.”

unfit.” Arden's voice climbs another

up and hugs her to his body.