The Way Back

Dreams and Chains

He opened his eyes, lids still heavy with sleep. His eyes adjusted to the early morning light as his mind cut through the haze. Lindsey frowned sourly, realizing he'd been pushed to the edge of the bed by his space and cover hogging lover. He thrusted himself up, propping on his elbows and glancing to the blonde beside him. Silently, he observed the steady rise and fall of her chest, the peaceful look on her stunning features, and the tangled knots in her hair. He leaned over and brushed his lips across her forehead before rolling out of bed. He ran his fingers through his frowzy curls, debating on settling back into bed for an A.M. cuddle session. Lindsey scowled as Stevie stretched her body out. He could have sworn there was a self-satisfied smile on her lips. He grumbled to himself, pulling on a pair of clean boxer shorts and quietly stomping out of the bedroom. Lindsey licked his lips; he needed water. His throat was as dry as the Sahara. Lindsey yawned and stretched, brows wrinkling at the noise of footsteps. It was too early for anyone else to be awake.

Lindsey bowed his head in a nod of acknowledgement to his daughter's shirtless and underwear clad boyfriend as he strolled past him, praying he seemed cool and collected. He watched Andrew disappear into Libba's bedroom. Lindsey exhaled slowly and waited for the decorated painted door to close, swiftly turning on his heels and fiddling with the doorknob. Lindsey swore as he didn't open the door fast enough, slamming into the heavy wood. The frazzled father scrunched his face and warily checked his nose for blood. He let out a sigh of relief. There was such a thing as small favors. He stepped back and twisted the knob slower, bounding inside and over to the bed.

Stevie groaned at the shift in the mattress and turned her face into the pillow, wallowing deeper into the blankets. "Stop," she moaned in a deep rasp. "I'm sexed out, Linds," she mumbled and pushed at his hands that were urgently and forcefully shaking her. Stevie needed several more hours of blissful, uninterrupted sleep to fully recover from last night's lovemaking.

He tilted his head to the side, glancing down at her critically and rolling his pale eyes. For once in his life, the man wasn't wanting sex. "Stevie! Wake up," he begged, leaning close to her ear.

She shook her head and kicked at him with her small feet. He dodged her assaults and ignored her inaudible protests. "Stephanie! Goddammit, wake up. It's Libba."

Stevie flung the covers off her body and pushed herself up. "What? What's wrong?" she inquired with wide eyes, staring at Lindsey. His curls were sticking straight up, and he looked like a man possessed.

"Andrew slept in her room!" he half shouted. "He only wore underwear!"

The blonde sighed heavily and looked up to the ceiling, rolling her eyes. She scooted underneath the bedspread and pulled the material up to her chin, turning her back to him. "Goodnight, Lindsey," she whispered calmly and closed her eyes.

Lindsey's mouth fell open. His face was a mixture of shock and horror. Stevie wasn't going to make him feel like a foolish, overprotective father. He had every right to be outraged that Andrew slept with his daughter under their – well technically Stevie's – roof. He chewed the inside of his cheek and cracked his knuckles, stretching his fingers. Lindsey lifted his index finger, poking Stevie in her side repeatedly.

She blew out air in frustration and rolled over, fastening her fingers around his wrist and digging her sharp nails into his skin. "Lindsey, listen to me carefully. Are you listening?"

He nodded, biting his lip and attempting to mask the pain playing at his features as she dug her claws into his wrist more. "Yes," he croaked out.

"I knew that Andrew slept in Elisabeth's room. He has permission. He's had permission for years. Now, chill the fuck out and let me sleep," she finished, releasing his wrist.