Shattered by Love (19 page)

Once we get out of the car, I lace my fingers through hers, and give her hand a squeeze as we make our way inside the house.

A delicious mouthwatering scent invades my senses; she must be cooking something. I know Luke said burgers, but that smells incredible. “Jayce!”

Her voice is loud as she walks up and gives me a cuddle. The familiar scent of her sweet perfume intoxicates me and making me smile.

“How are you, darling?” I step back and give her a cheeky grin.

“I’m good. And you must be Ivy?” Her chocolate gaze falls on the beauty beside me.

“Yes, hi, it’s so good to finally meet you.” I release Ivy’s hand and the girls hug.

“Same here, God, I have heard so much about you. Come on, you have to spend some time with me in the kitchen.” When Cassie’s gaze falls on Ben, she lifts a careful glance up to me. Giving her a small nod, the smile on her face is radiant. She drops to one knee. “Hey little guy, do you want a cupcake? I just baked some. They’re chocolate.”

“I love chocolate.” Ben’s quietly responds. He’s pretty much hiding behind Ivy’s legs and mine, but he can’t help staring at Cass.

“Well that’s a good thing, because your Uncle Luke loves it too.” She gives him a conspiratorial wink and holds out her hand. He takes it tentatively and they disappear with Ivy into the kitchen.

“You love it, huh?” I smirk at my best friend.

“Shut it.” I can’t help chuckling, because I know exactly what she meant.

“Congrats, brother. A son, that’s something. I am proud of you, and I see there’s a shiny new piece of jewelry on Ivy’s finger.” It’s not long before the words leave his mouth, we hear a loud shriek from the kitchen. We both bolt into the enormous room and find Cassie bawling her eyes out hugging Ivy.

“What’s going on?” My gaze darts between the two girls.

“You big ass, you didn’t tell me you got engaged.” I get a heated glare from the woman who can make my best friend drop to his knees, and I can see why.

“Told you, man.” Luke pats me on the shoulder.

“You knew?” A screech that’s almost inhuman comes from Cassandra Verán and now I am the one laughing. Looks like someone might not be getting any for a while.

“Baby, I wanted him to tell you.” He winks, spins on his heel, leaving us staring at him.

T
his beautiful woman
with the kind brown eyes is holding me like I am her best friend and it’s shocking because we just met.

I have had friends before, but they were never the cuddling type. The warmth that flows in this home makes me feel at ease. “I am so happy for you both.” She glances between Jayce and I.

“Thank you. It was an easy decision. We spent too much time apart, and I think now we’ve found each other again, I don’t want to be away from him.” I peer over at the incredible man with the striking blue eyes that’s held my heart since I first laid eyes on him.

“You have to marry me, you’re mine. Always been mine.”

“Okay Jayce, enough with the alpha claiming his girl, go keep my husband company while we finish up dinner.” Her retort has me chuckling. I like Cassie. She’s got an ease with Jayce, and even though I know they were together, there’s nothing but friendship in the air between them.

“Fine, but no talking about me.” He leans in and kisses my forehead. As soon as we’re alone, Cassie rounds on me, gripping my shoulders tight, and her gaze pins me to the spot.

“Tell me everything. How did he propose?” I glance at Ben, remembering we weren’t fully clothed at the time. She turns to see my son licking chocolate off his fingers. His eyes glowing with happiness. “I see.” She winks and giggles. “Luke is also such a freaking horn dog. Seriously, what do we do with these men?”

We giggle like teenagers and I realize I haven’t relaxed since I decided to come here, but after meeting these two incredible people, it’s as if I am meant to be here. And when I look at my man, I know I am home.

I have always thought my home would be a house, or a country, city, but it’s not, it’s him. It always has been.

“Jayce is a handful.” As I say it I realize how it must sound and another fit of giggles tumbles between us. It feels good to laugh and relax with someone that isn’t Bryce.

“Oh I am sure he is darling.”

“He told me, you know.” I sneak a glance at her and when she turns to me, she smiles and nods.

“I thought he would, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about your man, it’s that he can be brutally honest. Yes, we were together, but that’s in my past, and his. He loves you so much, there was pain etched in those baby blues, I saw it every time I looked at him. Now, there’s an emotion I didn’t think I would ever see, happiness. It’s how I feel about Luke.” I nod, the twinge of jealousy I had dissipates and I recognize the truth in her eyes.

“Thank you Cassandra. I haven’t been happy in a long time and I didn’t think life would afford me the luxury of love again. Or, maybe the better way to describe it is, it’s been too long since I felt like I was…”

“Home.” She finishes my sentence and I nod. “I know the feeling. That green eyed man drives me insane, but he’s my home.” I glance down at her belly, she’s rubbing slow circles over the soft pink tank top she’s wearing. It’s still a small baby bump, and she looks adorable.

“How far along are you?”

“Sixteen weeks.” Her smile is filled with adoration, and I remember feeling the same when I had Ben in my belly. “Anyway, let’s get dinner ready for those two.” She turns to the stove and lifts the lid and the scent of something delectable hits my nose. Cassie pours a glass of wine for me and juice for her, giving me a wink. “To the future.”

For the first time I can agree to that statement. Being with Jayce, Luke, and Cassie feels different, and being in their home is calming. I have always felt unsure of myself. That uncertainty only grew as I got older, now though, I feel comfortable with who I am.

I am a mother, a soon to be wife, and a friend.

“Have you decided if you want to stay in Los Angeles?” She turns while I’m watching Ben, but when I meet her inquisitive gaze I nod.

“Yes, we spoke about moving to Chicago, and I haven’t told Jay yet, but seeing you and Luke, and the life he’s built here, I realize I can’t ask him to give that up. I don’t want to. The job I have is something I can walk out of easily and not think twice about. And as for my monster over there…” I gesture to my little man. “He only starts kindergarten this year so I have time to find a school out here in Cali.”

“Good timing, it’s as if fate has stepped in and given you a happy ending. When are you going to tell him?”

“I’m not sure. We’re here for two months because he has to train his replacement at Verán Publishers. There is never a perfect time, but I want it to be a surprise, you know?”

She nods deep in thought, then she glances back at me. “Why not do it on the Fourth of July? That’s just under two months away. You can keep him sated for a while and you’ll be here for dinner. Luke and I can keep Ben for the night, and you two love birds can spend the evening celebrating.” She winks and I can’t stop the bubble of excitement escaping as a giggle.

“You’re a genius. He said that we’d need a few weeks to settle everything here before moving. I would love to find a house close by.” The thrill whirls in my belly and the butterflies dance along with my rapid heartbeat.

W
alking
into Jayce’s apartment I immediately feel like I’m home. He leans in and whispers. “This is it.” My gaze darts around the modern, yet warm and inviting living area. “I will put Ben down in the second bedroom.”

“Do you need a hand?”

“After I put him down, I will make sure your hands are put to good use.” With a cheeky wink, he heads down the hallway with our sleeping son and I can feel the heat burning my cheeks. I know the blush he loves to see is clear on my pale skin.

Making my way into the living room, I find the small fireplace that sits in one corner and I remember when we were younger that Jayce always wanted one. He wanted to make love to me next to the flames. He always said that our love burned brighter and hotter than any flame.

I would agree because I have never felt heat like the way my skin is scorched by his touch. “You’d look incredible on the floor, naked, bound by rope while I finger fuck that tight little pussy.” His hands on my hips hold me in place, my back to his chest.

The words he whispers in my ear stoke the fire in my belly, turning my desire into a raging inferno. “And just when were you planning on doing that, Flash?” Desire drips from my tone like thick syrup drizzled on pancakes and images of Jayce covered in the sweet liquid while I lick it off invade my mind.

“Do you want me, Firefly? With all the filthy things I want to do to you, you’re going to need a fucking ball gag to keep you quiet.” The gasp that escapes my lips is soft, and my body thrums while my clit throbs between my legs and I have to squeeze my thighs together to dull the ache.

“Jayce…”

“I want to fuck you, Firefly. You need to feel my hard dick taking you, owning, and fucking claiming you, again and again.” My knees buckle and his grip on my hips tighten, holding me up, because God knows I cannot stand any more.

“Where?” Without another word, he scoops me up and turns to the black door I didn’t notice earlier, the gold doorknob is shiny in the dim light.

“Open.” I reach for the handle and twist it and as soon as it swings in the opposite direction, Jayce sets me on my feet. It’s a vast space, with only a sofa, a few easels, and the faint smell of paint and turpentine that invades my senses.

“This is my studio.” His explanation is obvious, but there is a nervous edge to his tone. One large canvas on an easel in the center of the room catches my attention, the blues and greens seem almost messy as if the colors have been splattered on it haphazardly. The eyes are haunting and the same color as the sky in the background and the long hair the same shade as the sand. There is no mistaking who the figure is.

“This… it’s… beautiful... me.”

He doesn’t answer me; instead he closes the door, then turns to the left corner of the room that has a black leather sofa and an enormous white rug which seems out of place in the mess. “Come over here, get undressed, but leave your panties on.”

Without arguing, I pad over to him and toe off my ballet flats. Slowly, I pull off my tank top and push my bottoms down. I can feel his gaze because his stare sears my skin.

My blood heats and my body comes alive under his scrutiny. The second my bra hits the floor; he spins me around so I am facing the window. “Tonight, you will do as I say. Do you understand, Firefly?” I nod quickly. “Words.”

“Yes, Flash.” He pulls me to the empty wall behind the sofa and it’s only when he tugs the curtains do I see what’s hidden behind. The anticipation of what’s coming makes me gasp.

“Is your pussy wet for me? Because I can smell you, sweet girl.” He holds me against his rock hard body and I nod. “Words. I will not ask again.” With a swat his hand comes down hard on my ass.

“Yes!” My response is raspy and I have to clear my throat. It’s quiet in the room, my breathing is ragged and I know he can hear every single inhale and exhale.

“Hands up.” I do as he says. My back flush against the St Andrews cross as he works the cuffs on either side. When I am secure, he continues to lock my ankles in place. When he steps backward to survey his handiwork, my heart thuds loudly in my ears. “Fuck, you’re beautiful, Firefly.”

I react instinctively, blushing from his compliment.

“Thank you.” Even though his dominant streak would entice the need in me to call him Sir, I knew better. He preferred the nickname I had given him.

“Are you ready baby?”

“I am.” He stalks over to the cabinet in the corner and comes back with two objects that has my heart kicking in my ribcage.

His mouth quirks when he turns to me with a blood-red satin blindfold and covers my eyes. He then grabs the ball gag which goes in my mouth as he ties it around my head.

I feel him retreat because I am cold and a shiver runs over my body. The shuffling alerts me that he’s taken his clothes off and it’s not long when I hear a click and a few other sounds. I listen carefully trying to figure out what he’s doing, but I can’t.

Then I hear the buzz and I’m sure it’s a vibrator. “This is your punishment for leaving me.” His words envelop me in the dark, and suddenly I feel a tingle on my neck. It’s a soft vibration that sends electric currents over my skin.

It moves down to my chest and when he reaches my nipples, I whimper loudly into the gag, the sounds I make are inhuman. I am so turned on, but I can’t do anything. I am at his mercy as I always am. He tortures each nipple with the vibrator, in slow, sensual circles.

My back arches, but I can only move so far. Tugging on my restraints, I try to cower, but it’s useless. My legs tense and my thighs tremble and I feel my pussy soaking my panties. My clit is aching and throbbing for release.

The vibration lowers toward my bellybutton and then stops and I beg through the gag. I need release. “What’s that baby? Did you want an orgasm? Does that sweet little pussy want to come for me? Not until I tell you to.” I hear an inhale and his raspy tone has my core pulsing. “My dirty girl dripping for my cock.” His filthy words have me pleading, but he can’t hear me. He can’t hear the words.

Without warning the buzzing is back, and it’s on my smooth skin just above my sensitive bud. Teasing. There’s no relief when he moves it to my inner thighs and inches down my legs.

“Your skin is so beautifully pink, Firefly.” The hot breath of his words hold me hostage with waves of emotion running rampant. It tickles and sends a pang of agony through me. It’s an exquisite anguish I have missed and that only he could give me. Sensations move up again and slowly tease my quivering lips.

He doesn’t go near my clit, but as soon as I move my hips, he stops. “My little one needs relief doesn’t she? You want to coat my dick with your cum baby? You need me inside you because only I control you, Ivy. Forever. That’s why we’re meant to be. Because I have ruined every part of you for any other man.”

A loud thud and I know he’s dropped the vibrator. His fingers slide up my legs and I am squirming and fighting against the cuffs. “Shh, baby.” My panties get ripped form my body so swiftly I hardly feel it. His fingertips tease my pussy open, and his mouth latches on as he sucks my clit hard, biting down sending me crashing into a dark abyss of pleasure I never knew existed. My orgasm rips through every fiber of my being and my whimpers are feral.