The Hastings Series

by Vanessa Siena

  We walked out of the bathroom and Jagger immediately steered me toward my bedroom. “You need some rest. Tomorrow’s a new day and we can have a talk then if you want to.”

  I looked at him and gave him a nod. “Okay. Good night, Jag.” He took a step toward me, kissing my forehead the way he always did. “Good night, Low.”

  I never really had nightmares, but this time, I had to watch as some masked guys shot my brother right in front of my eyes. It was horrible, and luckily, the dream ended quickly. I woke up early in the morning, darkness still filling my room thanks to the heavy rain falling. The typical Hastings weather was kinda comforting this morning, almost as if it was washing away all the bad things that happened in the last few weeks.

  I decided to take a shower and get dressed, then make breakfast. It was almost seven-thirty, and waking up this early without an alarm felt good. Sleeping in was never really my thing.

  Showered and ready for the day, I started to cook some eggs and bacon, knowing the smell of it would wake up Jagger. The few times I got to make breakfast at home were my favorite mornings. Working at the diner never really gave me the chance to cook breakfast at home and make sure Jagger would eat before leaving the house.

  As I took the bacon out of the pan, footsteps came my direction and I turned to see Jagger coming through the kitchen door with messy hair and tired eyes. “Morning,” I said with a smile, then put a plate with eggs and bacon on the table.

  “Sleep well?” was his response and I nodded.

  “You?” I asked, then put another plate on the table and turned off the stove.

  “Yeah, missed waking up to this.” I bet.

  We ate breakfast and he asked me more than once if I had any questions about the things we talked about yesterday. I didn’t want to bring up any of it. I was okay with the way things were at the moment. So I changed the subject.

  “Could you do me a favor, Jagger?” I asked, taking the last sip of my coffee. He nodded, leaning back and crossing his hands behind his head.

  “Could you give me a ride to Hunter’s?” I wasn’t sure if that was the best idea, but I needed to clear some things up with him. The situation we were in was weird and I needed some clarification.

  Jagger took his time answering me. “If he’s okay with it, sure.”

  I could tell that he still wasn’t so sure about me spending time with Hunter. But I guess he couldn’t really do much about it when I was the one wanting to see Hunter.

  “I will text him and ask.”

  Jagger nodded and got up, taking the plates and cups from the table and putting them into the sink. “I’ll take a shower. I have to be at work by ten, so I could drop you off if he’s okay with it.” With work, he meant the mechanic’s. Why would he sell drugs during the day when literally anyone could see him, right?

  I had a hard time figuring out what to text Hunter, so I stared at his number for a while before calling him. I thought talking was much easier than texting. At the fifth ring, he picked up, and when he talked I realized it probably was still too early for him. “Good morning, love,” he said, his voice raspy and low. Damn him, once again.

  His words made me smile. “Good morning,” I said, sitting down on the couch. “I didn’t mean to wake you, I’m sorry.”

  “It's okay. I was about to get up, anyway.”

  “Oh, so, are you up to something today?” I asked, hoping he wasn’t.

  “Not really.”

  “Okay.”

  Oh. Good. Now what? He didn’t really sound interested in doing anything. God, I was bad at this.

  “Was there something you wanted to say?” he asked, his voice amused, and I realized that I wasn’t talking for a little too long.

  “Yeah,” I said, sighing. Why was I nervous all of a sudden? “I was just wondering if I could come by your place.”

  “My place?” he asked and I immediately regretted my offer.

  “Yeah, but…” I sighed again, shaking my head. “I’m sorry. That’s a stupid idea. I know you don’t want that. Why did I even ask.” I whispered the last part and I was ready to hang up on him.

  “I’d love to have you here.”

  “What?”

  He chuckled. “I said, I would love to have you here with me.” Oh, okay. That’s good.

  “Okay, great. I mean, thank you.” And with that, I covered my face with my hand, embarrassed by myself.

  “You’re too fucking adorable, love. I’ll be home. Just come by whenever. Can’t wait to see you again.”

  He hung up after that and I hated myself for being such an idiot. It was Hunter’s fault I couldn't think straight ninety-nine percent of the time. After all, no matter what was going on in his life and no matter how much wrong he did in the past, I would stick to him. The same applied to Jagger. The more I found out about their lives, the more I wanted them close. I had this strange feeling inside of me that something big was coming my way. More secrets being exposed and more things I would have to handle and accept. No matter how much damage it would bring, I knew I would stay strong and figure out a way to adjust to it. In the end, that’s what I’ve been doing all my life. That’s what I was good at. No matter how much someone hurt me in the past, I would always forgive.

  Chapter One

  Hunter

  Having someone over was the last thing I wanted. I didn’t feel comfortable enough to take girls here, knowing they’d be disgusted by the way I lived. That was poorly said and probably misunderstood. My trailer wasn’t disgusting and I didn’t have any mold. I kept my home clean, my clothes always perfectly folded, and every surface was shiny. I needed to feel comfortable in that small space and I knew it was enough for me. Yet, the few girls who came here some years ago all told me the same thing: The sex was amazing, but this place is creepy and ugly.

  Those girls wanted something big. A huge house, a nice car, and money they could spend on themselves on a daily basis. If I didn’t live in Hastings, and if I stopped working for Gunner, all they desired would’ve been possible for me to offer them.

  Even if the girls I sometimes dated were hot and interesting, I never felt the need to let them in on my secrets. I knew they weren’t right for me. And even seeing them standing in my trailer I knew they just didn’t fit in. My life didn’t have any space for girls like them.

  Seeing Harlow standing right there, in the middle of my home, looking around with a small, genuine smile on her lips was all I needed to realize that she was the one who fit. The moment she stepped inside, something in her eyes lit up. She looked almost fascinated by the small room I called my living room and kitchen. Her eyes wandered around and I took in her beauty, hoping her smile never faded, but grew bigger. We didn’t speak, and I wondered what she was thinking. I kept my eyes on her, shoving my hands into my front pockets.

  After some minutes, and after she finally settled her eyes on mine, her bottom lip got caught between her teeth and a bigger smile spread across her face. She didn’t talk though, and I hoped I wasn’t just blankly staring at her and making a fool out of myself. She then moved toward me, steady on her feet even after that horrible accident, and reached her arms around my waist. Her body pressed into mine and her head rested against my chest.

  “It’s even better than I imagined,” she finally said. I smiled at that, lowering my head to kiss the top of hers, then taking my hands out of my pockets and lifting my arms to return her hug gently.

  “Good. I like it too,” I told her, happy about her never-ending positive attitude about everything. How could anyone not adore her?

  I stroked her back and enjoyed having her back in my arms. It felt like months that I hadn’t held her like this. I felt myself relax the instant she touched me and I started to realize that she was my safe place. I felt calm with her next to me. Funnily enough, I always thought women could never make a man feel this way. I was so damn wrong. Growing up with the shit I went through and knowing no one really cared about me was fucking hard. I was a grown-ass man,
yet I had no problem with accepting the fact that I found strength and joy thanks to a woman. No shame in that.

  “I missed you.” The simplicity in those words had a huge impact on me. We had seen each other just twelve hours ago and we both felt the same way. Hell, this was either going to end in heaven or hell.

  Either way, as long as she’d be by my side, I’d be happy anywhere.

  “I’m glad you’re here,” I told her, looking at her now and taking her face into my hands. “I’m not sure what you wanna do but I thought we could just talk. Stay in bed the whole day.” I wasn’t romantic, even if what I was thinking came close to it, but cuddling up in bed with her, the rain falling outside and thunder doing its best to sound as scary as possible sounded perfect to me.

  “I like that idea.” Her voice was still a bit raspy. I smiled at her response and studied her face for a second before lowering my head once again to kiss her. Her lips immediately moved against mine and the small moan escaping her made me want to pick her up and press her against the wall, making sure I’d hear more of those sweet sounds. I couldn’t do that, though. Not yet. I had rushed things with her one too many times and I wanted to take it slow. I needed to explore her body with patience and—fuck me. I wasn’t me anymore. How was I getting so fucking soft all of a sudden?

  Harlow’s tongue against mine made me come back from my new, confusing thoughts and I tried to concentrate on the kiss. I slid my tongue inside her mouth slowly, tasting her sweetness and trying not to hurt her with my hands traveling up and down her upper body. Her curves were beautiful. Her breasts felt amazing pressed against my chest, and the curves from her waist to her hips were impressive. I couldn’t help myself, and my hands found their way to her ass, squeezing it just right. Another moan escaped her and I felt my cock react.

  I didn’t want it to get involved, but I guess there was no way around it. Harlow made me feel some type of way and I sure as hell wasn’t going to ruin it.

  I deepened the kiss, holding her closer than ever. Her hand came up to rest on my chest and the other came up to touch the side of my neck, letting her fingers brush through my hair. She tugged at the ends of it slightly, letting me know that she was enjoying this just as much as I was.

  I felt a smile on her lips, her hand now taking a fistful of my hair at the back of my head and holding it tightly. “I like this,” she said into the kiss, and I knew she meant my full head of hair. I’ve always caught the attention of others with my hair, but Harlow’s was the only one that counted right now.

  “Good,” I murmured, wanting to say so much more, but I wasn’t ready to let go of her yet.

  Chapter Two

  Harlow

  My heart was beating a thousand miles per hour and I was sure Hunter was the only one who could ever make me feel that way. The way he held my body close to him while he kissed me was incredible. I felt safe. Loved.

  I was holding onto his hair and shoulder, making sure my knees wouldn’t give in. The weakness I felt made me realize how big of an impact he had by just kissing me. I loved that about him and I hoped that feeling would never vanish.

  Then there was something else urging me to go further than just making out in the middle of his home. The bulge in his pants told me that he was feeling excited too. I had pressed my hips against him more than once and I felt him move away every time. I wondered if he was doing it because he didn’t like it, but then I thought, that’s Hunter we’re talking about here. And to be honest, I don’t think any guy would ever reject a sign like that from a girl.

  So why was he not letting me feel him against me? I knew he was getting erect. I knew what a boner was and I also knew that the way his breath hitched from time to time, that he was enjoying this too.

  I tried once again, pushing more into his body and pressing my abdomen against his crotch. This time, I felt his cock was much harder and I smiled into the kiss, knowing I was the one making him feel that way.

  “We gotta slow down, love.” He broke the kiss, yet kept me close to him. I looked up, his eyes on mine with lowered lids and desire showing through them.

  “Why?” I asked, feeling the need to pout like a little child. I was getting frustrated. I knew sex was something that needed to be taken one step at a time. But maybe sex wasn’t what I wanted just yet. I just needed Hunter to touch me. Or let me touch him.

  “Because my dick is damn close to exploding in my fucking pants and that’s not something I would be proud of,” he said in a chuckle and I bit down on my bottom lip and dropped my gaze, taking one small step back and looking at the bump in his pants.

  “We’re just kissing,” I said, then looked back up into his eyes. “Yeah, we are. But you have no idea how much your sweet mouth can do to me.”

  A shiver came over me and I hoped he wasn’t just saying that to get me off of him. Or was I just interpreting it all wrong?

  “Can I touch it?” I asked, looking down again. Hunter didn’t answer at first and I was scared to look at his face. I didn’t want him to get mad or push me away.

  His head lowered and his lips kissed my cheek. He whispered, “If you’re gonna start this, I’ll finish it. But I’m not sure I can do that without hurting you.”

  I wasn’t hurting that much. I had bruises around my upper body and I knew whatever we would’ve done would involve him grabbing my waist or hips. Funny how I thought about him fucking me when I never even had such an experience.

  Yet, him having a boner was one thing I could deal with easily without him touching me. “Isn’t that uncomfortable?” I looked back into his eyes, seeing a glimpse of amusement in them. His hands came up to cup my face once again, then he pressed a kiss to the tip of my nose.

  “It’s the worst feeling ever,” he said, then a smug grin appeared on his face. “Tell me what you’re thinking, Harlow.”

  I let my eyes travel over his face, then shrugged. He knew where I was going with it. And I was ready to try something new.

  “Maybe I could help you with it,” I said, my voice now sounding much smaller. He kept his gaze locked on mine and that stupid grin grew. I felt my cheeks warm up and he knew damn well what he was doing to me by making me say things like that.

  “Not sure what you mean, love. How’d you like to help me exactly?” he teased. I rolled my eyes at him, then took a deep breath, making sure I’d sound as serious as possible.

  “Maybe I can touch it.”

  I knew Hunter was close to letting out a laugh but he was holding it back. “With it, you mean…” he started and I pressed my lips together. Why was I making such a big deal out of it? It was a normal thing. People did it all the time.

  “Your cock.” There. I said it. And it wasn’t half as bad as I thought. Hunter’s eyes looked pleased with my answer and I let out a breath, releasing all my frustration.

  A smile touched his lips now and he reached for my hand, slowly leading it to his pants. The moment my hand covered his cock, I looked down and was surprised at just how hard it actually felt. It felt big too. Though, I didn’t really have anyone to compare him to.

  Hunter let his hand fall to his side and with the other, he grabbed a fistful of my hair at the back of my head and softly kissed my forehead. “I’m not pushing you to do this, all right? Stop if you don’t wanna go any further.”

  I nodded slowly, moving my hand over his rigid cock. Every time I carefully squeezed, his hand pulled at my hair just as gently. I couldn’t look up at him and I wanted to see more of him.

  “Can you take this off?” I asked, meaning his pants, and returning his glance. He nodded once but left his hands where they were.

  “You do it,” he instructed, and like a little kid opening a present, my hands flew to his zipper and quickly opened it. With my fingers gripping the waistband of his pants, I pushed them down, leaving him standing there in just his shorts. I could see the size of his cock now that just a thin layer of fabric was covering it. Impressive.

  I covered it with my hand again, giv
ing it a light squeeze and then looking up at his face. He was watching me, his tongue darting out to wet his lips.

  “Here,” he said in a whisper, and covered my hand with his and squeezed hard. “Just like that. Up and down.”

  I smiled at the way he showed me what he liked. I felt more comfortable with that and knowing what made him felt good was a step forward for me.

  He let go of my hand again, letting me touch him the way he told me to. A small groan escaped him and I felt a spot on his shorts turn wet. I quickly looked up in surprise.

  “Just precum, love.” He smiled at me, lowering his head to kiss my lips softly. “It feels amazing,” he murmured into the kiss and I couldn’t help but grin.

  I was enjoying this. Too much.

  Chapter Three

  Hunter

  I couldn’t take it any longer standing up. I needed to sit down and watch sweet Harlow moving her small hand up and down my length. My shorts were still on, but it was the best feeling ever. Almost as if she was teasing me. Last time a girl touched me like that was some months ago and having Harlow doing this for the first time made it all feel a thousand times better.

  “Come here.” I took her hand off my cock, pulling her toward my bedroom. It wasn’t big, but it fit a double bed perfectly. I sat down at the end of it, looking up at her. She took in the small room, smiling. When her gaze came back to mine, she looked a little lost. Her hand reached down to my shorts, though, and I knew she wasn’t going to keep it like that.

  “I don’t really know what to do now,” she told me quietly and that made me grin a little too much. Too damn sweet.

  Her hand grabbed my cock again and I let out a groan, knowing I was closer than I should’ve been. She was doing so little, yet her actions made me feel all weak and ready to shoot my load.

  “If I tell you what I like, will you try?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t going to scare her off. I had a dirty mouth. No denying that. But she was so damn innocent.