Beautifully Hurt (Beautifully Broken)

by Michelle Heard

  Quinn’s fingers wrap around my cock, and it instantly ceases all brain activity for me. “Fuck,” I hiss, my eyes snapping to her face.

  She watches me intently as she strokes me once, her touch careful.

  “Harder, baby,” I say, and wrapping my hand around hers, I squeeze. “Like that.”

  Keeping my hand around hers, I guide her, teaching her how I like it. My eyes lower to my cock, and watching Quinn’s hand stroke me is the hottest thing I’ve seen.

  Lifting my left hand, I grab Quinn behind her neck and tug her toward me. I take her mouth, my tongue thrusting into her warmth the way I want to sink my cock into her pussy.

  Letting go of Quinn’s hand, I give her complete control over my pleasure.

  When my teeth tug at her bottom lip, Quinn tightens her hold on my cock, and it rips a moan from me. “Christ, baby. Yes.”

  Her confidence grows with every stroke, and she takes over, raining kisses down my throat, to my chest. Untamed desire tenses my muscles as I watch Quinn love me, her mouth exploring my pecks and nipples.

  My girl might be innocent when it comes to certain things, but God, her eagerness to learn feeds the addiction I have.

  My lips part as she moves lower to my abs, and then she fucking trails her tongue through the dips. My body flushes with heat, and it takes every bit of strength I have to not grab her hair and fuck her senseless. Instead, my hips begin to move, and I thrust into her tight fist.

  Quinn moves lower still, and I hold my breath. She exhales, and the warm air hits the head of my cock. Unable to stop myself, my hand darts to the back of her head, and I fist her damp strands tightly.

  “Quinn,” I whisper, my eyes glued to her.

  Her eyes flick to my face, and then her mouth closes over the head of my cock, and I’m done for.

  “Fuck,” I grind the word out, my muscles wound so fucking tight it feels like I’m going to snap at any moment.

  Quinn sucks my cock into her mouth, her eyes darting to my face to see my reaction. My fist tightens in her hair to keep her in place as I thrust into her mouth.

  “Baby,” I groan, needing to go deeper. “Take a deep breath.”

  After she inhales deeply, I thrust as far as I can go without making her gag. Taking hold of her hand, I pull her fingers away from my cock, and guide her down until she’s cupping my balls. “Softly.”

  I take over stroking myself, and then Quinn fucking moans from the sight, her eyes darkening with lust. I thrust back into her mouth until her lips touch my fingers, and then I begin to set a pace.

  “Moan again,” I order breathlessly, wanting to feel the vibration on the head of my cock.

  Quinn moans, and it's all it takes for me to reach my climax. I pull her away, and fisting my cock, I pump hard as I empty myself over my abdomen.

  Quinn’s swollen lips are parted as she watches me come, and it makes my pleasure a million times more intense, ripping a grunt from me.

  As I come down from my high, Quinn leans over me, and then she fucking licks my cock from base to head, making my body jerk with residual spasms of ecstasy.

  A smile spreads over her face as she looks at me. “Just marking my territory.”

  I let out a chuckle, my muscles finally relaxing, and then I glance at the mess on my abdomen.

  Quinn climbs off the bed, and I get a good look at her ass as she walks out of the room. A minute later, she comes back with a washcloth, wiping my abs clean.

  When she begins to gather the damp clothes, I say, “This is the part where you have to cuddle me.”

  Her head snaps up. “Crap. Sorry.” She comes to lie down beside me and presses a kiss to my chest. “I thought we were done.”

  Chuckling, I shake my head. “Hell no. I told you I love to cuddle.”

  She grins up at me, then her cheeks flush as she admits, “I really like what we did.”

  “Me too.” I wrap my arms tightly around her, and she presses her face into the side of my neck.

  “Thank you, Eli.”

  “I’m the one who should say thank you,” I murmur.

  Quinn shakes her head lightly. “Thank you for being so patient and gentle with me. You make me feel treasured.”

  “That’s because you are.” I press a kiss to her hair. “You’re my greatest treasure.” Enjoying the feel of her naked body against mine, I say, “I love you, baby.”

  Quinn lifts her head, and when our eyes meet, she whispers, “I love you. So, so much.”

  Cupping her cheek, I press my mouth to hers, kissing her slow and deep.

  Chapter 20

  QUINN

  I’ve been replaying the intimacy Eli and I shared, over and over in my mind.

  Watching Eli orgasm was… mind-blowingly hot.

  Sigh.

  “What’s that sigh for?” Dad asks as he sits down next to me. He’s home for Thanksgiving before he has to leave again.

  My face goes up in flames, and I quickly shake my head while lying through my teeth, “Oh, just thinking about the bakery I might open.”

  “Might? You not sure about it?” he asks, placing a hand on my back.

  I shrug. “It’s a big commitment. What if I fail?”

  “Then you try something else. Failing isn’t a bad thing. You gain experience, and next time you start a new business, you’ll know what not to do.”

  “Josh’s right, Quinn,” Alex says as he joins us. “If at first you don’t succeed, you just try again.”

  “So you think I should do it?” I ask, still feeling apprehensive about taking on such a big task.

  Both Dad and Alex nod, then Alex says, “Besides, we’ll all be here to help.”

  “Yeah, and I have some savings set aside to help with the store’s rent the first couple of months,” Dad offers.

  “We’ve got that covered,” Eli jumps in as he hands Dad and Alex each a beer. “With the sales Quinn’s already made, she’s saved up a neat amount.”

  “Yeah?” Dad gives me a proud look. “Look at my baby girl becoming a successful businesswoman.”

  “Dad,” I mutter, another blush creeping up my face, “I’m far from successful.”

  “I’m getting really good at painting, so if you need a painter for the store, I’m your man,” Ethan says.

  “You’re her man?” Eli comments, giving his brother a scowl.

  “God, don’t start,” Nina chuckles. “Everyone knows Quinn’s yours.”

  My eyes dart to Dad’s face, but seeing him grinning at Eli and Ethan’s bantering sets me at ease.

  Getting up from my chair, I say, “I’m going to check on the cake.”

  We’re also celebrating Eli’s twenty-fifth birthday that’s four days from now, and I’m baking him a chocolate cake. I’ve been checking on it every ten minutes because this is the one cake I can’t mess up.

  Walking into the kitchen, I crouch and peek into the oven. I also glance at the turkey Alex is making for dinner.

  Satisfied everything’s okay, I stand up, and then Eli’s chest presses against my back, and he kisses the side of my neck.

  “Stop worrying about the cake.”

  I turn around in his arms, placing my hands on his chest. “It’s my birthday gift to you. It has to be perfect.”

  Eli kisses the tip of my nose. “You’re already the best gift I could’ve asked for.”

  Whenever I think I can’t love Eli more, he says or does something to make the emotion grow even more.

  I move my hands up, wrapping my arms around his neck. “There is one more gift I still have to give you.”

  His one eyebrow lifts. “Yeah?”

  Grinning playfully, I say, “My virginity.”

  Eli instantly lets go of me, putting space between us. Shaking his head, he says, “You know you can’t say things like that when our parents are close by.”

  I let out a chuckle, my eyes lowering to his cock.

  “Quinn,” he murmurs, a tone of warning lacing my name.

  “Just saying
,” I shrug. “I’ll even wrap a ribbon around my neck and put on some sexy lingerie.”

  Eli stares at me for a moment, desire making his eyes look like melted ice. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

  I nod, closing the distance between us. “You were the one who taught me it’s all about the anticipation.”

  “What are you anticipating?” Dad suddenly asks as he comes in via the backdoor.

  Eli quickly takes a seat at the kitchen table, and I have to swallow my burst of laughter.

  Eli clears his throat before he says, “Ah… Quinn’s just telling me how the anticipation’s building to open the bakery.”

  “Have you gone to look at any available stores?” Dad asks.

  I shake my head, then Eli says, “The Green Leaf is still empty.”

  The smile drops from my face. “No.”

  “It would be perfect,” Dad agrees with Eli.

  I shake my head hard, and walking back outside, I snap, “I said no. Don’t mention it again.”

  Sitting down next to Nina, I have to force a smile back to my face as the guilt and sorrow whirl inside my chest.

  Last week I realized I’m thinking less and less about Katie. But when she pops up in my mind, it’s one hell of a blow to my heart, and I feel guilty for the moments of happiness I find with Eli.

  I try to listen to the conversation, but my mind drifts off until I’m staring blankly at my hands in my lap.

  Nina’s hand settles on my back, and when my eyes dart to hers, she gives me a comforting smile.

  I’m reminded of everything she shared with me, and taking a deep breath, I push my sorrow and guilt down and focus on the people around me.

  ELI

  Making sure all the doors are locked, I head upstairs.

  When I walk into the bedroom, Quinn’s in the bathroom, brushing her teeth.

  I join her at the sink, and putting some toothpaste onto my toothbrush, my eyes lock with Quinn’s in the mirror. I can see she feels terrible about snapping earlier, and I wink at her to show her it’s okay.

  After we’re done rinsing our mouths out, I take her hand and pull her to the bed. I sit down, turning my body to face her, and keeping her hand in mine, I ask, “Gonna talk to me?”

  “I’m sorry,” she whispers.

  I shake my head. “I’m not upset you snapped, Quinn. I just want to know why.”

  Her shoulders slump, and she lets out a deep breath. “When you mentioned The Green Leaf, it reminded me that I’m thinking less and less about Katie.”

  Now I understand the guilt in her eyes.

  Clearing my throat, I say, “I have an idea you might like.”

  Quinn gives me a curious look. “What?”

  “Name your bakery after Katie. That way, you’ll remember her every day.”

  Quinn’s lips part, and then a smile begins to tug at her mouth. “Oh, my God, Eli. That’s the best idea.”

  I link my fingers with hers. “So, will you think about making The Green Leaf your cupcake store?”

  Quinn nods. “In memory of Katie.” A frown starts to form on her forehead, then she asks, “Why is it so important to you that I open the store where The Green Leaf was?”

  Lifting her hand, I press a kiss to the back. “Because you’ll be close to me, and I can make sure you’re safe.”

  “Oh.” Her features soften, then she nods again. “Okay.”

  “We can sign the lease?”

  “Yeah.”

  I tug her against my chest, wrapping her in a tight hug. “I’m so happy to hear that.”

  Letting go of Quinn, I get up to switch off the bathroom light. Turning back to her, I say, “Now, let's talk about you teasing me with sex.”

  A burst of laughter explodes from her, and she darts up, making a run for the door. I catch her before she can make her escape, and lifting her off her feet, I toss her on the bed.

  I crawl over Quinn, and restraining her hands on either side of her head, I pretend to scowl at her. “You like making me hard and then leaving me with your dad?”

  She shakes her head, laughter dancing in her eyes.

  “Where’s my ribbon and lingerie?” I ask, letting go of her one hand, so I can brush my fingers down her neck.

  “Ah… your birthday is only in four days, and right now, it’s all imaginary because I don’t own any lingerie.”

  Lifting an eyebrow at her as I move lower, cupping her breast, I ask, “What else can that imagination of yours come up with?”

  Quinn’s lips part, and she arches her back, pressing her breast harder into my palm. “I can’t think when you’re touching me like that.”

  I slide my hand down her body until I’m cupping her pussy through her shorts. “And now?”

  “Eli,” she breathes my name like it’s a prayer.

  I begin to rub her through her clothes, and she lifts her hips, trying to get more friction.

  “Tell me what you’re thinking right now,” I order.

  Quinn’s eyes are feverish with need. “I want more.”

  “What do you want me to do to you?” I murmur as I lower my head, letting my breath skim over her jaw.

  “Take off my clothes.”

  I rub her pussy harder. “And then?”

  “Eli,” she groans.

  “What do you want me to do then, Quinn?” I demand as I lift my head so I can capture her eyes.

  “Touch me everywhere.”

  I move down her body, and taking hold of her shorts and panties, I drag the fabric down her legs. I drop the clothes on the floor, then push her legs open, pressing kisses to the inside of her thigh. Reaching her pussy, I let my breath fan over her.

  Quinn begins to tremble, her eyes locked on me.

  I part her with my fingers and then swipe my tongue over her clit.

  Air bursts from Quinn’s parted lips, and seeing her tremble because of me, fills my chest with satisfaction. Taking hold of her hips to keep her in place, I lower my head again, and then I fucking devour her, lapping up every drop of her arousal like a man dying of thirst.

  “Eli,” she cries as she grabs fistfuls of the covers.

  I thrust my tongue inside her, then suck on her clit, making her thighs quiver. Quinn tilts her head back, moans drifting from her, and when she’s close to finding her release, I go in for the kill, pushing a finger inside her as I suck her clit hard.

  “Oh, God,” she gasps, and then she convulses as she orgasms, her pussy clenching hard around my finger.

  I keep fingering her as I move up her body, making her pleasure last as long as possible. Pressing my mouth to hers, I thrust my tongue into her, wanting her to taste her arousal.

  When Quinn comes down from her release, I pull my finger out of her, then coat her lips with the wetness. “Next time you tease me with sex when our parents are around, I’ll eat your pussy, but I won’t let you come.”

  Quinn nods, and then I suck her arousal from her lips before kissing her with the pent-up frustration of having to hold back from sinking deep inside her.

  It’s not that I have to. I’m giving myself blue balls because watching the anticipation building in Quinn feeds the addiction in me.

  Chapter 21

  QUINN

  Standing in the store that used to be The Green Leaf, my heart squeezes painfully. Even though it’s empty, I remember exactly where everything was.

  I can almost hear Katie’s laughter.

  I can almost feel her next to me.

  A wave of sorrow washes over me, and I swallow hard, so I don’t start crying.

  Eli places his hands on my shoulders, his chest pressing against my bake. Then he points at the one wall. “We can set up your kitchen there. You always look so peaceful when you back, I was thinking it should be an open kitchen so the customers can see you at work.”

  I nod, the image of the bakery starting to take shape in my mind.

  “And the display counter can go here.”

  “Yeah. I can put up shelves fo
r you.”

  Turning in his arms, I stare up at his striking blue eyes. “Thank you, Eli.”

  “For what?”

  “For giving me a dream.”

  His lips curve up, then he glances around the empty space. “It’s going to look amazing when we’re done.”

  Turning around again, I lean back against Eli’s chest. He wraps his arms around me, resting his chin on the top of my head. “I was thinking of having different themes for the cupcakes. Fairytale. Avengers. Flowers.”

  “Tools,” Eli adds with a chuckle. “To match the hardware store.”

  I let out a burst of laughter. “Those would be so cute.” I grin, enjoying as we dream together about the future. “I can make mini cupcakes. Maybe give them a galaxy theme.”

  “I bet those would sell fast,” Eli says. “How do you feel about putting up two tables and selling coffee?”

  “Oh, I don’t know.” I try to picture it, then shake my head. “I want to focus on baking. Maybe at a later stage?”

  “Okay,” he murmurs.

  My phone starts to ring, and I pull it out of my pocket. Seeing Finlay’s name, a smile tugs at my mouth as I answer, “Hey, how are you?”

  “Good. How are you holding up?” my cousin asks.

  “Better,” I murmur. “Any news on when you’re moving here?”

  “Dad’s put the house up for sale. As soon as it sells, I’m packing.”

  “I hope it sells quickly. I can’t wait to have you here.”

  “That makes two of us,” Finlay chuckles.

  “Dad said he’d give me some money to tide me over until I can find a job.”

  “Well… I’m opening a bakery. If things go well, you can always work with me.”

  “Really? You’re opening your own store?” Finlay gasps.

  “Yeah.” Just then, it hits me how much I’ve missed having a friend, and it has me adding, “I can’t wait for you to come here.”

  “I’ve already started packing. I’m so over Naperville.”

  “Hopefully, you’ll be on my doorstep soon.”

  “With a little luck... ugh… I got to go, there’s a customer.”

  “Talk to you soon.”