Fighting Chance (Rock Hard Gym Book 5)

by Ember-Raine Winters

  “Connor, please.” I beg and arch my back, trying to get him to move.

  “God, Ceara. You’re a fucking gift. A beautiful fucking gift made just for me.”

  His head lowers and he sucks one of my nipples into his mouth while his fingers pinch the other. A moan leaves me at the slight pain, and Connor’s control snaps like a rubber band stretched too far.

  He pounds into me, his pelvis rubbing just right each time our bodies connect. The force of his movements is bruising. He’s no longer trying to be soft and gentle; he’s fucking me as if this is the first and last time we’ll ever be together.

  His hands roam over my body, touching every part of me. His mouth alternates from one breast to the other, making loud popping sounds when he releases them from the wet heat of his mouth. Tiny starbursts begin to cloud my vision, my body becoming languid as warmth seeps through my veins starting at my core and flowing outward.

  Connor’s hands move in opposite directions on my body. One comes to rest at the hollow of my neck, his fingers wrapping around me, but not squeezing. His thumb rubbing at the pulse in my throat. The other hand makes it way between us finding my own where it lays close to our connecting bodies. He lifts my hand and places my fingers around his base again, pressing them firmly around him. Letting go of my hand he brings his thumb to my clit and begins to swirl circles around the nub, causing the starbursts to intensify.

  Connor’s thrusts lose their rhythm and his mouth finds my nipple again. He bites down on the peaked tip and the starbursts explode like fireworks as rapture overtakes me and sends me flying.

  I distantly hear Connor grunt my name and feel him shove deep inside me, before grabbing my hips to hold me tightly against him, his body jerking as his own orgasm consumes him.

  After his release is wrung from him, he falls heavily onto me, pinning me to the bed with his weight. His breath puffs out onto my neck and causes goosebumps to rise. When his body gets too heavy, I push lightly at his chest and he kisses my neck with tender affection before lifting himself off me. He heads into the bathroom, tugging off the condom and tossing it in the trash. I hear water run and shut off before the bed dips announcing Connor’s presence beside me. I don’t move, my body too relaxed and my mind blissfully blank as he cleans me with a washcloth before tossing it aside.

  He lies on his side and pulls my body into his, spooning me from behind. Kissing my forehead, he whispers, “Thank you, Ceara.”

  I shift until I can see his face before asking, “For what?”

  “For trusting me enough to be your first. For allowing me to touch you. For giving me the greatest experience of my life. For giving me you.”

  My heart melts and I kiss him gently on the lips. I return to my position as little spoon and close my eyes, content to drift off in the arms of the man I love.

  Chapter 17

  Connor

  Waking up with the girl of my dreams in my arms is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. A sense of peace washes over me even as a niggling doubt runs through me.

  Do I deserve this girl? Will I taint her? I already stole her innocence. Can she be with someone as broken and angry as I am and not get burned in the crossfire? This sweet gorgeous girl in my arms has no idea what we may find out about my past. What if it’s even more fucked up then I’d originally thought?

  A sexy little groan fills the air as Ceara shifts next to me. Despite my inner turmoil, my dick is hard and ready for round two. I place a gentle kiss on the back of her neck and a tiny moan leaves her lips as she flips to her back.

  “Good morning,” she yawns stretching out her muscles with her arms over her head and her breasts catch my attention at the movement.

  “Morning.” My hand slides across her belly leaving goosebumps in its wake. Pulling the blanket down, I softly kiss one stiffened peak of her nipple. “Are you sore?” I groan as I rub my aching cock along her thigh.

  Ceara’s eyes widen as a shy smile forms. “A little,” she admits softly.

  “Let me help you with that, baby.” I smile against her breast before pulling her nipple into my mouth and sucking on it. She starts squirming which has my body reacting in delicious ways.

  Gone are the thoughts of not being good enough for her, I can’t think with all the feelings rushing through me. I just want her. Nothing else. “Connor,” her moan makes me grin as she squirms beneath me. I start to move lower trailing my lips down her belly when someone bangs loudly on the door.

  “Rise and shine,” Theo yells from the other side and both our eyes go wide as we scramble away from each other.

  “Shit, shit, shit.” I run to my duffle bag and start pulling on my clothes. “I’m sorry, baby. We’ll have to take a rain check,” I say after I’m dressed. Moving toward her, I place a gentle kiss on her head.

  “Do you have everything you need from here?” Holding up her bag as I ask. She nods, still a little dazed. “I’m gonna go put these in the car. Take your time.”

  She’s still nodding as I slip out of the room to take both our bags out to the car. Theo is outside, leaning against my car. “Do you mind?” I eye him. I hate it when people lean on my Mustang. I never know if they’re gonna leave a scratch in the thousand-dollar paint job.

  “Sleep well?” He sneers as he stands crossing his beefy arms over his chest.

  “I did, thanks.” I smirk as I walk around him to the trunk.

  “Big Tom is not to hear about this. If he does, mine and Marcus’ asses are on the line, and you’ll be in a body bag before you can fight your way out of this.” He says the words with such certainty that I start to wonder, not for the first time, what it is that Ceara’s dad does to afford two bodyguards who so obviously respect him. An eerie feeling wraps around me practically making me gasp when I realize the man I’m going to meet, the one who raised my sweet Ceara may be a dangerous man. Could he have had something to do with my mother’s death?

  Ceara walks out of the room looking beautiful in a green sweater that hugs her curves and a pair of black jeans so tight my dick stands at attention. She has a concerned look on her face when she sees Theo and I standing close together, but I shoot her a reassuring smile before I open the door to the Mustang and wait for her to climb in. “You look gorgeous, baby.”

  “Thank you.” She kisses my cheek before bending down into the car.

  “Cece, you can’t be doin’ that stuff in front of your father. You know what he’ll do.” Theo raises a brow in warning at her. Her eyes widen and she gives him a sharp nod. I guess that’s that. As long as we are staying with her old man there will be no touching. That sounds like a great fucking trip to me.

  Chapter 18

  Ceara

  The drive to New Eden doesn’t take nearly as long as the first half of the trip. It seems almost no time has passed at all before we’re pulling up to my father’s estate. Connor stops at the intercom and presses the button to connect us to the main house.

  “Hello.” A disembodied voice crackles to life.

  “Hi, Reggie.” I greet my father’s butler.

  “Miss Ceara, welcome home.”

  The gates clank open and Connor drives his Mustang up the drive, Theo and Marcus following close behind.

  My father meets us in the entrance way, his height towering over Connor, and he isn’t a small man. My father’s dark hair and dark eyes stand out against his pale complexion, making his glare much more noticeable.

  “Daddy,” I greet him, my tone a warning him to play nice. “I want you to meet my boyfriend, Connor O’Malley.”

  My father narrows his eyes at Connor, almost as if he recognizes him. But after a few moments, he shakes off whatever he thought he saw and extends his hand. I release a breath of relief and take Connor’s hand after they’re finished, dragging him inside.

  “I’m just going to show Connor around,” I call over my shoulder.

  I pull Connor behind me and half-heartedly show him my father’s estate. I make sure to point out the mos
t important rooms, kitchen, study, and my bedroom, before I head outside to my favorite place. My escape while growing up, the treehouse is on the very edge of the property and extends into the woods surrounding the perimeter.

  “Where are we going?”

  “The only place the goon squad can’t follow.” I smile as we reach the base of the old oak that houses my hideaway and point up.

  He laughs and shakes his head in my direction, as I begin to climb the rungs that were built into the oak’s trunk years ago. I pull my body inside once I reach the top and make room for Connor’s big body to fit beside me.

  After some fancy maneuvering and a fit of laughter, I end up straddling Connor. “Sorry, it’s a lot smaller in here than I remember. Especially with a man as big as you.”

  Connor tucks a stray strand of hair behind my ear and leans in to give me a quick kiss. “So, what is this place, Freckles?”

  I scrunch my nose at the nickname. “Freckles? Really?” Connor shrugs and runs a finger down my nose and across my cheeks. “Whatever, Muscles. This is where I used to spend most of my time growing up. Whenever the presence of Theo and Marcus became too much, or my father had guests, I’d come out here and hide. I’d read true crime novels and stare up at the stars until I was forced inside.”

  My childhood was lonely, and I hope that I don’t come off as too much of a recluse to Connor. I can’t exactly explain how I had no friends thanks to my father’s place in the Irish mob.

  “Sounds… peaceful. I bet you really enjoyed the time you spent here.” He looks up into my eyes and adjusts me on his lap. The movement causes him to move against that sensitive part of me and I wish that I was a normal girl with her boyfriend. I want to make-out in my treehouse, maybe take it farther and not have to worry that my father or his goons will interrupt.

  As if my thoughts conjured him, Theo calls up to us. “Cece, your father is requesting you and Connor for dinner.”

  I groan. I am not looking forward to this dinner. My father can be intimidating, and I don’t want him to scare Connor away.

  “Come on, Freckles. It can’t be that bad.” Connor kisses the tip of my nose and gestures for me to lead the way back.

  I hope he’s right, but somehow, I know my father is going to cause a problem for us.

  Chapter 19

  Connor

  I sit here for a second and take a couple deep breaths to calm my overactive dick. Having her straddling me almost snapped my control. I’m lucky I didn’t act on that because no matter how much I tell her it will all be okay; I have a sinking feeling in my gut that things aren’t exactly what they seem.

  I only met her father for a minute, but I’m not too proud to admit he scares the hell out of me and living with Max and Layla I’ve met some big bad guys. Making my way down the ladder, I remind myself to keep an eye on my surroundings as I walk next to my girl. She looks nervous and even though I’m nervous too, I can’t help but want to reassure her.

  Reaching for her hand, I hear a cough behind me and turn to glare at Theo. A subtle shake of his head and averted eyes tells me all I need to know. What the fuck is going on here?

  I squeeze her hand before dropping it and turning to look at the massive house in front of me. The back door is open and the same man in an expensive suit is standing there watching us. Big Tom Kennedy. The name sounds familiar, but I can’t for the life of me remember where I’ve heard it.

  “Ceara, darling, why don’t you go get cleaned up for dinner while I have a chat with your friend?” He sneers the word and I know this chat is gonna be anything but friendly.

  “I’m fine, daddy. I’m sure Connor is starved. I know I am.” She tries but fails to reason with him. His stern look has her snapping her mouth shut and trudging past him into the house with an apologetic look in my direction. I shoot her a cocky smile, but it doesn’t have the effect I am hoping for.

  “Connor O’Malley, what may I ask, do you think you’re doing with my daughter?” Big Tom growls. I guess he’s not one to beat around the bush.

  “Mr. Kennedy, I like your daughter a lot and she’s helping me with a personal matter.” I don’t know why I don’t just tell him what she’s helping me with, but a warning in the back of my mind tells me not to give away too much. This man radiates danger and I really don’t want to cross him.

  “I know all about what she’s helping you with and sometimes it’s better to leave the past in the past.” He eyes me with thinly veiled hostility. “You won’t like what you dig up. That I can assure you.”

  His cryptic response has me pausing and makes me even more curious. Damn. How does he know? Could there be even more to the story than I originally thought?

  “You need to stay away from my daughter. I can make things very unpleasant for you and the little family you have back in Tennessee.” My stare snaps to his and I can see the murder in his eyes. Fuck, this guy is even more terrifying than I originally thought.

  “I can’t do that, sir. I care for Ceara very much. I can’t stay away from her,” I say as respectfully as I can. Big Tom takes a menacing step forward growling at me.

  “You can, and you will. This is what you’re going to do. Tell Ceara there was an emergency at home and get in your car and leave, forget about her and this foolish quest to find your mother, or I will make your life and the lives of those you love a living hell, do you understand me?”

  I glare at the man. How dare he tell me to give up the only things that have kept me sane for the last couple months.

  “Uncle Tom, leave the kid alone,” a man says from behind me and I curse myself for not being aware of my surroundings.

  “Seamus, stay out of this.” Big Tom growls low and menacing.

  Seamus saunters forward clapping me on the back nearly sending me flying forward. “The kid isn’t going to hurt Cece. Are you, Connor O’Malley?”

  He says my full name, probably as a threat. Letting me know exactly how much they know about me. Swallowing hard, I shake my head. “I’d never hurt her.”

  Seamus’ dark eyes are hard as he seems to assess me before a grin splits his face. “Smart man. Give him a break, boss. I think he understands what will happen if he breaks Cece’s heart.”

  The man in question rubs a hand over his face. “Don’t you have a job to do?” He raises a brow at Seamus.

  Seamus chuckles and gives Big Tom a sharp nod before walking out of the room. “I’ll be back in a couple days.”

  “Get out of my house.” Big Tom grumbles, but he seems to be less angry now.

  “Cece, don’t leave your friend alone with your dad. He’s trying to scare him off.” Seamus laughs as he scoops her up in a hug and kisses her forehead before walking out the door.

  “Daddy? What did you do?” Ceara has her hands on her hips as she stares her father down.

  “Nothing, princess, Connor and I have an understanding now. That’s all. Don’t we, boy?” The glare he shoots my way has me pausing. I’m thankful for Seamus’ interference, if it hadn’t been for him, I don’t know what I would have done.

  Chapter 20

  Ceara

  Dinner isn’t as horrible or awkward as I expected. Something obviously happened between my father and Connor, but neither are telling me anything.

  “Cece, what do you have planned for tomorrow? Any chance of you spending some time with your old man?” My father gives me a look that leaves no question that he means alone, without Connor.

  I hate how he tries to control my life and normally I’d give in to what he wants but finding information on Connor’s mother is more important this weekend.

  “Sorry, Daddy, but Connor and I are heading into town to the library for some research. It’s one of the reasons we came, the first being to see you, of course.”

  I see the displeasure in my father’s eyes at this, but he keeps his facial expression polite and neutral. I see Theo stiffen in my peripheral vision, noticing my father’s reaction and exchanging a look with Marcus. I’ve never seen hi
m, or Marcus stand up against him before, but it makes me feel protected in a way their presence hasn’t in the past.

  “Lunch, in town then. Surely you’ll take a break to eat.”

  His tone offers no negotiation and I know I have no choice but concede to his plans.

  “Sounds good, Daddy. Sammy’s Deli?” Sammy is one of my father’s close friends and his deli has the best sandwiches and homemade chips. It’s one of my favorite places to eat, and since Sammy is Mafia, I can get away without bodyguards.

  “Good choice. Sam always has the best cuts of meat.” My father relaxes, in as much as the head of a crime family can. “So, Connor, tell me what you and my daughter are researching.”

  “Just some basic research on New Eden. We’re paired together for a project on historical figures of our hometowns. I grew up in Rockmound so that research was easy to get at the campus library. After this weekend, we’ll be good to go.”

  Connor flashes a smile at me, then my father. I don’t know how he knew not to tell him what we were really doing here, but I’m glad he came up with something feasible on the fly.

  “Is that how you two met? In class?” My father eyes Connor as if he already knows the truth and he’s daring him to lie again.

  Connor isn’t the least bit perturbed by my father and builds on to the story he’s started. “Yes, sir. I came into class late and the only seat available was next to Ceara. It wasn’t a hardship sitting next to a beautiful girl. Getting her to pay attention to me took a bit of creative thinking though.”

  Connor winks at me and I feel a flush rise in my cheeks. I can’t believe he is so bold with my father. He’s so confident in his lies, and I know it has to do with his upbringing and the death of his mother.

  My father looks like he might say something, but he’s interrupted by Reggie, who whispers into his ear before scurrying off.