Flawed (Imperfectly Perfect Book 1)

by Lym Cruz

“Mmm-hmm.” She drank her wine, and when she put down the glass, it clicked on the marble countertop. “Why did you choose family law?”

  Why did I? I thought about it for a second then opted for the truth. “I thought that if I could fix other families it would compensate for my own, therefore making a job I loathe tolerable. But it turned out to be different. All people care about is money.”

  “You don’t like your job?” she said with the meekest tone.

  I sent the email and looked to her expecting to find judgment. My parents called me ungrateful when I told them I’d rather do something else. My friends thought of it as a joke and never took me seriously. Melissa, however, wasn’t judging me, all I saw was compassion. I was perplexed with the sense of solace roving from her.

  “You could say that.” I hated my job and the squared life I was raised into, or rather, born into.

  “Then change it.” She put down the fork and gave me her full attention.

  I shook my head, chuckling. “It’s not that simple, Melissa.”

  “Yes, it is. Do you want to live the rest of your life wondering what would have been? I know how hard it is living by someone else’s rules.” There was sadness in her voice that made me wonder if she was forced into that life.

  “It’s complicated.” I shrugged. “The firm is supposed to be passed down to Dave and me and if I leave that won’t be possible. My parents would never understand and I don’t want to be the reason for yet another disappointment.” What was I doing? I frowned at how much I’d said. I wasn’t one for opening up about my personal life.

  Melissa wanted to say something further, but a knock on the door brought her to a standstill. It was probably Rob. I excused myself to go open the door.

  My face dropped when I discovered a pair of blue eyes that weren’t Rob’s. Ashlyn stood on the other side holding a box. She came for her stuff. Shit! Out of all the days, why had she picked today? I blocked the entrance knowing it would not stop her from barging in.

  “Can I come in?” Ashlyn asked when I didn’t invite her in.

  Staring at her, I hoped to feel something but didn’t. I felt nothing. No affection. No regret. Nothing allied us.

  “What do you want?” My tone was purposely harsh.

  “I came for my things.” She tried to tread in, but I stopped her. “I want my things.” She raised her voice. “Andrew, I want my stuff.”

  “I’ll have it sent to you in the morning,” I whispered, hoping Melissa wouldn’t hear.

  She smirked and tried to peek inside. “Who’s in there? C’mon Andrew, at least let me get a look. You know that we could do this the easy and friendly way or you know...” she shrugged.

  I considered slamming the door right on her face but I knew Ashlyn well. Even if I did, she would have banged on the door until I opened it and let her in. We’d done this a million times. I exhaled and grudgingly moved away to let her in. Ashlyn marched in and stopped halfway dead on her tracks.

  “I didn’t know you had company,” Ashlyn smirked, watching Melissa.

  Not understanding what game she was playing, I marched past Ashlyn and took my seat next to Melissa and indulged her. “If you called before inviting yourself you would have known.”

  “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?” She slackened her grip around a box she had brought with her, it fell, and then placed both hands on her hips.

  “Melissa, this is Ashlyn.”

  “Hello, Ashlyn,” Melissa uttered politely, and I continued to eat.

  “Melissa.” Ashlyn forced a smile. “Nice to meet you.”

  “You’re welcome to get your stuff. It’s already packed, and you know your way around.”

  “You’re in a bad mood today, Andy. You’ve treated me better.”

  I closed my eyes and counted to three and when I opened them … Ashlyn hadn’t disappeared. “Ashlyn, please do what you came here to do.” She picked up the box and stormed down the corridor.

  “I can leave if you want me to,” Melissa whispered. She was uncomfortable, but I didn’t want her to leave on Ashlyn’s account. “We could do this some other time.”

  “Don’t worry about her. Stay, I like having you around.” Melissa offered a warm smile that nearly paralyzed all my senses. I swallowed down the emotions sprouting from my chest and tore my eyes from hers.

  Ashlyn was taking more time than needed to pick up her things and get the hell out, but I avoided going after her. Undoubtedly, she would start a confrontation and things tended to get messy. Melissa didn’t need to witness any of it.

  By the time we were done eating, Ashlyn still hadn’t returned or left. Melissa helped me clear the dishes in silence. Then belatedly, Ashlyn appeared with her things. It wasn’t plentiful, she hardly stayed here.

  “I think I have everything,” she announced.

  “Good. You can go now.”

  I waited but Ashlyn didn’t move and I knew that whatever was coming next wasn’t going to be pretty. I braced myself for the worse.

  “Are you fucking her? Have you moved on this quickly?”

  Here we go. I brought my hands to my nape as my temper screeched.

  “Ashlyn, please… leave.”

  “No! Tell me how you moved on so fast? My things were still in your room when you were screwing her.”

  Perhaps Melissa should have left. She didn’t deserve this.

  “Get out,” I said calmly, holding on to my sanity by a thread.

  “I’m surprised you moved on so quickly since you were about to propose to me not too long ago. Or is she the one you were cheating on me with?”

  Ashlyn was going too far with this. I stood ready to drag her out but before I could she said, “No need, I know my way out.” Regardless, I clutched her arm, a little too tight and escorted her to the door. She opened the door but before she stepped out, she whispered, “Good luck getting laid tonight.” Followed by a cute, little giggle.

  I shut the door and sighed. Then the apartment was silent and I dreaded turning to face Melissa. We were making progress, but now I feared we took a million steps back. I turned and walked towards Melissa only to see her picking up her bag with her shoes in hand. She was upset as expected and I was embarrassed beyond words.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I’m leaving, it’s, um, it’s … getting late.”

  “Melissa, please don’t go. It’s not like that. Let me explain.”

  “You don’t owe me anything, and it’s late. I’ll call a taxi downstairs.” Melissa dashed past me heading for the door.

  My feet geared into action, hot on her heels pleading for her to stop and listen to me. Melissa opened the door; I reached for it before she stepped out and slammed it shut. Startled, she jumped back bumping into me.

  “We were together for about nine years, and during all those years we broke up a lot. We were never any good for each other. Even though we both knew it, we kept going back. Giving it one last try.” I lowered my voice and took a step forward. “Things between Ashlyn and I are complicated, don’t run away from me because of her. Ashlyn and I are over. Yes, I was going to propose to her but not because we were madly in love, but because of a sense of duty. Things aren’t always as they seem at a first glance.”

  She froze, taking in my words.

  Standing so close to her had me steaming, and my hands itched to touch her. I saw her chest rising and falling with her heavy breathing. The shared attraction between us was undeniable.

  Slowly Melissa spun, resting her back against the door. “Why didn’t you tell her there’s nothing between us?”

  “It wouldn’t have made a difference. The only thing that matters to Ashlyn is what she believes in her head to be true.”

  The internal debate going on in her mind was evident on her face. “So… she’s sort of bonkers?” Melissa whispered, and I chuckled at her choice of words.

  Now we’re getting somewhere. I stepped closer, closing the thin gap separating us. Melissa paced
back and pushed harder against the door looking down at her shoes.

  I nodded. “Something like that.”

  She raised her face and placed a hand on my chest but applied no force and didn’t push me back. “I —I came here hoping that I misjudged you. That everything was just a misunderstanding and that you were this awesome guy but the more time I spend with you, the more I see how much of a jerk you are.”

  So we weren’t getting somewhere after all. “Give me another chance,” I pleaded.

  “I did and look at how it turned out. Maybe this is a mistake and the universe is giving me all the signs to stay away from you.”

  “If the universe was so keen on keeping us apart it wouldn’t have reunited us after all these years. Don’t leave, Mel, get to know me and you’ll see that I’m not all that bad.”

  More wheels were spinning in her head from what I could see. “Andrew… I—I… you make my brain fuzzy and my body feels things and being this close doesn’t help. I can’t think straight… I want to go, but I also don’t want to go.”

  “Let me help you decide.” I attempted but failed to tame the urge I had to touch her. I crushed my lips into hers, pressing my body against hers. Melissa was a temptation I had no intention of running from.

  Her bag slipped off her shoulder, thumping on the ground followed by her shoes, and she swung her arms around my neck.

  Melissa’s touch … her touch drove me to insanity. Her mouth … her fucking mouth was addictive. I kissed her deeper, gliding my hands under her shirt. She moaned, parting her lips, kissing me with equal desire. Moving upwards, I reached her breasts, bare, a perfect fit for my palms.

  “Andrew,” she wheezed.

  “Let me give you pleasure, Mel. We can stop at any time, just not right now.” She moaned again. “Let me.” Melissa nodded, but it wasn’t enough. “Say yes, Melissa.”

  “Yes.”

  That was all I needed. I pulled Melissa’s shirt over her head along with her chain, and with shaky hands, she worked the buttons of my shirt. Once open, I pulled her nearer. Her warm breasts touched my chest. Her lips were pressed to my neck, and her hot breath caused my skin to prickle. Now, it was my turn to groan.

  I fisted her hair, cocking her head to the side and dug my teeth into her neck. I wanted to swallow her, make her part of my own body and never let her escape.

  Attentive to her reaction, I unbuttoned her shorts. She didn’t protest. I shoved them down her legs and Melissa shifted from side to side making it easier for them to fall. I stepped back and marveled at the goddess before me in a black thong.

  “You’re beautiful, Mel. Fucking beautiful.” I pressed my lips over hers, and with my knees urged her legs apart. She abided. I went further, gently stroking her inner thigh, reaching higher with each stroke. Still, no complaints. I took my chances by moving the little string covering her pussy to the side and ran a finger through her slit, brushing over the soft skin of her clit. I could barely contain my thrill. “You’re wet.”

  Her breathing became shallow and her head fell forward onto my chest. I continued drawing circles and she rocked her hips with every gentle touch, moaning louder each time. I wanted more. Much more. I wanted to feel Melissa shiver as she came. Hear her cries. Give her pleasure. I slipped a finger inside her with ease—she was soaked. She bit my chest. Then another finger, feeling her tight walls contract. Gently, I moved my fingers in and out.

  She made a whimpering sound when I pulled out my fingers. I held onto the hem of her thong and waited … no objection. I pushed them down, pressed her flat on the door and trailed kisses from her neck, to her collarbone and down to her chest. I paid particular attention to her erect nipples, licking and nibbling. Melissa hit her palms on the door with a loud cry. Not wanting her to come yet, I stopped and licked my way down from her chest, to her flat stomach, then lower to my intended destination.

  On my knees, I kissed the top of her clean-shaved pussy and glanced up. “Can I?”

  With her eyes shut, Melissa nodded. “This is a bad idea.”

  “As bad as it is it feels too good.” Parting the lips of her entrance, I stared at her little clit and then ran my tongue over it once. She cried out, mumbling words that didn’t seem to be English, but it was still the sultriest thing.

  My dick throbbed, and my heart thundered. I tongued her again and again. I was licking and sucking her sweet pussy nonstop. Her smell was intoxicating and the taste of her was one that I would never forget. Her hands traveled to my hair, and she pulled … hard. I kept going until she quivered and came screaming my name.

  I stood and wrapped my arms around her, keeping her steady as she came down from her orgasm. “Do you … want me—” she breathed.

  “Shh…” I nuzzled her ear. “Not tonight, Beautiful.” I pulled back slightly to see her eyes widen with surprise. Even I was surprised by my answer. “Stay with me. I promise not to do anything else. I want to be with you. And for some crazy reason that I still have to figure out, I need to be with you.” I swept hair away from her face while she blinked. “Stay with me, please.”

  ∞∞∞

  Although my balls hurt like I’d been hit with a sledgehammer, it was gratifying to see Melissa come apart last night and the smile on her face had not faded since. I practically didn’t sleep. I frequently checked on her making sure she was truly in my bed and that it was not another wet dream. I was incapable of doing any actual work, and I couldn’t care less. She was worth every second we spent together.

  Melissa gazed out the window while I drove her to campus. I put my hand on her thigh to get her attention. It displeased me that she was going to school in those shorts, but she said she would be late if she had to go home and change. On the other hand, it made me happy to know she was wearing my underwear and t-shirt.

  “Are we friends now?” I asked.

  She glowered at me suspiciously. “What do you mean?”

  “Just friends, hanging out and stuff. I like being around you.” She narrowed her eyes further. “I mean it, Mel. Just friends.”

  “Okay.” She shrugged. “I guess.” She went back to staring out the window.

  I parked at the university, and she turned to me. “Thanks for everything.”

  “Anytime.” I winked.

  “You never did tell me how you have my number and address.”

  “You never asked.”

  “Well then, tell me?”

  “Not now, I’m late for work but maybe later, friend.”

  Rolling her eyes, she opened the door and hopped out. I rested back on my seat preparing to change gears when I glanced at the rear-view mirror and saw that prick with the long hair. The same one who was dancing with Melissa the other night.

  The little twinkle in his eyes as they danced was a clear indicator that he wanted more than just to have a dance. He was devouring her with his eyes. The idea of another man touching her, experiencing what I experienced last night was not alluring.

  “Fuck!” Speedily, I put the car back to park and jumped out. An unreasonable pang of jealousy ran through me and my heart sped up with rage.

  “Mel,” I called for her.

  She spun on her heels, and I motioned with my chin for her to return. Melissa picked up her pace—almost jogging—back towards me.

  “What is it?” I clutched her arm, pulled her to me and kissed her. Without hesitancy, she kissed me back. I drove my hands from her back and cupped her ass. She drew back giggling. “What are you doing?” I fastened my hands behind her back keeping her in my arms.

  I glimpsed over her shoulder, and I saw him watching. Our eyes locked briefly then he looked away.

  “Think about me today.” I let her go and pecked her lips.

  “Go to work, Malcolm.” She laughed, shaking her head as she walked away.

  Why had I done that? I stood there immobile for a long time, observing as she went to him and together, they walked till they were out of sight. I pumped my hands, preventing them from forming a fis
t with the mounting irritation.

  Chapter 8

  Melissa

  I saw Ezra park his car when Andrew pulled into the parking lot. I wish he hadn’t witnessed our exchange, but he did. Throughout the years we’d known each other, Ezra had made clear the feelings he had for me and I made sure he understood that those feelings weren’t mutual. Even so, he continued in pursuit of a relationship that I was sure would never happen.

  The problem wasn’t Ezra. It wasn’t even me. The obstacle blocking all the other men was Andrew, and last night was a confirmation. I’m such a tool. Throughout the years, I couldn’t forget him or perhaps I didn’t want to. Andrew was no longer a caramel-eyed blur. He was now a handsome man that I could physically touch and whom I wanted to touch again and again.

  As I approached Ezra, I raised my head with the silly grin I couldn’t get rid of. I didn’t stop though, he followed, striding alongside me.

  “I never thought you’d fall for that type,” Ezra spat with displeasure. “Rich playboy.”

  “Nothing is going on between us.”

  Ezra snorted shaking his head. “Yeah right. Him dropping you off this early and you wearing a man’s t-shirt is all a coincidence? Oh, and don’t forget I saw him kissing you.”

  Sighing, I quickened my pace. “That just happened.”

  “Because you gave him a chance,” Ezra laughed with no evident humor and bitterness poured from his words. “Something you never gave me.”

  Oh boy. I rolled my eyes. He was right, I hadn’t. “We can hang out next weekend?”

  A smile replaced the disappointment on his face. “Seriously? I mean sure. What do you want to do?”

  “Something simple.”

  Ezra pushed the auditorium door open. We entered and settled at the back of the class then he whispered, “You won’t stand me up again, will you?”

  I shook my head, biting my inner cheek suppressing a smile. “I won’t.” At least I think I won’t. Every time we’d agreed to do something outside dancing something else happened and I would bail last minute. I sincerely hoped this time would be different.

  ∞∞∞