Flawed (Imperfectly Perfect Book 1)

by Lym Cruz

  We rode to my apartment in silence. When the car came to a rest, I wanted to fly out. “Thanks, I had a lot of fun tonight,” I said with enthusiasm, not because of the time we spent together but because I was about to see Andrew.

  “Me too.” He smiled satisfied. “I hope we do it again sometime.”

  Not gonna happen. “Yeah, I’d love to.” Then it became slightly uncomfortable again. Ezra kept clearing his throat and I wanted to leave. He then made an unexpected move and before I could fully register what was happening, he placed his hand on my thigh and was leaning in for a kiss. Oh no. I put my hand on his chest before he could come any closer.

  “I’m sorry Ezra but …” I shook my head.

  “I—it’s okay,” he stuttered and moved back. Deflated. His shoulders sagged and his expression changed completely. He was hurt. I felt bad seeing the sadness imminent around his eyes. I didn’t want to upset Ezra, but my feelings weren’t compatible with his. “Is it because of that Andrew guy?”

  “No. I just don’t think you and I will work.”

  “How do you know? You’ve never given us a chance.”

  “I just know, Ezra. You’re a great guy but…” I shrugged not knowing what to add to make the situation better.

  “Do you like him?” he whispered, looking down.

  “I like him. I like him a lot. I can’t explain it, but once you experience it then you’ll understand what I mean.” I reached for his hand and squeezed gently. “You’ll find her someday. It’s just not me.”

  He didn’t say another word and I left.

  I walked into my apartment and met Andrew sitting lazily on my couch with his computer on his lap. He gave me a once-over, assessing that everything was in place, only then did his expression soften. A smile graced his sculptured lips, triggering a strong flit across my chest. I couldn’t help myself; I ran to him.

  Andrew tossed the computer in time to catch me. “Did you miss me?” He asked with his hands around me and his nose in my hair.

  “I did,” I admitted. I missed him so stupidly much. I curled into his lap. He held me and kissed the top of my head. I melted on the spot. There was no other person in the world that aroused these feelings like Andrew did. I felt safe, at peace. Understood.

  “I want to tell you something,” he murmured, pressing me tighter against his chest.

  “You don’t need to announce that you have something to say. Just say it.”

  “Look at me.” His voice was expressionless and gave nothing away. I panicked a bit.

  I sat up waiting for him to continue. Andrew was struggling to formulate a sentence. From his lips, a few, hms and umms escaped but nothing cohesive. It was making me anxious and worried.

  “Andrew, what’s wrong?” With the delay, I could hear every loud thump of my heart. I was afraid it would escape my chest and his silence only made it worse. “Andrew…”

  He stared at me blankly and tucked my hair behind my ear. Finally, he said, “I’m in love with you, Melissa.”

  I froze.

  I was expecting something else, maybe bad news even, I didn’t know how to react to that. My brain stopped working along with the rest of my body except for my heart. I heard it louder, throbbing wildly.

  “I want you, Mel, all for myself and I don’t want to share you with anyone. As unreasonable as it might sound, I don’t want you going on dates or having any type of contact with a man that’s not me. You’re mine.”

  I gaped at him speechless. The idea of being another person’s possession did not please me in the slightest bit. But I understood what he meant and that understanding made my stomach flutter.

  Andrew smiled timidly. His eyes darted from side to side unable to focus on me. What was he afraid of, couldn’t he see the feeling was mutual? With all the emotions sparkling up inside of me, a tear streaked down my cheek. I wanted to shout that I loved him as well but the words caught in my throat, so, I opted to show him instead.

  I lowered my mouth to his and kissed him with all the passion I felt. His hands cupped the back of my neck, ushering me closer. It was the clumsiest kiss. Our teeth clashed, our tongues dueled, neither one of us was willing to slow down.

  Desire exploded.

  My hands found his hair and tugged. He groaned and I felt the vibration on his chest. His hands slid under my top and his touch cut through me. I didn’t need any more foreplay. I was dripping wet.

  Andrew slithered his mouth from mine, down to my jaw, to my neck. Leaving a hot trail as he went.

  “Andrew … Andrew,” I pleaded for more as he pulled my top over my head and nuzzled my breast over the lace of my bra.

  He loved me.

  ∞∞∞

  “I love you, Mel,” Andrew murmured over and over, spreading kisses on my stomach as I came down from a blur of pleasure. “You are so beautiful.”

  Andrew swathed me and rolled over, bringing me to lie on his chest. I was fulfilled, the happiest I’d ever been. Looking at his tender eyes, I felt loved.

  I rested my head on his chest as he caressed my naked skin with soft and meek strokes.

  “I love you, Andrew,” I finally managed to say. I’d never said that to a man before, my father excluded, it felt good to listen to the words leave my mouth because they were true. I was in love.

  “Are you my girlfriend now?”

  “I hope so.” I looked down at him. “I’ve never had a boyfriend before.”

  “Neither have I.” He snort-laughed. “You make me happy, Melissa. You’ll never know how much.”

  If it was half as good as he made me feel then I had a pretty good idea.

  “Wow!” I cheered. “I have a boyfriend.”

  “Yes, you do and I have a great girlfriend.”

  “I know, right? I’m awesome.”

  “Your modesty is admirable.” Andrew shook his head. “Listen, next weekend is the anniversary of the firm. Every year we have a party and it’s as dull as fuck, but it’s mandatory that I make an appearance.” Andrew continued caressing my back and I looked down at him relishing the moment. “I want you to be there with me. With you, anything is tolerable.”

  “Gladly. Is it black tie?”

  “Yes,” He paused, and I sensed hesitation. “If you need, um, a dress or anything, let me know.”

  If I need a dress? My first inclination was to burst out laughing, however, I managed to suppress it. My father’s fortune made his family’s money seem like a bad joke. The Malcolm’s were rich and had a rather profitable firm, but it came nowhere near the Alford’s fortune. As Andrew once told me, he was not rich, and technically neither was I yet, but I was not exactly struggling either. I wasn’t sure if he was trying to be chivalrous or if he really didn’t know who the Alfords were. My name in this continent wasn’t a big deal but he must have done some sort of check on me. This is the same guy who tracked my phone.

  “Don’t worry I’m good.” He exhaled, tension visibly leaving his body. I heard the faint sound of a phone vibrating. “Yours or mine?”

  “Yours,” Andrew shifted me off his body to get the phone. I whined, irked with the loss of contact. “Christina.”

  “Ignore it. If it’s important, she’ll call back.”

  He set the phone on the nightstand table and laid back on the bed. The phone started vibrating almost immediately.

  “I guess it’s important.”

  Growling, I answered the call. Andrew moved to give me privacy. “What?” I quipped.

  “Facetime,” Christina said, sounding bothered.

  I quickly tapped the green icon on my phone, and her face filled the screen. “I have a problem, Mel. A big one.”

  Oh boy. “You’re pregnant.” It was intended to be a question but came out more like an accusation.

  “No!” She crinkled her nose. “It’s Rob.”

  I sat up and tugged the bed sheet to cover my bare chest. “What did he do?”

  Christina laughed flatly. “He didn’t do anything.”

 
Her answer confused me. If he didn’t do anything why was he a problem? “You have to give me something, Tina.”

  She sighed and remained quiet for a second then whispered, “I like him.”

  As soon as I registered what she was saying, I laughed. I laughed until my eyes began to fill with tears. I knew this was bound to happen eventually. “I’m sorry.” I tried to hold back my laughter.

  “Shut up you, bitch!” Christina growled. “Or I’ll hang up.”

  It took me a few seconds to contain myself and look at her straight. “You like him that’s a good thing, right?”

  “Wrong! I don’t know what to do.”

  “Um, did you try talking to him?”

  “No!” Her eyes enlarged with horror. “I can’t tell him.”

  “Then give it some time or something. I don’t know.”

  “Argh! You suck at this.”

  “Call Erica. She’ll know what to say.”

  “I did, but she isn’t answering. Why do you think I called you?”

  “Ouch!” I brought my hand to my chest feigning hurt.

  “Bye, I’ll try her again. You’re useless.” She hung up.

  “Don’t encourage her,” Andrew said. “He doesn’t feel the same.”

  I turned to face him, perplexed. “How do you know? Did he say something to you?”

  Andrew shook his head and pulled me close to him. “He doesn’t need to. I know Rob, and when he likes a girl, it’s obvious. He doesn’t know how to hide it.”

  “Maybe he’s changed.”

  “It could be, but I doubt it, beautiful.” He kissed my neck. “I really like your hair. Don’t ever change it.”

  “How sure are you about Rob?”

  “Very sure. He doesn’t like her that way, Melissa. Trust me on this.”

  “Should I tell her?”

  “I would suggest so, but then she’s your friend and you know her best.”

  I had no idea how to handle the situation. The one-time Christina falls for someone, this happens.

  ∞∞∞

  Light sputtered over my eyelids forcing my eyes to open. The red curtains of my bedroom window were open and the early morning light streamed in. Blinking, I adjusted to the surrounding. I tried to move but long heavy limbs enfolded with mine prevented me.

  I reached for my phone on the nightstand, it was 7:43 am. I set the phone back down and carefully attempted to unhook his arms from around me. Andrew groaned dissatisfied and inhaled deeply, nuzzling on my neck. It tickled and a giggle bolted out of me.

  He untangled our bodies and stretched. “Good morning.” Andrew hauled the sheet away. I curled into a ball, trying to cover my naked body. “What time is it?” he asked in his croaky, sleepy voice.

  “Nearly eight,” I answered, pulling the sheet to cover myself. Andrew yanked it back down and rolled on top of me bracing up on his elbows. He rubbed his half erection against me then leaned into for what I assumed was a kiss.

  Instinctively, my hand swung to my cover my mouth. I’d never woken up with him on my side. Andrew had an internal alarm that went off way before mine but this morning he overslept.

  Blinking his sleepy, brown eyes, he scowled. “What? Is my breath that bad?”

  “No. Mine is,” I answered, growing self-conscious with my morning appearance.

  Andrew spread his legs on either side of my body then reached for both my wrists. I struggled to keep them in place over my mouth. He was stronger and pinned them both above my head. Predicting his next move, I sealed my lips, then slewed from side to side.

  He held both my wrists in one hand, and with the other he cupped my jaw, holding me motionless. “You’re so beautiful even when you’re all messy.” He skimmed the tip of his nose over mine. When I didn’t unseal my lips, he moved his grip from my jaw to my cheeks and applied pressure until my lips popped out.

  “Ouch,” I whined and tried to kick him. But it didn’t stop Andrew from doing what he wanted. He forced his tongue into my mouth, and it took me a while before I kissed him back. When I did, he released my wrists, and I embraced him.

  “That wasn’t so difficult,” he murmured against my lips.

  Andrew then led us to the bathroom, turned on the shower and gave my mouth his attention. The bathroom air soon became warm and damp. We were enveloped by a dense blanket of steam that caused our bodies to become moist and slippery. Andrew lifted me off my feet and took us into the shower.

  Once he set me down, I slid from his hold, down to my knees and lifted my eyes with a naughty smirk; making my intentions clear. I positioned my palms on his thighs and stirred them upwards until my fingertips brushed his balls. Sweeping them back and forth, I teased him, building the anticipation. He rested his head on the shower wall, gulping large chunks of air. My hands moved up to the base of his cock as I swirled my tongue around the head with simultaneous flicks at a sensitive area just below his crown. I did it several times before taking him fully into my mouth.

  “Ahh!” he groaned.

  Andrew smelled strongly of lasts night’s arousal and the scent plus his wild cries of pleasure zested my desire to devour him. To give him the same amount of thrill he gives me. I withdrew, taking him out, rounded his tip and then slipped him back in, hungrily taking him in. Andrew palmed the back of my head, pushing me forward until his length hit the back of my throat.

  “Fuck, Mel,” he hissed, rocking his hips back and forth.

  Exhilarated, I kept going and glanced up to gauge his reaction. His lips were parted, and his eyes were wide open watching me. Andrew fisted my hair, removing it from my face stammering, “I’m…I’m.”

  He was close but I didn’t stop. “Mel,” he breathed and I sucked harder.

  Andrew growled through clenched teeth as his body went rigid and his hold on my hair tightened. I was in a bliss myself, forgoing the pain caused by the strain on my head. Then he shoved himself deeper, emptying into my mouth. I didn’t swallow. I never had a great liking for the taste of semen.

  Andrew slumped on the tiled wall, the veins on his neck were pulsing, while he calmed his breathing with his eyes firmly shut. I rose and paced towards the water. It ran from the root of my head all the way to the tip of my toes.

  The water was hot, way past lukewarm. Way hotter than I normally use. I stuck out my tongue, washing away the taste of his cum when unexpectedly, I was spun flat against the wall.

  “Thank you,” Andrew said and kissed my shoulder. “You’re awesome.”

  He delicately ran his hand over my hard nipples and tugged. I arched my back, moaning. Too quickly he went lower, down to my stomach and even lower to my throbbing folds. He didn’t need to ask, I promptly parted my legs, inviting him to touch me. Two fingers slipped inside of me. I gulped, moaning frantically when his thumb brushed over my clit. Round and round his thumb rotated while at the same time his fingers worked on me. I was dazed in pure lust.

  “Andrew, kiss me,” I pleaded.

  His lips parted slowly and his tongue traced a path across my bottom lip and then he claimed my mouth. His spare hand found its way back to my needy breast. I was nearly done for when his movements came to a halt and he backed away.

  “Turn around and put your hands on the wall.” I obeyed his order. “Mel, I really want to feel you without a condom. I know you’re not on birth control.” He kissed my back and murmured against my fiery flesh. “But I really want this.”

  At that moment neither one of us was thinking logically, nor was it the best time to make any decision. The sensible thing was to say no but no one is sensible in the middle of sex. I listened to my body. I wanted it as eagerly as he did. He might not have known but I hadn’t the slightest clue of what having a man inside of me without barriers felt like.

  “I trust you, Andrew,” I said wholeheartedly.

  That was all the confirmation he needed. I felt him push in the first bare inch deliciously slow. It was good, so different. I trapped my breath in my chest feeling him slide all the way in
. His front was glued to my back and his hands snaked around my waist.

  “I knew it … amazing,” he whispered.

  He drove my hips back an inch and tilted my spine forward then he began to move. Really move. Plunging hard and fast like he’d never done before. Usually, he treated me as if I were a delicate petal, but not today. He unleashed, unable to control his animalistic cravings. I could barely keep my hands rooted on spot. He pulled out, turned me around, and lifted me up on the wall.

  “Wrap your legs around me,” he said, and slammed back in, viciously thrusting in and out. I hugged him, securing my body against him. Sex had never felt this good, maybe because I didn’t know what sex with love was or simply because it was with Andrew.

  Higher and higher he took me each time. My muscles went rigid as a bold pull overtook nearly knocking me out of consciousness. I screamed his name into his mouth as I climaxed. My body lost all strength and my legs slipped down. Andrew’s weight over me kept me from completely collapsing to the floor.

  I saw sparks.

  Andrew pulled out and came on my stomach. We stood still, only our chest moving rapidly. It took us a while to recover.

  “I wouldn’t mind starting the day like this every morning,” he murmured with laziness. “I wish I didn’t have to go to work.”

  I nodded, too weak to speak.

  With a reasonable distance, we finished showering. Andrew searched for his clothes and carelessly dragged them on. He had a meeting with a client at nine and was already running late. From the kitchen counter, he extracted his cell phone, car keys and then headed for the door.

  “Lunch?” He asked.

  “I can’t. I have a life outside Andrew Malcolm. You could come by later and bring a suit or two, so we don’t have to do this horrible tango every morning.”

  He smirked. “Are you asking me to move in with you?”

  I shrugged. “Maybe.”

  Chapter 12

  Andrew

  In a hurry, I burst through the entrance door to Malcolm & Bale, twenty minutes late. I’d done this walk of shame quite a lot in the past few days. Even after having left a few of my things at Melissa’s apartment, I struggled to part ways with her every morning. I never thought life could be this good.