Fearless (Broken Love Book 5)

by B. B. Reid

  He won’t hurt me, I texted back and immediately silenced my phone. I knew who Keiran once was just as I know him now. He wouldn’t hurt me, and I wouldn’t let him if he tried.

  We pulled into Keenan and Sheldon’s driveway and he cut the engine. We listened to the car settle in silence as the rain began to lightly fall.

  “How was I released so early? Shouldn’t I have been brought before a judge before making bail?”

  “There was never a warrant for your arrest.”

  “Come again?”

  “They never had probable cause that you were the one to murder Mitch so a warrant was never issued. You were taken under false pretenses. It was a set-up.”

  “But how can that be? I—” I stopped when I realized the hole I was digging was just getting deeper with each word spoken.

  Keiran’s eyes dilated until he was seething with anger. “You what? Are you about to tell me you killed my father?” When I stared ahead, he punched out at the steering wheel causing the horn to blare. My guilt was written in my silence. “Damn it, Lake!”

  “Calm down.” I refused to cower no matter how intimidating he could be.

  “Don’t fucking say that. Don’t tell me to calm down.”

  “I’m not fighting with you in the car, Keiran.” I snatched his keys from the ignition and yanked open the door. Storming to the door, I left him to follow or sulk alone in the rain.

  “Get back here!”

  The rain was pounding down hard now, drowning out his roar. I ignored him and threw open the front door. I guessed everyone decided to leave Keiran and me to sort out our shit since we were completely alone.

  “Lake.” I could hear his footsteps pounding the floor after me.

  “I told you, Keiran. Calm down and we’ll talk.”

  “We talk now.”

  “I spent a night in jail for the first time. I need aspirin and a hot bath—and in that order.”

  I took the first step when I left his hand on my upper arm. “Don’t walk away from me. Look at me.” His voice was rough with grit and desperation and I couldn’t bring myself to deny him. I met his eyes and saw the pain in them. He dropped his hand from my arm and wrapped his hands around my waist, tugging me closer. “What’s happening?”

  “I don’t know.” But I wish I did.

  “Did I do this to you?”

  “What do you think you did?” My voice and heart were pleading because I didn’t understand the look in his eyes. He looked confused, heartbroken, and ready to bolt.

  “Did my being with you turn you into this? I don’t even know you.”

  “What is there to know, Keiran? Everyone always says how weak I am. How you’ll destroy me. How I can’t handle you. I just wanted to prove them wrong, and I wanted to protect you.”

  “You killed my father, Lake.”

  “I did it for you.”

  “Yeah? What would make you think I would ever be okay with this?” he asked forcefully.

  When I couldn’t find the answer, he turned and walked away from me, and I felt my world crumble right before my eyes.

  Chapter Five

  KEIRAN

  She wanted to protect me? Why did it sound as if she couldn’t trust me? She lied to me and emasculated me with one blow, but worst of all, she put herself at risk. I let her go because maybe she was right. I needed to calm down before I did something I’d regret. I heard her ascend the stairs as I took a seat in the living room. I listened to the water run and cursed my mind when it ventured to thoughts of her naked. I even pictured her covered in suds, wet, and wanting.

  My dick stretched the material of my jeans, and I suddenly felt hot all over. I had to sleep without her last night, and the reminder refueled my anger until I was on my feet, shedding my shirt dampened by the rain. The water had already shut off, and I pictured her waiting for me in the steaming water.

  Up the stairs and across the landing, I shed jeans and shoes until I was naked and standing in front of the bathroom door. When I didn’t hear a sound, I pushed open the door and found her head back as she slept. She was completely encased in bubbles, her body hidden by the soapy water. I wanted in.

  She must have sensed me because her eyes popped open. Recognition replaced fatigue and she sat up, watching me carefully.

  “What are you doing?” Her eyes flew to my cock, and I could see her throat work as she swallowed. When her lips parted, she let out a little sound I wasn’t sure she had heard. The top of her breasts were visible now and when she moved, the water parted, granting me a glimpse of her pink nipples as they hardened.

  “I want what I was denied last night, and you’re not going to deny me now.”

  “I wasn’t going to.”

  Thank fuck. I wouldn’t have forced her if she had, but we didn’t need any more strain on our relationship than we had now. I wasn’t sure it would hold under the added pressure.

  “Then move back.” It was a challenge, and she knew it judging the way her eyes blazed with defiance and lust. She scooted back until her back hit the wall of the tub, and I entered the space but didn’t sit. My dick was level with her lips and I wasn’t about to miss the opportunity to feel her soft lips wrapped around me.

  “You know what to do.”

  I smirked.

  She glared.

  Too much time passed, and my dick only got harder. When I grew bored with our silent battle, I gripped the back of her neck and brought her closer. “Don’t make me ask again.”

  “I don’t recall you asking at all,” she snapped.

  Fine. If she wanted to play this game, I’d play it better. “Suck me off, baby. Please?”

  “Now you’re just being coy.”

  “And you’re pissing me off.” It took everything not to shove my dick down her throat, but I wasn’t that guy anymore, and she didn’t deserve him.

  “Maybe I don’t want you to be gentle with me.”

  “No?”

  “Gentle is not what I need right now,” she reassured.

  “Open.” I could hear the roughness of my voice and feel her skin as my fingers gripped her tighter. When she opened her mouth just a fraction, I plunged inside, forcing past her teeth and feeling them graze my skin. The pain couldn’t stop me or make me care. She gagged when my entire length invaded her mouth, and I groaned from the pleasure of her submission. I wanted—no, I needed—to fuck that sweet, smart mouth of hers.

  I pulled back and watched her draw in large gulps of air. Spittle dripped down her chin and tears streaked her reddened face.

  “Brace.” It was her only warning before I plunged inside her mouth again. “Control your breathing,” I demanded. I wouldn’t take it easy on her—not after she had asked for this. I’d take her to the very edge until she felt as if she was falling and then I’d bring her back.

  I fucked with her and she submitted.

  This was the game we played.

  Until I came down her throat at least.

  I slapped my hands against the tile and fought to catch my breath. Only when I finished coming did I slip my cock from her mouth. She mewled and licked at my still hard cock.

  “Fuck. You’re perfect.”

  She didn’t respond when she let me go and sat back, letting her eyes fall closed again. I stood staring down at her for long moments. I could tell she sensed me because her body was held stiffly, a far cry from when I entered. When it became apparent I was being ignored, I left the bathroom, ignoring the need to assert my dominance.

  Fucking wasn’t on the menu. Our little moment in the bathroom wasn’t supposed to happen. I was supposed to be pissed not lusting after her. I needed to stay focused to protect her.

  My father was dead, but she could still go to prison. Her arrest was to scare her and pump information out of her. Thompson was working on learning what evidence they had against her to build a concrete defense.

  Thirty minutes had passed when a door slammed, switching my focus to the stairs and the footsteps that were descending th
em. I felt my stomach tense and told myself not to fuck this up.

  “Keiran?” She stood in front of me now, just between my legs. Her voice was soft, and the nervous flutter I hadn’t heard in a long time was back. I pulled her down onto my lap and wrapped an arm around her waist to keep her there. The way she stiffened rather than melted told me my intentions weren’t missed. “I’m not going to run.”

  “We’ll see.” It was all I could say without starting an argument that would take us off course. “Tell me what happened.” I had to wait while she wrung her hands and chewed her lip. Her eyes were wide as she looked anywhere but at me. “If you’re thinking of lying—”

  “I don’t think there’s much to say. You already know most of it. I killed Mitch because he needed to die.”

  “Why do you think that fell on your shoulders?” I fought against myself to keep my voice even. What she did was stupid and she’d gotten caught. She had no idea what she was walking into.

  She had no idea how to kill and remain detached.

  Did I?

  “I wanted to protect you.”

  “I can take care of myself and I take care of us.”

  “Had I told you where Mitch was, you wouldn’t have thought it out. You would have gone and killed him and gotten caught. You have too many strikes.”

  “And did you think it out? Because you did get caught and murder is murder.” My voice was no longer level and rose with each word. She shook against me. “You could get twenty-five to life for that piece of shit!”

  Her body stiffened more against me if it were even possible. “It’s done,” she stated coldly.

  I used my arm to crush her against me, enjoying the harsh gasp that escaped her lips. A part of me relished the thought of hurting her even just a little. It’s how she affected me. She made me want to hurt her and protect her all at once.

  “How did you find out where he was?”

  “My grandmother is at the same rehabilitation center John kept Mitch.”

  She flinched when I swore. “How did you find out?”

  Her eyes shifted and she didn’t answer for some time. “I saw h—his name when I went to visit my grandmother. It was in a folder at the nurse’s station.”

  I felt my own eyes narrow on the wildly beating pulse at her throat. “And you just happened to see it?”

  “Yes.” She wouldn’t meet my eyes.

  “Why didn’t you tell me you were going to visit her?”

  “Because you would have made a big deal about me going alone and while you were away.”

  “You fucking think?”

  “What do you want me to say?”

  “I want you to tell the fucking truth!”

  “Keiran, let it go.”

  Chapter Six

  LAKE

  The air between us that had been charged with heat had just frozen over with four little words. “What did you just say?”

  “You’re yelling and it’s getting us nowhere. Besides, I’m hungry.” His grip had slackened so I used the opportunity to get away. I was lying just as I lied to him all those months ago, and he knew it. But if he found out Q was there and he was the one to kill Mitch, he would kill him.

  I tripped over my feet to get to the kitchen and only a hand on the banister stopped my fall. I knew he had followed me. I could feel the heat of his stare on my back.

  “Lake. I’m trying—I’m really trying not to hurt you.” His voice sounded strained. I spun around to face him. He stood in the doorway, gripping the sides. His impressive chest moved as he took a deep breath.

  “Are you going through the checklist?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is the person in front of you worth your anger?”

  His eyebrows drew in, turning his visage harsh. “I don’t know.”

  “Is it worth your freedom?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Is it worth losing me?”

  “No.”

  “Then can I eat now?”

  He stared for long moments, and I held my breath waiting for his response. When he finally nodded, I moved to turn away. “But I have one more question first.”

  My heart skipped and my throat ached. I should have known it wouldn’t be so easy. “Yes?”

  “Do you have any idea what being mine means?” His voice was full of possession. He still thought he could own me.

  Control me.

  If I rolled my eyes, Keiran might kill me. He was just that mad but holding my irritation and my own anger at bay was proving a challenge.

  “It’s been five years. I’m aware.” I kept my tone as bland as possible instead of lashing out like I wanted.

  “Wanna bet? Cause I say you don’t anymore.”

  “Well, then, enlighten me, Keiran.”

  “Being mine means you don’t think, you don’t plan, and you damn fucking sure don’t make a move without my permission.”

  “Excuse me?”

  He stalked forward, invading my space. “Piss me off, Lake. I fucking dare you.”

  “Step back.” I issued my own warning. “I’m not taking this shit from you again.”

  His eyes flickered with what might have been regret, but it was gone in a blink. “I won’t hurt you, baby.” He paused to run his finger down my cheek. It slipped from my face roughly, indicating the force of his next words. “But I will punish you.”

  * * *

  SEVEN MONTHS AGO

  I stormed from the center, but when I reached my car, I couldn’t bring myself to leave. I came here with the intention of killing Mitch, and I wasn’t leaving until he was dead.

  I drove my car out of sight knowing Q would check to make sure I had actually left and waited, keeping watch on the door. I didn’t have to wait long. Q slowly exited the building and crept away all too calmly with his outer shirt folded in his hand.

  I decided to follow after him to make sure he left the city and when he did, I turned back for the center. I waited once again for another employee to take a smoke break and slipped back inside. It didn’t occur to me until I was pushing through his room door once again that I no longer had my knife, but it didn’t matter.

  Mitch was already dead.

  The gaping hole in his throat where blood had gushed, staining his gown and sheets, was proof that Mitch had finally met his deserved ending.

  With each step toward his bedside, my relief over his death grew.

  Keiran was safe.

  I felt a sick pleasure witnessing Mitch’s lifeless stare. He deserved to suffer more than he did, but I would take what I could get. I hadn’t been the one to deliver the deathblow, but my hand in his death was as rewarding as it was damning. I had repaid him for all the evil he had done and the pain he had caused.

  Keiran was finally free though a part of me died with Mitch—the innocence that had made me the perfect victim.

  “I hope you suffer in hell, Mitch Masters.”

  He couldn’t hear me, and I wished he could. I needed him to know he had paid his debts and that he didn’t win. I heard the sudden splatter of his blood on the wall and looked away, fighting the urge to gag. I shrunk back at the gruesome sight of the red lettering on the wall.

  For John.

  Why could Q write that? It was damning evidence that could come back to haunt us.

  Suddenly, I had the feeling that coming back was a mistake. I ran from the room without looking back, and in my frantic need to escape, I stumbled down the wrong hallway and bumped into a nurse.

  “Oh!”

  “Sorry!” I forced the apology past my aching throat and attempted to get away when she shouted for me to stop. My instinct was to run but with a dead body that would soon be found it wouldn’t have been my smartest move.

  “Now where are you off to in such a rush?”

  “I was just looking for my grams room. I was hoping to visit her before she took her nap.” I was amazed at how easy the lies rolled off my tongue.

  “What room is she in?”

&nb
sp; “408.”

  “You’re in the wrong wing. Take a left down this corridor and make a right at the end.”

  “Thanks.” I tried once again to leave.

  “Wait a second.” Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. She eyed me suspiciously while taking in my appearance. “You’re not wearing a visitor’s badge. Did you sign in before roaming these halls?”

  I felt the first rivulet of sweat on my top lip. I licked it away nervously and stilled my shaking hands. “Um. I’m sorry. I must have missed it.”

  “Well, come on. I’ll walk you to the nurse’s station. You’re not allowed back here without signing in and wearing a visitor’s badge,” she berated unnecessarily.

  I followed her to the desk where she handed me a clipboard and pen. Q’s wasn’t on the log, which meant he came in the same way I had. I scribbled my name and looked around at the busy nurses whose eyes were busy pouring over charts. The coast was clear so I bolted through the front doors.

  * * *

  Keiran had disappeared after delivering his promise, and Keenan and Sheldon came home with a sleepy Ken a few hours later. Keenan disappeared upstairs to put Kennedy down, and Sheldon pulled me into the living room to grill me.

  “How was it?” Sheldon asked with a nervous flutter of her hands. I didn’t miss the way she looked me over for signs of abuse, and I couldn’t say it was completely unwarranted given our history and how angry he was when we left them.

  “I’m fine if that’s what you’re really asking.”

  “What happened?” she repeated.

  I ran down everything, excluding the blowjob, but I did tell her about his threat before he left. The heat in his eyes promised things I wasn’t sure I could handle. He was taking my deception better than expected, but something told me not to be fooled by the calm. It was only a prelude to the storm that always followed.

  “What do you think he’ll do?”

  “I wish I knew. He’s taking this better than I expected.”

  “I wouldn’t trust it. We all know how—crazy— he can get. He’s distracted now, but what happens later when we clear your name? I mean—you didn’t do it. Thompson said the arrest was a fluke to uncover a lead, which is illegal by the way.”