Frayed Rope (The Ugly Roses Book 1)

by Harlow Stone

  “When I got home, not only did I find out she’d missed the rent and hydro bill because she spent it on a trip with her friends to the Bahamas, but I also found out she’d been sleeping with the Mayors son.”

  Shit I want to pummel the bitch, and wish I did when I had the chance.

  “I didn’t care about the mayor’s son. Still don’t. After the call from the bank I knew I would be leaving her. Unfortunately I had to wait three months before I got home to speak with her about it face to face. Long story short Elle, I packed my shit and moved to the cottage. Gave my notice to the landlord and left her to the wolves. Not my fucking problem she can’t manage her money. She soon moved in with the Mayors son and then anyone else with money who would take her in since then.

  “My guess, her showing up at the house this time means that she’s out of money, and her recent sugar daddy kicked her out. Once again though beautiful, not my problem. This isn’t the first time she’s showed up, and it probably won’t be the last. I’ve never taken her back and I don't intend to.”

  Wow.

  That's a lot to take in.

  “Greedy bitch.”

  I hate when someone kind is taken advantage of.

  “That about sums it up. I have money now Elle, a lot. My security business does well and I’m sure she’s learned about that too, which is why she still comes around.”

  “I don't care about your money Ryder.”

  I honestly say, because I don't. I certainly don't need it.

  ‘I know you don't Elle, but I’m sure it gave Anna the push to come back. I’m just sorry I wasn’t there to keep her away from you. Not sure what all she said, but I imagine it wasn’t good.”

  “I told you before Ryder, I don't do the catty bitch routine.”

  We sit in silence for a few moments. Both processing I’m sure. Him able to breathe a little easier because he found me, and me going over everything he just said. I’m not sure how much time passes before he’s in front of me with his ass on the coffee table. Elbows back on his knees and head leaned closer to mine.

  “I miss you Elle. I miss seeing you on your back deck for your morning coffee and I miss your smart mouth. I also miss your cooking, but that's not why I’m here.”

  I stare into those beautiful eyes and breathe in the scent of him. Fresh laundry and man. No cologne for the road but it still lingers on his clothing.

  “Why are you here then Ryder?”

  I solemnly ask. I’m mentally exhausted, on top of my two hour workout with Brock I can’t take much more.

  “I’m here because I want you with me Elle. I want you home where I can see you, and not just because I’m a selfish bastard but because I know this is not where you belong. This place is temporary beautiful, it’s not your home.”

  If anyone would figure something like that out it would be Ryder. We may not have known each other long but sometimes you just know someone. Sometimes better than you know yourself.

  I wish I had of gave him the benefit of the doubt when it came to Anna, but I have to remind myself that I was leaving anyway after he saw my scars.

  “This is a lot to take in Ryder, and to be honest with you I can’t process it all right now. I’m exhausted. I’m sure you are too. I need to sleep on this and deal with it tomorrow.”

  He leans over and runs his hand down my face and curls it around the back of my neck. He leans in close so his forehead is against mine.

  “You can take the time beautiful, I told you I would never push you and I won’t. But I’m not leaving here without an answer. Whether that takes you until tomorrow or a few days from now, I’m going to be right here. Waiting.”

  He leans forward and places his lips on mine. He’s firm enough that I know he means every word he said but he doesn't try to take it further.

  “I’m staying the night Elle, I’ve been in every shitty motel from here to the East Coast and I want to share a bed with you.”

  I take in a deep breath, prepared to reject him but his words stop me.

  “Just to sleep, I just want to sleep next to you Elle.”

  He sounds so defeated so I just nod. At this point I can’t say no.

  I grab his hand and lead us down the hallway. My room is not pretty but I never cheap out on a mattress. I let go of his hand and move to my side of the bed. I reach under my pillow and move my gun into the drawer of my night table.

  “Good call beautiful.”

  He too removes a gun from an ankle holster and does the same thing on his side of the bed.

  “Mind if I borrow your shower?”

  He asks as he takes off his boots.

  “That's fine. Towels are in the closet beside the bathroom. Lock the front door please when you’re out there.”

  I ask as I pull the blankets back.

  Ryder moves around the bed and places a kiss in my hair.

  “Be back in a few.”

  He leaves the room and I hear the front door open. Most likely he’s gone to grab a bag. I don't wait up for him. I shut off the overhead light and leave the small one on that sits on the nightstand. I rid myself of my robe and sweat pants and climb into bed.

  A while later I hear him come back in the room. I’m faced away from him and I don't turn around. I feel the bed dip and the covers move as he settles in and turns off the light.

  A warm arm comes around my stomach and he spoons me into his front. It feels good, and warm. Like coming home. He inhales my hair before placing a kiss there.

  “I missed the way you smell.”

  A kiss is then placed on my bare shoulder before he settles down into the bed.

  “Thank you.”

  I’m not sure if he's thanking me for the cuddle, or the killer mattress. I don’t ask.

  “Goodnight Ryder.”

  “Night beautiful.”

  His whiskey voice is the last sweet thing I hear before I fall asleep.

  Chapter Twenty

  I wake up to warmth. Deep to my soul warmth. I also feel a hand running up and down my arm, and my legs entwined with another's.

  Ryder.

  I’m not sure when we moved in the night, but my arm is thrown over his stomach and my head is on his shoulder. I slowly open my eyes and hear the smooth whiskey morning voice above me.

  “Mornin’ beautiful.”

  I crane my neck up and take stock of his face. His scruff is a few days overgrown and his long dark lashes lay heavy on his cheekbones. Those dark eyes are greyer around the outside in the morning, and I think it makes him look even more handsome. He’s shirtless and I relish in the feel of his mild scattering of chest hair under my hand.

  “Morning.”

  I yawn in the middle. I’m comfortable and quite rested. I quickly register that I spent an entire night without nightmares. I lift my head and glance across his torso and notice it’s ten in the morning.

  Eight hours of sleep. I can’t remember when I last slept solid for that length of time.

  He rolls towards me, and as he does his thigh hits me in exactly the right place between my legs. I took off my sweats because I can’t stand to sleep in them if it’s not winter.

  The feel of his warm skin against mine is enough to make my heart rate speed up a little. His hand begins making a beautiful soothing journey up and down my back and I close my eyes and let out a little hum.

  He places slow random kisses along my hairline and I move my hand up to lay above his heart.

  “Feels good to wake up with you, haven’t slept that good in a while”

  He repeats the earlier thoughts going through my head as his hands continue their wonderful journey up to my shoulders, and down around my hips.

  I groan when his hand meets my thigh, still feeling a bruise from Monday’s session with Brock when he took me down on the mats.

  Ryder reaches up and moves the blanket down past my ass. The movement causes his thigh to push harder into my core and I moan a little at the contact.

  “Jesus, its blue. This from tra
ining with Brock?”

  His hand moves lightly over the bruised area.

  “Couldn't get my head on straight the other day. I learned from it, and went back last night to kick ass.”

  Which I totally fucking did, and hope I can pull it off again.

  “I wish he didn't leave you like this afterwards, but I get it. If it makes you feel good and teaches you something, then I’m happy you’re doing it Elle.”

  His hand glides down towards my knee and he leans the upper half of his body over mine. I mewl at the loss of his thigh between my legs but when I feel his lips touch my hip I sigh out in relief.

  It’s still quite dark in my room, the blackout shades are drawn but light seeps in from the hallway. His hands work their way down my leg and when he gets to my ankle he stops with the kisses to speak.

  “How's the ankle been?”

  It’s kind of him to ask and I respond truthfully.

  “Tender a few times after landing wrong in a kick at the gym, but its okay”

  I reply in my still sleep filled raspy voice. His hands nudge me onto my back and within moments he’s looming above me. His dark hair hangs around his face and his eyes roam my features. The majority of his weight is held on his forearms but the lower half of his body has settled into mine.

  His eyes continue to search my face as his hands move into my hair. He’s studying me, for what I don’t know.

  “I’m gonna kiss you now beautiful. Because if today, tomorrow or the next day you tell me to leave, I want to make damn sure I gave it everything while I was given the chance.”

  I don't get the ability to respond before his mouth is on mine. It’s deep, but slow and oh so passionate. He nips my bottom lip lightly to gain access into my mouth. His tongue twirls with mine in a sensual dance that further relaxes my body.

  Wet lips work their way across my face and down my neck. He licks a trail from my ear to my collarbone and slides his hand down my side. I moan in pleasure when his thumb moves over my breast and he takes it further by moving his mouth in that direction.

  His mouth surrounds my nipple through the threadbare tank top and I push my fingers into his silky hair. His hands continue their journey south until they reach my panties and he moves his large body further down the bed.

  He places open mouth kisses across my hip and then my still covered center.

  “Ahhhhh”

  I moan out at the contact. His hands grab onto the sides of the only piece of clothing separating my aching center from his mouth and he slowly lowers them down my legs.

  He lifts my ankles, one at a time and bends them at the knee before planting them back on the bed. His eyes stay glued to my waxed core before they meet mine.

  “Beautiful everywhere babe. I’m going to taste you now. Don't stop me please.”

  I couldn't if I wanted to, but I also lack the ability of speech. I spread my legs wider in invitation and it’s all the answer he needs before he dives in.

  “Gahhhhh fuck!”

  He lays one long lick from bottom to top before attacking my clit and bringing his fingers into the folds. Last time was quick and fast. This time he’s prolonging it, but it makes the act that much sweeter.

  One finger then two enters me and I can feel it start to build.

  “Shit don't stop!”

  I rasp bringing my feet up and placing them on his shoulders.

  “Not a fucking chance.”

  He growls against my clit and it’s enough to send goose bumps over my entire body. He’s relentless and I’m close. His skill is perfect and I can’t hold out much longer.

  “Fuck Ry I’m gonna come!”

  I pull on his hair with my fingers. He grabs my wrists to remove my hands, the loss of his fingers inside me slowing down my orgasm.

  “Fuck no-” I start to whine but Ryder's already sitting up and moves to lay back on the bed grabbing me by the hips on the way.

  “Not like that beautiful, you’ll sit on my face when you come.”

  I’m stunned a little and slow in my movements due to my semi sated state. I’m taking too long and he grabs one of my legs and pulls it over his body before hoisting me by the hips up to his face.

  “Grab the fucking headboard Elle and sit down. Now!”

  I don't need to be told twice. I do as he says and he trusts his tongue up inside me and pinches my clit between his fingers.

  That's it, I’m off.

  “Ahhhhhh shit fuck fuck!”

  I grind onto his face as he seals his mouth over me. My legs are shaking and I feel like I’m smothering him but he holds me tight, unable to move.

  “I missed the way you taste. So fucking sweet.”

  He places one last open mouth kiss to my core before moving me down his body. I fall forward onto his chest, my breathing heavy.

  His hands resume running up and down my back and I register his bulge between my legs, separated by his boxers. I grind myself against him and moan at the contact.

  “Sorry beautiful. Can’t help it after my mouth was on your sweet pussy and now it’s smothering my dick. Why don't you go clean up and I’ll go start the coffee.”

  He lays a playful smack on my ass which causes me to grind further against him.

  “Unnghhh I don't want to move yet Ry”

  I say in a soft sleepy voice. Regardless of how well I slept last night I feel like I could use another hour after the delicious orgasm he gave me.

  He slowly rolls us, careful of my bruised hip until he’s on top.

  “Open your eyes beautiful”

  His hand gently caresses the side of my face as I open my eyes and take in the beautiful man above me. His fingers trail from the top of my hairline down to my cheek and around the other side. He lays kisses on my eyelids and nose before resting on my mouth.

  “Love your green eyes babe, and a lot of other shit about you. I would also love nothing more than to bury my dick deep inside you.”

  He lays a few more sweet kisses across my face before he continues in a soft but serious voice.

  “But beautiful, when I take you, I want all of you. I don't mean everything about your past, ‘because I can sense you’re not ready to talk about it and that's okay. I said it before and I’ll remind you again, I will never push you. What I mean is that I want nothing between us. I want my hands on every bit of your body and I don't want your clothing in the way.”

  I try to look away but his hand at the side of my face holds firm. I can feel the moisture start to build in my eyes because I’m angry at what he’ll have to look at when he sees all of me.

  I worry that mid fuck he’ll turn me over to go at it from behind, one of my favorite positions, and he’ll lose his erection due to the ugly sight that is my back. I don’t see it much. I feel it, and I know what it looks like. But it’s not something I physically have to see every day. It pains me to think about it and embarrasses me to have him look at it. He holds my face steady and his kind eyes stare into mine.

  “I’ve seen you Elle, everything but your bare tits. Unless you count the wet t-shirt night at your place.”

  I can’t help but let out a small laugh.

  “Nothing left to hide from me, I want it all Elle. And until you’re ready to share that with me, it’s my fingers and mouth from here on out.”

  He leans down and places a promising kiss on my lips before getting up.

  “When you’re ready babe. Until then I’ll make the coffee.”

  Chapter Twenty-one

  I lie in bed for a while resting in post orgasmic bliss and hashing out everything Ryder said between last night and this morning.

  The man is relentless, I’ve gathered that much. He knows what he wants and he goes after it. I can appreciate that in a person. I am much the same way. What gets me is the why?

  I completely understand that we know each other, deeply like chemistry. It’s one of those things I realized before that just happens. You can’t slow it down, you can’t really speed it up. All you can do
is strap in and trust where the ride is going to take you. It may have bumps, it will certainly have a few forks in the road but you know that the ride is going to be so good that regardless of the dips and dives you hang on for dear life, and pray that you’ll come out intact on the other side.