by Beth Mikell
Sweat beaded his brow, his body under the spell of heat threading through him. “My princess…” he grated brushing the tip of his arousal over the heart of her, teasing his body and testing his ability beyond any moment of his life.
“Don’t make me wait--”
Before her words finished, he filled her body in one moment. Savannah’s body spun through a maze of sensation, out through every cell and still clamoring for another taste. She caressed up Hex’s back, urging him closer. Together they moved, winding through a magnetic force—too powerful to resist.
Hex swooped down and took Savannah’s mouth, not breaking the rhythmic pace he set before them, inhaling her breath with his own. His muscular body continued his chase her sleek softness with unyielding enthusiasm. He pursued her hard, craving her taste as he contracted on the edge of release.
She broke from his twin onslaught, gasping for air, mindless of the crest building within her body, hitting a powerful surge of shattering emotion headlong, crying out her release against the sweet-slick dampness of his neck. “Oh dear god…Hex…”
Undone by her pleasure, he thrust deep inside her, jetting…and shouting with pleasure. He shuttered, not able to control the violence of his shaking body and for long minutes, he hung above Savannah, soaking up the treasure he found so irresistible. For a moment, he was afraid to move for maybe he imagined her. Never in his life had he experienced such a connection with a woman…never had he allowed it—using sex as an opportunity of ease, but with Savannah…he gave into everything.
He moved to gather her close, “Are you okay? Did I hurt you?” Smoothing his hand over her stomach…meaning the baby without intentionally stating the obvious.
Dreamily, Savannah rested her head in the curve of his shoulder, “All systems check and quality assurance is off the scale,” she whispered brushing her lips into his neck.
A warm chuckle vibrated his chest and he squeezed her closer, “I am happy of course. I would hate to pick my brain for suitable words for a note, princess. After all you did threaten to burn down my house.”
She lightly pinched his arm, “Watch it, Montgomery. I may still do that.”
Hex raised his head, flicking his tongue over her lips, “You’re stuck with me.” He raised a brow and offered a half smile. “In more ways than one.”
A delicate black brow rose to meet his and she pulled in her bottom lip with her teeth, “Tell me when you get your second wind, biker god. I’m waiting for seconds.”
He pursed his lips trying to stifle a wide grin, but it split all the same. “That good am I?” he asked skimming one hand down her in a complete body caress.
She arched into him with a small moan, “Not to inflate your ego, but you were damn good. I’m just wondering if you can top that.”
Hex nodded, his face darkening with desire mixed need, “Challenge accepted…game on.”
Their pillow talk was lost as her sigh mingled with his for a second round.
Much later, Savannah made her way to the bathroom to freshen up, though every part of her gloried in the mastery of Hex’s amazing touch…she inhaled sharply. She sealed her heart in love, but she remained fearful. A relationship? Really? Sex was one thing…and they could certainly burn up the bed sheets…yet she couldn’t imagine what the future held. She asked Hex for a day at a time, though here she stood over analyzing her future with an anxiety chaser. Would he stick by her? Did she have his trust? Was her trust as second-rate as his?
Finishing her business, she made her way out of the bathroom and found her biker god awake, sitting up in bed. Completely naked and unabashed, she maneuvered upon her crutches, receiving a sexy smile from her sweet man.
“Why didn’t you wake me, princess? I could have helped you.”
Savannah tried not to grimace, but her face revealed her embarrassment all the same. “Not ready for the full-on bathroom-slash-voyeur experience just yet.”
A chuckle rumbled through his chest and his smile widened, “Ah…say no more.” He flipped back the covers. “Come here, I want to show you something.”
She raised a brow impishly, “You still have moves I haven’t seen? Impressive.” Savannah leaned her crutches up at the end of the bed and hopped over, settling beside him.
Hex leaned forward and kissed her hard on the mouth, “While I was in California, I picked up a gift for you.” He opened his hand and a thin chain with a motorcycle charm gleamed in the light. She gasped, but he rushed on, his embarrassment riding high on his cheeks, “Since you have placed me in a biker kind of category, I thought this was appropriate.” Moving forward to hide his discomfort, he shifted towards the end of the bed. “It’s an anklet.”
Savannah’s expression softened, her heart slammed into her chest, “Hexon…” His thoughtfulness bled out through every cell of her body.
He wrapped the chain around her ankle, fastening his gift. “I thought you could be my official biker babe.” His hand smoothed over her calf in a light massage, his gaze watchful as his heart thudded hard.
A laugh bubbled from her lips, “Do you think I would look good in leather?”
His lips lifted in a half smile, “I’m sure they make a bikini top and thong that would be perfect.”
Her laugh deepened, “But the hard part will be convincing me to wear it.” Savannah weighed her hands in the air up and down like a scale, “Sexy couture in public, absolutely. Trashy, revealing ho--not so much.”
Hex moved up over her, smoothing his hand up her body as he traveled and he brushed his lips over hers. “I’m all the audience you need, princess. Convinced yet?”
Savannah drew her hands up and looped them around his neck, “Maybe. But, we could always play a few rounds of poker to settle this.”
His face fell into puzzlement, yet a grin spread all the same. “What an easy victory for me! Come on, princess, you have to do better. You suck at cards!”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, you cheater.” She brushed her lips over his stubbly chin. Hex’s mouth seared hers…taking their banter to the next level.
The hours and days that followed brought a renewal of new friendship, dependent lovers and measure of trust, but only time would tell…just how much or how long it would last. Wrapped in happiness, neither cared beyond the next kiss; the next touch…but maybe they should have…?
Chapter Fourteen
Life is hard; it’s even harder if you’re stupid. ~ John Wayne
Six months later…September-ish.
Hex sat on his balcony, the same place he pissed each day away without a damn care. But, at least he was sober, which was a first. Yet, that was about to change as he reached for another beer and popped the top and guzzled down half the bottle in one swig. Yep, great way to start the day before noon, but did he care? He wasn’t working. He blew that off long ago and had Dominic overseeing MK Steel for now. Besides, staying shit-faced was better than dealing with his stupidity. Oh and he was some kind of mega stupid! Believing in a woman again? What a dumbass!
But…
Beyond anger, he was hurting so damn badly he wanted die…or was dying even as he enjoyed his self- inflicted pity party of one. And to think he had believed in her…his…sarcasm princess. Blonde, beautiful and ‘oh so’ wonderful. Yep, wonderful at lying. But, he caught her in her lie…hadn’t he? The memory of the moment fluctuated between hazy so often he wondered if he really even experienced any of it. Though the facts lined up in order for his scrutiny, he missed her and he was flayed open on indecision, wanting her.
Six months ago and two days after he and Savannah opened up their pasts, fears and incinerated more than the bed sheets, he took Katie to the airport. Jagger went off to class. Annabelle went to the store. What had his lying, sarcasm princess done? She went out with her sister and what…?
Hex shook his head at the memory. He had to swear off women for good…yep that was what he was going to do. Right? They all lied and tripped over his heart without a care for moral decency. He felt li
ke he had a road map stamped on his forehead that said, ‘Fuck me over’ he wasn’t too interested in the female sex.
Because…later that night he went to the fundraiser without her. Sure, she could have come with him, but she said she wasn’t feeling well. Even as he stood off to the side, Hex overheard the conversation that shot him through to hell and nothing could have prepared him…
“Mrs. Merrick, lovely to see you here,” Dr. Azad Jamali said with an easy smile, shaking hands with her and Sean.
Laura returned his smile, her whiskey colored eyes alight with warmth. “Dr. Jamali, what a pleasure. We are so happy you could come. Thank you so much for helping my sister and me today. We were so lucky to recognize a familiar face and handle our problem so efficiently.”
The Middle Eastern doctor shrugged, “It was nothing, Mrs. Merrick. I’d like to think the woman’s clinic offers more than standard services.”
She laughed, “Yes, but without your care, knowledge and discretion, I don’t think we've received the same treatment.”
Hex stood a few feet away, but he heard every word and paled to ghost white underneath his tan. He abruptly turned away, air whooshed out his lungs as if he’d been punched in the gut and left for dead. God…Savannah told him she had gone out with her sister for lunch, but what she the hell hadn’t said they stopped off at a woman’s clinic for a drive-by-abortion? What the hell? History was repeating with a defecating bomb of clarity and his heart bled out in the fallout.
A waiter walked by with a tray of drinks and he grabbed two, threw back one then…the other. Still, he swallowed down a rush of bitter anger as the need to end his problem sped through his blood. He needed to take care of it. He strode towards the exit, weaving in and out of his guests in pursuit of ending his pathetic choices beginning with Savannah.
Dominic grabbed him by the shoulder, “Hey man. Where are you going? They're just about ready for your speech.”
He shrugged out his cousin’s grasp, his blue gaze glittering with unsuppressed anger, “You give the speech. I’ve got something to take care of.” He moved away angrily.
Shocked and open mouthed, Dominic failed to understand. “What can be more important than this?” Hex turned back, his face beyond fierce, “Taking out the trash.”
By the time he arrived home and took the stairs two at a time, he bypassed his dismayed brother and found his lying princess exiting the bathroom on her crutches…obviously sick and pale. Yeah…probably suffering from anesthesia sickness from her trip out earlier no doubt and his guts burned hot in response.
“Hi! You’re back early,” she said weakly trying to smile, but failed, her stomach rolling.
“How was your speech? I honestly didn’t expect you until later. How was the fundraiser?”
Hex ignored all her questions and wasted no time with his own. “Did you do it? Tell me,” he bit out.
Startled by his harsh tone, Savannah frowned, “What? Hex, what are you talking about?”
He hit the end of the bedpost with his hand, “Tell me what you did this afternoon, dammit! I want to hear it from your lips!”
Before an answer formed, the bedroom door swung, “Hex man, what's going on?” Jagger demanded with worried concern, his eyes flicked between the two.
Hex swung around to his brother, “Get out!” he growled through clenched teeth.
Savannah’s chin lifted in a challenge, “No, Hexon. Just say what you mean. We're all adults here. What do you think I have done…or do I need to whip out ESP? Lord, knows I don’t understand you.” Her cold tone reflected her climbing anger.
His frosty gaze flipped back to her, “When you went out this afternoon with your sister, where did you go? Did you get rid of your problem? Did the idea of having my baby disgust you so much?”
Understanding dawned within her heart, but she looked away from him and exhaled a wave of pain, suppressing her tears. She could not break down in front of him--would not! Her decision was instant. “Jagger, can you hand me my phone off the nightstand.”
The young man’s face fell into a sick expression of trouble, “S…?”
“Jagger now…please.” She commanded and waited without looking at Hexon until she had her phone. With a few quick taps on the screen, she dialed a number. “Hey. This is the SOS. I know this is bad timing, but I need you to come get me ASAP. See ya.”
"What the hell, Hexon?” Jagger took a step towards his brother. “What do you think she did, man?”
“Jagger—” Savannah began.
Hex ignored his brother and went off on her again, “Tell me what I want to know. Now!” His eyes flashed hard, pinning the woman he thought…he could trust with his heart. With his baby.
Her face darkened, her black eyes narrowed. “You have already judged and passed sentence on me, haven’t you? I will not tell you what you want to hear just so you can rest easy, though I have a feeling— even if I did, you wouldn’t believe me anyway. I won’t confirm or disprove any assumption you have thrown up in my face. The only facts you have are the ones that prove your sick, twisted idea of how women must be. Not all of us are like Jessica, damn you. And I won’t sit back and take the blame for every wrong against you. Here’s a newsflash for the mighty Hexon James Montgomery…some things you are just going to have to figure out for yourself. Excuse me while I pack.” She turned away to start the task.
Hex snorted, plowing his hand through his dark hair in frustration, “Do you think leaving changes what kind of woman you are?” he asked harshly, eyeing her with barely controlled seething.
She faced him and a sad smile touched her lips, “Actually it does. You have just reminded me that I am a survivor. If you can think so little of me, what would you think after a few more weeks? Months? A year? No, I am leaving because I proved that until you see beyond your pain, you’re always going to be miserable—even suspect me of wrong without a fair trial. So, be careful what you say because I’m sure you’ll eat your words one day.”
That was the last time he saw her.
Tears slipped down his cheek over his unkempt beard, though he didn’t bother to wipe them away. He never cried over Jessica—not once. Sure, the baby he lost with her still haunted him, but it was more like regret--a sorrow never realized. Nevertheless, it was nothing like watching Savannah walk away—nothing like the hole left within his heart where she should be in his life. He realized that while he was in love with the idea of their baby…he was in love with her. The woman. His princess. Sarcasm and all. She met his shit head-on and gave as well as she got and then some.
His beauty incarnate.
And he met his beauty with bastard tactics.
Hell, he deserved her absence as much as he deserved her leaving. What had he done but high-fived misery with a great hello jackass staked inside his heart? He wanted Savannah back. He wanted to live a life with her in it—and he didn’t care if he ever had another child. He wanted her quickness of mind, friendship—her sweet light to shine over his darkness. He wanted to come home to her everyday and see her smile, talk to her about dreams, goals and ambitions. Yet, he blamed her…accused her and she took it in the same steady way she handled everything. Strong…independent and honest. Everything he loved in her.
He also knew that if had he treated her with an eighth of respect she deserved he would still have her today. She’d been right; he had passed judgment and sentenced her without truly considering that just maybe he’d been...wrong. Fuck!
He knew he'd been so wrong. Oh he considered his fault in the last six months more than he cared to admit, but what could he do? Pride was a pretty tough animal to slay and he had a devil’s share. But…he was more than willing to swallow the beast and get her back.
With a sigh, he tipped back the rest of his beer and tossed the bottle in the overflowing trash. The first order of business was cleaning himself up…the next…eating a plate of crow in the name of hopeful forgiveness. He had to start somewhere…might as well start at the bottom and work his way up,
because truth was...he was the lowest of the low.
An hour later, he knocked on Jagger’s bedroom door, duffle bag in hand, “Hey. I’m headed out for a few days. Just thought I’d let you know,” he whispered wanting to apologize to his brother, but the words clogged his throat.
Jagger sat back at his desk, book open on the latest chapter of boring and glanced up. Though his brother still looked a hollow shell with his dark hair hanging down to his shoulders and thinner from lack of care, at least he wasn’t held up in his room with his endless bottles of retribution sliding down his throat. Surprised by Hex’s announcement, he smiled despite his reservations. “Sure. Are you okay? Is there anything I can do for you?”
Hex shook his head, “No. I’ll call you in a few days.”
The younger man nodded, “Okay. Hex…I don’t know what you’re doing and I’m not asking. I just want to say that...I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
“So do I.”
He drove out to the Merrick house and though it was the hardest drive of his life, he sucked it up. More was at stake than his pride. He ached for the acceptance of a woman that burned her existence right through him and he couldn’t continue another day without her. Had the realization come too late? God, he hoped not.
Sean opened the door, but his expression was anything but hospitable. “This isn’t a good time, Hex.”
He swallowed hard, “There's never going to be a good time, Sean. I am not above begging at this point, but I need to speak with you. I’m not leaving until we discuss this. Please?”
“Sean? Who is it?” Laura called from behind and her smile faded when she saw Hex and linked her arm through her husband’s, her face passive.
“I was just asking Hex to leave and he accepted. Isn't that right?” Sean asked coolly, staring down his college friend with a measure of disappointment and disdain.
Hex shook his head, “No. I was in the process of begging and it’s still ongoing.”
Silence ensued for a few deafening seconds and with it a test of wills battling for right and wrong—stupid versus intelligent all in the name of atonement.
