A Cross to Bear

by Julieanne Lynch

  Ethan flattened a hand against my chest, offering me a sly grin. With his back facing the rest of the house, he was well aware he was pushing all the wrong buttons.

  “Why are you so angry, Logan?”

  “Take your hand off me!”

  The knot deep inside me contorted. I found it hard to focus on anything other than Ethan’s smug grin.

  “Or what?”

  I lost control. My fist made contact with his face before he could comprehend what had happened. I wrapped my fingers around his throat and lifted him off the ground, throwing him across the coffee table.

  “Logan, stop!” Bree screamed.

  Tommy grabbed my shoulders and pulled me back. “Calm down, Logan!”

  “Get off me!”

  I turned around, slamming my fist across Tommy’s jaw. Stunned, he backed off, nursing his mouth.

  Ethan got up. Blood gushed from his mouth.

  “You dirty piece of shit!” he said. “You act like some entitled prick and parade around here as though you own us. You’re nothing but a weak douchebag who deserves every inch of the pain you’re in.”

  “That’s enough, Ethan,” Bree said, her eyes on me.

  “Okay,” I replied in a calm and unassuming tone. “Entitled prick… Douchebag… Yeah, okay.”

  I marched over to Ethan and head-butted him, stunning him completely. Grabbing him by the neck, I led him out of the house and to my car.

  “Logan, stop this!” Bree shouted, struggling to keep up with us. “Someone, do something! Please!”

  Not a single soul stepped forward to come to Ethan’s rescue.

  I opened the trunk and tossed Ethan inside. I then drove away from the campus, unsure of where I was going. I needed to teach Ethan a lesson, once and for all, and nothing was going to get in my way.

  I parked the car on the side of a dirt road and left the engine running. Stepping out of the vehicle, I looked up at the dark sky with confusion. I was angrier than ever before.

  Ethan spat at me once I pulled him out of the trunk, laughing at me as if he’d finally snapped. “What are you trying to prove?” he asked. “Everyone knows you’re just a waste of space. Hey, not even your best friend wanted to stick around. Doesn’t that tell you something?”

  He was intent on continuing his mission to break me, just as he’d broken Drake. I was stronger, however, and refused to bend.

  “You had to keep on pushing, didn’t you?” I asked, shoving him down the bank. “Forever the little jerk who couldn’t stand it when the competition got too much. You have to destroy those who make you work harder. You decided to pick on someone who was just a little weaker, didn’t you?”

  I kicked him hard between the legs, sending him straight to the ground. “You know something, Ethan? Not a day goes by when I don’t replay those last moments over and over. I still come to the same conclusion. You were in the house with him and knew what was going on. When all is said and done, you’ve got his blood on your hands. Does that make you feel more of a man?”

  Ethan looked up at me. He examined our surroundings, trying to find something to hit me with. He scrambled to his feet and held his fists up to defend himself.

  I threw a punch, my fist edging closer to his face. It hit his jaw with such force that blood pooled in his mouth. I grabbed Ethan’s head and drew my kneecap up to his face, making contact with his nose. Bones crunched and blood leaked from Ethan’s nostrils. His nose twisted to the right.

  “You think this is going to make it all go away?” he asked, blood dripping out of his mouth and down his chin.

  I didn’t say anything. In my world, actions spoke louder than words. I drew back my fist again, plowing it into his stomach, then again into the side of his torso. I punched Ethan until I was out of breath.

  He fell down onto the wet grass. His chest rose and fell with each shallow breath, his blood-soaked shirt rustling softly.

  Ethan laughed. “One day you’ll…learn, Belanger. There’s…only room for one at the top.”

  I scrambled back to the car, his voice echoing behind me. Unsure of where I was going, I lost track of my surroundings. The noise of the impact was the last thing I heard before I lost consciousness.

  * * * *

  Nothing wounded me more than knowing I’d fallen for Ethan’s manipulation. I became the uncontrollable fool he made me out to be, and that was one of my biggest regrets.

  Revenge is sweet, but it only makes the wound cut deeper. The aftermath of a storm is bad, more so when nothing is ever resolved. This was a lesson I’d soon learn.

  Chapter Two

  Eight months earlier

  “Oh, my God, Bree!” Jenny shouted, rushing into the room. “Have you seen who Ethan is with?”

  “Jenny, Ethan and I are so last year.” Bree smiled at her friend.

  “Seriously, how do you guys expect to get along when he’s…you know, screwing everything within a mile of you? It’s unbelievably tacky.”

  Her best friend was right, but she preferred to deal with it. She had split up with her on-off again boyfriend five months ago. Things hadn’t ended on good terms. Nothing left a nastier taste in her mouth than the knowledge that Ethan was trying to worm his way back into her life.

  “I don’t care. I’ve moved on. What or who he does isn’t of concern to me, and it shouldn’t be yours either,” Bree said, ending the discussion.

  “Okay, so how many free classes do you have this semester?” Jenny asked, changing the subject.

  “A few, but not many.” Bree sighed. “I need to up my game this year. My dad wasn’t impressed with how things ended last semester.”

  “Things got a little messy, so what?” Jenny threw herself across Bree’s bed. “Your dad is a control freak. He needs to loosen up.”

  “Easy for you to say, Miss Can Do No Wrong.”

  “Hey, I can’t help that my daddy is completely in love with me.” Jenny chortled, swinging her leg back and forth.

  “You do know that sounds so seedy, right?” Bree asked, laughing.

  “Yeah, but who cares? Besides, my daddy has enough love for both of us.”

  The grin on her face was so typical of Jenny. Nothing ever seemed to burst her bubble. She was a constant ray of sunshine and Bree needed that in her life.

  Bree sat at her desk, typing on her laptop. She did her best to answer emails while trying to entertain Jenny.

  “So are we on for some partying this weekend? Don’t forget the get-together tomorrow night. I promise Ethan won’t be there.” Jenny raised an eyebrow at Bree.

  “I don’t know. I’m not in the mood.”

  “Oh, come on, Bree! Don’t go all Mary-Jane on me and renounce everything that brings such happiness to us.”

  Bree sighed and closed her laptop. She looked at her friend, who was pulling her best sad face. “You’re such a jerk when you do this to me.”

  “Please, it’s only over at Tommy’s. I promise it’ll be fun.”

  “Okay…okay! Just stop with the puppy eyes,” Bree said and smiled. “But the moment Ethan starts his crap, I’m out of there, okay?”

  Jenny bounced up and squealed. “Deal!” She hopped off the bed and ran over to Bree, planting a kiss on her cheek.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’ve a date with a hot swimmer who promises me more than a dip in his pool.” Jenny winked at Bree and left the room.

  Bree shook her head. Things were getting serious between Jenny and Tommy, but she didn’t want to see her friend get hurt. Tommy and his friends were elite athletes, who were some of the best in the country. Sometimes their success went to their heads. In Ethan’s case, it went to both his balls and head.

  The memory of Ethan made Bree want to drink. Things had been fine between them for the first few months, until the flirting, the screwing around and the controlling and jealous behavior started. It had become too much for Bree before the end of freshman year. Being made a fool of had resulted in her feeling worthless and used. E
than had accomplished both in a short period of time.

  Bree grabbed her bag and rummaged about inside for her phone. Once she found it, she scrolled down the list of names until she saw the number she wanted. She dialed and waited for the person to answer, throwing herself onto the bed once she heard his voice.

  “Hey,” she said, twirling a long strand of hair around a finger. “I thought I’d call and see what you’re doing later. I know you’re in town.”

  “I wasn’t expecting to hear from you so soon.”

  “Well, I had a change of heart.” She smiled.

  “I can pick you up after eight, if that’s any good?”

  “Sure, I’ll be ready. Just don’t come by the house.” Bree stared at the ceiling. Deep down, what she was doing was wrong, but she didn’t care. She needed to focus her time and attention on someone other than Ethan.

  “That’s fine. I’ll park down the street a bit.”

  “Good, I’ll see you later.”

  “Bree?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Wear something naughty.”

  The line went dead and Bree grinned. She loved how her dirty little secret gave her the confidence boost she needed. It filled the numbness that had consumed her all summer long.

  Bree rolled off the bed and strode over to the mirror, gazing at her reflection. She was good-looking and had a well-toned body, but underneath her vanity lay a sad and lonely girl.

  “Screw it!” she muttered, and pulled off her shirt.

  Bree moved to her bedside cabinet and took out a pair of lacy underwear from the drawer. She unhooked her bra and strode into the bathroom to run the shower. Taking one last look in the mirror, she caught a glimpse of her eyes. For a moment, her reflection told her not to do it. She looked away and ignored the pang of guilt coursing through her body, stepping into the shower to wash away her remorse.

  The heat of the water eased the heaviness in her head. After she dried herself, she got dressed. Her mind was racked with so many thoughts as she stepped in front of the mirror.

  Bree applied one last coat of lip gloss. She stared at her reflection and smiled, knowing she looked good in her little black dress. Excitement filled every inch of her body. Thinking about the next few hours sent a series of butterflies swarming in her stomach. She left her room and promptly made her way down the hall. A wolf whistle followed in her wake.

  “Dressed to kill!” Becky shouted, glancing from her room.

  Bree smiled and brushed her hair behind her ear, winking at Becky. “Maybe.”

  “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Becky said, bursting into a raucous laughter.

  “Naughty, naughty!”

  Bree made her way down the stairs. In the back of her mind, she secretly hoped one of Ethan’s fuck-buddies would relay a whisper or two back to him. She then berated herself for having the thought in the first place.

  “Whoa!” Jenny appeared from the direction of the living room. “You look amazing. Who’s the lucky guy?”

  Bree glanced at Jenny. Her cheeks burned. “Oh, no one you know.”

  “Well, whoever he is, make sure he pays the hotel bill.” Jenny raised an eyebrow and pursed her lips.

  “Oh, he will.” Bree kissed her best friend on the cheek. “I’ll try not to be late.”

  “Don’t worry about me. Tommy has something up his sleeve.”

  “Good. Have fun.” Bree headed for the door. “Love you!”

  “Love you more!” Jenny’s voice echoed after her as the door closed.

  Bree strutted down the path and turned the corner, continuing on until she saw the lights of the black BMW flash. She quickened her pace. The passenger door opened as she drew closer to the vehicle and slipped inside.

  “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” the man said, gazing at Bree as she sat beside him.

  She flicked her hair over her shoulder. Bree looked at him and smiled before bending forward to kiss him.

  “I try!” she purred and leaned back in her seat.

  He ran his tongue along his bottom lip, eying her bare legs.

  Bree could sense how much he wanted her. His lust mirrored hers. It had been this way for the past eleven weeks. They were treading on dangerous territory, but she loved the rush she got from their encounters.

  He pulled the vehicle away from the sidewalk. Jack glanced at her, his eyes hungry for her as he drove. “I wasn’t expecting to see you again, not after the other night,” he said.

  “I know. I had a little too much wine, and the guilt got to me,” she replied, not once taking her eyes off him.

  “Listen, I know what we’re doing isn’t right, but I can’t deny myself what you have given me.”

  “How about we don’t talk about it? Not tonight.”

  Bree inspected his face and tried to read him, but he was like a closed book and unpredictable.

  She couldn’t deny that she’d always had a crush on him. He was the sexy older man young girls fawned over, dreaming of having his undivided attention. It had been an unexpected surprise to learn how much he had noticed her growing into a strong and confident young woman. Now she had his attention. It was like a drug.

  “Then, how about this?” he asked with glistening eyes. “We’ll fuck, you get to have a good time, and I get to lose myself deep inside you.”

  The response was enough to send a streak of color racing across her cheeks. “Exactly the medication I need right now.” She reached over and took hold of his hand, pulling it toward her and down between her legs.

  He smiled at Bree. “I’ve made a reservation.”

  “Where?” Panic coursed through every inch of her body.

  “Don’t worry. Complete discretion shall be observed.”

  “I can’t have anyone seeing us together. You know what would happen.” Her voice trembled with fright.

  “Bree, calm down. Have I let you down yet?”

  She shook her head and swallowed hard before she relaxed. “No.”

  “Do you trust me?”

  “Of course I do.”

  “Then just go with the flow,” he said, driving toward downtown Columbus.

  Silence surrounded Bree as she watched the traffic move past. She’d begun something she would eventually find hard to let go of. At some point, they would have to end things between them. Right then and there, however, she wanted to devour as much of him as possible before they would eventually say goodbye.

  He pulled the vehicle into the parking lot at the back of the Hilton.

  Bree took a deep breath. Her door opened, and her lover was greeted by the doorman.

  “Good evening, Mr. Puller.”

  “Good evening, Grant.” He slid out of the vehicle and strolled around it, holding out his hand to Bree. “Come along, dear.”

  They were escorted to a private elevator that took them up to the executive suites. Jack didn’t spare any expense when it came to her and she gladly indulged.

  Once locked inside the privacy of their suite, Bree set her purse down on the large ornate table and kicked off her heels.

  Mr. Puller poured two glasses of scotch and handed one to Bree. “Have I told you how beautiful you are?”

  “Yes, a few times.” Bree giggled. “But you can tell me again.”

  “Come here,” he said.

  Bree set her glass on the table and moved closer to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and tilted her head in his direction.

  He rubbed his nose against hers, moving his lips closer to her mouth. Several seconds later, they kissed.

  She wanted to taste his mouth, to drink him down and have him all to herself, even if only for a short time. It was enough to make her greedy.

  Bree opened her mouth and let his tongue slip inside. She tasted the warm sweetness of the scotch. The kiss grew passionate and eager, filled with a longing for more.

  “You’re everything I’ve ever wanted, Bree,” he whispered in her ear.

  She pushed his suit jacket down over h
is arms, letting it fall to the floor. Bree then loosened the tie around his neck. “I need you, Jack,” she said. Bree unbuttoned his crisp white shirt. She ran her nails over his well-toned chest and kissed him again.

  Jack smiled. He unzipped the tight black dress. With a flick of his hand, the dress fell to the floor. He unhooked her bra and stepped back, staring at her.

  Bree smirked, standing in her lacy panties before him.

  Jack unbuckled his belt and unzipped his trousers. He slipped out of them, keeping his eyes on Bree.

  She moved toward the bed, running her hands over her breasts.

  Jack stepped over to the bed and pushed Bree onto her back. He lifted her legs, kissing the tips of her toes. Running his hand up and down her calf, he caressed Bree’s flesh, gently nibbling at her ankles.

  Bree let out several small breaths.

  He pulled at her panties and promptly removed them. Jack glanced at her, his eyes burning with desire. He moved Bree to the edge of the bed and spread her legs wide before slipping down onto the floor.

  “Show me how wet you are,” Jack said.

  Bree reached between her legs and separated her pink lips.

  “You want me to lick this wet pussy, don’t you, Bree?” he asked, his mouth edging closer to her clit. “You want to feel my tongue slide over this big hard clit and suck it, don’t you?”

  He allowed his warm breath to dance across her flesh.

  “Ohhh, God! Yes, that’s what I want. Do it now!”

  Jack slid his lips across Bree’s engorged clit. He used his tongue to tease the taut bud. He moved his mouth up and down on her, leaving Bree panting. Her hips bucked beneath his firm grip.

  “Yes, like that!” Bree moaned. “Ohhh, my God! Keep doing that!” She gasped.

  Jack lapped at her, pushing her closer to the edge.

  “I’m coming. Suck me. I’m coming now!” Her voice echoed as she climaxed.

  The electrifying waves of pleasure tore through Bree at such an alarming rate. Stars burst behind her eyes before the intensity of the climax subsided.

  Jack held onto her throbbing clit until she pleaded, “Oh, God! Stop, please!” Bree gasped and closed her legs as Jack stood.