by Gemma Weir
Silent tears fall from my eyes, and I swipe them quickly away. “God, I’m so pathetic. I need to stop crying,” I say, sniffling.
“What did he say?” James asks. I hand my phone to James and he listens. His eyes soften with Echo’s words, and he passes the phone back to me.
I hold the phone tightly between my fingers. Looking up at James, I say, “I don’t know what to do.” He smiles sadly at me. “I miss him. I’m torn, because my head’s telling me that this is for the best, that suffering now will save me from an even worse heartache in a month’s time. But my heart’s telling me I’m an idiot, and I’m starting to agree. I’m wasting valuable time I could have with him. Oh God, I should be spending my time just being in love and making a lifetime of memories.”
James smiles as he watches me make my decision. “I need to go home. Back to Echo and the rest of my Archer’s Creek family. I miss them, and not just Echo. I miss Brandi and Gus. Hell, I even miss Daisy and his silence, and Sleaze in all his stoic wisdom. I miss my life there. But most of all, I miss my man. He’s right. A part of me is missing when I’m not with him. My heart feels empty, and I’m a bloody idiot for wasting all this time being miserable without him.” I jump up from the sofa.
Clapping diverts my attention from James to Dan as he walks towards us. “Thank fuck for that, Liv. It took you long enough to figure it out,” Dan says. Smiling broadly, I roll my eyes at him. “It’s a good job I’ve already booked you tickets back to Texas tomorrow night, isn’t it?” Dan says, fluttering a flight confirmation email in his hand.
I throw myself into his arms. “Thank you.”
James’s arms wrap around me from behind, squishing me in a hug surrounded by my best friends. I finally pull back, and James announces, “Right, let’s go and celebrate. Pastiche for food, and then on to the Glory club for some goodbye drinks.”
I nod and grab my jacket. With James’s arm wrapped around my shoulders, I leave the flat, smiling for the first time in a week.
I’ve been circling Piccadilly Gardens for three fucking days, and there’s no sign of her. I’ve spoken to every hotel, but no one will tell me if they have an Olivia Townsend staying there. Puck’s hacking their systems one by one, searching for her, but he’s found nothing so far.
I’m sitting in a bar on the outskirts of the gardens that has a panoramic view of the square, nursing a warm fucking British beer. I’ve just left Livvy another fucking message. She knows I’m calling, and she’s refusing to answer. I should give up, go home, and loose myself in whiskey and whores. But I can’t. I need her to look me in the face and tell me that she doesn’t love me.
How do you give up on the woman you’re meant to spend the rest of your life with?
Signalling the barman for my bill, I throw a note down and stand to leave. That’s when I see her. She’s walking with two guys, laughing and smiling. Anger prickles my skin when one of the guys drapes his arm across her shoulders. My girl looks up at him and then wraps her arm around his waist.
Fury.
Anger.
Betrayal.
Pulling my hood over my head, I leave the bar and follow her. Head down, I try to be inconspicuous and blend in with the flow of people walking the gardens. Never losing sight of her, I follow them to a restaurant and watch as they’re seated near the window.
The men sit on one side of the booth and Livvy on the other. Something in my memory prickles and nags, but I ignore it. Instead, I wait quietly in the shadows and stalk my girl as she laughs and flirts with two other men.
Hidden, I watch her hug them. I watch them leave.
Then I follow her. I know I shouldn’t. I should walk away, but I can’t. My heart started beating again the moment I saw her. She’s my everything, and I can’t just leave.
She walks through the gardens and into a side street. Outside a rundown Greek restaurant, she pulls a key from her pocket and opens a door hidden on the side of the building.
I planned to stay outside and wait; instead I dart forward and stop the door from shutting. I quietly close it behind me and climb the stairs. There’s another door, and I pause, staring at the glass.
The woman I love is on the other side of this door, and I’m fucking terrified. I’ve flown halfway round the world for her, and until this moment, I hadn’t considered that I might have to go home without her.
Fuck that. I love her and she loves me.
Time to get some answers. If she can stand in front of me and tell me she doesn’t feel anything for me, I’ll leave.
If she loves me, I’m claiming what’s mine and taking my girl home.
I’m happy for the first time since I left Archer’s Creek as James, Dan, and I celebrate my epiphany and toast my departure.
A sense of lightness has encompassed me since I decided to go home. My skin keeps tingling in excited awareness. My body’s on high alert and desperate to get back to Echo.
“Come on, Liv. The Glory Club. It’s two-for-one cocktails tonight,” James says.
I shake my head and pull each of them in for a tight hug. “I just want to go pack and get a good night’s sleep before the longest flight in the history of man tomorrow. I can’t wait to get back to him.”
They both smile smugly, but Dan wiggles his eyebrows. “I bet you can’t, you dirty bitch.” I smack his arm playfully. Then the boys head towards the club, and I make my way back to the flat.
As soon as I get into the flat, I head to the bathroom and turn on the shower. Goosebumps coat my skin. I rub my arms, then quickly strip out of my clothes and move into the stream of hot water. Steam quickly fills the bathroom as scented bubbles slide down my legs and swirl down the drain.
Refreshed and with a smile on my face, I turn off the water and dry myself with the warm, fluffy towels Dan and James always buy. I wrap the towel around my flushed skin and drag a brush through my hair. A gust of cold air engulfs me as I open the door to the living area and quickly walk into the kitchen and turn on the kettle.
There’s a knock at the door, I figure it’s one of the boys and rush across the kitchen, mug-in-hand and throw open the door.
“Hello, sugar,” Echo drawls.
I scream, dropping the mug in my hand. It smashes at my feet. “Echo?” I gasp. I throw myself into his arms and kiss him. The moment my skin touches his, the unsettled feeling I’ve had since I got into the taxi a week ago finally calms.
He’s frozen beneath me, and pulling back, I look questioningly into his eyes. “Echo, what’s the matter?”
“Why don’t you tell me, sugar?” he asks darkly. His voice is hard and angry, and lifting me from his arms, he walks into the flat and stands menacingly in front of me.
Fury vibrates from him, his back is ramrod straight, and his fingers are clenched into tight fists. “Echo, what’s going on?” I ask. I don’t understand. I’m so happy to see him I want to throw myself at him and tell him how much I love him, how much I’ve missed him. But Echo doesn’t look pleased to see me. He doesn’t look like he’s in love. Right now, all he looks angry.
Echo’s mouth twitches into a sardonic grin. “You tell me, Livvy. You fucking run from me. I travel half the fucking world to find you, and when I do, you’re all over another guy,” he snarls.
Stunned, I open my mouth to speak but no words come out. “Is that what this was all about? You decided you wanted to be with some pussy from back home?” Echo growls, his dominant presence filling the small flat.
Shaking my head, I stand and move until I’m directly in front of him. “Echo, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Towering over me, he shouts, “Bullshit, Livvy. I saw you tonight with that guy. He had his arms all over you.”
Confused, I stare at Echo and search my mind for what he might have seen. When it dawns on me, I almost laugh. “Was I with two guys? A blond and a redhead?”
“What the fuck, Livvy? One cock not enough, so you need two now?” he roars. Anger flows through me, and I slap Echo across the ch
eek. I gasp in shock, pain pulsing through my palm.
I watch as Echo’s eyes darken. His arms snap out and lift me into the air. Spinning, he pushes me over the back of the sofa, my arse high in the air. He rips the towel from me, and I’m left completely naked. “Echo, what are you doing?”
“Fucking reminding you who owns this pussy and this ass and you,” he yells. Shuddering in anticipation, I wiggle, urging him to touch me. Echo inhales audibly. “Fuck, sugar. I take it those pussies have no idea how to keep you satisfied? Even two of them can’t make you feel how I do.” His voice is a pained rasp.
Arousal gushes from me. His huge palms lands against my arse with a loud smack, and I mew in painful delight. “Echo,” I cry.
“What? You got something to say? Say it now, ’cause in a minute, I’m gonna be spanking your ass so hard you won’t be able to speak.”
“Oh God,” I moan.
“No, not God, sugar. Your man. This is why I won’t let you leave me, Livvy. You belong to me, and I refuse to let anyone else have you.” Echo’s voice is hard and unyielding.
“Never. I’ll never want anyone else,” I promise.
“That’s good. Because I was stupid to allow you to run this time, Olivia. That won’t ever happen again.” He spreads my arse cheeks wide, and his hot tongue licks a path from my arsehole straight down to my pussy before finding my clit and sucking punishingly.
I scream, and he releases my clit, his palm smacking down onto my arse. Again and again his hand spanks his anger, fear, and frustration against my skin. The pain morphs into a burn that heats my flesh till it vibrates.
He stops unexpectedly, and I arch my back, searching for his punishment.
“God, that’s a fucking beautiful shade of pink, sugar. You fucking love it. Even when your skin’s heated, you still want more. Is this how they make you feel? Do you crave their control? Do you beg to be dominated by them?”
Shaking my head, I try to deny his words, to tell him that they’re my friends, not my lovers, but sensation overwhelms me and the need for his touch takes the words from me.
“Did they steal that virgin ass from me, Livvy? Did one of those pussies push his small dick into that untouched hole?” Echo snarls. I shake my head and turn to look over my shoulder, I lock eyes with him and implore him to believe me.
“Good. ’Cause it’s mine. My cock’s gonna be the first one buried so deep inside your asshole it feels like you’re splitting in two,” he says, his voice a delicious promise.
Shuddering, I beg him with my eyes. I beg him to take me, to own me. Echo shakes his head. “No, I say when. Now I’m gonna fuck you and then cover you in my cum. I’m gonna rub it all over every inch of you, so you’re branded deep into your skin with my scent.”
Nodding frantically, I roll onto my back and spread my legs wide. He bends down until his face is level with my pussy and looks at me. “Fuck, Livvy. You’re gushing, and I haven’t touched you yet. I can’t wait to see your pussy soaked with my seed.” He groans.
“Please,” I beg as he rises.
Unbuckling his belt, he pushes his jeans and they drop to the floor. His hard cock pops free, and I groan with desperate need. “Hold your legs wide, sugar. I don’t plan on being gentle with you.”
I wrap my hands around my shins and spread my legs as high and wide as I can. His cock slams into me and almost pushes me back over the sofa. We both groan in unison.
His punishing thrusts force me over the edge, and I scream as my inner muscles clench and an orgasm ploughs through me. Pulling out of me, he climaxes. Long lines of cum spray over my stomach, breasts, and pussy.
Flipping me over, he slams back inside me again. Echo grabs a handful of my hair and yanks painfully. My back arches upwards, and I’m forced deeper onto his cock. He tightens his hold on my hair, grunting as he ploughs in and out. My pleasure builds quickly, and as he slides his thumb into my arse, I tense, screaming in pleasure.
“Fuck, Livvy, I can’t wait to watch my cock slide into this ass. You’re gonna love the burn. The pain mixed with pleasure will drive you fucking crazy.” His voice pushes me over the edge, and I orgasm again. My body clenches before spasms overwhelm me and I twitch in pleasure with every slide of his cock. Echo pulls his thumb from my arse and spreads my cheeks wide with his fingers. His cock slips from my pussy, and he releases his cum all over my arse and back.
Drained and languid, I flop across the back of the sofa. My breath comes in exhausted bursts, and I wait for him to come to me. His fingers draw patterns across my skin, rubbing his cum into my flesh just as he promised. His sticky seed coats me, and his fingers spread fluid all over me until they move down my skin to my pussy and plunge inside me.
“Ahhhhhh.” Sore and thoroughly used, I moan at his invasion, but he ignores me and curls his fingers deep inside my abused pussy.
“You’re gonna come again, sugar, and maybe again after that. Because I fucking own you and I say you will.” He adds a third finger inside me, filling me to capacity. “That’s it, Livvy. I can feel your muscles pulsing around my hand. I’m gonna fuck you with my fingers, and I’m gonna tell you when to come. Do you understand, sugar?”
Managing to lift my head enough to nod, I see the approval in his eyes. My body melts into pure sensation, and all I feel is pleasure as he moves his fingers within me. “That’s it. Now. Come for me,” he orders. His thumb circles my clit, and I scream when the orgasm rips through me. My body shakes so violently, Echo wraps his arms around me to stop me from falling.
I must pass out, because when I come to, I’m alone and lying on the sofa wrapped in a blanket.
Sitting on the other side of the room, I watch her sleep. I’m filled with regret; my head slumps wearily into my hands.
I shouldn’t have taken her like that. If she’s really moved on with either or both of the guys I saw today, then she’s not mine anymore. I won’t fucking like it, but if that’s what she wants, I’ll learn to fucking deal with it.
I’m still fucking furious. I thought I could fuck the anger out, but taking her without her truly being mine has left me feeling hollow.
I should leave, let her get on with the life she chose. But I can’t force myself to go.
I watch as she stirs and starts to wake up. Her beautiful body stretches like a cat’s and slowly unfurls. Her eyes slowly open. Then she bolts upright and scans the room. Fear and pain cross her face.
“Echo,” she cries.
I rush towards her, and she wilts with relief when she sees me. Tears are running down her face when she launches herself into my chest. The impact knocks us both to the floor. With her head buried into my neck, she sobs, her chest shaking as she cries.
My arms wrap around her and hold her to my chest. “Shhhh, sugar, it’s okay,” I soothe.
She pulls back from me and shakes her head. “It’s not okay. Nothing’s been okay since I left. I’m so sorry, Echo. I’m so sorry.”
My palm flattens against her head. Her hair’s still damp, but her wild curls are starting to pop up here and there. “Shhhh,” I say.
“No, Echo. I shouldn’t have left, but I didn’t think you wanted me anymore. I freaked out and I left. I ruined us. I’m so sorry. Can you forgive me?”
Dejected, I sigh. “Livvy, this was my fault. I just got so consumed with my own guilt over you getting hurt. But if you’ve moved on, I’ll deal with it. I’ll leave you alone to get on with your life. I’m sorry about tonight. I should never have touched you like that if you’re not mine to touch anymore,” I say quietly.
Her small palms cup my cheeks, and her eyes look into mine. “I’m yours. You own me, remember? I’ll always be yours, and I was coming back. I know I don’t have much time left on my visa, but I’m booked on a flight back to Austin tomorrow night.”
I scowl and hold her at arm’s length. “So who the fuck are the guys you were all over, then?” I snap. She starts to speak, but the door opens and in walk the two fucking guys who are trying to steal my girl.<
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“God, Liv, put some fucking clothes on,” James screeches, quickly closing his eyes and covering Dan’s with his hands.
I’m completely naked and straddling Echo’s lap. Echo’s face hardens. His eyes move from me to my best friends, and a glimpse of uncertainty crosses his face as tries to understand what’s going on.
“Echo, can I have your shirt? I’m kind of naked here,” I say. His attention moves back to me and he quickly lifts me from his lap. Standing, he pulls his shirt over his head and drops it over my naked body. Shirtless, he crosses his arms across his chest, and I gulp as arousal washes over me again.
“Liv, you decent?” James’s voice pulls me away from the perfection of Echo’s naked torso.
“Yes. You can stop freaking out now.” I laugh. Scoffing slightly, Dan pulls James’s hand from over his eyes and both guys’ heads dramatically turn to my half-naked biker.
Gawping slightly, James’s mouth drops open before he slowly turns to me. “Liv, you lucky bitch.”
Laughing, I turn to Echo, only to find angry eyes are on me. “Sugar, want to tell me what the fuck’s going on here? ’Cause my mind’s pulling up some pretty fucked-up thoughts and I’m about to lose my shit.”
I pull in a panicked gasp and nod. “Echo, let me introduce you to James.” I point to James and see the recognition dawn in Echo’s eyes. He turns to me and I nod. “And this is Dan. His boyfriend.”
All of the tension leaves Echo’s body, and he pulls me in tightly against his chest.
James and Dan silently watch our exchange before turning to look at one another and bursting into laughter. I fight my own laughter and snuggle against Echo’s chest and scowl at the boys. “You pair are fucking arseholes. Stop laughing.” My words only make them laugh harder, so reaching behind me, I pull a cushion from the sofa and throw it at their heads.
James sobers first, and tilting his head to the side, he assesses Echo. “I’m assuming you’re Echo?” James asks. Echo nods. Unfurling his arms, he reaches out, offering James a hand to shake.
