Without answering, I pick her up and carry us both to my shower, needing to cleanse myself. She doesn’t say a word when I strip her out of my shirt and pull us both into the freezing cold water. A small sob escapes her when I lay my head in the crook of her neck and try to regain my breath.
“Baby, don’t be scared.”
“I hate it that you’re hurting. Tell me what happened.”
“It was a nightmare.”
“I know that, but what was it about?”
“Same as the others, except this time… this time it was Raven lying in a pile of rubble.”
“Oh sweetie.” She runs her hands up and down my back and holds me close. “She’s going to be okay. You saw that yourself. I can’t even imagine how frightened you were, but she’s fine.”
I think back to earlier today when Finn, Tripp and I were working out and got the call that Raven and Sayge’s manager, Jay, had been found under a stage collapse at an outdoor concert. Declan, Cooper, and Nate physically dug them out.
When we got to the hospital, the look of pure anguish on Declan’s face had me terrified. My sister was okay, but as he replayed what happened, it was obvious he was having a hard time holding it together. Even when I knew she was fine, nothing stopped my racing heart. Suffocation threatened me until Ember rushed in and I breathed in relief. Her presence was pure comfort. As soon as she was in my arms, my heartbeat returned to normal and my senses calmed. I held her tight and didn’t let go until she stood back and looked at me. Her beautiful blue eyes were swimming with tears, and she held my hand, leading me to my parents. My mom latched onto her and broke down, and I almost lost it when she cupped my dad’s cheek and told him how sorry she was.
Even hard as nails, he was touched. We waited until Declan gave us the report from the doctor and we were able to see her for ourselves. Ember declined to go in, but sat and waited for Finn and me. She drove me home and didn’t leave my side all night.
“Robbie, what can I do?” The now warm water washes over us as I haul her up, forcing her legs around me.
“I need you.”
“Anything.”
The tip of my dick touches her lightly until I can tell she’s already wet and slide in. Her head drops back, pushing her body into me. I groan when her pussy takes every inch of me, squeezing as I go. The need to pound takes over, and I handle her roughly, running my teeth over her nipples and fucking her harder than I ever have. My thrusts become faster as my knees start to shake. She rakes her nails over my shoulders, leaving a sting in their path. I pummel harder, trying to erase the nightmare. Finally, my mind clears of everything except Ember’s tight body.
When she starts to cry out, I cover her mouth with my own and swallow her words. My body convulses as I empty into her.
Realization hits and I back away, setting her on her feet. “I’m sorry. I’m a fucking animal.” Shame washes over me.
“Don’t. Don’t. You don’t always have to be gentle.” She smiles slyly at me. “I like the dirty talking, take charge Robbie.”
She rinses quickly and steps out of the shower before I can grab her. I take a few minutes to myself and wash every bit of filth I feel, paying special attention to my leg.
When I get back to the bedroom, Ember has changed the sheets and lies there watching me with a loving expression. I crawl up next to her and rest my cheek to her chest, feeling every heartbeat.
“Ember, you mean everything to me.”
“That’s my line,” she tries to joke.
“No, really, I was scared today, scared for my sister. I’d be violent if anything ever happened to you. The look on Declan’s face told me everything. He was almost paralyzed with fucking fear. If it were you, I’d have been uncontrollable.”
“Nothing’s going to happen to me, Robbie.”
Her words seal the decision. I’m going to tell her about my conversation with Dad a few weeks ago.
“So what you’re telling me is I’m weak?” Ember screams. “Because I was scared and vulnerable and wanted attention, that makes me a pathetic head case that will break as soon as my mom and sister show their faces? After all this time, none of you think I can be trusted to stand on my own?”
“No, Little Star, he’s saying —”
“SHUT IT, CRUZ!” Ember’s harsh reaction shocks me. Everyone in the room is still watching her outburst.
“I love you all, but for the love of GOD, give me some credit! I’m over it!”
“Ember Lyn, calm down. Robbie is only telling us a theory. His dad knows what he’s talking about,” Thad says through the speakerphone with dread in his voice.
Ember’s eyes cut to mine, glaring with anger and hurt. They show no love or understanding.
“James Hayes is a brilliant man, but he doesn’t know how deep my hatred goes. Serena and Natalie won’t get to me, so everyone needs to stop worrying!”
Chloe opens her mouth to say something, but Ember’s eyes slice to her, daring her to disagree.
I’ve never seen this level of anger from her. Actually, she’s never been mad at all with me. I’m so wrapped up in the tension in the room, I don’t notice Ember grab her keys and run out the door. Before I can get to her, she’s backing out of the driveway and racing away.
Thad’s screaming into the phone, and Alex is trying to soothe Chloe, as Cruz paces. “Fuck, Uncle Thad! Why didn’t we know about the abuse?”
Thad is quiet. His voice cracks when he finally talks. “I was blind. Ember always told me she was clumsy. Serena promised me she would take care of her when I was sent away.”
“What’s done is fucking done. The signs were overlooked. Time to move on and figure out a way to make sure Ember is okay. I should have insisted she come here.” Chloe’s eyes glisten with unshed tears. “There’s so much we don’t know. Robbie, you have to help her.”
I nod and walk to the door. “I told Ember this already, but you need to know. She means everything to me. You get I’m protective. I’ll go fucking crazy if she’s ever hurt again. So she may be mad and angry, but she’s going to know what it’s like to be taken care of by me. I’m not backing off of this. I’ve never in my life doubted my dad, but for once, I hope he’s wrong.”
Without another word, I get into my truck and back out, trying to think of where Ember would go to be alone. Not wanting to waste time driving around, I dial Finn.
“What’s up?” he answers.
“Trace Ember’s phone.”
“Fuck, did you tell her?”
“Yeah, and I made the mistake of doing it in front of her family.”
“How’d that go over?”
“How do you think? I’m asking you to find her.”
“Looks like she’s at a bar on 21st. Texting the address now.”
“Thanks.” I hang up, my mind racing.
I walk into the bar and scan the room, spotting her in a back booth. My anger spikes and heart breaks at the same time. She’s staring into space, lost in thought. Her face is blank, her fingers tapping on the tabletop to their own rhythm. A server approaches, breaking her trance, and she politely takes the napkin he offers.
Her eyes land on mine, and she gives a slight shake, daring me. I take the challenge and stalk to her. She opens her mouth to speak, but I swoop down and seal my lips over hers. The kiss is brief, just enough to silence her as I sit down, forcing her to move over.
“Talk to me, Ember.”
“What’s there to say?” She drains her wine glass, never looking up at me.
“Tell me everything.”
“I don’t want the pity. It’s over. I survived.”
“You’ll never get pity from me. Only understanding. Please, baby, tell me.”
“God!” She blows out a loud breath and avoids looking at me. “I’m so ashamed.”
“Don’t ever be ashamed.” I cup her chin, forcing her to face me.
“She slept with the urgent care doctor. That’s why most of my stuff was never reported. Natalie did things all t
he time to laugh at my expense. It was stupid sibling shit- tripping me, shoving me, pulling out chairs when I’d go to sit. It wasn’t really abuse in the true sense of the word. No one ever hit me.”
“Bullshit!”
“I think the doctor knew something was going on, but my mom assured him I was clumsy. Then she had sex with him in the adjoining exam room. After the third visit, I started going by myself to avoid further humiliation.”
“It did stop when I was seventeen, and I fought back, giving Natalie a taste of her own medicine. She sported a black eye from an unfortunate accident with my elbow. I told them both that I’d leave if the shit continued.
“Mom told her to leave me alone. For once, I thought Mom was sticking up for me. Now, I know it was because she got money until I turned eighteen. Stupid, huh?”
“No, not at all.”
“I made my last trip to that clinic the day I left town. I went to get checked for an STD when I discovered Brad was sleeping with Natalie, too. It was the most disgraced I’ve ever been in my life.”
Jesus Christ. Hatred for her piece of shit mom and sister grows stronger. I brace for the tears and pull her to me.
“I’m not going to break down. It’s over. Talking about it brings back memories though.”
“It’s my job to erase those memories. You’ll never experience anything like that again.”
Her doubtful eyes search my face for signs of sincerity. They finally soften, and she leans in, laying her cheek on my shoulder. “I hope you’re right.”
Chapter 27
Birthday Surprises
Ember
“Babe, if you don’t hurry up, we’ll miss the whole party. What’s wrong with that dress?” Robbie says from my bed, watching me change for the fourth time.
“Quit rushing me. I’m freaking out.”
“Why?”
“Because our families are meeting today! This is huge! Aren’t you nervous?” I huff and grab the wall to steady myself. Anxiety spikes my blood pressure.
“Hey.” Robbie’s suddenly in front of me, cradling my face in his hands. “Calm down. Breathe. There’s no reason to freak out. This is just another casual gathering where the people that love you can celebrate your birthday. Everyone’s going to get along. This is a good thing.”
His soothing voice stops the panic, and I nod, leaning into him. “Okay. But can we forget the whole birthday thing?”
“Not a chance. Not only because you deserve to be celebrated, but also because it would hurt my mom and your aunt’s feelings. They’ve been planning this for weeks.”
“I know.” I sigh. “Are you sure we shouldn’t have invited Raven and Declan? I think it’s obvious that we’re serious about each other at this point.”
“Hmmm, not really in the mood to talk about my sister.” His tongue swirls in circles along my neckline until he reaches my earlobe. “I’d much rather do something else.”
I try to resist, but his hands slide down my body, skimming under my dress and cupping my ass. “I thought we were late?” My voice is raspy.
“We are, but you’re tense. Let’s relieve the tension.” One hand moves around and slips into my panties. I groan as he slides two fingers directly into me.
I grip his shoulders and give in to the feeling as his expert fingers work my body. Aimed at the perfect angle to touch my most sensitive spots, he moves them in and out while continuing to kiss along my jawline.
“I feel you getting wetter, gripping me hard. You’re tight, so tight I could flick your clit right now and have you fly apart in my arms. But I want to see how long you can take it. Hear you fucking scream my name when you come against my hand.” He inserts another finger and starts a scissoring motion that has me gasping for air.
A tremor rocks through me. He continues to fuck me with his fingers until my knees go weak and he’s supporting my weight. Finally, he touches my clit and I explode.
“Oh, God!” I scream as wave after wave of pleasure rolls though me. This man should earn a medal alone for the things his fingers can accomplish. My eyes refuse to open as I shake in his arms. When they finally do open, I almost come again watching him lick his fingertips and then touch them to my mouth.
“Better?” he asks with a smirk.
“Yes, maybe we should skip this thing all together and finish what you started.” My hand moves to cup his cock.
Desire and lust flash across his face, but he stops me and steps back. “I’d love nothing more, but we’re expected. Let’s go.”
He hands me my purse and leads me to his car. On the drive to Chloe’s house, I wish we would have agreed to a restaurant. That way it would be acceptable to have dinner and leave. No dwindling or risk for crazy conversations. Robbie’s hand squeezes my knee to stop it from bouncing.
“Want to explain why in the hell you’re so jittery?”
“You know, my actual birthday isn’t until Monday. We could have done dinner Monday night.”
“This gives us an extended celebration.”
“Why couldn’t we go to a bar, like we did for Finn? I’m not sure what you guys did for your birthdays growing up, but mine were extremely low key. Sometimes, they were non-existent. So—”
“Stop, promise me you’ll calm down, relax, and enjoy it. There’s a lot of things I want to give you in our life, but tonight is about showing you how special you are.”
He squeezes my leg again and then reaches over to grasp my hand. “I feel like I’ve already got my birthday present. I have you.”
His eyes meet mine and grow soft. “Then the rest will be gravy.”
When we pull up to Chloe’s house, we are the last ones to arrive by the look of the amount of cars in the driveway. “Robbie, I need you to do me a favor. Please tell them you had a phone call or something that held us up. I’ll absolutely die if Chloe starts talking about sex making us late. Jenna and James will literally see me turn purple with embarrassment.”
He laughs and then kisses my cheek. “Okay, babe. Whatever you want. But my dad’s not stupid.”
“Great,” I mutter, getting out of the truck.
All conversation stops when we walk in, and I gasp in disbelief. Finn, his parents, Raven, Declan, along with the Hayes, and my family all stare at me with wide smiles.
“About time you showed up.” Cruz comes to me, takes me in his arms, and swings us in a circle.
“Oh my gosh—” I can’t even finish my statement before Raven runs up to hug me next.
“Happy birthday, Ember!”
Over the next few minutes, I’m wrapped in arms, kissed on the cheek, and even hauled over Alex’s shoulders as everyone greets me. I’m rendered speechless. When I finally find my voice, it’s loaded with emotion.
“Little Star, don’t you dare cry! It’s time to party.” Cruz sweeps me into him and leads me to the bar. “What’ll it be?”
I spot my favorite wine and look at Robbie, who winks. “Wine.”
For the first time in my life, I enjoy being the center of attention. Jenna gushes over the design I did for her, and Chloe offers to make the dress once we have the fabric. Evelyn, Finn’s mom, asks me to meet with her next week to discuss a sketch for a formal dinner at the Governor’s mansion.
Aunt Chloe announces dinner, and everyone piles in the kitchen, leaving me alone with Raven. She looks at me nervously before speaking.
“I want to be mad, but I can’t. Robbie told me how much you mean to him. He also told me how he lied to me back in March because he was protecting you.”
“When?”
“He gave me a surprise visit last week. At first, I was upset, mad, hurt. But I get it. He wants to protect you from the craziness in my life. Declan agreed with him wholeheartedly. It’s hard to be angry when he told me he’s in love and you’re his priority. I can’t believe I didn’t know how serious you two are.”
“Raven, you’ve been busy with graduation and the wedding reception. We aren’t even on your radar.”
“It s
ucks that we leave for the summer tour in a few days. I’d have loved to plan a few nights out with the four of us.”
“I never wanted him to lie. My life is fucked up.”
“No, your life was fucked up. Now, you have a new life, with people who love you and will do anything to make sure you’re okay. My mother adores you, my dad thinks you walk on water, and my brother is enamored with you. Our crowd is a wild bunch, but they would walk through fire for each other. I feel that way about you. But promise me something.”
“What?”
“Promise me you’ll call if you need to talk. About anything.”
“Okay,” I whisper.
“That’s enough, Sparkle. The poor girl’s legs are shaking. Give her a break.” Declan walks in, pulling her to his side.
“Dec, we were only talking.”
“She’s the guest of honor, and we’re waiting on her to eat.”
I screech loudly as my legs are lifted and Robbie cradles me to his chest. “You can call her next week, RJ. Tonight, we celebrate.” He walks us into the kitchen and sets me down on a stool. Stepping between my legs, he kisses me lightly then hands me a full plate. Before moving away, he whispers, “Birthday surprises.”
During dinner, Robbie glances at his watch several times anxiously. I’m about to ask him what’s wrong, when his phone chimes and he visibly relaxes.
Once everyone finishes eating, Robbie leads me to the sofa, where a massive amount of presents have been set up on the coffee table. Alex and Cruz sit next to me, while Robbie disappears out the front door. My heart swells with emotion as I look at everyone in the room.
I clear my throat a few times. “I’m terrible with words, and even worse when being put on the spot, but thank you all for being here tonight. It means a lot. Umm, my birthdays have never been really special, but I’ll never forget this night.”
No one speaks, and I start to feel self-conscious until a voice booms behind me.
“You’re birthdays have always been special to me, baby girl.”
The familiar deep tone causes my throat to close and my heart to stop beating. I turn slowly, praying I haven’t imagined it.
Salvation Page 19
