“Don’t you dare,” she warns, her voice higher than I’ve heard before. “You are gorgeous, girl. Just don’t let what happened get into your head. He loves you. You’re stunning, you just gotta own it.”
“I’m just me,” I say, fighting back the tears. “I don’t do sexy.”
“You don’t have to ‘do’ anything. You’re sexy without even trying.”
“Oh, God, don’t,” I groan, my hand covering my eyes as I fight the fire I feel flaming my cheeks.
“Girl, believe me, you got this. Now go enjoy. I know I will.” She giggles before blowing a kiss down the receiver and ending the call. I drop the phone on the bed beside me.
“Wow.” His words rumble from his chest and I sit bolt upright, startled by his presence.
“Shit, Brax. You scared me to death,” I say, my hand placed firmly against my chest as I try to steady my racing heartbeat. He leans against the frame of the door, his eyes never leaving mine. His eyes are on me. Hard. I can barely cope with the intensity as he glares at me. But I savor the moment. The self-doubt had eaten away at my core so much that him standing and admiring me is almost the reassurance I needed.
“So, you, um, wanna join me?” I ask, already embarrassed by the words that I struggle to force out of my mouth.
“You did all this for me?” he asks with a smirk.
“Of course,” I said, sitting up a little and tapping the bed beside me. Just looking at him and the hooded look in his eyes tells me he wants this as much as I do. Slowly he walks towards me, removing his clothes until the only thing he’s wearing are boxers. He climbs on all fours slowly making his way over me. Dropping backwards, I look up at the only man who has ever meant anything to me, and right now, I need to make love to him, feel him inside me. Before I know it, his hands have my arms secured above my head and his erection presses deep into my core.
“I love you so much,” I choke out as my eyes connect with his; my heart hammering so hard it’s all I can hear. He sighs, one that is mixed with lust and pure desire. My body is desperate to feel him touch me. For the first time in days I feel alive. Like every nerve ending I have is on high alert and there is only one man that makes me feel that way. Dipping his head, his eyes flutter shut as he presses his lips against mine. My body ignites as a throaty groan escapes Brax, his hands work up my thigh and beneath the material of the thin lacy chemise.
“Baby, I want to fucking devour you. But I’m scared…” He speaks against my lips and I hear a vulnerability in his voice.
“Why?” I ask, sinking inside, thinking more than ever that this was a bad idea.
“Because I want you so bad, baby. I’m scared that I will hurt you, because I know once I’ve had a taste I won’t be able to stop. I need to know you really want this.” He thrusts into me a little, the pressure building painfully between my legs.
“More than anything,” I whisper, the need in my voice is clear.
And that was all it took. Brax dips his head, kissing me—an all-encompassing kiss. And with his kiss he owns me. Mind, body, and soul. He isn’t just kissing my mouth, he’s claiming me as his, and I’m letting him. Because that’s exactly how it should be between us. His kisses move to my neck, his hands find my breasts as he cups them and kneads them, flicking his thumb over and over my erect nipples. I gasp out in pure pleasure, lifting my hips as I’m desperate to feel more of him. All of him.
His hand snakes down to the place where I need to feel him the most. Cupping me, I know he feels how wet I am, how ready for this my body is.
“Fuck,” he growls. Working his hand back and forth, his fingers slowly flick over and over my engorged clit. His mouth moves down to my breast, freeing it from the lacy chemise. He sucks and nips at the sensitive bud. The combination is almost too much to take. As he teases my clit and my nipple, I squirm against his touch; savoring it, yet feeling the intensity as it works through my body. He thrusts two fingers inside of me and I clench around him, the satisfaction washes through me as he pumps over and over and I feel the build deep inside my stomach. I can’t help but rock against his fingers, each movement feels like it’s sending me closer to the edge. Right now, I feel like I’m in another world. One where all that exists is Brax and the bliss he brings to my body. I feel like his touch is the drug that I need right now. The one that can make me forget every other touch before his.
“I need to feel you,” I breathe out.
“You want me inside you, baby?” His voice is low and gravelly, and I shudder at the sheer sound.
“Brax…” I whimper, my voice sounding completely intoxicated.
He drops his hand from my breast, pushing down his boxers and I can’t help but look down as his erection springs free. As I do, I catch a glimpse of the raw lust in his eyes, one that is unfamiliar, yet mesmerizing. So much so that I can’t tear my eyes away. He nudges my inner thigh, widening the access before dragging me down the bed unexpectedly. I shriek excitedly as he steps off the bed, positioning my legs around his waist and lining up at my soaking entrance. I glance at his body. Brax has such a gentle heart, but standing at the end of the bed, glaring down at me, he is anything but. He is raw, strong, and heart-stoppingly handsome. Everything about him makes me want him more than I ever have before. I squeeze my legs tighter, my finger working gently up his forearm. Leaning forward, he thrusts once, his breathing heavy, but his body is controlled. His mouth crashes down against mine but it does nothing to stifle the moans that escape me. My stomach tightens and shakes as the butterflies grow. Everything about him inside me has my body on fire. The slow, gentle strokes work me into a frenzy, even if the pleasure is borderline pain. Each thrust becomes a little harder, a little deeper and a little faster. I rock my body against him, digging my nails into his neck while he sucks my nipple into his mouth hard. Letting out a groan, I arch my back, my sex throbbing as I feel myself getting closer to the orgasm that is coming. Rolling my hips, I feel the sensation building. I’m so close, so damn close.
“Oh God,” I gasp feeling everything inside me tighten. Losing the contact on my breast, he lifts his head, a subtle smile dancing on his lips. His eyes burn into me, and I allow my eyes to flutter shut, taking in and enjoying every last nerve ending feeling alive. The pressure intensifies until I feel like I can no longer control it.
“Ah,” I cry out loud as the ripple of my orgasm washes through me. I jerk up involuntarily as my body stiffens, every muscle in my sex spasms wildly. My arms fall out beside me, my body feeling momentarily weakened, but something tells me we aren’t finished just yet. Brax stills inside of me, leaning over until our hot, sweaty bodies mold together.
“Baby…” He pauses like he’s asking me a question.
“Yes,” I gasp a little breathlessly as I try to control my rapid, post-orgasm breathing. His warm clammy hand finds the side of my face, bringing it back in line with his. “You’re good, right?” he asks with a hint of concern. A chuckle rattles my chest, my eyes meeting his as a smile spreads across his face. I stare back at him, my heart drums harder in my chest.
“I think I love you a little more than I already did,” I sigh dreamily.
“Baby, I know I’m good but…” I cut him off, pressing my hand over his mouth.
“No! Not that,” I laugh out. “The fact that you stopped and asked if I was okay. You know, it’s kinda sweet.”
“Baby, I’m the sweetest devil you’ll ever meet.”
“Angel, Brax. You ain’t no devil.”
“Hmmm… I wouldn’t be too sure about that.” He smirks before pulling out of me and somehow flipping me onto my front. As he slaps my ass, hard, I cry out, “Argggh…” in a mixture of excitement and pain. The slap stings like a bitch.
“I can’t promise to be gentle, but I can promise you’ll enjoy every fucking minute of it,” he informs me, his voice low and gravelly. I fist the bedsheets, dipping my head as he drives into me from behind. Over and over he plows into me with force he had obviously held back previously. He’s
taking charge. Doing this exactly the way he wants and needs, and I’m more than happy to fulfill his every need. I like the softer side of Brax when he makes love to me, but the harder, rougher side is the real Brax. Every movement is powerful, dominant and passionate. I can’t move. I still as his every movement consumes me. I trust him completely and I know without a shadow of a doubt he would never hurt me.
Furiously he works, guttural moans escape him as he picks up speed and I drop my head, biting down a little on my hand, not wanting to come yet. I want to enjoy this for as long as possible. With every movement my core tightens. With every thrust I hold on to the wave that threatens to work through me. But this time, I want us to come together.
“Fuck, Izzy,” he breathes out and I know he’s close. Rocking into me slower but deeper, is the catalyst to me losing control. My orgasm grips me suddenly, but this time my muscles tighten slowly, almost agonizingly slow. I feel Brax jerk, groans fill the room as his warmth fills me. I pulsate around his cock still buried deep inside me.
“Fuck, baby.” He almost collapses on top of me. Neither of us say anything, we just breathe for what feels like a long time. Our bodies heave, our hearts race, but everything about it feels so right. It isn’t painful or messy or a way to punish me. This is real love. Two bodies and hearts joining together as one. This moment feels like a little piece of heaven. A moment I want to relive over and over.
* * *
Face to face, we lie in each other’s arms for the longest time. “I never want to move,” I whisper. “Let’s just stay here forever. Okay?”
His chest rumbles against mine as he laughs quietly. “Sure,” he says with a yawn.
“We should totally sleep. Spoon me,” I say flipping over and pressing my ass against his groin.
“Fuck, Isabelle. Baby, don’t do that.”
“Why?” I ask, wiggling a little at the erection I feel growing against me.
“No, baby. I’m being serious. There will be no sleep if you keep moving like that.”
“Okay, okay,” I giggle putting a little space between us, but still enjoying the comfort of being wrapped tightly in his arms. “Anyway,” I say, looking at him over my shoulder, “we have to make a reservation for four of us at that fancy bar, uh, what’s it called again…” I say, tapping my lip and drawing down my brows.
“Four?” he asks in surprise, his head lifting from the pillow, his eyes focusing on me.
“Oh, Teardrop Lounge, that’s the one,” I say, impressed that I managed to remember it.
“Er, no,” he replies sharply. “Not happening.” His normally bright green eyes are now dark, his brow completely drawn together.
“Okay, stop with the face.” I touch his cheek lightly. “I really want to do this, Brax.”
“You know Carter has control of that fucking place, don’t you?”
“Oh yeah, Tara said something about that, but we are going in to drink. Carter won’t be there.”
“Who is we, Izzy?” he asks again, this time he sounds a little annoyed.
“You, me, Tara and Nate. You know, I really like Tara, you were right.”
Laughter rumbles in his chest. “Did you mention this to her? You know she won’t go for it. Nate and Tara won’t risk being seen together. Too many people will have too much to say about it.”
“Yes,” I say slowly nodding my head, “she did voice her concerns, but I said that they were invited to drink with us as thanks for all they have done. I think it’s the least we can do.”
“The millions they pocketed from Alvrez is the only thanks they need, Izzy.”
“Okay, listen,” I say softly, my hand working from his cheek and into his hair. “I bought a new dress and some very expensive shoes, and honestly, I just want to see you dressed in your suit looking all smart and sexy.” I dart out my tongue, tugging on his hair a little, but his harsh expression doesn’t lighten. “Please?” I whisper.
“You’re not going to shut up about it, are you?”
“I’ll make the reservation in the morning. Saturday works, right?” With a groan, he rolls onto his back, and I giggle a little. “I’ll text Tara, she’ll be super excited.”
“Babe, it’s three a.m. What you should do is chill out and get some sleep.”
“We don’t have anything to get up for so we can sleep as long as we want.”
“What gives you that idea?” He turns back on his side facing me. “We most definitely have plans tomorrow. You and me. Just the two of us.”
“What? What plans?” I ask with a gasp.
Tapping the side of his nose, he shakes his head a little. “Sleep, Izzy. All will be revealed.”
* * *
And he was right. All was revealed, and it was amazing. We spent the day down at the beach, something I’d wanted to do since I was a kid. But it didn’t stop there. Every day this week has been filled with making memories. We’ve been bowling, skating, watched a movie, spent time down at the creek and every second has been perfection. They were all simple things that most women my age will have done a million times over, but for me, each experience was special. Because I did them all with Brax. My whole list of first experiences and I can’t think of a single person I’d rather make those memories with.
“What time will they be here?” Brax grumbles his question, sliding down beside me on the couch.
“You could at least sound happy about it,” I say with a tilt of my head and a slight lift of my brow.
“I’m doing this for you, not because I’m happy about it. I’d rather not be anywhere near that place.”
“And I love you for that,” I say, leaning in and pecking him on the cheek. “And for all the other things we’ve done this week. It’s been amazing, thank you.” I pull my legs up, leaning into his chest; his arm wraps around, holding me there. “But what happens now, Brax?”
“We relax for a while until it’s time to get ready.”
“No, I don’t mean that,” I reply, pulling away from his chest and looking up at him. “I mean with life in general. You no longer have your business with Carter, and I, well, I have nothing.”
“Just because I don’t work with Carter doesn’t mean I no longer have business.”
“I’m not even sure I know what that means, Brax.”
“Those fancy bars you saw downtown. All of them were owned by us. By me and Carter. It’s how we launder the drug money. They were our front businesses. I got us into those places, but now I lost out. I walked away.” I watch as his jaw tightens and I can sense that I’ve hit a nerve.
“I had no idea.”
“I was always so happy to take a back seat. I didn’t need the hassle. As long as we had a way of laundering our money, the front business wasn’t really my priority.”
“So take them back,” I say, placing my hand on the side of his masculine face, directing him until he’s looking at me.
“It’s not that simple. I’ve made calls. I have people I can trust lined up and money in my pocket. I don’t need to take it back when I can start my own empire.”
I look at his beautiful face and somehow wish that this wasn’t his life. The one full of drugs, murder, and illegal shit. But this is all he knows. I can’t expect him to change for me. And then it hits me. I don’t have anything that I’m good at, any strength or hobby or talent that I can make my own. Dad schooled me during my years of isolation, but I didn’t graduate like the rest of my peers.
“I’d like to go back to school. I want to graduate,” I say with an unsure smile.
“Why?” he asks with his brows drawn.
“Because I was good at school, Brax. You know that, but without that piece of paper I have no prospects, no future.”
“Your future is with me, running things, working by my side.”
“Doing what, Brax?” I ask, letting out an exasperated breath.
“Being my lady boss.” He winks at me and I feel my stomach flutter as he looks at me adoringly.
“I need a purpose.�
�� I let out a heavy breath.
“Listen, you wanna do all that school bullshit, then I’ll support you. But my plans are for us and for our future. You don’t need to worry about any of this.”
“But I do worry,” I say reaching for his hand. “When we were kids, you were always the one getting into trouble. You wavered between the line of wrong and right constantly, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this would be your life. I thought about you and Travis and what you’d be doing with your lives. I imagined you going off to college together. He was always going to be something scientific, oh, I don’t know, maybe a doctor or working in a lab somewhere. But you, I imagined you as the ultimate sports jock. You were always so good at football, Brax.”
“Yeah, well after Travis died, I never did go back to school, and I don’t regret it. For as much as I hate the path my life took, I don’t regret the man I am today. If I’d been the sports jock you speak of, then I would never have found you. Our paths would never have crossed. Some would call it fate, even if it’s a little fucked up. We are here for a reason, Izzy.”
“I get it. I do. But I need this for me. I need to prove to myself that I can achieve something. Even if it’s an online course. Something. Anything. That, had I been given the chance, I would’ve made it through school, coming out the other end with a high GPA. Being in high school, having those experiences isn’t something I can ever get back, but achieving something, well I want that, Brax.”
“You’re a smart cookie; you can do anything you set your mind to. Maybe you could be my accountant? After all, I’ll be looking for one. Or better still, my sexy secretary.” He wiggles his eyebrows and I can’t help but laugh at the goofy expression on his face.
“I bet you’d like that, huh?”
“You betcha.” With a hand on each side of my waist, he pulls me up, positioning me on his lap. His hands work up my back, and without warning, he grabs the back of my neck, pulling me forward, kissing me deeply. I reciprocate the kiss, pressing against his soft lips and melting into his embrace. His large body holds me in place while my heart beats like crazy. There is no denying what this powerful man does to me, and there’s no denying he’s just as excited as I am. His raging hard-on presses against my core, causing my excitement to flutter in my stomach. I sink into him, loving the feel of him between my legs, the warmth spreading through me like hot coals. Leaning into him, I part my mouth allowing him access, welcoming the way his tongue strokes against mine. I tremble at the feeling of him, the taste of his mouth on mine is so good. Taking charge, he grabs my ass, a low growl is audible through our kisses. My sex aches painfully, my whole body is on fire as the need for him to touch me grows. Snaking his hand under my skirt, he grabs the thin strap of material that stands between us. In one sharp movement, he tugs on it, snapping the panties straight off.
The complete scars series: Books one-four Page 34
