Shattered Heart: The Donnellys, Book 3

by Dorothy F. Shaw

  Cyn giggled and nipped his earlobe. “Is it working?”

  “No.”

  Like hell it wasn’t working. Cyn trailed her tongue down the side of his neck, nibbling the sensitive skin along the way. His big body shuddered against her and she smiled. “Liar.”

  Shane delivered a stinging slap to one of Cyn’s butt cheeks and she yelped, and then went back to sucking at his neck. She was right, he’d lied about being distracted, but she didn’t need to know that. His dick thickened in his boxer briefs and he pulled her tighter against him. “Temptress.”

  “Mmm. Look who’s talking.” Cyn kissed down his chest to his stomach as she went to her knees. “You do your fair share of tempting too.” She gazed up at him and licked her lips.

  Shane’s stomach dropped at the sight of her kneeling in front of him and he swallowed his groan. “You looking for something down there?”

  Hooking one finger in the waistband of his boxer briefs, she slid the material over the head of his erection. “Yep.”

  Gazing down at Cyn, he cupped her cheek and swiped his thumb over her bottom lip. “This conversation isn’t over. Just on hold.”

  She raised a single brow. “If you insist.”

  “Take what’s yours, then.”

  Her eyes flared and, without hesitation, she sucked him to the back of her throat, moaning around his thickness. Tingles danced up his cock to his balls, spreading through his body. Goddamn, her mouth was like heaven.

  Shane slid his fingers through her hair and gripped the soft strands at the back of her head. She moaned again, drawing him in and out of her warm mouth as she cradled his sac in her palm.

  Shane’s knees buckled and he grabbed the counter with his free hand to hold himself steady. “Fucking love the way you work your mouth on me.”

  She glanced up at him, her brown eyes alive with fire, as she pulled him from her mouth and licked down his length to his balls. In the darkness of her kitchen, Shane was a goner. Totally spun on Cyn. He knew, without a doubt, he’d never want anyone else.

  Ever again. Because he was hers.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Impatience had brought Cyn to Shane’s mother’s house in search of him. She knocked on the front door and waited. After sending a few texts and getting no answer and also hitting his voicemail, she’d decided to pop on by. There was a question she wanted to ask him. His rental SUV was in the driveway so she figured he had to be there. She knocked again and crossed her arms, rocking her hips from side to side.

  The door swung open and Cyn’s head spun at the sight of what greeted her. A bare chest leading to faded blue jeans hanging low on his lean hips made Cyn’s stomach clench. All that muscle, glistening with a light coating of sweat—Mother of all the saints, he looked good—had desire pulsing through her, arrowing straight to her clit.

  “Hi.” He crossed his arms and Cyn groaned.

  “For the love of God, you’re killing me. You look so fucking good, I can’t stand it.” She brushed past him into the house. “It’s not even fair.” She turned to look at him after he closed the door. “In fact, it should be illegal.”

  “What?” His lips curved into a devious smile and Cyn knew her panties were now wet.

  Yeah, he knew exactly the effect he had on women. He must. But then again, he wasn’t an arrogant asshole, so maybe he didn’t. Maybe he just knew the effect he had on her. “I want to suck your cock so bad right now, I can’t even see straight.”

  He frowned. “Girl, you’re crazy. I’m all sweaty and funky. No way I’d let you.”

  Like she cared. Scary thing was normally she would care because eww, gross. But the truth was, she didn’t care. It was Shane’s sweat and funk, and his scent was like heaven on earth to her. Desire thrummed through her limbs and the need to taste him invaded her mind. It was all she could do not to lick every drop of sweat from his skin right that moment. “Wanna bet?”

  “Cyn.” He ran his palm over his hair. “What’m I gonna do with you?”

  She took a step closer. “Kiss me.”

  “Come on, now. I’m all sweaty.” He chuckled.

  Oh, fuck this. Cyn pulled his arms away from his muscled chest, leaned in and licked a line up the center of his pecs. His salty flavor hit her tongue and her pussy clenched. “Fucking hell you taste good.”

  Shane cupped the back of her head. “Holy…damn.”

  “Are we alone?” She swirled her tongue around one areola.

  “Yeah. But…”

  She moved to the other, sucked the peak into her mouth and smoothed her hands down his abs. She could not get enough of him. “But what?”

  Shane grabbed her by the shoulders and straightened her. “Cyn, look, I can appreciate all that you’re doing right now. Honestly, the idea of fucking you in my mother’s house is a damn good one. But we need to finish our conversation from last night.”

  “Ugh, I don’t want to talk about Carlos.” Cyn cringed, hating how whiny she sounded. The texts had started up again that morning about five minutes after she’d gotten to her office. They hadn’t gotten any worse, but they hadn’t gotten any better either.

  Shane led her into the kitchen and ordered her to sit. “Have you heard from him again?”

  Cyn blew out a breath. Obviously he wasn’t going to let the topic rest. This was the downside of a through-and-through alpha male. They were protectors by nature. And Shane was definitely a strong dominant man, determined to protect her. “Yes. But it’s no big deal.”

  He moved to the refrigerator, took out a bottle of water and handed it to her. “Why do I get the feeling it’s becoming a big deal?”

  “Because you’re being paranoid?” Cyn cracked open the bottle and took a sip of the cold liquid.

  “No, actually, I’m being smart and trusting my instincts.” He leaned his ass against the counter and crossed his arms and then his feet at the ankle.

  Dammit, he was being annoying. But at least he looked hot doing it. Honestly, Cyn understood his concern—didn’t agree, but understood. At the heart of it, he was looking out for her. Something he’d been doing, along with her older siblings, since they were kids. And she couldn’t help but appreciate him for it. “Don’t you want to know why I came over here?”

  “You’re changing the subject.”

  “Duh, of course I am. I said I didn’t want to talk about Carlos.” She laughed. “Anyway, a friend of mine, Tarra Layne, is singing tonight and I want to go see her show. I want to know if you’d like to come with me.”

  He stared at her from across the kitchen for what felt like forever. She couldn’t read his expression and nerves started to raise the hair on the back of her neck. What if he didn’t want to hang out with her outside of the bedroom? But this wasn’t supposed to be anything more than the bedroom anyway. Crap. Maybe she shouldn’t have asked. What am I doing? She should tell him never mind. “You kno—”

  “A date, Cyn?”

  Cyn frowned as surprise took the place of her nerves. “I don’t know if I’d call it that.” Getting to her feet, she moved to him. She hadn’t thought about it as a date until he said something. Dating was not something she wanted to be doing. Fucking him, yes. Dating? Not in the cards. “How about just a couple of old friends going out to hear some kick-ass live music?”

  “Old friends, huh? Who you calling old anyway?” He shook his head and ran his warm palm down her arm. “What time?”

  Cyn shivered. Good grief, her body was beyond hypersensitive to his touch. “She goes on stage at nine. We can grab some food close by where she’s playing.”

  “Dinner and a show? Dunno, it kinda sounds like a date to me.” His lips curled into a grin.

  She swatted his arm. This was so not a date. It couldn’t be…could it? Shit. Maybe it was. “Knock it off, Sergeant.”

  Shane laughed and pulled her to him for a kiss. When
he let her go, she was breathless and her body had turned into one big ball of arousal. She gazed up at him; lust swirling hot in her belly.

  “I want you,” he whispered.

  “Take me.” She trailed her fingers down his sides, enjoying the play of muscles beneath her touch. “Any way and anywhere you want to.”

  Shane’s eyes flared and he grabbed her hand and walked her toward the stairs. “Gonna be a quickie.”

  “Yee-haw! Don’t hear me complaining.” She grinned as she climbed the steps behind him.

  When they got into his childhood bedroom, Shane slammed the door. “Pants off now.”

  “Fuck yes.” Cyn barely had the button undone on her jeans before he was at her lips, sucking and nipping at her tongue. He shoved his pants down and his erection rose hot and hard between them. Cyn gripped it in both hands, stroking. He groaned into her mouth and yanked her shirt up, then shoved her pants down.

  She got one leg free of the denim and Shane fell onto his back on the bed, taking her with him. Cyn straddled his hips, positioned the thick head at her opening—Shane groaned and grabbed her, halting her movement. “Condom, Cyn.”

  “Shit. Fuck.” She looked over at his jeans on the floor. “You got one in your wallet?”

  “Yep.”

  Hopping off, she yanked his wallet from his jeans, flipped it open, found the condom and tossed it to him. “On. Now. Jesus Christ, I’m dripping down my thighs I’m so wet for you.”

  “I know. The head of my dick just got a taste of your honey.” He grinned and slid the latex down his shaft.

  Cyn got herself back into position. “Fast and hard, Shane.”

  “Girl—”

  Cyn slid down his prick, taking every inch of him as deep as he’d go. She threw her head back and fucked him. Rode him fast and hard like they both needed. Shane sucked her nipples and held tight to her hips as she rocked back and forth. It was so fucking good that when she came, barely three minutes later, she saw stars and her limbs tingled.

  There was something to be said for quickies. They were so worth it. So very fucking worth every hot second they lasted.

  * * * * *

  Shane sat next to Cyn in a dim bar in downtown Pasadena listening to a gorgeous, longhaired redhead belt out song after song. Cyn was right, the singer was talented. Shane leaned over and placed a kiss on Cyn’s cheek. She smiled and touched her face where his lips had been.

  She always looked so surprised whenever he showed her any sort of affection. Shane liked that he inspired such a genuine reaction from her, but he also wondered if there was something else behind it.

  A woman shouldn’t look shocked when being paid attention to. They should expect it. He was an affectionate man, always had been, and with Cyn he found himself touching her constantly. He held her hand. Stroked his fingers over her cheek. Played with her hair. Caressed her leg. All without thought because touching her felt natural. “Why do you always look so shocked when I touch you?”

  She leaned close. “What?”

  He laughed and bent to her ear. Clearly, now was not the time to ask. “Nothing. You want another drink?”

  “Sure.” She returned her attention to the stage as the beat of a slow song began. “Oh, God! I love this song.” She glanced at Shane. “It’s called ‘Difference’. She just made a video for it too. Amazing.”

  Shane signaled the waitress and ordered them another round. Leaning back in his seat, he put his arm around Cyn as she sang along with the love song about broken hearts and people failing at relationships. It was a sad and truthful ballad, and the depth of feeling that Cyn’s friend, Tarra, sang the lyrics with wrapped around him, making his heart ache.

  Shane hoped like hell he’d never have to experience sprouting feelings for someone and not having them returned.

  He glanced at Cyn. Her expression was solemn, as she watched her friend sing. He’d already sprouted feelings for her. Somewhere between all the sex and talking, in less than two weeks, his heart had opened up and leapt right into Cyn’s hands. He doubted she knew she was holding it.

  By the time the song was over, Shane had fallen deep into his thoughts—and now fears—that maybe Cyn wouldn’t return the feelings he had for her. But it was crazy to expect anything from her. After all, he was leaving at the end of the week and considering he lived more than a few states away, the distance would make things difficult. He’d visit for sure, and maybe she’d visit him too, but it would still be less than ideal.

  The singer stepped off the stage and headed straight for their table. Cyn stood and hugged her friend before turning to him. “Tarra, this is Shane Conlon. I’ve known him pretty much my whole life.”

  “How awesome! It’s so good to meet you. Thanks for coming out,” Tarra said.

  Shane shook her hand. “It was a pleasure. You’re extremely talented.”

  “Ah, thanks.” Tarra motioned to her band with a smile. “We’re giving it hell for sure. So, Angie couldn’t make it?”

  “Not tonight. Not sure where’s she at actually. She missed a great show though. You want a drink?” Cyn motioned to the bar.

  “Water, please.” She fanned herself. “Is it hot in here or is it just me?” Tarra took a seat at their table. “She’s supposed to do a write-up on ‘Difference’ this month.”

  “God, I love that song! It’s so perfect.” Cyn took her seat. “And yeah, it’s pretty freaking hot in here, but then again so are you up on that stage.” Cyn winked and right on queue her friend rolled her eyes.

  “I’ll grab your water, Tarra.” Shane bent and kissed Cyn on the top of her head. “You need anything besides water, babe?”

  She smiled up at him. “Nope. I’m good.”

  Shane stepped away and grabbed three waters. When he returned, he resumed his spot next to Cyn. Their un-date night had been a good one. Dinner and some incredible live music, ending with Cyn alight with her usual bubbly personality. Shane leaned back and soaked up the moments like a sponge. Every so often, as she chatted with her friend, Cyn reached over and smoothed her hand down his thigh. He soaked that up too. Shane had a feeling he wouldn’t have many opportunities to be like this with her and he didn’t want to miss a second of it.

  Chapter Twenty

  Shane checked his cell after cleaning up the painting equipment in his mother’s formal living room. With a smile, he read the text from Cyn. She was having dinner at the Donnelly house and he was expected to join.

  Shane: I’ll be there. Need me to bring anything?

  Cyn: You know better than that.

  Shane: True. Gonna stop by your place and clean up first.

  Cyn: Cool. Grab my blue sweat jacket from the hall closet, please?

  Shane: So much for not needing to bring anything. Lol

  Cyn: Yeah, yeah. I’ll make it up to you later. ;P

  Shane: Holding you to that.

  Cyn: Hope so. See you soon.

  Shane slid his phone into his back pocket and finished gathering the tools. Tomorrow after laying down the trim, the room would be done. In less than a week he’d be on a plane back to Texas. He didn’t want to go, but other than not wanting to leave the woman he’d spent every spare moment with over the last week, he had no reason to stay.

  There was a business and a life to get back to in Texas. Though, thanks to Cyn, Shane feared the life part of that package would now be lacking. Damn if that didn’t just suck to high heaven.

  Once he was done at his mother’s, he drove to Cyn’s house. He’d moved his things from Joey’s place after their un-date on Monday night and had stayed with Cyn the rest of the week. The time with her had been out-of-this-world amazing. They’d had sex in pretty much every corner of her house, and always in her bed in the morning.

  The sex has been mind-blowing. But falling asleep, with her cradled tight in his arms, and waking up with her warm, soft body
pressed against him, had been the best parts of each day.

  How in the fuck he was going to give her up, Shane had no idea. He just knew he had to go. They hadn’t talked about it at all, plus she hadn’t mentioned anything about wanting him to stay—hadn’t even hinted around it. Which kind of sucked, but he wasn’t going to read into it.

  Not wanting to spoil what little time they had together, Shane hadn’t mentioned his impeding departure either. It was just this unspoken thing that hovered over everything. And that definitely sucked too.

  Shane grabbed Cyn’s blue hoodie and headed out the door to her parents’ house. An evening at the Donnellys would be awesome too. Jimmy and his girl, Sonja, and her daughter, Casey, were still in town. Ryan and Maiya weren’t leaving for their honeymoon in Paris until Saturday, so they’d be at dinner too.

  The Donnelly clan had grown by leaps and bounds with all the marriages and kids being brought into the world. He was beyond grateful to still be considered part of the family. But tonight, he’d be by Cyn’s side, and Shane had no clue if the rest of the clan knew they’d been together pretty much since he’d gotten back into town. Joey knew, of course, and Ryan did too. If Ryan knew, then Jimmy definitely knew. Angie and Celia for sure knew. As far as everyone else, Shane had no idea. It wasn’t something he should be worried about, but he couldn’t help but feel a tad nervous at what their reaction would be.

  Brushing off his unease, Shane stepped up to the front door and raised his hand to knock.

  Angie swung the door wide before his knuckle connected with the wood. “You know better than to knock.” She stepped aside and ushered him in.

  “It’s been a long time, so I wasn’t going to assume, Angie. Good to see you.” He bent and placed a kiss on her cheek.

  She closed the door and linked her arm inside his. “Don’t matter how long it’s been. Family is family, Shane.”

  “Thanks, Angela.” He smiled at her as they walked down the main hallway to the kitchen. Mrs. Donnelly was at the counter mixing up her famous potato salad. Shane moved straight to her and held his arms open. “Can I get a hug from my favorite Mom?”