Scarred

by K. Webster

  “When we were together, we were mostly like good friends. Always going to ballgames and hanging with our friends at school. Even though we were romantically involved, it wasn’t like it is with Jackson. With Jackson, I feel tethered to him. I need him and he needs me. It’s on a deeper level than I ever shared with Bray.

  “But you and Bray, I most certainly know that your feelings are real. You may have been just ‘friends’ for the past two months, but I knew it was only a matter of time before you both became an item. There is hardly a moment that you two aren’t touching. For two months now, I’ve observed the way you always seem to look for each other in a room. Like you need the confirmation that your other half is nearby.

  “Each time you’re together, both of your faces light up with sheer happiness. Bray lost his light a long time ago. I never realized it until I saw it again by the way he looks at you. And you—you have never smiled so much or been so carefree. You guys are good for each other. And our third musketeer will come around eventually. She’ll have to.”

  Tears filled my eyes at the thought of Pepper still being so angry with me.

  “Andi, what if I’m not a good mom? My own mother is a horrible example. I’m honestly terrified of letting Bray and the baby down,” I sigh sadly.

  “Honey, you can stop that thinking right now. Believe me. I know horrible moms. My mother, father, and sister always treated me like the outcast that didn’t belong. Some people just don’t have a loving bone in their bodies—like my family. But you and I, we’re made of the good stuff. We have so much love to give those around us and it’s never-ending. You’re going to be a great mom, and I assure you I’ll be right here to make sure that happens,” she winks.

  “Andi, I love you.”

  “I love you too, girl.”

  A jingle of keys at the door had us both jumping to our feet. Bray flung open the door and held it open as Jackson carried in my beat-up little sister.

  “Opal!” I shrieked, running over to them. She turned her head to me and my heart sank. Her face reminded me of my own not too many months ago. Her small hand reached over and touched my cheek. The tears in my eyes blurred my vision, and I quickly blinked them back so I could see her again.

  “I’ve missed you so much,” I whispered. She nodded her head, her lip quivering too much to verbally answer me back.

  “Jackson, bring her to the guest room,” Bray ordered.

  Jackson followed him into the room and gingerly laid Opal down on the bed. I crawled in beside her and snaked my arm across her abdomen. She winced, which meant Drake had hurt her there too. When I went to pull my hand away, she held it in place.

  “Don’t leave me. I’m okay. Just a little sore,” she croaked out.

  “Opal, I will never leave you.”

  Andi, Jackson, and Bray all stood around the bed looking down at us. Andi looked worried, but the two men shared the same furious expression.

  “What the fuck just happened?” Jackson finally asked, breaking the silence. Opal flinched at his tone, and I suddenly felt protective of her because she was in the same state I’d been in just a few months ago.

  “Don’t talk to her like that,” I snapped at him. Andi elbowed him in the ribs, and his features softened as he realized he was being harsh.

  “Shit, sorry. My mind is still reeling from the fact that Bray and I just rescued a damsel in distress from a fucking naked giant,” Jackson said as he ran his hands through his hair, obviously confused at the situation.

  “Somehow or another, Opal seems to have gotten herself involved with the man who would have killed me had I not made my escape that night. How did you get involved with Drake?” I asked Opal.

  “After you left, I missed you so much. Momma didn’t understand—thought you were evil. Secretly, I would scour every fashion magazine for you. When I would find one with you in it, I would buy the magazine and cut out the picture. A couple of months ago, an extremely good-looking photographer showed up on the doorstep after school. Momma was at work so I let him in. He told me he was a model scout and had seen some of my pictures on Facebook. In that moment, my heart soared at the possibility of following in your footsteps.

  “He told me he would provide room and board if I would come to New York City. Since he was a photographer, he said he knew all the ins and outs of the business. He told me he was looking to start his own agency and I was his first recruit. Of course, I naïvely fell for his charms. And I hoped it would lead me to you, Olive. That day, I wrote Momma a letter and packed a bag. Since I was eighteen, she couldn’t stop me anyway.

  “But once we arrived at his apartment, I quickly realized I had fallen into some sort of trap. Things seemed off. At first, he took me to a couple of shoots and I thought he might be legit. But one night, after too much drinking, he came into my room and—” She started to choke.

  “Opal, it’s okay. I know what you mean,” I coaxed.

  “Anyway, it was while he was taking me that I noticed your name tattooed across his chest. It was then that I knew. I was a pawn in some sick game. For weeks, he did sadistic things to me. Tonight, he fell asleep and happened to leave his phone on the bedside table within reach. I called Momma and begged her for your phone number. At first, she demanded I come home and refused to give it to me. When I told her I was tied to a bed, she finally conceded. And now I am here. The only good thing about this is I’m here with you now, Olive.”

  I kissed her cheek. “Opal, you’re safe now and you’re here with me. Things can only get better.”

  Between my mother being a bitch to Olive and having to rescue Opal from Drake, last night had been a night from hell. Olive had spent the night with Opal. The two had been glued to the hip this morning when I left for work.

  “Bray,” Jordan boomed as he walked into my office and plopped down.

  I pulled myself from my thoughts of the events of last night and looked up at him. “What’s up, Jordan?” I asked.

  He grinned at me and dropped a pamphlet on my desk. I picked it up and look at him in confusion. The pamphlet was for The Stratosphere in Las Vegas.

  I looked up at him questioningly. “What’s this?”

  “Elizabeth said, and I quote, ‘There will be no fucking bachelor party.’ And since I love my woman, I will agree to her wishes. But things have been hectic for all of us here at work, and with the wedding coming up next month, I thought we could all use a break. I’ve reserved rooms there for all of us this upcoming weekend. Please tell me you don’t have plans.”

  This was the last thing I wanted to do—spend time with Pepper while she was pissed at Olive and me.

  “Uh, Jordan, I don’t know if that’s such a good idea. Pepper is pretty angry with me and Olive right now. This seems like a disaster waiting to happen.”

  “What do you mean? Why would she be upset with you? She never mentioned anything to me.”

  “Olive and I are together now. She found out and was super pissed—even going as far as to kicking Olive out of the apartment. I’m sorry, man, but I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

  “Wait, what? She kicked her out?” he asked angrily.

  Well, shit. I hesitantly nodded in confirmation. He reached into his pocket and retrieved his phone. Moments later, he had her on the phone.

  “Hey, babe. How’s work going today?” he asked through clenched teeth.

  After she stated her response, he cut right to the chase.

  “Did you have a fight with Olive?” After a few quiet moments, he spoke again. “I see.”

  I could hear her frantically trying to explain herself on the other end.

  “I get why you’re upset, but you need to fix this. We’re going out of town this weekend. Everyone’s going, and I hope that you can work this out with Olive. Love you,” he said and hung up. I’d never seen those two fight, so it was awkward to be a part of that conversation. After all that, there would be no way I could tell him no now.

  “When do we leave?” I asked, resig
ned to going on the trip. I would love it if Olive and Pepper could make up. It would be one less thing to worry about.

  “Friday morning. I’ll send you the information so you can book flights for you and Olive. But don’t worry. I’ve already booked the rooms,” he grinned at me, his mood from moments earlier having dissipated.

  “Add one more room. I’m sure Olive is going to want her sister to come with us.”

  Jordan beamed at me as he stood. “On it,” he said before leaving.

  I sighed and dialed Olive to tell her the newest developments. When her phone went straight to voicemail, I had a nervous feeling about it. A few minutes later, I tried again. Not taking any chances, I grabbed my keys and hauled ass out of my office and ran right smack into Andi. She would have toppled over had I not grabbed her elbows and held her steady. Of course Jackson would choose that moment to walk out of his office.

  He glared over at where my hands held on to Andi. I didn’t have time for his stupid jealous shit today—Olive wasn’t answering and it worried me sick.

  “Not now, Jackson,” I shot out over to him as I released Andi. “Olive hasn’t answered my calls and it doesn’t sit right with me after last night.”

  Jackson’s features quickly morphed into concern. “You think she’s okay? Do I need to come with you?”

  “Nah, I’m sure she’s fine, but I will feel better once I talk to her. I’ll text you and let you know,” I called out over my shoulder as I made my way to the elevators.

  Fifteen minutes later, I was pounding away on the button to the elevator in my own building to no avail. For some reason, the wiring acted up from time to time, and building maintenance couldn’t figure out why. Sighing in frustration, I pushed through the stairwell door and took two steps at a time until I made it to the third floor. I quickly slid the key into the door and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw Olive standing on a stepladder, washing the big panoramic windows. Her ass was sexy as hell in her short pink shorts. It jiggled each time she swiped the cloth across the glass. My cock sprang to life as I thought of her bent over before me while I pounded her from behind.

  Wait—what?

  “Olive!” I shouted at her once I’d snapped out of my daydream.

  She jumped, startled, and nearly fell off the ladder. “You scared me!” she squeaked out as she climbed down.

  “What were you thinking? You shouldn’t be climbing ladders while pregnant! And furthermore, why weren’t you answering your phone?” I demanded angrily. I was upset from the stress of everything and unfairly taking it out on her. My jaw was uncontrollably clenching as I seethed in anger.

  Her brow furrowed as she glared at me. Stomping over to me, she stopped right before our chests touched. “Why don’t you try again?” she hissed.

  I could tell she was pissed, and with good reason. I’d just burst into the apartment like a lunatic. Her eyes were filled with fire as we had a stare down.

  “Where’s your sister?” Another demand.

  She licked her lips before she spoke again, and that’s when I lost my fire. It was quickly replaced by hunger—for her. Seeing her all worked up and standing her ground had done something to my heart. She wasn’t the nervous, scared woman she had been months ago when we first met. This girl was coming into her own, and I loved it. It was in that moment that I realized I truly loved her and had for some time.

  “She’s napping. And I turned off my phone,” she finally answered. Nervousness briefly passed over her features.

  Grasping on to her hips, I pulled her to me. Once her body was pressed against mine, she could feel my arousal plain as day. Now the fire had left her eyes as well. Leaning down, I captured her mouth with mine and tasted her plump bottom lip. Her eyes fluttered closed and she moaned into my mouth.

  Pulling away, I looked at her again. “Olive, I was worried. I’m sorry I yelled at you.”

  She snaked her arms around my neck to hug me. I pulled her close and squeezed her tight. My hands slid down her back and found what they were looking for, grabbing a handful of each ass cheek.

  “Fuck me, Olive. Now.” Another demand.

  Her answer was to hop up and wrap her legs around my waist. Not wasting any time, I stalked into my room and shut the door behind us. Walking over to the bed, I set her back down on her feet. I knew being bossy with Olive probably wasn’t the route to go with her, but I was still fired up about the last few days.

  “Take your clothes off.” Demand.

  She didn’t argue but held my gaze with her own sensual one. Latching on to the hem of her t-shirt, she yanked it over her head, revealing her two perky mounds, which seemed to look swollen today. She wasn’t wearing a bra, which was incredibly hot. How I hadn’t noticed that until now was beyond me.

  Her thumbs found the waistband of her cotton shorts and she slid them down, along with her panties, to her ankles, giving me a full view of her recently developed sexier-than-hell curves. She still was pretty flat on her tummy, but I knew it would only be a matter of time before she would start to show.

  Needing to touch her, I gently cupped each breast in my hands. While I fondled her, I kissed her deeply. When she whimpered, clearly turned on, I pulled away.

  “I want to watch you touch yourself,” I said gruffly. Still a demanding tone. I pulled away from her and started loosening my tie. She nodded and slid her hand down to her smooth pussy. Slipping a finger inside herself, she dragged the wetness from inside up her slit, locating her clit.

  “Mmm,” she moaned.

  I yanked off my tie and set to unbuttoning my shirt while I watched her touch herself.

  “That’s it, baby. Go faster,” I urged while I shrugged out of my shirt.

  She’d already closed her eyes, and her free hand had found her nipple, which she lazily rubbed.

  “Make yourself come, baby, because as soon as you do, I’m going to fuck you so hard,” I growled. Again, she nodded and picked up her rhythm. Her breaths were becoming short and ragged. Unbuckling my slacks, I slid them and my boxer briefs to the floor, stepping from them.

  “Oh,” she panted, signaling the beginning of her orgasm. Her finger furiously stroked her clit as she got closer.

  “That’s it, Olive,” I crooned, stepping right up to her so that we were inches apart. She panted heavily. Leaning over, I sucked on her neck for a second and then just pressed my lips against her. “I want you to come for me now, baby.” Demand. I sucked her back into my mouth and gently sank my teeth into her flesh, successfully sending her over the edge.

  “Bray!” she groaned as a shudder tore through her body. When she finally stopped convulsing, I grabbed her wrist and pulled it up to my mouth. Finding her wet finger, I dragged between my lips, tasting her essence. After I licked it clean, I grinned at her.

  “Now we’re going to fuck,” I informed her as I spun her around. My cock pressed between her ass crack as my hands roamed her body.

  She whimpered when one found her breast and the other her clit. Both were swollen and sexy as hell.

  “Climb onto the bed and get on your knees and elbows. I want to see your beautiful ass pointed up for me. I need to caress it while I pound your pussy.” Another demand.

  When she ignored me, really enjoying the circular pattern I’d created on her clit, I pulled it away and playfully popped her on the ass. She sighed in frustration but obliged by climbing onto the bed. Once she was in the requested position, I climbed up behind her. Grabbing both of her perfect ass cheeks in my hands, I gave them a little squeeze.

  I slipped a finger into her wet pussy and stroked her lazily. She must have wanted more speed because she kept pointing her ass closer to me. Finally, I pulled my finger from her to give her what she really wanted.

  “You want me to fuck you, baby?” I asked huskily.

  “Yes, please,” she begged, her voice barely above a whisper.

  Grabbing ahold of my throbbing cock, I teased her wet opening. “Baby, you can do better than that. Talk dirty to your man
. You want me to fuck you?” I asked as I continued to stroke my dick against her, not making any moves to push it inside.

  She whimpered in need. “Bray, I need you to f—I need you to fuck me. Hard,” she choked out. She hardly ever cussed, so it was naughty to hear it coming from her lips.

  “Tell me again,” I demanded.

  “Fuck me hard!” she cried out.

  I pushed myself deep inside her until I was as far as I could go. Her body throbbed around me and I took a second to gather my bearings so I didn’t come right away. Our dirty talk really had me turned on.

  Grabbing on to her hips, I began thrusting hard, enjoying the sound of my body slapping her ass. Each time I slammed into her, my balls would slap her pussy lips, creating a hot fucking sensation. It wouldn’t be long before I came, so I reached a hand around her and found her clit. Stroking it quickly in a pattern I knew she loved, I tried desperately not to come until she had reached her own orgasm.

  With my free hand, I gripped her ass again before sliding my thumb between her cheeks. I’d barely stroked her puckered hole when I felt her come. Her pussy clenched my dick and pulled out my own orgasm instantly. I thrust several more times until the last of my come was inside her.

  She sighed in contentment. “Bray, that was amazing,” she purred and pulled herself off my cock. She collapsed onto the bed, still breathing heavily.

  I stretched out beside her and stroked her back. “Come here.” Another demand.

  She looked up and grinned at me, looking very much like a sexy vixen in her glow that was part ‘just fucked’ and part pregnant. Stretching one of her long legs across me, she straddled me and laid her body on my chest. The wetness that dripped from her body on to my stomach had my dick coming back to life. Her fingers threaded their way through my hair, and she kissed me deeply on the lips. The way she looked at me in that moment made my heart swell happily. I love you. That was my thought, but for some reason, I didn’t voice it. Instead, I nudged her with my now hard cock.