Fractured Paths (Fractured Love Series Book 1)

by Heather Anne

  "Thank you, sweet girl," he leans down, kisses my cheek, and walks away, joining his brothers and Jeffers at the round table near the grill.

  A few hours and a few beers later, I’m sitting with Lauren and Amy, my eyes wandering every so often to find Grayson’s. The sexual tension between us is back with a vengeance and I catch him staring just as much as I am.

  “Spill it," Amy demands.

  "What?" I’m distracted by the way Grayson is watching me from the deck. "You slept with him, didn't you?" Lauren grits as Grayson and I continue to eye fuck each other. I smirk at her, neither confirming nor denying.

  "Oh my god, after all my warnings, you did it anyway!" she yells and I clamp my hand over her mouth as everyone turns to look at us. Gray quirks a brow at me and I shrug as I flash him a sweet smile.

  I pull my chair closer to her and take a long pull on my beer. "Yes, we slept together," I confirm, my voice really low and my smile huge.

  "Oh my god," she whispers. "And?” Amy asks.

  "And what?" I asked.

  "How was it? Are you going to do it again? Oh my god, are you guys together?" she rambles excitedly.

  "Woah, slow down there speedy," I laugh. "No, we aren't together, it's just sex."

  "Amazing sex?" Lauren adds, letting her guard down just a little.

  "Let's just say the things I think about when I use my shower head don't even come close," I laugh, expecting Lauren to laugh with me, but her blue eyes go wide.

  I can feel my cheeks flush as I turn to see Gray standing behind me. He has a look of shock on his face and his hazel eyes are swarming with lust and something else I just can't figure out. Wonder maybe? The skin on my upper arm tingles and I gasp as he pulls me out of my chair.

  "What the fuck, Gray?" I yelp, trying to pull myself free from his grip.

  The bite of his fingers into my skin is both frightening and arousing, the lust in his eyes doesn't go unnoticed as he spits out, "Say good bye, Skylar."

  Wetness starts to pool in between my legs. I wave to Lauren as I’m pulled around the front of the house to my car and I have no time to react as my back is pushed against my car. My mouth is taken in the hottest, most brutal kiss I have ever had in my life. I gasp as his hand snakes up my bare thigh, under my skirt, and his fingers stroke the outside of my drenched panties.

  "Jesus Christ," he says, pulling his mouth from mine, trailing kissing from my jaw up the side of my neck, gently sucking on my pulse point causing a whimper to escape my throat.

  "Gray, what are you doing?"

  His tongue glides from my neck up to the tender spot behind my ear. "I heard what you said to Lauren," he whispers gruffly as his tongue continues its torturous assault on my neck and his hand continues stroking me through the fabric of my lace panties that are so wet, they are sticking to my tender flesh.

  "Mmmmmm," I moan as my hips buck.

  He removes his hand, pressing further into me, allowing me to feel how turned on he is as well, his mouth close to my ear. "Is that what you do, baby? When you can't have me? Play with yourself and think of all the wicked things I do to you?"

  Holy shit. His words are making me incoherent; all I can do is nod in response.

  "Good, baby. Now we are going back to your house and you are going to show me," he nips at my neck as I push him back.

  Shock widens my eyes, filling my chest with a combination of trepidation and anticipation. "W-w-what?" I say, stunned.

  He leans his forehead against mine, his eyes shining even brighter, his voice filled with promise and sin. "I said, I’m going to take you home and you are going to show me what you do to that sweet cunt of yours while you think of me stroking it with my fingers, teasing it with my tongue, and pounding it with my cock."

  I gasp as his mouth takes mine into a searing kiss, too quick for my liking. I yelp as he picks me up by the waist and deposits me into the passenger seat. I watch him as he rounds the car, attempting to adjust the hard on straining against the zipper of his cargo shorts. I bite back a smile and my nipples start to strain against the cotton of my tank top, knowing he is just as turned on as I am.

  The drive to my house is quick, neither of us saying a word. The sexual tension is like a lust filled fog hanging thick between us and, as turned on as I am, I can't help but feel a little self-conscious. Sure, Gray has seen me naked before, but pleasuring myself in front of him brings my vulnerability to an entirely new level.

  As my car comes to a screeching halt in my driveway, I take a deep breath, open the door, and step out onto the gravel. Gray comes behind me, wrapping his arms around me. I can feel how hard he still is and the wetness of my own arousal starts to blaze a trail down my inner thighs. I am so damn full of want for this man that I know I would do anything he asks of me.

  He buries his face in my neck and his scent of spice with a hint of smoke surrounds me.

  "Don't think, just feel," he whispers, kissing my neck quickly. He releases me, taking my hand and linking our fingers together as he leads me to my front door.

  As he unlocks the door, I look down at our linked hands and the contrast is startling. My cream colored hand against his darker one adorned with colorful tattoos shows me what an unlikely pair we are. Yet, our intertwined fingers fit together perfectly.

  I'm thrown from my thoughts as Gray pulls me through the front door, kicking it closed behind us and practically drags me up the stairs to my master bathroom. I'm just standing there, staring at the big, claw footed tub as Grayson turns on the shower. He comes up behind me and lifts the hem of my tank top, brushing the side of my breasts as he pulls it over my head.

  He trails soft kisses down my sides, leaving goosebumps in his wake as he pushes my skirt off my hips, leaving me in nothing but a lace, pale pink bra and matching panties. The bra comes off quickly and he moves around to my front, his gaze boring holes into my soul.

  "Take them off," his gruff voice commands and I am at his mercy.

  I close my eyes, hook my thumbs through the waistband at my hips and slide my panties down, stepping out of them. I open my eyes and see Gray biting his fist.

  “It’s taking all the strength I have not to touch you." He looks me up and down, biting harder on his knuckle, making my nipples so hard they could cut glass. "God, you are fucking perfect. Now, baby, show me what thoughts of me cause you to do to yourself. I want to see and hear it all," he steps back and with one hand, reaches behind him, pulling his T-shirt off, exposing his colorful chest, tight abs, and that delicious v pointing towards his tented shorts.

  I take a breath and step into the tub, close my eyes, and allow the warm water to rinse me of my inhibitions. If it was possible, I would pretend he wasn't even here, but his presence, even when he's dressed, can never go unnoticed. Knowing that he's in this bathroom, shirtless and watching me, has me getting more excited and hornier than I have ever been.

  I open my eyes and adjust the water temperature so it's a bit cooler. Not cold, but not hot enough to burn my sensitive areas. I release the showerhead from its holder, the chrome cool in my hands, and drop myself to the floor of the porcelain tub. I lean my back against the tub, bend my knees, spread my legs, and plant my feet firmly on the floor.

  I take the shower head and point it at my breasts, allowing the rain like spray to hit my aching nipples, releasing a moan from me and a groan from Gray who is now palming the hardness in his shorts. I adjust the water flow to a heavy stream, feeling the vibrations from the shower head pulse in my hand. I am so turned on right now. I know it's going to be quick as I guide the heavy stream of water down my body, between the apex of my thighs. I buck my hips and hiss out a breath as the pulsating stream hits my clit for the first time.

  I hear Gray right next to me and turn to look at him. As our eyes lock, lust permeating from both of us, he drops to his knees at the side of my head and releases the snap of his shorts, freeing his beautiful cock. He leans over and starts tweaking my nipple as I increase the back and forth motion of the wat
er hitting my sensitive spot in just the right way.

  "Tell me, baby. Do you think about my hands on you when you do this to yourself?"

  My breath quickens. "Yes," I moan, bucking my hips up into the stream and arching my back, forcing his touch.

  "Do you think about my tongue, too, baby?" He asks as he bends down taking a nipple in his mouth, sucking hard and biting down, causing a zing to course through my body hitting me right in the clit.

  He releases my nipple, places his hand under my chin, and turns my head to his waiting mouth. He kisses me hard, his tongue dueling with mine as he starts to stroke himself. I pull my face from his, my eyes in line with his cock, making my mouth water and I lick my lips.

  "Not yet, baby. You’ll have my cock in your mouth soon enough, but now I want you to make yourself come."

  I moan. I'm close, but not quite there yet, and as Grayson fists himself, he leans over to my ear. "Do you want to know what I think about when I jerk off?"

  I let out a whimper. I need to come so bad but cannot get there. "I think of your taste on my tongue. You have this tangy, yet sweet taste that I can't get enough of."

  I moan louder as I start moving the shower head around to find the perfect spot on my clit. My body is on the edge and on fire, dying for release.

  “You like that, baby? When I make you come on my tongue?"

  "Yes," I breathe as I feel my body start to tremble with my impending orgasm.

  "Do you imagine that stream of water is my tongue licking your clit?"

  "Gray," I moan, closing my eyes, feeling the tingling start to build up from my toes.

  "I think about what it will be like to finally have you ride my face. That delicious pussy grinding down as I fuck it with my tongue."

  "Oh my god, yes," I cry out.

  "I think about moving your body down and impaling you on my cock, making you ride me hard."

  I whimper at the thought, begging my body to let go.

  "I love having your sweet cunt wrapped around my cock. So slick and tight. There isn't anything like the feeling of you exploding around me," his breathing increases along with mine.

  My body shakes, my back arches, Gray groans my names as hot come hits my breasts and I shatter into a million pieces.

  As I come down from the high of my orgasm, my body continues to spasm as Gray takes the shower head and rinses himself from my breasts. My breathing slows as I watch him clean himself off, tuck his dick back in in his shorts, and grab a towel. He lifts me out of the tub, wraps me in a pink fluffy towel, and carries me to my bed where we ride each other every way possible well into the night.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Since Camden's barbecue two weeks ago, it has been harder and harder to find my self-control. The drugs are always in my system, along with Skylar. Just like I take a pill or two every day to keep my mind clear and the edge off, I take Skylar at least once - sometimes three times, a night. She always asks me to stay, but I never do.

  Fucking her six ways to Sunday is one thing, holding her in my arms for an entire night, well I can't allow myself to even go there. I crave her body and mouth like it's nobody's business, but what I am starting to want more than anything is her mind, her soul – everything - and I can't allow myself to take it. I’s offered to me whenever I look into her eyes, which over the past few days I have avoided. I can see that her feelings are starting to run deep and I should end this shit with her now. I don't. I can’t. She owns me as much as I will allow her to, but I can never own her.

  The fuckedupness of my life has become apparent lately and I fear that it’s going to start to affect her. I would die before I let anything hurt her. Ironic though, since everything inside of me is telling me that I am going to be the one to hurt her the most.

  I shake the thought as I head into the shop. Things have been going well on every level. Besides some sideways looks from Kristy, group has been going great. Skylar and I have really taken the time to get to know to Luke and Allyson and they really are amazing kids. Their determination to make it tells me that they will be ok.

  Having Allyson work at the shop has been great. She’s excellent at her job and Landon even discovered that she is an artist herself. Her drawings are incredible and he wants to talk to her about apprenticing after having the baby.

  I enter the shop, freezing immediately when I see who’s leaning over the counter talking to Allyson. The hairs on my neck stand up as Frankie turns and gives me one of his slimy smiles. I knew this was coming, however, I’m surprised it took so long.

  "Well, if you need anything, here’s my card." He hands a business card to Allyson and she says a quick thank you.

  I give her a look of warning and a quick shake of my head. I’ll deal with her later. "What do you want Frankie?" My tone is defensive.

  "We need to talk."

  "I got nothing to say."

  "Tough shit because I do, and I’m not sure this is a conversation you want to have right here." He nods in the direction to the back where I hear the faint buzz of London's tattoo gun.

  "Outside," I say and he follows me.

  "Well, I heard you paid a nice visit to the spot a few weeks ago." His tone is accusatory.

  I widen my legs in a defensive stance as I take a cigarette from my pocket. "And your point?"

  "That was a nice purchase you made. You trying to take over my territory?" Frankie's tone is low and meant to be threatening.

  "You know I stopped doing deals a while ago. All of that shit was for me," I admit. "What does it matter anyway?"

  "It matters because you put money in Marco's pocket when it should’ve gone into mine."

  I roll my eyes. "Listen, Camden is on to you like white on rice, he's so far up my ass as well it was best for everyone that I took my shit out of town."

  "Listen, you owe me." He steps up to me.

  "I don't owe you shit." My fists clench to my sides.

  "One run," he says and I know it must be huge at the way he licks his lips.

  "No." I am nobody's puppet. Back in the day, I helped him whenever I could, but I have my drug use under control and I don’t need the risk that’s involved with doing his dirty work.

  His eyes narrow to slits then he smirks. "That's fine, I know a couple of kids who could use the money." He nods his head towards the shop and my anger starts to rise.

  "They are kids Frankie, don't you dare."

  He shrugs. "Why not? I need help and someone is refusing to give it to me."

  I roll my eyes. "Why don't you have Kristy do it? All you gotta do is give her a good fuck. She won't even charge you." I snicker at his glare.

  "I would if that bitch would shut the fuck up about you and your girl."

  Oh, no fucking way am I letting Skylar get involved with this shit. I need to keep my composure, not letting him know much him bringing her up affects me. "I don't have a girl."

  "What about that smoking hot redhead with the hottest ass I've seen in a while?"

  I feel the bubble of anger about to explode. Rein it in Gray, I tell myself. "Nah, we’re just friends. Lauren would kick my ass and you don't want to mess with that." I laugh and he snickers.

  "Kristy said you two are all cozy at group."

  What. The. Fuck. She isn't supposed to be flapping her mouth about anything group related. "Did she now?" I smirk and he knows I have him from the way his eyes widen.

  He curses, trying to clarify. "She just said you were there. She’ll get crazy on my ass."

  "Leave me, the kids, and Skylar the fuck alone," I warn and he nods but I know it's just to appease me.

  "See you around," he says and walks away.

  Shit. I know this isn't the last of it and I know I need to confront the bitch.

  I walk back into the shop tense as hell and walk over to the desk. "Give me the card, Allyson." My tone is harsher than it should be and she hands me Frankie's card. I rip it up. "Whatever you do, do not let Luke get involved with that. He is nothing but bad news. If
you’re in a bind, you come to me. Got it?" Her blue eyes have fear in them and she nods again. "Look, you guys are great kids. I don't mean to be harsh, but I’m serious. Promise me you’ll come to me before going there."

  She smiles. "I promise."

  "What the fuck was he doing here?" Landon comes out from the back with his hands on hips.

  "Nothing. Just wasting my fucking time," I say.

  Landon narrows his eyes "Does he have anything to do with why you told Cam you didn't want your truck and bike back?"

  Fuck. I forgot I told my brother that. I didn't want a repeat accident yet I needed to be somewhat numb. I tell Landon my bullshit excuse. "Too tempting, man. I’m good with walking for now. This is the first time I’ve seen Frankie other than at the bar that one night and I made it perfectly clear I want nothing he has to offer."

  "If you were in trouble you would tell me, right?" he asks and I know he doesn’t believe me when I answer.

  "Of course."

  My work day goes by fast but I’m anxious to see Skylar. It's a few hours before group but I decide to stop in Beans. I have a nagging urge to make sure is okay.

  When I get there, all the tables are full and there’s a line five people deep. Lauren is working the counter and I see Skylar waiting tables. Tourist season is in full effect.

  "Hey." She smiles when she sees me. "Give me a few minutes." She heads over to the counter to help Lauren.

  The place starts to clear out a little and Skylar comes over to me with a plate of two salted Caramel Muffins and two cups of coffee. She gestures for me to join her at a table.

  "I have ten minutes but if it starts to fill up, I’ll have to cut it short," she says.

  "No problem." I look around. "Where's Amy?" I ask.

  "Shit. I won’t make group tonight. Amy’s sick as a dog with a stomach bug. I need to cover for her so I’m here until ten."

  A part of me is disappointed but a part of me is relieved. I need to try to talk to Kristy to figure out what her problem is and remind her of the agreement she signed. Fuck Frankie's warning. There’s still pressure being placed on Skylar through the media to allow that lawsuit to be filed and Kristy's bullshit is all she needs right now.