Damaged Goods: The Redemption Series

by L. Wilder

  As I began to stroke her with a tormenting rhythm, she cried out in pleasure. Her thrusts became more forceful as she took me deeper and deeper, and I could feel her muscles contracting all around me. My body was taut as I struggled to hold back my climax. Her body felt so good, so right, but I wanted to give her the most intense pleasure she’d ever experienced. As she began to tremble around me, I heard her breath quivering with anticipation and need. I slid both of my hands to her hips and held on as her orgasm approached. Her hips rocked against mine, faster and faster in a feverish rhythm, until at last she let out a tortured groan and clamped down around my cock. My fingers dug into her hips as I pulled her down hard and came deep inside her. She collapsed back onto me, and we didn’t move as the aftershocks of her orgasm rolled through her. I stayed inside her as we panted for breath and waited for our heartbeats to slow. I kissed her neck as I whispered, “Damn, woman. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.”

  I was on my way to grab some clothes out of my room, when I spotted it. I took it in my hands and carried it into the living room. After I got the hammer and some nails, I went over to the fireplace and eyeballed the perfect spot for the nail. Even though I was trying to be quiet, the hammering caught her attention. She came into the room with a puzzled look on her face.

  “What in the world are you doing?” She was wearing her father’s t-shirt, and her hair was still damp and down around her shoulders. “It sounds like you’re about to bang right through the wall.”

  I was standing on a chair in front of the fireplace with a hammer in my hand as I answered, “Nothing.”

  “Well, it certainly doesn’t look like nothing.”

  I reached down at my feet and took the picture in my hand. After I positioned it in the center of the wall, I stepped down off the chair and took a look at it. “Looks pretty good, don’t you think?”

  I turned back to look at her and noticed the tears in her eyes. “But I didn’t think you even liked that picture.”

  “I never said that.” Her eyes never left the painting as I walked over to her. “I actually really like it.”

  “Okay.” She answered, sounding unsure of herself. “But you said…”

  “I know what I said.”

  “Then, what’s changed?”

  “Everything.” I placed my hands around her waist, closing the gap between us. “You made me realize that I wasn’t exactly being honest with you or myself. I do believe in love… All of it. The good and the bad.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “I’m saying it isn’t all bullshit... Love is kind. Love is patient. It protects, it trusts, and it always perseveres. I do believe in love, and most of all, I believe in you.” I lowered my mouth to hers, kissing her softly. “I love you, Tristen Carmichael. Heart and soul.”

  “I love you, too. So very much.” She looked up at the picture and smiled. “You did good. It looks great there.”

  “I’m glad you like it, because like me, you’re stuck with it.”

  Nitro

  Four Years Later

  “Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Tristen asked for the third time.

  “Already told you I’ve got it covered.”

  “But you know how she can get when she’s not feeling well, and you have….”

  “Tristen, get to class. I have this under control.” I gave her a kiss on the lips and then headed for the refrigerator. “And don’t text me every five minutes to check on things.”

  With a disgruntled sigh, she walked over to Callie and gave her a kiss on the top of her head. “Be good for your daddy. You know how he can get when things don’t go his way.”

  “Daddy’s a bad boy,” Callie replied.

  “No, your daddy is a good boy. It’s your mother who’s bad,” I told our two-year-old daughter as I walked over to the table with her bowl of cereal. “If she doesn’t go on to school, she won’t graduate next week.”

  “Go momma. You get in trouble.”

  Tristen kissed her one last time and then walked over to me. “Call me if you need anything.”

  “I won’t.” I gave her a quick kiss and then motioned her towards the door. “You’re going to be late.”

  “I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

  “Take your time. My girl and I have big plans for the morning.” I gave it my all, but I could still see the apprehension on her face as she walked towards the door.

  “Don’t forget to give her the pink medicine as soon as she’s done eating.”

  “Got it.”

  As she opened the door, she turned to me and smiled. “And one more thing.”

  “Yeah?”

  “I love you.”

  “Love you, too. Now, move your ass.”

  Once she was gone, I sat down at the table next to my beautiful daughter with her curly blonde hair and crystal blue eyes and smiled as she shoved a handful of cereal into her mouth. Life was good. I had everything I’d ever wanted and more. I’d never admit it to her, but I owed it to my mother. Until she said it out loud, I hadn’t realized how much I was letting my fear dictate my life—not just with Tristen, but in every facet of my life. I still had my moments when I wanted to fight for control, to hold those that I cared about close and protect them at all costs, but I was slowly learning there was nothing I could do to stop the world from turning. I had to grab life by the horns and live, and with Tristen by my side, it was one hell of a ride.

  “I need a dink.”

  I loved the sound of her sweet voice. “What do you want to drink, sweetheart?”

  “Duice.”

  “Juice?”

  “Yes, p’ease.”

  I got up and walked over to the fridge and filled her sippy cup with orange juice. I walked back over and sat it down on her tray. “There you go.”

  She reached for her cup and took a drink, and her face scrunched up like she’d tasted something awful. As she shook her head, she tossed the cup across the floor. “Yuck.”

  “Whoa. What was that?” I walked over and picked up the cup, then placed it back on her tray. “That wasn’t nice, Callie.”

  “I need a dink.”

  “I got you a drink.”

  “Not good dink. Yuck.”

  She picked the cup up again and tossed it on the floor. Like her mother, my daughter had a fiery side, and when she didn’t feel well, she was quite the little stinker. I walked over to her high chair and lifted her out of her seat. “That’s enough of that.”

  When I kissed her on the top of her head, she was warm, and I realized that her fever was back. I took her into the kitchen and sat her down on the counter while I got her medicine out of the cabinet. “Momma said da pink bottle.”

  “I know you need the pink medicine, Bossy, but you need Tylenol, too.”

  She pouted as she shook her head. “It ‘dastes bad.”

  “No, this is the good one. It tastes like grape.”

  “You sw-ure?”

  “Yep. You’ll like it.”

  Once I’d given her a teaspoon from both bottles, I carried her into the living room and sat down in my recliner. I turned on some cartoons and started rocking her. She nestled herself in the crook of my arm as her focus locked on the television screen. The more I rocked, the heavier her eyelids became, and after just a few minutes, she fell asleep in my arms. There’d been a time when I thought I’d never have it again, but at that moment, I felt complete and utter happiness.

  I hadn’t realized I’d dozed off, until I felt Callie tugging on the collar of my shirt. “Momma home.”

  I looked up and found Tristen staring down at me with a look—one that said ‘I love you’ without saying the words. “That was quick.”

  “Not really… I’ve been gone two hours.”

  “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

  “Um hmm.” She smiled excitedly. “I’ve got good news.”

  I pulled her down into my lap next to Callie and said, “Let’s hear it.”

/>   “When I turned in my final today, the professor asked to talk to me after class. He told me about a job opening at the counseling center downtown. He’s already put a call into the office and told them about me. He thinks I’d be perfect for the job.”

  “That’s awesome.”

  “I’m just not sure if it’s the right thing for me to do… under the circumstances.”

  “What circumstances?”

  “Well, with the baby coming, I hate to start a new job, only to have to leave them in the lurch after seven or eight months.”

  “Wait… what?”

  She bit at her lip as she took Callie from me and cradled her close to her chest. “It looks like our little Callie is going to be a big sister soon.”

  She looked over to me and smiled, knowing I was about to lose it. “You’re pregnant?”

  “Yes, Nathan. It looks like you’re going to be a father… again.”

  “You’re pregnant?” Her smile grew wider as I finally started to comprehend what she was saying. “Like, right now… right this minute… you’re pregnant?”

  “Yes.” She placed the palm of her hand on my cheek. “I’m pregnant… right now… right this minute.”

  Unable to control myself, I stood up with both of them in my arms. Holding them tightly, I smiled and said, “It just keeps getting better and better.”

  Tristen looked up at me and said, “I love you, Nathan James.”

  “And I love you, Tristen James. Heart and soul.”

  The End.

  More from Max coming soon.

  Amanda Faulkner – Thank you for being an amazing PA. You support and kindness means the world to me. I don’t know what I’d do without you.

  Natalie Weston – I love you, chick. Even when I’m at my worst, you have a way of making me smile. Thanks for all that you do. It means so much.

  Daryl and Sue Banner, The Dynamic Duo – Thank you both for making my book the best it can be. I love you both!

  *If you haven’t checked out Daryl Banner’s books on Amazon, you are missing out. Be sure to check out his books: http://www.amazon.com/author/darylbanner

  Brooke Asher – Welcome back to the crazy world of L. Wilder! Thanks for all your help with everything. You are an amazing friend, and I can’t thank you enough.

  Tempting Illustrations – Thank you for your amazing teasers. I loved them all! If you’re looking for some amazing teasers, be sure to check them out. http://www.temptingillustrations.com

  Danielle Palumbo – You simply amaze me. I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate your support, even when it isn’t easily given. You are simply awesome!

  Lisa Cullinan – I truly appreciate your help, and your friendship means so much to me. You rock, lady!

  Neringa Neringiukas – I can’t thank you enough for sharing my book and teasers, and all of your kind words of support. Your friendship and kindness means so much to me. Thanks for being awesome.

  Whynter Raven – Thanks for posting for me! You rock!

  Tanya Skaggs, Sabra Browning Baroski, Donna Parrot, and Grace Heart – Thank you for reading Nitro early and helping me make it even better. You guys rock! Tanya- you are such a sweetheart. Thanks for keeping me sane.

  Ana Rosso – My young Jedi. Thank you for keeping me on track, even when life tends to get in the way. I am so proud of you for writing your first book, Reaper’s Creed MC. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next. Keep writing!!

  https://www.amazon.com/Reapers-Creed-MCDamons-Salvation-ebook/dp/B01HG1G6PS

  Patricia Ann Blevins, Kaci Stewart, Danielle Deraney Palumbo, Tanya Skaggs, Terra Oenning, Sarah Hooks, Michelle Booklover, Sarah O’Rouke, Hannah Myers, and Donna Parrott – (so glad I finally got meet some of you at the signing. Love you all!) – Thank you so much for always being there with your kind words and support. Your reviews and suggestions mean the world to me. Your stories and words of encouragement always make me smile. Thanks so much for sharing them with me.

  Wilder’s Women – I am always amazed at how much you do to help promote my books and show your support. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I read all of your reviews and see all of your posts, and they mean so much to me. Love you big!

  A Special Thanks to Mom – Thank you for always being there to read, chapter by chapter, giving me your complete support. You are such an amazing person, and I am honored to call you my mom.

  Continue for an excerpt of Big: Book 6 in the Satan’s Fury MC Series

  Satan’s Fury MC

  Book 6

  (An Excerpt)

  “Well, look who we have here,” Baker snickered as he sauntered into the room with several of his hood rats following close behind.

  My eyes skirted over to him and my chest tightened into a knot as I watched them file into the room. Baker was a big brute, weighing around two sixty with muscles protruding through his orange jumpsuit, while I was a tall, puny fucker who weighed a buck fifty with boots on. I was scared out of my damned mind, and rightly so. I knew what was coming. I’d seen it too many times to count, and I knew there was nothing I could do to stop it. I was stuck. I hated that feeling of helplessness and had always done my best to avoid it at all costs. I thought if I just kept my mouth shut and avoided all the roughnecks, I would be able to stay off their radar. But keeping off the grid in a place like this was damn near impossible. The GH Juvenile Detention Center was no place for a kid like me, but like a line of dominoes, the choices I’d made had landed me behind bars. I thought I was slick, that I wouldn’t get caught, but I was wrong. I was wrong about a lot of damned things, and it’s one of the reasons I’d found myself in the boys’ bathroom surrounded by a pack of hungry wolves.

  “You think you’re so fucking smart. You walk around here acting like you’re better than everyone else, but you ain’t shit!” Baker snarled.

  Baker was a grade A asshole, and over his stint in juvie, he’d acquired quite a following. He and his cronies had a thing for fucking with anyone who was smaller or weaker than them, and with my scrawny ass, there was no doubt I was an easy target. He stood there glaring at me like some rabid dog, and I knew he had his mind set on annihilating me. I felt the walls closing in as I looked towards the door. My fight or flight instincts kicked in and I felt an overwhelming urge to get the hell out of there, but a couple of his goons were guarding the exit. There was no way out. Knowing I was cornered, Baker’s lips curled into a cold, heartless smile. There was no honor in fights like this. No code. It was simply the survival of the fittest, and I was damned from the start.

  I swallowed hard and muttered, “I don’t want any trouble, Baker.”

  “Nobody asked you what you wanted, you fucking pussy,” he barked as he slammed his fist into my gut. Before I had a chance to defend myself, he reared back and punched me again right in the damn nose. Tears filled my eyes as I stumbled and fell flat on my face. As soon as my limp body hit the floor, he started kicking me in my side and abdomen causing me to curl into a protective ball. Bile burned at the back of my throat and the stench of piss and body odor only made it harder to resist the urge to puke. Laughter filled the room as I tried unsuccessfully to lift myself off the ground. Wobbling like a ninety-year-old heart patient, I didn’t get very far. My arms felt like lead weights and my legs were quivering from the pain, making it impossible to move.

  “We gotta get the hell out of here. The guards are gonna come looking for us,” one of the guys urged. Their sneakers squeaked against the cold, concrete floor as they paced nervously back and forth. They were getting anxious, and I prayed they’d convince him to leave.

  “We’ve got time. They’re dealing with Duncan,” Baker snickered. “Besides, I’m not done with our little computer freak just yet.”

  Baker was right. Duncan, one of the more emotionally disturbed kids in our hall, had one of his meltdowns, and it would take them all to get him settled back down. They wouldn’t be coming anytime soon, and my hopes of someone coming to my rescue were
completely squashed.

  “I’m done with this bullshit. He’d not worth the trouble,” one of them grumbled as he walked out the door.

  “I knew you were a pussy, but I thought you’d at least put up a fight.” Baker gave me a shove with his foot and snickered. “Come on, douchebag. Get up.”

  I was down, but I wasn’t completely out. His words were like a spark, fueling the fire that burned deep inside me. I couldn’t give up—not just yet. Bruised and winded, I mustered the strength to stand. Anger exploded within me as I shouted, “Fuck you, Baker.”

  I held my breath as I took a swing at him. Satisfaction shot through me when the contact made his head jerk back. I’d thought I’d gotten him good, but my sense of pride was short-lived as his balled fist collided with my cheekbone. Everything went blurry, and I lost my footing. In a matter of seconds, my face was planted back on the bathroom floor. It was pathetic.

  Baker lowered himself down on top of me and brought his mouth over to my ear. He whispered in a raw, guttural voice, “Is that all you got, pussy?”

  I struggled against him, shooting my left leg out as I tried to get him off me, but I just wasn’t strong enough. His hands moved up to my neck, wrapping tightly around my throat as he spat, “Where ya trying to run off to, freak-show? I’m not done with you yet.”

  I felt him reach into his back pocket and froze when I heard one of the guys yelp, “Don’t Baker. You taking this too far.”

  “Shut your fucking mouth, Smith. I’ll decide how far this thing goes!”

  I twisted and turned, trying my best to buck him off me, but he just pressed his weight down on my body, pinning me against the concrete floor.

  “Don’t,” I pleaded. “Just let me go. I’ll keep my mouth shut. Just let me go.”