Beautifully Hurt (Beautifully Broken)

by Michelle Heard

  When I end the call, Eli says, “That sounded promising.”

  “Yeah.” I tuck the phone back in my pocket and turn to face Eli. “Their house is up for sale.”

  “Will Finlay stay with us?”

  I pause to think. “Maybe for a week or so… if you’re okay with it. She’ll probably move in with Dad.” I shrug. “She might find her own place.”

  “Of course, Finlay can stay with us,” Eli assures me. “As long as she needs to.”

  Staring up at him, a loving smile curves my lips. “How did I get so lucky?”

  Grinning, he takes hold of my hips, tugging me against him. “I’m the lucky one, babe.” He presses a quick kiss to my lips.

  Letting go of me, Eli says, “Come on, let’s get to work.” He takes a measuring tape out while I pick up the notebook and pencil, and then he starts to measure the space where the shelves will be.

  I write down the numbers as he calls them out.

  “Is Finlay your only cousin?” he asks.

  “No, I have another one in Texas. She’s from my mother’s side, so I don’t have much contact with her.”

  Eli’s eyes dart to me. “Your mom died when you were young, right?”

  I nod. “When I was a baby, so I never knew her.”

  “Well, your dad’s done a great job of raising you by himself.”

  A grin spreads over my face. “Yeah, he’s the best. When I turned thirteen, he even took me on my first date to show me how a boy should treat me.”

  Eli chuckles. “Damn, I hope I’m living up to the standard he set.”

  “Trust me, you’ve blown those standards out of the water.” Writing a couple of ideas down on the notepad, I ask, “Do you have any cousins?”

  Eli shakes his head. “Nah, it’s just us.”

  “I love how close your family is,” I mention.

  Eli comes to crouch in front of me where I’m sitting with my legs crossed. Lifting a hand to my face, he brushes a couple of strands behind my ear. “You’re a part of that family.”

  My lips curve up in a warm smile as I stare deep into his eyes. “I wish you could look into my heart to see how much I love you.”

  Eli holds his thumb and pointer finger an inch apart. “This much?”

  I shake my head. “A hell of a lot more than that.”

  Spreading his arms wide to his side, he asks, “This much?”

  I move onto my knees and wrap my arms around him, burrowing against his chest. “More than anything, Eli. You’re my life.”

  He hugs me tightly, pulling me up onto my feet. “I live you, Quinn.”

  Glancing up, I say, “I’ve heard your parents saying that to each other.”

  “Yeah, Dad says love is too much like hate. It comes and goes, but you only get one life. You’re the one for me in this life, so I live you.”

  Letting out a happy chuckle, I say, “I like that. I live you too.”

  ELI

  I’m busy putting the shelves up in Quinn’s store when my phone starts to ring. Setting down the hammer, I check the screen and see Jason’s name flashing on it.

  “Hey, it’s been a while,” I answer. “How are you?”

  “Good,” he answers. “Happy birthday.”

  “Thanks,” I chuckle.

  “How are things there?”

  My eyes drift over the shelves I’ve put up. “No complaints. We’ve been busy getting Quinn’s store ready.”

  “That’s good to hear.”

  There’s a moment’s silence, then I ask, “You holding up okay?”

  “Yeah. It is what it is. Life goes on.”

  Hearing how tired he sounds, I ask, “You getting enough rest?”

  “No, my uncle’s working me to the bone.” Then he chuckles, and I take a relieved breath.

  “Any news?” he asks.

  I shake my head. “Nothing. Every lead they had ended up being a dead-end.”

  “Sucks,” he mutters. “Well, I just wanted to check in with you.”

  “Take care, Jason.”

  “You too.”

  We end the call, and then I stare at the device, wondering if Jason will ever recover from losing Katie.

  With him reminding me of the case, I bring up my call list and dial the number for the sheriff’s department.

  I ask to speak with Harry, but I’m put through to Cade.

  “Hey, Eli,” Cade sighs.

  “Yeah, you’re going to get tired of hearing from me until you find the bastards,” I say.

  “You calling all the time isn’t going to make us find them sooner,” Cade mutters.

  “You have DNA samples and sketches. How hard can it be?” I ask, frustration tightening my voice.

  “There weren’t any matches on the system. You try finding a needle in a haystack,” he grumbles.

  I take a deep breath. “Sorry, Cade. I’m just frustrated.”

  “We all are, Eli. Trust me, I’m working this case every minute I have to spare.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

  “How’s Quinn holding up? I hear she’s opening a store?”

  “Yeah, she’s going to sell cupcakes. You should come when the doors open.”

  “I will. I’m glad to hear she’s getting back on her feet. We were all rooting for her.”

  “Thanks,” I murmur. “I’ll be in touch.”

  “Right. Talk to you next week,” he chuckles as we end the call.

  “Nooo, Eli,” Quinn exclaims as she comes into the store, making my eyes dart to her. “It’s your birthday. This can wait.”

  A frown settles on my forehead. “You walked to town?”

  Quinn nods. “It’s only a thirty-minute walk.”

  The frustration in me boils over. “Dammit, Quinn! Why didn’t you call me to pick you up?”

  Quinn flinches from my harsh tone, her eyes going wide as saucers while the blood drains from her face.

  Scrubbing a hand over my face, I take a deep breath. “Sorry, baby.” I quickly close the distance between us, pulling her against my chest. “I’m sorry I snapped at you.”

  “I didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to walk by myself,” she mumbles, her voice sounding cautious.

  I press a kiss to her temple, then another to her cheek and neck. “I just want to make sure you’re safe at all times.”

  Quinn nods, burrowing against me. “Okay. I won’t walk by myself again.”

  Not until those bastards are caught.

  “Let me pack up. Is there something you needed to get in town?” I ask as I throw all my tools back into the toolbox.

  “Ah… yeah…”

  I glance up at her in time to see a blush creep into her cheeks. My eyebrow darts up. “What do you need to get?”

  “Your gift. I just need ten minutes,” she says, taking a step to the entrance of the store. “Can I go by myself?”

  “Of course, baby. I just don’t want you walking to town alone. When you’re around people, it’s okay.”

  Quinn nods. “I’ll be right back.”

  I watch her dart out of the store, then let out a heavy breath.

  That’s the first time I lost it with Quinn. It can’t happen again.

  It’s just… knowing those bastards are still out there, and what they’re capable of… I’ll fucking die if they get a hold of Quinn again.

  Shaking my head, I pick up the toolbox, and leaving the store, I lock the door behind me.

  I cross the road, and stepping inside the hardware store, I glance at Mom. “Thanks for helping out today.”

  “Of course.” Her eyes scan over my face, then she asks, “What’s wrong?”

  I shake my head as I set the toolbox down on the counter. Letting out a sigh, I admit, “I snapped at Quinn.”

  Mom’s eyes widen. “Why?”

  “I just got off a call with Cade and was frustrated that they haven’t made any progress. Quinn walked to town by herself.”

  “Oh.” Mom comes around the counter and places her hand on m
y back. “Is Quinn okay?”

  “I think I scared the hell out of her. She couldn’t get away soon enough.”

  Mom glances at the entrance of the store. “Where did she go?”

  “To get me a gift.” I let out an empty-sounding chuckle.

  “I’m sure she was just startled. Did you explain to her why you snapped?”

  I nod. “Yeah. I just don’t want her walking that distance with them still out there.”

  “Don’t worry about it too much,” Mom says.

  I lean back against the counter, crossing my arms over my chest. “I didn’t know the worry was weighing so heavy on me.”

  “That they might come back?”

  I nod, lifting my eyes to Mom’s. “After what they did to Katie…” I shake my head hard.

  Mom takes a deep breath, exhaling slowly, before she says, “We’ll all keep Quinn safe. She now knows not to walk by herself.”

  Glancing around the store, I ask, “You okay closing for me?”

  “Sure. Go celebrate your birthday with Quinn. Try not to worry.”

  Nodding, I grab the toolbox. “Thanks, Mom.” I press a kiss on her forehead before leaving the store.

  Just as I set the toolbox down in the back of the truck, I see Quinn coming down the road with a small bag. When she notices I’m watching her, she tucks the bag behind her back.

  I give her a playful grin. “What are you hiding?”

  “You’ll see when we get home.”

  Lifting my hand, I brush my thumb over her cheek. “You okay?”

  She nods, then glances at the truck. “Are you ready to leave?”

  “Yeah, let’s go.”

  Chapter 22

  QUINN

  After we’re done with dinner, I say, “I’m going to get your gift. Give me ten minutes.”

  Eli sets the plates down in the sink, grinning at me. “Finally. You’ve kept me waiting for this gift.”

  “Will you wait in the living room?”

  “Sure.”

  I dart up the stairs, and shutting the bedroom door behind me, I go to take the bag with lingerie out of the closet.

  I remove the red lace and stare at it, hoping Eli will love it.

  Stripping out of the dress I’m wearing, I go to the bathroom to freshen myself up before pulling the sexy nightgown on. It falls to just beneath my butt.

  Grinning, I tug the g-string on, and then I glance at my reflection in the mirror. I fluff my hair around my shoulders.

  “Shoot! I almost forgot.” Rushing back to the package, I take out the red ribbon, then go stand in front of the mirror to tie it in a bow around my neck.

  A happy smile spreads over my face when I see the end result, and feeling sexy, I leave the room. I sneak down the stairs, and reaching the living room, I peek inside, hiding my body behind the wall. “Ready?”

  Eli glances at me from where he’s sitting on the couch. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

  “Close your eyes, and no peeking.”

  He does as I say, and walking into the living room, I quickly push the coffee table out of the way and switch off the TV.

  “How big is this gift that you’re moving the furniture?” Eli asks.

  I go stand in front of him, and taking a deep breath to calm my racing heart, I say, “You can open your eyes.”

  Eli’s eyes open, and then the smile drops from his face. He stares at me, his lips parting as his features begin to tighten until he looks downright predatory. “Christ, Quinn, you look like an angel.” He clears his throat as he rises to his feet. “A fucking sexy one.” He closes the distance between us. “Scratch that. You look like a sexy little devil.”

  Happy with his reaction, I grin up at him. “Yeah?”

  “Oh yeah,” he says, lifting his hand to my neck. He tugs at the bow. “Damn, I really like this. Red’s my new favorite color.”

  Eli places his hands on my bare shoulders, then he moves his palms down until his fingers brush over my breasts. “I’m not gonna lie, this is one hell of a turn-on.”

  My eyes flit up to his face. “I want you to take my virginity tonight.”

  Eli’s eyes meet mine with the intensity that can rival the sun. Tugging his bottom lip between his teeth, he takes a step back, letting his scorching gaze drift over me. “At this point, I’m not going to last a minute once I’m inside you.”

  Taking hold of his shirt behind his neck, he yanks the fabric over his head. My lips part from how hot the move looked.

  “Yeah, I’m definitely not going to last if you keep looking at me like that.”

  Eli starts to unfasten his belt, and my eyes zoom in on his jeans.

  “Gonna make me come, baby?” he asks.

  “Oh, yeah,” I breathe. When Eli steps out of his jeans and boxers, I move closer and push him back so he’ll sit on the couch. His erection is rock hard, jutting up from his body.

  Climbing onto Eli’s lap, I straddle him. I lean forward, pressing a kiss to his jaw, and as I trail more kisses down his neck, I wrap my fingers around his cock.

  “Harder,” he orders, his jaw locking tight.

  I tighten my fist around his thick length and start to stroke him slowly, my eyes locked on his face.

  Eli’s expression becomes carnal with lust, and my abdomen clenches hard from how hot he looks.

  He lifts a hand, and wrapping his fingers around the back of my neck, he pulls my mouth to his. When his tongue thrusts into my mouth, his hips start to rock, pumping his cock into my hand.

  Wanting a taste of what’s to come, I pull my hand away from him, and then I grind down on his erection. I start to move my hips, rubbing myself up and down his shaft.

  “Oh… fuck,” Eli hisses. “Fuck, baby.” Grabbing hold of my hips, he pushes me down hard on him, his eyes locking on his cock as he strokes against my lace panties. “Christ, I’m gonna come.”

  He tries to push me back, but I grab hold of his shoulders, then move my hips faster. “No, I want you to come like this.”

  His breaths speed up, his lips parted, and his eyes hooded on me. I watch as his muscles tighten, then he starts to jerk, his hips rocking hard into me. “Fuck, Quinn… Baby.” The words are breathless groans, and then his orgasm hits.

  Taking his jaw in my hands, I crush my mouth to his as I continue to rub myself against him, feeling my own orgasm building.

  “Eli,” I breathe against his lips.

  He pushes his hand between us, and then his fingers work me through the lace until I let out a cry as please rushes through me.

  I’m still gasping through the residual spasms rocketing through me when Eli moves to the edge of the couch, reaching for his shirt. He uses the fabric to clean his abdomen, then says, “Lock your legs around me.”

  As he gets up, I cling to him like a spider monkey. He carries me to the bedroom and lays me on the bed.

  For a moment, he stares down at me, then he reaches for the ribbon around my neck and tugs it loose.

  “Arms above your head,” he orders.

  I give him a curious look as I do as he said.

  Eli takes hold of my wrists, then he ties them together with the ribbon. “Keep your hands there.”

  I nod, watching as he reaches for the bedside drawer. He removes a condom, placing the foil packet next to my hands.

  My stomach dips and soars, knowing what’s coming.

  Finally.

  Eli moves down my body, and when he takes hold of the g-string, I lift my hips so he can remove the lace.

  I expect him to kiss me or put on the condom, but instead, he opens my legs, kneels between them, and then his eyes find mine, and he just stares at me.

  Emotion tightens his features, then he says, “Thank you, Quinn.” He places his hands on my hips, and leaning down, he presses a kiss to the mark the bullet left on my collarbone. “Thank you for saving your virginity for me.” He moves down, pressing a kiss to the scar on my chest. “Thank you for fighting so hard and not leaving me.”

 
His words make me feel emotional, and my chin begins to quiver as I swallow hard on the tears.

  Lifting his head, he places his hands on either side of my head, and then his eyes lock on mine. “Thank you for being mine.”

  I nod, unable to say anything back because I know I’ll start crying then.

  “I love you,” he whispers, his eyes reflecting his words. “More than my life. More than anything.”

  A tear escapes and Eli leans down to capture it with his lips. His breath fans over my cheek and jaw, then he asks, “Are you ready?”

  I nod quickly. “I am.”

  Eli’s mouth takes mine in a kiss that goes from deep and heartfelt to wild and hot in a matter of seconds.

  I’m gasping for air by the time he frees my mouth, showering kisses down on my neck and chest. His muscles ripple beneath his skin as he covers me with his body before sucking my nipple into his mouth through the lace.

  His hands settle on my thighs, and then he moves them, pushing the nightgown up until it’s bundled above my breasts.

  He presses his chest to mine, then rubs his body down mine as he moves lower. “Fuck, I love the feel of your skin against mine,” he groans. He rains hot kisses down on my breasts and abdomen before burying his face between my legs.

  I hear Eli take a deep breath, making my cheeks redden. His eyes lock on my opening, then he practically growls as he says, “So fucking wet and ready for me.”

  Oh. God.

  Eli licks me from my entrance to my clit, stealing the air from my lungs. “All mine.” The words rumble against my sensitive flesh.

  Then Eli kneels between my legs and reaches for the condom. My heart shoots to my throat, my eyes glued to his hands as he tears the foil and rolls the condom onto his cock.

  The anticipation in my chest has me holding my breath.

  This is it… the moment I’ve been waiting for.

  ELI

  When I have the condom sheathed on my cock, I glance at Quinn’s face, only to see she’s holding her breath.

  Positioning my body over hers, I brace my forearms on either side of her head, then say, “Breathe, baby.”

  I press a kiss to her forehead, then another to her flushed cheek. “You okay?”

  She nods quickly. “Just excited.”