Love, Riley: Redemption Highway: Briarwood

by Leaona Luxx

  “No. Well, I know what it does to me. My chest feels tight. I struggle for air although I’m breathing normally. My heart races, and I feel like my skin is covered in goose bumps. And for the record, the day you say you love me, I’ll pass out. Dead.” She tilts her head, chewing her lip. I can hear my heart pounding in my ears.

  “Actually, that’s exactly how I feel.” The little ‘v’ between her eyes deepens. “What does that mean?”

  It means you love me.

  “I guess we need to figure that out. Until then, tell me you’ll marry me one day. Even if you don’t mean it,” I beg. She stares at me another second before pursing her lips.

  “I probably will.” She breaks into a full-on smile as she presses against my mouth.

  Nothin’ but Trouble, I tell ya.

  Standing at the front door, I remember it being so much bigger. The Penningtons’ house sets just outside the city, much like Brannon’s family farm. But this is more like a compound. They have wrought iron fence, not wood. An actual paved driveway, not dirt. I’m comfortable with dirt.

  The red brick two story has an east and west wing. Four car garage with a pool and guest house. The entrance is a simple black and white décor, but the living room is home. Tans and soft blues play against soft whites for a beach theme.

  “Mom, we’re here,” Riley calls out as he tugs on our laced fingers.

  “We’re in here, sweetheart,” a soft voice answers in a sing-song way.

  “Come on.” He leans in, kissing me. We walk through the house into a white kitchen with a country farmhouse feel. It’s beautiful. “Mom, Dad, you remember Ava?”

  A petite blonde smiles wide as she walks toward us. “Look at you, beautiful girl.” She hugs me tightly, and it feels so good.

  “Hi, Cynthia, it’s good to see you again.” She releases me to drag Riley into a hug.

  “Riley, I see you finally wore her down. Poor child was probably in handcuffs over here.” Ian, Riley’s father, has salt and pepper hair and is a well-built man. Riley is his mother.

  “Ha, ha. Thank you, but she came of her own free will.” Riley’s dad fake punches him.

  “Not sure how I got here, but I came because of the baby blues. Can’t resist them.” I gaze into Riley’s eyes and as he smiles at me, I wink at him, to his surprise, and his brows shoot up.

  “He has his dad’s eyes,” Ian replies as we chuckle.

  “Well, I suppose I’m a lucky girl, or should I say, we are.”

  “Yes, we are. Walker is working today, big case. So, it’s just us,” Cynthia explains.

  They lead us out to the patio where we spend the evening eating and laughing. Cynthia brought her old photo album out; it was packed full of pictures of us as kids. “Look how cute!” I exclaim as I stare at a photo of Riley at two-years-old. The Pennington’s didn’t move here until Riley was six.

  “This is their sister, Sallie.” Cynthia hands me another photo. I take the picture from her as memories flood my mind. I remember Sallie but she was older than us, so there’s not a lot of detail in them.

  “It broke Walker and Riley’s heart when you lost her. Walker and I were senior’s in high school. He had such a hard time.” Riley became distant, it hurt all of us, we were so close. I watch as Cynthia dabs a tissue to her eye.

  “No matter how you lose someone, it affects you the rest of your life.” She touches my arm as if knowing what my heart can’t say.

  “Her death was senseless,” I offer as my heart begins to pound wildly. I wipe the sweat from my free hand on my skirt.

  “Death is hard no matter how it comes, but by abuse it’s ridiculous.” Her tears begin to fall harder.

  “You don’t think mental instability is a good reason?” I ask, drawing my forehead into a deep ‘v’.

  “I’m not sure. Her abuser was just evil; for some, that’s who they are.” She wipes her tears.

  “Yeah, I agree.” I pause. “But what if they were sick; are they still considered evil? Would their children be evil?”

  Cynthia turns to me, staring into my eyes. Does she see it? Can she see what I’ve been trying to hide my whole life? She raises her hand to touch my face, smiling sweetly. “No, sweetheart, their children are innocent.”

  “But the parents are still evil.” I nod, trying to hold back my watering eyes. Riley joins us with his father again. He stares at me, his mouth pressed into a thin line. He knows something’s up.

  “What are you two talking about?” Ian asks.

  “Old photos of Riley, Walker, and Sallie.” She offers a weak smile; still, Riley watches me. My stomach tightens as a wave of nausea rolls over me.

  “I hate he gets to live, while she will never see another day,” Ian replies. I start wringing my hands, my eyes dart around the room, I need to go. “Any man who kills a woman by beating her needs the death penalty.”

  I begin to fidget, sweat runs down my back. I need to leave. Now. His parents’ are engrossed in photos. I stand quickly, and Riley’s by my side. “Hey, you okay?” Before I can answer, my world spins out of control.

  “I need to go. I’m not feeling well.” I step away from him. “Bathroom?”

  “Down this hall, to the right, second door.” Riley glowers as I exit hastily.

  I hurry through the door as bile rises in my throat. Locking the door behind me, panic sets in. I knew this day would come, but I’m not prepared for it to be with Riley or his parents’. I need to pull my shit together and get outta here.

  Opening the door, I step out to find Riley. His frown so deep, his brows almost touch. “Why do you have a uni-brow?” I touch the place between his eyes and rub it.

  “You worried me. You okay?” His lips tight in a straight line.

  “I am. Just… memories.” I struggle with a backwash of bile, eating its way from my stomach.

  Taking me in his arms, he gazes into my eyes. “Sounds like you need to make some new ones.”

  “I’d love that, Riley.” I tiptoe to kiss him.

  “I could use more of this.” His lips press against mine.

  “You’re insatiable.” I slap his chest, winking at him. “I like it.”

  “You do? Wait till I get you home.” He taps my ass making me jump.

  “Hey!” I start giggling as my face turns bright red. “I can’t believe you did that.” I try to walk away but his arms circle my waist, holding me to him.

  “I could bend you over right here,” he whispers in my ear and chills break over my body.

  I gasp. “I’m ready.”

  “Spank her and bend her over, the way to every girls’ heart,” Riley growls.

  “Don’t forget the cuffs.” He spins me around, dipping me low.

  “You ain’t nothin’ but trouble. Can I keep you?” Riley doesn’t wait for a reply. His lips take mine, leaving no doubt that I’m already his.

  Driving home, the moon plays on every single, sign of life. Glistening on the blades of tall grass in the marsh, the rooftops, the palms as they hang low; the black road that lay ahead, telling me there are things yet to come.

  I shiver from the chill of the unknown and the memory of the things that lie in wait for me and my newfound love. How can I trust myself to do the right thing? Does evil not begat evil? It’s who I am. I’m not sure I know any different.

  As I lose myself deeper in the pits and snares of my past, I feel a pull on my hand. Glancing to the seat, I see Riley’s pinky wrapped around mine. Moving mine, he moves two of his closer. I move my hand, he lay his on mine. The further I run, the more willing he is to find me.

  When he takes my hand in his, I tangle our fingers, just as he’s made a tangled mess of my heart. How can I ever trust this, trust me? How, knowing who I am and what I bring to the table, could he trust it? What makes him so sure about… this?

  “Ava, don’t let go.” He glances at me.

  The light dances through the windows, defining every facet of this nearly perfect man. I turn from him, finding strength in hi
m as I stare into the dark. I suppose we’re all faced with two things in life, run from the dark or run to the light.

  No, they’re not the same. Running from the dark in life, you fight to stay alive. To breathe as you struggle through the muck and mire of a life not lived. Running to light, you have chosen to not be held down by the things which fight to keep you in the darkness that binds.

  “I’m trying.”

  He opens the door, still holding on to me. He pulls me through the door, locking it behind him. He drags me to his hard body in a fluid motion, spinning my back to the door.

  His hands roam my body as his mouth clashes with mine in a torrent of emotions. Burning a trail of lust, leaving nothing but desire smoldering between us. Spreading the slit in my skirt, he parts my legs with his thigh. His hands on my hips, digging in for what we both know will come hard and fast.

  His tongue explores the depths of my mouth, swirling as I spiral down in a haze of desire. When he grips my thighs, my legs lift of their own volition, locking behind him. My feet dig into his ass as his hand snakes under my skirt, ripping my panties from me.

  My gasp, so loud the neighbors hear it, is followed by wetness pooling in my core. He wastes no time with his button fly while my hands knot in his hair as I hold his lips on mine. Riley groans when he enters in one swift thrust, stilling long enough to allow us to catch our breath.

  The frenzied lust nagging in my belly, ignites as I squirm, rotating my hips uncontrollably. Riley nips my bottom lip with a growl and I moan, begging him to quench my need. He responds with a sharp pump of his thighs, impaling me deeper. I pulse around him, clenching his cock.

  His slow withdraw burns and aches, making him groan deep and guttural. My head lulls against the door as the fire blazes between us, as if the heat is too much to take. His return is fast and smooth, driving me up the door.

  The sweet friction of his chest on mine rubs the material from my shirt against my nipples, helping to release a cry of his name. His pace picks up before the trail cools, and he pumps my pussy in a succession of thrusts, grunting with each.

  I slam my mouth to his, claiming him as he has me, animalistic and raw. Each withdraw comes in anticipation of release—every push plunging deeper and harder than the time before. When he reaches between us, his thumb finds my clit.

  Resting, he allows our bodies to ignite the friction my swollen bud longs for. We burn hotter than ever before as he rams into me, filling every aching need in my body. With a few quick rubs of his thumb, I explode as he pulls the trigger.

  I fist his hair, forcing him to bend his head back as I sink my teeth in helping to muffle my scream. As I begin to suck, he fills me as full as his words of worship do the empty room. My core tightens as I milk him to his praise.

  His head falls forward as I release his neck. Our bodies tremble as we struggle to regain stability. “How are you still holding me up?” I croak, my mouth so dry I can’t wet my lips.

  “Sheer will,” he rasps.

  “Want me to stand?” I ask as I wiggle.

  “No. I’m fine where I am,” he says as his mouth finds mine.

  His hand slides behind my back as the other grips my thigh tighter. He spins, never missing a beat, and carries me to bed. Our clothes gone in sixty seconds, we spend the night marking one another in ways that promise we will never be the same again.

  My prayer is exactly that, to never be the same again.

  I’m not even sure when sleep takes us, all I know is I never want to wake up. Here, in his arms, I dream of us in a big house. Andi playing in the field Riley stands behind me. His hands around my waist as he kisses my cheek. My heart feels full for the first time in my life.

  Like so many of my mornings lately, I’m draggin’ ass. Riley, it’s like he never needs sleep. He’s amazing. Fucker. “Baby. Baaaaby.” His breath scatters my hair. “Babe, you gotta move. You’re gonna be late and considering we didn’t make love, there’s no excuse for being late.” I can’t help but giggle.

  “Listen here, young buck, you wearin’ your ole lady out.” I raise my head to look at his face, and he’s beaming.

  “Oh, Ava. I haven’t begun to wear you out.” He smacks my ass, which is totally bare. I gasp from the heat.

  “Shit!” I pinch his side as I scurry back.

  “Hell no, you come’ere.” Riley grabs my ankle before I can make a clean getaway. He drags me back to him, laying over me to hold me down. Like I was really running. Sheesh! “Fuck. Your curves drive me mad.” He takes my nipple in his mouth.

  “I’m gonna be late.” I wrap my legs around his ass.

  He says as he plops my nipple out, “Naw, we’ll hurry.”

  “When have we ever hurried?” I ask as I kiss his jaw.

  “Now.” He slides deep within the depths of my center.

  “Mmmm, late is okay,” I mutter from the fullness between my legs.

  “Damn straight.” Riley begins a slow push and pull, driving me insane with need.

  I demand to his delight. “Fuck me.” I’m flipped over and spread to my knees.

  “You got it, baby,” Riley says with a thrust and never stops until I scream his name. Fine name that it is.

  Thirty minutes later, I twist my hair in a knot on my head and run out the door. I stop at my car, turning to find him right behind me. “Oh.” I giggle.

  “Need something?” he asks as he pushes me against the door.

  “Yeah. No, I w-was gonna give you this.” I pull the house key out. “Can you get a copy and meet me here by four?” I kiss him when his eyes sparkle.

  “I can, thank you.” He returns my kiss.

  “Stop it, you knew it was coming.” I play slap at him and his boyish smile.

  “I was hoping, but it’s still early.” He kisses me again.

  “I’m never gonna make it to class if you don’t stop.” I return his kiss.

  “Me? What about you?” He kisses me again.

  “Okay. I’m leaving, see ya later.” I step to the side as he feigns disappointment.

  “Be careful.” He steps away as I open my door. “I love you.”

  Throwing my bag to the other side, I answer without a thought. “I love you, Ry.” Turning to wave as I shut the door, he stands there with his hand over his heart. “You okay?” I jump out.

  He takes me in his arms, bending me backward and kissing me breathless. “I love you.” His eyes alight with every promise he’s made. I realize then what I had said.

  “I do, I love you.” I lay my hand on his cheek, getting lost in his baby blues.

  “Told you so.” He grins before kissing me again, and to our shock, a round of applause is heard. I turn beet red when he helps me up and people are clapping at the bus stop across the street.

  “You love that shit, don’t you?” I shake my head as I climb in the car again.

  “Damn straight, I love you.” He winks at me as he shuts my door.

  Driving away is tougher than it should be, but with Riley in my rearview mirror, it makes me smile. My smile doesn’t fade the entire day, even when I’m late for my first class.

  I drive downtown as soon as I’m outta class today. I pull into the parking building, taking the first spot I find. I need to make this quick, Riley will know if I run late. I hurry into the building, making my appointment just in time.

  An hour later, I have my prescription and I’m on my way home. I need to stop for gas. So, I text Riley to let him know. Riley’s upset I didn’t tell him I needed it. A minute later, my phone rings.

  I answer in a huff. “Next time, promise,” I say putting my car in park.

  “I can do it while you get dressed,” he explains.

  “I promise, I’ll never pump gas again.” I chuckle as I roll my eyes.

  “The only pumping allowed near you comes from me. No pun intended.” Geez. Weirdo.

  “Sounds good. I’ll be right there. Love you.” I smile at my words.

  “I love you. Remind me to show you how those
words from you make me feel.”

  “Will do. Loves.” I click off and jump out.

  I fill my gas tank and wait in line to pay for it. Pulling my wallet out, I notice three extra twenties in it. “Riley,” I growl. I sigh deeply, deciding it’s time I get a job. He’s not keeping me up because we’re having sex. Grabbing one, I shove my wallet back in my purse and step forward to pay.

  As I walk out the door, I rifle through my purse for my keys. I just pulled my wallet out, where could they have gone? I hear a jingle beside my head, spinning to see my worst nightmare standing in front of me. “Lose something?” They swing from his finger.

  “How the fuck did you get them?” I rush to grab them, but he yanks them away.

  “Amazing what can be done in broad daylight. Maybe you should get your head outta the clouds,” he sneers as he begins the sway of my keys again.

  “Give. Me. My. Keys,” I demand.

  “I know, you could do something for me to get them. You know, like old times.” He steps closer to me, restricting my movements and forcing me to hold my breath. “I know you’re fucking him. I can smell him on you, nasty cunt.”

  “Give me my keys,” my voice wavers as I open my hand.

  “I’m gonna give you so much more, just you wait.” He drops my keys on the ground and walks away.

  Scurrying for my keys, I unlock the door and jump in. I’m trembling so much, I can’t get my key in the ignition. Resting my head on the steering wheel, I hit my leg, over and over, angry at myself for taking his shit.

  I stare out the window with my phone in hand, Ava’s late. She should’ve been here ten minutes ago, something must be wrong. The buzzer on the oven goes off, tearing my attention away. I hurry over, turning it off and check my phone again.

  I battle with myself to not call; there’s nothing worse than when you don’t feel trusted. I trust her, I don’t trust some of the ties she’s had. The punch to my gut I’m feeling tells me something’s not right. She would be here, I know it.

  Two seconds later, she pulls up. I let a sigh of relief until she doesn’t get out. Ava sits in her car, her head laid against the back of the seat. Maybe, she’s had a bad day? No, she was happy a few minutes ago, something is wrong.