Fighting for Us

by Heather Lyn

  “I need you to say the words, baby. I need to know that you’re ready for this. I’m content to hold you all night if need be, but I miss you.”

  My head drops to his chest and I feel him kiss my head.

  “Yes, I’m ready. I trust you, Levi. I need you to love me.”

  “I do, baby. More than anything in this world.”

  “Show me,” I whisper.

  He smiles and I’m in his arms, legs wrapping around his waist. He grips the back of my head with one hand, the other tight around my hips as he kisses me hard; only when I’m panting does he break away, lips skirting down my throat. Then he carries me upstairs to our room, dropping me onto the bed.

  “Levi.”

  “Yeah, baby?”

  “I’ve been waiting to talk to you, but now seems like the right time. They did bloodwork on me in the hospital and well, I’ve been on the pill since I was in college. I’m clean.”

  Levi raises an eyebrow as he looks down at me.

  “What are you saying, Em?”

  “I’m saying that I don’t want anything between us anymore.”

  Climbing onto the bed, he rests on his hands above me and lowers himself until his face is mere inches away from mine.

  “I want nothing more than that.” Levi kisses me, and in seconds we’re pulling at each other’s clothes, frantic to get undressed. While I try undoing his jeans, his hands come over mine and he kneels on the bed. He’s barely gotten the button undone and zipper down before I’m reaching out to free him from his boxer briefs.

  “Em...”

  “Let me,” I whisper, pulling his pants and underwear down his hips. His breathing hitches when I wrap my hand around the thick base, grinning wickedly as I slowly pump up and down his shaft.

  “Baby… oh God.”

  Licking my lips, I take advantage and lean forward to take just the head into my mouth. I’ve barely covered an inch or two when I find myself flat on my back, Levi hovering over me.

  “This will be over if your wicked mouth does any more. This is about you.” Levi gets us out of the rest of our clothes, but then I take control again, flipping us around so I’m straddling his waist.

  “No,” I tell him, sliding back down his body. His hard cock is straining toward his belly button, and I take him in my hand. “This isn’t about just me. It’s about us taking back what we could have lost. I want this, Levi. I want to do this for you.”

  “Fuck,” he chokes out, head dropping back onto the pillows. I know this is his way of admitting defeat, so I return to his pleasure. Leaning forward, I lick the pearly drops of precum falling from the tip, and his hips buck forward. My hands on his hips, I slowly take him deep into my mouth, moaning at the musky taste of him.

  “Emmy… Jesus, that’s good.” He drops one hand to my head, but doesn’t force me to take more than I can handle. With every upward pull, I hollow out my cheeks and his moans grow louder. The salty taste of him grows stronger and I know he’s close to coming.

  Releasing him with a wet pop, I look up his gorgeous body to see him staring right at me, pupils blown in pleasure, chest heaving.

  “Get your ass up here now.”

  Giggling, I crawl up his body, but once again take him by surprise when I straddle his waist.

  “Fuck.” I chuckle at his curse when I grip his hard shaft and begin rubbing him where I need him the most. “Shit, you’re so fucking wet. Get up here so I can fill my mouth with that sweetness.”

  “No,” I breathe, placing him at my entrance and lowering myself onto his cock.

  Levi sits straight up, arms coming around my waist as I take him fully into me. Squeezing my eyes shut tight, I dig my teeth into my bottom lip and force away the tears that come.

  “Baby, open your eyes. Look at me.”

  I do as he says, and a tear betrays me as it falls down my cheek.

  “Em, if you aren’t—”

  “I love you,” I say quietly, hiccupping on a quiet sob as I begin to move up and down slowly. “I love you so much, Levi.” My arms band around his shoulders and I hang on tightly as he helps us move together.

  “God damn,” he moans, forcing me down harder on his cock. Every time he does, he rubs against my swollen clit. I’m not going to last long. “Emmy.”

  “Yes,” I mumble against his lips, licking and nipping at his soft skin.

  “You look like a fucking angel. My angel. You are everything.” He brushes the hair off my face and I finally dare to make eye contact with him, not shocked to find tears sparkling in his own eyes.

  “Levi...”

  “Come, baby. I’m not nearly finished with you.”

  Burying my face in his neck, I find my release quietly, body shaking in his arms as his thick shaft continues rubbing that spot deep inside me. When I lift my head, he gathers me up and turns us so he’s on top of me, my legs around his waist.

  Levi moves his hips slowly, but he’s already working my body toward a second orgasm. My nails dig into his sweaty back and he groans into my neck.

  “You feel so good, Em. It’s incredible to be inside you bare.”

  “I love feeling you too. I’ve missed you so much.”

  “I’m right here, baby. Never going anywhere.”

  His thrusts speed up and I swear I feel wetness sliding down my neck.

  “Levi?”

  He lifts his head and it’s then I see the tears on his cheeks.

  “Could have lost this. Could have lost you,” he mumbles, never once slowing his movements. His lips graze down my neck, not stopping until he’s taking one of my pebbled nipples into his mouth, causing my back to arch in pleasure.

  “I love you,” I sigh, gripping the hair on the back of his head.

  “I love you, baby. Best fucking thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  I let more of my own tears go, and I know in this moment that we’re finally healed.

  No more monsters.

  Just us.

  “Levi, I’m so close,” I groan. Pushing up onto his elbows, he moves a hand down to my clit and begins rubbing, my orgasm coming out of nowhere. It’s so powerful I almost sob with relief at the pleasure swimming through me.

  “So fucking good, baby.” I feel his body stiffen and then he’s grunting through his own release, sealing my body from the inside out with his love, marking me forever his.

  I close my eyes when he pulls out and I lay across his chest. His eyes are shut and he smiles when I lean forward to place a kiss to the pink lily across his heart.

  “Love you.”

  “Love you, my Emmy.”

  We fall asleep together after getting cleaned up, my head on his chest. The steady thrum of his heartbeat lulls me to sleep, and I’m filled with dreams of happiness.

  Levi.

  The only thing worth dreaming about.

  EPILOGUE

  Six Months Later

  Emerson

  LIFE CAN CHANGE IN a heartbeat. Everything you once knew can change, and you’re left drowning, with only a leaf as a life preserver. If you had told me a year ago that not only was I about to meet the man who would change everything, but that only months later our worlds would be rocked with such a horrific tragedy, I wouldn’t have believed it.

  It’s hard to imagine Levi Jackson not being in my life. Not being mine. So many things could’ve steered us both in such different paths, but I thank God every day that he crossed mine. That I get to have this amazing man and his beautiful little girl.

  We got the call a few days ago that Mark and Dana will be going on trial next month. It’s been this long, drawn-out process, and I’m not looking forward to it. Levi and I had a long talk after Detective Warren called us, and we’re on the same page. I need to testify, I need to put this behind me. Not only are they both facing various drug-related charges, but Dana is charged with attempted kidnapping in the case of Lily, and Mark is facing kidnapping, assault, and attempted murder charges. They’re both looking at many long years in prison, and
I’m going to do everything I can to help send them there.

  Today we’re heading into the city to visit the American Girl doll store and have dinner for our one-year anniversary. Levi had originally toyed with the idea of Lily staying with his parents and us going alone, but I want her with us. She’s as much a part of our story as the two of us are. Lily is so freaking excited, and I have to admit I am too. I mean, I was a young girl once, and I remember when the dolls first came out. I’m jealous of a five-year-old. Sue me.

  Lily turned five three months ago and we had a huge birthday party for her. She starts kindergarten in only a few months, and as much as I look forward to her going and learning new things, I’m also a little sad. I can’t believe how fast this year has gone by. It’s bittersweet.

  Standing in front of the mirror, I brush my long hair and grab my curling iron, tossing in a few waves. When I’m satisfied, I fluff it and grab my darkest red lipstick, painting it on. I’m just blotting my lips when my gorgeous man comes walking in, rolling up the sleeves on his navy button-up. Levi has left his hair longer than usual, and he’s mostly clean-shaven, with only a hint of scruff. He looks gorgeous, and thanks to the Polo cologne I got him this past Christmas, he smells friggen delicious.

  “Fuck, baby,” he groans, bending over to run his nose along my neck.

  “What?”

  “You look so damn beautiful. Are you sure we can’t leave Lily behind?” he jokes, pulling away to spin me around, taking in every angle of my new black wrap dress.

  “Yes, goofball. I want her with us, you know that.”

  “I do too. Okay, the truck is running. You ready to go?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Watch it, Em. Don’t make me take you over my knee.”

  “Please do, Jackson.” Winking, I waltz out of the bathroom, only stopping to grab my black ballet flats next to the closet door. Lily is waiting for us in the living room, getting her American Girl doll ready to go, chattering about all the new outfits she’s going to get for her.

  “Let’s go, sweetie pie. We’re all ready to go.”

  “Ready, Freddie!”

  “Weirdo,” I laugh, pulling the front door open. Levi is right behind us, closing the door once we’re all out.

  As we pile into his truck, I keep finding him staring at me, this goofy smile on his face. Ignoring it, I get buckled up and we head out, Lily still going on in the back. The whole drive there, I can’t stop thinking about the surprise I have for Levi. It’s completely unplanned, and I have no idea how he’s going to react.

  The stomach flu ripped through our house a couple months back, and my birth control must have gone wonky when we were all taking antibiotics. Now we’re gonna have an addition to our family in about seven months. I have a little Levi and me in my belly, and I’ve never felt this complete.

  This store is straight insanity. Lily is going to have a complete meltdown. This was a dumb idea. There are clothes, accessories, almost anything you can imagine everywhere. Levi is just walking hand in hand with Lily, exclaiming along with her, pointing out the newest things on the shelves. We told her she could pick out three new outfits for Penny, her doll, and one other accessory pack. She’s bouncing from one thing to another, and I’m starting to worry we’ll miss our dinner reservation.

  Going up to Levi, I pull him down so I can whisper in his ear.

  “Levi, dinner is in forty minutes and she hasn’t picked anything yet. Should we hurry her along?”

  The side of his mouth tilts up into a grin and he nods, looking down at Lily.

  “Okay, Lily bug. We need to start making decisions, okay?” He winks at her and she winks back. I’m starting to feel like I’m missing something here.

  “Okay, Daddy. Can we just go look at one more thing? Please?”

  This man is such a sucker for his little girl that he nods and we follow her back to the front of the store. I tell them I’m gonna look around and wander away from them, hoping that when I find them again they’ve made a selection or two. I’m starving. And I need to pee. Or throw up. I’m going to tell them at dinner, so I just want to hurry up and get there.

  Ugh. Please don’t let me puke at the table. I’m so nervous.

  “Emmy!” Turning around, I see Lily racing toward me, a giant white box in her hands. “Daddy said we could get her!” Dawning hits me. She’s getting another doll.

  Ordinarily I wouldn’t care, but these things are expensive, and I’m afraid she’s just weaseled her way into another one. Lily is a good kid, and I know Levi means well, but this wasn’t part of the plan, and the mommy-to-be in me rears her head.

  “Levi, we talked about this,” I hiss at him when he reaches us.

  “Baby, it’s—”

  “No, seriously. You said no new dolls, so what is this?”

  “It’s for you, Emmy,” Lily pipes up, holding the box out to me. I raise my eyebrows.

  “What?”

  “Yeah, Daddy saw it and said we had to get it for you. It looks like you.”

  I don’t have a good response, so I grab the top of the box and pull it open. Nestled inside is a brand new American Girl doll, with blue eyes and long blonde hair in a braid. She’s wearing blue scrubs with a tiny stethoscope around her neck. Smiling, I lift her out of the box and run my finger down the doll’s cheek.

  “I love it, Levi. Thank—” I break off, my eyes locked on the hand. Raising the arm, I see the tiny engagement ring on her finger, the fake plastic diamond shining in the bright lights.

  “What the…?” Moving the doll, my eyes fall upon Levi, who is down on one knee in front of me. My eyes immediately fill with tears when he pulls a small box out of his pocket. “Levi...”

  “Emmy, when you came into my life a year ago, I had no idea the journey we were both about to be sent on. I love you, and every day I spend with you is a blessing I cherish. Marry me, Em. Be my wife. Spend the rest of your life with me. Make me the happiest man in the world, baby. Will you marry me?”

  Lily is bouncing up and down next to him, a huge smile on her face.

  Taking a deep breath, the tears begin falling down my cheeks. I try to get the one word out, but I’m so overwhelmed that I can’t help what happens next.

  “I’m pregnant.”

  Shock flashes across Levi’s face and he slowly stands, stepping in front of me.

  “You… what?”

  I make a noise that’s a cross between a sob and a laugh, and Levi cups my face.

  “I’m pregnant,” I whisper, barely getting the words out before he’s kissing me, looping an arm around my waist to hold me tight against him.

  “Holy shit,” he whispers, leaning his forehead onto mine.

  “Yes.”

  “What?”

  “Yes, I will marry you, Levi Jackson. Sorry, I should’ve said that first, huh?”

  Laughing, Levi kisses my nose and then pulls away, slipping the most beautiful emerald-cut diamond onto my finger. When it’s secure, he bends down and kisses right above where the ring sits.

  “I love you, baby. Thank you.”

  “For what?” I ask, cupping his strong jaw, the diamond sparkling bright.

  “For being everything I didn’t know I wanted and more.”

  Smiling, I reach up on tiptoes to kiss him, completely wrapped in his arms. Pulling away, I wipe at the tears on my cheeks, praying I’m not a complete mess.

  “Emmy?” I hear Lily’s voice from behind Levi, and I move around him to kneel in front of her. I grab her hands and smile at her.

  “Yeah, Lil?”

  “Does this mean I can call you Mommy now?”

  I swallow hard past the lump in my throat and look over my shoulder at Levi, tears swimming in his eyes as well. I look back at Lily and pull her into my arms.

  “I’d love nothing more, Lily. I love you, baby girl.”

  “I love you, Mommy.”

  Crying softly into her hair, I feel Levi’s hands come down on my back, rubbing gently to comfort me. L
ily sniffles and I know she’s crying too.

  Pulling away, I stand up and wipe my fresh tears, Lily doing the same thing.

  “Well, now that we have several things to celebrate, what do you say we head to the restaurant?” Levi asks, kissing me on the cheek.

  “Let’s go,” I say, gripping tight to his hand. Lily runs ahead of us, carrying the Emmy doll, giggling loudly. We walk behind her, my head resting against his arm.

  Stepping into the cool air, we walk down the empty sidewalk, the restaurant only a few blocks over. When we arrive, I turn to Levi and wrap my arms around his waist. He grasps my face and kisses me, his lips soft against mine.

  “I love you,” he murmurs, looking deep into my eyes.

  “I love you, Levi Jackson.”

  As we head inside, I can’t wait to see what happens next.

  After all, our story has only just begun.

  THE END

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  My husband: I love you. Thank you. Always.

  Heather, Janell, & Nancy: Thank you isn’t enough. It never will be. Just know how blessed I am to have you in my life. I love you so much. You’re more than my betas, you are my best friends and mean the world to me.

  Kristy: Sister wife. Best friend. I love you. You inspire me every day and I’m so thankful that I have you.

  Heather: I love you. Period. I wouldn’t be the same without you.

  Marcie: Know I always have your back. Thank you for everything, love!

  Kristin: Thank you for loving my books and my craziness, but especially your hard work. My work wouldn’t be the same without you.

  Jean & Lizzie: Thank you for letting me be a part of the JW Family. Love you beautiful ladies.

  Travis: #Tripod Love ya!

  Melissa: Every book you blow me away. Thank you for your covers. I love you!

  Juliana: Thank you for being the best formatter ever!

  Cody: Thank you for showing me what makes this Indie world a beautiful place. You’re my favorite, my #RideOrDie Love you!

  Jamie: You know what you mean to me. Love you hard!

  Kathy: No words, lady. I love you and cherish our friendship.