Beaten (Broken Book 1)

by Rue, Rebekah

  Over the next week, we turn into Tom and Jerry or to be more accurate, the road runner and coyote. I figure out Lo’s favorite time to work out is in the early morning, making it my new favorite time as well.

  Walking through the doors on Monday at 8:20 a.m., I spot Lo over by the free weights. Her hair is French braided down her back, and she’s wearing a neon green tank top with tight black exercise pants. Good Lord, that ass! I noticed it the first night. Luckiest fucking pants ever.

  She’s focused. Her eyes are zeroed in on her biceps as she completes a curl. As I get closer, my movement catches her attention in the mirror, and her eyes widen fractionally. She doesn’t miss a beat, squaring her shoulders and quickly schooling her features. Huh.

  I give her one of my award-winning smiles, and that’s when she rolls her eyes, forcibly re-racks her weights, and snatches her towel from the floor. Without a second glance, she makes a beeline to the women’s locker room.

  This is not the usual reaction I get with women. She acts like I’m shit on the wall, and I haven’t even done anything to piss her off yet. But she isn’t fooling me. She’s hot for me, who isn’t?

  Wednesday I get there early. I watch Lo come into the gym, first scanning the large room. Her hair is piled up on top of her head in one of those wild buns. Her raggedy oversized T-shirt and baggy faded sweatpants hang off her body. Like a disguise is going to throw me. A bear could maul her and she would still ooze sex appeal. The thing is I’ve already seen that shapely little figure she’s hiding, and her hobo look makes me laugh.

  After deeming it clear, she noticeably relaxes and hops onto the treadmill to warm up. I give her a good twenty minutes before I launch my surprise attack. At this point, she’s worked up to a brisk run, with reddened cheeks, perspiration peppering her creamy skin, and labored breathing.

  It’s go time.

  Stealth-like, I slide onto the machine next to hers, setting it to a slow pace walk. At first, she doesn’t notice me, but then she misses a step and catches herself, acting like it never happened. She never looks my way, only sneaks sly peeks from the corner of her eye. After five minutes and many, many glances, I reach over and flip her machine to a slower pace. Well, that gets her attention. Pissed off, she glares at me. Her chest rises and falls with each rapid breath. A weird ache creeps up in my sternum, and for a minute, her beauty makes me forget why I’m putting forth all this effort.

  “Take your ear buds out,” I say, motioning with my hand.

  What? I can’t hear you. She mouths, feigning ignorance while pointing to the side of her head. I reach over to pull the mini speaker from her ear, but she hastily swats my hand away and smiles.

  My, my, she’s feisty. I match her smile with a smile of my own. She’s not getting rid of me that easily. I’m staying put. We hit the hour mark, and faster than I can stop her, she e-brakes her belt and leaves without a word. This shit is getting old. But little does she know Momma didn’t raise no quitter.

  It’s Thursday, and she’s not getting away so easily. I spot her working on a set of machines, talking casually to two other chicks. Perfect, she’s trapped. I’m good with women. I’ll flash them my panty-dropping smile, engage all three of them in conversation, and then steal Lo away.

  As I’m approaching, I see Lo lean over and whisper something to the girls that they find interesting. All three ladies look my way, and I slow and cock a brow. The two I don’t know both have huge grins on their faces, giggling like little school girls. Lo saunters up to me and places one hand on the center of my chest, halting my movements, and my heart kicks up, which I’m sure she can feel. I instinctively cup a hand around her delicate waist. Stretching up onto her tippy toes, she brings her lips so close to my ear they graze the lobe, and I can’t help the lungful of air I drag in. “They’re ready for you; go get ’em, tiger.” And just like that, she slips from my grip. I immediately miss the feeling of her body in my hand, and her scent still lingers in a cloud around me, making me dizzy.

  Before I know it, the short auburn-haired one approaches, twirling a piece of hair around her finger. “So, your sister was telling us you’re dying to find that right girl but have a hard time getting dates.” Her voice has a high-pitched twang to it, and her eyes shift down to my crotch then pop back up to my face. “Baby, I won’t judge.” She playfully bites her fingernail from the corner of her mouth, trying to lure my attention there. Nice try, Red, your mouth is not the one I want. “Ya see I have a lot of scar tissue down there from the recent birth of my twins. I’m a sensitive girl and I don’t need much,” she says, giving me a gummy smile and batting her eyelashes with hope.

  Fuck me. Well played, Lo. Well played.

  Friday is here and I’m exhausted. I’ve jacked off more times than I can count. Even a warm breeze gets me hard. I’m at the point where I’m going to go in there, throw her over my shoulder, and haul her ass back to the pool house, kicking and screaming.

  Scanning my gym pass, I immediately spot Lo’s blond hair swinging from an elliptical machine. Stacy calls out to get my attention, but I ignore her and keep walking.

  This shit ends now!

  Marching over, I plant myself in front of Lo’s machine, where she can’t miss me. The most beautiful smile develops when her eyes connect with mine.

  “What? No land mines or flocks of teenage girls today?” I say with a serious face, fighting hard to hold in my smile. Damn her and her contagious smile.

  She drops her head and turns it slightly to the side, giggling. Ah, how beautiful. Her sound alone produces this weird warm sensation that breaks open in my chest and spreads down my arms. I’m starting to really like this girl; she makes my life interesting. I want more time with her. “Would you mind giving me a spot?” I say, thumbing towards the bench press. “It’s the least you can do.” Hopefully, I’m making her feel guilty. Guilt is a powerful tool.

  Her eyes dart in that direction and then back to me with an untrusting expression. Without a word, she gracefully hops off her machine, tightens her ponytail, and follows me to that area. I have the largest shit-eating grin on my face and better wipe it off before I turn around.

  Lying down on the bench, I’m about to take the bar when I notice her start to fidget. Her eyes sweep across the few tattoos peeking out of my shirt, and I get the feeling I’m not the usual guy she brings home to Daddy Dearest. I don’t have a lot of ink, but even just one tattoo can make a father want to get his shotgun out. She picks at her nails like she’s contemplating something and refocuses on my eyes. “I know why you’re bugging me, so let’s get one thing straight.”

  I know what she’s about to say, so I sit up and jerk the conversation in an odd direction. “Do you like fireworks?”

  She scrunches up her forehead and stares at me, confused. “What? Yes. Stop trying to distract me. I’ve been well informed of your reputation—”

  I pull her gym towel from her hand she’s fidgeting with. “What about BBQ?”

  “Huh?” Lo says, snatching back her towel. “Yes, who doesn’t? No amount of weaseling will—”

  “How about relaxing by a lake?”

  She lets out a big sigh, agitated with my randomness. “Yes, I love the Fourth of July if that’s what you’re asking. What’s that got to do with anything?”

  “Great, I’ll pick you up at seven. Be ready.” Her eyes follow mine as I stand up.

  “What? No. I didn’t agree to anything.”

  “You don’t have to. Someone is spreading nasty rumors about me, and it’s imperative that I clear my name. Show you what a nice guy I am.” Which I’m not.

  “Pft,” Is what I get with an eye roll. She’s smarter than I thought.

  “I’m going to be hungry tonight, and you’re going to be hungry tonight, so why not?”

  “I don’t know.” She crosses her arms over her chest, shaking her head.

  Does little Miss Lo not trust herself with me? I almost feel guilty laying my act on so thick, but it’s breaking her down.
>
  “Come on. You’ve got to eat, right?”

  She sighs again, dashing her eyes all over the gym, and she whispers to herself. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

  Boom! And the winner with a knockout is . . . Don’t smile. She’ll see you.

  She pouts back at me and points a finger. “Fine, but if you cop a feel, you’re going to lose an appendage.”

  I hold a hand out to shake. “Deal.”

  Her mouth stays closed and she doesn’t shake. She just nods, giving me a wary eye.

  “I know where Maggie lives. I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Okay.”

  I watch that perfect ass walk away when suddenly she turns around, almost catching me. “Oh, and, Talon, one, this is not a date, and two, if you’re later than seven, don’t bother knocking on my door.”

  Believing all that nonsense she just spewed, she turns and leaves. Sweet Jesus, how am I ever gonna be able to keep my hands to myself tonight. That ass!

  Chapter 5

  Lo

  When I arrive home, I’m a bit nervous to tell Maggie that Talon is taking me out. Just the thought makes my heart take off into a sprint. I find her in our living room on the love seat, tissues in hand, crying over her Kindle.

  “What are you reading?”

  “Rock Bottom by RK Lilley.” Sniffle. “This book is some intense shit! I swear if mean Dean gets away with . . .” She stops, rubbing her eyes and shaking her head. “Never mind, just read the series.” She sets the Kindle down and blows her nose.

  Maybe telling her now isn’t the best time. Slowly backing away, I turn and make my way to the shower. As I wait for the water to heat up, I stand back and study myself in the mirror. He asked me out—okay not directly but in a roundabout way.

  Stepping under the hot stream, I can’t stop thinking about Talon Baylor: his laser beam eyes, perfect arms, big hands. Oh, he’s cute. He’s also probably an asshole.

  Water rushes around my face and down my body as a small tingle heats up my core. My eyes slide closed, and my tiny hand slowly drifts for its target. At first touch, I pull back. It’s that sensitive. I caress the little bud of nerves until my heart and breathing are racing. Pleasure builds and I imagine Talon’s thick arm wrapped around me from behind with one hand kneading my breasts and his other teasing my clit in small slow circles. It doesn’t take long, and like a sheet of ice, I shatter into a million tiny slivers. The beauty of my release calms me like nothing else. Shuttering, I brace an arm on the shower wall and hold myself up, easing out of my euphoria.

  I finish up in the bathroom, wrapping a towel around my torso and finger through my wet hair as I pad back to my bedroom. Before sliding on fresh panties, I drop the towel on the floor. I give myself a minute to relax then start to clean up my room: flip-flops, dirty cups, wet towel. Just as I’m lifting the towel up, I see my old sweaty gym gear hiding underneath, and suddenly, I get jittery from a little surge of adrenaline.

  What am I doing going out with Talon? He’s not normal or safe. It’s too soon. Plus, I watched his eyes wander each time a female ass passed us in the gym.

  Did I really say “yes”? Gah, I’m disgusted with myself. He’s just the type that stripped me of my life once before. Fate is a bitch, and sadly I’m not someone who goes back on her word. Not that I could, I don’t even have his number.

  Okay, so I’ll go, maybe have a good time, get a free meal, but at the end of the day, it has to be clear that this little ride is going down a dead-end street.

  After several mental kicks in the ass, I manage to get myself together. I blow my hair out straight and stare at my closet full of clothes for the next ten minutes. What should I wear? I don’t want to look like a slob, but I can’t look like I put too much effort into it for him either. So I end up going with a leather braided bracelet, a small charm necklace, and a loose gray shirt that hangs off one shoulder. My skinny jeans are dark washed, and I pair them with my new low-cut white chucks.

  Just as I’m recapping my lip gloss, the doorbell rings, bringing my attention away from my vanity mirror. Getting up, I adjust my outfit one last time in my body mirror and make my way down the hall and through the living room where Maggie is still wrapped up in her story. As I enter, she peers up with red swollen eyes. “Where are you going looking all cute?”

  I give her the one-minute finger and go to answer the door. It’s 7:02 p.m. Strike one. Should I let him in? Or let him sweat it out? On my tippy toes, I squint through the peep hole and see nothing but a dark black buzzed head. He must be looking down. My nerves have my palms all sweaty. I wipe my hands on my jeans and pull the door wide open.

  Talon’s head drifts up, and the first things to hit me are those electric eyes. I’ve been struck, briefly messing up the conductive activity in my heart, causing it to convulse just behind my rib cage. He looks amazing, rocking a black Henley, the sleeves pushed up a quarter of the way, and pairing it with gray shorts and black low cut chucks just like mine.

  His eyes slowly peruse my body, taking in every inch until they land on mine, and suddenly I’m so nervous I don’t know what to do with my hands. An enticing smile appears at the same time as he steps forward, shoving his hands in his pockets. Oh my, those are some thick arms.

  Talon intentionally steps into my personal space, attempting to climb the safety barrier I’ve erected.

  “You look nice.” We share a smile, mine shakier than his. “Don’t be nervous.” But I am. Not noticing, I crack all my knuckles. He raises an eyebrow and rubs a couple fingers over his lips.

  That makes my eyes hone in on the plumpness of his lips, and I question what a soft kiss would taste like. Oh my gosh, do you think he’ll try to kiss me tonight? I stare at him, getting lost in the way he smells and his perfect forearms.

  “Lo?”

  My hearing tunes back in to his voice. “Huh?”

  “I said are you ready to go?”

  “Oh.” I blink to clear my vision then nod, getting myself in gear. I shout a good-bye to Maggie, grab my clutch off the hall table, and shut the door, locking it behind me.

  This isn’t a date. We’re just friends.

  We reach the truck, and he opens the passenger-side door, holding out his hand, willing me to get in, but I stop and stare in shock. Based on all the gossip I’d heard about him, I didn’t expect this. “Wow, chivalry isn’t dead. Maybe a gentleman lurks inside you after all.”

  “See. I told you I was a nice guy.” He cocks his head in the cutest way, smiles, and winks, closing my door with a thump.

  As he gets into the driver’s seat, I turn to him. “So, where do you want to go?”

  “I’m not picky; the back seat would work just fine for me.” He’s completely serious, continuing to click in his belt and start the engine. “But . . . since I promised I’d be a gentleman, you’re just going to have to trust me.”

  I think I just swallowed my tongue. I turn away and keep my lips sealed for all of ten minutes until he starts in on safe conversation with the light hum of the radio. He has me laughing, and after another ten minutes, we’re pulling up to a roadside food truck selling chicken and ribs.

  Talon calls the Bob Marley look-alike at the order window by name as if they’re old friends, asking how his wife and kids are.

  “All the babies are great, Tal, but Josie isn’t doing well,” Bob Marley says. He has an island accent, and his face appears tired and worn.

  “I’m terribly sorry to hear that. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help, and send my love to Josie.”

  “Bless you, Talon. I always appreciate your kindness.” Smiling at me, he says, “You’re one lucky girl, and you guys make a beautiful couple. May you be blessed with many babies.”

  My eyes shoot to the size of saucers, and before I can correct him, Talon grabs our food and gives him a “Thanks, Winston.”

  We sit at an empty picnic table nestled under a large tree. The shaded breeze feels nice as it’s a perfect evening to eat o
utside. “Seems Winston is really fond of you. Why did you bring me here?” I say, organizing my food.

  He rips a piece of chicken off and pops it in his mouth, giving me a sideways glance. “Because I distinctly remember you saying you liked BBQ.”

  “Really? It’s not because Winston gives you the food for free?”

  He laughs with his hand over his mouth. “Damn, caught. No, but as God is my witness, Winston really does have the best BBQ around. No lie.” Talon continues to chew through a smile. “I’m really glad I met you, Lo. You’re not afraid to bust my balls. I don’t get that very often.”

  I shrug. “Well, the jury is still out on you.”

  “Fair enough.”

  “So are you in college?” I ask.

  “Nah, college really isn’t my thing.”

  “What is your thing, then?”

  “Racing.” His eyes light up. “I’m good at it. It’s the one place I can think clearly—where I leave all my shitty problems in a trail of burnt rubber. No one can take that from me.” He looks down, but I can still see his smile. “And it pays the bills. What about you?”

  I fiddle with my drink straw, not knowing what to say. I hated taking piano, and dance was fun but filled with snooty dance moms. Everything was a competition with them. I was kept in a perfect bubble, and then one day that bubble popped. Thank God for Maggie. “I don’t know. I’m just easy.” He stops mid-chew. “Give me a few good friends and I’m good.”

  He nods like he understands. “You and I could be good friends. You wanna try? Look how nice this dinner has turned out, friend.”

  That smile makes him seem even more beautiful than before. How can I be friends with a face like that? I can already see how this will end before it even begins, but I seem to have a soft spot for him in my heart.

  “Do you have many male friends?” he asks.

  I shake my head no.

  “Good! Then it’s done. I’m volunteering to be your first official male friend since you moved here.”