Unlawful Justice

by K. Langston

  His lips quirk with that sexy smile. “Come on. I’ll show you the rest.”

  I reach to take my suitcase from him, but he refuses my attempt with a sharp look that has me rolling my eyes and following him up the steps. As Grayson unlocks the door, I inhale the fresh scent of flowers.

  Walking inside, I take in the large, open living room. With a fireplace, leather furniture, rustic coffee tables, and a flat screen TV, the small area is warm and inviting. I move to the fireplace where a few pictures decorate the mantel. Some are Grayson’s parents, his mother and father looking madly in love, one of them as a whole family, and others of just Grayson and his father on their adventures here. Smiling, I reach up and pick up one from when he was a boy, wanting to get a better look at it. He’s maybe eight years old, a proud smile lighting up his face as he holds a fish almost bigger than he is, his dad helping him hoist it up to take a photo, looking even prouder than Grayson.

  “That was my first catch,” he explains quietly, coming to stand behind me. “I’m not sure who was more excited, my dad or me.”

  I look up to see pain embedded in his eyes yet a fondness at the memory. We spoke a little about his father on the way here. It’s easy to see how much he misses him and how much he respected him. It’s something I can understand, considering I lost both of my parents. Even losing them at such a young age, I still miss them every day.

  “Come on, baby. I’ll show you around.”

  Putting the picture back in its place, I follow Grayson as he shows me the kitchen, fully stocked with everything we need to cook for ourselves, including food and drinks, thanks to Vilma. Next, he leads me upstairs to the master bedroom, that’s more like a loft than an actual bedroom. I gasp, my feet skidding to an abrupt halt as I take in the king-size bed occupying most of the space, flanked by large, picturesque windows, offering a breathtaking view.

  I move to the sliding glass door and step out onto the spacious deck. Resting my hands on the railing, I take a deep breath and inhale the fresh mountain air, instantly feeling relaxed. The lake stretches on for miles and miles with no end in sight as the evening sun begins its descent, reflecting the last of its golden light off the surface like tiny mirrors.

  Grayson steps out and stands behind me, wrapping his arms around my shoulders, his warmth enveloping me and adding to the serenity of the moment.

  “It’s so beautiful.”

  “Yeah, it’s a pretty kick-ass view, isn’t it?”

  “Very kick-ass,” I agree with a giggle that trails off on a moan when his lips find the side of my throat. “There’s a hot tub, too,” he says between kisses.

  “Oh yeah? Guess it’s a good thing I brought my suit then, huh?” He nips at my skin, giving a gentle bite before soothing it with his tongue.

  “Damn good thing.” He growls.

  When I tilt my head to offer more of my exposed skin, I spot a boat parked at a dock down below. “Is that yours?” I ask, hope flaring inside of me.

  “What?” he mumbles, not bothering to look up at where I’m pointing, continuing his delicious assault.

  Lord, the man’s mouth is deadly to my body.

  “The boat,” I say with a smile.

  He finally looks up. “Yep. I was supposed to pick it up from Jim but he must have decided to bring it up here for me when Vilma came.”

  I spin around to face him as excitement sparks inside of me. “We get to use it?”

  “Yeah. I thought I would take you fishing tomorrow.”

  “Oh my God, we get to go fishing?”

  He looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “If you want to.”

  Now it’s my turn to look at him like he’s crazy. “Yes, of course I want to. I’ve never been fishing before.” Squealing, I clap my hands excitedly and launch myself at him. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

  He catches me with a grunted chuckle, holding me at eye level. “It’s just fishin’, baby, not Disneyland.”

  I shake my head, my gleaming smile still in place. “I don’t care, it’s just as exciting to me.” Leaning in, I brush my lips along his, trying to keep things light.

  With a groan he presses his lips to mine, and gives me a hard but brief kiss. Too brief. “Come on, let’s eat before it gets too late.” Dropping me to my feet, he grabs my hand and pulls me back inside behind him. My eyes linger on the big bed as we pass, and I decide tonight I’m going to eat my supper faster than I’ve ever eaten a meal before.

  *

  We went with something quick and easy considering how late it was already, opting for spaghetti and a tossed salad. With all the excitement I didn’t think I was that hungry, but as soon as we sat down outside, on the back deck I realized I was famished and devoured every last bite.

  Our conversation has remained light with Grayson sharing stories of him and his father and the memories they’ve shared here. We haven’t spoken about what we left back home all day, which is perfect. I know I’ll have to face it again eventually, but not here, not this weekend, and for that I’m grateful.

  Sitting here, with a glass of wine in hand and Grayson with his beer, we enjoy the serenity of our surroundings, watching the sun dip below the water.

  “It sounds like you have a lot of amazing memories of your father. You’re very lucky,” I tell him softly, thinking about my parents.

  Grayson leans in closer, sincere interest flickering in his eyes. “How old were you when your parents passed away?”

  “Six.”

  “Do you remember much about them?”

  Sadness grips my heart. “No, not really. Some things I think I remember, but it’s hard to know if it’s a memory or something I just conjured up because Pap and Grams talked about them so much. Like, I remember my mother’s smile. It was so warm and comforting that I felt it deep down in my soul.” I shake my head. “I know that sounds weird but it’s how I remember it.”

  “It doesn’t sound weird at all. It sounds exactly like yours.”

  Warmth explodes through me at his kind words. I bite my lip to suppress my smile, but it’s no use.

  “What about your dad? What do you remember about him?” he asks.

  I think about the question, visions of my parents coming to life inside my mind, so vivid and real. “When I think of my dad, I remember the way he loved my mother. The way he would look at her without her even knowing. How affectionate he was with her. I can remember him wrapping his arms around her waist from behind, whispering something in her ear that made her smile so big I couldn’t help but smile with her. Whenever I think about them, it always leaves me feeling warm inside. I know they loved each other very much, and they’re somewhere up in heaven, together.” The peaceful memory offers me comfort, but deep down I know I will always carry a sense of loss. I will always long for the time I didn’t get with them.

  “I’m sorry you didn’t get more time with them, Liv.”

  I exhale a long sigh. “Me, too. But Pap and Grams talked so much about them I almost feel like they are a part of me, ya know? Growing up, Pap would tell me stories for hours about them—how they met, how they fell in love, and how, from the moment I was born, I became the center of their world. He especially loves to share memories of my mother from when she was a little girl.” I smile, remembering one memory in particular he loves to share. “My mother’s name was Mae but Pap would always call her Daisy Mae, and it would drive her crazy because she said it was an old lady’s name. Of course that never stopped Pap though.”

  “Of course not,” Grayson replies with a grin.

  “He tells me all the time that I’m just like her.”

  “I don’t doubt that for a second. She sounds incredible, just like you.”

  Heat floods my body as he gazes back at me, a soft smile tugging the corners of his mouth. A breeze kicks up, sending goose bumps to ripple across my skin.

  “You cold?” he asks.

  I shrug. “A little but I’m okay. Actually, I’m more than okay. I love it out here,” I add softl
y.

  “How about we hit the hot tub?”

  I smile. “Yeah, that would be perfect.”

  We clear the table, bringing the dishes inside, then part ways to change. I head upstairs to put my swimsuit on—a new black bikini I bought with Tania and haven’t worn yet. I’ve never been more thankful she talked me into purchasing this. Otherwise, I would be wearing my usual, dull one piece with Grayson right now.

  Standing in front of the mirror I assess myself, and feel my stomach bottom out. The bathing suit is sexy yet classy, which is exactly how I felt when I tried it on in the dressing room, but now it’s a different story. As I look at my reflection in the mirror, taking in the faded green and yellow bruises that still mark my body, I begin to feel less confident. Most of them have healed but quite a few remain, marking the tops of my thighs and chest. They glare back at me, taunting me, reminding me of a tragedy I don’t remember but that irrevocably changed my life.

  The ugly creature that is self-doubt begins to worm its way inside of me, and I hate it. With a shaking hand I reach for my cell phone on the counter, and call the only person I can think of who can help me through this. I take a seat on the side of the bathtub, my knee bouncing excessively as I wait for her to pick up.

  She answers on the third ring. “Why the hell are you callin’ me right now when you are away with a sexy man, in a cabin out in the middle of nowhere, all alone?”

  Tania’s greeting has me smiling, easing a little of the heaviness in my chest. “Hello to you, too,” I respond back then clear my throat, my smile slipping. “We’re about to go in the hot tub.”

  There’s a giant pause. “Again. Why the hell are you calling me?”

  I laugh nervously, my panic seeping through the cracks in my confidence. “God, I don’t know. I just need you right now, Tania,” I say, my voice unsteady.

  She finally understands the seriousness of the situation. “All right. I’m here. Talk to me, what’s wrong?”

  I take a moment, trying to find the words to express how I’m feeling. “Everything has been great, all of it. But I came into the bathroom to change into the black bikini we bought and—”

  “Yes! Oh, girl, he’s gonna shit when he sees you in that.”

  Her enthusiasm brings a sad smile to my face. “Well, I don’t know about that. I don’t look the same as I did a few months ago,” I say, my throat burning fiercely.

  “What the hell are you talkin’ about?”

  Releasing a pained breath, I tell her about the bruises still marking me, and how I felt after putting the swimsuit on.

  “Olivia Bradshaw, you listen to me right now. You are strong, you are fierce, and you are beautiful. No amount of bruises will ever change that. Do not let this ruin something you want and deserve. Don’t let those bastards steal any more from you.” She pauses with a sigh. “Listen, I hate to bring this up, but, honey, Grayson has seen you at your worst and he still thinks you’re beautiful. The way that man looks at you. I’d kill for someone to look at me like that.”

  I swallow thickly. “You’re right. I’m being ridiculous.”

  “You’re damn right, I’m right!” she fires back, making me laugh. “Now pull yourself together, hold your head high, walk out there proud, and strut that sexy ass of yours.”

  I smile, my heart so much lighter than it was moments ago. “Thanks, Tania, this was exactly what I needed to hear. I love you.”

  “I love you too, girl, now go rock that man’s world, and don’t call me again unless it’s to give me all the juicy details.”

  With a chuckle I promise to do exactly that, then say goodbye. Placing the phone back on the counter, I look at myself again in the mirror, this time with a different perspective. Taking my braid that’s laying over my chest to cover a bruise, I pull the elastic out, unweave it, and pile my hair on top of my head in a messy bun. Retrieving my perfume from my makeup bag I squirt two quick sprays before putting it back down and standing up straight.

  “I am strong, I am fierce, and I am beautiful,” I whisper, repeating the words that Tania said. Then, with a deep breath, I make my way downstairs.

  Holding on to my newfound courage, I open the door and walk out onto the patio, with my head held high and more confidence in my step than I actually feel. Grayson is waiting in the hot tub with his back to me but hears my approach.

  “There you are. I thought…” He trails off when he turns around and sees me, his gaze roaming down the length of my body.

  Even in the dim light I can see the fire in his eyes, warming me from the inside out. Easing a little more of my insecurities.

  “Come here.” He stands, offering me his hand.

  Heart lodged firmly in my throat, I walk over to him, my pulse racing in anticipation. Taking his hand, he helps me into the hot tub, pulling me over to straddle him. I have to bite back a moan when I feel how hard he is between my legs.

  “Sorry it took me so long,” I whisper, lost in his intense gaze.

  His hands move to my hips with a firm grip. “It was worth the wait.” I smile, though it’s a little strained. “Everything okay?” he asks.

  “It is now.” He studies me carefully, waiting for me to explain. “I just had a moment of insecurity, and I didn’t want to come out.”

  “Insecurity?”

  I nod. “I bought this bathing suit a few months back with Tania. She kinda forced me into buying it.”

  “I’m glad. It’s a nice fucking bathing suit, especially on you.”

  Giggling softly, my heart warms with his compliment. “Thank you. I liked it when I tried it on, I felt good about myself.” My voice drops to a whisper. “However, I didn’t just now when I saw myself in the mirror.” Judging by the look on his face I can tell he doesn’t understand. “I hate the bruises because of the reminder they bring, but tonight they made me feel self-conscious. They made me feel…bad about myself.”

  His gaze softens as he cups the side of my neck. “Jesus, you should never feel insecure. You’re fucking beautiful, Liv, bruises or not. Nothing in the world could ever change that.”

  I watch him carefully, his sincerity tearing through my defenses. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

  He rears back, the skin between his brows bunching together in deep valleys of confusion. “Of course I do. How could you not know that?”

  I shrug. “I don’t know. I guess it’s…” I pause for a moment before deciding to bare it all. “It’s hard for me to believe you still think I’m beautiful despite finding me the way you did.”

  Understanding dawns and he quickly shakes his head. “No, not ever. That didn’t change the way I look at you. Yes, it fucking gutted me to see you that way, but not once did I think any less of you.” He pulls me closer while his determined gaze bores into mine. His jaw flexes, the rhythm of his chest growing heavier. “It should have never happened. Nothing so hateful should have ever touched something so beautiful. But make no mistake, Liv, when I look at you, I don’t see the girl I found that day, I see the girl who survived it all. You’re fucking beautiful, inside and out, nothing or no one will ever change that.”

  My breath hitches as tears blur my eyes, his words healing my wounded soul. “You make me feel beautiful,” I choke out softly.

  “Good, baby, because you are, every inch of you, and don’t ever fucking forget it.” He closes the small space between our mouths, his lips claiming mine in a heated caress as his tongue sweeps in. His flavor explodes in my mouth, flooding my senses.

  So potent and male.

  “Fuck, you are the sweetest thing I’ve ever tasted.” He trails his lips down my throat, his teeth scraping and tongue tasting.

  Shivers of pleasure race through my body as something ignites inside of me, something strong and powerful. His hands slide to my bottom to bring me closer, and I grind down on his hard length, trying to alleviate the ache. I whimper, seeking the friction I so desperately crave.

  His growl vibrates from deep within his chest. “You feel t
hat, Liv? You feel how hard you make me? Every goddamn second I’m around you I’m like this. That’s how beautiful I think you are.”

  He captures a hard nipple in his mouth, his teeth grazing the tight point through the thin fabric of my top. “Grayson, please.” My head falls back on a moan as pleasure races through my body.

  “What, baby? You want me to touch you again? Want me to make you feel good?”

  “Yes. I…I want more,” I tell him. “I want all of you.”

  With a groan his head snaps up, his eyes fierce. “Time to go inside,” he says firmly, his voice thick with desire.

  Laying my hand against his strong jaw, I nod. “Yeah. Time to go inside.”

  After a brief, hard kiss we get out of the hot tub. Before I can finish drying off with a towel, Grayson sweeps me off my feet. With a startled squeal I wrap my arms around his neck and giggle as he rushes us into the house, closing and locking the door behind him. My laughter is cut off by another passionate kiss, his mouth hot and demanding.

  He carries me effortlessly upstairs, his mouth never missing a beat as he lays me down on the bed and follows on top. His lips venture down my body as he reaches underneath me and pulls at the secured knot at my back, then neck. He wastes no time ridding me of the scrap of material, baring me to him from the waist up.

  My nipples instantly strain for his touch. A deep groan rumbles from his mouth as he bends down and takes the aching tip into his hot, wet mouth. I cry out as pleasure explodes through every nerve ending in my body. His teeth grip my nipple, giving it a delicious tug I feel all the way to my core, before soothing the sting with his tongue. He does this back and forth, driving me wild with a need so deep I feel like I will explode from the want clawing inside of me. Right when I think I can’t take any more his mouth coasts down my stomach, heading to the spot I ache for him most.

  “Scoot down, baby.” Grasping my hips with a possessive grip he pulls me down to the edge of the bed then gets on his knees between my legs. The sensual heat in his blue depths transform into something else as he stares down at me. I’m about to ask him what’s wrong when his fingers gently skim over the bruises I have on the inside of my thighs.