“This is something you want?”
Again I nod my head. My anxiety rising from not knowing what he’s thinking. I start to get a sinking feeling in my stomach, and unwanted tears are starting to pool in my eyes. K.J. wraps both his arms around me, lifting my feet off the floor, “then this is what I want too.” He whispers into me ear. I let out a squeal of laughter, squeezing him tighter, “I’m so happy you said that. I’ve been worried about this for days.” I say.
With me still in his arms. He starts walking toward the master bedroom with purpose. Carrying me through the open door. He gently places my feet on the floor, near the bed, before removing his jacket. Grabbing the hem of my shirt, slowly raising it up my mid drift, he pauses long enough to whisper in my ear. “I love you, Izzy.” He states before sliding the fabric over my head. Stunned by the declaration, I can only watch as he finishes undressing me, trying to keep from becoming a blubbering mess. I had just become accustomed to the idea that K.J. was not going to act like a standard boyfriend. There would be no flowers, no valentine chocolates, and most likely no big romantic gestures. At first I thought those were something I wanted, then I realized as long as I had K.J. I wouldn’t need anything else.
Chapter 47
K.J.
Izzy’s is tucked into my side, her head resting on my chest, both of us trying to catch our breath. When she started doing her usual nervous rambling, earlier, I thought maybe she had done something she knew was going to get her a punishment. Then the story started to come together, and my entire world changed. Obviously I knew the repercussions of not using a condom, I’m not an idiot, and I also knew Izzy would forever be mine if she were to get pregnant. Does that make me selfish? Probably, but I’ve never cared what people think of me.
“You’re not scared to have a little K.J. running around?” She asks, tilting her face up at me. Smoothing the loose hair away from her face, staring into her golden brown eyes, I answer honestly. “Having the childhood I did, is what made me who I am. Having you as a mother means any kid we have could never turn out like me.”
She tries to hide the look of sorrow, that flashes in her eyes, however I notice it. Izzy moves to lower her gaze, but I grab her chin, stopping her. “What is it, Elizabeth?” I ask.
“Tell me about your childhood.” She states, giving me a pleading look. I can tell she is more familiar with it then she is letting on, but now is my chance to speak up. She is giving me a chance to show that I trust her.
“What do you want to know?” I ask, loosening my grip, allowing her to once again rest on my chest comfortably.
“Everything.” She whispers, bringing her arm around my waist. “I want to know everything.”
I start with telling her about my mother and how her predicament ultimately led to me being enslaved. I left a lot of the violence out, only telling her the important moments that really define me. When I am finished talking, having told her more than I’ve told anyone, she continues to hold me tight.
“You don’t have to battle alone anymore.” She says, “you have me now.”
“You are not to fight anyone on my behalf. Consider that your warning.” I state, rolling her over, biting her bottom lip. Just the thought of Izzy getting hurt, while trying to protect me, is enough to send my blood boiling. Now resting between her legs, she places a hand on my cheek, before giving me a bright smile.
“You need to take a chill pill. All I meant was you have me to talk to now. I have no intention of strapping on some armor and going to war” She clarifies with laughter in her voice.
“Are you laughing at me, Elizabeth?”
Tilting her head to the side, glaring into my eyes, she lowers her voice trying to mimic mine. “Are you making me laugh, Kade?” She asks.
Shaking my head at her antics, leaning down, I whisper in her ear. “That’s one.” Her body goes stiff under me, not from fear but anger. “For what, asshole.” She shouts out, trying to shove me off of her. “You can’t always get butt hurt when I pick on you. We already have a baby on the way, I’m not prepared to take care of two.”
The argument could be made that while she is pregnant there should be no punishments, but I’m more than capable of coming up with something that wouldn’t harm our unborn child. “You really should learn to control your emotions.” I declare, pinning her hands above her head. “It’s almost too easy to get the reaction out of you I want.”
“You have no right…” Her words are cut off when I bring my lips down on hers. Soon Izzy will have to learn that I answer to no one. Just because I cleverly declared my love for her doesn’t mean she has put me on the same leash Candice has Jasper on. What I feel for Izzy could never be categorized as love or affection. She is a burning need spreading like a virus in my bloodstream. An obsession that overwhelms me. Love is something normal people say and want to hear. My life now consists of keeping Izzy safely by my side. Sometimes saying what she needs to hear is just another way to insure that.
Epilogue
7 months later…
Izzy
Standing in front of the full length mirror, studying my hair, I’m starting to regret not listening to K.J. Why did I insist on having a small wedding? I must not have been thinking about the long trip down the aisle. With as big as I am it will be a waddle rather than a graceful walk. K.J. wanted to go to the court house before the baby was born, but I talked him into having a private ceremony.
Checking to make sure the ribbon on my dress is tied correctly. I turn around to see K.J. entering through the door. He hasn’t seen the dress I’ve been working on for months, so I’ve been anxious to see his reaction. Since he’s no fan of white, and I’m no virgin, I thought it would be fitting to go with a pastel purple. The top layers are sheer fabric, draping down to the tip of my toes, with a silky fabric laying against my skin. Tied around the top of my stomach is a light pink ribbon, making my huge baby bump more prominent.
“Your beauty never seizes to amaze me.” He says while enfolding me into his arms. I snuggle into his chest thankful, no matter how big I get, I can still fit.
“I look like an overstuffed baked potato with legs.” I state, my insecurities finally getting the best of me. With a small smirk on his face, K.J. puts some space between us, “you’re thirty-six weeks pregnant, Izzy.”
“I know; I just wish I had…” I’m stopped mid-sentence when I feel a strong pain in my lower abdomen. They have been coming and going all morning, but just recently got worse. I was hoping they were just Braxton Hicks, but I’m starting to think this may be real labor. Looking into K.J.’s concerned face, I plaster on a fake smile, determined to get married before this baby is born.
“What’s going on, Elizabeth?” He asks, helping me take a seat on the edge of the bed.
“It’s just false labor pains, nothing to worry about.” I reassure him, trying to keep my voice level. Before he can reply he is interrupted by Candice walking into the room.
“What’s wrong?” She asks, looking back and forth between K.J. and me. When I see his eyes narrow, I know I’m not going to like what he’s about to say.
“Tell everyone to go home. Izzy needs to rest.” He commands, looking at Candice.
“Don’t you dare do that.” I say, getting to my feet. Staring at my soon to be husband, I poke him in the center of his chest. “I said I was fine and I meant it.”
“Alright, Elizabeth.” He says in a calm voice, giving me a kiss on the lips before walking out of the room. Once the door is shut, I look to Candice, taken back by his reaction. Never before has K.J. listened to me. I’m the one usually doing the compromising.
“Did that really just happen?” I ask.
“Ummm. Yeah.” Candice says, “I think it did.”
Walking to the mirror once again, giving myself one last check over, I’m startled when Dalton comes barreling into the room. He is going to be the one to walk me down the aisle and give me away. I thought it would be better to have someone I love do it, considering
my parents gave me ultimatum. Them or K.J. Jasper is, of course, the best man and Candice is my maid of honor. I was hoping Bethany would be able to be a bridesmaid but she is still in rehab, fighting her pill addiction.
“Time to go, pretty girl.” Dalton states with a smile on his face. He’s wearing a tie that matches Candice’s pink dress. It drove everyone crazy, but I insisted we all match. Jasper is wearing the same tie and black suit as Dalton and K.J. The things I had to do to get K.J. in a suit were mostly fun, but I still think he is a sadistic bastard.
“What?” Candice questions, “it’s not supposed to start for another twenty minutes.”
“Hey don’t shoot the messenger, baby.” He jokes. “K.J. said it is starting now. He also wanted me to tell you. He would come in here to get you himself, if you weren’t there in three minutes.”
“That asshole.” I say under my breath. “No wonder he let me win.”
“I think you should listen to Dalton, Izzy.” Candice states, “you know K.J. doesn’t make empty threats.”
Picking my bouquet up from the bed, I stomp toward the doorway, grabbing onto Dalton’s waiting arm. He looks down at me with a stupid grin on his face, “you would be the only bride to frown on her wedding day.” He laughs out.
“Can it, Dalton.” I declare, pulling him out of the room. “There is somewhere I need to be.”
K.J.
Izzy walks out of the cabin, frustration and anger shining in her eyes, and I couldn’t be more pleased. I thought I would have to go carry her out myself, but Dalton came through for me. She looks beautiful walking toward me, a small scowl on her face, holding a bouquet of pink roses.
“Remember what we talked about?” I say looking up at Sticks. He will be the one performing the ceremony, and I made sure to tell him to keep it short. Izzy is obviously in pain and needs to get off her feet. He nods his head, silently telling me he understands, while pushing his glasses up his nose.
Dalton gives Izzy a brief kiss on the cheek, placing her hand in mine, before moving to stand by Jasper. I’m sure with the look I give him he knows just what I think of his gesture. Izzy also noticing my glare, turns her head in his direction. Winking at Izzy, Dalton than looks to me with a smirk on his face.
“I will rip your heart out and make you eat it.” I say loud enough for him to hear me. You would think the bastard would at least stop smiling, but no. He continues to look at me as if he hasn’t a care in the world.
“Stop it, K.J.” Izzy says, scanning my face. I can see in her eyes that she is once again in pain, so I quit glaring at Dalton to look at Sticks. With a slight nod of my head he begins the ceremony.
“Family and friends we have gathered here to join Elizabeth Waters and Kade Johnathan in….” He is abruptly cut off when Izzy lets out a grunt of pain before, hunching over, dropping her flowers to the ground. Jasper steps in behind her, while I grab her arms, both of us making sure she doesn’t fall. She starts crying out in more pain, now looking up at me with fear in her eyes, “I think my water just broke.” She whispers.
“K.J.’s kid would pick a time like this.” I hear Dalton say over the rest of our friends. “What do I do.” Izzy asks, looking at me for guidance.
Lifting her into my arms, I march toward the cabin, thankful I have already called her midwife. She is trying to breathe through her pain, but I can see the tears start pooling in her eyes. “I’ve got you, Izzy.” I say, carrying her into our bedroom. I can hear footsteps following me through the house, but my only focus is to get Izzy somewhere she can be comfortable. Slamming the door shut with my foot I make it known for no one to come in.
“Why couldn’t this little brat wait until we said I do.” She cries out. “I can’t have this baby without us being married.” Seeing the look of panic on her face, I open the bedroom door and holler for Sticks to come in.
“Say whatever it is you have to, just make it quick.” I tell him, walking to the side of the bed. Leaning against the head board, I place Izzy between my legs, and start massaging her back. She lets out a moan of pleasure before looking up at Sticks.
“Do you Elizabeth take Kade Johnathan to be your husband?” Sticks asks.
“I do.” Izzy grunts out, obviously having another contraction.
“Do you Kade take Elizabeth Waters to be your wife?” He asks.
“I do.”
“Then kiss your bride.” He states, taking no time at all to exit the room. Izzy turns her head toward me, peering up at me under her long eyelashes, “I love you, K.J.” She whispers.
“I love you too, Izzy.” I declare before sealing our fate with a kiss.
Six Years Later…
K.J.
“Daddy. Daddy. Don’t forget about me.” Violet squeals out, running after me. Wearing a yellow sun dress, pink and purple polka dot rain boots, and the leather jacket I had made for her. Her curly blonde hair is bouncing with each step she takes, blue eyes glaring at me.
“Why did you give mommy kisses and not me?” She asks, grabbing onto my legs and trying to climb her way into my arms.
“You were busy playing with your toys.” I state, lifting her into my arms, placing a kiss to her temple. Izzy is standing by the kitchen counter, watching the two of us with a grin on her face.
“Where are you going?” She questions.
“Outside to work on my motorcycle.” I say, knowing the reaction she will have to hearing the news.
“Can I help you, Daddy?” She asks with excitement in her voice. “Crimson is asleep and I don’t want to wake him by playing to loud.”
“You need to clean up your toys first, Violet.” Izzy declares, causing our daughter to look at her with irritation. She is so much like her mother, and it drives Izzy crazy sometimes.
“They are not toys, Momma.” Violet states, “they are my tools.”
“Well you need to go clean up your tools before you go outside. Please.” Izzy says, placing her hand on her hip.
“Go do what your Momma asked. I’ll wait right here for you.” I whisper to Violet, placing her feet back on the floor. She scampers off into the living room, humming the entire time, happy to do what I asked of her.
“That girl has you wrapped around her finger.” Izzy laughs out. Walking up behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist, kissing the side of her neck. “It just kills you that she listens to me.” I state.
“You just wait.” She says, rubbing small circles on her stomach. “Crimson will grow up being a Momma’s boy.”
“And what about this one.” I ask, positioning my hand on her baby bump. “Who will she choose?”
“You listen here, Mister.” She mumbles, turning around in my arms. “You will not turn both my daughters against me. This one will like to wear dresses and play with dolls.” Looking into her golden brown eyes. I am once again reminded of everything I have, but never knew I wanted.
About the Author
Dusty Lassetter was born and raised in Texas, and is currently residing in Van, Texas. She is twenty-seven years old and married with four children, that people mistake for twins often. This is her first series to write, and self-publish. She enjoyed reading so much, she decided to take a chance at creating her own story.
Read on for the prologue to Painkiller.
Book 4 in my Fatally Flawed Series, and Torch. Book one in my Tarnished Souls MC series.
Prologue
Dalton
The bar at the hotel, I’m currently sitting at, is full of business men, like myself, trying to drink away their long day. I’m still sipping on my first glass, people watching, when a sexy blonde captures my eye. The way she is sipping her drink, from the tiny red straw, has me wishing it was her mouth on something else. The black and white polka dot pattern, of her modest dress, reminds me of something a secret naughty girl would wear, causing my curiosity to get the best of me. Standing from my seat, while downing the rest of my drink, I make my way toward her.
“I’ll be Burger King and you be McDonalds.” I
say, leaning into her personal space. Those big blue eyes, framed with a pair of black glasses, looking into mine.
“What?” She retorts, slowly edging away from me.
“I’ll have it my way and you’ll be loving it.”
A small smile breaks out on her face, bringing out the two dimples on her cheeks, before she gives a shy giggle.
Giving her a wink, and smiling from her reaction. I take a seat beside her, and watch as she spins around giving me her full attention.
“That was probably the worse pick up line I’ve ever heard.” She states honestly.
“I got to see that gorgeous smile of yours, so I’ll stand by my corny one liner.” I declare, making her smile deepen. “To whom do I have the pleasure of taking home tonight.” I ask with confidence in my voice.
“If I give you my name will you promise not to forget it?”
Looking into her blue eyes, trailing a path down her heart shaped face, I can since the vulnerability coming off her. The way she continuously takes small sips of her drink, for courage, and her body language is showing me just how nervous she is.
“Let’s play a game.” I declare. “If I am able to guess what your name is. I get to take you to my room upstairs and show you just how memorable I can be.”
With a look of uncertainty in her eyes. She gives me the slightest nod of her head. Jumping on the opportunity, before she can have any doubts, I give my first guess.
“Carly?” I question, and watch as she shakes her head no while teasing me with her lips once again attached to the straw.
“Rachel.” I state, getting it wrong for the second time. Running my hand through my hair, pretending to be deep in thought, I inwardly smile knowing I’ve won the game. Waving down the bartender, I grab her hand, “Put Autumn’s drink on my tab, Brian.” I command, while helping her off the stool.
Breaking The Silence (Fatally Flawed Book 3) Page 16