“Oh god,” I cry out softly, my hands gripping the metal bedframe. He’s roughly kissing my center, his assertive touches moving to my legs and back to my stomach, making his way up until he finds my mouth. I kiss him, tasting myself, but I don’t care.
He kisses me deeper, and I gasp as he thrusts inside me unexpectedly; the feeling is so good against my throbbing sex. He stretches and fills me completely, his size causing an uncomfortable but rewarding pain. I bite the corner of my lip as my head drops back. I wrap my legs around him, my hips surging toward him as I try to deepen the connection. Each thrust feels better than the last. I hear him moan with satisfaction as he continues to pound and thrust relentlessly, each movement sending me closer to the edge. My desire once again begins to grow. I arch my back as the sensation becomes almost unbearable. Everything about this blows my mind.
I open my eyes for a second and am met with Ryder’s burning stare. I watch as his mouth curls a little, a smirk appearing. His thumb works my clit in a circular motion. He knows I’m close again, and I tighten around him. I can no longer hold on, and my orgasm takes over every inch of my body. My muscles tighten as I strain to work through the pulsating. The heat rushes through me, taking over all my senses. I writhe on the bed without an ounce of dignity. My chest heaves as the last of the throbs works through me, and my limbs become weak and lifeless.
Ryder grabs my weakened legs, pulling them until they rest over his shoulders. He thrusts harder, picking up his speed. The new position deepens the penetration. I yelp at the intensity of the contact as a new level of heat washes through me. It’s pleasure but borderlines on pain. His hold on my legs grows tighter. I flick my eyes up to look at his face. His features are narrowed as he screws up his face as if in pain. But it’s not really a sign of pain. As I feel him grow inside me, I know he’s about to find his release. His eyes widen before his head drops back.
“Fuck,” he growls, thrusting for the last time before he collapses on top of me. He reaches above my head, unlocking the binds around my wrist. I drop my arms around him, my heart still pounding in my chest. I stroke my hand through his hair, and for those few seconds, he doesn’t say anything and neither do I. My chest heaves as I try to catch the breath he just stole. I can’t quite believe what just happened and how amazing it felt being with him. Having that connection I never realized I was missing. I soak up his warmth, never wanting to part from the safety of his hold. I close my eyes, almost content enough to sleep. But the truth is I feel safe with him. I’d forgotten about today. About how it feels like the war has only just started. But here, with Ryder, it feels like I’ve won the war, whether it was truly over or not.
He lifts his body up, pulling me with him as he kneels on the side of the bed. I position myself on the edge of the bed. He reaches up, roughly grabbing my face to pull me to him for another kiss. As we part, slowing the kiss, he pulls in my bottom lip, biting and sucking it. It’s not hard or painful, but I can’t help but grin a little because I sure as hell like it.
“So fucking sexy,” he murmurs as he rests back on his knees. “And you don’t even know it. Pip, you drive me fucking wild.”
“Good,” I respond with a smirk. “Why on earth do you have a pair of handcuffs?” I raise my eyebrow at him.
“Good thing I did, though.” He laughs. “Did the job, didn’t it?” I drop my head as the wave of heat hits my cheeks, embarrassment taking over me.
Standing, he reaches for his clothes from the floor, quickly dressing. “Listen, I hate to do this, pip, but I gotta go out. I have to speak with Jax before he does something stupid.”
“But—”
“But nothing.” He cuts me off, his voice loud and authoritative. “I know him better than anyone. I know how calculated he is, and if this whole fucking situation has taught me anything, it’s that he’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants. I can’t afford to let that happen.”
I nod, pulling my bra on. “I understand.”
“I know it’s your birthday. And honestly, I feel like shit that the events of today have overshadowed it. But tomorrow,” he says with a huge smile. “Tomorrow, we celebrate your birthday. Just you, me, and my cock.” He chuckles. “I’m totally kidding about the cock,” he says, his face lighting up as he laughs deeply. “Unless that’s what you want to do on your birthday.” He presses a kiss to my cheek, one that nearly knocks me unsteady on my feet.
“I could drop you at your friend’s house, you know, on my way to the trailer park.”
“Shit.” I gasp. “It had totally slipped my mind. But, yeah, that would be awesome. I bet Cady and Lina have been so worried.”
I don’t have my phone. In fact, I’m not even sure what happened to it. “My cell phone was with the rest of my belongings. I wonder whether Jax still has them?”
“I will get all your stuff. Don’t worry, pip.”
“There is a brown box full of paperback books. Please, can you get those for me, you know, if you get a chance.”
“Sure thing.” He leans in kissing my forehead. “Meet you outside in ten.” He smiles before heading out the door and closing it behind him.
I quickly dress, and walking out into the hall, I try the doors to find the bathroom. As soon as I’m at the right door, I make my way inside. I look at my frazzled reflection and try to fix my hair. I turn on the tap, holding my hands under the cold flow of water. Splashing upward, I wet my face in the hopes of freshening up. I turn to grab a towel and dry my face. I check in the mirror, and I might not look any better, but damn, I felt a whole lot fresher. I rub my fingers against my scalp, trying to put some life back into my limp hair. It works a little, so I smile at myself and take a deep breath before heading downstairs.
“Do you like your room, dear?” Stella asks as I step into the living room.
“It’s lovely,” I reply. “You have a lovely home.”
“I have Ryder to thank for that. He really takes care of me. I don’t know where I’d be without him,” she chokes out, the emotion affecting her voice. I rush over to her, kneeling down in front of her as she holds her head in her hands. “Ryder is the one thing I know I got right,” she says, reaching out and taking my hand in hers. “I’ve lived a life full of mistakes, but I’m proud to say he’s my son.”
“He’s a good person. The best.”
“He really is,” she whispers, looking around her to check he’s not within hearing distance. “All the bad things he’s done, that he does, you have to know it’s for the right reasons. Dangerous and stupid, but he does it because he loves me, and he’s made paying my medical bills his priority. I wouldn’t have any of this if it wasn’t for him.” She wheezes, suddenly coughing.
“Are you okay?” Reaching around, I pat her back gently. Her back heaves as she takes in big breaths, slowly steadying the speed.
“I will be, my dear. You should go. I think he’s waiting for you.”
“Are you sure?” I ask with concern.
“Sure.” She shoots me a sad smile.
I nod, standing and saying my goodbyes. I make my way out the door and around to the car parked in the drive. I jump in.
“Buckle up, pip,” he instructs, starting the engine. I do as he instructs, and we reverse from the driveway, making our way down his street. I tap my leg lightly.
“Your mom’s ill?” I ask, placing my hand over his as it rests on the gear stick.
He nods, never looking at me, his eyes fixed on the road. “Lung and heart disease,” he says in a monotone voice.
“I’m sorry,” I say, stroking the back of his hand. We sit in silence as we drive down one street then another. A few moments pass, and I soon realize where we are.
“Oh, this is Cady’s road,” I say excitedly, sitting up straight in my seat, and before I know it, we are pulling up outside her house. Ryder cuts the engine and swiftly exits the car. I release my belt, doing the same.
“I’m coming with you,” he instructs. “Just until I know you’re in there and safe,�
�� he adds.
“Okay,” I say with a shrug, taking his hand in mine and intertwining our fingers. I make my way up the path, rapping my knuckles against the door. I stand gripping Ryder's hand tightly, waiting for a response. My heart sinks a little, realizing that nobody is probably home. Ryder reaches forward to knock again when the door flies open unexpectedly.
“Kailee,” Cady shrieks. “Oh, my god, I was so worried. I couldn’t get hold of you, and Lina hadn’t heard from you, and my mind’s been racing with all these crazy thoughts… Happy birthday, sweets!” Her words rush out, and she suddenly hurries forward, grabbing me and squeezing me tightly. I hug her back, leaning into her friendly embrace. She pulls back, one hand on the top of each of my arms; her eyes flit to Ryder and then back to me. “Uh… what’s going on here? Why are you holding hands with the crazy twin,” she blurts out.
I giggle a little, watching as Ryder narrows his eyes at Cady. “It’s a long story,” I say with a little grimace.
“Well, what are you waiting for? Get your ass in here and spill,” she almost sings.
I step forward only for Ryder’s huge hands around my waist to halt me. He spins me on the spot, leaning down and kissing me on the lips. “I’ll come back for you.”
I turn to Cady. “I’m okay to stay here a little while, aren’t I?”
“Of course,” she says with a shriek of excitement. “We planned a slumber party, remember?”
“Oh.” I sigh, pulling on the top I have on. “I don’t have my things,” I explain.
“Hmm,” she purses her lips together.
“I think we might have to take a rain check on the whole slumber party thing.” I shoot her a sad smile.
“Here,” Ryder interjects, pushing his phone toward Cady’s hand. “Type your number in here; I’ll call when I’m on my way.” Cady takes the phone, adding in her number before passing it back to him.
“Good.” He smirks, taking the phone and pushing it back into his jeans pocket. He turns, making his way out of the door. “Laters, pip. Oh” —he pauses momentarily, turning and facing me— “stay here. Do not fucking leave without me,” he commands, and I can’t help but roll my eyes. He rushes back over to me, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me to him until my face is close to his. “I’m deadly fucking serious. Lock the door and stay here.” His eyes are narrowed and pinned on me.
“Sure,” I croak. He drops his head forward, quickly pressing his lips against mine before releasing his hold and dashing out the door.
“What the hell was that all about?” Cady asks, her face dressed with concern.
“You’re gonna want to sit down when you hear this story,” I warn. “But first, I could murder a can of soda or something.”
“Beer?” Her eyes light up, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Because we’re celebrating, right?”
“A soda will be fine,” I say, dismissing her with a wave of my hand.
We settle down in her living room, soda in hand, as I try to explain the events of the last twenty-four hours. Down to every detail.
“So let me get this straight” —she holds up her hand as she continues to speak, her face contorted with a look of disbelief— “that man, the one with the evil stare, the one who scares me half to death. Well, he just happened to go on a one-man mission against his own twin to save your life. And a good job he did too,” she shrieks.
“Yes,” I say, my eyes dropping down as I focus on the can I’m fidgeting with in my hand.
“Wow. That’s some serious shit, Kay. He must really have feelings for you. I mean that’s a pretty grand statement.” She chuckles a little, lifting an eyebrow.
“I’m not even sure where I would be right now if it wasn’t for him. I’d have been sold to some sex ring or sicko who gets a kick outta torturing girls.” As the words leave my mouth, I feel a huge amount of emotion rise deep inside the pit of my stomach.
“Jesus, Kay. Thank God you’re safe. I had no idea. I’m so sorry.” She leans in, taking me into her arms. I lean against her, letting out the sobs I’d fought back the whole time. I sit back, sniffling and wiping away the tears that have fallen over my cheeks.
“He’s all I have.”
“What, so you two are like an item now? I know he saved your life but don’t feel like you're indebted to him.”
“It’s not like that at all,” I croak out. “There was always an attraction to Ryder, but I fought it. I decided I didn’t want to be stuck between two brothers, so I chose Jax. I went for who I thought was the safe option. Only, it turns out that nothing could be further from the truth.”
“What an asshole,” Cady growls. “That sicko should be in prison for what he’s done to you.”
“It’s not that easy,” I say, dropping my head and shaking it loosely.
“It is that easy. You go to the police, and you tell them everything that happened to you. Tell them what he did. Someone has to stop this from happening to other unsuspecting girls.”
“I just can’t.” I breathe out heavily. “It would bring Ryder into the focus. Too many questions will be asked, and it would involve too many people. We dropped Layla at the police station. Hopefully, they will catch whoever’s behind this from the information she can provide. That way it keeps Ryder out of it.”
Her eyes are narrowed and glued to me. “You really like him, don’t you?”
“He owns me, Cady. My heart, my body, and my soul. I’m totally wrapped up in this guy. He risked everything for me…” I let my words trail off as I finally declare my feelings Ryder out loud.
“Whoa,” she says dramatically. “That’s some heavy shit.” She blows out a huge breath, her cheeks puffing out as she does.
“What?” I ask, wondering what her reaction is all about.
“Just be careful, Kay. These twins are dangerous; we already know that.”
“Ryder’s different,” I snap. “He would never hurt me.”
“I know. But he’s not who I’m referring to. I’m talking about their whole criminal lifestyle. You’re already mixed up in that shit, covering for him and refusing to report what happened to you. Trouble will follow him, and that’s what worries me for you.”
I sit silently for a few seconds, realizing that Cady’s words are true. I want Ryder in my life, but I’m not sure I’m made for the lifestyle he lives. Dealing with criminals to earn his next buck.
“He can change his ways for me, I just know it,” I say naïvely.
Cady cocks a brow, tilting her head to the side. “And how many have said that before you?”
“None,” I sigh. “Ryder has never done relationships. Well, until now that is.”
“And what? You’re the exception to the rule?”
“Shit, I don’t know,” I yell, standing up and storming out of the room. My inner torture is almost too much to take. I know what she says makes sense. Every damn word. But my heart belongs to him, and I’m not sure what the hell I’m going to do. I walk over, dropping my crushed can into the trash.
“I’m sorry, honey, really I am. I’m not trying to upset you or hurt your feelings. I’m just trying to be realistic and avoid you getting hurt. Again.”
“I can’t be without him,” I say honestly.
“Then you need to talk to him and figure out a way you can be together. Without him being so involved with the wrong side of the law.”
I nod.
“Anyway,” she exclaims, “I have your present upstairs.” She grabs my hand and leads me up the stairs. “Let’s get you changed. I’ll do your makeup and nails, and once I’ve finished with you, you’ll feel like a million dollars.”
I let Cady lead me into her bedroom. I perch on the edge of the bed while she rifles through her closet. She throws things into a pile behind her while she continues to chat about clothes and makeup, all the girly things that have never really bothered me.
“Okay” —she turns to face me with a pile of clothes between us— “I was going to clean out my closet
, and considering the circumstances, there’s no better time than now. We’re pretty much the same size in clothes so they should all fit.”
“You don’t have to—” I start saying, but I’m quickly cut off.
“No. I do have to. But you’re my friend, and I don’t need this stuff anyway,” she says with a huge smile. “I’ll bag it up for you while you go shower.”
“There’s no need,” I reply.
“But before you do,” she says, completely ignoring my comment, “here’s your birthday present.” She stands and walks over to the dressing table, picking up a gift box and handing it to me.
“I really hope it’s the one you wanted.” She sucks in a breath of excitement, silently clapping her hands together.
I take the box, touched that she’d gone to so much trouble for me. I slowly untie the spotty purple ribbon, removing it from the stark white box. I lift the lid and almost fall from the edge of the bed. My eyes go wide, and my jaw becomes slack.
“You like it?” she asks tentatively.
“Oh, Cady.” I gasp, reaching in and taking it in my hands.
“It’s signed and everything,” she beams, and I have to swallow the lump that has grown in my throat.
I grasp the book in my hands, looking at it in disbelief. It’s one I’ve wanted for such a long time, one I haven’t been able to get at the library or the secondhand bookstore.
“This is beyond perfect,” I tell her as I let my finger flick through the pages; the smell I love hits my senses, reminding me why I’m so fond of my books. “Thank you so much.” I wrap my arms around her, thanking her for the very thoughtful gift.
“Now that’s over and done with, go get showered,” she orders, taking the book out of my hand and pushing me lightly on the back. “I can’t wait to work my magic on those bags under your eyes,” she teases, letting out a little chuckle.
Ryder
I pull into the trailer park; my hands shake as I grip the steering wheel, willing my fucking heart rate to slow its pace. What I have to do hasn’t been an easy decision, but protecting Kailee is my priority. I park beside my brother’s car, cutting the engine. I take one last breath before emerging from the car. I make my way inside our trailer, calling out his name and listening carefully for a response. My hand rests tentatively on the gun in my waistband. I didn’t want to hurt my brother, but if he forces my hand, if I have to choose between my life and his, I won’t hesitate. I wander from room to room, realizing he isn’t here. I open the kitchen cabinet, grabbing some trash bags, and start loading them with my belongings. I take everything I can think of, clearing my closet. I make my way out, opening the trunk of the car and dumping them inside.
The edge of life: Official cover - coming soon Page 24