by Beth Mikell
“Simple? Hell no. This will be fucking hot,” he whispered with a kind of vow tilting his words.
I exhaled, wavering on my feet. “Please.”
He scooped me up in his arms, and I relished the skin-to-skin contact. He leaned forward to brush his lips over my mouth. I tasted the bourbon on his tongue, and the heat of his body. A wild darkness pulled a groan from my throat.
Rhys angled his head, staring down at me. “Tell me where to go, Beretta,” he said, squeezing me closer.
“Down the hall,” I rasped, tingling with anticipation.
He carried me to my room, laying me on the bed.
I couldn’t have dreamed Rhys up, even if I wanted to. Not in my wildest imagination. If anything, he appeared more gorgeous. Large, beautiful, strong—he encompassed manly without even trying. Long gone were the trappings of modesty into smooth naked flesh and cords of muscles. His green eyes were narrowed. His prominent nose slid down to firm lips, and I had a feeling he knew how to drive me insane with his wicked tongue.
Rhys sank on the bed, cupping my face, then closed his eyes. “I’ve never…”
I bit my bottom lip. “Never what? Tell me,” I said.
His eyes flicked open, meeting my gaze. “Never felt this way. Not like this. Not this way.”
“Rhys.” My heart pounded so hard my chest hurt.
“Touch me. I need to know you’re real,” he said.
I shifted on the bed, straddling his thighs. His hard length shimmied close to my center, and we both gasped in unison.
“Shit, too much,” he pushed through clenched teeth. He grabbed my hips, holding me still.
I shook my head. “Be savage. Wild. Even crazy. Don’t hold back.”
A hoarse cry jerked from his throat, and he flexed his hands on my flesh, pulling me closer. He breathed hard. “Yes, screw control.”
He pushed me back on the pillows, laying over me, supporting his upper body on his hands. He stared down into my eyes. He didn’t say anything, and I didn’t want fluffy words or promises. I just wanted him. No matter how.
Then he leaned forward, brushing his lips over mine. He licked, soothed, and chased through my mouth in such a hypnotic and thrilling way. I’d never sampled such a seductive flavor, melting me from the inside out. Unconsciously, his hips flexed against me, and a shudder raced over me.
His lips broke free, skimming across my cheek to my ear. He scored the edge of his teeth over my earlobe. “God, you taste so sweet.”
“Please,” I purred, reeling against the restlessness traveling my blood.
“Your tattoos drive me insane.” Rhys moved down my neck, placing a kiss over my rapid pulse, exactly over a butterfly tattoo. “I want you to reach the edge,” he said, moving lower. His hand shaped my breasts. “What’s this?” He thumbed my nipple piercing. “Jesus, you’re stunning.”
He tugged gently, and I moaned.
Then he replaced his hands with his tongue, laving my taut peak. He released slowly, catching his teeth against the metal of my nipple ring. He was slow and deliberate, flicking the other nipple with the same probing precision. Tingly heat took me prisoner, just waiting for his next caress. He teased each point with equal fever, making me squirm against him. I couldn’t take the sensations. My hips shifted, begging him for more.
He hissed a guttural groan. “Stay still,” he gritted out, his hand seeking my hip to stop my movements.
Then he went lower.
“I can’t. I want—” I began, his touch stealing my words as he parted my flesh. “Oh, shit…” I was totally lost. My words a lost cause.
“Burn, baby.”
I was an aching mess. He didn’t stop his relentless pursuit. He knew exactly where to touch me. My heart pounded my blood fast through my veins as I hit a wave of pleasure. But before I could catch my breath, he eased back, adjusting his position. He hovered above me.
I needed completion.
I needed him inside me.
My hands caressed up his shoulders. His muscles were tense and tightly drawn. I smoothed my fingers up his neck and sank into his hair. As I stared up at him, his dark lashes framed his beautiful eyes—eyes brimming with lust.
His desire matched mine.
A guttural growl tore from him. “Tell me, Beretta. If you have changed your—”
“Now!”
He sank into me.
Both of us shivered.
I felt him to my soul.
It was jolting.
Mind blowing.
Unforgettable.
I heard the words of forever, but I lost them in a sea of pleasure.
CHAPTER 13 - Present
The park was beautiful. A place I often brought Erin to play. As she enjoyed the slides, Rhys and I sat together on a bench a few feet away. My awkward feeling was back, the kind that made it hard to breathe with him so close. He always affected me this way.
“Tell me why you ran, Beretta,” he said. “I need to know.”
I sighed. The pressure on my chest increased. “I didn’t know how to handle you—us. At the time, you and I didn’t make sense. So I ran.” I finally worked up the nerve to look at him, finding him staring.
“Is that your story?”
I shrugged. “We spent one night together, Rhys. That hardly meant a commitment and promises for a future.” I sounded more flippant than I felt. I knew I was lying to myself and to him.
“That’s bullshit,” he hissed.
Summoning my death glare, I wouldn’t sugar coat the facts. “What were we? When I met you, you were dating my friend, then suddenly, you weren’t. I get it, okay? I was the rebound girl.”
He shook his head, looking equally disgruntled. “No, you weren’t. You were never that.”
“Then what was I?”
“I fell in love with you.”
I huffed. “When? Your relationship with Ashley was barely three weeks over, then you decided that I was the woman you loved?” I shook my head. “I’m sorry, but I don’t believe you.”
He leaned closer. “Then why have you obsessed my mind these last five years? I couldn’t let you go.”
My heart was breaking. I wanted to believe him, but inside, I was still the leftover girl. Still the girl every guy passed over for someone else. I doubted a few words would change this.
Rhys took my hand. “I haven’t been the same man.”
I tried to take my hand away, but he wouldn’t let go. “You can’t say things like this,” I said.
One eyebrow rose. “Why? Because then you might have to believe me?” He exhaled a hard breath. “I never asked you to leave, Beretta. After our night together, how could you think that I would take Ashley back after knowing she wasn’t faithful to me?”
Rubbing my temple with my other hand, I winced at the sudden headache forming. I’d thought about this issue over the years, but I only came to one conclusion. “I was scared, alright?” I jerked my hand out of his grasp. “I just couldn’t wrap my mind around someone like you. That you’d want someone like me.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” he growled. “You’re incredible, sexy, and fucking stunning to me.”
I glared. “Are you hearing yourself? Are you forgetting what I look like? Tattoos and piercings. Somewhat Goth like. I am not the kind of woman you take home to your mother. You’re too cosmopolitan.”
“Fuck cosmopolitan.” His lips firmed, and his eyes narrowed. “You’re what I want.” Rhys cupped my face, smoothing his thumb over my cheek. “Whatever you think I wanted in a woman was all right here. In you. You’re beautiful, Beretta. Your choice of tattoos, piercings, and clothes never changed your heart. I want you—you and Erin.”
Tears rained down my face.
“You should have trusted me, baby,” he whispered. “You should have waited for me to tell you. To be the man you needed.”
More tears fell. “I’m sorry,” I said hoarsely.
“I never wanted you to be alone.” He pulled me against his che
st. “When I found out you’d had Erin, it shattered me. I felt like I’d failed you.”
I shook my head and stared up at him. “No, that’s not it. The blame falls on me. I was stupid and ran because I didn’t think I was good enough. I didn’t think you could love someone like me.”
He shook head. “I love you. No woman could ever compare to you, Beretta.”
“Mommy! Mommy! Look what I found!”
Erin came rushing up, her dark pigtails bouncing up and down. I slid a little away from Rhys, brushing aside my tears. I eyed the flower in her hand.
I smiled, taking the flower. “Do want to save this for your collection?”
She nodded. “Yes, please.”
I dug through my purse and retrieved my hard bound notebook, slipping it open. “Okay, how do you want it?”
As she arranged the flower on the page, I glanced at Rhys. He sat so still, watching our daughter. We hadn’t addressed how we’d handle Erin, but I knew he’d want her to know who he is.
“This is good, Mommy,” Erin said, grinning up at me.
I gently closed the book, tucking it away in my purse.
“What do you do with the flowers?” Rhys asked Erin.
My heart skipped a beat. She grinned up at him, looking just like him. “It’s for my box. I find flowers and Mommy puts them under glass for me,” she said in an excited voice. “When I have enough, we will hang it on the wall.”
Rhys smiled, reaching out a hand to tip her nose. “So, you like flowers, huh?”
She nodded. “Yes,” she said. “They remind me of Mommy’s flowers on her skin.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. Then I pulled her up in my lap. “I love you, baby girl.”
Her little arms wrapped around my neck. “I love you too.”
I adjusted her on my lap and gave Rhys a smile before looking back at Erin. “I want to tell you something.”
“Okay.”
Her innocent green eyes stared up at me so trustingly. “Do you remember when you asked me about why some children have a mommy and a daddy but you don’t?”
She nodded. “You said mine would find me one day.”
I grabbed Rhys’ hand, squeezing. “This is your daddy, baby girl.”
Her eyes widened. She looked from me to Rhys. “Really?”
“Yes,” I said.
“Can I hug him?” she asked softly.
Rhys held out his arms. “Come here.”
It was such a beautiful moment. I didn’t mind my tears that fell. They were happy tears, cleansing away years of pain and loss. For a moment, I believed in happy endings.
“Beretta?”
Startled, I looked up to find Riven standing close. I’d been so wrapped up in the moment, I hadn’t noticed him. “Hey.”
I made some introductions between Rhys and Riven, but I didn’t go into lengthy details other than Riven was my accountant. I gave Rhys a look and said, “Do you mind watching Erin while I speak to Riven?”
He nodded. “Sure. We’ll be right here.”
Riven and I strode a little away, then I turned to face him, but he spoke first. “I’m so sorry about last night, B.”
I held up a hand. “Please, I’d rather not rehash it, if you don’t mind.”
Riven inclined his head. “I understand.” He exhaled a breath. “I’d like to handle all the cleanup personally. I pray I haven’t lost you as a friend.”
“You haven’t lost anything, man, but you need to get your shit right and not bring it into my place of business.”
“I know,” he said rather sadly, looking away. He didn’t say anything for a moment. “Is he Erin’s father?”
I followed his gaze, noting how Rhys and Erin laughed together. “Yes.” I turned back to Riven. “We are working things out, so in the meantime, if you could oversea today’s cleanup, I’d appreciate it.”
“I still feel bad about what you saw,” he said. “If I can do anything—like free accounting services for life, I will.”
I waved off his words. “I’m not judgmental like that. I think you’ll have enough to deal with.”
His shoulders sagged, and he appeared shattered. “Yes. David won’t speak to me. It’s just a mess.”
I laid a hand on his arm. “You can make this right, but it will take time. Just give him some space for a while. Pushing him will only make it worse.”
“I know, but it’s just super hard.” He sighed. “I’ll head over to Muze and start airing it out.”
“Thank you.”
As I walked back over to Rhys and Erin, he gave me a questioning look. “Is everything okay?” he asked.
“Yes. Riven wanted to apologize for last night and mention that he will handle today’s cleanup. So, who wants some lunch?”
Erin clapped with excitement, but Rhys didn’t seem happy at all. He’d have to understand. I had to look after Muze my way, including its employees. But I softened inside. I knew relationships were hard, and I didn’t want to hurt Rhys with any misunderstandings.
CHAPTER 14 - Present
Erin wanted a burger, then she wanted to play on the jungle gym beside the restaurant. Sundays were her day, and I usually let her pick the restaurant. That usually meant hamburgers or pizza.
Rhys and I sat together as she climbed through the tunnels, waving every so often with a big grin.
As I nursed my bottled water, I glanced at Rhys. He’d been quiet ever since we’d left the park. “What’s on your mind?”
“Is Riven someone I should worry about?” he asked.
I stiffened. “Of course not. He’s a good friend. Up until last night, he was in a committed gay relationship.”
Rhys nodded, but didn’t say more, looking away.
“Look,” I said, drawing his attention. “There’s never been anyone since you. Not really. I mean I tried to date, but…” I trailed off, my cheeks warming. “No one could compare to you. I love you, Rhys. I always have, and I always will.”
“That’s all I need. Just you and Erin.”
“So, what do we do now? How do we handle our new relationship?”
“A fair question,” he said with a wink. “I’ve already planned ahead.”
I nodded. “Of course, you have.”
“I’m moving here. In fact, the movers will be here Monday to deliver my furniture for my new house. There’s plenty of room, so Erin will have her own room.”
I bristled. “What do you mean? I can’t just move out of my place and into yours.”
“I’m not asking you to,” he said in a clear tone.
A frown drew across my brow as worry burned hot through my stomach. What was he suggesting? “I don’t understand.”
He took my hand. “We aren’t ready to move in together. I know that. We need time to get to know each other, but I still want Erin to have something of her own in my house when you two visit me.” He turned in his seat, taking my other hand. “Eventually, I want us to be a family, but for now, I want to date you. Love you. Be the man you need. Be a father to Erin.”
A slow smile spread over my face. “Date, huh?” I didn’t expect that.
He returned my smile with one of his own. “Yes, until you agree to marry me.”
I coughed, choking on nothing but air. “What?” Happiness swirled through my soul. All he had to do was say when and what time, and I’d be there.
He chuckled. “You have to accept that I love you. That I want you every day for the rest of our life. So, we’ll start with dates, but I want you to have my name. I want more children. For me, you’re everything.”
“Mommy! Daddy! Look at me!”
We both looked across the small distance as Erin sat poised on the slide. She swooshed down the plastic slide, grinning as she nailed the bottom on her two feet.
Rhys praised her, then stood and caressed my face. “I have two beauties in my life, and I’m not about to let either of you slip through my fingers again.” Then he gave me a soft kiss across my lips.
As he wal
ked toward Erin, my heart expanded with love—love I never thought to feel again. It was like someone reconnected my heart strings and filled me with a hot rush of sweet emotion.
This was the first time in my life I felt truly full. Rhys Lennox loved me. He loved Erin. I realized then, he had always been mine to love. I regretted all the time I’d wasted, but he didn’t belittle my choices. He made me realize that even though I’d lived with love unplugged, he would piece me back together. He was the sound of love I’d been missing. He was mine.
Epilogue
Three months later.
The sound of the crowd inside Muze was deafening. I could barely hear my own thoughts, but the chant was quite clear: Love Unplugged. I didn’t mind singing it anymore. The words no longer represented my heart. I was no longer depressed and trapped.
I was free.
As my hand strummed over the familiar tune, my ring finger on my left hand felt heavy and different.
I’d married Rhys Lennox.
We’d dated for a month, but soon discovered we couldn’t wait to be husband and wife. We connected like a missing puzzle piece—completely perfect. We lived together, and we loved together.
I looked across Muze, finding him holding Erin in his arms. They looked so perfect together, each smiling with happiness.
Tonight, after we tucked Erin in bed, I’d share my news. In nine months we’d have a new Lennox baby to welcome into the world. Plus, I’d been offered a song writing deal with London Docks’ record label. Things were moving forward.
I smiled at my sweet family, knowing they were all mine. My joy. My life. My happy beginning.
The ending of my song finally came true:
So lay me down in tears,
And wash away the years.
Your hands will heal my heart,
With love unplugged…
The End
About The Author
Beth Mikell is an avid reader and writer across many genres. She is a native Floridian, yet at thirteen, her family moved to Alabama and as the years turned into several, she traveled to many countries such as Brazil, Turkey, and Iran. When it comes to writing, Beth likes to weave tales about love, loss, and rebuilding hope, either in fiction or poetry. She finds the most challenging part of writing to be the end—saying goodbye is never easy.