Mason tries to stop her from fleeing but he can’t. We follow her outside where Deacon has her and things go from bad to really fucking bad. Can’t get worse.
“Don’t. The truth is bad enough, but lies are worse. I saw your look of terror when your secrets were about to be spilled. You didn’t want our paths to cross. Does she know about me, or am I your dirty little secret?” Saylor is shouting . . . and her conclusions are dead wrong.
“Stop, Saylor. Calm down, breathe baby.” Deacon pleads . . . I’m gonna kill Emberlee.
“Fuck you, Deacon. I believed you forgot to ask me to come. I believed you cared about me. I believed she wasn’t a part of your life.” Secrets suck. Yet, the one I’ve been keeping is worth it.
“You’re making assumptions, and they’re way off base.” Please, Saylor, listen to him. Hear him.
I strain, looking for Emberlee while Mason blocks my view and Caden grips my hand. I’ve missed part of their argument but it isn’t getting fixed.
“Surprise. Your parents are at my parents. We’re all going to Colorado.” Deacon announces, sounding defeated “See, I wasn’t hiding shit. I wasn’t going to spend Christmas or the New Year without you. I fought for us. You gave up.” And that’s the truth.
As Saylor continues to let her daddy issues cloud her judgment, I watch my best friend’s lives crumble in ruin. And selfish me, I know mine is going down with them. I can’t spring another blow to our group. Saylor’s taillights disappear down the street, the entire party has converged on the yard having a front row seat to this break up. I catch his eye and his simple nod with his desolate expression meets mine. He knows our jig isn’t up. He knows I can’t do this now. And I’m hoping he understands.
“Where’d she go?” Caden steps to Deacon’s side.
“I don’t know.” I’ve never seen Deacon so lost.
“Y’all okay?” Mason joins us— and damn well knows they aren’t okay.
As Deacon turns, heading back to the house with a look of ire I step back. “Deacon, calm down before you walk in there.” Caden tries to stop him.
“Better yet, go home and let us handle it.” Mason, bless him, knows you can’t handle Emberlee, but I’m gonna.
Deacon’s waylaid by a phone call from his mom, so I start seeking out that bitch so I can put my foot up her ass. I’m looking but her short ass is hiding . . . or hidden by anyone who isn’t the size of a troll.
The music is silenced and Deacon’s roar reverberates off the wall. “Party’s over. Come back another time.” Everyone but the six of us flock to the door, tripping over one another to escape. Watching Deacon and Adriane’s stare off is nerve wracking. I don’t see the pain, the happiness . . . just the disappointment in each other.
Adriane scoffs at his question and the flash of anger is lightening fast on Deacon’s face. “I’m not playing at anything, Deacon. Emberlee called and asked me to come. I showed up and obviously in the middle of something I don’t need to be part of.”
“You asked me how Julie is doing,” He wants her to care. For Julie— not him.
“Out of politeness. What kind of callous bitch do you think I am?” Oh, let me answer. “Just because I don’t want to be her mother, doesn’t mean I don’t care about her well-being.” I hear Mason’s inhale, and Caden is vibrating in anger.
“And Colorado?” He’s seething and the friend that set this in motion is idly standing by.
“Nope. I was shocked when Lee Lee brought it up. The last place I want to be is anywhere with my parents.” Sad, the feeling is mutual.
“You can go. You’ve done enough damage.” He dismisses her like she did all of us.
“Deacon, that isn’t fair. This isn’t your house.” Emberlee is fucking stupid. But now I can see her midget ass.
“Lines in the sand, Emberlee. You picked what side you wanted to align yourself with. I don’t know what your issue is, but we’re done.” Fucking crocodile tears. As fake as her friend’s tits. I try to push through Mason and Caden but they hold tight.
“You don’t mean that. Over her? You’re doing this because Saylor got her feelings hurt?” Oh shit. Deacon freezes mid-step and Caden lets me go to intercept him. That means I’m a free bitch.
Mason growls as his weak grip on me releases. “We’re done, as well. I’ll find somewhere else to wet my dick.” Ew. No. I’m gonna have to teach him where to air that laundry.
“Y’all are ridiculous. You were trying to replace Adriane.” Lee Lee is fucking delusional. Out of her mind bat shit crazy.
I step forward and let instinct take over. SMACK! Emberlee holds her cheek as I let the tears fall. Real fucking tears. A real fucking loss. I loved her. And my damn hand hurts. “Shit.” Mason groans as he grabs my waist and pulls me to the door.
Lines weren’t blurred tonight. They were erased.
Us five.
And Emberlee.
That’s how we stand.
Oh, look, she-devil is gone. Like old times. “Adriane left.” I smirk. “She was never a part of us. She never gave a damn. She may have grown up in our neighborhood, attended the same parties, and our parents are friends, but make no mistake. She. Was. Never. One. Of. Us. Now, you aren’t.” I’m shaking as she stares at me. Pain doesn’t explain the hole this girl created in my heart. “Saylor loves us. She loves Julie. She fucking loves Deacon. Your friend. You should have been happy, but instead you’re whacked. I don’t know what you were trying to do, but you destroyed lives tonight, Emberlee. I fucking HATE YOU!” My knees start to buckle as Mason picks me up, carrying me through the door. Deacon’s voice is low and I can’t make out what he’s saying, but I don’t care enough to listen to the words.
Caden comes over to examine my hand and I can feel the sadness surrounding him. Mason stops, kisses my head and heads home. “Get your stuff MMA queen. You aren’t staying there.” Mason lets Caden lead me inside and I pack a bag without a glance towards Emberlee.
Mason is waiting on the lawn. “I’m heading home. I can’t be here this close to her.” He’s destroyed. Not because he lost a fuck buddy, but because he lost a friend.
“See ya in the morning.” I hug him and let he and Caden talk. They nod, Mason leaves and he is back at my side.
“Inside now. Ice on your hand. Bath for your muscles. And when you come around my cock, you’re fucking screaming my name, Avery. Our plans are now blown to hell and looks like we’re going back to silent sex.” He tosses me in the air, catching me like he always does.
Chapter Eight
“Do you want to end this?” Her question gets my hand swatting her ass. How can she ask me this?
“No, Picasso.” My sigh of frustration causes my tone to hold a bite I don’t mean. Smoothing my hand over her ass, down her thighs, I carry her to my room and set her on the bathroom counter. “Sorry.” I brush my lips across hers and catch her sigh.
Turning, I start the bath and groan in frustration. “What’s wrong?” Her voice eases the irritation tonight brought.
“I don’t have any of your girly shit to put in the water.” For the millionth time, I’m reminded we’re a secret. Can’t have bath stuff in my house without raising questions— since Saylor cleans our house. “Shit.” This night keeps getting better and better. First, I watched my best friend get his heart smashed at the hands of another best friend. Fucking Emberlee is a piece of work. Seeing Avery hit her brought it all home.
We’re altered.
The foundation of our friendship is shaky.
Everything I hold dear, the one thing I’ve depended on since birth . . . our friendship . . . is splintered. Add in having to sneak around like I’m doing something wrong— with one of the group— the one who holds top place in my heart— it all pisses me off. “Who the fuck made the pact we wouldn’t date each other?” I snarl.
Her top row of teeth catches her bottom lip. “You.” She whispers. Reminding me of a fact I’m aware of. When Adriane and Deacon started dating it was different— that bitch wasn�
�t part of us. Just in case, I decided to secure things.
No feelings.
No dating.
No love.
Everyone agreed, and when Mason and Lee Lee started fucking, I caused a ruckus. Mason put me in my place . . . I hadn’t listed sex in my stipulations so they were in the clear.
I could pull the same card with Aves and me. But I won’t. I won’t cheapen what we have. I won’t belittle what I feel for her. If everyone weren’t wrapped in their own shit, they’d see it. The truth. Smacking them in their faces.
I’m in love with her.
She’s in love with me.
Here we are. Not at a crossroads— because all my paths lead back to her.
“Thanks.” I smirk. “Sit tight. Gonna get you some ice for your hand, tough girl.” Her eyes water and that’s my undoing.
Her pain.
Her tears.
Cuts me wide open. “Hey, it’s okay. I don’t think anything is broke.”
“I don’t care if it is.” She pauses. “I hit her. I’ve never hit anyone in my life.”
“Liar.” I tease. “You hit me in fifth grade.” I cajole a smile.
It’s returned with an eye roll. “You stole my list I’d made for lost and found.” I don’t regret it. “And told my dad.” Her lips pucker, eyes narrow— sassy Avery is in full effect.
“I’d do it again. Not now. Now, I’d just lock your ass in a room and fuck you until you came to your senses.” I should have realized it that day. That year. I love her— in a different way. I’d seen the addresses she was going to deliver mittens and coats to and a strange, fiery sensation washed through me. She’s this tiny thing and was going to venture into the seediest parts of Kansas. I’d put a stop to it and she walloped me a few times. I can’t say I felt a sting, twinge, or anything other than warmth where her fists met my chest.
“Caden, you’re trying to piss me off.” I withhold laughing at her. She’s serious— still mad her plans were thwarted . . . eight years ago.
“Okay. Be right back.” She scans the vanity for something to throw at me. “I’m a catcher. Give it your best shot.” Her huff and eye roll is sufficient . . . she won’t win this game. Having the house to ourselves is rare and I intend to take advantage of every second— once I have her relaxed and her hand submerged in ice. I hurry and fill the ice pack and can’t say I’m shocked to find her stripped, in the filling tub when I return. She doesn’t listen for shit. “Hand.” Her angelic smile extinguishes my fire at seeing her disobey me. I wanted to strip her, hold her, before I lifted her and placed her in the water. “Too hot?”
She groans in delight. “Perfect.” She holds her arm up for me to situate her hand and the ice pack.
“Don’t move.” I kiss her nose and leave to lock up, finish packing and wait for my girl to finish soaking. Five minutes pass and I can’t stand being apart from her so I decide to stalk her in the tub. We need to figure out how we’re gonna handle things and come morning . . . we’ll have no free time.
“Hey,” she says on exhale. Her eyes still closed but a small smile graces her face.
“Aves.” I growl. Her fucking hand is in the water, ice pack floating by her feet and she doesn’t listen for shit. Without a word, I dig the ice pack from the hot bath— it’s melted due to her antics— as I drag it from the water I brush her clit. “Going to refill.”
“It’s cold.” She whines.
“It’s ice.” I retort.
“I don’t like it.” She’s stubborn.
“But you like the use of your hand.” I don’t hear her response because I’m storming back to the kitchen. To repeat a task I’d done less than twenty minutes prior. I chuckle at her defiance when she’s out of earshot. That girl keeps me on my toes . . . and I love her for it. Challenging wench.
I get a washcloth to place between her hand and the ice this time . . . hoping to prevent a three-peat of ice pack filling. I doubt it, but I’ll get creative. “How are we gonna handle this? I can’t tell you I’m thrilled going back to hiding.” Her eyes open, filled with sorrow and doubt.
“I know,” she shifts and the ice pack moves.
“Still.” I demand of her.
Surprise, she raises those eyebrows at me. But listens. “We can’t tell them. Saylor and Deacon are hurting. Emberlee is a bitch. Mason . . . well he can’t focus on more than one issue and he’s gonna be in the thick of fixing Saylor and Deacon. He loves them. We love them.” I nod. “If we throw this at them, they’ll worry it will divide us. We’re on shaky ground as it stands.”
“All correct. I get it Aves. We go back to sneaking. But I can’t keep surviving with the morsels you allow us. I need more. I’ll stay hidden but you have to give me something.” In the eight months since she’s been mine, I’ve become addicted.
“Me, too. I promise we’ll find time. Ways to do this. I don’t worry about us— we’re solid. Miserable apart but solid. Deacon . . . he’s gonna need us.” What a fucking mess. “And I still have to live with Emberlee.” My rage is instant.
“You can stay here when you want.” Nobody will question her needing distance.
“Saylor.” Hell. Shortstop wound her way in our hearts . . . and is destroyed. Emberlee couldn’t have tossed a stick of dynamite . . . she went all RPG launch on us. “I’m so mad,” her hands flailing as she’s proving the point she’s angry.
The ice pack flies across the bathroom and I clamp down my frustration. Pushing from the doorway I stride to her. Grabbing the ice pack and securing it. “One more time.” I warn her. There’s swelling and her hand is taking on a purplish hue.
“When did you get so bossy?” She isn’t serious. She knows I have serious control issues. Always have.
“The birth canal.” I deadpan and get a giggle from her.
“True.” She relaxes back in the tub and I drink my fill of looking at her. “Stalker.” She goads me.
“Nope. Looking at what’s mine.” I remind her.
“Yours.” Her smile is bright, her face serene. “What time is it?”
“Nine.” I’m guessing, refusing to take my eyes off her to find the clock.
“What time do we have to leave?”
“Flight is at eight. We need to leave here around six. Maybe a few minutes earlier.” Her slight groan in protest is my cue she’s gonna try my patience. She flings the ice pack off her hand and starts to push herself up in the tub. Two steps and I’m picking her up and securing a towel around her after I smack her delectable ass. “No more warnings.”
Her body shivers in response to my promise. “I had to get out of the tub, Caden.” She’s using her exasperated tone. Haughty, like she’s explaining her reasoning to a two-year-old.
“And I’m right here. Something like, Caden, I’m ready to get outta the tub would have been sufficient. I can get you a bell if you’d like. Be at your beck and call.” I give her sass back— tenfold.
“Or maybe, Caden, I slapped someone . . . didn’t run my hand through a stump grinder. I’m perfectly capable of standing on my own. I think that has a nice ring to it.” Oh, my challenging counterpart thinks she’s funny. I make quick work of drying her off.
“Bed.” I deposit her in the middle. “I’ll be back.” She watches as I disappear from the room. I chug a cool bottle of water to quench the fire she has burning through me. As I finish, I go searching for what I want and then refill the goddamn ice pack.
Again.
For the last time tonight.
The room is dark so I flip the light for the bathroom and pull the door shut leaving a gap to lead my way. “What did I tell you, Avery?”
“That you’d make me come?” Ah, she has jokes.
“Yep. But I changed my mind.” I take three steps to her and watch as she sits up against the headboard. Using her fucking injured hand. “You aren’t just coming on my cock. I’m gonna have a trifecta tonight. Fingers. Mouth. Cock.” In that fucking order, too.
With her panting, I’ve succeeding in dist
racting her. I slip my shorts off, pull my shirt over my head and let her stare. I hold up the ice pack and she shakes her head. “That’ll get in the way.” She doesn’t disappoint— I knew she’d balk. I place it on the nightstand and she smiles— all too soon. Letting her hands drift over my stomach, chest, and when I know she’s lost in lust filled thoughts, I move fast.
I have her injured hand wrapped in a towel, ice pack placed on top— and secured with half a roll of duct tape. “Caden.” She’s staring at me, mouth agape, fire in her eyes, bite in her tenor.
“Yes?” I dip at the waist so I’m face to face with her.
“Take.It.Off.”
“Not.On.Your.Life.” I silence her retort with my mouth. Dropping my body over her, catching my weight with my arms, I duel with her tongue, igniting my senses. Taking hold of her injured hand I push it to the side and prop it up, shoving pillows underneath. “Leave it.” I command in her mouth. Her body sags, submitting to me, so I continue the services with my mouth, releasing her lips to trail down her neck, over her collarbone and nip. Her hips buck and her slickness coats my stomach. My tongue continues to lick, my mouth suck, and teeth bite, keeping her guessing, close to the edge but not allowing her to get use to one rhythm.
My tongue trails down the valley between her breasts, lap in her belly button and continue down to her bare pussy. She shoves her hips up, trying to gain contact and I chuckle. “What did I say?” I whisper against her folds, yet refusing to touch her with my lips.
“I don’t know.” Her mewl is music to my ears.
“Fingers.” I remind her as I sink one inside her wet heat.
“And mouth,” she begs. I ignore her plea and flip my wrist so my finger can trail across her spot deep inside her. Bending and flexing my finger in the way she likes, it begins her descent into ecstasy as she rides my fingers. I raise my head and take a hardened nipple into my mouth, teeth first and tongue to soothe. Sucking it to the peak I’m satisfied with, I take the other one in my mouth as I add a second finger and her back arches off the bed.
Lifting my head, I’m fixated as she loses herself to my touch. Adding my thumb to her clit and pressing, she detonates and coats my hand with her pleasure. Capturing her mouth, I continue pushing my fingers in and out at a slow pace to bring her down. The desire to taste her is too much, so I drag my hand up her body, leaving her essence from pubic bone to chin, leaving a trail for me to follow. Sucking her tongue, I leave her mouth with a groan and drag my mouth down her body, allowing my tongue to dart in and out, capturing her taste and reveling in it. “Holy fuck.” The wheeze of her exhale gains a grin from me against the smoothness of her skin. Lapping every last drop, I flip to my back and bring her to straddle me.
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