Broken But Breathing (Jinx Tattoos Book 2)

by Colt, Shyla

  Their tongues did battle—thrusting, parrying, and circling like swordsmen waiting for the perfect opening. In the end he took control, tilting her head and plundering her like a pirate trying to make his fortune. The man dominated the space around him without trying, and with him she didn’t mind being submissive. She pressed her body closer, feeling the bulge in his jeans.

  They surfaced for air. “We need to get inside before I take you right here on my bike.”

  Her jaw dropped.

  “Oh, it’s going to happen, sweet girl. Just not our first time.” He released his hold, grabbed her hand, and they ran to the front door. Stumbling inside, he was on her before she could blink. The contrast of the cool wood against her back and his scalding body to her front wreaked havoc on her senses.

  “Need you out of these clothes now.” He tugged at the hem of her skirt. “This peak-a-boo shit has been killing me.”

  She laughed, breathlessly. “It’s a decent length.”

  “All I can think of is what’s underneath,” he said, nibbling his way down her neck as he unzipped her skirt and pushed it down her hips. His fingers brushed against her flesh, setting tiny fires on her skin. She stepped out of the skirt and they continued through the living room, shedding articles of clothing. He was a broad-shouldered, scarred, lean masterpiece. There was a beauty in his imperfections. His belly wasn’t as firm as it could be, and his muscular arms were strong without requiring hours in the gym.

  She skimmed her fingers down his happy trail, making his muscles jump when she brushed the top of his black boxer briefs. As they stepped into the bedroom, he turned on the light and pushed her into the wall gently. He knelt on the floor, tickling her belly with his beard while he kissed his way to the top of her panties.

  “I need to taste you,” he whispered. He hooked his thumbs in the side of her pink and black polka dot panties with the lace going down the side and pulled them down her legs. Leaning in, he breathed deeply. “You smell good enough to eat, sweet girl. Put that leg over my shoulder.” Her face grew hot as she complied, opening herself to his questing tongue. He trailed his tongue down her slick center and flicked her clit gently. Her belly tightened.

  She gripped his soft brown strands as he dove in like a man starved, crying out when he nudged her bundle of nerves with his nose and thrust into her with his tongue. The combination overwhelmed her. The room spun and her hips moved of their own accord. He hummed and she gripped his soft locks tauter, causing him to growl what sounded like approval. Her core throbbed, and the pressure built inside of her. The tension wound tighter and tighter. Her body shook, and she tumbled over the edge screaming his name.

  He plunged two fingers inside of her, building her back up before she could come down. She flexed around him, moaning as she rocked.

  “That’s it, sweet girl. Ride my fingers. I’m going to make sure you’re ready for me. Because once I’m inside this tight little pussy, I’m not stopping until I come.”

  “Oh, God.”

  “You like the thought of that, beautiful?”

  “Yes,” she moaned.

  He curved his fingers and her breath stumbled.

  “Right there,” she whimpered.

  “Yeah? Like this.” He increased his speed.

  “Yes, yes, yes.”

  His eyes were melted milk chocolate as he peered up through dark lashes that should be illegal on a man.

  “So wet for me. Imagine how good it’s going to feel when I’m buried inside of you.” His husky voice and clever fingers had her coasting on the brink.

  “Close,” she grunted.

  He leaned in and sucked her clit into his mouth, and she splintered with a strangled cry.

  “That’s right, give me all that cream.” Her body jerked and her eyelids slammed shut as she rode a wave of euphoria. His sweet kisses on her inner thigh brought her back.

  “Xavier,” she whispered, stroking her hands through his hair.

  “You ready for me, sweet girl?”

  “So ready.”

  He stood and lifted her into his arms. “I want to give you slow and romantic, but right now all I can think about is being buried as deep inside of you as I can and fucking you ’til we both come.”

  “Shit.”

  He gave a low chuckle and tossed her onto the bed. Shoving his boxers off, he crawled onto the bed, trapping her between his arms. “First thing, you’re still overdressed. Take it off.” He moved back, watching her with dark hungry eyes as she popped the back and slid it down her arms.

  “So beautiful.” He cupped her breasts, sucking a turgid nipple into his mouth as he rolled the other between his calloused fingers. Reaching between them, she stroked him. Pre-come leaked onto her hand and she wished she had the foresight to start birth control. They’d had the talk and exchanged paperwork. They were both clean. She wasn’t on birth control, so condoms were a necessity.

  He released her breast with a pop. “You ready for me, Es?”

  “Yes.”

  He reached over to the nightstand, pulled out a foil packet, and ripped the top with his teeth.

  “Let me,” she said, smiling as she took it from him and removed the condom. He groaned as she slid it down his length.

  She laid back, watching his every move as he ran his cock between her slick lips and nudged her entrance. He pushed inside, one inch at a time—filling and re-shaping—and she dug her nails into his arms.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “Yes, you feel so good.”

  “It’s only going to get better,” he said as he moved deeper. Buried to the hilt, he stilled. She’d never felt so full in her life. Breathing through the pressure, she adjusted. She flexed her muscles, and they both cried out.

  “So damn tight. You keep that up and it won’t be very long.”

  “Can’t help it,” she moaned, unable to remain still. She lifted her hips, desperate for more friction, and he answered her with a hard thrust. She screamed.

  He reached between them, rubbing her overly sensitive bud as he drove into her. Their bodies smacked together and her body tingled. She met him stroke for stroke, whimpering as she rushed toward the blinding fireworks.

  “So close,” Snake groaned.

  “Me-me too.”

  “Come for me, Sprite,” he growled.

  She arched and let go.

  He cried out, following behind her. His warm weight collapsed on top of her. Burying her face into his neck, she smiled against his salt slick skin. Home was where the heart was. This was her new place of residence.

  “I love you,” she whispered.

  “Thank God. Because I love the fuck out of you,” Snake replied, making her giggle.

  CHAPTER TEN

  Estelle

  She woke surrounded in warmth and strong arms. Snake had his leg thrown over both of hers, pinning her into place on the bed. She smiled lazily, basking in his possessiveness. It felt good to feel wanted and sexy. It’d been so long since a man touched her, and Everett had been nothing like Snake. This was a new experience. Snake was a masculine throw back who took care of what was his at any cost. There were pros and cons which came with that. She ran her hand down his arm, enjoying the strength and sprinkling of hair. Mornings had become a lonely affair. Not anymore. She wriggled her body, trying to work her way lose.

  “Uh uh,” he grumbled.

  She giggled. “I need the bathroom, love,” she said.

  When he released her, she rolled off the bed and padded to the master bathroom. The slate-colored tile was warm due to the heated flooring. The space was masculine with its dark colors, grey, black, and white tiled in tub, and slate stone shower floor. But there was something classic and sophisticated about it. The previous owners had good taste. After finishing her business, she opted for a shower. She’d surprise her lover with a home-cook
ed meal. Lover.

  She felt wicked and wanton. Everything with Everett had been by the book. They hadn’t slept together until they were engaged and planning their wedding. She had no blueprints laid out where Snake was concerned. Things were organic, and that was exciting, but scary at the same time.

  Control had become a crutch she was used to depending on. He chipped away at her shell and hesitations, holding her hand every step of the way as she began to live. Turning on the shower, she stepped beneath the massaging spray and tilted her head up to the water. A tiny part of her felt guilty. She’d officially moved on past Everett. Her vision blurred and her chest grew tight. She let the water wash away the salty drops as she sobbed for what she’d lost and released the strong emotions.

  She stepped from the shower, lighter, and ready to move forward. Wrapping herself in a fluffy black towel, she walked to the counter, and broke open the new toothbrush in one of the drawers. It felt right to be here. There was no discomfort or shame. She couldn’t care less what anyone else had to think about how fast they were moving. In six months their lives had been irrevocably entwined along with their hearts. Her face had filled out along with her body. Infused with an abundance of energy and happiness, life looked completely different than it had that night she first walked into the support group.

  Smoothing her hair back, she tidied up, and walked out, moving to the dresser where she kept a change of clothes. My God, we’re practically living together. She slipped on a pair of black yoga pants and a Wild Ones T-shirt slashed and cut to hang off her shoulders, courtesy of Kali. Gathering the clothing from the night before, she placed it in the dark brown whicker hamper and made her way downstairs. The kitchen was one of her favorite things about the new home. Butcher block counters covered the expresso-colored cabinets. Large sinks made washing dishes, vegetables, and whatever else one could think of easy. White subway tile stood out against the dark colors.

  She dug into the stainless steel double door refrigerator and started pulling ingredients.

  “Shouldn’t I be the one cooking for you?” a sleep worn voice said.

  Grinning, she glanced up from the French toast she was cooking. “Maybe next time.”

  He wrapped an arm around her and kissed her bared shoulder. “I like seeing you in this.”

  “You can thank Kali for it.”

  “I will the next time I see her,” he murmured, nuzzling her neck. “It smells good, babe.”

  “Thank you,” she replied, leaning back into his touch. “If you don’t stop I’m going to end up burning breakfast.”

  “I can always take you out to eat later.” Reaching around her, he turned off the stove and set the pan on the back burner. He sucked her earlobe into his mouth and she purred.

  “Breakfast can hold, right?”

  “Damn straight.” He bit her neck and spun her around to face him, cupping her ass. Gripping his shoulders, she wrapped her legs around his hips as he lifted her.

  “I think it’s time we start christening the house, don’t you?” he said, setting her on the kitchen island. She rubbed her center against the swell straining against his boxer briefs.

  “Most definitely.”

  The knock on the door made him moan. He dropped his head, and she sighed, lowering her legs.

  “I’ve never wanted it to be a solicitor so bad,” he grumbled, adjusting himself to hide the major wood he was sporting.

  She licked her lips. “Me too.”

  He smirked. “You’re all right this morning?” he asked, ignoring the person at the door.

  “More than all right. Excellent, fantastic, exceptional,” she said, delivering a kiss with each word.

  “Oh I love it when you talk smart to me.” He kissed her before he helped her off the counter and walked to the front door.

  “Cleary I interrupted something,” Kali said as she stepped inside.

  Snake grunted. “If you can see that, how about you come back later?”

  “Wish I could, boss man. I’m simply delivering a message. Mike called church. If you look for your phone I think you’ll find it’s dead.”

  “Shit. What time?”

  “As soon as you get your ass there,” Kali drawled with a sweet smile.

  “Fine. Sprite, I gotta hit the road. I’m going to take a quick shower and get out of here.”

  She sighed. “Okay.”

  “Don’t worry, I’ll stay behind and help you with this spread,” Kali said as she entered the kitchen. “Heart shaped bacon? How cliché are you?”

  “Shut up,” Es mumbled.

  Kali watched Snake leave and turned to Es. “Is it safe to say this thing is official?”

  Es grinned. “Yes.”

  They jumped up and down like teens, and she couldn’t stop the giggles that spilled from her lips.

  “I have been waiting forever for this. I win the pool,” Kali exclaimed.

  “What pool?” Es asked.

  “The one I have going with a few of the guys about when you guys would get your heads out of your asses and get together.”

  “Kali!”

  “What? It was painful watching you two dance around each other,” Kali remarked.

  “There’s nothing wrong with taking things slow. It was the right choice for us.”

  “There’s going slow, and then there’s stalling. You were in the stalling phase.”

  Es held her tongue. Kali spoke the truth. She could debate her, but the woman would call her out. She’d never had a friend who was so honest; it took some getting used to. Snake reappeared in a pair of jeans that hugged his frame, a black T-shirt, and his cut.

  “Be back when I can,” he murmured against her lips before he kissed her hard and thoroughly. Her leg lifted behind her, and she sighed as he pulled away. Kali laughed as Es watched Snake leave dreamily.

  “You are so gone.”

  “Yeah, I am. It snuck up on me,” she said.

  “Are you still going to work at Rain now that you’re shagging the boss?” Kali asked with a mock English accent.

  “Wait, I’m what?”

  “Crap? He didn’t tell you?”

  “No,” Es snapped, crossing her arms beneath her chest.

  “Ugh. He owns, Rain, babe.”

  “What! So the entire interview process was bull?”

  “No, if I didn’t like you or think you could hack it, I wouldn’t have hired you,” Kali stated.

  Es believed her, but still. Embarrassed, she turned away from her friend’s kind gaze. All this time she thought she’d been making huge strides forward and becoming independent had been nothing more than a lie. He’d been in control of her destiny. She scowled.

  “Hey, he was helping out a friend and his business. We did need a new bartender.”

  “I don’t doubt it. But he should’ve told me. You can’t defend his way out of this.”

  “You’re right. Of course, we both know men are giant idiots. So don’t hold it against him too much,” Kali said.

  We’ll be talking about this later. Shaking her head, Es forced a smile. “I refuse to let him ruin our breakfast. Sit down I’ll dish it up.”

  §

  She was dressed for work when Snake showed up looking tired and stressed. She bit the inside of her cheek. Maybe I should wait.

  “Did you have a good day, Sprite?” he asked. Sinking down beside her on the couch, he wrapped an arm around her waist, but she remained stiff.

  “It was enlightening,” she drawled.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  That you’re in trouble. “Were you ever going to tell me you owned Rain?”

  “Fucking, Kali,” he mumbled.

  “No, don’t put this on her. She assumed you had told me by now. I’m wondering why you didn’t.”

  “Because I knew you’d b
e upset,” he said, sighing.

  “You knew how important it was to me to make my own way and gain independence. I thought I’d earned that job fair and square.”

  “Sprite, you did.”

  “Oh, bullshit. Like they wanted to piss you off.”

  “If you haven’t learned it by now, Kali doesn’t give a damn who she makes angry.”

  Es huffed. “You should’ve told me.”

  “Maybe. But then what?”

  “We’ll never know now. That’s the problem. I know it seems silly, but I always thought you were the one person who’d always be blunt with me. I get that there are things you can’t discuss. But when it came to our relationship you were forthcoming and real. It’s part of the reason I wanted to take things to the next level. Now I’m wondering what else you lied about.”

  “Hey, I didn’t lie.”

  “No, you omitted, dangerously close to the real thing in this case.”

  “If I had told you the truth it would’ve impacted your decision one way or the other. I wanted to give you a chance to choose with no distractions.”

  “It’s so pretty when you spin it like that.”

  “I get that you’re pissed. I’ll take your anger. What I won’t let you do is blow this out of proportion. I’m always going to do what’s best for you. I won’t apologize for that.”

  “Even if it means hiding things from me?” she asked.

  “Yes. There are things you won’t be in the loop on. You’re a smart woman, I know you realized that.”

  “We’re not talking about Club business. We’re talking about us.”

  “They’re one in the same. I can’t draw a line in the sand and pick and choose. I am the Club, and the Club is me.”

  “Why are we off topic?”

  “Because I need to know if you can handle this. You’re about to fly off the handle over one small detail I glazed over.”