Untouched Perfection

by Mayer, Kristin

  It wasn’t that simple. I knew it but remained silent, willing myself to stay strong. Garrick searched my face.

  “Oh dear, what did I say?” I felt a hand on my back as Suzette spoke. “Knoah, I’m so sorry.”

  An unladylike sniffle from me filled the otherwise silent room. I looked at Suzette. “I told Garrick from the beginning. I never wanted to rob him of anything.”

  “Knoah, you’re not robbing me.” Adamant, Garrick was resolute. For some reason, he believed I was enough. I turned back to him and took a deep breath. “Knoah, I mean it.”

  Garrick would be a wonderful father if given the chance. And I still felt as though I was robbing him.

  Quietly, Suzette stood there with concern written on her face. It was best to get this all out in the open. “I was pregnant when the explosion happened, but I didn’t know. Because of all the damage to my abdomen, I lost the baby. It’s highly unlikely I can ever have a child. If I were to get pregnant, I would most likely miscarry.”

  “Knoah, that doesn’t change how I feel. As long as I have you. I’ve told you this.”

  And it was one of the many reasons I loved him. I wanted to give him another chance to change his mind. “But all your siblings have kids. You’d be the only one. Garrick, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. But—”

  “That’s what matters.”

  Suzette grabbed my face, a fierce love in her eyes when ours connected. “My dear Knoah, all that matters to me is that you love my son. Everything else will work itself out. Love is the most important thing—the only thing needed to make a relationship work. It’s through love everything else falls into place.”

  I nodded my head. “I’m sorry I won’t be able to give you that gift.”

  Garrick squeezed me. And I felt he was about to say something when Suzette said, “Nonsense. You loving Garrick is all I could wish for. That is the gift I want.”

  “I do—with my whole heart.”

  “Then that’s what’s important.”

  After this emotional day, I wanted some time alone with Garrick. Facing these ghosts head-on in rapid succession had worn me out.

  Garrick kissed his mother on the cheek. “I’m going to get Knoah home.”

  She squeezed my hand. “Welcome to the family, Knoah. Anytime you need someone, I’m here.”

  Chapter Forty-Five

  The ride home had been relatively quiet. Garrick made sure to keep constant physical contact, but I needed to get my thoughts together. Tonight had been a roller coaster. And deep inside I felt guilty that it would be difficult to give Garrick a child. Lost in my own head, I followed Garrick through the door.

  “What’s on your mind, sweetheart?”

  I walked over to the windows to look out at the twinkling car lights below. “Just the whole evening. It’s kind of on repeat in my head.”

  Garrick poured himself a drink at the bar and handed me a glass of wine. “Are you having second thoughts?”

  I glanced over my shoulder and caught his expression before he schooled it. I’d created that doubt in him. I rushed to him, never wanting to hurt him. “Never. Oh, Garrick, I don’t have any second thoughts. Today was emotionally tough. Your family wasn’t happy about us initially. Then the talk with your mom. It was just hard.”

  “It was. I’m sorry how they were in the beginning. But I can tell they love you.”

  I sighed, remembering the coldness from his brother. Even saying goodbye, I got another head nod. “Except for Marcus.”

  Garrick poured himself another glass. “He’ll come around. He’s the most skeptical of us. Amanda isn’t his first wife. And it took a lot of time and patience from Amanda for Marcus to commit.”

  “Did he lose his first wife?”

  The thought hurt my stomach.

  “No, he caught her cheating with his best friend. Their relationship happened faster than ours. I imagine that was why he reacted the way he did.”

  I could understand how things might have hit too close to home. Sometimes ghosts unearth themselves from the past without warning. “That’s terrible. Amanda seems like a nice girl.”

  “She’s wonderful—perfect for Marcus. They’ve been married for eight years.”

  Marcus was the second oldest. Between all the siblings, there was a span of fourteen years. Garrick finished off the rest of his drink. “Now, it’s time for me to make love to my fiancée.”

  “I think I’d like that very much.”

  His phone vibrated, and I saw the agitation as he answered, “Yes, Joe. Are you serious? Fine, send him up.” Garrick ended the call. “Marcus is here. Dammit. My entire family is cockblocking me.”

  I laughed. “They are not.”

  “Trust me. My nieces and nephews are the worst.”

  The phone vibrated again. This time, he ignored the phone call. “Hastings is pissed about the sale. He’s been calling nonstop since Dad told him the news. I’ll deal with him later.”

  Knock. Knock. Knock.

  Garrick walked toward the door and opened it. “You have impeccable timing.”

  I blushed. Marcus winked. “I’m sure I do. But, I needed to stop by and say something. Amanda and the kids are waiting for me at Mom and Dad’s.”

  After Marcus walked in, Garrick closed the door. As they made their way toward me, Garrick warned, “Go ahead. But watch it, Marcus. I’m out of patience.”

  The room fell silent as we waited for Marcus to speak. It wasn’t long before he said, “I heard what you told Mom before you left.”

  Garrick swore under his breath. Where is this going? I felt my pulse increase. I didn’t want to talk about not being able to have children again.

  He continued, “I also heard what you said about my brother. I’m not sure if Garrick told you or not, but my first marriage failed. You’re different from my ex-wife. She wanted to trap me for my money. I’m sorry for lumping you with her. I was wrong. You’re nothing like her.”

  How is this the same brother who was at the house earlier? This version was warm and kind. I was graceful in my response but still felt guarded. “Thank you. I appreciate you saying that, Marcus.”

  “Well, I hope we can start off on the right foot. We’re not normally like what you experienced. We stand by each other through thick and thin. My wife and kids absolutely adore you. I don’t think they’ve stopped talking about you since you left.”

  I walked up to Marcus. “In the spirit of Suzette, I think we should hug.”

  Marcus put his arms around me and gave me a friendly hug. “Take care of my baby brother.”

  “I promise.”

  We released. “Now, I’ll leave you to celebrate.”

  “And tell the rest of the family to stay away for at least a day or so,” Garrick said.

  Marcus laughed, putting his hand on Garrick’s shoulder. “I heard the girls planning a spa day or some shit. The kids are asking for a sleepover. I think Uncle Garrick is going to have a lot of company.”

  “Oh, a sleepover would be fun.” I clapped.

  “Now your fiancée just shot into the amazing category.” He winked at Garrick.

  Garrick shook his head and let out a long breath. “You want a free sitter, you cheap bastard.”

  “You bet. And alone time with my wife.” Marcus walked to the door and opened it. “Congratulations again. We’ll have a proper toast the next time we get together.”

  We called after him, “Bye!”

  The door closed, and I hoped next time, the awkwardness would be gone. All felt right with his family now. Garrick wrapped his arms around me and nuzzled my ear. “Now, where were we?”

  “I think you were about to make love to your fiancée.”

  The desire surged forward. I needed the connection of being one with each other. “I think you’re right. Let’s head to the bedroom. I have a surprise for you.”

  Instead of letting me go, he brought me closer. His tongue traced my jaw. “I’m going to devour every inch of you.”

>   A shiver ran through me.

  Knock. Knock. Knock.

  “Damn it all to hell. I’m going to kill him. That cockblocking son of a bitch.”

  Knock. Knock. Knock.

  “He’s got exactly two minutes.”

  I kissed his ear and whispered, “Patience.”

  “No. I’m done being patient. Two minutes.”

  It was hard not to laugh with how serious Garrick became. Garrick stormed to the door. Kurt stood there with a shit-eating grin. “Oh, good. You’re home.”

  Kurt motioned for me to follow. “You’ve got to see this!”

  I looked over my shoulder. Garrick appeared agitated as he followed us. I blew him a kiss.

  Kurt unlocked the door, and as I looked around the apartment, the furniture was as I remembered it. A few things were added, like his guitar in the corner, but other than that, it looked the same. “What did you want me to see?”

  “Her room. Come!” He sounded excited.

  I quickly glanced around and saw none of his things lying around. Maybe he’d listened. The door to one of the bedrooms was open, and I gasped. Behind me, Garrick chuckled.

  “Oh dear,” I said.

  Kurt beamed and opened her door further. It was worse than I’d initially thought. I mean, it was Sawyer’s furniture. But her normal decor had been replaced. Every surface was covered in Reverence fan stuff. The bedspread was of Kurt’s band. There were posters on every wall. Cardboard cutouts of the band members lined the walls. Even the lampshade had the band’s logo.

  To top it off, a huge wall decal of Kurt’s face was above Sawyer’s bed. There was nothing in her room that wasn’t Reverence related.

  “She’s going to kill you. Where’s her stuff?”

  “In storage at a secret location. Once she comes around, she’ll get it back.”

  I put my hand to my mouth as I touched the picture of Kurt’s face printed on the pleather chair. “Why did you do this?”

  “She said our memorabilia was cheesy. I figured if she’s marketing for the firm, what better way to come up with ideas than to have every piece we have on the market.” I raised my eyebrow. “Okay, I had some additional stuff made. It’ll do her good to get to know the band she’s working for.”

  I giggled. “I have to be here when she comes home.”

  “I’ll call you when she’s on her way up.” Kurt’s eyes widened. “Congratulations!”

  “What?”

  His face fell. “Wait, that’s not an engagement ring? Oh fuck, Garrick asked for my blessing, so I assumed. Double fuck.”

  “It is an engagement ring. He proposed today.”

  Kurt shook his head and let out a breath. “Wow, he didn’t wait long. When he first asked, I said I had to think about it. He’s persistent. Called me every day. Guess it was burning a hole in his pocket.”

  “Kurt!”

  Garrick brought my hand to his mouth. “It was. Now, I’m going to take my fiancée back home and lock the door.”

  Kurt shook his head. “Don’t go any further, man. She’s like a sister to me.”

  As we left, I called. “See you in the morning!”

  “Bye, squirt!”

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Joe met us in the hallway followed by two other men. “No more interruptions. I don’t care who it is.”

  “Yes, sir.” Joe tried to hide his smile as Garrick all but dragged me to our door. In a matter of seconds, the door shut a little harder than necessary. I walked a little further into the apartment when…

  Click.

  The lock of the door meant we were alone. “This is the first night of the rest of our lives, Knoah. Are you ready?”

  “More than anything.” Regardless of what came our way, I was committed to this man. For better or worse, we would love each other.

  With my words, Garrick’s eyes heated. His predatory prowl created the desire to be touched in the most intimate of places. Garrick scooped me up with ease. “The only thing that will make this better is when you’re my wife.”

  He nibbled on my neck as he took his time walking to the bedroom. “Oh, I want that.”

  Stopping, he looked at me. “How soon?”

  I wanted him to keep touching me. It took me a moment to realize he was serious. Blinking a few times, I got my wits about me. “It depends on what size wedding we want and where we want it.”

  “What do you want?” He set me down outside our bedroom door.

  I ran my hands along his chest, knowing the answer was simple. “Whatever you want. I just want to be married to you.”

  Leaning up on my tiptoes, I kissed him. His tongue stroked against mine once… twice. Then he pulled back. “Your bucket list said a simple wedding on the beach. It wasn’t checked.”

  Kissing me softly, he murmured. “What do you want?”

  I tipped my head, giving him access to my neck. “I want a simple wedding on the beach.”

  “Done.”

  It wasn’t that easy. Families would want to be involved. “But Garrick—”

  Pressing a finger to my lip, he shook his head. “This marriage is about you and me. No one else. I want a simple wedding, too. I don’t care where.”

  We were getting married. It still seemed surreal. He reached behind me and opened the door. “Turn around and walk in.”

  Inside the room, I stared, stunned. There were more white roses on every surface. “Garrick…”

  “You’re my untouched perfection.”

  A warm shiver was followed by something not so pleasant. It was the same feeling I’d had before. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I looked around the room but saw nothing. The déjà vu came rushing back.

  “What’s wrong, Knoah?”

  I took a few steps back into Garrick’s chest. His hands shot out to my hips. I whispered, “Someone’s here. Or was here. I have that weird feeling I told you about.”

  In a swift movement, Garrick turned us around and fished out his phone.

  “Garrick and Knoah, we need to talk.” I froze at the familiar voice. Garrick pushed me back, and I took another two steps forward. “I’m serious, Garrick.”

  Something made a noise. Was that a click? A gun? Garrick wrapped his arms around me. He whispered, “When we turn, stay behind me.”

  I nodded. Garrick turned and I followed, putting my hands on his back. Hastings stood in the corner with his hand in his pocket. A gun. It has to be a gun. I couldn’t lose Garrick. I can’t lose the man I love. Not again. I wanted to throw myself in front of him.

  Garrick’s hands were displayed palms up toward Hastings. “Let Knoah go. We can talk about this.”

  “No, I need to take her with me. I will explain later.”

  I gripped Garrick’s shirt, panic seeping in. The muscles on his back strained against the fabric. “Why are you here, Hastings?”

  “I’ve come for Knoah. You fucked things up by selling the company so soon.”

  This is about the company?

  Is taking me revenge?

  My breaths came faster. He wanted to kidnap me. This wasn’t happening. I would not go with him. Blackness crept in from the sides of my vision. I blinked a few times and tried to slow my rapid breathing.

  Garrick shifted a little, covering more of me. “Does this have to do with Navarro? You can have everything I have. Just leave Knoah.”

  Hastings shook his head, exasperated. “Of all the people in the world to fall in love with, you chose her. What are the odds?”

  None of what he said was making sense. My breaths came faster. The darkness crept in. “What do you want, Hastings? What does Navarro want?”

  “Knoah. I need to take her with me.”

  Me. They wanted me. No. No. No. I wouldn’t go. I refused to leave with them.

  Garrick icily answered, “She’s not going with you, Hastings. I won’t let her leave. I will protect what’s mine.”

  I buried my face in Garrick’s back as I fought to stay conscious. The deep rumble of
Garrick’s voice helped ground me. “Why are you after Knoah?”

  The words were spoken like a vow. “She’s my sister.”

  The small tether I had on life snapped. Everything went black.

  Garrick and Knoah return in Flawless Perfection. Click here to see the latest. https://www.authorkristinmayer.com/release-links

  Thank You

  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, to each and every one of you! Without your support, none of this would be possible. Thank you for all the love, support, and friendship. It means more to me than you’ll ever know. Each book I write is a journey I immensely love and I hope you enjoyed this one.

  With all my love!

  Kristin

  Other Books by Kristin Mayer

  Available Now

  The Trust Series

  Trust Me

  Love Me

  Promise Me

  Full-length novels in the TRUST series are also available in audio from Tantor Media.

  The Effect Series

  Ripple Effect

  Domino Effect

  The Twisted Fate Series

  White Lies

  Black Truth

  Stand Alone Novels

  Innocence

  Bane

  Finding Forever (co-written with Kelly Elliott)

  Whispered Promises

  Coming Soon

  Flawless Perfection (2017)