An Act of Salvation (Acts of Honor #2)

by K. C. Lynn

  Kolan found out about other people who had a hand in his setup, including some of his fellow fighters. They knew what was going on but kept it to themselves, so he decided he didn’t want to be a part of it anymore. Much to the dismay of the EFC president, but I think it was a good choice for him. He made it to the top of his career; it’s better to leave on a good note. He doesn’t need to be around people who are willing to throw him under the bus for their own personal gain. And for my own selfish reasons, I’m glad he’s chosen not to fight anymore.

  “I’m not sure. I’ve had a few opportunities presented to me that I’m considering but nothing concrete.”

  “Oh, like what?”

  “Anna came to me and mentioned a program she wants to launch for the Men of Honor Center,” he says, talking about the non-profit organization she started not long ago. It provides housing for homeless veterans and helps them deal with the struggles after war while getting them back on their feet. It’s really an amazing organization, and I can’t wait to see all the good it will do.

  “So what’s the program?”

  “I’d train the veterans in mixed martial arts, which will add to their combative skills, then in return they’ll train underprivileged kids. Ones who don’t have the money to take classes. It will get them off the street and help them burn off their aggression in a positive way. She thinks it will give purpose to both, and I agree. She asked if I would run the program. It will take place at the gym, and Jaxson asked if I would help with the self-defense classes, too.”

  My jaw drops at the news and I feel my throat grow tight. I’ve been so lost in my pity party that I haven’t kept up-to-date and it makes me feel awful. “That’s fantastic, Kolan. You would be amazing at that.”

  He shrugs, getting uncomfortable. “I don’t know about that but it would give me something to do and it’s not like I’m hurting for money. I told her I would get back to her by the end of the week.”

  “I hope you do it, and I’m glad the guys asked you. I think you’d all make great friends.” I snicker at his scowl.

  “I don’t do friends,” he says, standing.

  My smile dims. “I know, but I wish you would. I hate that you’re alone so much.”

  I’m holding out hope that one day he’ll meet someone who loves him as much as me. Who will show him he’s so much more than he knows and that he’s not the fucked up person our father brainwashed him to believe.

  He grunts. “It’s the way I like it. You know that.” Bending down, he kisses the side of my head. “I gotta run. You going to be okay?”

  I wave him away. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll be fine. I’m going to have another cup of tea then go to bed. I’m heading to the salon early tomorrow. I’m still trying to make up lost time with the clients from when I was closed.”

  “You’re working too much lately and it shows. You look exhausted.”

  “Wow, thanks,” I say, feigning annoyance.

  If he only knew why I was so tired…

  “I mean it, Kate. Get the other girls to fill in.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

  Shaking his head, he gives up and bids me one last good-bye then leaves, closing the door behind him.

  My hand immediately moves to my stomach as I think about the precious life I have growing inside of me. I found out a few days ago that I’m pregnant. When I went to the doctor to find out how it was possible he said my IUD shifted and I was not protected while Nick and I were together. I’d say it’s something I regret but it’s not. I could never regret a baby but especially not one created by Nick and me.

  I haven’t told anyone yet, and it’s been killing me to keep in, but I think Nick should know first. I’m just having a hard time figuring out how to tell him, especially when I’m so hurt at the moment. As tears begin building behind my eyes, I shake myself out of my turmoil before I can get sucked into another crying spell and go refill my cup of tea.

  I glance at my living room window as I sit back down, thinking I heard something, but then shrug it off when I realize it’s probably just the rain. It’s been pouring all night. Grabbing the blanket from the end of the couch, I cover myself and click on the television, trying to focus on the show and not my aching heart.

  When I’m still hearing that weird ticking sound a few minutes later, I get up with a huff, feeling annoyed.

  “Is there something loose on the stupid thing?” I grumble, walking over to the window. A loud cracking sound happens just as I reach it, causing me to jump back with a squeal, my heart racing a million miles a minute. “What the…” I lift the rain-streaked glass to get a better look outside.

  “It’s about fucking time!”

  I gape down at the person below and blink several times, thinking I’m seeing things.

  Nick stands below, a bunch of rocks in his hands that he’s been clearly throwing at my window. The rain has slowed to a drizzle, but by the looks of it he’s been there for a while because he’s soaked.

  A million emotions plague me but instead of asking him what the hell he’s doing here, the question that comes out of my mouth is, “You ever heard of using a door?”

  He smirks, lifting his arms at his sides. “Where would the fun be in that?”

  A laugh escapes me but it quickly turns into a sob. I cover my mouth, wondering what he’s doing here, scared for my broken heart.

  “Let me up, Katelyn,” he demands, pointing at the fire escape. I shake my head, tears clogging my throat too much to speak. “You can let me up or I’ll break down your door, but either way you’re going to see me.”

  Ha! I wonder what he would think if I had Cooper come and arrest him, or better yet, I could call Kolan and let him kick his ass.

  “He can come up here with me.”

  My head whips to the side to see Mrs. Myrtle, the elderly lady who lives a few doors down from me, waving at Nick.

  Nick gives her a polite wave but moves closer to my window, looking nervous. “Let me up,” he hisses.

  I debate leaving him out there for Mrs. Myrtle but decide against it, not wanting a broken door because I know he’d do it. Leaning out my window, I push the metal fire escape out so the ladder can fall down for him. I live only three stories up out of fifteen so it’s not far.

  “Aw rats,” Mrs. Myrtle says as Nick climbs the fire escape, making me chuckle. She looks over at me with a smile. “Have fun with that one, honey.”

  I scoff under my breath but feign a smile for her sake before she goes back in.

  Nick climbs up the ladder quickly, showing off his Ninja Turtle skills again. I back out of his way when he crawls through my window. As he stands to his full height, my eyes take in every inch of him. Even though I’m mad at him, I can’t help the way my heart tumbles at seeing him again.

  “Hey,” he greets me, his eyes doing some traveling of their own.

  I fold my arms across my chest protectively, trying to prevent further damage to my heart. “What are you doing here, Nick?”

  His hand runs through his rain-soaked hair, the same thing my fingers are itching to do. “Uh…give me one sec, okay? Just one.”

  He walks through my apartment in his wet shoes. I move to the edge of my living room and see him enter my room. I’m about to ask what the hell he’s doing but he comes back a moment later and stands in front of me, handing me my stone he gave to me.

  “Ask me,” he says, his blue-gray eyes boring into mine.

  I stare at him like he’s a lunatic. “Ask you what?”

  “Ask me the question you always ask but I’ve never answered.” When I say nothing, he elaborates. “Ask me what’s something I’ve never told anyone else.”

  “Nick…” I trail off, shaking my head.

  “Please, Kate, just ask me.”

  He looks so nervous that I find myself unable to deny him, so I play along. “Tell me something no one else knows about you,” I whisper, feeling my eyes well.

  “I’ve been in love with you since I was seventee
n years old.”

  My breath hitches, tears spilling down my cheeks. I shake my head, refusing to believe it, too scared to believe him.

  “Yes,” he says, refusing my denial. “You see, Kate, the thing is, I’m starting to realize that you were right all along.”

  “What on earth are you talking about?”

  He reaches into his pocket but his gaze never leaves mine. “That sometimes two broken pieces make a whole.” Taking the stone from my hand, he shows me what he pulled from his pocket and it completely knocks the breath out of me. It’s the other half to my heart, that’s why it was hollow. On the back is engraved:

  She is more.

  He clicks the two pieces together, making it whole, then gives it back to me.

  “Where did you get this?” I ask, barely able to breathe.

  “I’ve had it with me the entire time. You’ve always been with me.”

  I gape at him, and before I can stop myself I punch him in the shoulder.

  “Ow, what the fuck?”

  “You’ve had this the whole time and you never told me?” I slap the hell out of him, tears pouring down my face. “All these years lost when you loved me the whole damn time.”

  Securing my wrists, he pulls me against him, his expression hard. “Listen to me. I fucked up, I know that, and you’ll never know how sorry I am. Sorry for all the time wasted, but I can’t think about that or it will drive me fucking crazy. All I can think about is the here and now. I want you, Katelyn. I need you,” he grinds out, his voice rough. “Please, let me make it up to you.”

  I stare back at him, my heart hopeful yet still hurting so much. “You just left,” I cry. “You didn’t even say good-bye. Do you have any idea what I’ve been going through these last three weeks? Not one fucking word, Nick, and now I’m supposed to just trust you with my heart after you shattered it for the second time.”

  He drops to his knees in front of me, his hands gripping my hips as he places his forehead to my tummy. “I know, I’m so sorry. I had to leave though. I had to deal with the past before I could move on.” He pauses and looks up at me. “She left me. I was six years old, just a little fucking kid. I begged her to stay but she left anyway. I was alone for four fucking days until the cops found me.”

  I suck in a sharp breath, my heart breaking at his tormented expression.

  My hand lies against his face and he leans into my touch. “I had to deal with it. I had to move on, and I needed to do it on my own. I’ve realized that even though the thought of you leaving fucking terrifies me, it scares me more to not have you at all. I want every second with you that you’re willing to give me.”

  “I don’t ever want to leave you,” I say through pained breaths.

  “I hope it stays that way because I need you, Kate—forever—and if you leave it will fucking destroy me.”

  “I’m not her, Nick. I would never do that to you because I know how it feels.”

  A fresh wave of pain washes over his face. “I’m sorry, so fucking sorry. Please forgive me.”

  I take a big breath, trying to compose myself. “My love is unconditional and it’s forever, but I need yours in return, otherwise I can’t do this.”

  “You have it—you always have. I swear I’ll never leave you. This is forever. I’ve put in for a transfer, broke my lease, and moved out. Pop is moving up here too, as soon as the ranch sells. I hope you don’t mind but I told him we would find a place for him close to us and—”

  “Wait. You…you put in a transfer? You left your job?”

  He nods.

  “But you love it there.”

  “Not as much as I love you. I love nothing more than you, and I wasn’t going to ask you to leave. You belong here…with me.”

  “And Pop,” I blubber, my heart soaring.

  “Yeah, baby, and Pop,” he says with a smirk. “So it that a yes?”

  “Is what a yes? You didn’t ask me anything,” I say with a laugh.

  “I guess not.” He chuckles before letting silence hang in the air for a long moment. “Marry me, Katelyn.”

  “Okay,” I agree, since he still never asked.

  “That’s the most fucking compliant you’ve ever been,” he says, standing up and taking me in his arms, lifting me off my feet.

  I wrap my arms around his neck. “Well don’t get used to it.”

  “Never.”

  His mouth claims mine, our lips in a heated frenzy as we make up for lost time, his taste and scent flooding my senses and seeping into my soul.

  “Jesus, I fucking missed you,” he growls into the kiss.

  “Me too, so much.”

  “Never again, baby.”

  “Never.”

  His hands go to my ass, cupping it to hoist me up. My legs wrap around his hips and my fingers spear into his wet hair as he walks us down the hall to my room. Our lips never sever as he lays me down on my bed. A needy moan escapes me at the feel of his hard body, pressing against mine.

  “Nick,” I breathe as he trails his mouth down my throat, leaving a path of heat in its wake.

  “I need you. I need to be inside of you.”

  “Yes,” I agree, but then suddenly remember about the baby. “Oh shit, wait. I need to tell you something.”

  “Fuck first, talk later.” He continues his delicious assault, his teeth finding my sensitive nipple through the thin fabric of my tank top, drawing a heated whimper from me.

  “No, now. It’s important.”

  “Nothing is more important than being inside of you.”

  “A baby is,” I blurt out before I can control myself.

  His entire body goes stock still, his gaze snapping to mine. “What did you say?”

  I bite my lip nervously, my heart thundering for a whole other reason now. “I found out three days ago that I’m pregnant.”

  He stares at me, his face expressionless, and it takes my anxiety to another level. “But how?” I stare at him, wondering if he’s serious. He shakes his head. “I mean, I thought you were on birth control.”

  “I was. I had an IUD inside of me that shifted.”

  “A what?”

  I laugh at his horrified expression. “An IUD. It’s a birth control device. It’s very effective, except when it shifts and that’s what happened with me.”

  After a long moment of stunned silence he moves lower and lifts my shirt, his large hand covering my abdomen, just under my belly button ring. “My baby is in here?” he asks with a whisper, still seeming in shock.

  “Yes.” He says nothing, just continues to stare at my stomach. “Are you upset?” I ask, my heart hurting at the thought.

  He immediately shakes his head. “No. Shocked, yes, but not upset.” His smooth lips drop to my belly, giving me a long, lingering kiss. “You’re going to be such a good mom, Kate.”

  My heart warms at his words. “And you’ll be a good dad.”

  He nods. “I will, I promise.”

  “You don’t need to promise me. I already know. Even when I didn’t think you were coming back, I knew you would be there for our baby.”

  A pained noise leaves his throat as he rests his forehead gently on my stomach. “I’m so sorry I wasn’t here when you found out.”

  “It’s okay. All that matters is you are now.”

  “Forever,” he murmurs.

  “Forever.” His smooth lips trail across the exposed patch of skin, creating goose bumps. “Nick,” I whisper.

  “Yeah?”

  “We can get back to what we were doing.”

  With a growl he stands and rids himself of his shirt, exposing his decorative, bronzed skin and hard body. Before he can do anything else, I quickly sit up and press a kiss to his toned stomach, my tongue trailing along his sculpted abs. The way his hands fist in my hair has me undoing his jeans and pulling out his hard, smooth cock. I glance up at him, giving him a small smile before I lean in and take him in my mouth.

  “Fuck me!” The primal noise that leaves his throat spurs
me on, and I take him deeper, loving the way he fills my mouth. “That a girl, suck my dick, just like that, baby.”

  I whimper, his dirty words making my clit throb. My hand goes to his shaft where my mouth can’t reach, and I stroke as I suck my way back to the top.

  Growling, his fingers tighten in my hair and he starts pumping his hips, fucking my mouth with fast, steady strokes, taking away my control, and I absolutely love it.

  I glance up at him, taking in his carnal expression, and love that I can make him feel this way. That I can bring him pleasure the same way he does me.

  “Do you have any idea how many times I thought about fucking this sassy mouth of yours?”

  I moan, trying to convey how much I’ve thought about it, too. How much I thought about him. As he thrusts one more time, I grab his hips and relax my throat then swallow.

  “Fuck!” he hisses, and quickly pulls back, the fire in his eyes proving his breaking point.

  He swiftly removes my Victoria Secret pajama shorts then lifts me up and turns, bringing us back on the bed with me straddling him. I moan at the feel of his cock between my legs, the lace barrier doing nothing to mask the hard, hot feel of him.

  “Lose the shirt.”

  The order has a shiver of pleasure shooting down my spine. Sometimes he’s really sexy when he’s bossy. My hands move to the edge of my tank top before pulling it over my head. He sits up before I can discard it and takes one of my sensitive nipples in his warm, wet mouth.

  “Oh god.” I grind down on him, my fingers sliding through his magnificent hair. His hands move to the side of my panties and tears them from my body. Then he glides into me in one smooth motion. I gasp, my nails digging into his shoulders, loving the way he completes me.

  “Goddamn, I love you so fucking much.”

  The words I’ve longed to hear from him for so many years fill me like nothing else ever could. “Say it again.” My voice is thick with emotion, making him falter.

  He pulls back just enough to look at me, his hand cupping my cheek gently. “I love you, Katelyn. I always have and I always will.”

  My forehead drops on his, my tears running along his face now, too.