Salvation

by Ahren Sanders

  “Woohoo! Anyone up and making out in the kitchen so I have to bleach my eyes before my coffee?” Cruz gives a very welcome interruption.

  The somber mood changes immediately when they enter. Ember’s eyes shine as she smiles at them. “No one’s making out.” She laughs.

  “Little Star, you need to check your cell. It’s going crazy. And Robbie, yours is, too,” Cruz says, taking Ember’s plate and placing the two phones on the counter.

  There are several missed calls from my mom, her assistant, and one text from Raven.

  Raven: 311— Get her under control.

  “Robbie?” Ember’s panicked voice gets my attention.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I have a slew of messages from all of Raven’s friends about showers, parties, and the wedding weekend. They’ve asked for my personal email address, my drink preferences, and Charlie wants to know if I have an aversion to – and I quote- ‘dicks, dildos, rabbits, cum cream, and other specialty objects’!” Her face flushes, and I cringe.

  “Shit, babe, I thought I could keep you away from the initiation into the asylum. Guess my sister told her crazy friends you’re coming to the wedding.”

  “You are kidding me? What do I say?”

  “Easy answer, you respond with your email address and get ready to shop. You have a wedding to get ready for,” Cruz says, eating the rest off her plate.

  She doesn’t even look at me as she pushes away and stalks toward her cousin who is leaning against the wall smugly. “Cruz! I don’t even know what rabbits, cum cream, and other specialty objects are. You forget, I live with two gay guys most of the time!”

  “Gay or not, that stuff is awesome.”

  I watch her face heat to the color of almost burning red before I speak. “Ember, I’m gonna go call my mom and handle her. Raven sent me a code 311 message. You okay with dinner tomorrow night?”

  Her head spins, her eyes glaring into mine with heat. “Robbie, no! I can’t have dinner with your parents when I’m trying to do research on things like ‘cum cream’!”

  The third time the words come out of her mouth, I lose it. Without caring about our audience, I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her to me. My mouth kisses a trail along the delicate skin at her throat. Her veins pulse against my lips. “Can we refrain from talking about cum cream anymore? Just hearing the word come from your mouth makes me want to take you back to your room.”

  Her breath hitches, and she relaxes against me. “Raven’s friends are harmless. If they get out of line, I’ll set them straight. You want to join them, then do it. If not, we’ll hang out alone. Your decision.”

  “Okay, call your mom,” she says breathlessly. “Dinner will be fine.”

  Cruz is fanning his face with wide eyes as I take my phone and go to the living room. Alex follows.

  “You’re there. We thought it would take time, but she feels safe with you. Watching you in there, the second you touched her, she calmed down. I have a feeling you’re going to help her deal with the pain and guilt she carries.”

  “What would she have to feel guilty about? It’s not her fault her mother’s a bitch.”

  “You said she told you about her dad, right?”

  “Yeah.”

  “He didn’t beat the shit out of that dickhead because he was banging her sister. Cruz tells me that everyone, including Thad, knew Natalie was promiscuous. But when Thad saw it was Ember’s boyfriend, and the look of hurt on her face, he flew into a rage.

  “Thad loves Ember with all his heart, and he knew he hadn’t protected her. With the events of the day, and knowing Natalie had physically harmed her sister, his resolve snapped. Somehow, Ember thinks it’s her fault.”

  “That’s ridiculous.”

  “Like I said, you’re going to help her.”

  “Alex, what happened after her dad went to jail?”

  He looks at the ceiling, blows out a deep breath, then lowers his face back to me.

  “Serena and Natalie made Ember’s life a living hell. Every guy she liked or showed an interest in, Natalie slept with. Ember had very few girlfriends because her sister sabotaged her relationships. Even though she was a few years older, she found a way to infiltrate her way into almost every facet of Ember’s life. She finally got bored and moved on, but then something happened. We’re not sure of all the details, but Natalie got into some kind of trouble. A few days later, Cruz and Chloe got the call that Ember was finally leaving and coming to Nashville. I wasn’t in the picture until about two years later.”

  “Why the hell did she stay?”

  “Goes back to the guilt thing. Thad’s jail was close, and she could visit him. Also, she was still holding out hope to have a relationship with her mom and sister.”

  “Is that over?”

  “Yeah, she hasn’t looked back. Cruz and I keep a watch on her, but there’s not really anything to be worried about. Natalie and Serena don’t contact her. It’s like she didn’t even exist in their world.”

  “Fucking unbelievable. One thing to know about me, I’m protective of those I care about. I care about Ember.”

  “Good to know.” He jerks his chin and goes back to the kitchen.

  The more I learn about Ember, the more determined I am to crush the darkness that she holds deep.

  Chapter 13

  A Real Mom

  Ember

  “It’s just dinner, Ember. Relax.” Robbie squeezes my hand and gives me a wide smile.

  “Sure, it’s dinner to you because it’s your parents.”

  “You’ve met them before. They’re cool people.”

  “Meeting them at an event to celebrate Sayge is different than meeting them as the girl you’re dating.”

  “I don’t see how. They’re exactly the same people.” He parks his truck, and I see his mom and dad waiting at the restaurant entrance.

  As soon as we’re close enough, Jenna Hayes gives me an electrifying smile and pulls me into a warm hug. “Ember, so good to see you again.”

  “You too, Mrs. Hayes.”

  “Jenna,” she corrects me.

  She steps back and greets Robbie the same way. James surprises me by throwing an arm over my shoulder and kissing my forehead lightly. “Hey there.”

  “Hi,” I say shyly.

  “Glad we could finally get together. Sorry it took so long,” Jenna says, ushering us all into the restaurant.

  She may be sorry, but I’m thankful for the scheduling conflicts that pushed our dinner out a week. It gave me more time to mentally prepare.

  “Robbie said you actually design some of your own dresses? I’d love to see sometime,” Jenna says kindly after we’re seated.

  “I have a picture on my phone of the dress my aunt and I are making for the wedding.”

  “Show me!” She wiggles in her seat and looks at me eagerly.

  I find the picture and hand her my phone. Her eyes grow wide and she smiles warmly at me. “This is extremely beautiful, Ember. There’s a touch of casual elegance that will be perfect for a beach wedding. I can’t wait to see you.”

  A blush creeps up my cheeks at the compliments. “Thank you.”

  “Do you do any commissioned work?”

  “Like design for other people?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ve never done it before. I’m the only one who really wears my designs.”

  “Maybe once we get this wedding over and done with, you and I could talk about a custom piece. We have an event this summer I’d like something new.”

  Excitement bubbles within and threatens to spill out my mouth in the form of a scream. “I’d love that.”

  “Great. We’ll schedule a time to talk when we get back from Florida. I can’t wait.” She winks at me and turns to Robbie.

  The rest of the meal is enjoyable as we discuss the upcoming shower Jenna has planned for Raven and Declan. Robbie rests his arm on the back of my chair, and she notices with warmth in her gaze. When dessert is served, I’ve for
gotten all earlier anxiety.

  “Ember, tell me about your family. Robbie says you live with your cousin?” James questions.

  I knew the topic would come up at some point, so I was prepared, but Robbie must not like it.

  “Dad —”

  “No, it’s okay.” I put my hand over his and squeeze. “I do live with my cousin. He and my aunt are the reason I moved to Nashville. My mom, sister, and dad are still in Alabama. We don’t see each other much. But my cousin, he’s more like a brother.”

  They listen intently as I tell them all about Cruz, Alex, and Aunt Chloe.

  “I’d love to meet them.” Jenna grins.

  “They’re cool folks,” Robbie adds.

  “They’re the best, even if they’re completely wacked sometimes.” I laugh.

  “Wacked how?” James chuckles.

  “I don’t know how to explain it, but Aunt Chloe was so young when she had Cruz. They grew up together. She was an amazing mother, but more of a friend. She’s an extremely open person. Nothing is ever off-limits. When Cruz announced he liked guys at thirteen, she threw him a party. She was so proud he embraced his sexuality openly. She’s carried that attitude through life. So now, even with both of us in our twenties, she discusses everything, even things that maybe should be private.”

  “Now I want to meet her even more.” Jenna beams and winks at James.

  “How about we get through the secret wedding of the year and then plan some meet and greets?” Robbie sighs and pulls me toward him.

  Jenna’s expression gets soft, and her eyes gleam. “We can do that.”

  When we say goodnight and get in the car, a feeling of emptiness washes over me. My mood shifts, and I slip into silence, dealing with my thoughts.

  “What are you thinking?” Robbie breaks through.

  “You have a mom, a real mom. I was wondering what that’s like.”

  He doesn’t answer right away, but places my hand on his knee, caressing my fingertips. Finally, he speaks. “I hate that you even have to ask that, but you’re right. I have an amazing family. Even with our challenges, we have never doubted each other.”

  “You’re so lucky.” I swallow the lump in my throat.

  “I am, but you are, too.”

  “I know what Alex told you. My family is completely messed up. It’s probably not exactly what you wanted in your life. You don’t need to feel—”

  “Stop. I know you think your own self-worth is based on the shit your mom and sister put you through, but you’re wrong. You deserve happiness. And I do want you, every single thing you can give me. “

  My heart rams like a Mack truck against my chest, and I wonder if he’s serious. My face turns to his, which is hard and determined. His eyes meet mine for a brief second. The heat in his stare is undeniable, making me quiver.

  I lean over and rest my head against his shoulder. “I’m not fragile, Robbie, maybe damaged but not fragile. And I want you, too.” My lips brush against his jawline and he hisses.

  “Four miles… Four miles and we’re at your house. Think you can quit being adorably sweet and sexy for that long?”

  I nod against him and feel an unfamiliar brazenness stir within. My lips give a few more nips to his neck before I move back to my seat and situate my purse on my lap. He doesn’t move his eyes from the road, but I watch him swallow hard.

  Robbie

  Mom: I really like her. Make sure she comes to Raven’s shower.

  I debate on responding when Ember walks out of her bathroom dressed for bed. My mom’s text is the last thing on my mind as I look at the vision in front of me. She’s wearing a long sleeved t-shirt at least two sizes too big that hangs to her knees. Her face is free of makeup and her hair tied to the side, falling over one shoulder. She catches me staring and flashes a small smile.

  I toss my phone on her dresser and walk to her slowly, watching her eyes dance as I get closer. She leans into me, placing a light kiss on the underside of my jaw.

  “That’s nice, but I want your lips a little further up,” I murmur into her hair.

  “You’re a lot taller than me,” she points out, pushing up on her toes.

  I bend and pull her into me at the same time. Our lips touch briefly before her tongue darts into my mouth and I groan. Her own special flavor mixed with chocolate mousse fills my taste buds, and I devour her. She feels so good in my arms, kissing me without restraint. My hands travel down her body, feeling every curve underneath the oversized shirt. When I reach the bare skin of her thighs, my cock twitches and then grows hard. She pulls away, breathing heavily.

  “Ember, are you wearing anything under this shirt?”

  “My underwear.”

  “Nothing else?”

  She shakes her head, biting her bottom lip.

  “Fuck me.” I drop my head to her neck and nip softly at the delicate skin.

  “Would you like me to put on some more clothes?”

  “Not what I was thinking,” I answer, continuing to kiss along her collarbone.

  “Ummm,” she moans, and it shoots straight to my gut.

  “Not that I’m complaining, but this shirt’s a lot larger than your normal nightwear.”

  “It’s Cruz’s.”

  I stop and move back abruptly. Confusion slides across her face as I rip my own shirt over my head and hold it out. “You want to sleep in a guy’s shirt, sleep in mine.”

  Jesus, am I jealous of her cousin? Her gay cousin?

  She gives me a devilish smile and turns slowly. I watch her grip the hem of the shirt and slowly pull it off, teasing me with every inch of exposed skin. When she clears her head, she throws it in the corner and looks at me over her shoulder, holding her hand out for my own shirt.

  My heart races as I stare at the bared skin on her practically naked body. Even though she says they’re underwear, the lacy black material hides very little. Her creamy skin is flawless, and I want to lick and kiss every inch of it. Instead of handing her my shirt, I drop it and step into her, pressing my chest against her back. The air in the room sizzles at the contact.

  Her head is still turned toward me, but her eyes are half closed as she breathes deeply. I run my hands up her bare torso, feeling the goose bumps as I get closer to her hardened nipples. She trembles at the touch.

  “Tell me to stop. I don’t want to push you.”

  She doesn’t say a thing but opens her eyes and looks at me with a new gleam in her eye. “I’m not going to tell you to stop.”

  My hands cup her breasts, and my fingertips run lightly over her tight buds as her eyes hold me hostage. Her breath catches as I massage gently and push my hips into her back, letting her feel what she’s done to me.

  “You’re fucking gorgeous.” I grip her tits firmly, and she throws her head into my shoulder.

  She surprises me by turning and jumping into my arms, legs tightening around my waist. Her mouth captures mine in a deep, wet kiss that sends my already active brain into overdrive. She owns it, swallowing me into her and gripping my scalp. I hold her tight and let her have control, enjoying her aggression.

  I scuffle my way to her bed and lay her down, our mouths still attached. Bracing over her, I rub my rock hard erection over her thigh and moan. She doesn’t relent, grinding into me. Even through my jeans, I feel her heat, and my first instinct is to tear off any remaining clothes. But then I think about my vow to take things slow and pull back.

  Her lips are swollen, and her chest is heaving against my own. I look down at her body underneath mine, liking the way we fit together. She’s wrapped around me tight, her arms clutching at my neck.

  “God, you’re perfect.”

  She cringes but doesn’t let go, and I pull away to kiss down her neckline, collarbone, and chest until I get to her breast, pulling one perfect nipple into my mouth and sucking deep. Her body arches into mine as I lavish the taste of her skin on my tongue. She exhales loudly and I grin.

  “Like that?” I ask.

  “Yes
,” she rasps.

  I take my time and then move to her other nipple, showing it the same attention. I nip, lick, and suck until my dick is about to blow. She bows off the bed at every touch. There’s only so much more my body can take until carnal need takes over and I’ll go too far. I suck each breast gently once more and move up her body, showering her with kisses along the way. When I get to her mouth, I suck her in and enjoy the feeling of our skin against each other before forcing myself to back away.

  Her eyes are glazed and shiny when she finally looks at me.

  “I didn’t tell you to stop,” she says breathlessly.

  “No, but there’s only so much I can take.”

  She stares at me, and then her eyes grow before turning soft. “You don’t have to be careful with me. I liked that.”

  “Babe, I’ll always be careful with you.” Her face blushes, but her eyes heat with desire.

  “I’m not scared of sex, Robbie—”

  “Never said you were.”

  “But you treat me so delicately.”

  “Because you are delicate.”

  “Too delicate to have sex with?”

  “Is that what you want, Ember?”

  “Isn’t that what we’re leading up to?”

  “No, this is me exploring your body. It’s also me showing you that I can control myself.”

  “Why do you want to control yourself?”

  “Do you trust me?” She nods. “Enough to tell me everything about your past and know that I’ll never judge you?”

  “I want to, but I’m scared.”

  “Then I have to prove myself. When I know you truly believe in me, then you’re mine. In. Every. Way.”

  “Give me some time?” she asks quietly, cupping my cheek.

  “As much as you need.” I kiss the tip of her nose and hope to God there aren’t months of cold showers in my future.

  Chapter 14

  We’re Getting There

  Ember

  Bile rises in my throat as I read the article for the second time.