Salvation

by Ahren Sanders

  “I didn’t want to care. I wanted to beat the shit out of him, make him hurt. But when I realized the look in his eyes reflected my own, my gut tightened. It’s a different kind of battle he wages, but it’s still there. He fights to be clean, to forget, to forgive himself. When he started talking about you, my pulse started racing. I expected to meet face to face with a cocky dumbass, but he was sincere. The way he tells it, the sight of your innocence and beauty lit his world. I can respect that. It did the same for me.”

  “I’m not sure that’s true.”

  His eyes soften and melt to a cool shade of blue. “Your cousin told me that you are a light in a sky of darkness. It came true for me. It came true for Brad. Believe it. Your beauty is majestic.”

  “Majestic?” I question.

  “Yeah, now, are we done talking?” He swivels his hips and slides back into me easily.

  The connection between us changes as he makes love to me slowly. There’s no doubt I’d follow this man to hell as long as we’re together.

  Chapter 34

  Don’t be an Idiot

  Ember

  Excitement bubbles in my stomach as I hit send on the email to the travel agent. It’s taken weeks of planning, but everything is finalized. There’s a small sense of nervousness that Robbie won’t like this surprise, but Jenna assured me he would love it.

  The bell rings over the door, and I slam my laptop shut when I see Robbie walking toward me. My eyes rake over his body, appreciating the muscle straining against his tight t-shirt and workout shorts. Sweat drips down his face and neck, soaking into the ripped collar. A smile spreads across his face when he gets close enough to touch me.

  “Hey.” He leans down and brushes his lips across mine.

  “Hey.” I move into him, but he steps back, avoiding my embrace.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m sweaty.”

  “It doesn’t bother me. It’s only a hug.”

  “How about we hug all night, naked?”

  I grin and blush, which earns me a small groan. “Okay.”

  His eyes slide to my laptop and back to me. “What are you working on?”

  “Nothing,” I squeak a little too quickly.

  His mouth twitches a bit. “You’re not hiding anything, are you?”

  I purse my lips and shake my head.

  “I don’t believe you. You have the chance to tell me now, or I can find out myself.”

  Damn him!

  “That’s not fair, Robbie. It’s a birthday surprise.”

  His eyes soften, and he nuzzles into my hair. “So I don’t need to hack into your computer, phone, and credit history?”

  “You can do that?”

  “In an instant.”

  “I’ll give you a hint. You’re off work next Thursday through Tuesday.”

  His surprised look causes another chuckle.

  “Our bike trip was canceled because of my family, so I took matters into my own hands. We leave Wednesday night. Don’t ask questions. I’ll tell you as you need to know.”

  “Okay.”

  “Okay? That’s it?”

  “Ember, you say it’s a surprise, it’ll remain a surprise. I’m not like my sister, who will badger you to death until you cave. I’ll wait patiently and think of all the things we’re going to do on this trip.”

  “Oh, there’s so much to do,” I say eagerly, thinking of the list of activities the travel agent sent me.

  “Something tells me you and I aren’t talking about the same thing,” he whispers seductively.

  “Damn, even sweat looks sexy on him. Is there anything that could make him ugly?” Cruz appears from the back.

  “Not that I can think of,” I answer truthfully.

  Robbie chuckles, shaking his head.

  “Thought we’d meet up with Finn, Tripp, and the rest of the guys tonight for a few drinks. That okay with you?” he asks.

  “Are any of the girls going?”

  “Not quite sure. He didn’t mention.”

  “Actually, I need to run some errands, maybe stop by the mall. It’ll take a few hours. Why don’t you go ahead and meet them. Have a guy’s night out.”

  “We can do that. I won’t be late. Text me when you get to my place and I’ll come home.”

  “I’ll stay at my place tonight. You have fun.”

  Cruz whips his head around with a horrified expression.

  “Why the hell would you do that?” Robbie frowns and crosses his arms across his chest.

  I don’t pick up on his irritation until its too late. “Stay out as late as you want. I’ve been at your place for a while now. Now that there’s no chance that Natalie will show up, threatening me, it’s safe to be at home.”

  Seems logical to me, but apparently, it’s appalling. Robbie’s face turns red as his eyes burn with irritation.

  “Did I say something wrong?”

  Cruz slips by quietly and returns to the back, shaking his head.

  “If you just insinuated that we’d sleep apart tonight, then yes, you said something wrong.” His arms go to his hips as he glares at me. “I don’t give a shit about Natalie. What I do give a shit about is your body against mine. There will have to be a damn good reason to pull you out of my bed. You want to stay at your place, I’ll come to you.”

  “Okay, no need to get upset.”

  Wrong thing to say!

  I whelp when he jerks me to him and covers his mouth over mine. His hands slide down and cup my ass as he kisses me roughly. My fingers clutch at his shirt as I lose myself. Heat and energy emanate from his body and seep into me. His cock grows hard against my stomach, and he groans.

  “Sometimes I wonder if you get it, how much you mean to me.” He pulls away and leans into my ear.

  “Hopefully, as much as you mean to me.”

  “Then don’t ever suggest something as stupid as that again. It’ll be a hell of a reason for us to sleep apart.”

  “Okay,” I whisper breathlessly.

  “Tonight, text me when you get home and I’ll come to you.”

  I nod.

  “Tomorrow, I’ll get you a set of keys to my place. Do you understand what I’m telling you?”

  I nod again.

  “Good, now, let’s get out of here. Tonight, when we get to bed, I’ll show you exactly why you don’t want us to spend the night apart.” He slaps my ass and steps back.

  Every time I think I couldn’t possibly love him more, he proves me wrong.

  “I didn’t know it was that big of a deal. It seemed logical,” I explain to Cruz for the third time. “Excuse me for not reading the manual on relationship etiquette.”

  “It has nothing to do with etiquette and everything to do with common sense. What am I going to do with you?” He grabs my hand and shakes hard.

  “You and Alex don’t spend every night together.”

  “Yeah, we pretty much do.”

  “I was trying to give him his space.”

  “Why? Do you think he needs space? Do you need space?”

  I stop walking and turn to him. “Absolutely not!”

  “That’s what it seemed like. You’re crazy about each other. He’s proven how much he cares about you. Seems like you trust him explicitly.”

  “I do.”

  “Then don’t be an idiot.”

  I roll my eyes and blow out an exaggerated breath. “Are you done berating me for a rookie mistake, considering this is my first relationship ever?”

  “Yes. Think my point was made. Now let’s talk about something serious.”

  “What?”

  “What are the chances you can keep your stomach hidden from Robbie for the next few days?”

  “Chances are slim to none.”

  “Shit. I wanted to get your belly button pierced for your trip.”

  The idea sinks in and I love it. “Let’s do it Tuesday night. He won’t push me to be undressed if I can fake a stomach ache for one day.”

  “Perfect. Now le
t’s figure out which store to go next. I saw some cute bikinis earlier. Lord knows you need them.”

  “Cruz!” I try to slap him, but he catches my arm and spins me around so I’m pinned against him. His free hand tickles me until I squeal. “Stop! You’re causing a scene!”

  “Ember?” The vaguely familiar voice still causes me to freeze. I look up to see Abbi and Harper coming toward us.

  “Hi.” I halfway expect Abbi to hug me, but she stops short and looks between Cruz and me.

  Immediately, he’s next to me, his hand on my elbow. Both women’s eyes dart to the gesture, and Abbi openly scowls. Harper types something in her phone.

  “How are y’all?”

  “Who’s your friend?” she asks icily, crossing her arms.

  I search my mind, trying to figure out why’s she being so cold, when Cruz nudges me. My mouth opens to introduce them, but he stops me.

  “My name is Cruz. Who are you?” His tone is equally as frigid.

  “Abbi Collins. A friend of her boyfriend,” she spews.

  Oh my God! She thinks I’m out with Cruz. I try to correct her, but he starts laughing so loudly I jump. His body shakes and he bends over, propping on his knees.

  “Little Star, you want to jump in here?”

  “Cruz is my cousin.”

  “Her gay cousin, who is very familiar with her boyfriend.”

  A horrified expression washes over both their faces. Harper turns a bright shade of pink and goes back to typing on her phone furiously.

  “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. I assumed… it looked like something else. How embarrassing.”

  “You’re embarrassed? I sent a video of them to Gabe, telling him Ember was here with another man,” Harper states.

  My mouth drops. Cruz’s laughter stops all together, and he straightens up. His earlier amusement is gone.

  “Cruz, this is Abbi and Harper. Obviously, they’re friends of Robbie’s.”

  Abbi flinches and looks at me apologetically. “We are so sorry.”

  “That’s okay. I—”

  “We’re just leaving. We have a lot to shop for the birthday surprise Ember has planned for Robbie. Maybe next time, you can get your facts straight. Goodbye, ladies.” Cruz takes my elbow again and leads me away. Harper tries to say something, but I’m out of earshot.

  “Stupid bitches,” he mumbles. “Last time you saw Abbi, she told you that she considered you family. One glance at us and she jumped to conclusions.”

  “They’re protective of their friends,” I say sadly, my heart racing in my chest. “They’ve never really asked me about my family before.”

  “Protective is one thing, but that shit was ridiculous. I know what I’m talking about. Trust me. Robbie is going to fucking flip.”

  My phone vibrates in my pocket with a text.

  Robbie: I’ll be at your house in an hour. Gabe and Jimi are handling them. Did I hear Cruz mention bikinis?

  “Told you.” Cruz reads over my shoulder. “Seriously, who does that shit?”

  “Can we forget it? They said they’re sorry.” My playful mood is now gone.

  “Yes, we can forget it, but lose that frown. They’re not spoiling this shopping trip. We have essentials to pick up.”

  “Seriously, they are nice girls, or at least they were.”

  “I have no doubt. I saw the terror on their faces. But they learned a valuable lesson. That is how family acts. Now, how do you feel about a thong bathing suit?”

  My head snaps up in shock. “I think you crossed the line if you think I’m trying on a thong for you to approve.”

  He smiles widely and shakes his head. “Fuck no! I just wanted to know how you felt about them. I’m thinking of getting one.” His face is so serious that I burst into laughter.

  “You’re a fool!”

  “Maybe, but you’re smiling and that’s all that matters. Come on.”

  Chapter 35

  First Step of Many

  Robbie

  It’s decided. We’re moving to the beach. A private beach.

  Watching Ember prance around in her bikini has me in a constant state of arousal. Her laughter fills the air as she talks to the woman standing next to her with a small child. The rim of the straw hat shades her face, but her eyes sparkle so bright I can see them in the distance. She catches me looking and excuses herself, coming back to her lounge chair.

  “What are you smiling about?” she asks, handing me a drink.

  “You. I’m still confused as to how you planned this cruise without me finding out.”

  “Simple. I had help. Finn made sure your passport was up to date, and your mom promised me you’d enjoy it. I talked to your dad about the time off. All I had to do was get you on the plane.”

  I sit back, letting the sun beat down on my chest. “I’m thinking of ways to outdo your little surprise.”

  “Sweetie, after what you did for my birthday, this is nothing in comparison.” She sips on some fruity drink and grins. “Although, I did think we’d do more than stay in the bedroom the last twenty-four hours.”

  “What did you expect after revealing this?” My finger circles her belly button lightly, watching the jeweled barbell sparkle in the sunlight. “Are you complaining?”

  “No,” she answers shyly.

  “Good, because I’m ready to go back to the boat now.”

  “Robbie! Are we even going to enjoy the Bahamas, or just stay in the room?”

  I look over at her glowing face, and my heart races. “We’re here, aren’t we?”

  She smirks and rolls her eyes.

  I can’t wait anymore. The idea in my head has been weighing me down for weeks.

  “Let’s take a walk.”

  She nods eagerly and stands. “Sure.”

  I take her hand in mine and pull us both up, leading us to the shoreline. We walk quietly for a few minutes while I get my thoughts together.

  “Ember, what’s the situation with your townhome?”

  “Chloe bought it. We pay her rent. Why do you ask?”

  “Are you locked in?”

  “I’m not sure what you mean. That’s where I live, so, yes.”

  “I mean, with the right amount of notice, can you move out? Can Cruz pay for it on his own?”

  She stops and looks at me quizzically. “Tell me why you want to know.”

  I tug her into me, moving her arms around my neck, and place my hands on her hips. “My lease it up soon. I’d like to buy a house- a house with you.”

  Her eyes grow wide in surprise. “Really? You want us to live together?”

  “Absolutely. Let’s start moving your stuff to my place when we get back to Nashville. Keep paying rent until we figure out what Cruz wants to do, but we can start looking at real estate next week.”

  “Robbie, living together is one thing, but buying a house? This is a huge commitment.”

  “We’re a huge commitment. I love you. You love me. I’ve wanted you in my life since the day I brought you lunch and your sweet mouth described a blow job. If you want me to extend my lease, I will, but a house will be a good investment. And since you’ll be living in it, you should have a say so.”

  Her face swarms with different emotions, and I wait for her next protest. Instead, she smiles widely and nods her head.

  “I have some money in savings —”

  My lips cover hers and cut her off. “I’ve got it. Save your money. You can do the decorating.”

  “I can’t believe this,” she says quietly. “We’re moving in together.”

  “It’s about fucking time.”

  She starts giggling, her head lying on my shoulder. Pretty soon, she’s breathless and snorts. “My dad’s going to freak! Not that he doesn’t love you, but he still lives in denial and ignores the fact that I spend most of my time at your place.”

  “Thad gets where I’m coming from. He’s smart enough to know this is the first step of many.”

  She stills in my arms and brings her eyes to mi
ne. They are glimmering with happiness. “One of many, huh?”

  “Absolutely.”

  She lifts up and kisses me sweetly, forgetting we’re on a public beach. I squeeze her ass, pulling away and trailing my lips to her ear.

  “I think this is a good enough reason to go back to the room now?”

  She pulls away and shakes her head. “I’ll make you a deal. You give me a few more hours on the beach, maybe some shopping, and then tonight, your choice. We’ll skip dinner—again—and get room service.”

  “Deal.”

  Her eyes turn soft and she rests her forehead against mine. “Thank you, Robbie, for making me happier than I ever thought possible.”

  “This is only the beginning.”

  Ember

  “It’s a terrific idea. It’s not really a surprise, either,” Cruz comments after I recap my conversation with Robbie.

  “No matter what, I’ll take care of my portion of the rent until you figure out what to do.”

  “That won’t be long.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Alex’s lease is also up in about two months. We’ve been talking about him moving in here for a while.

  “Why didn’t you say anything?”

  Cruz looks around the room, avoiding eye contact. Then it hits me.

  “It was because of me, wasn’t it?”

  “Not necessarily. We talked about moving in together a year ago, but the timing wasn’t right. Now, it is.”

  “What’s so different now?”

  “There were a lot of uncertainties. You were always my first priority, and we didn’t ever want you to feel uncomfortable living with a couple. Then we had the question of what would happen with Thad when he was released. Who knew if you would want to live with your dad for a while after being apart for so many years? I may have to move in a year, anyway, for Law School. It was easier to keep things the way they are.”

  “Why didn’t you talk to me, discuss it? Alex is always welcome here. I adore him. And I would have stayed out of your way.”

  “That’s exactly why. This is your home, too, and the last thing we wanted was to change your routine.”

  Guilt floods me. An apology doesn’t seem like enough, but the only think I can say is, “I’m sorry.”