Pretty Young Thing: a new adult romance box set

by Coleman, Eileen Cruz

  “Don’t pay them any mind,” Derrick replied, breaking her chain of thoughts.

  “Is that how it was growing up?” she asked curiously.

  “Yeah,” he admitted.

  Olivia bit her lip as she contemplated her next words. “You know, we aren’t going to be able to avoid them indefinitely. Rachel told me they’ve been smothering her. If we talk about what happened,” she started nervously. “We could help each other get through this better. I know it’s bothering you.”

  Derrick stood up and ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t want to talk about it. And we won’t see them again. I promise.”

  “So we’re just going to avoid Rachel? Because I think she needs us right now,” Olivia stated, crossing her arms over her chest.

  “I’m sure they’re doing other things, too. They can’t spend every waking moment with Rachel,” Derrick argued.

  “Maybe. But I do know they’re taking her to lunch again tomorrow. Then going shopping for the baby, and she’s making dinner at Marc’s for everyone,” Olivia countered.

  “Why are you making such a big deal about this?” Derrick asked annoyed.

  Olivia scoffed as she shot up from the couch and stalked toward him. “Because I care. Clearly it bothers you. Instead of keeping it bottled up inside, talk about it. There’s tension between us and I don’t like it. I want to be here for you, but if you keep me at arms length, I can’t be.”

  “Maybe there are just some things I don’t want you to know,” Derrick yelled as red tinged his cheeks.

  “I’m the woman you love, supposedly. Why wouldn’t you want to tell me?” Olivia wondered. Why shouldn’t she know everything about him? If they were ever to have a life together, she should know his past. And if he’d spent time in jail she had a right to know. They were practically living together—they were very involved. He should be able to tell her things.

  “You’re taking it out of context,” Derrick murmured. He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Look, it’s been a long day. Let’s just order in and we’ll finish watching your movie.”

  Olivia threw her arms up in the air in exasperation. He wasn’t going to tell her. “You do that. I’m going home.” She stomped to the front door and grabbed her purse. Would he stop her? Was she being rash? No. If he couldn’t talk to her now, what would it be like when they were even more involved?

  Grasping the doorknob in her hand, she turned back to look at Derrick. He didn’t say anything. Olivia swallowed and opened the door and walked out.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Olivia sat on the couch in her comfy sweats and a tank top. Elena stood in the kitchen finishing the popcorn. They hadn’t had a girls night in forever.

  Elena plopped down next to her and set the giant bowl of popcorn between them.

  “Thanks for coming over tonight,” Olivia whispered as she scooped up a handful of popcorn.

  “Of course,” Elena smiled picking up the remote.

  “You and Jack didn’t have plans?” she asked nervously. She’d hate it if she’d interrupted something.

  “He has a big test tomorrow. Me being out of the house will help him focus better. He might actually study,” Elena laughed.

  “Okay.” She popped a few kernels in her mouth. “Do you think I went too far?”

  Elena shrugged. “People have a right to secrets,” Elena frowned. “But you should be able to trust the ones you love with them, too.”

  “I’m just worried I went too far. I shouldn’t have left,” Olivia worried. She covered her face with her hands and let out a long breath. They should have argued it out.

  Elena shrugged and met Olivia’s eyes. “Love makes us crazy. Sometimes we can’t see straight. You’re both stubborn. Today was a bad day for the both of you. You were stressed and so was he. His family got you both riled up, and the two of you probably did what they were hoping you would—fight.” Elena set the bowl on the table and scooted closer. She wrapped her arm around Olivia. "You had a little fight. It happens."

  "How do we get past this? He doesn't want to talk about it. He won't talk to me," Olivia said exasperated. She didn't need his whole life story, but she did want something at least. She got that it was a touchy subject, but she wanted him to trust her enough to talk about it.

  "Do you remember how Rachel was when you two first got put together in the dorms? She was secretive and private at first, too. She still is. The only difference is you aren’t romantically involved with her. I'm sure Derrick wants to tell you, but it's probably something that is painful. And, like most men, he doesn't know how to deal," Elena soothed, shifting to look at her. "I know you're crazy about him and I'm sure he feels the same way. Having all his family here, especially if they are the source of the problems, can't be easy for him. Even if he was in jail, it couldn’t have been for something too awful. Rachel’s our best friend. She’s not going to put you in danger."

  "I know," Olivia groaned. She’d let her emotions get the best of her. Patrice and Brandy are probably having a triumphant toast right about now. I fell right into their trap. It was no accident that Brandy mentioned Derrick’s stint in jail.

  Elena sat up and smiled. “Let’s take tonight and have some fun. You can detox and relax. Then tomorrow morning, go and make up.”

  Olivia smiled and fell back into the couch. Elena was right. That’s exactly what she needed to do. Her and Derrick just needed a night to cool off.

  ***

  Derrick watched as Jace poured them a couple of shots of scotch. Alcohol seemed to be his brother's go to thing for brotherly bonding experiences. Not that he minded. After today, he could use a good drink, and he wouldn’t have to leave his apartment to get it.

  "So I can’t help but notice that a certain someone is missing tonight and you called me over for drinks,” Jace probed as he downed a glass.

  "Mom and Brandy got to her and she wanted to talk about it. I didn't." Derrick said downing the contents of his glass. The liquid burned its way down his throat, causing him to cringe. It had been a while since he had something this strong.

  "They’re doing it on purpose. You should talk to Olivia though. I like her, and so do you," Jace said pouring them both another round.

  "I don't like to talk about it, Jace," he grumbled. It was too painful. He would never forget his parent’s words or the betrayal from Elliott. Family shouldn’t cut you to the core.

  "I know, but you don't have to tell her all the gory details Derrick. She's a chick. They are nosy like that. Just give her something and it will all be okay," Jace advised.

  "You want me to take relationship advice from a guy who's never been in a relationship?" Derrick frowned. Was he really that bad off that he was getting advice from his younger, womanizing brother?

  "I've never been in a relationship, but I've certainly been around enough women. Just tell her a “Cliff Notes” version of the truth. Don't let Mom and Dad ruin the one great thing you've got going for you," Jace said as he raised his drink and clinked it against Derrick's glass.

  "I love her." Derrick sighed. Olivia was the one. Hopefully, he hadn’t screwed that up.

  "Olivia is a one of a kind girl Derrick. Even I can see that. Trust her."

  ***

  Olivia sucked in a deep breath as she fumbled for the key to Derrick's apartment. They hadn't left things on the best note yesterday. Would they pick up where they left off, or would they manage to make everything okay? No. They would make things right today. She hated arguing. Closing her eyes, and hoping for the best, she unlocked the door.

  An empty bottle of scotch sat on the kitchen counter along with a few tumblers; Jace lie on the floor wrapped in a blanket. Derrick was on the couch asleep with his head leaned back on the cushions. He was shirtless and she didn't even want to know what state of dress Jace was in, as he appeared to be topless as well.

  Sighing, she walked to the kitchen, grabbed a bottle of water and found some Tylenol in one of the cabinets. Olivia turned back to Derrick and
plopped down next to him. He groaned as his head rolled and his eyes blinked open.

  "Olivia?" he asked groggily.

  "Were you expecting someone else?" she teased as he ran a hand down his face. "Here," she handed him the water and a few Tylenol.

  "Thanks," he grumbled.

  "Fun night?" she asked looking at Jace who was still sleeping soundly.

  "Something like that," he said, popping the pills in his mouth and swallowing a swig of water. "What about you?"

  "Hung out watching movies with Elena," Olivia shrugged.

  "Sounds fun."

  "I missed you," she admitted hesitantly biting her lip.

  Derrick scooted over and patted the empty space next to him. "I missed you, too. I'm sorry about yesterday."

  "I'm sorry, too," she repeated as she nuzzled against him.

  "You came back," he whispered, kissing her head lightly.

  "Of course. Did you think I wouldn't?" she asked pulling back to watch him.

  “It’s too early,” Jace grumbled from the floor.

  "Do you want to take this to the bedroom?" Olivia questioned. They could talk privately in there.

  He smirked, but groaned as he moved his head. "I think that's my line, sweetheart," Derrick winced as he massaged his temples.

  She laughed playfully kissing his forehead. "Yeah, well, I didn't say you were going to get lucky."

  "But it would be so much fun to watch," Jace mumbled from the floor.

  "Jace is just jealous because he doesn't know how to have a meaningful relationship," Derrick joked.

  "No need to be an ass," Jace groaned as he sat up. “I’m going home. It’s quiet there.” He wrapped the blanket around him and trudged to the door. “I’ll call later,” he waved as he walked out of the apartment.

  “I’m glad he left,” Derrick sighed, closing his eyes. “I don’t want to get up. My head is pounding.”

  “Can I get you anything?” Olivia offered.

  “Just stay,” he whispered.

  Olivia rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes. His arms wrapped around her and held her close. Derrick was safe and they were going to work things out.

  “They told you I went to jail, didn’t they?” Derrick asked, breaking the silence. He opened his eyes and met her gaze.

  “Yeah.”

  “I don’t suppose they said why,” he commented.

  “No,” she admitted.

  Derrick let out a long breath as he thought about how to start. He just hoped that once she learned the truth she didn’t think any less of him. “My parents expected us all to go to law school and become lawyers at the firm. Miller & Miller is my parent’s baby. They built it from the ground up. They wanted to pass the firm down to all of us, too. I was in law school, but I hated it,” he started, adjusting himself so he could gaze into Olivia’s eyes.

  He took a deep breath and began again, “I knew what I wanted to do, but knew if I told my parents, they wouldn’t accept it. They would try and talk me out of it. My parent’s work with a lot of high-end clientele and their firm brings in a lot of money. I told them each semester what the bill was and they gave me a check for school. Instead of going to law school, I took the money and paid for tuition so I could start a program for architecture. It worked for about a year. My dad must have called and spoke to one of the advisors though, and they told him I’d switched majors.”

  Olivia gulped. “I’m sure that didn’t go well.”

  “It didn’t. When I got home, he called me into his study and confronted me. When I fessed up, he lost it. He’d gone to my room and had gotten my project book that had my sketches for my final. He tossed them into the fireplace,” Derrick paused and worked out the tick in his jaw. “Then, he hit me. Not just once, but repeatedly. I hit back on instinct. I was trying to defend myself—get him off of me. I broke his nose. After that, he called the police and had me arrested. He pressed assault charges and I went to jail.” He fisted his hands and ground his teeth. “Thankfully, the judge was lenient on me and only sentenced me to thirty days in jail and a boatload of community service.” He held his breath, waiting for her to say something. Will she think less of me for hitting my dad? For being in jail?

  “It sounds like it was self-defense,” Olivia whispered. “I’m sorry that happened to you, Derrick.”

  “Me too,” he muttered. “But that’s not all.” He might as well tell her everything now. “Brandy was my girlfriend at the time. While I was away, she made a move on Elliott and they got together. Instead of picking me up from jail when I was released, she was banging my brother. I walked in on them that afternoon. She told me she needed someone who could support her and her posh lifestyle.”

  “It sounds like she and Elliott deserve each other,” Olivia replied.

  “I suppose I did luck out in the end,” he commented, pulling her even closer and kissing her cheek. “I was kicked out of the house and left with nothing. I had to get two jobs just to make it through school and I had to repeat the semester since I missed so many days. But I did it all on my own.”

  "I'm sorry that happened to you Derrick," Olivia breathed. "You deserve so much better than that."

  "I’ve got better. I have you, don’t I?" he questioned. He held his breath waiting for her to answer. After last night, he prayed he hadn’t lost her—hoped he hadn’t pushed her away.

  "Yes," she answered kissing his chest. "Now, I have to know how on earth did you date a bitch like Brandy anyway."

  "My standards of women weren't very high back then," he laughed. He breathed a sigh of relief. She doesn’t seem to care about my past at all. I should have told her everything sooner. I’m an idiot.

  "Obviously."

  "I love you, Olivia," he said twisting so he could kiss her.

  Olivia rolled, hooking her leg over his hip as she hungrily met his lips. "I love you too, Derrick. I’m glad you told me what happened," Olivia mumbled against his mouth as her hands traveled up and down his chest.

  "Hey guys..." Jace said opening the door. He paused a wide Cheshire grin spreading across his face. "Oh, I didn't realize you two would make up so fast. Should I come back?"

  "Get out Jace!" Derrick yelled tossing a pillow from the back of the couch at him.

  "Just wondering where the Tylenol is? I don’t have any at my place," Jace pleaded, blocking the pillow with his hand.

  "In one of the cupboards in the kitchen. Now get out!" Derrick yelled again.

  "And lock the door behind you," Olivia called, burying her face in the crook of Derrick’s neck. Once the door clicked shut, she looked up at him. "Did he lock the door?"

  "No," Derrick sighed. He groaned as Olivia slid off of him and jogged to the door. She twisted the lock and turned back to him with a grin. He didn’t have the heart to tell her Jace still had a key. If his brother knew what was good for him, he would stay out.

  Derrick pushed himself to his feet. The Tylenol had finally kicked in and he knew just what he wanted to do. Make-up sex was the best. "I haven't taken a shower yet today," he smirked as he unbuttoned his jeans. Olivia’s eyes widened as she took a step forward. Sure that she was going to follow, he hurried to the bathroom. He flipped on the water so it would get hot.

  Olivia shut the bathroom door behind her and bit her lip as she looked at him. Unable to keep his hands to himself, he claimed her lips. He needed to feel every inch of her. She moaned as his hands found the hem of her shirt, lifting it up, and over her head. He pulled back and finished undoing his pants and slid them down.

  Need filled him as his cock throbbed painfully against his boxers. Olivia leaned forward kissing him again. She thrust her tongue into his mouth as her nails dug into his chest.

  Derrick growled with need. He unclasped her bra and then went straight to work on her jeans, pushing them and her panties down. He pulled away as he stepped out of his boxers and then pulled them both into the shower. Rivulets of water trailed down Olivia’s chest. He followed the flow until he saw her
core.

  Her breath caught as she lifted one leg up and wrapped it around his waist. “I want you,” she gasped.

  Derrick pressed her against the cool tile as he positioned himself at her entrance. She shivered as she shamelessly began to rub herself against his cock. A wave of anticipation shot through him as he pushed into her. She was so hot—so tight—so perfect. Olivia sucked him in all the way to the hilt. He pulled out, plunging in again. Olivia screamed and he repeated the action, watching as her face glazed over with pleasure.

  Derrick continued the fast-paced rhythm. Olivia braced herself with one hand on his shoulder and the other tangled in his hair.

  “You like that, sweetheart?” he asked, as he drove into her.

  “Don’t stop,” she stuttered. “I’m so close.”

  He crushed his mouth to hers, caressing her tongue with his in time with his movements. Her inner walls squeezed his cock as she came around him.

  “Derrick,” she breathed over and over again as he rode her out. Her legs turned to jelly, and he pulled her closer to him, giving him a whole new angle. She mewed contently, placing tender kisses against his collarbone.

  "Derrick," she called out. “Oh God, don’t stop. I’m going to come again.” His cock ached, ready to burst, but he held back determined to make her quiver around him. She bit his shoulder as she exploded around him again. Her core clenched around his dick, spurning on his own orgasm. He cried out as his own release ripped through him. God she was perfect. He slowed his thrusts as he filled her, milking every perfect second of their coupling.