by C. M. Steele
I can feel him get closer to the bed. He loosens his belt and I can hear the sound of him tugging it off his pants quickly. I know that faking that I’m sleeping isn’t going to save me. I don’t know what to do, but I remember my faith in a better life to come and the mantra, “Stay strong.” I breathe and plan. Since I’m a nerd, I keep a pen and paper near my bed, writing stories about my fantasy life. The pen is all I have to protect me, so I need to act quick.
I can feel his eyes leering at my body. Grossed out and scared, I wait for him to lean closer to me. I feel his breath on my bare legs as he sniffs my flesh. The leather of the belt touches my feet and I know he’s going to tie me up. In a flash, I stab him in the neck with the pen. He’s bleeding heavily and falls down to his knees. Kicking him down to the floor, I scream and run from the room. Seconds later the hall erupts with the other supervisors. One of the women takes me into her arms and holds me. He’s brought out minutes later and an ambulance is called.
The rest of the night is a blur, but before the sun comes up everyone wants to sweep it under the table. I know I have to run. Gathering anything I could take into my suitcase, including the last of my money, I make a run for it.
It was the last time I saw the place and the last time I was truly frightened. That says a lot because I lived on the streets until I saved enough for an apartment.
My father was looking at me with pain and rage in his eyes. “Please don’t tell anyone. I don’t want anybody to know. That’s why I had to leave. They wanted to cover it up. I don’t know if he lived or died, and I don’t care,” I begged.
“I won’t say anything,” he promised. I told him now because I didn’t want Liam to know. When he shows up with Nora, they’d want to know about my last few years. I’d lie about the past just to stop Liam from knowing. I was afraid of what he’d think of me.
My dad hugged me tight to his chest, rubbing circles on my back. His warm comfort eases the pain of the past. We broke apart and moved to clean up our lunch. He told me that Nora wouldn’t be back until seven thirty. Immediately I felt guilty for hoping that Liam would come, too.
Chapter 4
Liam
We walked into the house and Nora went on the hunt for Joe. I spotted Katrina sleeping on the sofa, curled up into a little ball. I stared down at her. She looked so sweet and innocent. Not like that feisty girl who gave me attitude this morning. Joe shushed me and we moved out to the back. I didn’t want to walk away from her, but I couldn’t make my move yet.
I was definitely going to take Nora’s suggestion and wait until after the wedding and tell him when they got back from their honeymoon.
“What’s going on, Joe?” I asked.
“She’s been through hell. Sit down, and I’ll make some burgers while I tell you.”
He told us about the past three years of Katrina’s life. Although he didn’t say why she left the home. I had a feeling there was a legitimate reason for it. Something about his tone told me that there was more. By the time he finished cooking and telling us about the past, Katrina came out to join us.
“Hello Katrina. Did you get in a good nap?” Nora asked.
“Yes, I did. Thank you.” She rubbed her eyes.
“I set up your room, so you can sleep in a nice, warm bed.”
“You didn’t need to do that. I have a hotel room,” she replied.
For the first time I saw Joe’s true anger. “What the fuck? Do you think I’m going to let you go and stay in some hotel when I have a place for the daughter that I’ve been missing for three damn years? Sit your ass down and I’ll get you all something to drink,” he growled, storming into the house.
“I’ll help,” Nora said, following after Joe.
I took a seat next to her at the patio set. She kept looking toward the door with unshed tears in her eyes. “Don’t look so upset. He’s not mad at you. He’s mad at the past. You’re his biggest regret. Leaving you to fend for yourself was never his intention,” I said, patting her hand.
“I know. It’s just even though I spent the majority of my life with him, I don’t feel at home. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel that way again.”
“You will. Trust me.” I planned for us to make a home, and I promised to make it a real home.
“Oh, and you know that because you know everything?”
“No, because I’m going to do everything I can to make you feel welcomed.”
“Mr. Harrison, I don’t need your pity,” she hissed. It wasn’t pity I was feeling, but she’d figure it out soon.
“No you don’t…and I’m not handing out pity. Look, it’s not the time or the place for this. I’ll see you tomorrow at the rehearsal dinner.” I stood up from the patio table.
“What makes you think I’m going?” she asked, stopping me in my tracks.
“Because you didn’t travel all this way to see him again to ignore one of the most important times in his life. Now, I know you’ve been through hell and back, but I promise from now on it’s going to be bliss.” I gave her a suggestive look and walked back through the patio doors.
It wasn’t easy leaving, but I had to get away before I lost all will power and snatched her up.
~~~~~
The moment I got home, I whipped off my clothes and took my cock in hand. I needed to rub one out or I was certain my dick would actually break. I'd been hard since yesterday, and touching her had been more than I could handle. I walked into my kitchen with my dick in hand and grabbed a beer out of the fridge. Then I went upstairs to my room, stroking and guzzling my beer down. Wicked thoughts of Kat fucking took over my reason and I needed the beer to cope with the intense feelings she hit me with.
Leaving the empty bottle in my bathroom garbage, I turned on the shower while I moved my other hand along my length. Climbing into the hot spray, I thought about how she changed me in a matter of a day. Fuck me, I was done in by my best friend’s daughter. I’d never walked around my house naked, but I had a feeling that until the first kids came around, Kat and I would be walking around ass naked so I could fuck her wherever she was. Damn, I thought about nailing her against the wall while I shook the paintings and pictures. Then bending her over the back of the sofa and fucking her from behind with her ass slapping against me. That round bottom in my face while I thrusted into her sopping wet pussy sent me over. The water splashed on my cock as I shot my load. Fuck, I was done. Claiming, marking, and loving her was what I had in mind.
Chapter 5
Katrina
He was right; I wasn’t going to miss my dad’s marriage. Nora seemed like a nice and independent woman. There was no reason not to like her. My father told me all about his search for me, so I knew he loved me. The one thing he got wrong was that I’d find a place to call home. Even though the bedroom looked welcoming, I felt out of place. I couldn’t explain what was missing, but something was.
As I laid in bed, my thoughts were consumed with Liam’s words, then his face, followed by his perfect physique. The way he spoke to me, I felt like he was sincere, but hope and happiness were two things that I couldn’t believe in when it came to family.
Liam’s light brown eyes were all I could see as I nodded off. It was like they were testing me, challenging me to act. On what? The physical attraction that I could feel build between us? How is it that I want to be wrapped up in his arms and for him to give me a home? What did that mean?
~~~~~
It was a busy day for Nora, but she still felt the need to take me to get my dress for the wedding and the rehearsal. I knew it was the bonding time she believed we needed.
“Katrina. I understand that this is all confusing and upsetting for you, but I’m still glad you’re here,” she said, giving me a hug when we got out of the truck. She was really beautiful and was so sweet yesterday. It was no wonder my dad fell for her. I hoped it wasn’t an act.
“Do you love him?” I asked bluntly.
“With everything in me.”
“That’s all I need to k
now. He didn’t deserve a woman like my mother. She was a sick woman who all but destroyed him. It took me a long time to forgive her, but I forgave him right away. I knew he had every right to leave. It hurt more than I could ever say, but I always hoped he’d come looking for me. Knowing that he did makes it all better,” I said, my voice waning as I finished.
“But something’s still not right, is it?” The woman was
“No. I can’t explain it, but I feel like I don’t fit in,” I replied, not sure why I was opening up to her.
“Well, maybe you will once you meet your step brother.”
“That’s right, Dad told me you had a son.”
“Yes, he’s twenty-one, and he’s going to join us for a lunch before going back to work. He works for Liam, too.” Everyone worked for him it seemed. She dragged me by my hand and took me into the store. “Come on, let’s find you a lovely dress. There’s going to be tons of guys there. Although, I think there’s one that already wants your attention.”
“Who?” I asked, stopping in front of a shoe display.
“Who? Who else? Liam.” I arched my brow at her because I thought she was nuts, but she took it like I wasn’t interested in Liam. “I know he’s like ancient to you, but he’s still a young, hot, hardworking man.”
“You think Liam wants me? I doubt it. You haven’t been in our conversations. If you did, you’d know that he thinks I’m young, pathetic, and after his men.”
“Wow. I assume you don’t have any experience with men. Trust me when I say he’s into you—more than you’ll ever know.”
I didn’t know how to respond to it, so she changed the subject. That was the last of the heavy topics, so we moved onto dresses. I wasn’t a girly girl, so I didn’t know what type of dress to pick and left that up to Nora. She practically squealed when I gave her free reign. “I never had a daughter before. This is going to be so much fun.”
I never had a caring mother before; I hoped she was right. Three hours later, we had three pairs of shoes picked out and two dresses. She was on point. It was fun. I could see why my dad loved her so much. Her heart was big and sweet.
It was time for me to meet my step brother. She only mentioned him briefly while we shopped. I had a feeling she didn’t want me with her son, but by the end of the shopping trip I knew it was because of Liam. It seemed Nora cared for Liam, too. Jealousy hit me several times when she told me how amazing Liam was. I remembered the fact that my father left because my mother was fucking his best friend. I shook off those thoughts. Immediately I could see she was nothing like my mother.
We stopped off in the Mexican restaurant just two blocks from the worksite that the men were at. It was a big demolition and rebuild. Aiden was working on the site, too, so it was easy for him to take a quick lunch with us ladies.
When Aiden walked into the restaurant the waitress nearly dropped her tray. He was super handsome. Nora had a hot son, but he did nothing for me. Frankly, he may be a lot younger than Liam, but I thought Liam was ten times hotter.
He looked around the room for us. When he spotted Nora and I, he gave a wide, cocky smile. The waitress took her food to her table, then stood near Aiden in awe. I tried not to laugh. Did I look that goofy when I saw Liam for the first time?
Lunch had been fun, but as we ate all I could think about was Liam and wondering what he was doing. Was Nora right? Was the sexual tension the reason he was grouchy and stern looking. It would change the meaning of his words when he first stepped behind me. Could he have been jealous? No, that was silly.
My dad went in to work with Liam that morning because there was an important project they were starting. I told Nora I would drop off some food before going back to the house. She had to go check in at the café. Well, she didn’t have to, but the café was like her baby and wanted to make sure she wasn’t needed. Nora drove back to the café while Aiden and I walked to the worksite. Thankfully, I had on jeans and sneakers. It could be hazardous. Aiden pointed to the temporary trailer where my dad would be, but truthfully I was hoping to run into Liam. I’d get that wish.
I walked away from Aiden, waving a goodbye, and immediately collided into Liam’s bare chest. Fuck me. He was shirtless. He was the boss. What the fuck was he doing without a shirt? I looked around for bitches, not seeing any I take a deep breath. Good. Even though we weren’t together, I was feeling territorial all of the sudden. He grabbed onto my arms and held me just inches away from his face. He eyed me from head to toe—slowly. When his eyes met mine, I could tell he was pissed. He growled angrily, “Are you fucking nuts? What are you doing here?”
“What? I’m just looking for my dad.” I raised the sack of food.
“Two days,” he growled, a rumble coming from his chest, causing me to eye his naked torso. I bit back a moan as I looked at the tiny beads of sweat dripping down his strong body. It was a hot summer day. Fuck the man was stunning. I closed my eyes and tried to focus on what he said.
“Two days?” I asked, already understanding his meaning. I was eighteen in two days, but I didn’t know if he meant I was tempting his men or it was like Nora said. I wanted to think it was the latter.
“Two days and I’m going to show you why you don’t belong here, and why I’m ready to kill these guys,” he warned. I wanted to say something smart or snarky and reject his cocky assurance that I was going to be his, but I couldn’t. I’d lost all train of thought except for the fact that I still had two days.
Chapter 6
Liam
Working on the framework for a wall before sending on the truck to the latest build, I looked up by chance and saw her coming through the entrance. I didn’t want her here, and I sure as hell didn’t want her walking in with Aiden. Nora and I were going to have a talk. I already warned her about her son. Katrina was mine.
She didn’t notice me as she waved at Aiden, so I let her crash into me. The pressure of her body against mine sent sinful pleasure coursing through me. I still had two days.
“Let’s go give this to your father so you can go home,” I muttered through gritted teeth.
“Is it really that bad that I’m here? Is it so terrible to see me?”
“Like I said, two days and you won’t be able to get away from me. I just don’t want you around other men. I’ve got men with no shirts on.” She started to look around the site at the men. I gripped her chin and turned her face back to me. “I didn’t say to look at them. What the fuck, Kat? Let’s get this clear this instant. You’re mine. We’ll talk about it tonight after the rehearsal dinner.”
She was about to respond, but Joe called out for her. “Katrina!” She looked past me and smiled at him.
“Coming,” she called out. The two-word syllable with so much hidden meaning reverberated in my ears—echoing a long gone desire. I shook off the lust when she said something she knew was going to annoy me.
“I’m not yours. And there’s nothing to talk about. I’m free to see who I want.”
“Well if it’s any of these boys here, you better make sure they have another income because their asses will be out.”
“You can’t do that. It’s against labor laws.”
“No, it’s not, sugarplum. Now go to your daddy before I have to carry your ass there.”
“Possessive much. Excuse me.” She passed by me giving her hips an extra little oomph.
“We’re not done with this.”
She stepped up to her father and gave him a hug. I walked back to where I was working and pretended to ignore my temporary office.
The whole crew looked at me, half with their mouths open and the other half with fucking smirks on their smug faces.
“Get back to work, you nosy fucks.” I shook off the frustration and wiped the sweat from my brow and got back to the framing I was working on. I had two days; there was no reason to act wild now.
Damn it, I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and got back to doing what I had to do. Screwing the wood together, I tried to forget that she was insid
e with her father. Would he be able to tell that I was interested in her if I walked in there to check on them?
Chapter 7
Katrina
I walked away from him as quick as my Nikes could take me. Plastering a smile on my face for my father, I gave him a big hug and we headed into the office trailer.
"Is Liam giving you shit for being on his site?"
"Was it that obvious?"
"Yep, he takes safety very seriously."
"I only came to drop off your food." I lifted the bag and waved it in front of his face. He snatched it from me with a chuckle.
“I remember when you used to make me my lunch,” he muttered, reliving a good memory that he tarnished.
“Please don’t do that to yourself. I don’t think most men could handle the shock and betrayal well. You did try to come for me and that in itself should mean something. It means a lot to me.”
“Thanks. Kat, you were the best part of my life. I didn’t want to leave, but I didn’t want her to win. I knew five minutes after I drove away that I should have come back, but I couldn’t let her get her way. It was childish and I’m sorry.”
“I accept your apology for leaving that day. I was hurt really bad by it all, but like I said before, I forgave you a long time ago. When I was in Chicago, I had a talk with a preacher. You know I’m not one bit religious, but he gave me some sound moral advice. He asked that if I had been in your shoes how I would deal with it. I had to think about it, but I agreed with you. I would have walked away to cool down. Who knew what would happen? I didn’t know my mom would die and change everything for me, and I knew you didn’t know that. So it’s over and done with. I’m here now, and maybe we can be an oddball family.”
“We certainly can.” He gave me another hug.