Defying Gravity: Shattered Cove Series Book 3

by A. M. Kusi

  “We won!” Belle cheered.

  He bent to her ear. “Nah, I think I’m the real winner.”

  She turned, surprise and wonderment lighting her features. She leaned in, drawing her lips against his, tasting him, tentatively. He kissed her back, nipping at her bottom lip.

  “Ahhh. Come on, guys. Get a room!” TJ yelled.

  Belle’s body stiffened.

  He pulled back, laughing and pretending he didn’t notice. That was information he’d have to earn. He of all people understood what it was like to want to keep your demons buried.

  “You guys in the mood for pizza?”

  “Yes!” TJ quickly agreed.

  “Sure.” Belle smiled.

  He was starving, but it wasn’t food he was craving. But he’d be fasting until Belle gave him the go-ahead.

  ***

  The three of them sat around the checkered tablecloth, enjoying their pizza at Pirate’s Pizzeria.

  “How did Cam like the tickets?” Bently asked TJ.

  TJ sipped his chocolate milk before answering. He smiled, eyes glimmering. “She loved them. I can’t wait to take her.”

  “Bently, are you giving my brother dating advice?” Belle teased.

  He shrugged. “I don’t want to brag, but I know a thing or two about how to woo a woman.” He winked.

  Belle shook her head and smiled.

  “Do you guys have any plans for Thanksgiving this year?”

  “I work until three,” Belle answered.

  “Well, consider yourselves invited to Remy’s. She said not to worry about bringing anything unless there’s something special you wanted. And, since my brother doesn’t drink, it’s kind of BYOB,” he explained.

  “Okay. I think that would be nice. We’ve never actually celebrated before.” She smiled.

  He swallowed. He had always had Mr. and Mrs. Stone, Andre’s parents, who invited them to their family events. To think of Belle and TJ all alone, holiday after holiday, made his chest ache.

  “Well, now’s your chance to see what all the fuss is about. What about you, TJ?”

  “I don’t know. I wouldn’t want to crash their party.” He looked away.

  “You’re invited, no crashing needed. Plus, the more the merrier. They’re good people.”

  TJ shrugged. “Will there be more of that casserole your sister made last time?”

  Bently chuckled. “She makes a lot of food. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

  “I’m in.” TJ smiled.

  ***

  Later that evening, Bently walked Belle and TJ to the car.

  “Night, Bently,” TJ said, climbing in the passenger side.

  “Night, buddy.”

  He grabbed Belle’s hand, weaving his fingers through hers. He led her to the driver’s side, pinning her back against the car. He supported his hands against the roof as he leaned down and kissed her. He dipped his tongue inside her mouth, savoring her sweetness. She moaned, sending a direct bolt of lust through his dick. The woman was pure temptation—nothing but seduction wrapped in lace and coated in allure.

  She was the one to pull back first. Her hand rested against his cheek, rubbing her thumb against his overgrown stubble. She licked her lips. His body pulsed and throbbed. What is this woman doing to me?

  “I had a nice time tonight,” Belle said.

  “When is your next night off?”

  “I have a mini-weekend. Saturday and Sunday,” she answered.

  He grinned. “Pack an overnight bag. I’ll pick you up Saturday at ten. Tell TJ not to wait up for you.”

  Unease flickered through her expression. Bently caressed her cheek before lifting her chin to look him in the eyes. “I’m not expecting anything. I just have a surprise for you is all.”

  She smiled. Hope sparked back to life in her dark brown eyes. “Okay.”

  He breathed in her trust like the life-saving grace it was. He’d do anything to put a smile on that gorgeous face.

  “I’m in this, Angel.”

  He kissed her forehead before backing up.

  She struggled to straighten, as if she’d been as shaken to her core by his admission as he had. For the first time in his life, he was falling headfirst into some unknown abyss. Hopefully the darkness wouldn’t destroy him.

  But he should know better. Since when did he deserve a happy ending?

  Chapter 29

  Belle

  Belle reached out to the door to steady herself as the truck bounced through the potholes on the dirt road. Tall trees surrounded them as far as her eyes could see. It had been what seemed like miles since she’d seen evidence of other civilization. Where is he taking me?

  She was more curious than afraid, even way out here where who knew what lived in the shadows. It struck her like a bolt of lightning. She trusted Bently.

  His big strong hands gripped the wheel. His arms were only half covered by a long-sleeved thermal, hiked up and exposing his sexy sinewy forearms. The shirt clung to his broad chest. Her eyes flicked from his corded neck to his devastatingly handsome face. Strong jaw. Dark stubble. And those eyes. Bright blue and vast like the ocean. A strand of his black hair fell against the side of his face. She reached out and tucked it back.

  He turned, a warm smile aimed at her. “We’re almost there.”

  “Are you gonna tell me what we’re doing way out here?”

  His gaze focused ahead on the winding road as he spoke. “You said you’d always wanted to spend a night under the stars.”

  She blinked and searched the woods around them, fear trickling down her spine. “I meant like somewhere safer. You know, without wild animals looking to me for their dinner.”

  He reached over and enveloped her hand in his. His thumb rubbed soothing circles over her palm. “Whatever happens, I’ll always keep you safe. That’s a promise.” He turned down a smaller road, this one only big enough for one car.

  The forest opened and a glimmering lake sparkled in the sunshine. A small log cabin with a stone chimney was situated at the end of what she could now tell was in fact a driveway.

  Bently shifted the truck into park and got out. He opened her door and helped her down. “I’ll get the bags. Code to get in is five-seven-four-two.”

  “We’re staying here?” she asked, stunned. “In this tiny cabin?”

  “Unless you want to try a tent?” He smirked.

  He grabbed the bags while she walked to the door. Brown pine needles and scattered cones covered the soft earth of the forest floor. Geese honked somewhere in the distance. Trees and bushes rustled as squirrels and chipmunks raced around the forest. She grabbed the key box and entered the numbers before opening the door.

  Notes of cinnamon and clove hung in the air as she walked in. Thick woven rugs adorned the floor. A stone fireplace with a stack of wood next to it was the focal point of the living room. The worn brown leather couch faced it and was decorated with colorful pillows. She reached out and ran her fingers over the various novels stacked neatly into a built-in bookshelf in the far-left wall. She turned towards the open-concept kitchen and small dining table.

  There was a sign across the first door with a crescent moon that read “outhouse.” She cringed, hoping she didn’t actually have to go without indoor plumbing. Opening the door, she let out a breath of relief. The small but clean bathroom had a giant tub, porcelain sink, and a regular toilet.

  She relieved herself and washed her hands before going back out to search the last room. Bently came in behind her, heading straight for the last pine door down the small hallway. A bedroom. The fireplace opened on this side too, though here it was covered with glass. Bently had set the bags onto one of the wooden dressers. A bedroom with a king-sized bed with a red plaid comforter took up most of the room. Bently’s body stretched out across it, making the space seem
that much smaller.

  He tapped the spot next to him. “Come here. And no, this isn’t me making a move.” He winked, and she laughed. “I just wanna show you something.”

  She kicked off her shoes and snuggled to him. His arm wrapped around her, pulling her closer. She shivered.

  “I’m gonna start a fire, but I wanted you to see this first.” He pointed upwards. A large picture window replaced a good portion of the ceiling above them, giving them unfettered access to the sky above. “We’re far enough from the city lights that tonight, you’ll be able to see thousands of stars all from the safety of this warm bed.” His deep voice rumbled in his chest against her ear.

  What did I do to deserve this man? I can’t believe this is real.

  “Why are you doing this for me?” she asked, not looking at him.

  He took a deep breath before replying. “Because I care about you. And I want you to have all your dreams become a reality.”

  Who supports his dreams?

  “What are some of your dreams?” she asked.

  “To stay healthy. To keep everyone safe. To make a difference . . . To be nothing like my own parents.”

  He was holding so much back. “You’ve already made a difference.”

  He scoffed.

  Belle sat, her hand resting against his cheek, hoping he saw the man he was in her eyes. “You’ve changed my life. Given me hope. Taught me that I can’t necessarily judge someone based on appearances. That not every man is the same. You’ve made me feel not so alone.”

  His gaze darkened. “You make it really hard to control myself around you. I want you so bad it fucking consumes my thoughts, day and night.”

  She swallowed, fear and uncertainty mixing with her own desire. Her body trembled. She wanted him too, but . . . “I’m afraid.”

  His brows drew together as he brought his hand to cup her face. “Of what, Angel? You know I’d never pressure you to do anything you weren’t ready for, right? What are you worried about?”

  She nodded. “Every time a man got his fill of sex with me, whether it be one time or more, it would end. Just like that, I’d be thrown out like yesterday’s trash.” Or worse.

  His jaw tensed.

  “I don’t want this to end. Not yet,” she whispered.

  He pulled her against his chest tightly as if trying to erase the hurt from her past. “I’ll admit, I don’t know what this is between us. I’ve never felt anything this . . . strong before. And I know I have a reputation. But I want you to know I’ve never done for another woman the things that I have for you. And I never expect anything from you that you are not ready to give.”

  His deep voice was like a tattoo on her soul, branding her with promises that glowed of hope and possibilities.

  “I haven’t actually been with a woman since before my diagnosis, more than eighteen months ago.”

  His confession floored her. After all the rumors, she’d thought for sure . . .

  “Why not?” she asked.

  He sighed. “No one caught my interest until you. You sparked something in me, shocked me back to life.”

  She craned her neck and kissed him, infusing her admiration and awe for this man into every brush of her lips and tangle of their tongues. He held her gently as she rubbed the tip of her nose against his and kissed his cheek.

  “I trust you, Bently. And that doesn’t come easily for me.”

  “I know, Angel.”

  Awareness spun around her. She was nearly bursting at the seams, overrun with emotion, falling so fast. Could she ever enter into a partnership with a man like him? Could she feel safe enough to be vulnerable and share her body again? Could she rely on Bently when things got hard? Only time would tell.

  “I better go start a fire to keep you warm,” Bently said kissing her forehead before he unwrapped himself from her.

  “Do you need help?”

  “Nah, I got this. You feel free to relax. You can go for a walk to the edge of the lake, but don’t go too far. There are bears around here. Shouldn’t bother you, but just to be safe, don’t wander off without me.”

  She had no intention of setting foot outside the door alone. But the concern he voiced for her brought a surge of intensity inside as another piece of her broken heart locked into place.

  At least for now, he was her protector.

  Chapter 30

  Bently

  “S’mores?” Belle asked excitedly.

  “Of course.” Bently smiled, handing her a stick with a marshmallow on the other end. They sat side by side facing the crackling fireplace.

  He placed his marshmallow into the flame, gently browning the outside. She eagerly followed his example.

  Flames lit up around her confection. “Oh no!”

  He reached out, enveloping her hand in his, guiding the marshmallow out of the fire before he blew on it.

  She laughed. “Is that supposed to happen?”

  He shrugged. “You gotta keep it moving not too close to the flames or else it will burn. But some people like the charcoal taste.”

  He held the cracker and chocolate out to make her s’more before preparing his own. “Ready to taste?”

  She nodded, and he bit into the crunchy, gooey, chocolatey goodness as she did the same.

  Sweetness and richness exploded on his taste buds. She smiled and licked the sticky treat from her lips, sending a bolt of lust through his system. Want and need throbbed within him. “Is it as good as you’d hoped?”

  She grinned. “Better.”

  He brushed his thumb across her chin, wiping away a string of marshmallow. He sucked it off. “Delicious.”

  Her eyes darkened. She cleared her throat. “So, uh, how’s your family doing?”

  He chuckled. “Good. Well, Andre seems to be avoiding me lately. Either that or Mia is keeping him busy.”

  “She seemed like a spitfire when I formally met her at the harvest dinner.”

  “Yeah. And Mikel and Remy are great. Jasmine . . . well, she’s just taking life one day at a time.”

  “Does the baby’s father help her at all?” Belle asked.

  Bently sighed.

  “I’m sorry. You don’t have to answer that. It’s none of my business.” She shook her head and stared back into the fire. The shadows of orange flames danced across her brown skin, painting her in soft lights. She was stunning. Breathtaking.

  He weaved his fingers through hers. “It’s fine. Jaz won’t even tell me who the father is.”

  “She probably has a good reason, then.”

  He looked up at her, his eyebrows rising. “Maybe you’re right. I just wish she’d tell me if the bastard hurt her.” His grip tightened.

  “Sometimes, it isn’t that easy.” Her voice soothed him.

  He nodded.

  “Let’s go see those stars you promised me.” She led the way into the room, climbing under the covers.

  Bently lay next to her, pulling her against his chest like that was where she’d belonged all along.

  He’d been right. Thousands of stars scattered across the dark sky—wisps of clouds like ghosts haunting the heavens.

  “Do you know any constellations?” she asked.

  “Nah, that’s Mikel’s territory. All I know is the Big and Little Dipper.”

  Her head rose ever so slightly with each of his inhales. Her breath synced with his as if they were one. His hand stroked her back. They lay like that, enjoying the view in silence. He closed his eyes, savoring the moment. Her closeness blanketed him with peace, lulling him into sleep.

  ***

  After preparing a tray with eggs, bacon, and toast, he added a cup of coffee with the creamer she liked so much. He walked into the room as she stretched out her arms, yawning. Warm sunshine cascaded down on her, making her glow as if she was truly an ethereal crea
ture sent to earth for his redemption. Since when did he believe he was worth saving?

  “Good morning, beautiful.”

  She sat and adjusted the silk cap on her hair. “Is that for me?”

  “Breakfast in bed.” For the woman who occupies my heart.

  She smiled and held out her hands. “I don’t know what I did to deserve all this, but thank you.”

  The woman gutted him. Staggered by how humble and pure she was, he set the tray on her lap.

  “I’m just going to grab mine and I’ll be back.”

  And take a minute to get a hold of myself.

  Bently returned with his own tray and joined her on the bed. It was like they were a couple, but without the sex. They hadn’t gone far besides a few light touches, and molten-hot kisses. And he was perfectly content just being next to this woman, sharing her space.

  “How’d you become homeless?” he asked the question that had been burning the back of his mind.

  She sipped her coffee before answering. “One of my mother’s boyfriends, also her drug dealer, tried to get his payment from me.”

  His fists clenched around the cup in his hands as his stomach turned to stone.

  “I heard him coming and told TJ to hide in the closet. He was only ten at the time. All I could think about was his safety. I just hoped he wouldn’t see or hear anything. Once he was tucked away, I fought with everything I had. I knew my mother wouldn’t come to help. It had just been me and TJ against the world since he was born.”

  She stared off like she was witnessing the scene play out on a screen.

  “I was so tired of fighting, of being taken advantage of, of being hurt and used. I knew if I just lay there and let him do what he came to do, it would be over eventually. It’s like I floated above myself, watching my teenage body be abused by this grown man. I thought, what chance do I have? This is all that I’ve ever known, so I know exactly how this ends.”

  He didn’t move. Every muscle tensed with anger. He ground his teeth together, forcing control.