Defying Gravity: Shattered Cove Series Book 3

by A. M. Kusi

  “Then I saw the closet door open. TJ ran out. I was so scared for him. He lunged at the man, clawing and hitting his head with his little fists. This force surged through me, snapping me back into my body as I freed myself long enough to grab the lamp. TJ’s body was thrown against the wall as I lifted it over that man’s head. I swung as hard as I could and the man crumpled to the floor. I raised my hand and did it again and again.” She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. “I just wanted to make sure he’d stay down and leave us alone.”

  Bently nodded. No longer able to contain himself, his arms shot out and pulled her against his chest. “You did what you had to in order to survive. There’s no shame in that.”

  “I checked on TJ and told him to pack only what he absolutely needed. We didn’t have much anyways. I grabbed a couple blankets and clothes and ran out of there while my mother was strung out on the couch watching TV like her own children were not being attacked. I never looked back.”

  “You were runaways.”

  “Yes. And as soon as I turned eighteen, I went back and had her sign over parental rights to me. Two hundred dollars and she sold her son. I had found a lawyer willing to . . . willing to do the paperwork for a . . . uh . . . trade.” She faltered.

  He gripped her tighter. The idea of teenage Belle alone on the streets of New York City, afraid and unprotected made vomit rise in his throat. Agony sliced through him that she’d had to make that choice. That her only option had been to be used.

  “I would do anything for my brother. Anything.” Her whisper was coated with shame.

  He kissed her forehead. “You amaze me.”

  She looked up at him with watery eyes. “How can you say that?”

  “Because when everything in this world tried to break you and tear you down, you defied gravity. You’re still fighting. You got free, and you saved your brother in the process. You know how many cases of domestic violence I see? It’s more common for the products of abuse to continue the cycle. You’re the exception. You’re the most beautiful, pure soul I’ve ever known.”

  She wiped the tears that dripped down her chestnut cheeks. “Then I guess we’re a lot alike, you and me.”

  His brows knitted together.

  “Because I feel the same way about you.” She reached her hand up to cup his jaw—her softness against his roughness.

  The fact that she thought so highly of him would have brought him to his knees if he’d been standing. He was weak when she’d been strong. They were not even in the same stratosphere. She was from heaven and he from the depth of Hades—or so he had thought. Maybe she was right. He’d only been a kid himself. As soon as he found out what his father was doing, he’d acted.

  ***

  After their heavy conversation, Bently had brought out the fishing poles and taught her how to fish. They’d only caught a couple of little pumpkinseed fish, but her excitement was contagious. Bently had held her hand as they walked along the shore, talking about their likes and dislikes, about what they’d been learning. They’d kept the topics light and he’d savored the drive home. He wanted to enjoy every minute he had with her, for however long that was.

  He walked Belle to her door, and set her bag down. “When can I see you again?”

  She smiled. “Aren’t you getting sick of me yet?”

  “Quite the opposite actually.” He stared at her—beauty radiated from every pore.

  She stood up on tiptoes, bracing her hands against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her. She giggled before he slanted his mouth to hers—tasting, teasing, taking everything she offered like the greedy bastard he was.

  Her touch was like a live wire to him, a sensory overload. Unable to resist the pull between them, he squeezed her tighter, eager to hold on to whatever this was a little longer, greedily taking the scraps he could. She tipped her head back, and reluctantly he released her.

  “I’m beginning to like you a lot, Sheriff,” she said, breathily.

  He groaned and set her onto the ground. “Me too, Angel. Me too,” he said as she walked towards her door.

  Her absence in his arms immediately fueled the longing. This woman was like an addiction. Each time he tasted her, it got harder and harder to walk away. And not just because his dick was throbbing, begging for release. But because being with Belle was like being whole for the first time in his regretful existence. She gave him hope. Maybe he could be worthy.

  Chapter 31

  Bently

  Thanksgiving had become one of the holidays Bently looked forward to the most. Each year the noise level grew as more children were added to their small family. When they walked in, they found Mr. Stone watching the football game with Andre and Mikel who was holding baby Phoenix.

  The men all turned at their arrival. Andre’s gaze narrowed on TJ.

  What is his problem?

  Bently needed to sit down with Andre and hash all of this out because this wasn’t like his best friend.

  “Oh, good. You’re just in time.” Remy appeared from the hall, taking the casserole from him.

  He leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek as she wrapped one arm around his waist. “I always am.” He smiled.

  “Well, you and TJ go join the guys while I steal Belle away to the kitchen.” Remy winked at Belle who seemed a little nervous, but she smiled back.

  “Ain’t gotta tell me twice,” TJ said, walking into the living room and taking a spot next to Remy’s father.

  Remy leaned in and whispered, “We’re just drinking wine and sampling the dessert while the food finishes heating.”

  “Good thing I brought a couple more bottles, then.” Belle held up the wine in her hands.

  “See? You fit right in here with us.” Remy beamed.

  Belle’s smile faltered only for a moment before she glanced at him.

  “You gonna be okay?” He checked with her to be sure.

  “Of course.” She nodded.

  He leaned in and brushed his lips against her cheek, breathing Belle’s scent. Vanilla and cocoa butter. She trembled. So responsive. Going slow with her was pure torture, but he would do whatever she needed. If he could only be in the shadow of the sun, it was better than the utter darkness of his life before Belle.

  “You two are so cute together.” Remy winked.

  Belle smiled at him. “He is pretty handsome, isn’t he?”

  A bark of laughter escaped from him. Belle was loosening up, integrating into his circle, and he was loving every minute of it.

  “Well, I’m partial to his brother.” Remy sighed as Mikel walked up behind her and wrapped two arms around her.

  “You better be,” Mikel teased as he kissed her neck.

  Remy giggled. “How’s my baby boy?”

  “His grandpa is spoiling him.” Mikel kissed her cheek before eyeing Bently and Belle.

  “Glad you could finally make it. Good to see you again, Belle. You keeping this guy out of trouble?” Mikel joked.

  “I’d like to think so.” She smiled.

  It was the uncertainty in her eyes that did him in.

  “Come on, Belle. Let’s pop some bottles and get you a glass of wine.” Remy nodded and Belle followed.

  Mikel waited until they were out of earshot before he turned a knowing gaze on to Bently. “I never thought I’d see the day.”

  Bently shoved his brother on his way into the living room. “I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.”

  “That’s a bad word, Uncle Bently! You owe me one dollar.” Lyra held her hand out as she appeared from the corner of the living room with a crayon in the other. A coloring book was sprawled out at her feet with several pages ripped out and arranged in a circle.

  A hard slap reverberated across his back as Mikel smirked. “Yeah, Uncle Bently. That’s a bad word.”

  “Since
when does it cost one dollar? Last time it was a quarter. That’s highway robbery,” he said as he dug into his wallet.

  “No, it’s flatulence.” Lyra shrugged.

  Bently’s eyes furrowed as he looked to Mikel who was trying hard not to crack up.

  “Inflation, baby. That’s inflation,” Mikel corrected.

  Lyra rolled her eyes and held out her hand. Was she six or sixteen?

  Bently pulled out a five and handed it to her. “Alright, here. It’s all I have. It should cover me for the next four times I slip up, princess.”

  Lyra’s eyes lit up. “Five dollars?”

  “For your college fund,” Mikel reminded her.

  “Okayyyy. I’ll go put it in my piggy bank.” Lyra stalked off.

  “You have your hands full.”

  “It’s fucking terrifying having a daughter, man.” Mikel’s complexion grew a little whiter.

  “That’s one dollar for the college fund,” Bently teased.

  Mikel smacked his shoulder. “Only counts if you get caught.”

  “Jasmine in the kitchen?” Bently asked.

  Mikel nodded. “Yeah, Zoey’s sleeping in that thing she wears.”

  “Touchdown!” Mr. Stone and Andre yelled together.

  “You notice anything off with Dre lately?” Bently asked.

  “Something’s been on his mind, but he won’t talk to me about it. I figured it had to do with Mia’s paperwork. Probably just stressing about their interview with ICE coming up.” Mikel shrugged.

  “Yeah, maybe.”

  “Dinner’s ready! Shut the TV off and find a seat,” Mrs. Stone called.

  Bently waited for TJ as he was the last to file into the dining room. He wanted TJ and Belle to feel welcome, to know they had a place they were wanted.

  As they sat around the table, Mr. and Mrs. Stone did what they did best—brought everyone together in conversation. They laughed as a group, they teased. Mr. Stone was talking to TJ about the college where he was a professor. Mia, Jasmine, and Remy were laughing with Belle. She fit into his life like she had been made to all along. TJ helped himself to a third plate. Bently remembered what it felt like to be a bottomless pit as a growing teenager. Though he’d had to go hungry more times than not so his brother and sister could eat.

  He’d come so far, despite the circumstances he’d been born into. For the first time in his life, he wanted to share his life with someone else. No, not someone—with Belle.

  “So, Belle. What made you so hesitant to be friends with our friend the sheriff here? Was it because he’s a cop?” Andre’s hard gaze leveled on her.

  “Man, what’s your problem?” Bently asked, a slight edge to his voice for the first time that night.

  What the hell has gotten into Dre?

  Belle placed her hand over Bently’s thigh, instantly injecting him with calm.

  “Absolutely. As a Black man, I’m sure you know that you have a one in one thousand chance of getting killed by the police. It’s survival to be weary of those who have been given the ability to wield power in a way that is so harmful for minorities and other groups of vulnerable people,” Belle said.

  Andre bit his bottom lip, looking between TJ and her.

  “I know all about that,” Mia said. “But Bently’s one of the good ones.”

  Belle smiled and looked up to him. “I know that now.”

  Bently put his arm around her and kissed her temple. “Most of us in the force are. I don’t see color.”

  Every adult at the table cringed simultaneously.

  What did I say wrong?

  Andre shook his head. “So, I look White to you?”

  Bently’s brows furrowed. “That’s not what I mean.”

  “What do you mean, then?” Mrs. Stone asked.

  He shifted in his seat. “I guess I’m just trying to express that I’m not racist or prejudiced. That I see us all as equals, no matter what color our skin is.”

  “In order to explain that you’re not sexist, would you say you don’t see gender?” Remy asked Bently.

  Bently sighed and shook his head. “No. I wouldn’t.”

  “Color blindness isn’t what we need. We should celebrate our differences and what makes us unique. But by saying you don’t see color, it’s like saying you are ignoring us and our reality, and diminishing our experiences. Whether you see it or not, we experience everything in life differently. We’re judged as criminals for our melanin, seen as outsiders, or uneducated and dangerous,” Belle added.

  Bently scanned the faces surrounding him. Remy and Mia nodded. Andre looked impressed. Damn. I never thought about it that way. “I see what you’re saying. I’m sorry if I’ve ever made any of you feel that way. I’ll do my best not to in the future.”

  “Thank you,” Belle said.

  He reached his hand out and gently ran his thumb up and down her jean-clad thighs. Her hand covered his, returning the gesture, sliding those soft fingers over his hot skin. It wasn’t sexual. It was . . . more. Something deeper. He felt . . . connected to her. But how could that be without sex?

  Her warm throaty laughter spilled out, rushing over him. Her lips turned up, and her eyes sparkled. The intense emotion couldn’t be contained, and it was as if his own heart exploded. A gush of liquid sunshine spread through his chest.

  Oh my god.

  The air was ripped from his lungs. He’d done the impossible and fallen for Belle. He was in love.

  Chapter 32

  Bently

  “Do you want to come in for coffee?” Belle asked as Bently followed her and TJ to their entrance.

  “Yeah, I’d like that,” he replied as she unlocked the door and led them in.

  “I’m gonna listen to this new album and get to bed. All that eating wiped me out,” TJ said, giving his sister a hug before walking away.

  “Don’t stay up too late,” Belle said.

  Bently chuckled. “Good night, bud.”

  TJ turned and looked him in the eye. “Thanks for inviting me, Bently.”

  “You’re more than welcome.” Bently nodded before the young man wandered up the stairs.

  Belle opened a cupboard, reaching over her head to grab the bag of coffee grounds. He stepped behind her, pressing his body to hers as he retrieved it for her.

  The drumbeat of his heart was frantic. He set the container on the counter and dipped his nose into the curve of her neck. Anticipation thickened in the air, coating it with the fire of a thousand suns. His lips met her warm, naked shoulder. She shuddered.

  He inhaled her, craved her, wanted to devour her. The building pressure of months of waiting bore down on him like a vise. His hands gripped her hips, turning her to face him. Her eyes met his, dark and alluring. They were filled with her own want, but it was the vulnerability flashing in them that cut straight to his heart. He’d show her just how much he loved her. He’d show her she was safe with him. That he would take care of her every need.

  He leaned in, sucking in her shaky breath before he pressed his mouth to hers, soft and undemanding, coaxing her tongue with his own. She gripped his shoulders as a tiny moan slipped from those sweet lips. He dug his fingers into her hip as the other hand glided up her back to her neck. He pulled her closer as his mouth trailed the low neckline of her blouse. He bent, lifting her shirt a few inches. She wrapped her hands around his neck, pulling him closer, locking him in.

  She sucked in a sharp breath. “Bently.”

  The way she said his name was like gasoline on the fire raging within him.

  “Let me take care of you, baby,” he said, waiting for her permission.

  She swallowed and nodded. “Not here.”

  TJ. He’d forgotten they weren’t alone. It took all his remaining strength to back off. He picked her up in his arms as she shuddered and trembled. He carried her upst
airs as fast as his feet would carry him. Loud music bled into the hallway from TJ’s room as he passed.

  “That one.” She pointed to an open door at the end of the hall. He kicked the door shut behind them and gently set her on her feet.

  She helped him get the thin, silky fabric over her head, leaving a strapless red bra pushing up her breasts. His tongue dove between them, tasting, kissing, sucking as his hands pulled the fabric away exposing two blackberry nipples. He swept his mouth over one while he gently massaged the other. Pinching the hard peak on one side while scissoring his teeth over the other. He sucked, as she whimpered.

  Raking her fingers through his hair, she pulled him closer, urging him on. Little whimpers and moans escaped from behind those lush lips, making his dick pulse and beg to be let out. But this wasn’t about him. This was about letting the woman he loved know that no matter what, he was there for her. That he would take care of her. That he could give without taking.

  “You’re so goddamn perfect, Angel.” He kissed along her belly, unbuttoning her pants. “I want to taste you. Make you come on my mouth. Drink you up as you explode all over my face.”

  “Bently.”

  “You want that, Angel?”

  She bit her lip and he held his breath. He’d wait until the end of the world for Belle, but this needed to be her decision.

  “Yes.” She nodded. “I want that, Bently, more than you know.”

  He pulled the zipper down before tugging the skintight jeans to the ground, until she was in nothing but those damn red panties. He pressed his nose against her cleft and inhaled. Her scent intoxicated his senses, flooding his body with overwhelming desire. His mouth watered. He licked over the lace, giving in to the overpowering need to taste her. Sweet musk tantalized his senses. He was hungry for more. One hit would never be enough.

  Bently kissed his way up her belly and neck, ending on her lips as he guided her backwards onto the bed. Her tiny gasps and whimpers only stoked the burning need within. He sat and pulled her to the edge of the mattress, kneeling once again. Slipping his fingers under the band of her panties, he tugged them down her legs. She unhooked her bra, letting it tumble to the ground. She was bare before him. A bronze angel of perfection. His hands spread out, tracing the dips and curves of her breasts. He sucked them each one more time before he moved south, exploring, worshiping as he’d promised. He spread her thighs as she shivered. Circular scars and burn marks peppered her inner thigh. His grip tightened and she stilled.