by Cali MacKay
Yet I could hold back no longer, my orgasm set free as she cried out and came, reminding me of just how good we were together, how there could be no one else for either of us. My cock pulsed deep inside her quivering body as I filled her with my hot cum, her body milking my cock for every last drop.
Our breath mingled as my heart pounded inside my chest, our bodies locked together as we rode out the last waves of our orgasms. “I love you, Sky…”
She stole one more kiss, cupping my face in her hand, her voice filled with emotion. “I love you too.”
There was no point in denying how I felt about Finn. I could never love anyone but him, and no matter how hard I tried, there was no getting over him. Not when it felt like a piece of my soul was missing when we were apart.
Lying back against the pillows, he pulled me into his strong arms and held onto me tightly, our legs tangled together as I pressed my body to his, clinging to him. I’d spent the last few months dealing with the aftermath of what happened to me, and yet it’d been impossible for me to fully move on when I hadn’t been able to get over Finn. It’d been like trying to live a normal life even though I felt empty and hollow inside.
Yet with Finn back in my life, I finally felt whole again. And though we might still have issues to deal with and overcome, a peace had settled in my heart. “Tell me we’ll find a way to make this work.”
He kissed the top of my head and tightened his hold on me as I nestled deeper in his arms. “I’d lay down my life for you and this baby, Sky…so if you think that I won’t find a way for us to be happy, then you can guess again.”
His words had my eyes stinging with emotions, no doubt fueled by my surging hormones. “I want to be happy, Finn. More than anything.”
“Baby girl…I love you.” He tilted my chin up and kissed me, his lips lingering on mine. “And I know we’ve been through a lot, but…I want to put all that behind us. I want a fresh start for us.”
“I want that too. More than anything.”
It’d been two weeks since Finn had shown up unexpectedly at Colt’s shop, and with each day that passed, Finn found new ways to show me how much he loved me.
“Where are we going?” I followed behind Finn as he led me down a trail through the woods, leaving me to wonder why the hell he’d suddenly wanted to go on a hike.
“You’ll see.” He gave me a charming smile over his shoulder, making my heart race.
I tightened my jacket against the brisk wind, the smell of snow in the air as frosty leaves crunched underfoot—and I loved it. The crisp air and the smell of pine always seemed to calm me—and as we broke through the tree line, we came upon the most amazing view of the mountains and the river off in the distance.
“Do you like it?” Finn turned to face me, pulling me to him.
“It’s a gorgeous view, and the mountains around here are always so stunning.” Yet, I still didn’t quite understand what was going on.
“It’s ours, love…” His eyes were alight with excitement as his gaze drifted over my face. “The land here—and the home up on the hill. You said you wanted to stay here…and I don’t think we could find a more perfect place to start our family.”
I shook my head in disbelief, trying to wrap my thoughts around the fact that he’d bought us a house. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kissed him, smiling against his lips, my heart overjoyed. “You’re crazy. You know that, right?”
“Maybe. But it’s only because I love you so much, I can’t think straight.” Cupping my face in his hands, he kissed me slow and sweet, but only for a moment more. “Come on…I want to show you our new home.”
“I still can’t believe you bought us this place.” I let him lead the way, and just a few minutes back through the trees, we came upon a gorgeous log cabin. “When did you even manage to go house hunting?”
“I’ve had plenty of time on my hands while you’ve been at work, and since I paid cash, there was no real delay once the inspection was completed and the papers were drawn up.” He shrugged as we climbed the steps up to the front porch, and then after a quick fiddle with the key, he swung the door open and stepped aside so I could pass. “Welcome home, baby girl.”
Welcome home indeed.
With an excitement that had me feeling like a kid on Christmas morning, I tried to take it all in as we wandered through the home, pausing when we got to the great room and the massive fireplace. “I’ve never seen anything more gorgeous, Finn.”
“I have, baby girl. Every time I’ve laid eyes on you.”
I pulled the engagement ring from the front pocket of my jeans and, wanting to do this right, I knelt before her, desperate for her to see what she meant to me, my heart jack-hammering inside my chest. “Marry me, Sky. I love you more than life itself. And I know you’ve been through a lot, and you’re probably thinking that you’re not ready for this, but I know what’s between us, and we’re meant to be together. Please…say yes, love.”
Her brown eyes swelled with tears, spilling over as she nodded. “Yes. A million times yes, Finn. You’re the only man I’ve ever loved.”
Standing, I slipped the ring onto her finger and caught her as she threw herself into my arms, my soul overwhelmed with the love I had for her. I held her tightly to me, never wanting to let her go, my mouth catching hers in a kiss that sent my heart soaring and finally content with a happiness I could have only imagined.
Though we finally broke away from our kiss, I couldn’t let her go completely, keeping her hand in mine. “Come on…let me show you the rest of the place.”
As we wandered through the home, I was relieved to find that she loved the place just as much as I did—and even more relieved that she’d agreed to marry me. Yet there was a hesitation in her voice when she finally pulled me to a stop. “I love the place, Finn. But…are you sure you want to move here from Seattle? You’re whole family…the business…it’s all there.”
“But you’re here, baby girl. And that’s all that matters. Besides, it’s really not that far a drive. And we’ll have plenty of rooms here if anyone decides they want to visit.” She had every reason not to want to live in Seattle, where she’d be constantly reminded, day after day, of all she’d been through. And though I knew she’d move back if I wanted to, I couldn’t do that to her. “I will have to head back to grab the rest of my stuff, though, and let my family know that we’re getting married.”
Her lips curled into a sexy smile as she slipped her arms around my neck, nipping at my bottom lip. “Have I told you just how much I love you?”
“I might vaguely recall you saying something along those lines.”
We eventually got around to taking a quick trip to Seattle, so we could grab some more of our things. Most of Skylar’s belongings had been at her family home, even though she’d been living with Ray. As for my home in Seattle, I decided it’d be best to hold onto it. That way, if I was back in the area on business, I’d be spared from crashing with my family or staying in a hotel, which got old quick.
Because home? That was now in Crooked Creek by Skylar’s side—and I couldn’t be happier.
“Are you sure you’re feeling up for heading out tonight?” I pulled Skylar into my arms and brushed my fingers down her cheek, trying not to worry about her—which was impossible. I knew it was all just normal pregnancy stuff, but she seemed exhausted, and I didn’t want her pushing herself for an inconsequential night out to Locke’s for dinner.
“It’s our last night in Seattle, and I know how close you and Locke are. Besides, I had a nice long nap earlier, so I might actually manage to stay awake through dinner.” A sultry smile slipped onto her lips as she leaned in and kissed me, a definite sparkle of mischief in her eyes. “Might even be persuaded to stay up late.”
A laugh escaped me, knowing full well what she had in mind. “Such a naughty little girl.”
I kissed her one last time, savoring each and every moment we had together, now that she was finally mine once more. Despite everything sh
e’d been through and our time apart, we were finally, truly, happy, and it felt like we had somehow managed to leave our past problems behind so we could focus on the future. That wasn’t to say that we’d been left unchanged or unaffected by what we went through. Yet, somehow, we’d managed to find a way to heal, and move past it—together.
We’d had a bit of a scare with the pregnancy, which nearly made me crazy. I could deal with anything if it were happening to me. But to have Skylar or our baby in any sort of danger was enough to push me over the edge. Yet, the amniocentesis that the doctor ordered ended up being a blessing in disguise, because we found out that our baby was healthy—a healthy baby boy. Not that we’d stop worrying.
But there was more…
They were able to run a DNA test. And the baby was truly our baby. I was the father—not Ray. Skylar was carrying my baby. And though I’d have loved this child no less had it been Ray’s, it was a relief to know it was mine, so we could finally move on from what happened.
Before I dragged her back to bed and cancelled dinner altogether, we got going. Driving through the city toward the waterfront, I maneuvered us through an industrial seaport area lined with shipping containers and warehouses, to where Locke had his houseboat docked.
“I don’t think I ever realized that Locke lives on a houseboat.” Skylar’s gaze scanned the docks, the city lights reflecting off the water.
“He bought it just a year ago. Seems to suit him just fine, and though you’d think it’d be a tiny space, it’s actually pretty damn comfortable. Even has a second floor.” Though I wished he’d dock it somewhere less industrial and cut off from other people.
Our family had managed to acquire a fair few enemies over the years, and if anyone came after him here, there’d be little chance of him getting any sort of neighborly help if something happened. There were plenty of houseboat communities around Seattle—but this was not one of them.
I parked, and we headed down the dock to Locke’s place, which was well lit with fairy lights strung across the back deck and decorated with a patio table and chairs.
Skylar’s eyes lit up as she squeezed my hand. “It’s really cute, Finn.”
“It’s even nicer on the inside.” Before we could knock, Locke’s dog, Bear, let out a deep bark, signaling our arrival.
Locke pulled open the door, as Bear wagged his tail with a full body wiggle, though luckily, he was well behaved and didn’t jump, since his massive size would likely topple us overboard into the water. Locke stepped aside to let us pass. “Perfect timing. Dinner’s nearly ready, and there are appetizers set up on the back deck.”
Yet before we’d even taken off our jackets, Bear was back at the door, barking and whimpering, as I shot Locke a questioning look. “Were you expecting anyone else?”
“No. I wasn’t. And I don’t get many unannounced visitors.” Locke pulled Bear back and opened the door, as I tucked Skylar behind me.
Yet, nothing could have prepared us for what happened next.
A woman stumbled through the door, naked and bloody, slamming the door shut behind her before collapsing in a heap against it, her body curled in on itself. “Please…please help me.”
Locke grabbed a throw off the nearby sofa and covered the woman with it, crouching down before her, as Bear paced and whimpered, trying to get close to the stranger, as if sensing her distress. “Are you hurt? Is someone after you?”
She just nodded, looking terrified.
Locke kept his voice calm and soothing, though he was careful not to crowd her since she was clearly frightened. “You’re safe here, okay? I won’t let anyone hurt you. What’s your name?”
She shook her head as if trying to clear it, her eyes wide with fear. “I…I don’t remember.”
I hope you enjoyed Shattered!! As always, reviews are greatly appreciated! Locke’s story, Vengeance, is the next book in the Blackthorn Brother's Series, and is now available for pre-order. To stay updated on new releases and sales, please sign up for my newsletter. Wishing you all the best. — Cali MacKay
Have you read them all?
Book Series by Cali MacKay
The Blackthorn Brothers Series
Forced
Shattered
Vengeance
The Billionaire’s Seduction Series
Passion
Obsession
Scandal
Temptation
The Billionaire’s Temptation Series
Seduction and Surrender
Submission and Surrender
Love and Surrender
Deception and Surrender
Ravage and Surrender
Forbidden – The Townsend Twins Series
Part 1 – 4
Also available as a box set
The Silver Moon Pack Series
Greyson
Part 1 - 4
Also available as a box set
A Maine Island Romance Series
One Sweet Summer
For Love or Treasure
Sweet Danger
The Highland Heart Series
The Highlander’s Hope
A Highland Home
A Highland Heist
Also available as a boxset (The Desired Collection)
The Pirate and the Feisty Maid Series
Part One, Two and Three only available as a boxset
Jack—A Grim Reaper Romance