“It’s not stupid. It’s an addiction.”
“That doesn’t make it ok. If I’m able to kick it for a few months, why the hell can’t I say no and move on? Slade will leave me alone for a while and then, like a puppet on a string, he takes me down off of the shelf, ready to play.” Baby squeezed her eyes shut before the tears spilled.
“I can’t watch you go through this. I want to take care of you.”
Baby’s insides trembled. Sobs welled in her throat and tears pooled in the corners of her captivating green eyes. No one had ever wanted to take care of her other than Ma’Linn. Her lip quivered. “Why would you do that?”
“To be honest, I have no idea. I hated seeing you like that tonight. It tore me up. I wanted to punch the son of a bitch in his huge troll face.”
Baby shot upright and moved to the end of the bed, out of his reach. “I don’t need your pity. I’ll get through it one way or another. I always do.”
“Hey, don’t get all defensive on me. I don’t pity you.” He dragged her back to him, enveloping her in his arms. His bare chest was warm under her cheek. “I can’t explain it. It feels right, like I’m supposed to take care of you. Like I’ve been waiting my whole life for you I don’t know exactly what it is that I feel, but it’s definitely not pity. I want to be near you, hold you, and make you smile.”
Her lips curved at the sincerity of his words. She stroked his chest, trailing her finger along the lines of his tattoos. She smelled herself on his skin, and it made her body react, the pulsing between her legs distracting her.
“Yeah, like that. I want to make you blush. Be there to keep you safe, hold you when you need to cry. I don’t know what the hell’s going on, but I haven’t felt like this since Carrie. Hell, not then either. And it was the last damn thing I expected when I came back to town.”
“I don’t know what is happening either. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt like this. I’ve never had a normal relationship.”
Lucky chuckled. “Baby, I’m far from normal.”
“Then we’re the perfect match.” She snuggled in closer.
“Yep.”
The last thing Baby Jade remembered before falling asleep was the soothing touch of Lucky’s fingertips on her back.
Chapter Fourteen
Lucky
Lucky examined Baby’s face. Her eyes were closed with no harsh lines or creasing. It was the first time that he had seen her look at peace. Baby gave a satisfied sigh and unconsciously burrowed herself into his chest. Her breath on his flesh made the blood rush through his veins. His heart beat fast as her body twitched with her skin on his.
This was insane. How could he already be developing feelings for this girl? And why did it have to be the one chick with the most fucked up problems?
The lost lamb look on Baby’s face tonight at the club made him want to throw her on the back of his bike and take off. However, he couldn’t leave, not yet. And there’s nothing saying she would want to ride off with him into the sunset after the board meeting.
His mother had been calling him for days now, but he still refused to answer the phone. He wasn’t here for a fake family reunion.
He and Baby had come from two different worlds although they grew up only a few blocks apart. His life was filled with vacations, nannies, and servants. Hers was filled with drugs, abuse, and abandonment. He resented the life he’d once had. There were people in the world suffering while his parents threw money at their problems.
In college, it became clear that Lucky wanted something different out of life. When he met Carrie, he thought he had found it. He would have gone to the moon to fight for their relationship. He didn’t give a shit if his parents had disowned him. Money didn’t mean the same thing to him as it did to his family.
As an only child, Lucky was pretty much guaranteed a spot on the Gauthier board when a seat became available. The successful company had initially been a small startup by his father, Colby, and his best friend, Art Flanagan, who committed suicide a few months back.
Lucky grew up as James Thomas Gauthier. He went to an affluent private school. He made good grades for the most part and tried to stay out of trouble, but as he got older, he started pushing the limits; doing drugs, sneaking out, and he developed a serious case of gambling addiction.
His father wouldn’t dare let him attract negative attention to the Gauthier name. In their junior year of high school, Lucky and a classmate stole a teacher’s car, and that’s when all hell broke loose. He was arrested, and his dad had to pull major strings to keep his name out of the paper, going to all lengths to keep the Gauthier name from being tarnished. His friend wasn’t as fortunate, being convicted of grand larceny. Colby Gauthier also had to drop some serious coin to keep him in school. That is where the Gauthier computer lab came from. And the Gauthier athletics fund, the Gauthier parking lot, and the Gauthier faculty workroom. The list goes on.
He spent years of testing how far his dad would go to keep him out of trouble before Lucky finally got his shit together. After a pregnancy scare and a DUI charge, the family didn’t know what to do anymore. He was sent away to spend the majority of his junior year at military school. It was like six months of boot camp, without the actual government to regulate tactics, which bordered on abuse. There was no use complaining about it. His father would say it was what he needed since he came back a changed man.
Lucky tossed all the drugs and alcohol he had stashed. He decided to rule out girls for the year, not wanting drama to get in the way of graduation. He kept his eye on the prize. That prize was getting into LSU, getting his degree, and taking over his father’s business.
There were times when Lucky literally sat and daydreamed about sitting in his father’s oversized leather chair, bellied up to his enormous mahogany desk with a scotch in one hand and an intern in the other.
He graduated high school with honors and maintained a 3.9 GPA. His father continued to run his business, as well as his personal life like a tyrant. His mother continued to work on her retail therapy and write checks to local charitable organizations.
Everything was on track. That is until Carrie Scott walked into his business law class. With long blond hair, a body to die for, and flawless fair skin, she was drop-dead gorgeous and the picture of Los Angeles socialite. LSU was her father’s alma mater. He had moved out to Hollywood after getting his big break in the film industry.
After hooking up at a frat party, he and Carrie became inseparable. They studied together, worked out together, and spent what little free time they had together. Yes, she was hot and fun, but the thing that he loved most about her was her drive. Carrie was the most motivated person he had ever met. When she wanted something, she was balls to the wall until it happened. Nothing was too big for her. Nothing was unattainable. She was infectious, pushing him harder and keeping him focused.
Once Lucky disclosed his plan about climbing the ladder at Gauthier, it was all Carrie talked about. He saw his future, and he loved it. The two of them were going to take the business world by storm.
However, not everyone approved of their relationship. His parents made that abundantly clear, but it didn’t matter. He had gone to bat for her time and time again. It was the real deal. They were the campus power couple and they were both reveling in it.
It shook him when Carrie announced she was pregnant. He was scared as hell, not of having a kid, but that he would turn out to be like his old man. After the initial shock wore off, he was elated. He quickly adjusted his plan and had no doubts they could still have all the things they wanted out of life.
Carrie had never been as excited as he was, but once Lucky told his parents and stood up to them, she slowly reconciled with the fact that she was going to be a mother. She talked about nursery themes and baby names. The two got an apartment off campus with two bedrooms.
And that’s where it ended. The day he came home to find Carrie packing her belongings after having an abortion was the day Lucky cut himself off fr
om anything that would cause him to feel pain. Or anything for that matter. If it didn’t involve being pissed off, pain from a bar fight, or the pathetic relief of sex with a more than willing stranger, Lucky wasn’t feeling it.
That’s why this green-eyed girl had him spiraling out of control. He couldn’t wrap his head around what was happening to his heart. The feeling was foreign and yet addictive all at the same time.
Crazy attracts crazy. Or is it wounded attracts wounded? Either way, they were both a mess. Together, they were bound to be a disaster.
Chapter Fifteen
Baby Jade
Baby kicked off the covers. Sweating, her legs stuck to the sheets. She stretched her arms up over her head, and the back of her hand met something hard. She opened her eyes, shocked to see her dark legs entangled with Lucky’s denim ones. Sun streamed into the room from the small breaks in the blinds. Her head rested on Lucky’s chest, right over his heart tattoo. She didn’t move. She closed her eyes and attempted to savor the moment. His warm skin smelled like a mixture of his soap and her body lotion. The simple motion of his breathing awakened her body.
She couldn’t help but wonder how the morning was going to play out. She didn’t regret what had happened, but she didn’t know how Lucky would feel, especially after her long, drawn out confession.
He stirred, giving a drowsy sigh. He stretched, pulling his long body tight. The bulging bicep muscle under her back caused her to twitch.
“Hey you.” Lucky’s arms closed around Baby, squeezing her to his chest.
The gesture unleashed the angst that had been all wrangled inside her and she returned his embrace. “Good morning. Sleep well?”
“I haven’t slept like that in years. You looked like you were sleeping pretty well yourself.” He kissed the top of her head.
“I guess I was worn out.” The sly grin that crept across his face gave her chills. “Yes, physically, but also emotionally.”
“That’s understandable. I’m sure last night took a toll on you, but I’m happy you opened up to me.”
She braced her hand against his hard abs and propelled herself to a sitting position. “You don’t look at me any different?”
Lucky used his thumb to sweep a tuft of black hair behind Baby’s ear. Her pulse quickened as the back of his hand brushed the smooth skin of her neck. “I didn’t say that.”
Baby shot upright, her green eyes wide. “What?”
“I’m not gonna lie. I do look at you differently.” Lucky tilted her face up to meet his gaze. “Don’t shut down on me again. Before we talked, I knew you were hot, strong, and independent. And none of that has changed. You’re still all of those things. Only now, you’re more. You’re hot and beautiful. You’re strong but also fragile. You’re independent but desperately need someone to take care of you. It’s true. My thoughts about you have changed, but they haven’t weakened, they’ve intensified. I’m caught up in you and I think I’m losing my fucking mind.”
Tears flowed down Baby’s face, pooling at her neck. She wanted to believe Lucky’s incredible words, but it didn’t come naturally. No one had ever cared for her like that. No one had ever loved her enough to embrace not only her strengths, but also her weaknesses. For someone to know some of her darkest secrets and still speak of her like she’s worthy of receiving that kind of love of was too much for her to comprehend.
“Come on, green eyes. Don’t cry. You shouldn’t cry from hearing nice things about yourself. You have no idea how amazing you are.”
Baby Jade tried to speak but could only manage a strangled cry. Her lips gave a pathetic smile and her shoulders sagged, spent.
Lucky leaned over and placed his palms on both of her cheeks. He brought her face closer to his before brushing his lips against hers. “How about a shower?” he asked, with their lips still touching.
“Mmhmm,” was all she could say as Lucky backed out of the bed. He extended his hand and she reached for it as she crawled toward him. The top of his jeans were still undone, revealing the yumminess of his chiseled pelvis. The way his worn jeans hung on his hips made her come alive, her body humming at the sight of him.
As they made the way down the hall, they stripped the few pieces of clothing they were each wearing. Lucky messed with the water, trying to find an acceptable temperature, grateful the hot water heater complied.
They stepped into the tiny shower stall. Lucky picked up the pink bottle of Sweet Pea body gel, squeezing a generous amount into his hand before working it up into a lather.
Baby watched the hungry glint in his eye. The blood soared through her own body in anticipation. He slipped his hands around her back, turning her to face the wall. He soaped up her back and shoulders, teasing her as he reached around the front to pay special attention to her breasts, caressing her stiff nipples.
His body pressed into hers, making it easy to feel his hard-on jabbing into her back. Lucky’s mouth devoured her neck, and she braced herself against the shower wall in attempt to contain the trembling in her body.
A deep moan escaped her lips as Lucky worked his hands down her slippery abdomen. With one swift movement of his knee, he spread her legs wide. He fondled her soft folds, using his soapy fingertips to explore. Her muscles ached from the intense night of sex. The soap was stinging her raw and delicate flesh.
Baby twisted her body to reach for him. The agonizing torture of craving every part of him boiled inside her.
“Oh no, green eyes. I’m in control this time.” Lucky pinned her body with his own, making her bite her lip to keep from protesting. The cold shower wall met her hot flesh, causing her to shiver. His middle finger found her opening as the pad of his thumb circled her firm clit.
“Damn,” Baby moaned. Her forehead colliding with the wall as Lucky plunged his long finger into her, dipping in and out. Her eyes rolled, and Baby rocked her hips back onto his hand, begging for more. Lucky spread her delicate folds open further, allowing him to match the rhythm of one finger by adding a second.
He massaged her breast with one free hand while thrusting the two fingers into her. Overwhelmed, Baby tossed her head back, blindly consuming his face until her lips made their way to his mouth. She found his tongue and began sucking, matching the rhythm of his fingers. The force of his hand working between her legs left her breathless.
His throbbing cock kneaded into her back. She was close to climaxing as he clutched her breast harder and plunged in a third finger. The pressure made her breath hitch. Her knees became weak, and her muscles clenched as an orgasm quaked through her body. She sucked on his tongue as if it were his cock.
Her tense body tightened around his hand. When her breathing calmed, Lucky withdrew his hand and caressed her sensitive creases. When he was done, Baby turned to face him, reaching for his erection.
Lucky grabbed her hand and pulled it to his mouth, grazing his lips across her moist skin. “No. Not this time.”
Baby’s questioning gaze peered up at him from under her long, wet eyelashes.
Lucky took her face in his hands. “I want you to know what it feels like for someone to please you without wanting anything in return.”
“That’s crazy! You can’t stay like this!” She reached for him again.
“Baby, no. I’m serious. It’s a small price to pay. Besides, I don’t plan on having to go too long.” Lucky’s lips curled into that luscious lopsided grin.
After the two of them dried off, Lucky slipped back into his jeans. Baby threw on a pair of workout shorts and an old Voodoo Room sweatshirt while watching Lucky pull on his black t-shirt.
“Mom’s Biker Bar? Where’s Longview”
“Up in East Texas.” He slipped on his boots.
“How’d you end up there?”
“Happened through there once when I was headed to California. It’s off I-20. I stopped looking for a cold beer and ended up staying for a bit, picking up some odd jobs. Not much of a town, but I met some cool people.”
“Never been there.
Never been fifty miles outside of New Orleans for that matter.”
“We’ll have to do something about that. Road trip?”
Baby flew off the bed and threw her arms around Lucky’s neck. The childish act surprised her. “Oh my gosh! Are you serious?”
He laughed and returned her embrace. ”Absolutely. We’ll make plans. But right now, I need to go check on things at Rodney’s. I’ll see you tonight?” He walked toward the living room, Baby following behind.
“Of course. I have the late shift.”
“Speaking of which, Mickey wanted me to tell you that you owed him some time for leaving last night.” Lucky tucked his wallet into his back pocket and grabbed his jacket.
“Was he super pissed?” Baby perched on the arm of the couch.
Lucky tilted his head and rubbed his forehead. “Naw, I think he kinda understood. It was weird.”
Baby nipped at her bottom lip and twisted her hair between her fingers. “Yeah, that is weird.” Anything resembling kindness coming from Mickey was something to be concerned about. That man was full of ulterior motives. Nothing good can come from Mickey being understanding.
Lucky pulled her fingers from her hair. “Damn, your hands are soft.” He drew her hand to his lips. “Don’t worry about anything. I’ll be there with you. I have to get through this business meeting at Gauthier and we’ll plan a trip to get away for a while. Sound good?”
Baby gave an uneasy nod. Something didn’t sit right with her. Nothing was ever that easy. Lucky kissed her before walking out the front door. With the rumble of his Harley, he was gone.
***
Baby blasted some music and spent the next couple of hours cleaning, trying to keep her mind occupied. It didn’t work. Lucky consumed her thoughts, but that uneasy feeling kept creeping around in her gut. Things were never that easy. Life wasn’t one long motorcycle ride. What would happen when they finally got to wherever the hell they were going?
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