SNAP (The SNAP Trilogy Book 1)

by Dawn, Tara

  My legs tremble against the weight of him moving against me. Cash's hand cups my face and turns it toward him. His lips brush mine and I can taste myself on his tongue as it delves between my lips. The taste of myself and the feel of his cock probing my entrance has me moaning into his mouth. I search for the condom on the bed needing him inside me more than I need my next breath. The thought of having something between us completely ruins what we're trying to do here. I want to feel him, but obviously he needs it if he retrieved it in the beginning.

  When I find it, I break our kiss and put it between my teeth to open. He looks at the condom weighing his choices before slipping it from my hand.

  "No." He kisses me desperately. "I need to feel you."

  I stroke him and he shudders, moaning against my lips. Lining himself up, he pushes inside me. The size of him leaves me gasping as he works himself back and forth until I stretch enough to sheath him fully. He pauses for a moment and holds me tight against him whispering for me not to move. I can feel him flexing inside me and fight the urge to squeeze around him.

  He kisses me and mutters something about perfection before he starts moving, hitting spots so deep I didn't know they existed. Cash is doing more than erasing my pain. He's replacing it with love. It's in his eyes, in the way he touches me reverently, and the way his body glides in out of mine lovingly. Cash is making love to me. He needs it as much as I do. But our need to heal ourselves becomes a fervor as our hands and mouths roam, tongues clash, and skin gets bitten and clawed as we leave our own marks on each other.

  As we lose ourselves in one another over and over again, I realize one simple thing. No matter what Phil does to me, no matter how much he hurts me, it won't be him that breaks me.

  Cash

  The sunlight filters through the crack in Hazel's curtain making the golden strands in her hair glitter. I lay there curled around her and breathe in her scent. Coconut mixed with the aroma of me on her skin. It's better than anything I've ever smelled before. Her body fits with mine in all the right places. My cock, that is thickening between us, agrees.

  Waking up to her sobs was disheartening and made me wonder how many nights she would cry alone. It reminded me of the nights I would cry myself to sleep wanting my mother. The anxiety of being separated from her not knowing if she was ever coming back. All of it came rushing back to me making me feel like that scared little boy again. I hated it. I hated she was suffering from something I'd never be able to empathize with, and I hated that I was feeling all those emotions again.

  When Hazel asked me to take it away, I was unsure of what to do. I can't get rid of my own pain, how the hell was I supposed to take away hers? I feared touching her would make it worse and she would hate me too. The thought of her hating me felt like a punch to my balls. It fucking hurt. She's never had anything bad happen to her and doesn't understand that life changing events alter you forever. Things never go back to the way they were. You never see anything in the right light anymore. It's all shadowed with the fear that guards the walls we construct to protect ourselves.

  She didn't ask me any questions, and probably knows that I won't talk about it, but was willing to fight my demons for me. Hazel is beautiful beyond words I could ever form. She's caring, compassionate, and loving, always worried about someone other than herself when she's going through something that would devastate others. That speaks of her strength, her integrity, and the capacity of her heart. She has put her trust in me, and all I've done is take advantage of her every step of the way. What does that say about my integrity? I'm far worse than Phil. At least he doesn't hide whatever the fuck he is. He owns that shit.

  I couldn't say no to her. And I couldn't say no to the child inside screaming at me to let her love us. He would give her anything she asked of us as long as her eyes never lose the love they hold when I'm buried deep inside of her. She enamored me in the beginning, and now, I'm completely captivated by her. I wish I could be as resilient as she is. Have the courage to not let my past swallow me whole and change so my future will be better. Not just adapting to new ways to bury my pain and survive.

  I bury my face into Hazel's hair and soak up as much of her as I can. I'll be leaving her soon and it terrifies me that she won't be protected while I'm gone. Phil made it clear at Dustin's house that he isn't done with her yet. I'd hate to see what his grand finale is and hope we are able to stop him before he's able to finish whatever it is he's doing.

  Sighing, I climb out bed hoping not to wake Hazel and go to the bathroom. The thought of showering crosses my mind, but I'd rather smell her on my skin a bit longer. I go back to her room and quietly pull my jeans on. After rummaging through her fridge and cabinets, I start some coffee and make us some omelets and toast. She works this afternoon and will need her energy. A smile spreads over my face thinking about how much energy we burned in the wee hours of the morning as I plate our food.

  "I didn't know eggs could make a man so happy."

  Startled, I jerk toward the sound of her voice, rough with sleep, and laugh. She smiles at me as she leans on the wall, her head resting against it. Her oversized t-shirt is now inside out and she isn't wearing any pants. My fingers itch to pull it up and see if she's wearing any panties.

  "I was just about to wake you." I put the plates on the table and motion to a chair. "Sit down and I'll pour you some coffee."

  I grab a mug and when I turn back around she's leaning into the fridge, her shirt rising up revealing just enough of her bare bottom to have my dick springing to life. I loved taking her from behind last night, her forearms flat on the bed and her ass perched high into the air. My fingers twitch as I think about digging them into her cheeks again as I pound into her.

  Hazel tugs her shirt down subconsciously as she checks the expiration date on the cream. She frowns slightly and opens the lid sniffing it. Her eyes open wide and she cringes, snapping the lid closed quickly. My chest rumbles as I try to contain my amusement, but it quickly becomes full out laughter. She looks at me and giggles then throws the cream in the trash.

  I set her coffee by her plate and we sit down to eat. She glances at me over the top of her mug and I wink at her. The smile I get in return has my blood heating. We don't speak, just exchange teasing glances and grins as we eat and drink our coffee. If there were ever a perfect breakfast date, it's Hazel in a t-shirt and nothing else eye fucking me over the top of her coffee mug.

  "Thank you. That was delicious," she says as she gets up to collect our dishes.

  I sneak my arm around her legs and tug her to me when she reaches for my plate. She squeaks in surprise and steadies herself by grabbing the table edge. I slide my hand under her shirt until I feel the bottom of her butt cheek. Her heated silver eyes stare into mine as my finger traces the crease beneath it. The emotions this woman evokes scares the shit out of me, but after having her I can't not touch her. She leans down and kisses my forehead then grabs my dishes and turns to deposit them in the sink.

  She rounds the corner toward the hallway and a moment later her shirt lands on the floor in the doorway. That little minx. The chair screeches backwards as I run after her.

  Hazel is bending over the tub starting the shower as I lean against the door frame. I wish I could smack her ass, but I don't know if that's something Phil did to her and I don't want to trigger any bad thoughts. She's in a much better place this morning and I want her to remain there. I hope she takes the news of me leaving for a couple of days well.

  She turns toward the sink and hands me an unopened toothbrush. We watch each other as we brush our teeth, and as soon as we are done rinsing, she pounces on me. I fight to get my jeans off and back her into the shower. The water rolls down her body and I want to lick every last bead from her skin, but there's no time for that and I'm not going to last long.

  I suck her nipple into my mouth eliciting a moan. The sounds that come from her will be the soundtrack to every wet dream I have from here on out. I push her against the wall and spread her
legs with my knee. Her hand wraps around my cock and strokes it making my head fall back on a groan.

  "Stop that or it'll be over before it starts."

  She raises a brow and strokes me one more time. I grab her face and kiss those lips that drive me insane until I kiss her stupid and her hand releases me. My fingers seek out her tight heat and I push two inside of her. She gasps and I kiss her again as I pump my fingers inside the sweetest pussy I've ever had, hitting that spot that I found last night that makes her legs shake.

  Hazel kisses my neck and licks her way up to my ear. She takes it between her teeth sucking for a moment before nibbling it. I about lose my damn mind. Right when she's about to come, I move my hand and slam my cock inside of her. If anything could ever be heaven on earth, it's when Hazel comes on my cock. Her muscles squeeze as I seat myself as deep as I can get and she screams out as she has her release. I lift her leg and slide deeper inside of her, relishing the feel of her pussy. I fucking love it. I've never wanted to be inside someone as badly as I do Hazel. She molds to my cock perfectly giving me sensations that are new and feel amazing. I wrap my arm around her gripping her shoulder and pinning her tightly between the wall and myself. I relinquish all control and let my primal urges lead me, pounding into her wetness furiously prolonging her orgasm. Her head falls against my shoulder and her body shakes against me as she moans incoherently with my thrusts.

  I pin her to the wall with my upper body and bring my hand around to her clit. My balls feel as if they are going to bust and I want to hear her scream when they do. Swirling her clit under my thumb, I angle myself just right and slam into her as hard as I can. Her head thuds back against the wall and she lets out the most beautiful scream moan I have ever heard as I spurt inside of her. Her breaths are shaky and tears well in her eyes making them look like molten silver pools. I lean my forehead to hers and search her eyes in fear. If I hurt her I won't be able to forgive myself. She smiles and kisses me removing my doubts.

  "I'm good," she croaks out then laughs and clears her throat. "More than good. That was…intense."

  "That was amazing." I slip out of her body and she gasps. I smile and kiss her softly. Putting her leg down, I make sure she has her balance before letting go of her.

  As we wash, I broach the subject of me leaving today.

  "I have to go out of town tonight," I tell her and wait for her reaction.

  Her face gives away nothing. "Cash, I understand that you have to work."

  "I know, but I don't want you to be alone right now."

  She thinks for a minute while rinsing her hair then says, "Maybe I don't have to be."

  My brows pull together wondering what she means.

  "I wanted to offer Bobby a place to stay other than Dustin's. They aren't getting along well and he doesn't need to be there mixed up in all that shit." It rushes from her mouth quickly and she pauses looking at me.

  I'm trying to mask my emotions, but I'm pissed. The thought of Bobby staying here sets me on fire. Will he make sure she's safe? I don't doubt it for a second. I saw the way he looked at her. That's the part I don't like. He'll have ample opportunity to show Hazel how he feels.

  "With Bobby here, he stays out of trouble and can help me if I need it." She sighs and adds, "I would feel safer with him here while you're gone."

  And that's the most important thing. Her being safe. Maybe getting out of here is the best thing. I'm getting over involved with Hazel and losing my mind at the thought of someone else keeping her safe. I focus and get my head back in the game. I'm not here to protect Hazel. I'm here to discover what Phil is up to and stop him. Dale saw this shit coming from a mile away, why couldn't I? Bobby will keep her safe. Hazel has no interest in him anyway, and if she did there's nothing I would do about it.

  "That's an excellent idea." I smile at her and she returns it.

  I step from the shower and towel off then wrap it around my waist. "I'm going to get dressed."

  "Okay. I'll be out in a minute."

  I grab my jeans and walk to her room. Tossing them on the bed, I spot the unused condom on the comforter. A condom that should have been worn several different times. Stupid. I know I'm clean. I've never gone without a rubber before and I get tested regularly. I'm pretty sure if Hazel had something, she'd tell me. She's not the kind of person to keep that shit to herself and hurt someone. But I don't know if she's on birth control. I shake my head and snatch my boxers off the floor, flinging my sock under the bed with the jerky movement. I slip my boxers on then get dressed.

  Kneeling down on the floor, I peer under her bed and find my sock. As I pull it back, a folded up piece of paper behind it catches my attention. Guilt has me looking behind me, but Hazel is still in the shower. I grab the paper and open it.

  I lean back against the bed as I read it over and over again in confusion and shock.

  Was I wrong about Hazel? Has she been part of this mess all along? Or did Phil lose this and he's trying to get it back?

  I sigh and run a hand through my hair while a million questions ping through my mind. But the one that keeps repeating is, why is the formula for Snap under Hazel's bed?

  Hazel

  From the time I stepped foot into work, I've been running my ass off. With school starting soon, families are out in droves getting all their back-to-school shopping done. We're so busy, even Roger is out on the floor working. It was time for us to get a laugh when Roger complained about not having enough help around here. He now understands what we've been bitching about for almost a year.

  I'm in the kitchen getting prep done for the evening rush wishing I had a cigarette two hours ago and thinking about Cash. I was pleasantly surprised to see him cooking breakfast for me. I wasn't sure how he would react after last night, but this morning he seemed happy and more relaxed around me. That is until after my shower. The walls were back in place closing him off to me once again. What could possibly have occurred in that short period of time to shut me out completely? Could it have been talk of Bobby?

  Cash decided to stay at my place and get more sleep before he has to leave tonight. I got a little excited because he didn't want to go and I'd be able to say goodbye before he takes off. What took place between us is a lot for me to process. It has to be a lot for him too. When he told me he couldn't give me what I'm looking for, I honestly didn't think I was looking for anything. After last night, I realized I was wrong. I am looking for something. Cash let me know it was okay to be broken. There is no need to be fixed as long as I have someone who accepts me as I am and loves me, ugly past and all. That's what I need and Cash gave that to me. Obviously he was hurt long ago to be able to hide his emotions as well as he does. I can't fathom that kind of existence or what he's been through all these years. It must be lonely as hell.

  When I left for work, I gave Erick a call and talked to him about Bobby staying at my place. Erick was all for it and said he would talk to Bobby at work tonight and let me know. He's just as worried about Bobby. Erick said after we left Dustin's that they were shitty with one another the rest of the night. I feel bad for Bobby. He has to be in denial if he thinks Dustin is going to change. Erick said he would try his best to talk to some sense into him, but Bobby has a mind of his own. I can only pray he makes the right choice.

  As I'm wrapping up pans to put in the fridge, I notice Jimmy's trainee working with someone else on the grill. Jimmy is nowhere in sight and was supposed to take over prep to teach the trainee our procedures.

  "Where is Jimmy?" I ask the newbie. They went on break together, he should be back by now.

  "I don't know. He said he was waiting for a friend and would be back in a minute." He looks worried. "I didn't want to be late and get in trouble, so I clocked back in."

  "You're fine. Keep doing what you're doing. I'm going to find Jimmy."

  I look in the diner, the bar, and out front, but he's nowhere to be found. I walk to the back door where we take out trash and hear voices. Opening the door, I catch Jimmy and Dus
tin in the middle of a drug deal. Jimmy's eyes get as big as saucers as he tries to pocket the evidence as fast as he can. I'm so disappointed in him and livid with Dustin. How dare he deal that shit where I work? I keep my mouth shut when I'm at his house because it's not my place to tell him what to do, but this is my place and he's not doing business here.

  "It'll be okay, Hazel's cool." Dustin pats Jimmy's shoulder and slips the money in his pocket.

  My nostrils flare in anger and my head begins thumping as my blood pressure rises. Jimmy glances at me unsure of Dustin's comment and takes a worried step back. He should be concerned, because I'm about to unleash on that motherfucker.

  "The fuck I am!" I point my finger at Dustin and sneer. His brows pull together and his jaw tightens. "I am not "cool" with that shit, at all. You wanna do your thing at your house, by all means, destroy your fucking life. But you will not bring that shit here."

  Dustin glares daggers at me as Jimmy looks between us. Over Dustin's shoulder I watch as Phil steps out of Dustin's car. He rounds the hood and leans against it, crossing his arms and legs. If he thinks that shit is going to make me back down he is wrong. Intimidation is not going to work with me anymore. I will fight him to the end. He will not rule me with fear any longer.

  I shoot him the same pissed off look and turn back to Dustin.

  "If I catch either of you," I point to him then Phil, "dealing here again, I will call the fucking cops. Believe that I'm "cool" with that." I look at Jimmy and he is scared. "Jimmy, get inside. Now!"

  Jimmy walks past me as Dustin and Phil stare me down. I grab the doorknob and slam the door closed in his face. Dustin yells fuck loud enough for Jimmy and I to hear it clear as day through the door. My hand shakes as I grip the knob for dear life trying to control my heart beating wildly.