He stiffens but doesn’t say a word, so I squeeze his shoulder hard as fuck and grin. “Now enjoy the rest of your game as if we were never here.” I grab a slip of paper and write my number on it before flicking it across the table. “If Kevin shows up you call. Don’t tell the little bitch anything or you become our problem too. Got it?”
“Yeah,” James says. “We’ve got it.”
Ace finally removes his hammer from James’ throat and throws it over his shoulder all casual-like and shit. “Fuck… I’m hungry. Let’s go, brother.”
I keep my eyes on blondie, reminding him of my warning, before I follow Ace up the stairs and into the kitchen, where he decides to begin digging through the fridge.
“Seriously?”
He pulls out some lunchmeat, cheese and lettuce, shrugging as he tosses it down on the counter and begins searching for bread. “Want a sandwich?”
“Fuck no,” I say, annoyed. “I want to get back to Wynter. Hurry the fuck up with your sandwich before I take my rage out on you. Your hammer doesn’t scare me, asshole.”
Laughing, he slaps his sandwich together, reaches for his hammer and takes off out the front door as if we weren’t just here on a damn mission, possibly to kill some asshole.
I shake my head and step outside, pulling a joint from my jacket pocket and lighting it.
I lean against the SUV, smoking and looking at the house, wondering what life could’ve been like if it were the two of us living here instead of that asshole Kevin.
What if I would’ve told her how I felt back in high school? Would it have been us getting a nice place together, living a happily ever after in some other town away from the hell we grew up in? Or am I even capable of living that sort of life?
Fuck, I can’t see myself ever living the suburban life. I never have seen myself in that situation. But truth is with Wynter I do want that, even if a fucked-up asshole like me may not deserve it.
But I’m hoping to one day find out what being truly happy is really about…
* * *
Wynter
Even though I hadn’t seen myself chatting with someone casually, talking about random things like I don’t have my own problems, speaking with Kadence is really nice.
She starts talking about her life with her previous roommate, Melissa. Even in high school I didn’t have a ton of friends, and certainly not any that would be considered close enough to tell my deepest secrets to.
But I wish I had known Kadence back in the day. I think we would have been good friends, real friends.
I listen to the funny stories she’s telling me, no doubt to help keep my mind off things.
It’s nice having someone to laugh with, and not worry about what’s happening in my life right now.
It makes me feel, even for just a second, that I haven’t dug myself into this big, shitty hole.
“So what’s going on with you and Sterling?” She smiles right before she scoops a big helping of vanilla ice cream into a bowl.
I watch as she starts eating the ice cream right off the spoon.
She’s a really sweet girl, maybe even a little naïve. Or maybe she’s not. Maybe she knows what she wants, and I’m just so used to the darkness of the world that I mistake innocence for not giving a fuck what anyone thinks.
That has me laughing internally.
“Silence usually means there’s something there.”
I snap out of my thoughts and look at her again. “There’s nothing there.” I lie easily. Yeah, the sexual chemistry and tension is explosive, but aside from that there is nothing there.
Truth is I highly doubt Sterling would ever want anything more than a fuck with me. And on the heels of that I don’t even know if he’d want that.
Maybe he sees me as someone he wants to take care of? Maybe that’s where I am getting his affection from?
Hell, maybe my need to have him—to be with him—is making me see things that aren’t really there.
You wanting what you can’t have. Or maybe I can have Sterling but I don’t have the courage to actually make that first move.
I start rubbing my head, this headache taking root right behind my eyes.
“There’s nothing going on like that. He’s helping me out because we knew each other in high school.” I feel wrong saying that out loud, like there is something more there, like it isn’t just because we are “friends” that he’s helping me out with Kevin.
Kadence doesn’t say anything, but I can see she senses I don’t want to talk about it. Or at least I hope she catches on. I don’t want to bring up Sterling, and what may or may not be there between us.
Before anything else can be said by either of us, the flash of headlights through the kitchen window and the sound of gravel crunching under tires has us both looking toward the noise.
Kadence puts the ice cream away.
“I’ll let you talk with him alone.” She gives me a smile before heading downstairs to be with Aston.
I head outside at the same time Sterling and Ace climb out of the vehicle. I scan Sterling, but don’t see any blood on him. This pressure leaves me, my chest heaving as if this weight has been lifted off.
I don’t care if he hurt Kevin; I wanted him to even. But I am worried for Sterling, about him and what this could mean to him… to us.
Before I can say anything, if I was even going to, Ace leaves us alone. Sterling walks up to me, cups the back of my head, and for long seconds, just stares at me.
And then he kisses me, presses his mouth on mine and makes me gasp. I reach out and grip his bulging biceps, feeling warm and happy, relieved he’s back here with me.
The way his tongue swipes out to taste my lips has me opening for him, my heart practically beating out of my chest as his mouth captures mine and completely owns it.
After a few seconds, he breaks away and we’re both panting. I want him, but I don’t want to be forward, don’t want to use this situation as a bandage because it feels good.
“Let’s go upstairs and talk.” The fierce look on his face softens and he smiles at me.
That sounds like the best idea, and something we both need right now.
9
Sterling
I couldn’t stop myself from kissing her downstairs just a few moments ago.
After seeing how blondie had a thing for Wynter, it made the possessive side in me snap. I realized that even though my world is all kinds of fucked up and I may never be good enough for her, I want her anyway.
There’s no way in hell I’m letting some douchebag frat-looking dude swoop in and snatch her up as if he’s enough to take care of her needs.
The thought of him putting his hands on her, touching her in places I’ve wanted to since high school, had my blood boiling.
“Who’s blondie?” I ask stiffly.
She takes a seat on the edge of my bed and looks up at me, confusion written across her perfect face. “Blondie?”
Walking over to her, I wrap my fists into the back of her hair. She gasps slightly, her legs spreading. I stand between them as I look down at her. “Blonde douche-looking guy that hangs out at your house.”
It takes her a moment to answer, but I see the realization on her face. “His name is Zachary.” She grips my arm and lets out a small moan when I pull back on her hair slightly, forcing her gaze to meet mine. “He’s one of Kevin’s friends. Sort of quiet, and has always given me the creeps if I’m honest. I think he’s had a thing for me. He always would watch me.”
My jaw tightens at the knowledge that he wants her. Creepy fucker. I’ll pluck his motherfucking eyes out. “I have a feeling he won’t be watching you anymore.” I help her farther onto the bed so she’s now slightly under me.
“Good,” she whispers up at me. “It made my skin crawl and Kevin never seemed to give a shit. It was as if he enjoyed knowing that his friends wanted me.”
Keeping my gaze on hers, I place an arm around her waist and pull her up the bed even more, allowing myself room
to get on my knees between her thighs.
Her legs begin to tremble as I lay above her, holding myself up with my elbow. She swallows as I rub my thumb over her lip. “I’ll make sure no one fucking watches you again. Not this douche and certainly not Kevin. Now tell me…”
She closes her eyes for a few short seconds before opening them, her gaze locking on my lips as I breathe above her. “Yes. I mean… I’ll tell you whatever you want.”
“Where would Kevin be looking for you at?”
She inhales a deep breath and slowly releases it. “I had a feeling he wouldn’t be home, but I wasn’t sure. Kind of figured he would’ve given up looking for me after the first hour.”
“Where would he be?” I question again, but firmer this time, while leaning down to speak against her lips. “Don’t be afraid to tell me, Wynter. You better fucking believe I’m going to see to it that you never have to fear anything or anyone again.”
“He has a friend,” she says, breathlessly. “Lives here in town. Huge asshole who was always trying to get him out to bars to get fucked up and hook up with women. But… they haven’t spoken in almost two years. Not after Riley attempted to take advantage of me when we were all drinking one night. But I don’t know if he’d go there or not. They could be hanging out now that shit has fallen apart between us.”
Rage courses through me the moment the words take advantage of me leaves her lips. I reach out and grip the headboard, squeezing it so hard that the bones in my fingers feel like they could snap. “Where does he live? Tell me now,” I bark out.
She swallows and hesitantly reaches up to touch my face, cupping it with both hands. “Do you think you can just stay here with me for now? I just want a day to feel safe so I can get some rest. Would that be okay? I’m pretty exhausted both mentally and physically. Please… just stay with me.”
I find myself nodding, even though I want nothing more than to burn out of this damn property on my bike to kill that son of a bitch for trying to take her against her will.
My need to get revenge on both Riley and Kevin is strong as fuck but at the same time I want to be here for Wynter and show her that I’ll do whatever she fucking wants me to.
I want her to know that I’ll do everything to protect her, even if that means just waiting while she rests and recovers from all the stress Kevin put on her over the last few days.
“If you want me to, then I will. I won’t leave your side until you tell me it’s okay.” I release the headboard and grab both of her wrists, pulling her hands down from my face gently. “You never have to fear me. You ask me to do something and it’s done. Anything you want.” I kiss her fingers, her skin soft, sweet smelling. “I’ll never make you feel powerless like those sons of bitches did. The only power I need is in the bedroom.” I don’t know why I tell her that, but the words come out of me like this vicious beast, like this testament for her to know exactly what she’s getting into with me.
I run my hands down her arms before gripping her waist and lowering my body to hers.
“When we’re naked with my hard body above yours, I need to be in control, Wynter. I need to make you scream and tremble beneath me so you know I’m the only man you want buried inside you. Ever.” I lower my face to hers and bite her bottom lip, tugging on it before releasing it. “Think you can handle that?”
I feel her heart pound against my chest as her breathing picks up against my lips. “For you…” She swallows. “I wouldn’t want it any way but rough with you in control.”
“Good. I fucking love that response.” I run my lips up her neck before running my tongue over my mouth, tasting her skin on me. “I’ve been wanting to touch you this way for as long as I can remember, Wynter.” I squeeze her hip and press my erection into the warm spot between her legs. “And I won’t let go, not now that I have you.” I inhale her scent, take it into my lungs so it’s imprinted. “How long have you wanted me to own you, Wynter?”
She closes her eyes and digs her nails into my arm at the feel of my cock pressing against her pussy. “Since we were in high school and you used to watch me… as if you were protecting me, as if I was yours.”
“Fuuuuck,” I growl against her lips. “It should’ve been me and not Kevin. I’m going to make up for that mistake. Starting right now…”
10
Wynter
My heart has never beat as fast as it is right now and my body has never been as hot and needy.
The feel of Sterling’s hard body between my legs, mixed with his alpha tendencies, has my entire being feeling as if it’s about to burst into flames.
As exhausted as I am—as I have been for days—I shouldn’t be craving his touch right now. I shouldn’t be dying to feel his strong hands on me… to have him taste me and take me any way he wants.
I want him to be savage and in control. I want to feel everything that is Sterling Locke and what makes him who he is. The darkness and all.
The fact that I’ve wanted him for years has this ache in me, this need that has claimed me like a chain around my entire body.
“I want to make tonight about you, to make you feel good, focus on you.” His voice is so low, so demanding yet gentle that I can’t help but moan softly.
I don’t know how tonight will play out, but I want this to last, want this to be the part that has us both coming undone.
* * *
Sterling
There is nothing more that I want than the woman in front of me.
Wynter is mine. She’ll always be mine and fuck anyone who thinks they can take her from me.
I should go slow, take my time, but I feel like a fiend right now. I push her top up, look at her big, round breasts, and my mouth waters.
My cock jerks at the sight.
Hell, I can jerk off and come from the very sight of her bared for me. But fuck no. When I come it’ll be deep in her tight little body.
I’ll have plenty of time to take in every part of her, to make her mine in all the ways that count. Right now is about her. Only her.
I see the way her throat works when she swallows. She’s nervous, but there’s no need for that. Tonight is about making her come with my lips and tongue.
“I want—need—you unhinged for me, screaming out my name, clawing at my flesh.”
“God, Sterling.” She breathes the words out, her chest rising and falling as her arousal increases.
I can’t help but growl low, this animal in me breaking free, coming undone. It wants out, wants to make Wynter feel so fucking good.
I move an inch closer. “I’m so fucking ready for you. I want to devour every part of you, want to see you break free and not worry about a thing.” I can see how she trembles for me. “You want me to make you feel good, to make you come using my mouth?” I want to hear her say she needs me. That she craves for me to taste her just as badly as I do… “Tell me how much you want to be mine. Tell me how much you want my mouth all over your body, Wynter.”
She closes her eyes and moans.
It’s music to my fucking ears.
“Look at me.” I need to see her expression, her eyes as I make her feel good.
She opens her eyes and I tip her chin slightly up with my fingers.
Jesus. She’s gorgeous.
It takes all of my control not to just say fuck it and be with her, part those pretty thighs of hers and align my cock with her pussy. I want in her so damn badly, but I can wait. I can sure as fuck make this about her.
I watch as she licks her lips, and I can’t take my focus off the sight. The dirty fucking images slamming into my head make me harder than a rock.
I’m a dirty bastard for imaging her on her knees, her mouth wrapped around my dick, her gaze trained right on me.
I find myself grinding my cock against her, the sweet little sound she makes in response making me groan.
Growling, I lean forward and run my tongue along the seam of her lips, loving that she tastes so damn sweet. I am already addicted to her. I grind m
yself on her again. “You see what you do to me, how hard you make me?”
She makes this needy, desperate noise for me and I love it. I slip my hand behind her nape, curl my fingers into her soft flesh, and tilt her head to the side. My mouth waters for her, for her flavor, her taste.
“More,” she whispers.
I lean down and run my tongue along the side of her throat, feeling her pulse jack up higher, knowing she’s wet between her thighs.
She digs her nails into my skin and my cock jerks at the pain and pleasure I feel.
“That’s it, baby. I need that pain, need you to do that over and over until you can’t breathe.” I push her shirt up even more, and let my fingers skim along the underside of her breasts. Her skin tightens slightly, goosebumps forming on her creamy flesh. “I wish I hadn’t been an asshole, and would have claimed you all those years ago.”
“I wish I would have told you how I felt too,” she whispers.
I close my eyes, never having felt before like I can be broken in two by one person. I pull back then and go on my knees, staring down at her. Before anything else is said, I help her out of her pants and panties. “I want to see you, all of you. Show yourself to me, baby. Let me see how much you want this.”
Once she’s completely naked before me, my gaze slowly scans over her tight little body, taking in everything that is Wynter Lowe.
Fuck, I’ve waited so many damn years to see this beautiful sight right here in front of me.
I could take hours, even days just tasting and admiring her sexy as sin body, taking my time on each and every curve. I want to corrupt her with my tongue, make her feel all my fucking sins as she screams my name.
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