Surviving Broken

by Beverly Preston

  She tensed.

  “Is that from him?”

  JC gave one soft nod.

  “I won’t ever lay a hand on you.”

  “I know,” she whispered. Sitting naked in his lap, she couldn’t ignore the heat and hard pressure of him beneath her. Currents pulsed under her skin where they touched.

  “I can wait, darlin’, if you’re not ready for this yet.”

  “Wait?” She protested, wriggling against the thickness of him, the wet friction bringing her back to a full-blown simmer. “Please don’t make me wait. You already made me feel better than I ever have before and I want to make love to you, Reed.” Her voice was on the verge of pleading.

  Playfulness glimmered in his eyes. “Are you whining?”

  Pathetically, she nodded. Any woman would’ve at that moment.

  “We’re just getting started.” His fingers lazily traced her jaw. “I’m gonna take you to a place you’ve never been, JC Mathews, and you won’t need your passport to get there. You’re never gonna want to leave.”

  Every word he spoke rang true. Her heart pounded at the realization that this was different. Reed was unlike any man she’d ever known. Her feelings pulsed through her, one emotion at a time. Every feature of his face made her look deeper. Every touch of his skin lit a fire raging within. Every word from his lips drew her closer.

  He rolled her onto her back, kissing her chest and shoulders and with hot licks and nibbles, avoiding her neckline. JC cupped his jaw, guiding him to her throat. He hesitated briefly before burying his mouth against the cradle of her neck.

  A trail of kisses blazed down her body from neck to thigh. He licked into her, feasting off her until she thought she might die from raw need.

  “Reed.” She tugged at his arms until he hovered above her, resting on the palms of his hands.

  A devilish laugh filtered through the quiet room. Anxiously, she thrust upward. He withheld, rubbing the hard ridge of his swollen head against her slick center. She ached to the bone with desire and need. JC slipped her arms around his back, grasping to his shoulders.

  “Reed, please, I need you now,” she pleaded, her voice full of desperation. JC twisted her face against his shoulder to hide her growing embarrassment.

  “Darlin’, didn’t you ask for my assistance?” A labored chuckle rumbled deep in his chest. “I pride myself on being thorough.”

  He tormented her until she thought she might ignite from the fire building between her thighs. Just when she thought she’d never survive his vexingly delicious foreplay, Reed eased lower into the syrupy heat. JC squeezed her eyes shut, digging her nails into the dense muscles flanking his spine. Her body tensed at the fullness.

  His movements halted, causing her to writhe beneath him.

  “JC?”

  Her lids popped open. Reed greeted her with dazzling blue heat.

  “Eyes on me, darlin’. I want to see your face when I take you to heaven.”

  A wary smile ticked the corner of her mouth. “Always, Reed.”

  JC thought she might combust from emotional overload. Pleasure clouded his eyes as he claimed her slowly, in inches, allowing her time to accept the full length of him. She squirmed, yielding to the thickness. Her legs spread wider, allowing him to sink deeper.

  JC pulled his head down to hers, kissing him with shameless hunger. She moaned out his name beneath the vigor of their kiss. Her core clenched at the hard flesh as he thrust rhythmically with disciplined strokes.

  “Feel good, darlin’?” he asked.

  “Yes. Oh, yes.” Her hips rose and tilted, taking all he had to offer.

  The delicious friction of his tireless pace took JC to new heights. With every rock of his hips, she faded deeper into Reed, allowing herself to become fully absorbed in the intimate act as they melted together into one.

  Tremors rushed through her as he possessed her body completely. She sensed his excitement, his hunger and longing. It rippled through him like electricity. Sensations inside her curled to their peak. For the first time, she’d feel a man come inside her. JC’s heart slammed vehemently in her chest and spasms tumbled over her in waves as she came. Her eyes rolled back and she cried out his name, riding out her orgasm in long voluptuous jolts of pleasure.

  Reed waited until the last spasm slipped away from her body. As she stared up at him through gasps of breath, he thrust deep. His body strained and shuddered with his own release. “JC,” he groaned.

  JC thought she’d died and gone to heaven. Prior to Reed, she only thought she enjoyed sex. In truth, it was the only time she allowed herself to make a connection with a man, even if only physical. Making love to this man was phenomenal, mind-blowing, life altering sex.

  She couldn’t speak or think about anything except the rhythm of his heartbeat next to hers.

  Reed attempted to lift his weight off her, but she wrapped her arms around his back and clamped onto his hips with her knees. “Can we just lay here? You feel so good. I don’t ever want to forget this feeling.”

  This intimate moment would stay with her forever, concealed permanently in her heart, deeper than the scar secretly hidden beneath her lip.

  Reed snuggled against her, conscious not to crush her as he nipped at her chin. “You like me, don’t ya?” he teased.

  She bit her lip and gave a quick nod. So many sensations surged through her at once. The vein in her neck pulsed so fast, she felt it throbbing. Her tummy felt tight, fluttering with warmth and happiness. No words could explain her passion. She pulled his head down to hers, taking the burn of his breath into her mouth and kissed him, a long, sensual, intimate kiss that rocked each of them to the bone. She whimpered a complaint when he pulled back to take in air. JC stared into his light blue eyes, blinking back the wetness threatening to slide down her cheeks.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” She sniffed. “I’ve just never felt like this. I don’t know why I’m crying. I kind of feel like a blubbering baby.”

  He cocked his head to the side and an eloquent smile broadened across his face.

  “I just can’t help it. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

  “It’s okay, darlin’. You’ll figure it out.” A hint of smugness hid in his beautiful grin, acting as if he understood her emotions better than she did.

  A misty layer of sweat covered his throat and his Adam’s apple jumped up and down when he spoke, causing her to stare in a stupor. His lips moved, but she wasn’t paying attention to his words. Reed was still wedged inside her and the fullness stiffened as she clenched at the rigid flesh.

  “You should make love to me again,” she hissed with delight, tenderly grabbing his earlobe between her teeth.

  Bemusement flashed in his eyes. “You think so, huh?”

  Draping her arms over his shoulders, she followed the muscular curve of his back and reached into the hair at his nape. “I’m definitely a fan of making love now.”

  They finished the bottle of wine and made love all night long. Reed taunted, calling her a prodigy, a new sensation. Not only did Reed discover the Big O button, but he also located it over and over, giving an entire new definition for multiple. Night turned to morning, and the white walls faded to a muted gray in the early dawn. JC curled up next to him and hitched her leg over his hip, fingering the springy curls covering his chest. Drifting off to sleep as the sun broke through the window, she whispered, “You are real, aren’t you, Reed?”

  His lips pulled into a soft smile against the curve of her neck. “As real as they come, darlin’.”

  ****

  It was a long flight from Greece. Tom and Tess’ car stopped in front of the tall black wrought iron gates. The gates opened and they pulled into the driveway.

  Tess wiggled forward in her seat, letting out a little gasp of sheer delight as she peered out the car window.

  Tom followed her exuberant stare. “That’s not yours.” He shook his head adamantly, pointing at Tess’ favorite car, a 69 Camaro parked
in the driveway.

  Tess shot him a disbelieving grin and her brow raised with suspicion and high hopes.

  “Don’t look at me like that. I swear Tess, that car is not for you.”

  She slumped back in the seat. “I wonder who’s here?”

  They unloaded their luggage and entered the house through the garage. As they approached the kitchen, both sniffed the distinct mouthwatering aroma of steak and baked potatoes.

  “Something smells good.” Tom shot an inquisitive glance at his wife. “She’s been cooking?”

  Tess shrugged ambling into the kitchen.

  A vase full of beautiful sunflowers sitting in the center of the kitchen counter and a silver serving platter stopped them in their tracks. Tom wandered further into the kitchen scrubbing the nape of his neck. He lifted the lid from the tray, revealing two plates.

  Tess walked past him toward the dining area. Noticing the table on the back balcony, she snickered with a half-smile. “I think she has company.”

  “Company?” Tom asked. “When’s the last time you talked to her?”

  “A few days ago. I tried to call her yesterday, but her phone’s been off. Tracy tried to call her too.”

  He frowned spotting a man’s shirt, a very large shirt, hanging over the back of a chair.

  She slid open the balcony door and picked up a black dress lying on the ground. “Obviously, she must be feeling better,” she mumbled draping the dress over her arm and reached for the shirt too. Tess smiled timidly and pursed her lips together holding up the shirt to Tom, pointing out that it had several buttons missing.

  “Great.” Tom groaned.

  Both stepped back inside, apprehensively venturing down the hallway toward JC’s open bedroom door.

  “Go check on her.” He whispered nudging Tess with his elbow and nodded at JC’s door.

  “I’m not gonna look.” Tess scowled. “You look.”

  “No way. I’m not looking.” Tom shook his head sharply. “Obviously they’re not dressed.” He pointed at the clothes draped over Tess’s arm.

  “Oh for crying out loud.”

  Tess rolled her eyes and begrudgingly peeked into JC’s room. She thwacked Tom on the chest with the back of her hand, signaling for him to take a peek. He shook his head again. Tess gave him a curt nod of persuasion.

  Reluctantly, Tom peeked around the doorway. His brow arched into a defined point and his face pulled into a tight scowl observing JC snuggled under the covers next to a man. A man large enough to rip his daughter in two with the snap of his fingers.

  His lip twitched and angry heat rose to his neck and face, muttering something about playing baseball for the Los Angeles Angels. Following it up with, “I’m going to get my gun.”

  Ignoring the gun comment, Tess laid her hand on his forearm and pointed at JC who wore a huge smile on her slumbering face. “She looks awfully happy.” Tess rapped lightly on the open door. “JC,” she whispered.

  JC stirred beneath the sheets.

  Tom cleared his throat and JC stretched her arm further across the man’s chest, cuddling deeper into the crook of his arm.

  ****

  A low grumble rattled in Reed’s chest.

  Swathed in contentment, JC nestled closer, catching the scent of his cologne still lingering. Laying her hand upon his chest, a heavy heartbeat thumped beneath her fingers.

  Another rumble filled the silent room, but it didn’t come from Reed.

  “JC.”

  Her eyes flew open hearing the distant whisper of her name. She raised her head from Reed’s chest and made a blurry sweep of the room, blinking repeatedly at her mom and Tom standing in her bedroom doorway. JC automatically reached for the comforter, tucking it tightly up under her arms, thankful they weren’t stretched out naked on the bed.

  “Hey.” She gave a casual wave and rested her cheek back down on Reed’s chest.

  Tess curled her index finger motioning for JC to come talk to her.

  “What are you doing here?” she questioned in a drowsy, confused voice.

  Reed stirred under the covers. “Did you think I was gonna take off?” he teased, brushing a sleepy smile to her temple.

  JC giggled softly. “Reed, my parents are home.”

  “You’re not gonna get rid of me that easy, darlin.” He cupped her bottom and tugged her on top of him, provoking a small squeal. “At least not without breakfast. Lunch and dinner too. I cancelled my sub contractors, so it’ll be days—”

  A loud agitated clearing of the throat bellowed from the doorway.

  “Oh, hell.” Reed murmured as his eyes drifted tightly shut. He released the grip on her ass, allowing her to wiggle down beside him under the covers.

  JC giggled. “We’ll be out in a few minutes. Momma, can you shut the door for me?”

  Tess draped JC’s dress and Reed’s shirt over the back of the door handle and closed the door.

  Reed stared up at the ceiling and drummed his fingers on his chest. “Is it always gonna be like this with your family? First your sister, then your brother, and now your parents. From now on, we’re staying at my place,” he mumbled in a husky playful tone while kissing her forehead.

  “Yep. This is how my family is gonna be. It could’ve been a lot worse. They could’ve come home last night.”

  Reed cringed and his eyes expanded to the size of quarters.

  “I turned my phone off yesterday so no one would bother us. They probably tried to call.” She pressed her lips to his warm neck, savoring in her private admission that she couldn’t wait for him to meet her family. Subtle aches and stiffness in her thighs came to life as she climbed on top of him, reaching for her cell phone on the nightstand. The scruff of his chin sent a zing down her spine as his tongue drifted between the soft slope of her breasts, catching a taught bud in his mouth.

  Regretfully, she pulled away and pointed her finger at him. “Don’t start that right now.”

  Catching a glimpse of his shirt hanging on the back of the door, he dropped his head back on the pillow with a groan of humiliation. “Sweet Jesus, our clothes were strewn out all over the floor. My shirt has no buttons, and dinner is still on the counter. I can’t believe I have to go out there and face your parents. Your famous parents, nonetheless. I feel like a sixteen-year-old bringing my date home past curfew.”

  Her cell phone turned on with a jingle.

  “You’re probably not too far off. Tom doesn’t have kids of his own, and he missed out on all of Tracy and my high school dating years. That being said, I should warn you, he’s very protective.” The screen on her phone read eleven missed calls and she flipped it around and showed it to Reed. Six missed calls from Tracy, four from her mom and one from her agent. “See what happens when I turn my phone—”

  Her cell phone chirped.

  Reed chuckled a husky drawl of amusement and tucked his hands beneath his head.

  Straddling his hips, JC poked him playfully in the ribs and pressed the green button. “Good morning, sis.”

  “It’s about time you answered the phone. I’ve been trying to call you. Where the hell have you been?”

  The instant burn of embarrassment rushed to her cheeks. “I had my phone turned off yesterday. What’s going on?” She tried to sound nonchalant, but a small giggle slipped out when Reed’s smile broadened at her discomfiture.

  “I figured that much. Mom’s been trying to call you too. They’re on their way to Malibu this morning.”

  “I know. They got here a few minutes ago.”

  “Why is your phone off? You never turn your phone off.”

  “I…I was at dinner last night,” JC stammered like a giddy schoolgirl. “I mean, I made dinner last night. I—”

  “Oh. My. God! Are you in bed with the Marlboro Man right now?”

  “Ha!” JC’s free hand flew to her mouth. “The Marlboro Man?”

  Reed’s mouth dropped open with humorous protest. “Great, just great.”

  “You are!” Tracy gasped. �
��Wait a minute. Oh! Oooooh and Mom and Tom just got there.” Laughter erupted on Tracy’s end of the line.

  “Go ahead, get your chuckles in. I’m glad I can be your comic relief.” JC wasn’t sure who found the situation more amusing, Tracy or Reed. “And why are you calling him the Marlboro Man? His name is Reed.”

  “I heard all about your boyfriend. Shayla said he looks like the Marlboro Man with blonde hair and gorgeous blue eyes. What I want to know is why did I have to find out through Shayla this morning that the next-door neighbor is now your boyfriend?”

  “I was gonna tell—”

  “Actually, I have one more question, did he help you with your little problem?”

  Heat rushed to JC’s chest. She let out a small snicker catching her bottom lip between her teeth. Reed had heard everything her sister said and a haughty grin hung on the corner of his lips.

  JC’s silence was a dead giveaway and another round of squeals radiated through the phone.

  “Oh, shut up! I gotta go. Mom and Tom are in the other room. I feel like I’m in high school.” JC wondered how many shades of red she could survive. “When are you coming home? I want you to meet Reed.”

  Silence.

  JC drew the phone back and tapped on the speaker. “You still there?”

  “Umm yeah, I’m here. Are you serious? You want me to fly to California to meet him?”

  “We can come to Tuscany, but it’ll take two months. Reed just ordered his passport yesterday.” JC gazed into Reed’s smiling face in a trance. There wasn’t anywhere in the world she wouldn’t go with him, including Italy. He would protect her. “I gotta go, sis. I’ll call you in a couple of days and try to work something out.”

  After a brief weighted silence, Tracy asked, “Is this a joke? Put my sister on the phone.” Tracy muttered under her breath something to the effect of, “Shayla was right.”

  “I gotta go face the music. I’ll call you later. Love you.”

  “Good luck. Love you.”

  ****

  Tess straightened up the kitchen and cut up fresh fruit and veggies for omelets. Tom took their luggage to the bedroom, anxiously pacing back and forth at the end of the bed. Every rash thought Tom had in his head flew out the window with each minute passing by. It had taken every ounce of his self-control not to kill Luca Santini. Secretly he’d called in a few favors to make sure Lucas’ non-existent career never made it off the ground and everywhere he turned the door was slammed shut in his face. A living hell is how he liked to look at it.