Explicit

by Ava Harrison

  There’s no need to clarify who I’m speaking about. They know.

  My phone dings and I look down at the screen.

  It’s Spencer.

  Two words. Two words that change everything.

  He’s awake.

  The numbness fades and I’m alive once more.

  “He’s awake! He’s awake,” I shout as I enter Carson’s office. “Pierce is awake,” I say again. “I’ve got to go. I’ve got to go.”

  “Go,” he says, laughing. “Call me as soon as you can to let me know how it goes.”

  I smile, not looking back. I’m running out the door at breakneck speed, a speed I shouldn’t be able to do, but nothing will stop me. I need to see Pierce.

  I’m at the hospital, running in when Spencer sees me. A huge grin spreads across his face.

  “He’s awake, and he’s asking for you.”

  My heart swells.

  The nurse is waiting at the door, and she beckons me in. I take a deep breath and step through. He may still look like he’s seen better days, with a week’s worth of scruff and his skin paler than normal. His normally unruly hair is in need of a good cut, but he’s alive, and he’s awake, and he’s all mine.

  “Lucky.”

  That one word has me coming undone.

  “Pierce,” I choke out on an unsuppressed sob. Tears I didn’t realize were there are streaming down my face.

  His hand comes up, wiping them away. “Shh. Don’t cry,” he says. “I’m okay.”

  All the emotions flood me at once. “I watched you fall. I thought you were dead, Pierce. And then you died. I watched you die. I wished it had been me.”

  He closes his eyes as if in pain. “Don’t say that. Never say that.”

  “I was so scared.”

  He squeezes my hand. “It’s going to take more than a bullet to keep Pierce Lancaster down, babe. Plus I have you, you’re my lucky charm.” His teasing tone has me chuckling. It’s so like Pierce to be cracking jokes in a time of concern. “So, I heard this rumor while I was asleep.”

  My brow furrows. “What?” I lean in.

  “You love me.”

  My cheeks heat.

  He heard me.

  “Stop,” I command, putting my hand underneath her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. “Don’t ever be embarrassed about something like that.” The way her eyelashes flutter stirs something deep within. A primal need for her overshadows all the pain associated with my injury.

  “I said those things because you were asleep. I don’t want to scare you off.”

  She’s so fucking cute. If she thinks for one minute that she could do anything to scare me off, she’s crazy.

  “You have to know I feel the same, Lindsey. You mean everything to me.”

  A tear slides down her cheek and I wipe it away, hating to see the pain in her eyes. What she witnessed had to be traumatizing for her and the boys. I will hunt those punk-ass kids down and teach them a lesson about bringing a gun to a fight with kids who didn’t do anything to deserve it.

  “When we were in that alley, the only thing that went through my head was that you were dead. I thought I lost you. It killed a part of me, Pierce.”

  “I’m here, and I’m alive, Linds. There’s no reason to be scared.”

  “But you were shot. What the hell were you thinking coming with me?”

  She doesn’t get it. I would do anything to keep her safe, including taking a bullet. “My only thought was that I had to protect you and those boys. I would never let you be in harm’s way if I can prevent it. It was never a question. I was going with you regardless of what you could have said. I didn’t even think about the consequences.”

  “Don’t ever be stupid like that again.” Her voice cracks.

  “Babe, I can’t promise that. Like I said, I’ll do whatever to protect you. You’ve changed me.” My hand caresses her cheek. I have to tell her I feel the same. I need her to know her feelings are returned. My brothers told me how she hardly left this place, and her dedication to me is something I’ll never take for granted. I love her.

  “I want the house in the suburbs. The white picket fence. The one-point-two kids, with you. Only with you.”

  A small sob breaks through her lips. I wish I could fucking kiss her, but these wires and this bed makes it impossible. I groan.

  “Are you okay?” she asks, concern in her voice.

  “This fucking bed. I want your mouth on mine.”

  She giggles, putting her hand over her mouth.

  “I’m serious. I need you,” I say, sounding like a fucking pussy, but I can’t bring myself to care.

  “Let me help,” she says, standing and leaning over me. Our lips touch and I can’t help it. I moan. The need for her intensifies. My hand reaches to the back of her head and I deepen the kiss. We’re like this for a couple of minutes before she pulls away.

  “Slow down, tiger. A nurse is due back in here anytime.”

  “Like I fucking care.” They’d be lucky to find me only kissing her.

  “They caught all but Xavier’s brother, who apparently was the shooter,” Lindsey says, clearly steering us away from any conversation that could result in me taking her here in this hospital room. “It’s only a matter of time before they find him. He won’t get far.”

  I nod, wanting to find the son of a bitch myself. Punk-ass coward who killed Linc.

  Her face brightens as if something just popped into her head. “I bought the property for the boarding school.”

  My smile is large. “You did?”

  “Yep. Your brothers helped me.”

  “They love you, ya know?”

  “They’re good guys, Pierce. They mean well, and they love you. And I love them because of it.”

  “They do. I know that now. We spent some time before you got here catching up. We’re going to start hanging out, doing brother stuff. Whatever that means. I’m glad to have them in my life again. I’m glad you got to know them, even if the circumstances weren’t the best.”

  “Understatement of the year, Pierce Lancaster,” she says with a frown.

  I nod, agreeing full-heartedly. “So, about that house and kids,” I redirect the conversation back to us, needing to know she’s mine. Forever.

  She grins. “Are you getting needy on me, Mr. Lancaster?”

  Her flirting is not helping my raging hard-on. I didn’t even realize that was possible given all the IVs and how fucking cold this room is, but she’s managed it. “With you? Always.”

  “I like the sound of always,” she admits with a blush.

  “I need to get well, but I think we should solidify that always, sooner rather than later.”

  “Don’t tease.”

  “I’m serious. I love you. You’re mine, Lindsey. Now and always. Promise me.”

  She inhales then exhales and smiles a brilliant smile. “I promise. Always.”

  From across the room, I see her.

  Lindsey Lancaster, my wife.

  Well, she hasn’t legally changed her name, but it doesn’t stop it from being true. She is Lindsey Lancaster now. Thinking those words still brings a smile to my face. Just last night, surrounded by friends and family, Lindsey and I tied the knot.

  Vegas style.

  It wasn’t our intention to elope to Vegas. Actually, we had a whole wedding planned. It was supposed to take place at the reception hall at The Lancaster Central Park, but alas, we couldn’t wait, and I have no regrets.

  I only hope Spencer will give us back our deposit. I can’t help but chuckle since, obviously, there was no deposit. And since he was my best man at our impromptu wedding, along with Grant, I’ll assume he’s okay with the cancellation.

  We didn’t fly to Vegas to get married. We flew to Vegas because my pieces were going to be part of an exhibit. Rather, The Lancaster Las Vegas location recently added an art gallery and we are here to kick off the grand opening of it. When Spencer had asked if he could showcase one of my installations, I was floored. Prid
e flowed through every molecule. There was no question what I’d be showcasing.

  Beautiful Broken Pieces.

  On display in the gallery hall are all the pieces I’ve made this last year, before and after I met Lindsey. A few of my pieces are missing, including the one I made for Seaglass. That one I gave to Lindsey to display and inspire the kids. It was important to her to show the children that even though they feel broken, like a piece of glass left in the sea, over time the edges smooth out and create something beautiful, something unique. Something special. So now on the walls of both her safe haven for the kids and The Lancaster are special pieces that symbolize that.

  That symbolize hope.

  “I love it, Pierce. It looks so good. And the meaning behind it,” Lindsey says from beside me.

  “The world may think everything is broken and jagged in this series, but if they look more closely, it’s a celebration of all the broken pieces,” I say.

  Lindsey nods in agreement. “The scars we all carry with us, but in truth, those scars remind each and every one of us that our imperfections are so much more. They need to be cherished. All your broken pieces are what makes you, you. And I love every part of you.”

  “I love every part of you, too,” I respond.

  “To new beginnings.” She smiles a heart-stopping smile.

  “And happily-ever-afters.”

  And learning to love every broken piece.

  All of them.

  Always.

  Forever.

  Text ‘Harrison' to 313131 to get a text when I have a new release!

  Want to know what happened at the Lancaster Vegas Wedding?

  Click here for a bonus scene

  Haven’t met Spencer and Olivia yet? Now’s your chance! Clandestine is available. Read the first chapter now!

  Clandestine: A Novel

  Exposed: Spencer Lancaster, CEO of The Lancaster Hotels, was recently rumored to be attending clandestine meetings with UK developer Henry Gilbert. Sources close to Gilbert say Lancaster is looking to expand his currently domestic brand of hotel chains into the European market. If you recall, when the senior Lancaster retired five years ago, he snubbed his younger sons and left the hotels solely to his eldest. Spencer Lancaster appears to be anxious at the news that his estranged middle brother Grant Lancaster is starting his own brand of luxury hotels. The brothers are set to go head-to-head in a few months. Will the black sheep or the golden child playboy come out on top?

  We can’t wait to report.

  “Fucking media.” The words are laced with venom as they move past my lips. I can’t believe this shit. The bastards can’t keep their noses out of my business. It’s fucking bullshit. Ever since my father named me the CEO to The Lancaster Hotel chains, they’ve been watching my every move.

  I swear I can’t catch a break. No matter where I am, they’re right behind me. The constant attention from the press isn’t the surprise. I’m used to it by now. But what really pisses me off is their need to constantly pit brother against brother. Pierce is too young to be part of the drama, but Grant isn’t, and Grant is a major issue. The media is relentless when it comes to our estranged relationship.

  We may be estranged, but that doesn’t mean I don’t care about him. Yes, we haven’t been in the same room in years. No, we don’t speak. But it doesn’t mean they have to make something where it’s not. Born only twelve months apart, we look almost identical with our square jaws and, as the tabloids say, “piercing” green eyes, but that’s where the similarities end. I’m no golden child, but I don’t make dumb ass decisions all the time, unlike my brother.

  “Mr. Lancaster?” my assistant Lucy calls from the adjoining room. “I have Gloria Reynolds on line one.”

  My nose scrunches at the unfamiliar name. “Who? I don’t know any Gloria,” I state.

  “She’s Mr. Gilbert’s secretary, sir.”

  “Put her through,” I bellow, grabbing the phone and pulling it to my ear. “Hello, Gloria. To what do I owe this pleasure?”

  “I have Henry Gilbert holding for you. Mr. Gilbert, I have Mr. Lancaster on the line.”

  “Thank you, Gloria. I’ll take it from here.” Gilbert’s thick English accent rings through the line. “Lancaster, why must your press always stick their nose in other people’s business?”

  “When you have the answer to that question, please share your wisdom.” My eyes roll to the ceiling in frustration, and I bring my hand up to run through my hair. “What can I do for you, Henry?”

  “We need to talk. Since the news has leaked that I’m looking to develop the property in Manchester, my phone has been ringing nonstop with offers.”

  I knew this would happen. When word got out that I was interested in that property, others would wonder what potential I saw in the location. The fact that I haven’t already sealed the deal and purchased the land is a mistake I intend to rectify.

  “I hate to break it to you, but I have a string of people on the phone offering twice what you did.”

  Fuck, I should have known. “You wouldn’t dare.” The threat is thick on my tongue. Henry Gilbert got his start with my endorsement. I’d bury him as quick as I built him and he knows it.

  “You’re correct, champ. I’m too loyal. But Randall isn’t. We both know he’d never answer your call if I weren’t involved.”

  He’s right. There has been bad blood between Randall Taylor and myself ever since a deal fell through with our fathers years ago. If it weren’t for Henry’s involvement and acting as the middleman between us, this deal wouldn’t have even gotten this far.

  “If I were you, I’d sign the papers before he goes above both our heads.”

  “I’m not signing shit until I see the property.”

  “Then I’d highly recommend that you get your arse on a plane and close the deal before I change my mind.”

  “I’ll make my flight this afternoon. Stay in touch. I’ll be in contact.”

  He hangs up without so much as a goodbye.

  Ass.

  “Lucy,” I call through the door.

  “Yes, sir?” Her auburn hair peeks around the frame.

  “Get the plane ready. I need to fly out to Manchester.”

  “Absolutely. When would you like to return?”

  “Tell the pilot it’s one-way. I intend to work out some additional deals while in Europe.”

  “On it, sir.” She turns to retreat.

  “Lucy.”

  “Yes, sir.” She looks at me, brow raised.

  “Stop calling me sir. I’m not my father.”

  A smile graces her face. “As you wish.”

  Two hours later I’m sitting on the tarmac in one of my father’s fleet of private planes. The Lancaster money and name always has its perks, and today is no exception. I’m finishing up an email to all of my hotel managers, letting them know I’ll be out of town for the next couple of weeks and reminding them of the protocol when a sultry voice I’ve never heard before comes over the inflight speakers.

  “Welcome aboard, Mr. Lancaster. My name is Victoria, and I will be at your service for the duration of our flight into Manchester. For the next eight hours, please let me know any way that I can be of assistance to you.”

  If she wasn’t sending subliminal messages over the intercom, then I’m just a damn pervert. Everything from her voice to her words screamed, “Take me.” My eyes widen when the vixen steps around the curtain that was shielding me from her view. She’s new. I want to thank whoever hired her because they deserve a raise. Long black locks fall in waves down her back, and a tight black pencil skirt hugs every one of her curves. She’s tall; I’d estimate five foot nine, and the violet eyes that meet mine have me ready to play. Oh, what I can do to this woman in eight hours.

  “Mr. Lancaster. Can I get you something to drink?” she purrs.

  My eyes glide over her svelte body in appreciation. The knowing smirk on her face tells me she knows what I have planned.

  “Champagne, please.”<
br />
  She nods slowly, turning to walk away. I raise my hand, stopping her.

  “Bring two glasses.”

  The way her lips tip up is taunting. I have no doubt the things she’ll do to me will be graphic.

  I can’t wait.

  I’ve been a member of the mile-high club for years, but it gets better every time. I shouldn’t fuck with the staff, but I don’t have any other use for her. I’m all keyed up with the possibility of losing this deal and she’ll be the best distraction. I didn’t get my playboy reputation for no reason.

  She returns a minute later. This time I notice an extra button on her blouse is popped open. The swell of her breasts is screaming at me to touch her, to taste her, and I will. But this is a long flight and I need to take the edge off first. Accepting the glass from her hand, I take a gulp before looking up at her still standing in front of me.

  “Drink,” I order. She lifts her own to her mouth. Good girl.

  When she pulls it away, she runs her tongue seductively over her lips.

  “Is there anything else I can do to make your flight more enjoyable?” Her tongue juts out and there’s no mistaking the question she’s asking. I’m only too happy to oblige. My glass hits the table with a thud and her lip tips up at the gesture.

  “I’m sure you can think of something . . .” The words hang in the air as an invitation. But I won’t clarify.

  I’m Spencer Lancaster.

  I don’t have to.

  Without another word, she sets her own glass down and drops to the floor in front of me. Reclining back, I look down at her as she begins to crawl toward my seat.

  The view is fantastic.

  “Unzip me,” I demand and then watch through hooded lids as she arranges herself on the floor, leaning over me. Her eyes never leave mine as she pulls me from the tight confines of my pants. Stroking me up and down, I let out a groan of satisfaction when the warmth of her mouth engulfs me.

  Perfect.

  Absolutely fucking perfect.

  At thirty-six thousand feet, I imagine this is pretty fucking close to what heaven must feel like.