Next to Always: Shattered Innocence Trilogy Book Two

by A. L Long

  Rade watched as the little blond sauntered off, moving her hips and her tight little ass with a little more swing than he suspected she normally had. He chuckled at himself for her attempt at flirting with him to get his attention. Since he met Dylan, no other woman compared to her when it came to getting his attention.

  Rade must have been waiting for Evan what seemed like hours. He was thankful when he finally appeared. Getting to his feet, Rade approached him as he saw Evan walking towards him. Once the two men were face to face, Rade boldly said, “Is there a place where we can talk in private?”

  Evan looked at Rade trying to figure out what this was about. “Yeah, we can talk in my office. Have we met before?”

  “Not formally, but when I tell you what I came here for, you may not want to see me again,” Rade confessed.

  The men headed to Evan’s office, which was located in the back of the establishment. Pushing the door open Evan gestured for Rade to step into his office as he followed behind. Rade scanned the small room and took a seat in front of the wood desk. Evan crossed the room and took his place behind his desk.

  “So, tell me what this is about?” Evan asked.

  “My name is Rade Matheson. Some recent information has been shared with me that you and I have the same father,” Rade said glaring across the desk at Evan.

  “Wait, what did you say?” Evan had to hear Rade’s words to make sure he heard correctly.

  “Let me make it simple for you. My father fucked your mom while he was still married to his wife, my mom,” Rade cursed as his hand suddenly tightened around the arms of the chair he was seated in.

  Evan looked at Rade in shock. “What? Are you saying that my real dad is your dad and that my mom never told me?” Evan started. “I can’t believe she would lie to me. She told me my real father died when I was young.”

  “Well, it seems everyone has secrets. I don’t care about what your mom did or didn’t tell you. All I know… there’s only one way to find out the truth.” Rade admitted. “A simple blood test will tell if we share the same bloodline. If we are brothers, then we will deal with it, but if we aren’t, you never have to see me again.”

  Evan looked astonished as he fixed his eyes on Rade. “Tell what I need to do.”

  “Meet me at my home tomorrow morning. I’ll have my doctor take a blood sample from each of us and run a test. She’s the only person I trust with this information,” Rade offered.

  “Okay, so if the test shows we’re brothers, what do we do?” Evan asked. He couldn’t believe this was happening. He never had a brother before. Granted, Rade would only be a half-brother, but a brother nonetheless.

  “Let’s not worry about that until we know for sure. If it shows we share the same genes, we can figure it out then,” Rade answered.

  When Rade left Evan’s office, Evan was sitting with his head against the back of his chair. He wasn’t expecting Evan to ever agree to a blood test. When Rade heard the information for the first time, he wasn’t shocked or surprised, he was pissed that his father would even try to pull one over on him, but when he heard it from Dylan, and how trusting she was of the possibility of him having a sibling, it made him wonder if his dad was telling the truth. Two weeks ago, he couldn’t have given a rat’s ass whether he had a brother or not. But when his life was about to end, his perspective changed. Everything changed. Making Dylan happy was now his top priority. Finding out if Evan was truly his brother was more for Dylan than it was for him. He wasn’t sure what kind of relationship they would have, especially since Evan had his hands on her. He only hoped that there was a chance that his father was up to his old games and Evan wasn’t his brother at all.

  *****

  Dylan was already at the penthouse when Rade opened the door. She was standing against the staircase with her arms folded over her chest. Her foot was tapping frantically, like she was waiting for an explanation. When Rade met her eyes, he could tell that she was pissed at his little venture. Her eyes were a darker green, which made them seem more intoxicating than before.

  Walking to her, he kept his gaze on her. God, she was beautiful. Stopping in front of her, he pulled her near to him, lifted her chin, and leaned in for a kiss. He was surprised when she turned her face, causing him to pull back. “Dylan, look at me,” he said as he waited for her eyes to connect with him.

  “Where did you go, Rade? The doctor had specific instructions for you to rest,” Dylan scolded.

  “I was tired of doing nothing. So I went to meet with Evan. You were right,” Rade began. “I needed to find out if my father’s story was true. Evan has agreed to meet me here for a blood test.”

  “You still shouldn’t have left. You waited this long to find out, a few more weeks wouldn’t have made a difference,” Dylan argued.

  “I feel fine, Dylan. It was something I needed to do, so I did it,” Rade reiterated.

  Rade pulled Dylan in closer and leaned down to capture her lips. This time she didn’t pull away from him. Her body melted into his. She missed him so much, so when his lips pressed to hers, she took them freely. Their kiss intensified as Rade’s warm tongue slipped between her soft lips. “God, I missed this,” Rade whispered into her mouth. Dylan’s arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him even closer to her. They were so close that Dylan could feel the hardness of Rade’s shaft as it pressed against her belly. Her only regret was that he had almost a foot on her and she had to strain to get the height she needed so that he would be pressed against her dying pussy. Rade moaned into her mouth, lifting her feet off of the floor. Dylan’s eyes popped open when she realized what he had just done. “Rade, no. It’s too much. Please, you need to put me down,” Dylan begged.

  “I don’t feel any pain when I’m with you, Sweetness. You are the only medication I need.” Rade admitted as he slowly walked her to the bedroom.

  Dylan was lost. She needed him as much as he needed her. It had been too long since she got to feel his touch on her. Her mouth was still on his as he slowly set her on his bed. The pain in his side was almost unbearable, but having Dylan beneath him made the ache feel like a heyday compared to the torment his heart was feeling. He could no longer deny his feelings for this woman. Stripping off his shirt without even unbuttoning it, he felt Dylan’s eyes burning with the desire he also longed for. His shoes and jeans were off seconds later. Assisting Dylan with her clothing, he took more time as he pulled away her top first, making sure to trail kisses in its path. Next was her bra. Unclasping the front closure, he slowly peeled the delicate material down her soft shoulders. There was nothing about this woman that he didn’t love. Exposing her taut nipples, he lowered his head and tenderly sucked her sensitive peaks while quickly stripping off the remaining clothes from her body. She was his perfect angel. Lifting his head, he looked into her heavy-lidded eyes, watching her take in every pleasure he could give her. She was his. Lowering his head, he began trailing soft butterfly kisses down her chest and abdomen until he was met with her wetness. With his teeth, he gently bit her hard nub, careful not to hurt, He only wanted to bring her pleasure as he bathed his tongue between her wet folds. Dylan’s back arched as she accepted his tender assault on her.

  When she was close to her release, Rade pulled from her and captured her hands, pushing them upward until they rested above her head. One day he would have her bound again, but today he was going to take it slow. This was not about bondage or submission. This was about the love he had for this woman that he had been denying for so long. With one easy thrust, he found her channel and entered. This was ecstasy. If only he could bottle what he felt every time he entered her. That way he could have her whenever he wanted. Moving his hips in a slow circular rotation, he found where he needed to be. Her soft moans confirmed that he had found her special spot. “Harder, Rade, I need more. Please,” she whimpered as he slowed his movements even further. This was not about taking it hard. He would eventually succumb to her demand, but for right now he wanted it slow and tender. He wanted to show
her what it meant to love her. Dylan’s hips began moving upward, showing him her need to have him fully embedded inside her. Unable to deny her, he plunged deeper within her tight channel, increasing his movements. Their bodies were as one as they worked together. Dylan screamed, “Rade,” as she shuddered with an earth shattering orgasm. Something was different when she felt her release. Was it the love she felt for him or was it something else?

  Rade soon hit his own release as his movement slowed. He didn’t want to leave her. He was home. Releasing her hands, he pulled her body close to him so she now straddled him. He was still hard and inside her. His movements were slow and gentle. He needed to feel more of her. She had his heart. Taking his hands, he placed them on her cheeks. Looking into her glazed over eyes, he could see the love she had for him displayed as a lonely tear escaped her emerald green eyes that enveloped his heart. In a soft whisper, he spoke the word he thought were lost forever. “I love you, Sweetness.” With that, he lowered his lips to her and kissed her softly and tenderly, with no other agenda but to show her how much he meant those three words.

  Rade and Dylan explored each other in a different light until the morning sun peeked through the tiny slit of the electric blinds. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her from the bed and wrapped the sheet around their bodies while walking slowly to the patio doors. Once on the balcony, they looked at the city skyline as the bright orange of the morning sun began to make its appearance. “It’s so beautiful to see the sunrise like this. With you,” Dylan sighed with contentment.

  “That it is, Sweetness,” Rade agreed, pulling her body closer to his chest. Kissing the top of her head, he heard her soft declaration, “I love you too, Rade.” Those were the sweetest words he ever heard as he lifted her mouth to his and kissed her with the confession of love they both now shared. She was his, always. Never would they be apart again.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  Dylan grabbed one of Rade’s button-down shirts while he showered. The morning was glorious. The only thing Dylan regretted was that the warmth of summer would be over. Walking to the kitchen, nothing could ruin this day for her. Humming, she pulled open the double doors to the stainless steel refrigerator. Scanning its contents, she wanted to make a special breakfast for Rade. Pulling out eggs, bacon, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and an onion, she decided that a good old-fashioned omelet with the works would satisfy their appetite.

  Dylan was preparing the omelet and ready to pour it in the pan when Rade stepped into the kitchen. He was wearing a dark gray suit with his jacket draped over his arm. As he placed his jacket on the barstool, Dylan watched him with knit brows. She was hoping to at least spend the morning with him before she had to leave for work herself. Just when she was ready to share her thoughts, the landline began to ring.

  Rade left the kitchen and walked to the end table where the phone was. Picking up the receiver, he said, “Matheson,” as he waited for the caller to address him. “Yes, I was expecting Mr. Taylor. Thanks, Oscar. Dr. Foster should be arriving as well.”

  Dylan knew that Rade wanted to have blood tests run to confirm that Evan was his brother. Maybe that was what the call was about. She just didn’t expect it to be done at the penthouse.

  “I better go change if Evan is on his way up,” Dylan announced as she headed to the guest bedroom.

  Dylan quickly put on a pair of yoga pants and a black t-shirt she found in her walk-in closet. It was the closest thing she saw to put on. Walking back to the living area, she saw Evan standing next to Rade. When their eyes met, she could see the surprise in Evan’s eyes. As often as they spoke, she never told him about Rade.

  “Dylan, what are you doing here?” Evan questioned, confused by her presences.

  “I’m…” Dylan struggled to get the words out. She wasn’t sure how to explain her relationship with Rade. Was she his girlfriend, his lover, fuck buddy? Before she could clarify her relationship. Rade said, “Dylan’s my girlfriend.

  The shock of Rade’s confession was written all over Evan’s face. His expression went from confusion to hurt. Dylan knew how Evan felt about her. She could be nothing more than friends with him, but still, when she saw his face, she knew then that he thought of them as much more than that.

  “Well, I’m here, can we get on with this?” Evan said coldly.

  Rade was ready to let Evan know he was waiting for Dr. Foster when there was another a knock at the door. “Just in time. That should be the doctor.” Walking to the door, Rade opened the door to see that he was correct. Greeting Julia, they walked back to where he had left Dylan and Evan standing. Rade introduced Julia to Evan. When the introductions were completed, Julia walked to the kitchen and set her bag on the counter.

  “If you would please roll up your sleeve, Mr. Taylor, I can get the blood sample from you,” Julia began. “Please have a seat.” Julia placed a long blue rubber band around Evan’s bicep as she requested that he pump his fist. A healthy vein appeared almost immediately. Carefully Julia placed the needle in the vein and attached a small vial, watching it fill with Evan’s blood. Julia released the tourniquet, pulled out the needle and placed a bandage along with a cotton ball on the punctured area. “Hope that didn’t hurt too badly,” Julia said as she placed the vial of blood in her bag.

  “No, it was fine,” Evan answered. “If you’re done, I’d like to get out of here.” Evan didn’t want to spend one more minute in this place.

  “I’m done. I should have the results in twenty-four to forty-eight hours. I’ll contact Rade and let him know, unless you prefer that I contact you,” Julia suggested.

  “Yeah, sure,” Evan answered as he jotted his number down on Julia’s prescription pad that she handed him.

  Julia left with the samples she needed. Soon Rade would know if Evan and he shared the same father. Dylan was standing speechless by the refrigerator. Her morning didn’t go as planned, but she still wanted to spend it with Rade.

  Rade saw the sullen look on her face and rounded the granite island, stepping behind her as he watched the eggs begin to bubble in the pan. “Why the long face, Sweetness?” Rade asked with concern.

  Dylan leaned her head back into his chest. “I think Evan was surprised by the us being together. Do you really think of me as your girlfriend, or did you just say it to hurt him more?” Dylan muttered.

  Wrapping his arms around her, he slowly turned her body so that she was facing him. Lifting her chin, he affirmed his admission. “I meant what I said, Sweetness. You’re mine and I want everyone to know.” Rade lowered his head and placed his lips to hers, giving her a sweet passionate kiss. Turning her back to the stove, he spanked her tight ass and said, “Now how about that breakfast, woman?”

  Dylan smiled. “Coming right up, sir.” She loved the way he took command. She needed to ask him about trying again with her being his submissive. It had been over two months since the incident at The Castle, and with Alex, aka David Wu, gone, she could breathe easier knowing her abuser was dead. She had a hard time believing that someone as sweet as him could do something so malicious and unthinkable to her, especially since she trusted him as a friend. Forcing those horrible thoughts from her mind, she grabbed two plates from the cupboard and set four half slices of buttered toast on the edge of each plate. Dylan flipped an omelet onto one of the plates. It landed perfectly as the end of the omelet folded over. Dylan poured the remaining egg mixture in the pan and waited while it bubbled to perfection. When she was satisfied that the eggs were done, she did the same as before. The eggs once again landed perfectly on the plate. Sprinkling a little grated cheddar over the top and garnishing it with a parsley leaf, their meal was ready.

  Dylan and Rade ate in silence as Rade enjoyed the omelet Dylan had prepared for him. It was absolutely delicious. He could see them together cooking meals in the kitchen. It was something he was looking forward to, especially if it was done with them in the buff. Thinking about this, he had an idea.

  “Dylan, since you’re here most of the time a
nyway, I want you to move in with me,” Rade offered.

  Dylan stopped mid-bite and looked up at Rade. “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea, Rade. I just got my own place. Things weren’t the best between us the last time I stayed here,” Dylan replied.

  “This will be different, Sweetness. I love you and I want to be near you. If it’s the penthouse, we can look together for something different. A house or another condo. I really don’t care as long as we’re together,” Rade interjected.

  “Can I think about it? I wasn’t expecting you to ask me to move in. It's a bit of a surprise,” Dylan replied.

  “Sure, take all the time you need. In the meantime, I still want you staying here. It’s safer than your apartment. Peter will make sure you’re safe when I can’t,” Rade confirmed.

  “Okay,” Dylan agreed. Even though the threat of Alex ever hurting her was gone, there was still the concern of Michael. And let us not forget about the infamous bitch Chloe. She didn’t think Michael would ever hurt her, even with the possibility of him being alive. But Chloe was another story. It concerned her that they couldn’t find her. It also concerned her that if it was Michael she saw, why didn’t he seek her out before now? Why, after all this time, was he coming to her? Maybe seeing him was a figment of her imagination. He just seemed so real.

  *****

  After spending most of the morning with Rade, Dylan finally made it to work, but only after Rade stripped out of his suit and took Dylan one last time after breakfast. Then there was the quick shower together, which ended in another explosive orgasm for both of them. By the time they had satisfied each other’s need, it was close to eleven o’clock. On the way out, Rade told Dylan that he would be picking her up from work. He wanted to take her out, thanking her for the wonderful breakfast she prepared for him.