Degrees Of Distortion (Distortion Series Book 1)

by Aimee McNeil

  His arms wrapped around her and lifted her from the ground. Lexie curled into his chest as he carried her. She didn’t know where he was taking her. She didn’t care. She buried her face into his wet shirt, trying to surround herself with his scent, blocking out everything else that was assaulting her. She retreated deep inside herself, trying to escape the pain that dug deep in her chest.

  When Jackson set her down, she was in his cottage. He knelt in front of her, pushing her hair from her face. She could hear her name like it was being called in the distance, and then suddenly her hearing snapped back into focus. “Lexie, look at me.”

  Her surroundings slowly came into view. They were in his room.

  “He wasn’t alone. I saw him earlier at the store. He was with someone else…there is someone else,” Lexie gasped.

  “There is no one else. I took care of it. Listen, Lexie…I need you to wait here. I’ll be right back.”

  “You’re leaving me?” Lexie grabbed hold of his shirt and held tight. She was terrified.

  “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Here.” He passed Lexie a glass of water, releasing her firm grip on his shirt.

  “Do you think he was trying to kill me?” Lexie asked as she looked down at her shaking hands.

  “No.” Jackson tipped the glass up to her lips and made her drink, but her throat felt too tight. She could only manage a small sip. “Put this on.” He placed a shirt into her hand. “Don’t go anywhere. Do you hear me? Do not leave this room,” Jackson ordered before he was gone.

  Lexie reached out where he had been standing, but her fingers found nothing. Her reality still felt distorted, as if her brain could not register what had just happened.

  Lexie collapsed backward on the bed, looking at the boards that constructed the ceiling. She tried to count how many there were, but she couldn’t even get her brain to cooperate. The simple act of counting seemed impossible. She needed to distract her mind, but the only thing she could concentrate on were the dark, painful thoughts that were pulling at her consciousness.

  “That was absolutely amazing,” Lexie said excitedly as she pressed herself into Alex’s side.

  “Yeah, now I totally want to take up guitar lessons. Did you see how many girls were practically throwing themselves at the stage?” Alex laughed when Lexie gave him a playful slap on the chest. “I’d still only have eyes for you, baby,” Alex said, pulling her close and kissing her on the head. “Let’s grab a slice of pizza before we head home.”

  “Are you ever not hungry?” Lexie shook her head with a smile.

  “I need my energy for all the dirty things you’re going to make me do tonight.” Alex wiggled his eyebrows.

  “Pizza actually sounds really good, now that you mention it,” Lexie said, grabbing Alex’s hand and heading across the street. The line was already forming from hungry concert goers.

  The concert was an annual event for their small town, and it drew a crowd from all over. The live music played for three days straight, and one day blurred into the next to create the best summer high imaginable.

  Lexie sat down in a booth as Alex waited in line to grab their pizza. She turned on her camera and looked through the lens, capturing Alex making a goofy face. He was so used to seeing Lexie with a camera in front of her face, she was glad he was always a wonderful sport about it. Pulling up her pictures on the digital screen, she flipped through some of her shots of the concert. She was excited to get them up on her computer.

  “Hey there.”

  Lexie turned around to see a group of guys at the table behind her. She could tell they were here for the festivities. They looked a little bleary-eyed as they started at her.

  “Nice camera,” the one closest to her said. They all looked a little rough around the edges but seemed friendly enough.

  “Thanks. Did you come from the concert?” Lexie asked politely.

  “Sure did.”

  “Hey there,” Alex said tightly to the guys before he dismissed them. He sat down across from Lexie, sliding her pizza over to her. It smelled delicious, making Lexie’s mouth water. Lexie barely got through her food before she started to yawn.

  “Ready to go?” Alex stood up, grabbing their plates to toss in the garbage. She could tell the group of guys behind them were making him nervous.

  “Yes.” Lexie hopped out of her seat and took his hand as he led her out the door. They walked a few blocks before someone approached them from behind.

  “Hey, camera girl.” Alex swung around.

  “Fuck off, man,” Alex bit off, when he turned to see the same three following.

  “Don’t be like that, man.” The one who had spoken to Lexie before continued to approach. Chills raked across Lexie’s skin. These guys were trouble, and seeing Alex’s posture stiffen, she knew he was fully aware of the danger of the situation.

  Lexie grabbed Alex’s hand. “Let’s go.”

  Lexie wasn’t even sure what happened next. The turn of events shifted so suddenly she lost track. Two of the guys threw themselves at Alex, and the other came after her. She tried to scream when he grabbed her, but his hand clamped around her mouth. She was no match for his strength in this position as she tried to pry it from her mouth. She could barely breathe because of his relentless hold as he hauled her toward an alleyway.

  Lexie was shoved against the harsh brick wall. She struggled, but her attacker pressed his body against hers and pinned her. Lexie tried to scream and fight, but a cold sharp object was pressed against her throat. The only thing she could manage was a whimper. The man grabbed her skirt and lifted it up, grabbing for her underwear. She could hardly breathe as his hands pulled at her flesh, searching and imploring.

  “Don’t fucking touch her,” Alex wailed, throwing himself at the other men.

  “Just give us your fucking wallet and we’ll let her go.”

  “Take it,” Alex said, pulling his wallet out of his pocket and throwing it at the men.

  “Alex…” Lexie’s words were cut off as the guy pressed the blade harder on her throat. The sting made her eyes water.

  “Don’t fucking make a sound!” he barked against her cheek. She knew he had broken skin; she could feel the blood drip down her neck. He ran his hand up under her skirt and began pulling her underwear down.

  “Lexie!” Alex screamed, throwing himself at the men standing between him and her. He fought desperately to get to her. It was too dark to see what was happening as she watched them struggle. She was absolutely terrified what these men were capable of.

  “Let’s get the fuck out of here,” one of the other attackers shouted as he stumbled away from the fight.

  When the man grabbed her camera, Lexie drove her knee into his crotch. The man groaned, and the knife slipped enough for her to wiggle out of his grasp.

  “Alex!” Lexie called frantically.

  “Shit! We have to go now!” one of the others shouted. The one who had been holding Lexie pushed off the wall and took off after the others. Lexie gasped in relief. She stumbled over to Alex.

  “Lexie?” Alex said as she approached him. He dropped to his knees in front of her. Lexie threw her arms around him.

  “I was so scared.” Lexie sobbed into his neck. She held him tight, running her hands over his chest. Her hand hit something hard…“Alex!” Lexie gasped. She pulled back and looked down at the hilt of the man’s blade protruding from Alex’s chest.

  “I’m sorry…”Alex forced his words in pained breath.

  “No…no, Alex, stay with me!” Lexie tried to hold him, but his body collapsed to the ground, and the only thing she could hear were her screams, which drowned out the entire world. “Don’t leave me!”

  CHAPTER NINE

  Lexie snapped her eyes open when she felt the bed dip. She looked up into dark, entrancing eyes. His hair was wet from the rain. His shirt was soaked through, hugging his perfect lines as he leaned over her. One hand placed on either side of her as she lay on his bed. She could feel the moisture seeping int
o her shirt where he touched her.

  “Who’s Alex?” His voice was hesitant, as if unsure where the answer would take him.

  “What?” Lexie asked, trying to clear her foggy mind. She felt completely drained as she tried to make sense of where she was.

  “You kept saying his name. Is he your boyfriend?” Jackson pushed off the bed but continued watching her. Dirt was smeared across his shirt, but his hands and face were spotless. He followed her eyes to his clothes, noticing the stains. He pulled his shirt over his head and laid it over the back of the chair before walking into the bathroom. He turned the water on in the shower.

  Lexie stood up and slowly followed him. Her eyes found his in the mirror as she entered. She had so many questions; she just couldn’t remember what they were. Lexie looked at her own reflection. Tears immediately began to flood her vision.

  “It was real,” Lexie sobbed. Blood was splattered on her shirt, and a few drops had dried upon her cheek. She frantically wiped her face, trying to remove the evidence of what she had hoped was only a nightmare.

  Jackson turned on the faucet and wet a face cloth before passing it to her. She wiped away the blood before looking down at her clothes. She needed them off immediately.

  She hastily pulled at her clothing; she slid her pants down her legs before kicking them onto the floor to meet her shirt. She didn’t want that man’s blood on her. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to hold herself together.

  Jackson lifted his hand for her to take. Lexie wiped her eyes and hesitantly slid her hand into his. He pulled her closer, and she wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face into his chest. She let her tears fall as she held on to him. He was the only thing that felt real, and she clung to him.

  When she finally stepped back, she wasn’t sure what was going through his mind. He hadn’t said a word as he held her and let her shed her tears. He always looked at her like she was a puzzle that needed to be solved. She wished more than anything he could figure out how to put her pieces together.

  “You’ll feel better after a shower,” he whispered.

  Lexie nodded before taking a deep breath and stepping into the water. She didn’t pull the curtain closed behind her because she needed to see him. She was scared to be alone again and find herself back in haunting memories. “Will you stay with me?” Lexie asked.

  “Yeah.” Jackson leaned against the bathroom counter, crossing his arms over his bare chest.

  Lexie reached behind her and unclipped her bra, peeling away the wet material. She hung it over the curtain rod. Looking over at Jackson, she saw his intense gaze was consuming every inch of her exposed skin. She could see his muscles tense as he rubbed his hand down his face. He squeezed his eyes closed.

  Lexie removed her underwear and let the hot water burn her skin, but it would not stop the chills that made her shiver. She picked up the soap and slowly lathered her entire body, letting the water rinse it away.

  “Will you come in with me?” Lexie asked with a small voice.

  He clenched his jaw while her question lingered in the air. His dark eyes swirled with a storm. She knew she was in dangerous territory; she didn’t know if she should trust him with this vulnerable version of herself.

  He slowly pushed off the counter and stopped in front of the tub as Lexie remained under the spray of water. He braced himself on the wall with his hand. He looked so deep in her eyes she felt him inside her, stirring her insides, melting the ice that formed in her stomach.

  “Can I touch you?” His voice was rough, almost pained.

  Lexie only nodded as she stepped back for him to join her. She watched Jackson unbutton his pants and disrobe before he stepped into the tub with her. The water sprayed his shoulders and ran down his hard body, coiled tight with honed muscle. This was a powerful man that was capable of great and horrible things. This man did not open doors or offer sweet smiles. He carved his path too close to danger to be safe. She could see it in his eyes as they promised her dark and beautiful secrets.

  His hand slipped around her waist and pulled her against his unyielding flesh. His erection throbbed against her as it dug into her stomach. His lips grazed her neck as he held her, seemingly hesitant to push her too far in her fragile state. Lexie grabbed the soap, lathering it between her hands. She then rubbed them on his chest, watching the bubbles cling to him as she delightfully explored his body. He was quiet and unmoving like a statue as she ran her hand down the grooves of his stomach until wrapping her fingers around his steely length. It pulsed in her hand.

  Heat pooled under her skin, her legs practically shook with need. Lexie didn’t understand this version of herself. She felt alive when she was with Jackson. She could forget everything else and get lost in him. The scared, broken version of herself that she had come to know faded away, and she was left with a swell of feelings so big and hot, they felt like they would break through her skin. He offered her a moment of peace, and she wanted to indulge completely.

  She squeezed her grip firm as she slid up and down his length. Jackson braced himself on the wall, and Lexie watched his muscles tense. He was the true embodiment of raw beauty, and she wished she had her camera. She wanted to capture this man. Keep this moment in perfect clarity.

  The water suddenly snapped her senses into reality when it became cold. Lexie’s scream of surprise erupted into giggles as she scrambled out of the shower.

  “Fuck, that was cold,” Jackson bit off as he turned the water off and grabbed a towel. Lexie couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled out. He looked at her then, and that’s when she saw it. A truly beautiful sight—his smile. Not just a sly, mischievous grin but a complete, utter reflection of pure happiness. She couldn’t help but wonder how rare it truly was for him.

  Lexie stood up on her toes, placing her hands on either side of his face, and pressed her lips against his. A moan of appreciation escaped him, flooding her mouth as she drank him in.

  He picked her up, holding her body tight against his. The feel of her naked body against his was like a drug. Her head swam with feelings too unreal to understand. Lexie ran her hands over his broad shoulders. She felt safe in this moment in the strong embrace of a man that also terrified her.

  Lexie squealed as he let her go, and she fell back onto the bed. He looked at her with a raw savageness that spoke of lust and hunger.

  “Jackson?” Lexie whispered.

  “Yes.” His eyes snapped to hers.

  “Make me feel good,” she ordered. There was no question in her words. She wanted him to make her forget the world. “And don’t be gentle.”

  He raised his brow as he looked down at her.

  “Gentle is for love,” she clarified.

  “No gentle, got it.”

  Lexie flipped over onto her hands and knees. Looking back over her shoulder, she watched him caress her with his eyes. He ran his hands down the length of her back and over the curve of her hips, squeezing her skin as he studied her as if she was a piece of art.

  The sting of slapping flesh burned across her behind, and she gasped in pleasure. “Again,” Lexie moaned. The feeling intensified as she felt the pain so closely tied with pleasure.

  Jackson nudged her knees apart. His fingers explored her entrance before he pushed inside. He rubbed the inside of her walls until the entire world collapsed around her and she was floating in the clouds. His teeth pulled at the curve of her behind as he melted her core with his touch. He withdrew his fingers, pressing her shoulders down into the bed.

  He entered her again, but this time it was not his fingers. She felt much fuller as she stretched around him. He moved slowly, almost painfully so until he forced the rest of the way, pushing her down into the bed. His thrusts were deep and powerful, pulling forcefully from her pool of desire until she could no longer form a coherent thought. Lexie cried out as the pleasure pulled too tight, almost suffocating as he pushed against her limits.

  She felt her body reel as intense heat burned her from t
he inside out as he caressed her inner walls until she exploded. Her body fell apart underneath him, and she was left gasping for breath.

  When she found the strength she flipped over, watching him still leaning over her. His eyes were closed as he took long, deep breaths.

  She wrapped her fingers around him, and a sound of appreciation rumbled from deep inside his chest. She stroked him hard and fast until he roared out in release and sprayed his hot liquid over her breasts.

  Jackson ran his hand over her breast, rubbing his semen into her skin gently. His strokes were slow and lazy and somehow more intimate than when he had been inside her. He leaned down and gently kissed her lips before he pushed off the bed. He picked up one of the towels they had dropped and came back to wipe her off. It was strange how he could be so wild and untamed as he took her and now gentle as he wiped her off.

  “Will you hold me?” Lexie asked, this time there was no confidence in her tone. She felt vulnerable now that he managed to claim a piece of her, even though he was not aware and she did not wish it. It was supposed to be just sex, just a momentary escape. She needed his comfort now. She needed him to hold her together.

  Jackson threw the towel into the bathroom, flicked off the light, and then crawled into the bed. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her against him.

  Lexie concentrated on the gentle stroke of his hand against her stomach, trying to force her mind to quiet. All the things that refused to let her rest but most of all, it was the image of the man’s face before he collapsed on the floor haunted her.

  “I’m scared,” Lexie whispered.

  Jackson remained quiet, responding with only a squeeze of his hand.

  “Are you scared?” Lexie flipped around so she could see him. The room was dark, but she could make out the lines of his beautiful face and she could feel his eyes on her.