by Amiee Louise
A visceral fear descends through my body and I’m frozen to the spot. I can’t speak, visions of that night flashing before my eyes, reminding me of how weak I was for not fighting him off, that somehow it was all my fault.
“Breathe, kitten.”
He leans in close, whispering in my ear. He’s so close I feel his breath on my cheek and out of the corner of my eye I see Liv regarding the situation unfolding in front of her with careful, narrow eyes.
“Rae?”
I barely hear her over the whooshing in my ears, Brody’s soft, calming words and the comforting feel of him stroking my hand.
“Do you want to tell me what’s going on?” Liv asks impatiently, and Brody flashes her a warning look.
With everything going on, this past few weeks, me and Liv haven’t had a chance to catch up. She doesn’t yet know the full extent of my ordeal with Carter. I flinch violently as I hear the sound of Carter laughing loudly and obnoxiously, obviously trying to get a rise out of Brody. I grip his thick bicep harder, digging my nails into his flesh. I’m desperate for him to not cause a scene and draw attention to us, especially with the press so heavily present. Brody steps away from me for a second and I feel bereft at the loss of contact.
“I’ll be back in a minute, kitten, I need to speak to Sam.”
He kisses me on the forehead, and I see him head straight for Sam. I observe their brief exchange and Liv spins around.
“You and me, we’re gonna’ talk, Missy.”
She taps her heel on the floor and Jensen laughs throatily.
“Good luck with that one, Rae.”
As he turns and leaves me to handle the wrath of Olivia Rosenberg. This isn’t going to be pretty. Fuck.
Brody
Watching him stand there without a care in the world is making my fucking blood boil. Knowing he forced himself on my girl makes me feel positively murderous. It’s taking all the strength I have not to pound his fucking smug face into the ground until he stops moving. Sam follows my death glare and puts his hand on my shoulder.
“It’s not worth it, man. But I get it. If that was my Peyton, then I’d rip his motherfucking throat out and hand it to him as he takes his last breath.”
He says those words with utter conviction, and I don’t doubt for a second that he would. He knows how unpredictable and how erratic I can be sometimes. My thought process can be irrational due to lack of sleep and the fact that my mind is constantly running at a million miles an hour. Sam of all people should understand that. We’re the same, which is why we were so bad for each other back in the early days.
“I can’t imagine what she went through, the thought of someone laying their hands on my girl like that, it doesn’t fucking bear thinking about.”
He clenches his teeth, as if to rid himself of such an awful thought and twirls his wedding ring idly around his finger. He half turns to see where Peyton is, and Nick Slade has his arm slung casually around her. They’re laughing wildly, as he makes animated gestures with his other hand. Even though, they’re married now I still see that hint of jealousy in his eyes, as he continues to watch.
“Have a fucking day off, man, she’s wearing your ring, and it’s you that’s going to be sleeping next to her. Anyway, I think you’re barking up the wrong tree, he’d be more interested in you than her.”
I laugh and Sam cocks his pierced eyebrow, as I see Carter out of the corner of my eye leaving the main vestibule of the club. My eyes follow him, and I turn to leave as Sam grabs my arm.
“Don’t do anything fucking stupid, man.”
Sam’s husky voice has more than a hint of warning in it and I shake my head, coolly brushing him off.
“I won’t. I just want a little chat, man to man, that’s all.”
Sam nods curtly and I stride with purpose after him. I catch up to him, as he exits the men’s toilets.
“I wondered how long it would be until we bumped into each other,” he says with a hint of malice to his voice.
“Did this have something to do with you?”
He points at the fading black eye on his face, and I smirk.
“Well, you did lay your hands on something that was mine, so turnabouts fair play. You’re lucky I didn’t fucking kill you, you piece of shit!” I say through clenched teeth, and he cocks his eyebrow.
"Are you threatening me, Hart?"
The cocky look in his eyes and his stance, makes me think that this isn't going to be pretty.
"Oh no, it's not a fucking threat, Leonard. It's a fucking cast iron promise. You dared to lay your hands on someone that no longer belongs to you. Did you think, even for a fucking second, I'd let you just walk away from that? Without consequences?"
Carter cocks his head to the side and stands a little taller.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
He schools his expression. Raleigh said he was a good actor; I didn’t realise he was that good.
“You know full fucking well what I’m talking about, but if that’s the way you want to play, then its game on.”
As I say those words, I hear a distinct female clearing her throat. I half-turn to see Raleigh observing our confrontation. Shit.
Raleigh
I quietly observe their heated exchange for a few minutes, before alerting them both of my presence. Holy fucking hotness. Listening to him defend me so willingly and so passionately is a huge turn on for me.
“Until next time, Hart,” Carter spits out, regarding me with disdain.
I try hard not to react as he casually saunters away without a care in the world. Brody is standing in front of me in a few short strides, I swallow hard and clear my throat before I speak.
"Is it wrong that I want you to fuck me right now?" I say.
My voice is dripping with allure, and he smirks cockily.
"Is it me asserting my masculinity, kitten? Is it making you wet for me?"
His voice low and seductive.
"Hmm."
I bite my lip provocatively.
"Fuck, you're beautiful, you know that?"
I smile shyly and he backs me against the wall, gripping the back of my head.
"Do you know what you do to me, kitten? You drive me fucking insane, every time you're near me, I want to bury my cock so deep into you that never forget what it feels like. I want to smear your lipstick and I want the neighbours to know who you fucking belong to."
I crash my lips urgently to his and I squeeze the back of his neck. I can't get enough of this man.
“Meet me in the corridor in a five minutes?”
He makes it clear that it’s not a question and more a demand. I nod in agreement, as I walk back into the main vestibule of the club.
“Having fun, love?” Nick asks as he approaches me, kissing me affectionately on the cheek.
“You and Hart, it’s fucking sickening! You’re definitely going to be front page news tomorrow! Congrats, I’m happy for you both, he’s a wild one, but I’m sure you can tame him, just like Peyton tamed Sam.”
Nick cocks his head to the side, gesturing towards Sam and Peyton. Sam is dressed in black skinny jeans, black Doc Marten boots, a David Bowie t-shirt and a black blazer with the sleeves rolled up to reveal his thick, corded tattooed arms. His hair is styled into his signature spikes. He has his arm wrapped protectively around her shoulder. She is wearing a black floor length floaty gown, with gold skulls all over. She is wearing black Doc Marten boots with gold, glitter stars all over and matching gold accessories. Her dark hair with electric blue and turquoise flashes is perfectly tousled on one side and shaved on the other side. She looks every bit the rock stars wife.
I observe them and the chemistry between them is obvious. The way he looks at her as if she’s the only woman he’s laid eyes on. It’s the way Brody looks at me, yet he still won’t admit he loves me back.
“Sam Newbolt! Stop!”
He laughs heartily and I find myself smiling too.
“Stop trying to dazzle me
, you handsome bastard!”
He cocks his pierced eyebrow, and she blushes an adorable shade of pink.
“Do I dazzle you, angel? Even after all this time?” he rasps, and I can’t help feeling more than a little jealous of their perfect relationship. It seems so easy and carefree.
“I need some air,” I say softly, and Nick cocks his eyebrow.
“I know what kind of air you need, you filthy bitch!”
Nick laughs dirtily and I roll my eyes at his flamboyant personality. I head out into the dimly lit corridor and find Brody waiting. I observe him for a moment, taking every inch of him in and committing him to memory. He’s leaning against the wall with his hand tucked casually in his pocket, looking every inch the bad boy rocker. He looks delicious and I lick my lips at the sight of him. I walk further towards him, clearing my throat, letting him know I’m near and he cocks his eyebrow.
“Fuck, you’re a sight to behold, Storm.”
He offers me his hand and I accept it willingly. He leads me down the corridor and unlocks a door with a key. I look at him curiously and he winks.
“Perks of knowing the owner! He said we could use his office.”
I nod and follow him inside, as he locks the door behind him.
“We won’t be disturbed, kitten,” he says seductively, stalking towards me until the backs of my legs collide with desk.
He tips my chin up to face him, pressing his lips to mine. The kiss becoming more desperate, as if he is starved for me. He lifts me up easily, perching me on the edge of desk, before briefly pulling our mouths apart.
“Do you want me?” he rasps low in his throat and runs his hand up my leg, his lips never leaving mine.
“Fuck, I want you.”
I throw my head back, as he edges closer to my pussy. He slides my knickers to the side, swiping his long, calloused finger through my wetness.
“Jesus, you’re fucking soaked, I knew you were wet for me, kitten. I’ve had a hard on all night, I need to be inside you,” he whispers.
My body instantly responding to his touch. He rubs my pussy in deliberate circles, and I writhe with pleasure, trapping my lip between my teeth.
“Fuck!” I gasp.
“Do you like that?”
I nod wordlessly and he unzips his trousers, releasing his already solid cock. His cock never fails to amaze me, the vibrant, colourful snake wrapped around the length and the piercing through the bell-shaped head. My nipples are still swollen nubs of aching desire, my pussy is oozing moisture. I want him to fuck me hard. His eyes turn smoky with pure lust as he starts to stroke himself. Seconds later, I feel him pressing against me, the tip of his hard cock nudging my wet opening and vaguely aware he’s not wearing a condom, not for the first time, but I’m too caught up in the moment to care. All I want is Brody Lennon Hart, I want all of him, any which way I could get him.
He rams his way into my tight channel and begins shamelessly pumping into me.
“Tell me you’re mine, kitten,” he demands roughly.
“I’m yours, Brody, all yours, only yours,” I moan blissfully as he thrusts harder, his breath coming in harsh rasps.
“Ah, fuck, kitten, you’re gonna’ make me come so hard,” he pants as I feel the heat gathering inside me, bunching up and then unravelling until I feel like I’m going to explode.
Hot rivers of pleasure flow through my veins, like molten lava and I moan incoherently.
“OH GOD!”
I can feel the hot bloom of pleasure expanding within me, swelling, igniting until it flows along my nerves and through my entire body. It was like I was having an out-of-body experience. It flows through my arms and legs, to the tips of my fingers and toes.
“OH FUCK, BRODY!” I moan, arching my back as I come hard, spread over the desk, and shuddering with pleasure. Wave after wave of my orgasm crest through every inch of my body. His release isn’t far behind mine.
“OH, JESUS FUCKING CHRIST! FUCCKKK!” he roars as I feel his hot seed coating my insides.
Our bodies tremble with tiny aftershocks of our lovemaking and I’m lying across the desk spent and satiated. He pulls me upright, nudging my legs open, he presses his forehead to mine and cups my face in his hands.
“Fuck, you know you slay me, kitten, every time I’m near you, fuck…I…”
My stomach fills with butterflies and flip flops at his sweet words, as he edges closer, squeezing his eyes shut briefly. I wordlessly will him to continue, is this the moment where Brody Hart finally admits his feelings for me? A girl can only hope.
28
Brody
She wordlessly wills me to continue, but I can’t. My words get trapped in my throat and I’m fully aware I probably look like a gormless fucking guppy fish my mouth opening and closing. Why can’t you just admit you love her, you absolute tosser?
“Why can’t you just say you love me the way I love you? Why is it so fucking difficult?” she retorts. "I can't do this anymore, Brody, I can't."
Tears start to fall freely down her cheeks, and I have no fucking idea how to deal with crying women. I just about cope when Peyton cries, but this, this is completely new, unknown fucking territory. It scares the living shit out of me and sets my nerves on edge all at the same time.
It reminds me of my mum and how she used to use tears to manipulate me into doing whatever she asked. I squeeze my eyes shut to quell the memories that threaten my cool, calm composure and she jabs her finger in my direction.
"You're so...detached, so emotionless, heartless. It's like you don't feel anything at all..."
It feels like more of an accusation than a statement and I drop my head into my hands. If only she fucking knew.
"I feel everything to the nth degree, I feel too fucking much! Don't you get it? My feelings overwhelm me until I feel like I might collapse beneath them. If I close myself off, it might stop me from drowning," I admit shamefully and honestly.
Her watery gaze locks onto mine and I reach out to stroke her face tenderly. She leans into my touch and her amethyst eyes utterly captivate me and I can’t look away. Demanding my attention, she presses herself closer to me and cups my face in both of her hands.
"Whether you choose to believe it, or not, you're the worst and best part of me, Raleigh. You're...everything, you're the reason I'm still walking this earth, you need to know that. You need to believe that."
I don't know how else I can tell her how I feel without actually saying the dreaded L word out loud. I walk around the desk and drop down onto the large leather office chair and sink back into it, I sigh audibly.
"I wish I'd met you before..."
I stop myself from continuing, aware of how pathetic I sound. Get a fucking grip, Hart. Pull your big boy pants up and stop being a pussy.
"Met me before what, babe?" she probes, and I find myself taking a deep breath before I answer.
Just tell her how you feel. Follow Ricks advice for once in your sorry fucking life.
"Before I was broken, before my light went out," I admit as she reaches for my hand. I’ve never been more fucking sincere in my entire life. "I want to give you the best part of me, you fucking deserve the best of me, Rae. You deserve to be treated like the fucking Queen that you are," I murmur as she moves lithely around the desk, climbs onto my lap, and straddles me, cupping my face in her hands.
"I love every single part of you, even the broken parts, Brody, because together we're whole. For years, I kept making bad decisions, kept choosing the wrong men, using my problems as a justification for my behaviour. Then I met you, you taught me that I am not my mistakes. You taught me that, I'm the woman I am now because of you."
Her eyes glisten with tears and as she says those words, I come to the sudden realisation, that she's not the same woman I met in rehab. She’s strong, she’s brave, and she’s the woman I love and adore with every fibre of my being. I just wish I wasn’t so scared to say the words out loud. What’s the worst that could happen? She could reject you, she could re
alise that you’re not worth shit and walk away like you mean nothing. Like Lorna did. My heart slams against my ribcage, as I desperately try to push that thought away. She presses her soft lips to mine and we momentarily lose ourselves in each other.
I have never met anyone like her before. She is beautiful, smart, funny, and she accepts me wholeheartedly for who I am on the inside and on the outside. Despite my flaws, she still loves me. Her soul is just as damaged as mine, yet we fit together perfectly. Despite her body being flecked with scars, it is a puzzle of near misses, mistakes and important life lessons, some that she would never make again. Her scars are a road map of a journey she doesn't care to repeat and as long as we’re together, we won’t repeat the mistakes of old. We’ll make our own mistakes and we’ll learn from them, we’ll create our own brand of normal, together.