Love & Seduction: A Forbidden Love Suspenseful Standalone Romance: A Love & Ruin Novel (The Love & Ruin Series Book 7)

by J. A. Owenby

  “Thank you,” Vaughn said, grabbing Pierce’s arm. “Thank you for trusting us.”

  “You’re family. Real family, and there’s nothing that could step in between us.”

  I smiled as I watched the two men hug it out.

  “Mm, that’s kind of sexy.” I giggled softly at my joke.

  Sutton nudged my shoulder. “I see you’re getting your sense of humor back. I’ll take it.”

  A few days later, Vaughn lifted me out of the Mercedes and carried me into Pierce and Sutton’s house.

  “Since Pierce bribed the doctor to release you early, a nurse will check on you twice a day. Other than that, you’re all mine.” Vaughn kissed my forehead, and he walked through the living room and up the stairs to our bedroom.

  “Do you know how I can tell I’m getting better?” I pressed my lips against his cheek as he entered our safe haven.

  He placed me on the bed gently, then sat next to me and raised my shirt, peering at my bandage. “Your incision is bleeding a little. I’ll check it after we get you settled.”

  “Oh, nurse Vaughn,” I said, raising my hand as though I were in class, and he needed to call on me.

  “Yes?” He grinned.

  “I have another place that you need to check. It feels all tingly and needs your attention.”

  Vaughn laughed so hard, his chest shook, his eyes dancing with amusement. “As soon as we get the go-ahead from the doctor, I plan on making love to you until you beg me to stop.” He leaned down, pressing his lips against mine. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re finally home.”

  “Me, too.” I trailed my fingertips along his scruffy jawline.

  “Knock, knock.” Pierce poked his head into my room. “We wanted to get things a little more situated for you while you’re healing. It will limit the times you go up and down the stairs. I can’t have you falling.”

  “Wouldn’t happen, boss. I’d just carry her.” Vaughn offered a lopsided grin.

  “Before we know it, she’ll be back in the dance studio.” Pierce disappeared into the hall. Then, he and Zayne brought in a large 4K TV. Sutton followed with a DVD player.

  “When you and Vaughn get your new place, you can have these for a housewarming gift.” Sutton set the DVD box on the chair and wiggled her eyebrows at me. She kicked her foot at the red stain on the carpet. “I guess I forgot to take care of this. It will have to wait until you’re all better.” She scrunched up her nose at me.

  “I say leave it. It marks a pivotal moment in our relationship.” My gaze found hers. “Love you, Sutton.”

  “Oh, hon, I love you, too. I’m elated that you are finally home.” She rushed over to me and placed a kiss on my forehead.

  “Knock, knock,” Mom said. She and Dad joined us.

  “When will you two begin your search for a new place?” Mom asked, picking up the Styrofoam packing that had padded the new TV off the floor.

  “We haven’t talked much about it, but I figure after I’m all better.”

  “That’s what I was hoping,” Vaughn added.

  “It’s a big step, but it seems as though you are both ready,” Dad added, his eyes filling with tears. “My girls are all grown.”

  “I still need my dad, though.” I blew him a kiss, and he caught it.

  Sutton embraced him warmly and kissed his cheek. “You’re stuck with us, Dad.” Sutton spun around toward Vaughn. “Hey,” Sutton kicked at his foot. “Pierce went to your place and packed you some clothes so you could live here for a while and be with Claire. Zayne will keep an eye on your house, and so will I.”

  “Really?” Vaughn twisted around, searching for his other best friend. “Are you sure, man?”

  “Hell, why not? You practically live here anyway.” Pierce chuckled. “One more thing.”

  “What’s that?” Vaughn squeezed my hand while he waited for Pierce to unpack the Samsung TV.

  “The assignment I needed you for. It was a month-long gig, and I assigned Tad instead. You don’t have to worry about it. There’s no way I’d pull you away from Claire. Besides, I think I want to use some of your ideas for the business, which means I’ll need you here.” Pierce smiled at me, then turned toward the wall and began to tap on it, searching for a stud.

  “That’s my teddy bear.” Sutton smiled at me. “I wouldn’t change anything about him.”

  Over the next few hours, they set up the TV, DVD player, loaded the top of my dresser with a stack of movies, and brought in a stainless-steel mini fridge. Sutton packed it with cold drinks, organic fruit, healthy protein snacks, and cottage cheese. Vaughn said he would cook for me, insisting I have the proper nutrition to heal. The last piece was a beautiful bookshelf to match the rest of my furniture.

  “I worked on this while you were in the hospital.” She placed a framed picture of our parents on the top shelf. Before long, all the shelves were lined with photos of everyone I loved, including Vaughn.

  “Wait, when did you take those?” I pointed to an image of Vaughn pinning me against the wall, his hands on either side of my head. The love on his face warmed my heart.

  “After you told me about your relationship, I might have caught you in a few special moments. You two weren’t hiding it well at that point.” She nodded toward her husband. “He was just too buried in work to see it.” She laughed softly. “This one is my favorite.” She walked to my side of the bed and handed me a framed picture.

  I took it from her, and Vaughn carefully crawled onto the other side of the mattress next to me.

  “This is when I knew you two were the real thing.” Sutton stepped away, allowing Vaughn and me to have a minute.

  “You’re so beautiful,” Vaughn whispered. He traced his finger along the glass of the frame.

  I wasn’t sure when Sutton had caught us, but I was full-on laughing. Vaughn’s smile lit up his face while he reached out and touched the tip of his finger against my nose. The moment was so pure, full of life and happiness.

  “We were on one of our long walks,” I said, turning my head to him. “The leaves were starting to change color, and the temperature had dropped.”

  “The sun was beginning to set, and its rays had filtered through the trees,” he added. “The light surrounded you, almost giving you a halo. I thought I was already in love with you, but when I saw you … I fell even harder.”

  “Babe,” I whispered.

  He leaned forward and kissed me gently. “I can’t wait to create more of these memories with you.”

  “Me, too.”

  He winked at me, then his attention traveled to Sutton. “Stalk people much?”

  She tossed her hands up in the air, and for the first time since I’d been injured, everyone in the room laughed.

  30

  Two more weeks had dragged by. I missed Mom and Dad already, but they had to return to work a week ago. I could tell I was getting better because I was going stir-crazy. My incision had healed enough that I could walk safely, but I still hunched over some of the time. I was sure it was sexy as hell for Vaughn to see, but he never complained. Not once did he act like taking care of me was a burden. I loved him even more for it. The dizziness, on the other hand, was kicking my ass.

  We’d gotten into our first argument when he declined to let me go pee without him. I’d done a lot of things in my life, but using the bathroom in front of a guy wasn’t one of them. There was a thing called space, and he refused to give it to me.

  “I’ll turn my back, Claire. Just pee, for God’s sake. Guys do it all the time. Just whip out the dick and let it rip.”

  “Well if I had a penis, it would be different, but I don’t. I have a pussy, a pussy that your dick likes quite well, might I add. And although she’s not shy when it comes to sex … Ugh, I’m not pleading my case very well, am I? Just stand outside the door. If you hear a big thud, then you’ll know I passed out from the pain, and you can rush in, wipe my ass, and pull my pants up.”

  Vaughn roared with laughter. I bit my l
ip, trying not to grin, but it was useless. This man wasn’t going to take any chances of me falling. “You better help me up soon, or I’m going to pee in our bed, and there’s nothing sexy about that.”

  Vaughn bent over and scooped me up in his arms. “Don’t get used to this. You’re supposed to use your walker.”

  “Ugh. Fuck that. You’d think taking a bullet had screwed me up or something.”

  Vaughn placed my feet down on the tile floor of the bathroom, and I wiggled my toes, finding my balance.

  “It did fuck you up.” His fingers trailed down my cheek and my neck. “You’re getting better, but you still can’t walk without help, and you have dizzy spells. If you fell off the toilet …”

  I held up my hand, silencing him. “If you’ve not realized by now that I have a seriously hard head, then we need to examine yours.”

  “Nice try.” He kissed my nose. “I’ll turn around, but I’m staying right here.”

  “What if I have to fart?” I asked, barely containing my giggle.

  “Girl, if you’ve not figured it out yet, you’re stuck with me for the rest of your life. It’s going to happen eventually.” His chuckle rumbled through his chest.

  “Fine, I tried to warn you.” I pulled my pants down and sat on the toilet. “Sutton should be in here with me, not you.” I placed my hand on the wall for support as a wave of dizziness swept over me. Fucking meds. I couldn’t wait until I was able to use Advil and Tylenol instead.

  “She’s gone. That’s why you’re stuck with me.”

  “Oh, goody, goody.” Seconds later, I released a big sigh of relief while I emptied my bladder.

  “Feel better, my little horse?” Vaughn laughed but remained facing away from me.

  I grabbed some toilet paper, lobbed the roll at the back of his head, and finished my business.

  He chuckled as he picked it up off the floor. “I deserved that.”

  “Yes. You did.” I smirked and used the wall to stand up, staring at my crotch. “Huh. Guess it’s been a while.” I flushed the commode and left my yoga pants down. “Look.”

  Vaughn peeked over his shoulder, his brows shooting upward. “Wow. You’re right.”

  I brushed my fingers through my light-colored pubes. Typically I was clean-shaven, but since the injury … “You should shave me.”

  “Uh …” Vaughn’s eyes widened. “Seriously? What if I cut you?”

  “Well, don’t do that. I’m very sensitive there, but you’ll have to figure it out unless you want that shit in your teeth. I can’t bend over yet.”

  Vaughn snickered while I pulled up my pants.

  “And while you’re down there.” I wiggled my eyebrows at him. “An orgasm or two is definitely in order.”

  At three in the afternoon, I had a checkup appointment. A new nurse had started coming a few times a month, which meant I was making tremendous progress. Since it was only to check my incision, blood pressure, and how I was feeling, Pierce had continued to pay for the care to continue at the house. Next week, though, I would have to go to see the doctor at the hospital. They wanted to run some tests and a CT scan to make sure I was healing well.

  Heather had arrived five minutes early. She rapped her knuckles on my bedroom door and bounced right in. High energy wasn’t even a good word for her. Her dark hair was in a bun with wooden sticks jutting out of it. She was slender and a smidge taller than me. Her light-blue scrubs sported little white-and-pink bunnies. I couldn’t help but grin. I’d take a cute bunny any day of the week. Although she was super cute, I couldn’t pinpoint the small nagging feeling in the back of my mind.

  Vaughn stood, immediately blocking her from reaching me.

  “I’m her bodyguard.” His chest puffed out.

  I wanted to laugh, but it wasn’t funny. My peacock was fanning his feathers, strutting around the room, and staking his claim. Although he was protecting me, I wasn’t the one she was really interested in.

  I pursed my lips together, suffocating my giggle, and let him do his job.

  “Oh, you’re a real hottie, and those eyes.” Heather placed her fingertips on his chest, and I nearly barreled toward her.

  “I’m taken.” Vaughn took her wrist and immediately removed her hand.

  “No offense.” She peered around him and wiggled her fingers at me in greeting, not missing a beat after she’d been thoroughly rejected.

  I wiggled my fingers at her, mimicking her a little while I gave her a halfhearted wave.

  “Well, Mr. Bodyguard, I do need to be near the patient in order to work with her.” She pushed her glasses up her nose, her gaze drifting up to his.

  Without another word, Vaughn moved out of the way.

  Heather sat on the edge of my bed and took my temperature and blood pressure. “How are you feeling since your last checkup?”

  “Better. I’d like to get off the pain pills, though.”

  “I know they’re not a lot of fun, but it’s normal to be on them at this point in your recovery. Do you need a new prescription?”

  Vaughn grabbed the bottle on my nightstand and opened it. “She has a few days left.”

  “I’ll have the doctor call in a refill. If you think you’re ready, then start taking the Oxy every five hours instead of four. See how you feel, but be patient with yourself.”

  How could she be so friendly to me, when a few minutes earlier she was making a pass at Vaughn like an animal in heat?

  “You’re looking great, Claire. Continue what you’re doing.” Heather offered a friendly smile.

  “What about some more activity?” I asked, my brow arching.

  “What kind of activity?” she asked.

  I couldn’t help it, my attention landed on Vaughn, and I bit my bottom lip.

  “Oh … Ohh. I had no idea you two were together. I’m so sorry I was unprofessional.” A crimson flush feathered her cheeks.

  I laughed. “It wasn’t cool but forget about it. He’s incredibly difficult to resist.” I winked at Vaughn. “Which brings me back to my question.”

  “No intercourse yet. That doesn’t mean you can’t play a little, just be super careful.” She focused on Vaughn. “Nothing crazy, and I’m serious.” She pointed at him. “And if anyone asks, I told you no about all of it. Understood?”

  “Yup,” I said, beaming at her.

  “See you in a few days.” Heather waved at me on her way out. “You, too.” She grinned at Vaughn and bounced out of the room.

  I rolled my eyes and smacked the palm of my hand against my forehead. “Ugh. Still no sex, but …” I lay back in my bed, exhausted. “She said we could mess around. What exactly does that cover?”

  Vaughn crawled on the bed next to me. “Do you want me to ask her?”

  I rubbed my aching temples. “No. It’s bad enough I have to be cleared by the doctor to have you inside me.” One eye peered at him. “You should shave me now.”

  “Are you sure? You’re not nervous?”

  “Nah. You probably used a razor blade when you were overseas. You are well aware of how to use it. Besides, you’ve done this before.”

  “What?” he asked, pretending he didn’t understand what I was talking about.

  “Please. I am well aware that you’re not innocent. Besides, this will be good practice to see how still I can be while your face is between my legs.” I covered my mouth and giggled.

  “Game on.” Vaughn closed and locked the door and disappeared into our bathroom. He returned with a towel, a cup of water, a razor, and shaving cream.

  “I guess I’ve never asked you what you like. Clean-shaven or a landing strip?” I tilted my head, mentally guessing what his answer might be.

  “Either. I’m not difficult to please as long as it’s trimmed.” Vaughn grinned as he laid the towel on the bed. He walked over to my side, picked me up, and moved me on top of it. “I have a feeling the doctor wouldn’t approve of any activity at all, so if I even think that you’re hurting, I’m stopping.”

  I st
uck my lower lip out. “I miss you.”

  He pressed a kiss to my lips. “Take your pants and panties off.”

  Instawet. Damn. I carefully removed my clothes and tossed them on the floor. I spread my legs for him. His gaze focused on my core, he shook the can and squirted some of the cream into his hand. He dropped to his knees and gently applied the white gel on my pussy.

  “It’s cold.” I shuddered from the chill.

  “Stay still.” He dipped the razor in the water, then trailed it over my hair. “Damn, this is an excellent blade.”

  “Uh-huh.” The conversation wasn’t on my mind at the moment—not getting cut was—so I opted to remain silent until this part was over.

  Five minutes later, he grabbed a damp cloth from the bathroom and wiped me off. “Perfection.” He grinned at me.

  I tilted my head up, staring at my clean and slightly red skin. “Thank you. I feel better.”

  Vaughn sat on the edge of the bed and traced his finger down my slit. I inhaled a sharp breath, trying not to move too much. The last thing I wanted was to irritate my still healing incision.

  “God, I’ve missed you.” He kneeled to the floor again and ran his tongue over my swollen bud. While he continued, I bunched up the comforter in my hands. At this rate, I would break the record for the fastest orgasm ever. I wondered if that was a category in the Guinness Book of World Records. I groaned while his fingers entered me, and I resisted the urge to squirm beneath his touch.

  “Does it feel good, babe? Did you miss me as much as I have you?”

  My eyes landed on his. Raw desire filled his gaze while he peeked up at me, and his mouth worked magic.

  “I need you in me, Vaughn.” Fuck what the doctor said—we could do this. I was doing great so far.

  Intense pleasure exploded inside me, and I tossed my head back while my body tensed. “Shit, that was good,” I said while I relaxed. “I’m fine, babe. It didn’t hurt at all.”

  Vaughn stood, his erection pressing against his jeans.