Beautifully Broken Life (The Sutter Lake Series Book 2)

by Catherine Cowles

  I laughed, but it turned into a groan as Liam gave one of my nipples a pull. Two could play this game, though. I reached my hand behind me and slipped my fingers beneath the waistband of his boxers. I gripped Liam’s cock, and he let out a curse.

  I grinned. His skin was so soft, such a juxtaposition to the hardness beneath. I let my hand explore every curve, dip, and ridge, the dusting of hair at his base, the tip that leaked at my touch. I left no stone unturned.

  Liam worked one hand under the band of my pajama pants, his breathing heavy. “You’re going to undo me.”

  I turned my head so that my lips could meet his. “That’s the plan.”

  Liam’s finger slipped between my folds. My blood seemed to simmer in anticipation. He dipped a digit into my opening, taking the wetness and spreading it to my clit. I tugged my bottom lip between my teeth as Liam drew lazy circles around that bundle of nerves.

  Each sweep of his finger drove me a little bit higher, twisted that cord inside me a little bit tighter. I let out a moan. Liam pulled my pajamas lower. “Let me come inside.”

  I pushed back against him, instinctively seeking what I needed most in that moment. “Yes.” It came out as a hoarse whisper.

  Liam pulled his boxers down, and then he was entering me, the stretching sensation delicious. It was still almost too much—in the perfect way. Liam gave me a moment to adjust, for the hint of pain to turn to molten heat.

  I arched back against Liam, my sign for him to move. And he did. Slowly at first, entering and retreating. Then a little bit faster, deeper. And then he hit a spot I didn’t think existed.

  “Liam,” I breathed his name as though I weren’t sure if he was real, if this feeling was real. My legs began to tremble, and my body started to clench.

  Liam drove even deeper, hitting that sweet spot over and over. As I arched back into him, Liam pressed down on my clit. He gave one more thrust, the deepest yet, and released inside me. Light flashed behind my eyes, and I came apart, fracturing into a million little pieces, each piece dancing and sparking until they came back together, and I came down to Earth.

  We were both breathing heavily. Liam, still inside me, twitched. I groaned. “That was…” I let my words trail off, unsure of what would do that experience justice.

  Liam kissed my temple, the spot that always sent a pleasant shiver down my spine. “That was everything.” He held me even closer to him. “I love you, Tessa. You are everything to me.”

  My heart fisted and relaxed. “I never thought I’d have this. I’d resigned myself to being alone.” Liam gave me a squeeze. I shook my head. “I was okay with it because better alone than always hurting, right?”

  Liam froze behind me, his body going rigid. I pushed on. “But then I met you. When I’m with you…I don’t know how to describe it. It’s like the colors of the world seem brighter. I see things I would’ve missed before.”

  I turned my head so that I could meet his gaze. “You make this life so much more beautiful.”

  Liam took my mouth in a hard kiss. When he pulled away, his eyes were blazing. “I’m pretty sure you should be the one writing love songs.”

  I giggled, and Liam groaned. He grew hard inside me again. My eyes widened. “Really? So soon?”

  Liam grinned. “I’m pretty much insatiable around you.”

  THE MORNING RUSH at the Kettle was insane. Summer was officially upon us. The tourists had descended, and we were a popular stop on their way into town. Jensen had even put Liam to work grabbing orders of baked goods and passing them out to customers.

  It was hilarious to see their double-takes as Liam served them. One middle-aged woman even stopped him, saying, “Has anyone ever told you, you’re the spitting image of Liam Fairchild?”

  Liam had shrugged. “I get that a lot.”

  Jensen and I had dissolved into laughter. As busy as we were, as heavy as the threat was that lay in wait, I loved this day. Working alongside two of my favorite people in the world, the energy of tourists who were excited to experience the beauty that was Sutter Lake, it invaded my system and gave my blood a happy buzz.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” Jensen’s voice boomed from the front of the shop.

  I stuck my head out of the kitchen to see Bridgette hovering in front of the bakery case. She straightened invisible wrinkles in her skirt. “Come on, you weren’t really serious about banning me, were you? You make the best chai latte in town.”

  Jensen’s hands went to her hips. “You should have thought of that before you were such a raving you know what.”

  I fought my giggle at Jensen’s attempt to keep it clean around a shop full of families. Bridgette’s eyes narrowed on me. “This is your fault. I bet you’ve been crying to Jensen, trying to get her to ban me for months.”

  I straightened, taking a step forward. “Actually, I find you rather amusing. If you weren’t so disruptive to our customers, I’d ask you to stay.”

  The red on Bridgette’s cheeks deepened. “You’re the one who’s amusing. This whole town laughs at you behind your back. At how weird you are. Like a mangy, skittish cat.”

  I didn’t want the jab about my weirdness to hit home. I tried to deflect it, but it was still a glancing blow. I knew people occasionally thought I was odd. I’d always decided that strange was better than letting someone close enough to hurt me. That wasn’t who I was anymore, but I still had love for the girl who’d had to keep her distance from others to protect herself, to keep her shields up while she took the time to heal—until she was strong enough to let people in again.

  I took a deep breath. “Bridgette, you use words like weapons. One of these days, all those vicious arrows you’ve slung are going to come back to you ten-fold. I hope you’re prepared for that.” I believed it. Karma was a powerful thing, and I was sure Bridgette would get hers.

  Bridgette sneered. “You’re the one who should be careful about what’s coming for you. Just you wait.” And with that, she turned on her heel and left. I sighed. Clearly, Bridgette was not done bringing me into her drama.

  Liam turned to Jensen and me. “What is wrong with that girl?”

  Jensen shook her head. “Not enough cuddles as a child? Daddy didn’t buy her the pony she wanted for her eighth birthday?”

  Liam chuckled and crossed to give me a kiss. “I was really tempted to throw a muffin at her head, but it seemed like you had it handled. You okay?”

  I grinned at the mental image of Bridgette being pelted with a marionberry muffin. “Thanks for not stepping in.”

  I knew it was hard for Liam. It was in his nature to come between me and anything that might cause me pain. So, it meant even more that he supported me while I fought my battles but didn’t try to fight them for me. Liam knew that I had spent years under someone’s thumb, every last second of my life seemingly under that person’s control. Liam empowered me to be stronger so that I could stand on my own, knowing that he’d always be there whenever I called.

  I pressed my mouth to his and whispered against his lips, “I love you.”

  Jensen cleared her throat. “Okay, lovebirds, this is cute and all, but I could really use some help over here.”

  I looked up to see a long line of customers waiting to be served. My cheeks heated. “Sorry about that. What can I do?”

  Jensen grinned at me. “We’re running low on just about everything. Will you grab napkins, to-go cups, and the other essentials from the pantry?”

  “No problem. I’ll be back in a few.” I started for the back of the shop.

  Jensen handed a customer her change. “Come on, lover boy. Start plating some treats.”

  Liam grumbled something about expecting to be paid in baked goods at the end of the day. I laughed to myself as I rounded the corner and headed down the hall towards the back pantry. Pulling open the door, I hit the light and went in search of napkins, cups, and stirrers.

  I was going to make Liam’s favorite chocolate potato chip cookies this afternoon. He’d earne
d some of his favorite treats. A whoosh of air lifted the hair at the back of my neck. I turned to see where it was coming from and was met with blinding pain at my temple. Agony, and then nothing at all.

  40

  Liam

  T he customer I was handing a plate to eyed me with confusion, likely trying to reconcile a famous musician behind the counter of a small-town tea shop. The woman shook her head, deciding that I must just look like Liam Fairchild, and joined her family. I could get used to this weird dose of normality. It was kind of fun.

  Jensen tapped my arm with her elbow while she counted out change to hand to a customer. “Will you go see if Tessa found napkins? We’re all out up here.”

  “Sure.” I ducked back into the kitchen, calling her name. “Tessa?” The kitchen was empty, so I headed for the back hall. The whole shop sort of formed one big circle and wasn’t much bigger than a two-bedroom apartment.

  As I hit the back hall, my heart stopped. Beats skipped. My blood turned to ice. The back door was wide-open. Panic jolted me into action. My hand went for the gun holstered at my back hip. “Tessa!” No answer.

  My blood roared in my ears. Where was she? I checked the back parking area. Nothing. I jogged back inside and made my way down the hall. The pantry door was open, the light inside still on. The roaring in my ears intensified. She was gone.

  My gaze traveled over every inch of the brightly lit space and stopped at a spot on the floor. What was that? I crouched down to get a better look, wanting to touch but resisting the urge. My stomach roiled. Drops of blood.

  I shot straight up, pulling my cell from my back pocket and running outside. I hit Walker’s contact. He answered on the second ring. “Hey, Liam. Everything okay?”

  Everything was not fucking okay. My chest constricted as I searched for any movement in the parking lot and alley. Nothing. “Tessa’s been taken.”

  “Where are you?” Walker was all efficient business now.

  “At The Tea Kettle. She was getting something from the pantry and then she was just gone.” I squeezed my eyes closed against the pain, at the knowledge that I had failed Tessa. My voice got quiet, hoarse. “There are drops of blood in the pantry.”

  I could hear Walker shouting something to what I assumed was another officer in the background. “I’m on my way. Tell Jensen not to let anyone leave.”

  I nodded and then realized that Walker couldn’t see me. “Got it.” I tapped end on the screen and strode back inside. I didn’t touch the door, even to close it, hoping maybe they would find something there that could help.

  Jensen was laughing with a customer when I reached the front room. She turned to say something to me, but taking in my expression, she froze. The color drained from Jensen’s face. “What happened?”

  I fisted my hands so tightly it was a miracle I didn’t break a knuckle. “Tessa’s gone. I called Walker. He’s on his way. He said not to let anyone leave.” My voice was even, devoid of any emotion. It was the only way I could say what I had to.

  Tears filled Jensen’s eyes, but she clenched her jaw and forced them back. She raised her voice above the din of the shop. “Excuse me, everyone. We have a missing woman. The police are on their way, but I need you all to stay put so they can ask you some questions.”

  The café erupted in conversation. Jensen lifted her voice above them again. “We will have complimentary snacks and beverages while you wait.”

  Time seemed to pass in a blur yet move as slowly as molasses at the same time. I wanted to get in my SUV, tear out of there, and go look for Tessa. I had some weird notion that my heart would lead me to her. It was ridiculous. We had no clues yet. No idea where Garrett was or where he might be headed.

  I needed out of the shop. Too many people. Too much noise. I strode down the hall, forcing myself not to look at the pantry, the place where Tessa’s blood possibly lay on the floor. I reached the back alley and tried to slow my breathing. I couldn’t. Rage flowed through my veins.

  Tessa. My beautiful girl was in the hands of a monster. I’d promised her that she was safe. That I’d be with her every moment. I’d failed. My breaths came faster, the rage hotter. I turned and slammed my fist into the dumpster. Pain bloomed, radiating up my arm.

  I welcomed it. Anything that would distract me from the agony shredding my chest. I slammed my fist into the dumpster again. And again. And again. Someone roughly grabbed my shoulder, and I spun, ready to turn my rage on them, but Walker knew what was likely coming and blocked my shot.

  Twisting my arm, Walker held it firmly behind my back. “Get it together, man. Breaking your fucking hand isn’t going to help you find your girl.”

  I heaved, trying to catch my breath. As I relaxed, Walker loosened his hold. I turned to face him. “I’m sorry.”

  Walker slapped me on the shoulder. “You needed to let it out somehow. You ready to walk me through this? I’ve got officers interviewing everyone inside.”

  My throat was suddenly dry as a desert. “Yeah.” The word came out scratchy. We headed towards the door. “This was open when I came back here.”

  Walker crouched to study the lock. “You guys were keeping this locked, right?”

  “Religiously.”

  Walker’s eyes narrowed. “There’s no sign of forced entry, so either someone had a key, or the door was unlocked from the inside.”

  I gritted my teeth. I knew the how was important, but not nearly as important as the where. “How do we figure out where she was taken?”

  Walker straightened from his crouch. “I’ve called Cain, he’s working on things from his end, tracking a new bank account. And Tuck is on his way, too. It’s going to take him a bit because he was working a ways away, but he’ll get here as fast as he can.”

  My shoulders relaxed just a bit. Tuck was one of the best trackers in the state, maybe the country. He had been the one to help Walker find Taylor when she was abducted. If Tessa had been taken somewhere in the surrounding forest, Tuck just might be able to bring her home. “Thank you.”

  Walker jerked his head for me to follow him inside. “Honestly, our best bet is information from the Kettle’s customers today. They may have seen something and not even realized it.”

  Crime scene techs were already at work in the pantry. Walker gripped my shoulder as we passed the open door. “We’re doing everything we can.”

  “I know.” I just prayed it was enough.

  THE LAST FEW hours had passed in an impatient blur. Jensen and I had talked Walker through everything that had happened, every customer we could remember who had come through. Officers had gone to interview those whose names we knew, hoping to catch a break. So far, nothing.

  My mind flashed to another gathering of police when Taylor was taken. Yet again, I was powerless. Yet again, I had failed to protect someone I loved.

  The bell over the door jangled as Tuck strode through, a look of pissed-off determination on his face. “Do we know anything new?”

  Our whole group stood, but it was Walker who spoke. “One witness who was taking a smoke break in the back a few shops down reported seeing a dark SUV idling in the alley. She didn’t get a look at the plates, though.”

  Tuck swiped a hand through his hair. “Fuck. Any idea where he might have taken her?”

  Walker’s jaw tightened. “We’re working on that.” Walker turned to talk to one of his officers who was finishing up with one of the few remaining customers in the tea shop.

  Tuck’s gaze traveled to Jensen. She was hiding her distress well, but I knew she was struggling. I’m sure it was bringing back all sorts of memories of when Taylor was taken, of when Jensen’s ex had almost killed her. Tuck pulled her into his side. “You hanging in there, Little J?”

  Jensen scowled at the nickname, shaking off his arm. “Don’t call me that.”

  We were all on edge. Impatient. I began to pace. There had to be something we could do. Sitting around here wasn’t getting us anywhere. I palmed the keys to my SUV and turned to tell Tuck I wa
s going to drive around and see what I could find, but I stopped as my gaze caught on something out the window. Someone.

  Kimberly Speakman. The fan whose obsession had twisted her mind. My stomach dropped. What is she doing here? God, no. Please, no. What if none of this had to do with Garrett? What if it was I who had brought a monster into Tessa’s life?

  41

  Tessa

  P ain woke me, waves of it crashing over me in a relentless storm. I blinked, trying to alleviate the pressure in my head. There was a ringing sound that felt deafening. I needed to find the source and make it stop.

  I blinked my eyes again. My vision was blurry at first, but it slowly began to clear. What happened? I tried to pull my hand up to my head, but there was pain there, too.

  I looked down. My wrists were bound together with plastic twine. A zip tie, my brain slowly processed. That sent a jolt of adrenaline coursing through me, clearing my mind a little bit more.

  My gaze shot around the space. Where am I? Am I alone? I prayed the answer to the second question was yes. The room was small. Old. Bare. A worn, wooden floor, and wallpaper that had yellowed with age. The only furniture was the twin bed I lay on, and a chair with a sagging seat in the corner.

  I let out a shuddering breath. I was alone. For now. My body tensed at that thought, sending another flash of blinding pain through my skull. I slowly reached my hands up to prod at my face. I winced as they touched the right side of my head.

  I eased my exploration, ghosting my fingers as carefully as possible over my skin. That side of my face was definitely swollen. My fingertips touched a large bump, and I bit down on my lip to keep from crying out in pain.

  I pulled my hands away from my head and found dried blood. Shit. I focused on keeping my breathing even. The last thing I needed was to have a panic attack and pass out. I counted my inhales and exhales. I needed to try and sit up.