Broken Beauty

by Stella Andrews

  I suppose I make it with just a couple of minutes to spare and take a moment to catch my breath because I will need to keep my feelings in check.

  Hearing the twigs from the forest crunch under her feet, I set my mood accordingly and lie low where I know she will pass. As she moves closer, I reach my hand out and spin her against me as she passes and place my other hand over her eyes.

  “Gotcha.”

  She struggles, but it’s futile because we both know she ain’t going anywhere.

  I pull her hard against me and growl, “Make it easy on yourself, darlin’, if you do, this will be a whole lot easier.”

  “For who?”

  Her voice is husky and laced with desire and I’m guessing if I ripped off those tiny shorts she wears, she would be wet and ready. I almost deviate from the plan as I feel her trembling body against mine and feel the desire wafting through the trees in the early morning air. Then again, morning has a long way to come because night is still ruling this particular hour and as I lead her to where I need her most, I feel my heart thumping with a nervousness that has no reason being here.

  She whimpers as I gently bite her neck like the hungriest of vampires and she pushes back against my chest, wriggling against my cock. It’s almost unbearable as I fight my own battle within myself not to swing her against the trunk of the nearest tree and claim my woman like the savage beast I am.

  I whisper huskily in her ear, “Stop struggling and open your eyes.”

  Whipping my hand away, I hear her gasp as she sees what’s waiting and spins to face me with an expression that brings out the emotion in a man that never knew he had any.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  She turns and looks in wonder at the magical fantasy I have created just for her as she sees the forest transformed into a fairy tale.

  Candles burn in little glass jars set around a bed made from the fruits of the forest. Branches, twigs and moss have formed the base of a bed strewn with leaves and finished off with a huge soft blanket that will provide comfort—for a while at least. As the candle flames dance in the light of the disappearing darkness, she turns to me and her eyes are bright as she whispers, “I love you, Maverick.”

  Pulling her face to mine with two hands cupped either side of her beauty, I take my fill of the lips I will never tire of tasting.

  I’m not rough, I take it gentle and slow and savor the moment because this one is a long time coming.

  Running my hands under her top, I ease it from her back and marvel at the beauty nature created.

  Leaning down, I kiss her soft skin, bathed in a sheen of sweat and relish the taste of a woman in her prime. She gasps and it sends the heat tearing through my body as I physically ache to make her mine in every way possible.

  I move my mouth down her body, inhaling the toxic fumes of lust and as I reach her shorts, I use my teeth to tear them from her like the frantic beast I am. On my instructions she wears nothing else and as I taste her arousal; it makes my cock throb so hard it could all be over in seconds.

  She pushes into me trying to bring us closer but not yet.

  Standing, I swing her into my arms and carry her to the bed I made especially for her and lay her gently on the blanket. My own shorts follow hers to a heap on the ground and as I position myself above my beautiful lady, I whisper, “I love you, Sophia.”

  The tears roll down her face and the light in her eyes causes my heart to burst as she whispers back, “Not as much as I love you, Maverick.”

  Pulling her toward me, I push inside and move slowly and gently, relishing the ease in which her body welcomes me in. She molds herself around me once again, reinforcing the fact that we were made for each other. Gently, slowly, I fill my woman with everything I’ve got and as she moans my name, I catch the words in my mouth that can’t ever get enough of the woman beneath me.

  Unlike our usual lovemaking, this one is less frantic, less brutal and has all the makings of a love story because this is our love story, the tale of when two lost souls found each other in the most terrifying of ways and conquered it all to live happily ever after. As Sophia clenches my cock and shatters around me, I cum so hard it causes the birds to wake up screeching from the trees. As she throbs and pulses beneath me as I hold her tenderly, I say in the softest voice I have ever used, “Will you marry me, Sophia Moretti?”

  She stills and I feel her tears wet against my cheek as she clings to me hard and kisses me lightly across my face. Then she looks at me with the purest look of love there is and says shyly, “No.”

  For a moment we cling together and savor the moment that was always going to happen since we met. I think back to the struggle that brought us to this point and stroke her hair and kiss her lovingly, before gently setting her down on the blanket. As I pull out and roll on my back, I pull her face to my chest and twist her hair in my hands, pulling it gently to punish her for being so brutal.

  She sighs against my skin and it makes me smile because no one was more surprised than me to discover that Sophia likes to feel the bite of pain more than she likes it gentle.

  She snuggles into me and says dreamily, “Thank you, Maverick, that was perfect.”

  “Get used to it, darlin’ because you’re going nowhere, despite turning me down.”

  We share a laugh and just savor the moment because as moments go, this one’s for the history books.

  38

  Sophia

  I have never been so happy. I never thought I would be, but these last six months have been the happiest of my life. When we returned to the Rubicon, it was to the party that Ashton promised me. It felt so good to return with Maverick by my side and it didn’t take long for us to settle into our life here as a couple. I soon learned that my fear was unfounded because nothing scares me now. I help with the kids during the day and in the bar at night, under the watchful eye of the man who lights the flame to my soul. I love chatting to the other women and spending time with them, which I discovered is extremely welcome when dealing with the men that live here. Rough, crude and so hot, we need no heating because life at the Rubicon is, as Millie said, the stuff of dreams.

  Millie herself has become a firm friend of mine and never once made me feel awkward. I am beginning to realize just how special these girls are because there is not a bad bone in any of them and never having the friendship of women before; I guard ours fiercely and protect it like the precious thing it is.

  The sun finally breaks through the drapes in the bedroom I share with Maverick. I never thought I would be so happy but I am. He completes me and as the man himself enters the room; I have to laugh because the sight of him brings the biggest smile to my lips.

  “Morning, darlin’ - finally.”

  He winks because as soon as we returned from the forest, he started all over again and I fell into a deep sleep fueled by exhaustion. However, I am immediately awake as he enters the room with nothing but a tray covering him, laden with pancakes and juice with a side of fruit. He is buck naked and my mouth waters as I see the beast who captured my heart in all his magnificent glory. His hair is long and wild and his muscles flex as he sets the tray on the side table, giving me a delicious view of his ass. My mouth waters for more than the food he has served me so cheekily and the bed sags as he sits beside me and pulls me up to face him. Running his hand around my head, he holds me firmly and looks into my eyes and his eyes glint with a resolve I know only too well.

  Then he almost growls, “Sophia Moretti, I am a patient man but have now reached the end of it. I am not accustomed to asking the same question, what will now be three times, and I expect the right answer this time. From the minute we first met, you have been difficult, arrogant and tested my patience. You have done your best to make my life as difficult as possible and I have crossed Oceans to bring you back to me. I gave up my family for you and turned my back on a life that would make me want for nothing but one thing.”

  He seems almost emotional as he rests his head against mine and says
softly, “You. I gave all that up for you because you are worth more to me than life itself. I couldn’t begin to live a life without you in it because you are the breath in my lungs and the blood in my veins. You give me strength and purpose and you own my heart and soul. So, will you fucking marry me, you annoying woman and put me out of my misery once and for all?”

  “Yes.”

  My voice is but a whisper and the tears that fall are the happiest I have ever shed.

  “Yes, I will marry you. It was always going to be a yes, you know that because who else would ever put up with you?”

  I smile through my tears as his eyes light up and the happiness shines through the darkness. The emotion in the room is palpable and as he traces the lines of my face, he whispers huskily, “I love you, Sophia Moretti but I am in love forever with Sophia Romano.”

  Our lips meet in a kiss that relegates the breakfast to the trash. I no longer need food when I have everything I want holding me so tenderly in his arms. As he lowers me to the bed, I plan on showing him just how much he means to me because I intend on feasting on a different banquet this morning and what a tasty one it is.

  Epilogue

  Millie

  My head hurts, I think I’ve lost the power of taste and I feel sore and bruised from a night that hasn’t ended yet. As party’s go, this one was the mother of them all and it makes me so happy we could give Sophia and Maverick the send-off they deserved.

  If I feel a tinge of regret, it doesn’t last long because I quickly laid that particular infatuation to rest. Maverick may have been the sexiest man I have ever met but seeing him with Sophia, told me it means nothing when they don’t feel the same. Watching them this past few months has taught me a lot. She has brought him out of his shell in a way I never could and it annoys me to hell and back that I love her like the sister I never had. When Angel left, I was cut adrift in an empty boat of my own making. I have learned to embrace change since living here and roll with the punches because life is never dull for a second.

  It wasn’t hard to pick up the fragile pieces of my heart and glue them back together because the guys here make it impossible to stay lonely for long.

  However, the party last night was not just to celebrate the happy couple’s approaching wedding, it was to celebrate my own exit from a life I never thought I’d walk away from.

  “Hey, Millie, you should get some sleep, don’t you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow?”

  I look up and see Bonnie wandering through the bar, bleary-eyed, as she looks around with disgust at the mess left behind.

  “Oh, you know, old habits and all, I thought I’d leave this place as I’d want to find it before packing my bags.”

  She looks a little concerned. “Will you be ok?”

  “I hope so.” I feel slightly nervous and she smiles with a genuine warmth that always makes her one of the most approachable women here.

  Grabbing a stool, she pulls me down beside her and takes my hand, looking deep into my eyes. “You know, you can back out, it’s not for long; this is still your home.”

  “I know that and it’s fine.” I smile with a bravery I’m not sure is real because I have lived here for close on two years and life is easy. However, it became apparent when Angel left and Maverick found happiness with Sophia, that I wanted more. So, Ryder arranged a little mission of my own and I am excited to see it through.

  Bonnie says with interest. “Are you all set?”

  I nod with an excitement that has been growing since he first asked me. “To be honest, Bonnie, I am so ready for this. I need this more than anything and if it goes well, I can return here and feel as if I really earned my place.”

  Bonnie laughs and shakes her head. “I think you can safely say you earned your place here, honey.”

  She winks and I laugh. “It’s not hard. This place is paradise for a single girl who has no shame. No, this time it’s different because I’m out on my own. It should help me discover the direction I’m heading and I’m impatient for that.”

  Bonnie nods and says thoughtfully, “You know, it’s not dissimilar to how I came here. When Snake found me, I was doing the very thing you are expected to do.”

  “Any pointers?” I smile but it’s edged with tension because this is serious and I know a lot is at stake.

  “It was fine, you have trained well for it, after all, you have run this bar like a pro.”

  We laugh because she’s right there and she gets a faraway look in her eyes as she smiles softly. “I never knew it would end up here though. When Snake kidnapped me and virtually held me prisoner, I thought my life had ended. Little did I know he was saving me in the process. You know, I wouldn’t change a thing about what happened and I hope to God you find happiness for yourself because there is nothing like the excitement of danger that fires a woman’s soul.”

  I feel a shiver of excitement as I think about the task Ryder set me. The Dragon’s Ruin. It sounds exciting, let alone the reason I’m there. I wonder where it will end, right back here, I hope.

  As if she reads my mind, Bonnie says firmly, “You know, one word will bring the cavalry calling, don’t you?”

  I nod. “Of course, I will always have the guy’s protection, that goes without saying. The thing is, Bonnie, living among the Reapers has taught me that great rewards come with a little risk involved. I watch those men ride out of here to save the world and when they come back, I am only too happy to give them comfort to chase the bad memories away. The thing is, I want to taste a little danger for myself and the Dragon’s Ruin sounds just the place to find it.”

  Bonnie nods and then smiles sweetly. “Let me help you clean this place up. Two pairs of hands are better than one and you can tell me all about it as we work.”

  “Don’t you have to get back to Snake?”

  She shakes her head. “No, he’s deep in conversation with Ryder. They’re putting the final touches to your mission and setting the protection in place you need.”

  As we set to work, Bonnie tells me about her own experience in a world I am to inhabit until the job is done. It doesn’t sound as glamorous as it is here and serves the purpose not to dress this up in excitement because I’m in no doubt this is a special place and there is none to equal it. However, The Dragon’s Ruin sounds like my kind of place and I am itching to see what that involves. Will I be back, you bet because as homes go, this is one you never want to move out of. I just hope that I bring back a whole lot of memories to keep me warm at night because it’s about time Millie made her mark.

  The End

  One tale ends and another begins - or two?

  Millie’s story will be coming soon but before that make sure you don’t miss a brand-new series. We catch up with the Romanos and you can pre-order the first one by clicking the link.

  I can’t wait for this!!

  The Throne of Pain

  1

  Riley

  “There’s a dead body in the pool, an actual dead body and I want to know what you are going to do about it?”

  I stare at the receptionist with all guns blazing and don’t even register that I’m dripping chlorine, mixed with a hint of blood and potential disease, onto the marble tiles. I don’t even record that I’m freezing cold as the air conditioning hits the droplets of water on my dripping body, with only the standard issue beach towel to hide my modesty but I am as hot as hell with anger keeping the fires burning inside.

  “I’m sorry miss, I will call for the pool attendant.”

  “Is that seriously the best you can do? I have been traumatized; I’m telling you. I will probably never recover and need counseling for the rest of my life and you are sending for the pool boy? What sort of place is this?”

  “Miss, I can assure you these things happen from time to time, it is unfortunate but we can’t protect against nature.”

  Taking a few deep breaths, I struggle to get my breathing under control because I am obviously in the presence of somebody without a brain and so
, draw myself up to my full 5ft 7” height and snarl, “I want to see your manager.”

  The receptionist’s eyes narrow and I can tell she’s not happy at this request—at all, which gives me a brief moment of satisfaction. Then her gaze flicks past me and I see that expression change in an instant as she says nervously, “I’m sorry, Miss, I’ll see what I can do.”

  “You’ll see what you can do?”

  I almost shout at her with exasperation. “You will do something now because I am running on a very short fuse here and want answers and fast.”

  “Please, Miss.”

  Suddenly, I’m aware that she’s extremely worried about something and feel a prickle of fear run down my spine as her eyes spark with pure terror as she looks past me again. I follow the direction she’s looking in and see a man heading our way, surrounded by men in suits and I turn and say with interest, “Who’s that?”

  I watch with fascination as a bead of sweat gathers on her upper lip and she almost whispers, “Mr Romano, he owns this hotel.”

  Fixing her with a triumphant look, I don’t even stop to think and spin on my heel and march right up to the man in question and say loudly, “Excuse me.”

  I stare at him coolly and the man that looks back at me looks curious and a little irritated which is fine by me because I say again even more loudly, “I said, excuse me!”

  I’m vaguely aware of a sea of black suits that move between us almost at once, pushing me to the side and I stumble as I try desperately to cling onto my towel and save myself from falling onto the cold, hard, floor. Failing miserably on both counts, I’m surprised to find that just before I face-plant marble, I’m scooped up and pulled to my feet by a very strong hand. My towel’s not so lucky and lies at my feet as I am held firmly against an extremely hard body that is gripping me hard with his arms around my waist. It all happens so fast I am given no time to react as I’m half carried along with the crowd of black suits who cut the light out and make me wonder what the hell is happening. I try to struggle but it’s impossible and make to speak but a cool whisper in my ear shuts me down in a second, “Say one word and you’re dead.”