"That's not the worst. That's the catalyst. What happened next is the real gem."
"Give us a minute." Miller hauls me up easily and clutches me like a baby to his body, placing me on the vanity. I stare into space while he fidgets around me.
"Here," he places my toothbrush in my hand.
"Ugh, I don't think putting this in my mouth is smart."
He takes my finger, swipes the toothpaste off, and brings it to my mouth. I lick it off, take a sip of the water he's holding, and swish it around before spitting it out.
"Aren't you disgusted? The woman you love is a heartless, screaming bitch that hurt people."
"The woman I love was manipulated and deceived. That person no longer exists. The past is the past. Nothing is going to change how much I love you. Told you already, it's my addiction."
"I hope you feel that way when you hear the rest."
Gently, he finishes toweling off my face and positions me back in his arms. There's no escaping his hold when he sits, draping me across his lap, the papers now piled on his coffee table.
I go into my head, dig down deep, and find that place that I buried. "I was the golden girl, riding the high for another month. My bonus was well over enough to buy my equity. There was another huge case the firm was working on that needed my expertise. I was consulting on the merger side. It was a Telecom group that was skating the edge of FCC regulations. It was enormous. A lot of the prominent in Chicago had a stake in this, on both sides. The FCC would require thorough diligence. Judges, city officials, bankers, the network was large. It was years in the making and Brock was in the center circle.
"My presence was commanded at a dinner at a swanky restaurant downtown to socialize with the players involved. This was my ultimate test, and I knew it. The instant I entered that restaurant, all eyes were on me. Then I came face to face with an ex-judge rumored to have clout in the case. He was too friendly and at one point suggested we go to his room. I declined politely and went to find Brock. He wasn't surprised and told me to do what had to be done to move the case forward. He told me to get with the program and open my eyes. My body was their weapon of choice, and since he knew I was a good lay, he'd vouched for my skills, like he'd done for the others."
I was wrong thinking the mood couldn't get any edgier, because in this moment the air in the room turns deadly. Testosterone mixes with fury so thick, it scalds across my skin.
"It all clicked, and years of black-hearted betrayal reared up. I wasn't the 'it' girl. They had primed me to be the firm whore."
The word whore is barely out of my mouth when Miller's whole body engulfs mine, shoving my head into his chest as a thunderous rage explodes in the room. Glass shatters, furniture vibrates, and Runner pounces on top of me, barking like crazy.
I'm trapped, unable to see what's happening, but hear the vicious threats pinging around the room from my brothers as Miller's heart thuds against my chest and his breathing is heavy.
"Fucking KILL him!" Austin roars before the sound of drywall splintering fills my ears.
The humiliation, guilt, and shame fade as I snap to my senses and realize I have to get a handle on these men.
I push with all my might, dislodging myself from Miller's vice hold, and twist to catch the dog before he falls off the sofa. "Stop! Everyone stop. It's over, I walked away."
"Thank God you did, but I'm still going to—"
I throw my hand in the air. "Do not make me regret telling you these things."
"Regret it, Ashlyn? You should have had us on the next plane to Chicago to move your ass out of there."
"I forgot it. The minute I walked into the bar next door, my new life took over." I dare to look at Miller, who's scary mad, but his eyes soften with understanding.
He finally has the complete story. And he gets it.
"That's the night you met Miller?" Austin stops pacing, clearly hearing our farce story through the gossip grapevine.
"It is, and he changed my life. The following Monday, I walked back into that firm with a new purpose. Because of him, I saw the good in people and had the courage to find myself again."
"Princess, get back here." He extends his arms, but I don't go to him. Instead, I ease Runner to the floor and stand, my stomach protesting the movement.
"Guys, I need y'all to listen to me. It took months of planning to leave. I made it my mission to find out who else was involved with Brock’s arrangement. Then I made it clear to Brock, if he fucked with me again, I’d blow the roof off his plans to seduce his way through the case. That's why I don't think these messages are from him. He's all balls and brass, doesn't hide behind shadows. He called Mom directly, looking for me. He wears thirty-thousand-dollar watches, walks into a room demanding attention, and had no qualms crushing people on his way to the top. This unknown number isn't his style. He'd contact me directly out of pure arrogance. I pissed off many people and put a lot in jeopardy when I left."
"What's with the endless screenshots and attachments?" Miller tries, but fails, to ask in an even voice.
"My guess is they are threatening to end my career, demolish my reputation, make it where no respectable company will hire me. But my work is solid and by the book. It may be marred with moral toxin, but there's nothing in my record that's legally corrupt."
"Is that why you've been stalling on the job front?"
"No, baby." I lay my hand on his knee, which is immediately covered with his. "I've been stalling because I want the good next time, and I'm weighing my options. My research had been thorough… and maybe a bit cleansing?"
He dips his chin, but with anger still set on his features. "No rush, you get the best when you're ready. You don't have to go back to law. It's whatever makes you happy."
His support and safety rolls through me like a soothing balm. My frazzled nerves slow a little. I'd been hiding my past out of shame and guilt. But there's not an ounce of judgment on any of their faces.
A fresh kind of regret settles inside. "I'm sorry it took me this long to share. It isn't exactly something to be proud of."
I say it out loud, apologizing to all, but hope Miller knows it has a special message directed to him.
"Ashlyn, you have a right to your privacy, but this is serious shit. We could have helped you." Austin's statement is loaded with hurt.
"I get it." My head swings to Andrew, who's staring at me thoughtfully. My heart thumps at the love and acceptance in his eyes. "I'm not going to lie, it sucks you didn't share, but I understand it. We all knew you changed, excusing it as high-pressure and overextending yourself. I was sure you were headed for burnout, was ready to be there when it happened. Now, knowing the truth, it makes sense. I'm mad at myself for not stepping in sooner, demanding you talk, but then again, pushing you to the limit could have been worse. You always did have to do things your way. Now, standing here, I'm telling you—I get it and I'm pleased as fuck it's all over. My sister is back and that's what matters. I like your house, your friends, the life you're building. Eventually, I may like your boyfriend."
At this, I cough-laugh through more tears, going straight to my oldest brother's arms. "Thank you."
"Yeah, I get it, too," Austin adds, throwing his arm around my shoulder.
I silently cry into Andrew's chest, welcoming the warmth of their embrace. We stay like this until Runner circles our legs, bumping his way in the little clutch.
"It's okay, sweet boy, the crying stops now." I step back, covering my cheeks with my hands. "I'm going back to the bathroom to clean myself up."
The dog trots along with me, laying at the entrance of the bathroom as I splash cold water on my face until the splotches fade. Miller steps over Runner, comes to my back, placing his hands on my hips and catching my eye in the mirror.
"You're going to be okay."
"I already am," I state matter-of-factly. "You made it that way."
"I didn't do anything."
"You didn't judge me. There wasn't a trace of humiliation or repulsio
n when you heard the disgraceful life I lived."
"Never, baby. And I know you just let it all out, but if it comes back up, nagging at you, eating you up inside, we'll work through it together. You're not alone in this anymore."
"I know."
"Now, it's been a rough morning, but I'm asking you to do me a favor and trust me."
"About what?"
"When Dozer and Janie get here, your brothers want to tell them their version of your story less graphically. It's not my call, but I agree."
I deflate, humiliation creeping back in.
"Whatever you're thinking, stop. It has nothing to do with you and everything to do with your mentor scheming to pimp you out. There are some things a father shouldn't know. Especially a father like yours. Trust them me to spin it where they understand the gravity but know you've left it behind."
"I can do that."
"Take a shower and wash it all off, baby, because after this morning it's all out of your system. Your mom will want to see you're okay. I'll send her back after we talk to them. We'll sit down and come up with a plan of what to do next. You don't think this is Brock, then I believe you."
"Maybe I should call Stephanie to get her take on all this. She may have some insight into why someone sent these to me." When he told me this morning Stephanie had copies of all the texts, it was almost a relief.
"Your decision, my guess is she's waiting to hear from you."
I spin to face him and link my arms around his neck. "I'm not kissing you until I brush my teeth and scour my mouth, but I really want to."
He smirks, laying his lips on my forehead. "Your family leaves this afternoon. As soon as they pull out, we're hitting that bed and I'm finally getting my chance to show you what it means that you love me."
An electric buzz travels through me. "Sounds wonderful."
He presses a firm kiss to my forehead and steps back, skimming his fingertips over my cheek. "I love you, Princess."
•—•—•—•—•
"Baby, you gonna move?" Miller thrusts up, holding my hips.
"Patience." I trail my fingertips over the ripples of his abs.
"In the last twelve hours, you've had your mouth on every inch of my body. You have it memorized yet?"
"Are you complaining?" I swivel my hips, clamp down, and feel him pulse inside.
"No, have at it. I've got a great fucking view." He links his hands behind his head, cocking his knees up to hold me in place. His eyes glitter a crystal blue, raking over me.
Desire simmers low in my core, racing through my bloodstream with anticipation. With just his eyes, he ignites a need that I never knew possible. He's right. For the last twelve hours, we've had each other in every way, only leaving this bed when necessary. I lost count of the orgasms somewhere before midnight, only to be woken a short time later as he slid back into me from behind and slowly made love to me while whispering, "I love you," over and over until I flew apart, feeling him thicken and join me on a low growl. We fell back asleep in that position with him inside me.
All night, every time, he was in control and I had no problem giving it to him. Rough, hard, hot, sweaty, slow, sweet… he gave me everything. This morning I woke, wanting to give him that back.
"My view's pretty great, too." My hips grind down, gliding back and forth. "And this is my turn."
"Fucking dreamed of this." His voice dips low and husky at the same time his gaze turns reflective. "That morning, you climbed on top, taking me with nothing in between us. For months, I'd wake, hard as steel, throbbing with need. The image of you naked, sitting on top of me, buried deep in your pussy. Every inch of my cock surrounded by your heat as you ride me. That gorgeous hair flying wild, every curve on display, your tits bouncing as you take it hard. That image isn't something a man forgets."
At the time, that was the riskiest chance I'd ever taken in my life. But something inside me needed to have that connection and feel nothing but his skin inside me. "You aren't the only one that dreamed about that morning."
He unhitches a hand, skimming his fingers up my side, goosebumps popping in the path. He circles my breast, which is hard and begging for his touch. "Baby, you want your turn, you better move. It would suck to blow inside you without getting the full show."
"I thought for sure you were primed," I tease, rolling slowly.
"You could fuck me dry, but there's no way this would go unfinished."
He cups my breast, swiping across my nipple, sending a ripple of lust through my system. I brace on his chest, arch into his hand, and move.
A sly smile crosses his lips as he moves his other hand to my hip and traces down until his thumb presses on my clit.
"Oh!" Electric sparks surge through my veins.
"Take it, Princess. Ride me."
I do as he asks, throwing my head back and rocking up and down, thrusting my hips forward with each movement. He pinches my nipple hard, continuing to taunt me with his thumb.
I press my knees into the bed, rearing up and slamming back down. The action shakes the bed so forcefully the headboard bangs against the wall. Power comes over me, and I repeat the movement over and over until my thighs quiver.
"Jesus, fucking shit," he hisses, knifing up, his lips going directly to my nipple and sucking it hard. A loud moan leaves my throat as he kisses across my chest to take the other the same way.
His mouth licks, sucks, and bites down until I'm panting.
The hand between us moves to fist my hair, easing my face forward.
"Open your eyes," he demands, continuing to drive upward.
I open and immediately know I've lost control. He takes over and pummels up, ramming so deep I cry out in pleasure.
"Feel that?" His cock pulsates, thumping against my walls.
"Yes."
"Made for me, baby. This right here was made for me."
I nod, parting my lips and taking in shallow breaths.
"Give it to me. I need to hear you."
My hands go to his shoulders for leverage, and I arc, brushing my breasts against his chest and swivel on him. We move in rhythm, the sound of our bodies clashing together hanging in the air.
"Oh my…" I whimper brazenly.
"Let go," he grunts, grasping my hair tighter.
"Want you with me."
"I'm there, baby."
I find the strength, clench every muscle, and buck hard against him. This does it.
"Fuck, Ashlyn!" The roar echoes off the walls, and he convulses, pouring into me. I explode along with him, unable to hold my head up and dropping my face to his shoulder. My body quakes and spots dot my vision as he continues to rock.
I gasp as another orgasm hits from the friction of him rubbing erotically against my clit. My body melts into him, all my energy draining.
Our hearts race together and I cling to him, not wanting this to end.
"Got to say, I've lived with that dream for many months, but this is a fuck of a better ending."
My little giggle bubbles up, and I nuzzle closer in his neck and lick the underside of his jaw, loving the taste of his skin. "I thought you enjoyed marking me."
"I marked you, darling. It's currently coating us both." His cock twitches against my sensitive walls and I moan at the sensation.
"You have to tame that thing. I need to come back down to earth."
His chest rumbles with a chuckle, and he massages my scalp tenderly. "Princess, you fucked me so hard there's a chance my wall has dents. My dick's got a mind of his own."
The headboard banging comes back to me and I peer behind him. "Nope, no dents."
He dips his chin down, coming into view. "Maybe next time."
"Maybe."
"Good to know my Princess isn't afraid to get a little wild."
"You've known that from the beginning."
"Yeah," his eyes soften, "I have."
"But just to say, my new bedroom set is heavy enough that it will take supernatural force to move it."
"L
ook forward to testing that theory." He kisses me sweetly.
"Speaking of beds. It's time for me to order my mattresses. Have you had time to decide which one passed your test?"
As promised, I narrowed down my choices and took him to test my top three choices. Any of them are fine with me, but he's been quiet in his opinion.
"I like mine."
"Yours is exceptional. I've looked everywhere and tried everything to buy the same one, but it's impossible."
"I know, it was a limited production, special edition."
"You didn't think to tell me that before I tested every mattress in four counties?"
Something sparks in his eyes, and all the euphoria of out of this world sex flies out of my mind. "Nope."
I know that look well. Alarm bells ring in my head. He tightens his hold when I make a move to free myself.
"You're not going anywhere. Listen to me."
"No, you’re going to ruin my post-sex bliss, and I haven't even had coffee to sling sass for whatever crazy thing is in your head."
"Nothing will ruin what we just shared. That's why you stay right here, my dick still inside you and listen."
I try to squirm, which backfires because he stiffens, pressing up. "Keep going, baby."
I freeze, narrowing my eyes, and glare. He has the nerve to grin cunningly. "We're moving my mattress to your place. You pick something for here. There's a huge market for furnished rentals in the area. A new mattress will be a bonus."
"Renters?" I squeak.
"You're modeling your dream home, and when it's done, we're not doing that two-house bullshit. I'll put mine on the rental market for a while unless a buyer comes in with an offer I can't refuse."
"Buyer?" His words are jumbling together but I'm trying to keep up.
"Most likely go the rental route to keep the tax benefits."
"Are you—" I swallow, trying to ease the quiver in my voice. "Are you inviting yourself to move in with me?"
"You got a problem with that?"
It's on the tip of my tongue to lash out, but it doesn't come because the idea sinks in and hits me with such a force it soars through me. "I… I…"
Miller's Time (Southern Charmers Series Book 2) Page 23