Broken but Breathing (Jinx Tattoos Book 2) (12 page)

“What are you talking about?”

“Protection.”

“Nothing’s going to happen to me,” she said, placing a hand on his chest.

“I screwed up last time with Jade and Jocelyn. I won’t do the same thing with you. I need this, Es. I also need to define your role in my life in case I go to court for Jocelyn. Is it so bad to be linked with me?”

“No, of course not. I…” She bit her bottom lip. “I just don’t know if I’m ready to take such a huge step.”

“Sprite, you are. We’re already doing it. Naming it shouldn’t make a difference. Make no mistake, title or no title, you’re mine. You have been from the moment you walked into the support group that day looking lost and frightened. I didn’t realize it at the time. I know you’re scared. Hell, I am, too. But I’m not willing to lose this thing between us over fear. We’ve both been given a second chance at things. Let’s not squander it.” He smoothed down her hair. “Listen, don’t make any decisions now. Let it all sink in and let’s enjoy our dinner together. We’ll talk all this over tonight at home, okay?”

I can do that.
She nodded. “I like that plan.”

“Good.” He placed a sweet kiss on her forehead and she melted a little inside.
Who knew such a rough man could be so damn gentle?

He lifted her off the bike and she marveled at how small and protected he always made her feel. After years of walking around feeling like the sky could come down around her at any second, it was a comfort she craved constantly. Her feet touched the ground, and he tucked her arm into his in a gentlemanly nature that made every protest she thought of feel null and void.

They walked toward the dark brick building trimmed in large white lights. When they stepped inside, it was like going through a time warp. The hall was covered in a curved ceiling with exposed brick that made the rich mahogany paneling on the walls and dark wood on the floor stand out. A woman dressed in smart black slacks, and a black button down greeted them with a bright smile.

“Welcome to The Precinct. I’m Sarah, I’ll be your Maître de for the evening.”

“Hi, Sarah, we have a reservation for Kolton at 8:30,” Snake said.

Es surveyed the area, charmed by the attention to details. High ceilings were accented by dazzling chandeliers of various shapes and spirals. Her eyes lingered on the spiral shapes with hanging crystals.

“Right this way, please.”

As they followed the tall brunette, Es took in the other rooms. The exposed brick continued throughout the restaurant. The black and white tiled floor stood out beneath the rich mahogany stools, and the large wraparound bar. The antique lamps created a feeling of opulence and craftsmanship rarely experienced in daily life. They were led into a room surrounded by stained glass windows. The tables were covered with crisp white lines. Napkins folded in large triangular shapes rested on the table in front of white plates trimmed in gold.
I feel like a princess in a castle.

“Thank you, Sarah,” Snake said.

“It’s my pleasure. Your waitress, Heather, will be by shortly to take your order.” Sarah slipped away as Snake pulled out a chair.

Es sank into the plush chair. “This place is gorgeous,” she whispered.

“Yes it is,” he replied, never taking his eyes off her.

Heat filled her cheeks. She never knew a man could look hungry and enchanted at the same time. For all his tattoos, scars, and large frame, he had an inner romantic that wouldn’t quit.
How could I even think of walking away from this man?
She tried to think of her days without him—no texts, phone calls, visits, or plans. She’d only see him at work, and even then they’d be polite and distant. Her stomach rolled. It was inconceivable. He was her light in the dark.
I am head over heels for this man.
The bottom dropped out of her world, and she watched him with new eyes. He seated himself across from her and smiled. The toothy grin changed his entire appearance.

A tiny blonde with bright blue eyes and a large breasts came to their table.

“Good evening, I’m Heather, and I’ll be your waitress today,” she announced. Her gaze lingered on Snake, and Es’s hackles rose.
Mine.
The reaction sealed the deal.
He’s got me. Time to stop fighting against gravity.
Narrowing her eyes, she snapped her teeth; Heather jerked and put her professional face back on. As she stared Snake down, daring him to make a comment, he smirked and covered his amusement with a cough. It was official, they were a
them
. Instead of anxiety, she felt liberated.

§

Full of food and a little booze, she leaned against him as they made their way toward his bike.

“My place or yours?” he asked.

“Your choice,” she said.

He arched an eyebrow. “Mine.”
There’s that word again.
“I think I’ll take the scenic route. You seemed to be having such a good time earlier.”

Her eyes widened. “Snake—”

“All that power between your legs vibrating feels good, doesn’t it, sweet girl?”

“Yes,” she murmured, embarrassed, but eager to see where he was going to take this.

“Why don’t we consider this a warm up for tonight?”

Butterflies flapped their tiny wings in her belly. Like a rabbit hypnotized by a snake she nodded her head.

His eyes darkened with desire. “Hold on tight to me, baby. This will be a ride unlike any you’ve ever had before.”

She whimpered and his nostrils flares.

“You want it bad, don’t you, sweet girl?”

“Oh, yes,” she rasped.

“Whatever my old lady wants, she’ll sure as hell get,” he said, turning to start the bike.

After pulling the helmet on, she fastened the chin strap. He insisted she always practice safety. It was almost a shock he let her get away with riding in a skirt tonight. If he had his way, she’d be in full leathers twenty-four-seven. The monster roared to life, and she moaned, wrapping her arms around his waist tightly as he pulled out. Once he got off the main drag, hit the back roads, and opened up the bike, it was like her butterfly vibrator times three. Pressure built between her legs and something clenched low in her belly. She rocked her hips, in an attempt to relieve the pressure. Wetness soaked her panties and her inner thighs. He revved the bike, and she cried out. A delicious swirl of desire began to circle inside of her. Panting, she gripped him harder as her legs shook and she came, hard. Leaning against his back, she went limp as she basked in the afterglow that never went away as the vibration continued to fan the embers left behind after her explosion.

Time distorted as they continued their trip. Suddenly, they simply reached his home.

“You okay back there?” His voice was full of amusement.

“Mmm hmm,” she said, carefully getting off the back of the bike.

“How about I make you feel a lot better?” he asked, his voice husky.

“Please,” she rasped, throwing all her apprehension out the window. She knew this man from the inside out. There was nothing left to think about. The only thing keeping her from being happy was herself.
No more.
I surrender.
She gripped the lapels of his jacket, to stay upright as he wrapped his large hand around her neck. He tightened his hold just enough to keep her in place and made love to her mouth. The world shrank to include only this man and the way he made her feel. Her breasts swelled along with her clit and she sucked on his tongue. A moan rumbled in his chest. He tasted like whiskey and man.

Their tongues did battle—thrusting, parrying, and circling like swordsmen waiting for the perfect opening. In the end he took control, tilting her head and plundering her like a pirate trying to make his fortune. The man dominated the space around him without trying, and with him she didn’t mind being submissive. She pressed her body closer, feeling the bulge in his jeans.

They surfaced for air. “We need to get inside before I take you right here on my bike.”

Her jaw dropped.

“Oh, it’s going to happen, sweet girl. Just not our first time.” He released his hold, grabbed her hand, and they ran to the front door. Stumbling inside, he was on her before she could blink. The contrast of the cool wood against her back and his scalding body to her front wreaked havoc on her senses.

“Need you out of these clothes
now
.” He tugged at the hem of her skirt. “This peak-a-boo shit has been killing me.”

She laughed, breathlessly. “It’s a decent length.”

“All I can think of is what’s underneath,” he said, nibbling his way down her neck as he unzipped her skirt and pushed it down her hips. His fingers brushed against her flesh, setting tiny fires on her skin. She stepped out of the skirt and they continued through the living room, shedding articles of clothing. He was a broad-shouldered, scarred, lean masterpiece. There was a beauty in his imperfections. His belly wasn’t as firm as it could be, and his muscular arms were strong without requiring hours in the gym.

She skimmed her fingers down his happy trail, making his muscles jump when she brushed the top of his black boxer briefs. As they stepped into the bedroom, he turned on the light and pushed her into the wall gently. He knelt on the floor, tickling her belly with his beard while he kissed his way to the top of her panties.

“I need to taste you,” he whispered. He hooked his thumbs in the side of her pink and black polka dot panties with the lace going down the side and pulled them down her legs. Leaning in, he breathed deeply. “You smell good enough to eat, sweet girl. Put that leg over my shoulder.” Her face grew hot as she complied, opening herself to his questing tongue. He trailed his tongue down her slick center and flicked her clit gently. Her belly tightened.

She gripped his soft brown strands as he dove in like a man starved, crying out when he nudged her bundle of nerves with his nose and thrust into her with his tongue. The combination overwhelmed her. The room spun and her hips moved of their own accord. He hummed and she gripped his soft locks tauter, causing him to growl what sounded like approval. Her core throbbed, and the pressure built inside of her. The tension wound tighter and tighter. Her body shook, and she tumbled over the edge screaming his name.

He plunged two fingers inside of her, building her back up before she could come down. She flexed around him, moaning as she rocked.

“That’s it, sweet girl. Ride my fingers. I’m going to make sure you’re ready for me. Because once I’m inside this tight little pussy, I’m not stopping until I come.”

“Oh, God.”

“You like the thought of that, beautiful?”

“Yes,” she moaned.

He curved his fingers and her breath stumbled.

“Right there,” she whimpered.

“Yeah? Like this.” He increased his speed.

“Yes, yes, yes.”

His eyes were melted milk chocolate as he peered up through dark lashes that should be illegal on a man.

“So wet for me. Imagine how good it’s going to feel when I’m buried inside of you.” His husky voice and clever fingers had her coasting on the brink.

“Close,” she grunted.

He leaned in and sucked her clit into his mouth, and she splintered with a strangled cry.

“That’s right, give me all that cream.” Her body jerked and her eyelids slammed shut as she rode a wave of euphoria. His sweet kisses on her inner thigh brought her back.

“Xavier,” she whispered, stroking her hands through his hair.

“You ready for me, sweet girl?”

“So ready.”

He stood and lifted her into his arms. “I want to give you slow and romantic, but right now all I can think about is being buried as deep inside of you as I can and fucking you ’til we both come.”

“Shit.”

He gave a low chuckle and tossed her onto the bed. Shoving his boxers off, he crawled onto the bed, trapping her between his arms. “First thing, you’re still overdressed. Take it off.” He moved back, watching her with dark hungry eyes as she popped the back and slid it down her arms.

“So beautiful.” He cupped her breasts, sucking a turgid nipple into his mouth as he rolled the other between his calloused fingers. Reaching between them, she stroked him. Pre-come leaked onto her hand and she wished she had the foresight to start birth control. They’d had the talk and exchanged paperwork. They were both clean. She wasn’t on birth control, so condoms were a necessity.

He released her breast with a pop. “You ready for me, Es?”

“Yes.”

He reached over to the nightstand, pulled out a foil packet, and ripped the top with his teeth.

“Let me,” she said, smiling as she took it from him and removed the condom. He groaned as she slid it down his length.

She laid back, watching his every move as he ran his cock between her slick lips and nudged her entrance. He pushed inside, one inch at a time—filling and re-shaping—and she dug her nails into his arms.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yes, you feel so good.”

“It’s only going to get better,” he said as he moved deeper. Buried to the hilt, he stilled. She’d never felt so full in her life. Breathing through the pressure, she adjusted. She flexed her muscles, and they both cried out.

“So damn tight. You keep that up and it won’t be very long.”

“Can’t help it,” she moaned, unable to remain still. She lifted her hips, desperate for more friction, and he answered her with a hard thrust. She screamed.

He reached between them, rubbing her overly sensitive bud as he drove into her. Their bodies smacked together and her body tingled. She met him stroke for stroke, whimpering as she rushed toward the blinding fireworks.

“So close,” Snake groaned.

“Me-me too.”

“Come for me, Sprite,” he growled.

She arched and let go.

He cried out, following behind her. His warm weight collapsed on top of her. Burying her face into his neck, she smiled against his salt slick skin. Home was where the heart was. This was her new place of residence.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“Thank God. Because I love the fuck out of you,” Snake replied, making her giggle.

CHAPTER TEN

Estelle

She woke surrounded in warmth and strong arms. Snake had his leg thrown over both of hers, pinning her into place on the bed. She smiled lazily, basking in his possessiveness. It felt good to feel wanted and sexy. It’d been so long since a man touched her, and Everett had been nothing like Snake. This was a new experience. Snake was a masculine throw back who took care of what was his at any cost. There were pros and cons which came with that. She ran her hand down his arm, enjoying the strength and sprinkling of hair. Mornings had become a lonely affair.
Not anymore.
She wriggled her body, trying to work her way lose.

“Uh uh,” he grumbled.

She giggled. “I need the bathroom, love,” she said.

When he released her, she rolled off the bed and padded to the master bathroom. The slate-colored tile was warm due to the heated flooring. The space was masculine with its dark colors, grey, black, and white tiled in tub, and slate stone shower floor. But there was something classic and sophisticated about it. The previous owners had good taste. After finishing her business, she opted for a shower. She’d surprise her lover with a home-cooked meal.
Lover.

She felt wicked and wanton. Everything with Everett had been by the book. They hadn’t slept together until they were engaged and planning their wedding. She had no blueprints laid out where Snake was concerned. Things were organic, and that was exciting, but scary at the same time.

Control had become a crutch she was used to depending on. He chipped away at her shell and hesitations, holding her hand every step of the way as she began to live. Turning on the shower, she stepped beneath the massaging spray and tilted her head up to the water. A tiny part of her felt guilty. She’d officially moved on past Everett. Her vision blurred and her chest grew tight. She let the water wash away the salty drops as she sobbed for what she’d lost and released the strong emotions.

She stepped from the shower, lighter, and ready to move forward. Wrapping herself in a fluffy black towel, she walked to the counter, and broke open the new toothbrush in one of the drawers. It felt right to be here. There was no discomfort or shame. She couldn’t care less what anyone else had to think about how fast they were moving. In six months their lives had been irrevocably entwined along with their hearts. Her face had filled out along with her body. Infused with an abundance of energy and happiness, life looked completely different than it had that night she first walked into the support group.

Smoothing her hair back, she tidied up, and walked out, moving to the dresser where she kept a change of clothes.
My God, we’re practically living together.
She slipped on a pair of black yoga pants and a Wild Ones T-shirt slashed and cut to hang off her shoulders, courtesy of Kali. Gathering the clothing from the night before, she placed it in the dark brown whicker hamper and made her way downstairs. The kitchen was one of her favorite things about the new home. Butcher block counters covered the expresso-colored cabinets. Large sinks made washing dishes, vegetables, and whatever else one could think of easy. White subway tile stood out against the dark colors.

She dug into the stainless steel double door refrigerator and started pulling ingredients.

“Shouldn’t I be the one cooking for you?” a sleep worn voice said.

Grinning, she glanced up from the French toast she was cooking. “Maybe next time.”

He wrapped an arm around her and kissed her bared shoulder. “I like seeing you in this.”

“You can thank Kali for it.”

“I will the next time I see her,” he murmured, nuzzling her neck. “It smells good, babe.”

“Thank you,” she replied, leaning back into his touch. “If you don’t stop I’m going to end up burning breakfast.”

“I can always take you out to eat later.” Reaching around her, he turned off the stove and set the pan on the back burner. He sucked her earlobe into his mouth and she purred.

“Breakfast can hold, right?”

“Damn straight.” He bit her neck and spun her around to face him, cupping her ass. Gripping his shoulders, she wrapped her legs around his hips as he lifted her.

“I think it’s time we start christening the house, don’t you?” he said, setting her on the kitchen island. She rubbed her center against the swell straining against his boxer briefs.

“Most definitely.”

The knock on the door made him moan. He dropped his head, and she sighed, lowering her legs.

“I’ve never wanted it to be a solicitor so bad,” he grumbled, adjusting himself to hide the major wood he was sporting.

She licked her lips. “Me too.”

He smirked. “You’re all right this morning?” he asked, ignoring the person at the door.

“More than all right. Excellent, fantastic, exceptional,” she said, delivering a kiss with each word.

“Oh I love it when you talk smart to me.” He kissed her before he helped her off the counter and walked to the front door.

“Cleary I interrupted something,” Kali said as she stepped inside.

Snake grunted. “If you can see that, how about you come back later?”

“Wish I could, boss man. I’m simply delivering a message. Mike called church. If you look for your phone I think you’ll find it’s dead.”

“Shit. What time?”

“As soon as you get your ass there,” Kali drawled with a sweet smile.

“Fine. Sprite, I gotta hit the road. I’m going to take a quick shower and get out of here.”

She sighed. “Okay.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll stay behind and help you with this spread,” Kali said as she entered the kitchen. “Heart shaped bacon? How cliché are you?”

“Shut up,” Es mumbled.

Kali watched Snake leave and turned to Es. “Is it safe to say this thing is official?”

Es grinned. “Yes.”

They jumped up and down like teens, and she couldn’t stop the giggles that spilled from her lips.

“I have been waiting forever for this. I win the pool,” Kali exclaimed.

“What pool?” Es asked.

“The one I have going with a few of the guys about when you guys would get your heads out of your asses and get together.”

“Kali!”

“What? It was painful watching you two dance around each other,” Kali remarked.

“There’s nothing wrong with taking things slow. It was the right choice for us.”

“There’s going slow, and then there’s stalling. You were in the stalling phase.”

Es held her tongue. Kali spoke the truth. She could debate her, but the woman would call her out. She’d never had a friend who was so honest; it took some getting used to. Snake reappeared in a pair of jeans that hugged his frame, a black T-shirt, and his cut.

“Be back when I can,” he murmured against her lips before he kissed her hard and thoroughly. Her leg lifted behind her, and she sighed as he pulled away. Kali laughed as Es watched Snake leave dreamily.

“You are so gone.”

“Yeah, I am. It snuck up on me,” she said.

“Are you still going to work at Rain now that you’re shagging the boss?” Kali asked with a mock English accent.

“Wait, I’m what?”

“Crap? He didn’t tell you?”

“No,” Es snapped, crossing her arms beneath her chest.

“Ugh. He owns, Rain, babe.”

“What! So the entire interview process was bull?”

“No, if I didn’t like you or think you could hack it, I wouldn’t have hired you,” Kali stated.

Es believed her, but still. Embarrassed, she turned away from her friend’s kind gaze. All this time she thought she’d been making huge strides forward and becoming independent had been nothing more than a lie. He’d been in control of her destiny. She scowled.

“Hey, he was helping out a friend and his business. We did need a new bartender.”

“I don’t doubt it. But he should’ve told me. You can’t defend his way out of this.”

“You’re right. Of course, we both know men are giant idiots. So don’t hold it against him too much,” Kali said.

We’ll be talking about this later.
Shaking her head, Es forced a smile. “I refuse to let him ruin our breakfast. Sit down I’ll dish it up.”

§

She was dressed for work when Snake showed up looking tired and stressed. She bit the inside of her cheek.
Maybe I should wait.

“Did you have a good day, Sprite?” he asked. Sinking down beside her on the couch, he wrapped an arm around her waist, but she remained stiff.

“It was
enlightening
,” she drawled.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

That you’re in trouble.
“Were you ever going to tell me you owned Rain?”

“Fucking, Kali,” he mumbled.

“No, don’t put this on her. She assumed you had told me by now. I’m wondering why you didn’t.”

“Because I knew you’d be upset,” he said, sighing.

“You knew how important it was to me to make my own way and gain independence. I thought I’d earned that job fair and square.”

“Sprite, you did.”

“Oh, bullshit. Like they wanted to piss you off.”

“If you haven’t learned it by now, Kali doesn’t give a damn who she makes angry.”

Es huffed. “You should’ve told me.”

“Maybe. But then what?”

“We’ll never know now. That’s the problem. I know it seems silly, but I always thought you were the one person who’d always be blunt with me. I get that there are things you can’t discuss. But when it came to our relationship you were forthcoming and real. It’s part of the reason I wanted to take things to the next level. Now I’m wondering what else you lied about.”

“Hey, I didn’t lie.”

“No, you omitted, dangerously close to the real thing in this case.”

“If I had told you the truth it would’ve impacted your decision one way or the other. I wanted to give you a chance to choose with no distractions.”

“It’s so pretty when you spin it like that.”

“I get that you’re pissed. I’ll take your anger. What I won’t let you do is blow this out of proportion. I’m always going to do what’s best for you. I won’t apologize for that.”

“Even if it means hiding things from me?” she asked.

“Yes. There are things you won’t be in the loop on. You’re a smart woman, I know you realized that.”

“We’re not talking about Club business. We’re talking about us.”

“They’re one in the same. I can’t draw a line in the sand and pick and choose. I am the Club, and the Club is me.”

“Why are we off topic?”

“Because I need to know if you can handle this. You’re about to fly off the handle over one small detail I glazed over.”

“It wasn’t small! Which you know, or you would’ve told me.”

“Did it work out?”

“That’s not the point.”

His jaw ticked. “You happy at Rain?”

“Of course I am. I love it there.”

“So what’s the problem? I apologize for keeping my ownership to myself. I thought it was best at the time, and it didn’t really come up later.”

She shook her head. If she let this go would it continue? Did being with him mean accepting whatever he thought was best at every turn? “I need to be allowed to make my own decisions, good or bad. I want it all laid out in front of me. I know we’re going to disagree and hit snags, but this feels too much like a manipulation. I won’t do it again.”

“Now who isn’t willing to give? Neither of us can toss down ultimatums. I’ll try to meet you in the middle. I’m not used to being questioned. I take care of things the way I see fit.”

“Not anymore,” she said, standing firm.

“We can—”

His phone rang, interrupting his response, and she growled.

“I have to take this, it’s the lawyer.”

She waved her hand.

“Hey Arbuckle. You do? Yeah, I can come in right now. This is good news, right? Well, let’s hope so.” He hung up and she studied him expectantly.

“They want to talk negotiations for Jocelyn.”

“Go, I need to get to work anyway.”

“Are we okay?” Snake inquired.

“We will be. Just…think about what I said, okay?”

He nodded. “It’s an adjustment for me, too, Sprite.”

“I know,” she said softly. This would be a part of their day-to-day.
Can I handle this?
Things had been calm recently. But it wouldn’t always be. Reality poked a hole in the bubble of fantasy she’d been living in.

§

Snake

Nerves had him on edge as he pulled into Arbuckle’s offices. This was the first time they’d heard anything from the Miles. It would set the precedence for how things would proceed. He was grateful that Joc landed with a nice family. The things he’d imagined her living through were straight off the ID Channel. Now, he had to deal with the complications that came with a substantial amount of money.
We have the upper hand. They purchased her illegally. No judge would rule in their favor. Unless they’re on the payroll.
Money had the ability to make the impossible possible. He wouldn’t lose her a second time. Walking his bike into a parking space, he got off and hurried into the small brick building.

Arbuckle’s secretary greeted him with a smile. The fifty-something women with coal black hair, heavy make-up, and a tight black T-shirt that showed her expensive cleavage always gave the impression she was on the prowl.