Beautifully damaged boxs.., p.76
Beautifully Damaged Boxset, page 76
Mallory beamed at him through her tears. “Holy hell, I wasn’t expecting that one. Shew!” She laughed while swiping her thumb beneath her lower eyelashes, removing the black mascara smudges.
“I probably should call Mom. We have a lot to talk about, including the possibility of coming to Spokane for a while. I don’t want to waste any more time away from you, Reid. It will take some time to wrap things up here, but would that be okay with you? I don’t want to crowd you in any way.”
Reid chuckled. “Get your ass here as soon as you can. I’ll be waiting.”
I leaned into Holden, happy that the conversation had gone well. If I were Mallory, I would want to come back, too. She’d just learned about a missing piece of her heart.
“Mal, we’ll call tomorrow. River and I have a meeting with the architect this morning. We’re designing the new 4 Play and the house with him. We’re pretty stoked.”
“Congrats to you two. I feel like I’ve missed so much. I can’t wait to stay up all night, drinking and catching up.” Mallory blew us a kiss. “I’ll talk to you all later.”
We all said goodnight, then Holden disconnected the video call.
“Under the circumstances, that went well,” Holden said, looking at his brother.
“It seemed like it, yeah. She’s going to be full of questions that I’m not sure I can answer.” Reid tapped his finger against the black granite countertop.
“You’re not in this alone. I’ll help you figure things out.” I pushed up on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
“I’m not sure what I would do without you guys.” He reached around the back of me, then pulled his brother in for a hug. “Thanks for everything, man.”
“Thanks for coming home,” Holden replied.
There wasn’t a dry eye left when Holden and I were ready to meet the architect. I was on the same page as Reid. I needed to look ahead. The lingering nightmares were enough of a reminder of what I’d lived through. Fortunately, I hadn’t attacked anyone again. It appeared that, as I felt safer, the flashbacks had eased as well.
Holden and I climbed into the back of Zayne’s Mercedes and buckled up. As soon as Zayne shifted into drive, Holden’s phone buzzed. He reached around to his back pocket and removed it. He frowned, looking at me. “Babe, it’s Brynn … on FaceTime.”
Shit. This couldn’t be good.
Chapter Thirty-Two
I grabbed Holden’s arm and hung onto it for dear life as he answered the video call. Brynn’s face filled the screen, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Hey, beautiful,” I said first.
“Hi, babe. I sure do miss you.” She winked at me, then smiled at Holden. “Hey, Holden. How are things going?”
Confusion clouded my thoughts. Had she just decided to video chat after all? She’d made it clear that she would only talk on the phone or Snapchat with a filter.
“We’re on the way to meet with the architect. I bought the lakefront property, plus we’re designing the new 4 Play.”
“Oh my gosh. I can’t wait to see it. I bet the lake will be so much fun next summer. We’ll have to have a housewarming party, too!” She clapped her hands, nearly giddy with excitement.
“Wait, we? Next Summer?” I blinked several times, putting the pieces together. “Brynn, is the chemo working?”
Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Yeah. In fact, it’s working better than the doctor had hoped. Next, I’ll be moved to a less aggressive treatment center in Spokane. I’m coming home, you guys,” she announced, nearly squealing.
“Really?” Hope filled Holden’s words.
“Really. I’m going to beat this.” She wiped her face and laughed. “I really don’t know what I would do without all of you. I love you guys so much.”
Unable to control it anymore, I started to cry. This time, tears of joy and relief. “I’m going to be stuck to your side. You’re going to be tired of me.”
Holden slipped his arm around my shoulders while he held up the phone. He sniffled and wiped the moisture from his eyes. “I never doubted you. You’re a badass, Brynn. I’m so happy you’re sticking around longer.”
“Please, you’re not getting rid of me that easy.”
She laughed, then Chance stuck his head next to hers. His smile was infectious. “Hey, guys.”
I waved at him. “When you get here, you’re going to sleep. I’ll take care of our girl.”
Brynn nodded her agreement. “I’ll be there in a few days. They want to run a few more tests before they release me, but the important ones are showing a bunch of positive improvement.”
“I’m so fucking relieved,” Holden said. “I’m so fucking relieved.” He hung his head for a minute, then looked at the screen again.
“Are you and River going to stay in one of the guest rooms for a while?” Brynn’s expression pleaded with me.
“Chance, is it okay?” I chewed my bottom lip while I waited for Chance to respond. “That way you can rest, and I can stay with her. You should get some fresh air and sunshine, too. Both of you have been cooped up in the hospital. The temps are already warming up here, and your porch is a perfect spot for us to hang out.”
Holden twirled a piece of my hair around his finger. “We can give you two a break and stay at Jace’s some, too. Once we get the house designed and the materials ordered, the construction for both 4 Play and our home will start. When we get to a certain point, I’ll hire twenty-four-hour crews. River and I are ready to settle into a new routine.”
“There’s no question that you two will stay. Plus, when the club is ready, I’ll be managing most nights, so that will take me away from Brynn. But by then, hopefully she’ll be in remission.” Chance smoothed the hair from Brynn’s forehead and kissed her.
Zayne pulled into the parking lot and shifted the Mercedes into park.
Holden squeezed my knee, grinning. “We’re at our appointment, but we’ll call later. Super happy you guys are coming back.”
I blew them a kiss and waved goodbye. Since the car had stopped, I crawled into Holden’s lap and buried my head in his neck. “She’s going to be okay,” I whispered against his ear.
“Yeah, babe. She is.” He held me for a minute, then we climbed out where Zayne was waiting for us.
A huge grin eased across his face. “Excellent news. I can’t wait to see her again.”
“I know, me too.” I gave Zayne a brief hug, then took Holden’s hand in mine as we approached the building.
***
The rest of the day was filled with planning and selecting the color of the logs, chinking, rafters, floors, and ceilings for the main level of our home. Holden and I had both agreed on a contemporary rustic style. Neither one of us wanted a moose head or antlers anywhere. Thank God we both had good taste.
After the meeting, we swung by Catherine’s to tell her the news about Brynn and Mallory. She was elated and immediately called the hospital to see what Brynn would need at Chance’s to continue her care. Catherine also hired a full-time nurse to be able to administer any medications and to monitor her closely. Catherine wasn’t leaving any room for a mishap, and I loved her for it.
Reid joined us for dinner. He and Jace had taken off to play some basketball at the gym while Vaughn kept watch. For the most part, we were lying low, but sometimes we had to blow off some steam. Vaughn did a great job at sneaking Reid through the side or back door where no prying eyes could see him. If someone did recognize him, they would most likely think he was Holden as long as my boyfriend wasn’t around. Reid was okay with that. It helped him not have to hide as much.
Catherine busted out more expensive wine, and we polished off a few bottles that evening, celebrating Brynn and Emerson. Both of the ladies would be home the same day. Although Emerson would have a ton of physical therapy, her parents had the money to have someone come to their home most days to work with her. Even though Brynn wouldn’t have a lot of energy or get out much, I assumed she would want to see Emerson.
“River, how are you feeling about the club reopening?” Catherine asked.
“Good, actually. We have a lot more security protocols in place. It will also look different. We’re making a lot of upgrades and the layout won’t be the same. I think it will help. Plus, it’s going to be near the river, so a new location.”
“Chance will also be managing. River and I will be at 4 Play a few nights a week. I want to ease into it. We have plenty to do from the house. I think that change will make a difference as well.” Holden stretched his long legs under the table, and I rubbed his muscular thigh.
“If you ever need to stay here instead of the club, you’re always welcome,” Catherine offered. “The drive to Sandpoint can be long late at night. If the weather is bad, there’s no use driving to your place and risking an accident.”
“Thank you. I’m sure we’ll take you up on it,” I said, offering her a grateful smile.
Reid and Holden played some pool while Catherine and I chatted details about the home. Catherine had recently stocked up on interior design magazines, so we leafed through them and picked out things we both liked.
“Have you talked to Mallory lately?” I turned down the corner of the magazine, marking a page I wanted to show Holden. The furniture was similar to the style I wanted.
“She called this afternoon and told me she met Reid. That sounds funny, doesn’t it?” Catherine leaned back in her chair, taking a break from looking at the magazines. “I can’t believe he’s really here, River. Now Mallory wants to return. I’m not sure for how long, but is it crazy to think that my family is finally healing? The only one missing is Hannah.”
I shifted in my seat, facing her, and crossing my legs. “No, it’s not crazy. It’s wonderful. I have a feeling that Hannah is somewhere watching all of this, too.”
“I hope so. I miss her so much. She had such a bright future ahead of her, but she couldn’t handle the secrets and she blamed herself for not protecting Reid. Mallory blamed herself for using the bathroom when he was taken. She swore that Reid wouldn’t have been taken if Hannah and she had attacked the man when he walked into the house. What she didn’t seem to understand was that she and Hannah were tiny. He would have hurt them, too.” Catherine took a drink of her wine, then set the glass back on the table. “Hannah wasn’t strong like you are.”
I quirked a brow at her. “I’m not strong, Catherine.”
She waved me off. “The hell you’re not. You’re one of the strongest women I’ve ever met. You survived a horrible life with your guardian and a kidnapping. You’re doing everything to heal and move on. One of these days, you’ll realize that you, River Collins, are unstoppable.”
She raised her wineglass to me, and I lifted mine as well. “To strong, unstoppable women.”
We clinked our glasses together, then took a sip. “Thank you for believing in me.”
“Thank you for bringing my son home.” Catherine leaned over and hugged me.
This was the first time I’d really felt close to her. Almost mother and daughter close. I wasn’t sure where our relationship would go, but I was happy to have her in my life. I hadn’t had these experiences with my own mom, and I wanted to cherish every minute I had with Catherine. At first, I wasn’t sure if she was a good person or not. Then, I realized that she simply handled her grief differently. Once she came out of her shell, I quickly saw her strength and vulnerability. I absolutely adored her, and I hoped she would be in my life for a long, long time.
Chapter Thirty-Three
“You look hot enough to eat,” Brynn said, grinning at me. We’d decided to prepare for the night at Catherine’s house. First, the bathrooms were larger than at Chance’s, and second, we wanted to get ready together for the opening of the new club. It had been a hectic six months, but it had all come together beautifully.
“Yeah?” I wiggled my brows at her as I smoothed my palms over the navy evening dress I’d bought for that night. It reminded me of the one I wore when Holden took me to 4 Play the first time. I’d been in a trance the entire night, falling more in love with him as the evening continued.
“You know I like teasing you, right?” Brynn peered at me from the corner of her eye as she applied a deep pink lipstick. She’d opted for a silver dress with a deep V in the front, revealing her cleavage. That was actually an understatement. The material covered her nipples, and that was about all. Once Brynn had completed chemo and had gone into remission, she’d gained her body back quickly, along with her confidence.
A soft knock pulled my attention away from the mirror.
“Come in,” I yelled.
“You look absolutely breathtaking, River.” Holden’s heated, lust-filled gaze traveled over my face, breasts, and legs as he joined us.
“See? Good enough to eat,” Brynn said, replacing the lid on her lipstick and smacking her lips together.
“I’ll be the only one eating River, Brynn.” His voice was stern, but he smiled at his longtime friend.
“Well, don’t mess it up. If you do River will be asking me to show her how it’s supposed to be done.”
We all burst into laughter. Brynn could have any male or female she wanted, but she loved teasing me. I didn’t mind. I was actually flattered.
“I’ll give you two a minute.” She grabbed the bag containing her clothes and the rest of her makeup, then excused herself.
Holden closed and locked the door, smiling at me.
“You look damn good in that tux, Mr. Alastair. Definitely good enough to eat.”
He stood behind me. “I have something for you.” Holden brushed my hair to the side, then held up a choker necklace with an H on it. But this one had several rows of diamonds, then the H was in emeralds.
Breathless, I glanced up at him. “It’s stunning.”
“And so are you.”
I turned and lifted my hair as he slipped it around my neck. He nipped at my ear, his eyes connecting with mine in the mirror. “Do you remember what this is for?” His hands gripped my waist, and I nodded.
“You’re marking me as yours.”
“Do you understand to always wear it at our club or any other club?” The possessiveness in his voice had my core throbbing already.
“Yes,” I said breathlessly as he leaned his hips against my ass. His fingers trailed up the back of my leg and beneath my dress.
“You’re mine, and tonight I’ll remind you of that over and over.” His other hand wrapped around my neck and tipped my head up. “Spread your legs.” He tugged on my G-string until it was around my ankles. “You won’t need this.”
Jesus, why is this so fucking hot?
Holden knelt and flipped my skirt up. He smacked my ass cheek and I gasped at the pain, my pussy growing wetter by the minute. His fingers ran up and down my slit, then he shoved his tongue so far into me I almost came on the spot.
“Holden,” I whimpered, bending over the bathroom vanity. Suddenly a soft hum reached my ears.
“Sit on the counter.”
I did as he asked. He stood, his gaze on my wet core. “You’ll keep this in until I tell you.” He held up a little silver bullet. I moaned as he slipped it into me, then turned it on. It buzzed inside me, reaching all my pleasure sensors at once. I wiggled around, gasping. “Holden, oh, my God.”
He dipped his head between my thighs, sucking my clit until I came all over his mouth. When he was finished, he stood, grinning. He switched off the bullet and shoved the remote in his pocket. “That was just the first time you’ll come for me tonight. Whenever this is on, remember that you belong to me.” He pointed at the toy that was still inside me. “I’ll remove it later. If you take it out, I will spank you. Understand?”
I sank my teeth into my lip, realizing that he could turn the bullet on whenever he wanted. He was in control. I was at his mercy, and I loved everything about it. But he also knew me well enough to know that I would push him. “You know me better than that Mr. Alastair. I don’t behave for anyone.” My tone was challenging, egging him on.
He closed the gap between us, his breath tickling my ear as he spoke. “Don’t disobey me, River. You won’t like the consequences.”
A small gasp escaped my lips. Holy hell. I thought I was going to come again. His voice was deep and gruff, leaving me putty in his hands.
“I bet I would love the consequences, actually.” I cupped his erection through his slacks, ready to suck him dry.
He reached in his pocket and switched the bullet on.
My back arched with the pleasure coursing through me again, then he switched it off. By the time he was done with me tonight, I would be begging for him to fuck me.
I hopped off the vanity and adjusted my skirt. Picking up the G-string, I defied him and slipped it on. “If I don’t wear something, I’ll have juices running down my leg.” It wasn’t up for discussion as I walked past him. I unlocked the door and strolled out of the bathroom, leaving him alone to wash up. Before I even made it halfway down the hall, the bullet turned on. I placed my palm against the wall, gasping. How in the hell would I make it through tonight? I was going to orgasm in front of everyone. I would fucking die. Maybe he wouldn’t torture me too much. With that thought, the toy quieted again. I straightened up, wondering if I could handle the buildup to the mind-blowing release at the end of the evening.
A few minutes later, we all said goodbye to Catherine and piled in the back of the limousine. Reid, Chance, and Jace all wore tuxes, looking hardcore gorgeous. Brynn was one lucky girl.
My nerves fluttered in my chest. Not only was it opening night, but the lower floor was booked with extremely wealthy clients paying a premium price for the playrooms. Not only had Holden built six more rooms, but the Master’s Playroom was also open for us.
Zayne and Vaughn closed our doors, then hopped into the front and raised the privacy glass. Both bodyguards would be with us all evening, plus additional security. Also, Brynn and I each had a container of mace tucked into a hidden pocket of our dresses. Mine was near my breasts, hers … hell, I wasn’t sure where she could hide anything in hers, but she looked beautiful. As soon as Reid, Chance, and Jace saw her, their expressions said it all. Holden’s attention remained on me, which I loved. Brynn was gorgeous, and on occasion, I wondered if he missed being with her.
