Page 35 of All My Broken Pieces

The kills aren’t enough anymore.

Not after I’ve hadher. I called her my life, and I never realized how true the name was. Because my existence is empty without her.

Chapter 13

Fallon

I wring my hands in my lap, my leg bouncing. I haven’t been this nervous about seeing her sincethat night, but this time it’s for an entirely different reason.

I probably should have texted her, given her some sort of heads up. I’ll blame the liquor in my system for this momentary lapse of judgment. Not that I drankthat much, only the one spiked coffee, okay maybe two.

The sound of the lock twisting sends my already erratic heartbeat into overdrive.

What if she doesn’t want me anymore?

I shake my head at the thought. If the constant messages she still sends me are any indicator, I think I’ll be welcomed back with open arms. At least I hope so.

Standing up from the couch, I fiddle with the teddy nightgown. It’s one of Arriana’s favorites, and I might have worn it on purpose in hopes it would put more points in my favor.

The door swings open and Arriana slumps through the doorway, her expression exhausted and downtrodden. Slinking into the apartment, she pushes the door closed and leans her forehead against it with a heavy sigh.

I gulp, shifting on my feet.

Maybe this was a bad idea.

Before I can give the thought too much focus, she pushes off the door and turns around, her eyes widening when they land on me. I smile awkwardly, ducking my head to peer up at her through my lashes.

“Mi vida?” She whispers, blinking her eyes as if she thinks I’m a mirage.

My smile widens as I nod my head, whispering back, “Hi.”

Time freezes as she slowly drags her gaze down my body, her eyes darkening as she takes in the blush colored lingerie. Her tongue flicks out, licking her lips as she drops her keys and phone on the counter. Taking a step toward me, she hesitates, darting her eyes up to mine.

My brows furrow as I watch her study my face. Her eyes sadden as she finds whatever it is she was looking for. “What is it?” I mumble, feeling like I’ve made a big mistake.

She doesn’t want me anymore. Why would she after I ripped her heart to pieces and lit it on fire?

Walking toward me, she stops and slips a hand under my chin, lifting my gaze to meet hers. “Are you drunk again?” My frown deepens at the question.

Shaking my head, I start to say no, but then remember the two, alright fine,threedrinks I had earlier. “I mean, kind of, but-” My words cut off as I watch her close her eyes, her face distorting in pain.

Reaching a hand up, I trail my fingers down her face, shivering at the electricity sparking at the touch. “Why does that make you sad?” The question slips out before I can stop it.

She flinches, blinking open her eyes. “No reason,mi vida.” Arriana murmurs, sliding her hand on my chin around the back of my neck. Pulling my face toward hers, she presses her lips against mine.

I grip her shirt, clinging to her as I moan into the kiss.

Her fingers tighten on the back of my neck, her hips pressing against mine. “Fuck, I missed you.” She breathes against my lips.

I roll my hips, needing to feel her, to reconnect as I claim her, claimus. She slips her free hand down my body, teasing my lips before pushing a finger inside of my pussy. I moan again, opening my mouth and allowing her to slip her tongue inside.

Thisis right.

I don’t know why I ever let their words convince me otherwise.

Arriana pulls her hand from me, a whimper slipping from my lips at the loss. Chuckling, she strokes my hair. “It’s okay, baby. I’ve got you.” Pressing a kiss to my forehead, she pushes me onto the couch so I’m lying on my back, moving to straddle my body.

I watch as she pulls her top off, her nimble fingers removing her bra to reveal the most perfect pair of breasts I’ve ever seen.

---