Page 24 of Fractured Vows (Fraser Crime Syndicate 1)

Pushing my thighs open, Luke tears my underwear, giving him complete access to between my legs. I could close them, but I don’t. I wait in anticipation of what he’s going to do. He strokes his fingers through my slit. I want to moan, but the music is lower in here and I don’t want to make a scene.

“I missed you.”

The admission surprises me because although I’ve been pining for him all week, needing his attention, I’m surprised he felt the same.

“I missed you too,” I agree. I did. I am completely smitten with him. It is unsurprising really, considering the life I’ve lived. One without love or affection since the death of my mother. It seems obvious I would crave it anywhere I can find it, though I tell myself there is more than just need here. I want him.

“I want your number. I want to be able to contact you whenever I need you.”

“I don’t… have a phone.” My words are breathy as he hits a particularly sensitive spot inside me. If he keeps this up, I’m going to come again.

“Make sure you have one next time you come here.”

I want to ask him what I am to him, but it seems like that would be the wrong thing to do. He has not promised me anything, and I have not promised him anything either. Even if I wanted to, I can’t. Luke is not my future, as much as I wish he could be.

I grip the edge of the table, my knuckles whitening as he brings me to orgasm again. It grows slowly in the pit of my pelvis before racing to the finish line. I duck my head, trying to breathe as paroxysmal waves wash over me. Luke might be the death of me. Death by orgasm sounds like a nice way to go.

He nuzzles my neck as I come down from my orgasm. “You’re beautiful when you come,” he says. His words heat my body, making me feel warm everywhere. He knows exactly what to say to make me feel special. “I don’t understand why a girl like you would need to lose your virginity in the way you did.”

I don’t answer. What can I say? My father is making me marry a man who is old enough to be my grandfather? “It isn’t a big deal.”

“If it wasn’t a big deal, then why didn’t you just wait for the right person?”

“But I found the right person.” It’s cheesy to say, and I expect him to laugh at me, but he doesn’t. Instead, he dips his head and takes my mouth again, pushing me back against the cushions of the booth. I can see the possession in his eyes as he peers down at me. He wants to own me, but not in the same way as Jeremiah. Luke wants me on a level playing field with him. He doesn’t want me beneath him as a servant.

“Tell me about yourself, Alice.”

“There is not much to tell.”

“Do you work?”

I shake my head. For some reason this question embarrasses me. I should be able to take care of myself. I shouldn’t have to rely on my father’s money, but I do. I hate it. I hate relying on him for anything. It makes me feel more pathetic than I am.

“Tell me something about yourself.”

“I miss my mother every day.” I’m not sure what possesses me to say this, and to open up to him in this way, but the words come out of my mouth before I can stop them.

“Where is she?”

“She died when I was a child. It’s just me and my father now.”

Pain zings through my chest at the reminder of how alone I am. I live in a house with a monster who does not want me.

“Was she like you?”

I think about my mother and what I remember of her. The smile tugs on my lips. “She had a good heart, a kind soul. I try to live up to her every day, but I don’t always succeed.”

Luke stares at me for a beat, then he says, “Dance with me.”

This surprises me so much I blink at him, not comprehending at first what he’s asking. Before I can argue, he grabs my hand and pulls me out of the booth. Standing next to it, he takes my hand as he wraps his other one around my back, and we start to sway to the music. It’s quieter in here, but there is still enough beat for me to sway my hips. I lean my head against his shoulder, feeling relaxed and at ease. He makes me feel safe, even though the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. If my father found out Luke had taken my virginity, he would kill him. He might even kill me.

“I wish we could stay like this forever,” I say in a soft voice.

Luke hears me. “So do I. But let’s just enjoy the moment, little dove.”

And that’s exactly what I do. For a few hours I forget about my life, and I just enjoy good company and a brief moment of happiness.

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