Page 172 of Beautifully Damaged Boxset

She eased up and down my dick, and I slipped my hand between her legs, massaging her clit. “That’s it, baby. Fuck me hard. Take what you need.”

I lifted her up again and again until my balls tightened. Jolts of pleasure shot through me as I released inside of her. Seconds later, her core clenched around me as she came undone in the best way.

She collapsed against me, breathing hard and glistening with sweat. I kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back. I never wanted this to end. I never wanted to let her go.

I woke out of a sound sleep, the taste of River still on my lips. My cock was painfully hard, and I slid my hand into my boxer-briefs. With a few long, firm strokes, I released onto my stomach, my body jerking with thoughts of being buried deep inside her.

I shuddered, then stared blankly at the scene in front of me ... alone with a limp dick in my hand. My heart ached. It had been a sweet dream, but heavy, unshakable defeat followed quickly. I couldn’t seem to kick the nagging feeling that I might not ever make love to River again.

Chapter Thirty-Four

I’m not sure what got into me, but after the dream, I stopped thinking clearly. It was most likely the death and revival of my best friend and fear of never kissing River again that propelled my decision.

I grabbed my cell off the nightstand and texted Tim.

I’m in Portland. Brynn has cancer. She coded today, but they revived her. But that’s not why I’m reaching out. I need to have some kind of decision about my offer—River for me.

I stared at the phone, willing the black dots to flicker across my screen. Nothing. After another few minutes, I tossed it onto the nightstand. I needed a shower to clear my head.

My stomach growled as I washed my hair and body. I was out in record time, eager to see if Tim had replied. I toweled off as I walked over to retrieve my phone. I snatched the cell up and swiped, activating the face recognition. Nothing.

“Fuck him,” I muttered. Who didn’t message after the news that someone they knew had died? Granted, Brynn was alive, but we weren’t out of the woods yet. I wasn’t sure why I kept hoping that I’d reach some speck of humanity that was buried inside of his cold, hardened heart. The hopes of that idea faded, and I dressed in a clean pair of jeans and a black polo shirt. It was funny that I missed wearing a suit and working at the club. I missed the excitement, the people, and partnering with River.

Ignoring the fury uncurling inside me, I stayed focused and left the bedroom. Jace and Chance were in the living area with the television on low. I didn’t bother to speak. Instead, I headed straight to the bar. Grabbing a glass and a bottle of scotch, I poured myself a healthy dose. I slammed the alcohol back and grimaced as it burned a trail down my throat. A warm sensation followed, and I rolled my shoulders before I filled the glass again.

“You might want to slow down in case we can see Brynn again today,” Chance suggested gently.

“No. I can’t, man.” I usually wasn’t much for getting plastered, but I couldn’t get any fucking mental or emotional relief. Every time I closed my eyes, I dreamed of kids being abused, or of River. She should be here with me, with all of us as we nursed Brynn back to health and kicked cancer’s pathetic ass. I hated this. I hated that I couldn’t find River when I knew deep down inside that she was being hurt by whoever had her.

I poured another drink, then set the bottle down. Unadulterated hatred flickered to life inside me, catching fire and spreading through my entire being. I fucking hated Tim for what he’d done to my girlfriend. For what he’d done to me. Memories from the day River had been taken snapped through my mind. Every nerve in my body stood on end, and I curled my fingers around my glass. “As soon as Brynn is past the dangerous part, I’m going to hunt my father down and fucking end him.”

Jace hopped off the couch and joined Chance and me at the bar. “I’m in.”

My attention zeroed in on Chance. “You know I’m here for it. Whatever it takes to bring that son of a bitch down, I’m in.” I took another drink and wondered if Zayne would want to help. Probably not, but I bet he had some badass skills I could use from his Army Ranger days.

Chance’s phone rang, and he snatched it out of his back pocket. Fear twisted his features.

“Hello?” His attention bounced between Jace and me. “Okay, that’s good, right?”

Anxiety pulled and tugged at my insides. From the way Chance was talking, I was guessing it was the hospital.

“Thank you.” Chance disconnected the call. “Brynn’s doing okay. No more scares. They still want to keep a close eye on her, and they think we shouldn’t visit until the morning. The nurse mentioned that her blood pressure and heart rate had finally settled down. The doctor didn’t want her to get excited at the sound of our voices.”

I released the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “So, our girl is hanging in there?” I clenched my jaw in order not to lose my shit again.

“So far so good. We’ll know more in the morning.” Chance eyed the scotch and grabbed the bottle. “Maybe we should just chill tonight. If the hospital calls, Zayne will drive us. I need to fucking unwind.”

Jace collected a few glasses and held them up while Chance poured the amber-colored liquid.

I raised mine.

“To Brynn’s full recovery and River’s return,” Jace said.

“Cheers.” The clinking from the edge of our glasses echoed through the room.

Instead of slamming down the double shot, I took a small drink. “I’m not trying to be an insensitive ass, but I need to talk about something other than sad shit.”

“Same,” Jace chimed in. He strolled over to the couch and plopped down, stretching his legs out in front of him.

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