Broken Beginnings: A High Heat Small Town Romance Suspense (Citrus Cove Book 1)

“THAT’S THE LAST OF IT,” I said. “Well, I think there’s one more.”

Colt shoved the final box into his truck. I glanced at Sarah’s house, knowing that at any point, David could come home. In theory, he was out of town again, but I didn’t trust it.

The good news was that they were out of there.

I knew there was a lot Haley’s sister was holding back. When I looked at Jake or Davy, I worried. I wondered what happened behind closed doors, what they wouldn’t say.

Haley adjusted her ball cap, her lips pressed in a thin line. I didn’t like that she’d come here for this, but I knew better than to argue with her. The trade-off was that she wasn’t allowed to lift a damn finger.

To no surprise, she was very good at giving us instructions.

“Let’s get out of here,” Colt said, “before that bastard arrives.”

Haley nodded and checked her phone. “Sarah made it to the house. The boys are doing okay.”

It had been a week already since David attacked Haley. In that time frame, Hunter helped Haley find a house that Sarah and the boys could live in.

Haley was still living with me, for now, which made me happy. I rather her be with me than anywhere else.

“I’ll grab the last box,” I said, turning for the house.

“I’ll meet you at Sarah’s,” Colt said, hopping into his truck.

Haley squinted at me. “I’ll be waiting here since I can’t lift one finger.”

“Damn right,” I said, raising a brow.

I went back through the front door and through the living room. The house felt empty now, eerie. Sarah decided to leave most of the furniture. Most of the boxes belonged to the boys.This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org: ©.

I went down the hall, walking into the room they shared and grabbing the final box. I lifted it, taking a deep breath.

The air was musty here. There was a foul edge to it, faint but still noticeable.

“What the fuck is that smell?” I muttered.

I carried the box down the hall, following the scent. There was a staircase that led down to the door to the basement. I stood at the top, staring down.

“Cam?”

I startled, nearly dropping the box.

“Coming,” I called back to Haley.

I went back outside, shutting the front door behind me. Haley was sitting on the tailgate of my truck.

“All good?”

“Yeah,” I said. “It smells like something died in there. Did Sarah mention anything about rodents? I know one time, a bat got stuck in the walls at the barn. Smelled for days.”

Haley wrinkled her nose. “She didn’t say anything about that. If it’s been dead for a while though, maybe they stopped noticing it…”

I winced. “God, I hope not. Colt or I would have helped.”

Haley raised a brow as I slid the box in behind her. She parted her thighs for me, drawing me close.

“Hey,” I murmured, chuckling as I tucked a rogue curl behind her ear.

It was moments like this that I knew I wanted to be with her forever. Her dark brown eyes shone in the sunlight. She was wearing my T-shirt, one she’d stolen.

I liked seeing her wear what was mine.

“I love that you’re concerned,” she said, pulling me closer. “I’m sure it’s nothing though. Maybe a mouse or something…”

“Right.”

It wasn’t that, but I had no inclination to investigate. It was probably some sort of rodent, but that could be David’s deal. I sure as hell wasn’t going to do him any favors.

I leaned down, cupping her face as I planted a kiss on her soft lips.

“Fuck,” she murmured, pulling back. “Maybe we should make a quick run home…”

“Haley Marie. You have been injured.”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped wanting you to rail me.”

I feigned a gasp, lifting her up and pulling her legs around my waist. She laughed as she held on to me. I shut the tailgate and carried her around to the passenger’s seat, opening the door and putting her in.

“I see,” she mused. “I see how it is.”

“We have to go meet up with the rest of them,” I said.

But I couldn’t hide my smile as I shut her door and went around to the driver’s side. I got in and cranked the engine, giving her a look.

“Are you going to behave?”

“Nope.”

I pulled out of the quiet driveway, my gaze lingering on the house as we left.

She blew out a breath. “We did it.”

“He’s not going to take this well.” My stomach twisted. “Not to mention, that might have been a violation of our restraining orders?”

“Well, none of us saw you there. And no, he won’t take it well, but it’ll take some time before he figures out where they moved. And we already have a lawyer lined up for her.”

I glanced over at her. Her voice sounded so strong. After everything she’d gone through, she still hadn’t broken. I wasn’t sure I’d ever be as strong as her.

“Have I told you how much of a badass you are?” I asked.

Haley chuckled. “Well, when I want something, I get it.”

“I see,” I said. “Haley…”

Tell her you love her. Tell her now.

Every time I was about to tell her, I choked. I worried it was too much. Too soon. Or maybe I wasn’t good enough for her. I wanted her to have the whole world, and I worried that I couldn’t be the one to give it to her.

Her hand slid over, touching my thigh.

“Haley,” I growled.

“It’s been at least a week. I’m dying. I’m certain that if you don’t touch me or fuck me soon, I’ll turn into a puddle. Like the Wicked Witch of the West.”

My cock was already responding to her touch. “We’ve had a lot going on. And you’ve been healing. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I’m healed.”

“Baby, I don’t think⁠—”

She unzipped my jeans, her nimble fingers slipping through the fabric and gripping my cock.

“Fuck.”

Every sane thought went out the window.

“Can you keep your eyes on the road?” she purred.

This woman. This woman was the end of me. “Yes. When we get home tonight, I’m going to fuck you as hard as I can without your ribs hurting for this.”

“Oh, so a reward,” she chuckled, her voice seductive.

Fuuuuck. I moaned as I turned onto Main Street, thanking the gods that my windows were tinted. I slowed to the stoplight right as her lips closed around the head of my cock.

“Fuck. Baby.”

My hips thrust up, my body reacting to her instantly. Needing her. She sucked, her tongue swirling over the head before she took me deeper.

I cursed again, every thought evaporating except for how much I wanted her and how much I loved her. I looked down at her, moaning as she sucked me, only for her to stop.

“Eyes on the road, cowboy.”

Fuck me. I forced my gaze up right as the red light turned green. She started sucking my cock again, stroking it in a way that would make me come at any moment.

I sped up a little down the quiet street. I turned off onto a neighborhood road and slowed since no one was behind me. I was already on the edge.

“You’re killing me,” I grunted. “Fucking hell.”

She let out a feminine chuckle, stroking me a little faster.

“I’m going to come,” I rasped.

I was so close. So fucking close. I gripped the steering wheel as she tore an orgasm out of me, my hips bucking as I came in her mouth, filling her throat with my cum.

She swallowed every drop, waiting until I was completely finished before she slowly pulled off.

She readjusted my pants, zipped the zipper, and sat back like nothing had happened. The wicked smile she wore made me want to get on my knees for her.

“Are we almost there?”

I breathed out, narrowing my eyes at her. “Later. You and me, sunshine.”

She grinned as she turned her head. “Sounds like a date.”

* * *

The house Haley bought was perfect. It was also just enough out of the way that we were certain David wouldn’t immediately find it and hoped that he wouldn’t even try. Sarah met with the lawyer, the papers were filed, and if things got nasty she would go to the police.

Everyone in this town knew how nasty a drunk David could be. Knowing him, if he bothered us, he’d do something stupid that would land him in trouble.

Part of me wanted that. The other part of me just wanted him to leave everyone the hell alone. He clearly didn’t care about the boys or Sarah. So why go after them?

The house was also only a few blocks from Honey, which was also good. Haley made sure of that, even if she’d never said it aloud to her sister.

By the time we got Sarah and the boys settled in, it was late. Colt decided to stay the night on the couch, claiming he wanted to be around in case anything happened.

Would David really be that stupid?

We were finally back at my house. Our house.

Haley and I got out of my truck and went to our front porch. She reached for my hand, tugging me toward the rocking chair. I sat down, pulling her into my lap.

Her arms wrapped around me, her head resting on my shoulder.

“Are you comfortable like this?” I whispered.

“More than,” she said. “When will this all be over? When will they catch Andy? And when will they catch the killer?”

“Maybe they’re the same person,” I said softly.

“Maybe,” she breathed out. “It’s possible.”

I swallowed hard, holding her a little tighter. “One day, we’ll look back on this and be amazed that we came together in the midst of a storm.”

“I hope so.”

I rocked in the chair, easing us back and forth. The sound of cicadas rattled through the night, the wind rustling the trees. I hummed softly, breathing in her scent.

She shifted in my lap, her hand sliding down my chest.

I raised a brow.

“How tired are you?”

“Not tired at all,” I lied.

She snorted. “I know you’re tired. You’ve been helping out my family all day. I was surprised Colt stayed…”

“I’m not,” I muttered. “I just… I worry about him.”

“Yeah. I can see why.” Her hand slid down lower, settling on my belt buckle.

“Sunshine,” I said softly. “How about you run upstairs and get naked for me?”

She looked at me, her eyes lighting up. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

She slid off my lap and stood, looking down at me as she tied her hair back.

“I want you on our bed with your thighs spread. I want you to get the lube and work it into your pussy and ass for me. I have a surprise for you.”

One that I’d ordered the other day and had finally arrived.

Her eyes lit up. “Okay,” she breathed out.

“Go,” I urged.

I watched as she ran inside. I rocked back and forth in my chair, giving her a few minutes to do exactly as I asked. As I waited, my cock began to harden, knowing she was getting herself ready for me.

I finally stood and went inside, closing and locking the door behind me. I’d already opened the toys, cleaned them, and hidden them in the bathroom downstairs.

I retrieved them—a glass rose butt plug and a vibrator that I was going to make her scream with. I went up the staircase, slowing as I came to our bedroom.

Haley was lying at the center, her legs spread and lube glistening on her pussy and ass. Her fingers were inside herself, her cheeks rosy.

“Good girl,” I praised softly, my cock now straining against my pants.

She was so goddamn gorgeous.

I couldn’t wait to make her beg.

I came to the edge of the bed. “Turn over for me on all fours. And don’t look.”

She did as I asked, her breath hitching as she rolled onto all fours, her pretty little ass facing me. I got onto the bed behind her, sucking in a breath as I sat the toys down, taking a moment to squeeze each cheek.

“How are your ribs feeling?”

“They’re fine, Cam,” she groaned. “I swear. If I need you to stop or if they start hurting, I’ll say red.”

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

Good. I leaned past her, reaching for the bottle of lube on the nightstand. I was still fully dressed and had decided that I wasn’t going to be taking off my clothes yet.

Not until she was begging for my cock inside her.

I grabbed the glass rosebud and lubed it, listening for her gasp as I pressed the tip against her little hole. Her back arched, a moan escaping her as I began to gently work it into her.

“That feels good,” she huffed. “Cam.”

She took it fully, the glass rose gleaming.

“Get comfortable with your legs still spread,” I said, giving her a moment to adjust herself. I reached for a pillow, sliding it under her hips for more support.

“What are you going to do to me?” There was so much anticipation in her voice.

I grinned like the devil. “Make you beg me to stop. Are you comfortable?”

“Yes,” she breathed out.

I took a moment to collect myself before I came in my pants from seeing her like this. Her ass filled, her body waiting for me, her thighs spread, and her dark pink pussy shining.

I reached for the vibrator and felt more satisfaction with the way she gasped, as I turned it on, than ever had before.

“Cam.”

Her raspy plea turned into a cry as I held the vibrating head to her clit. A dark chuckle escaped me as her voice lifted, her muscles tensing. I reached up, holding my thumb to the little rose as I held the vibrator in place.

“Fuck!” she gasped.

I pulled it back for a moment. My cock was so fucking hard.

Every little noise she made just turned me on more.

I waited before holding it back to her. Her shout was one of pure ecstasy. I watched as she gripped the blankets, groaning as her first orgasm overtook her.

I loved watching my sunshine come.

She melted against the bed, her pants ragged. I reached down and dragged my fingertips down her back, enjoying the way she purred. I then flipped on the vibrator again, holding it back to her clit. She cried out, and I watched as she realized that I wasn’t done with her yet.

She groaned my name as I edged her. I held the vibrator to her clit, watching as she responded. She gripped the blankets all over again, her entire body coiling up as I drove her to the edge.

“That’s my good girl,” I said softly.

My cock was so hard, my own need became stronger and stronger. I wanted to just unzip them and shove my cock inside her. I wanted to fill her over and over again.

But not yet.

Not until my sunshine came again for me. I angled the vibrator, and she cried out, her back arching.

“I’m gonna come again,” she groaned.

I kept going, keeping her there, forcing her to take the pleasure. She finally let out another cry, another orgasm tearing through her.

She relaxed again, letting out a soft moan. “Cam,” she whispered. “Fuck.”

“How do you feel?” I asked, setting the vibrator down. Her pussy was dripping with her release, her skin flushed.

“Like I’ve been needing to release for a whole fucking week.”

I chuckled, my hands falling down to my belt buckle.

“Please,” she whispered.

She already knew the moment she heard me pull it off. I swallowed hard as I moved off the bed, stripping slowly, making her wait for me even though it was torture for me too.

My cock sprang free, and I reached down to stroke it. My head fell back with a groan, a curse leaving me.

I needed to fuck her.

“Cam,” she rasped. “Please. Please. I need to feel you inside of me.”

Fuck. I couldn’t hold out anymore. I climbed back onto the bed and dipped two fingers inside of her, feeling how fucking wet she was. She let out a low groan, pushing back against me.

I pressed the head of my cock against her, huffing as I stayed there.

“You’re fucking killing me.”

“I know,” I grunted, but I didn’t move.

“Cam. Fuck me.”

I thrust forward, giving her every inch. She gasped as she took me, her pussy clenching me. I gripped her hips as I dragged my cock back out and then filled her again.

I fell into a brutal rhythm, fucking her harder than I ever had. Her cries and groans edged me on, the sound of our skin slapping together filling the room.

She gripped me, a shudder working through her body. “I’m going to come again. Fuck.”

“Come, baby.”

Haley gasped, and I felt her come around me, her tight pussy a vice around my cock. I didn’t stop. I kept fucking her all the way through her orgasm, going until I felt myself getting closer.

“Fill me,” she moaned. “I want you to breed me like your own little slut.”

Fuck. I pumped into her harder until I growled, giving one last thrust as I started to come inside of her.

I gave her every drop until every muscle in my body relaxed. I stayed there, sweat shining on both of us.

I reached for the little glass rose and pulled it out at the same time I pulled my cock free. She gasped as I did so, her body collapsing against the bed.

I set it on the side table with the vibrator and then collapsed next to her, breathing hard.

“That was…”

“Mind-blowing,” she said.

“Yes,” I agreed, still panting hard. “I think we’re due for a shower and some food.”

“And sleep,” she chuckled.

“And a good night of sleep.”

“In our bed.”

“In our bed.”

Tell her now.

I should have. I thought about the ring I’d bought a few days ago tucked away in my dresser, hiding for the perfect moment. It would have been such an easy thing to whisper in the dark.

By the time I worked up the courage to say it, though, Haley’s soft snores drifted around me.