Open Wounds (Damaged Souls Book 2) (4 page)

The walls were painted in textured coral red, making the room look old world. He had chosen to go with two sinks, with matching vanities. The wood of the vanities looked like old reclaimed cabinets that were re-stained a dark wood. And the sinks were large raised copper bowls. One of the most unique things about the vintage looking basins was that the faucet and knobs came out of the wall instead of the sink itself. And above each sink were two beautiful quatrefoil shaped mirrors, framed in a gold finished metal.

There was a section of the bathroom that was closed off to the right of the sinks. Lexi walked over and opened the rough wooden door, and inside was the toilet. The little water-closet giving more privacy when she or Sloan needed to do their business.

Looking across from the water closet, Lexi gasped as she barely recognized her favorite original piece of the house, the claw-footed bathtub. Sloan had once again outdone himself with giving the old tub a makeover. He stripped the white paint off of the clawed-feet of the tub, leaving the gun metal color of the steel bare. He also removed the porcelain from around the outside of the tub to showcase the natural copper underneath, and then he refinished the inside of the tub, making the white shine like new. And he replaced the exposed pipes, faucet and knobs with new gun-metal colored hardware to match the feet of the tub. And to give the tub some privacy, he placed another beautiful privacy screen in front of it.

On the other side of the room was a half wall. Curious, Lexi walked around the corner of the partial wall to see a beautiful open shower. Stunning mosaic style tile adorned the walls of the shower, and he created a deep ledge to sit on if she needed to. The shower head and knobs looked like vintage metal. The tiled floor of the shower had a raised lip on the edge so that the water didn’t pour out onto the floor. And the lack of a shower door or curtain, gave it the unique old world charm.

Lexi stepped back out of the shower area and turned to look at the man standing in the middle of the renovated bathroom. His raven colored hair hung slightly in his face as he looked across the room at her with a shy smile. His eyes filled with naked love.

The image of him started to blur, as Lexi’s eyes filled with tears. “Sloan…I…I…don’t even know what to say. My mind is blown.” She said in a wobbly voice, lifting her hands to gesture at the room at large.

Sloan quickly walked over to her and clasped her face in his hands. As few tears escaped down her face, he leaned down and captured a salty tear with his full lips, the tip of his tongue tasting her. Lexi gasped in response at feel of his tongue against her wet cheek. He hadn’t touched her sexually since Friday morning, not after her cutting incident, which was unusual for them. They had made love every day since the first day. So Lexi had feared that he didn’t want her anymore.

“You’ve been through so much. Dealt with so much darkness, that I felt it was time that you had some light and beauty and color in your life. All of this up here is your private sanctuary. And just know that every nail hammered, every stroke of a paintbrush, every choice I made was filled with love and affection, and with you in mind.” Sloan admitted softly, looking down at her, wearing his heart on his sleeve.

I love you. I love you so much! And I’m so, sorry…I can’t say it again. Please just give me time!
Lexi tried to convey everything she felt in her eyes as she looked up at Sloan, in a rare and unguarded moment. And the scarred Marine must have seen something there, because in the next second, he crushed his lips to hers. He bent down, wrapping one arm around her back and the other under her butt, lifting her off of the floor.

Sloan carried her back into the bedroom, and he turned and sat on the bed with her still in his lap. His hair had escaped from behind his ears, covering most of his face. With a gentle hand, Lexi slid her fingers into the silky mass, brushing it back off of his face, exposing his scars. Clutching both sides of his face, Lexi tilted his head down to her and placed her full lips on his forehead. As they often did, her lips found their way to his ragged scar on the left side of his face. She kissed him from the top of his scar above his brow, down to his prickly bearded jawline. Her lips moved to the smaller scar that ran through the left side of his mouth, and she kissed the side of his mouth tenderly, following the welt down to his chin. And he sighed in relief that she cared for him, despite his scars.

Clasping her face, Sloan kissed her nose and looked into her mossy green eyes for a moment before speaking. “Are you sure you want to do this? You’re not too sore? I don’t want to hurt you.” Sloan asked, his voice gruff with need, but still willing to hold back for her.

“I…I’m fine. Still a little sore, if I’m honest. But not enough to stop you.” Lexi answered softly, realizing he hadn’t touched her because he didn’t want to hurt her, from her fairly fresh cuts, which was new to her. Her exes never cared if she was sore from her cuts. All they knew how to do was take from her. Even when she wasn’t willing to give.

“And you’re okay? You’re not still freaked out from what happened with Rick?” Sloan questioned further.

“Oh…umm, I don’t know. I don’t think so.” Lexi replied, confused and a little dumbfounded that he cared. His caring and thoughtfulness was still so new to her, since she had never experienced anything like it before. So it was always a shock to her system.

Sloan could see the surprised confusion on her face and explained further. “Lexi, I would never try to force you to make love to me, after what you went through. Not without your okay first.” Sloan said seriously.

“Thank you,” Lexi said quietly.

Rubbing her hands down his back, Lexi reached the hem of his t-shirt and started to pull it up over his body. Once it cleared his head, she tossed it onto the floor. Her tank top quickly followed it to the floor. Sloan’s rough hands stroked her back softly, as he reached for the clasp of her bra. Unhooking her, he slid the straps down her bronzed arms and flung it behind him. Her large heavy breasts spilled into his awaiting hands. He circled the hardening tips with his thumbs, and Lexi’s mouth opened on a silent gasp.

Lexi held onto his shoulders, as he lifted each breast up to his mouth. He feasted on her nipples like a starving man, and she cried out. Her hips reflexively pumping towards his confined erection.

Sloan let go of her nipple on a gasp. He grasped her wide hips and twisted, flipping her onto the bed. He quickly pulled off her yoga pants and panties and laid back down, his hips nestled between her thighs. He kissed up her smooth shoulder to her neck, up to her jaw and then to her lips. At the same time, pumping his hips towards her, slightly rubbing the bulge in his jeans against her aching sex.

His hair fell down around her face, blanketing them in a curtain of raven satin, as he softly kissed her lips. His hand stroked down her soft skin. Down her neck, over one mountainous breast, tweaking the peak before he continued. He proceed down the valley of her tummy, to the pretty mound protected by a small triangle of hair. His finger progressed down to her drenched crease. The tip of his finger swirled around her opening, gathering moisture. Continuing to lavish soft kisses on her lips. Then at the same time as his wet finger stroked up to touch her sensitive clit, he flicked his tongue against her lips.

Lexi cried out at the simultaneous sensations, and Sloan dipped his tongue into her panting mouth, continuing to finger her as her hips bucked in response. He refused to release his hold on the deep kiss as he swirled around, flicked and caressed her swollen button to a stunning climax. She released his mouth on a whimper, and her hips shuddered.

In a tangle of desperate limbs, they both used hands and feet to remove his jeans, boxer briefs and work boots. Once he was free, he wasted no time in clutching his rock hard cock and stroked it up and down her soaking wet slit until the head was saturated in her sweet nectar. He slid in slowly, and they both tossed back their heads. They were both on sensory overload, her at the overwhelming fullness of him inside her, and him at the snug wet warmth of her surrounding him.

Taking a few powerful strokes into her, Sloan noticed her slight grimace of pain, and he knew that his hips rubbing against her still sore inner thighs was causing her pain. So he slid out gently, he grasped her hips and flipped her onto her stomach. He grabbed a pillow and slid it under her hips, raising them up and then bent down to nip a few times at her bronzed round globes, unable to resist. And straddling her pretty ass, he held onto his manhood and gently eased into her already swollen labia, sinking in deep from behind.

“Is this okay?” He asked, not wanting to hurt or scare her.

She nodded her head into the mattress and raised her ass up higher, pushing him further into her, in response. Taking her queue, Sloan clutched her hips and began to take deep rolling thrusts into her. The impact of his flesh against hers sent her ass cheeks rippling in response, somehow making him grow even harder at the sexy image.

Sloan bent down and kissed a path down her spine as he continued to roll his hips into her. Propping himself up on an elbow, he slid his other hand under her, to wrap around her hips. He then used the strength of his upper body to pull her back towards him, and the power of his hips to pump forward.

She felt his dog tags graze her back, with every powerful thrust as he battered down her inner walls. Lexi’s body started to quake as the pressure built up. And as an earth-shattering orgasm crested, her muscles seized, and her already snug pussy clenched tighter around him. They both exploded their release. Her locked limbs and muscles let loose into convulsive spasms that rippled around him, making him come even harder.

Sloan bit down gently on the soft skin of her shoulder, as he rode the wave of pleasure coursing through him. Finally spent, he collapsed half on top of her half on the soft bed. They both panted with exhaustion.

Through his tangle of hair, Sloan watched as Lexi turned her head towards him. She reached up and brushed his hair back from his face. Gently tucking the strands behind his ear, which was becoming her habit, her sated green eyes touched every part of his face. He could tell that she was collecting and storing the image in her mind’s eye, to paint at a later time. Finally, her eyes rested on his. And again, she let her guard down, showing him without words, the love she felt.

It’s enough…for now.

Chapter 4

Creep

The next weekend after the big master bed and bath reveal, Sloan and Tank took a ride into town to get more supplies for the house. His crew was back working on the house for more overtime, and they were quickly running out of everything.

Sloan parked the car in the big parking lot. He gave Tank the command to stay with the car and then made his way into the store. He found everything quickly, having become very familiar with every aisle from multiple visits. He made his purchases and said goodbye to the cashier by name. Nearly all the employees knew him, and vice versa.

As he walked to the car, Sloan noticed a man of average height and stocky, muscular build standing by the Mustang, talking softly to Tank. Sloan’s trained military eyes took in everything within seconds. He looked of mixed race, possibly black and white. His light brown hair was cut super close to his scalp. And when he looked up at Sloan’s approaching form, his pale gray eyes almost looked sinister. But the man smiled brightly, easing Sloan’s suspicions.
Slightly.

“Hey, man!” The man greeted as Sloan came up to the car. “This is one beautiful dog. Car too.” He complimented.

“Thanks,” Sloan said as he put his shopping bags on the floor of the back seat. “The dog’s mine. The car is my girlfriend’s.” Sloan explained, and he noticed the man’s jaw flex and his smile falter slightly.

Once his hands were free, the man extended his hand to shake Sloan’s. “Well, you both have good taste. I’m Derek, by the way.”

“Sloan.” He responded as the man squeezed his hand a little tighter than necessary.

“He’s really well trained,” Derek said as he pet Tank’s head. “And he looks like a wolf. What breed is he?”

“Yeah, a lot of people say that. But he’s just an all-black German Shepard. And I trained him myself.” Sloan said, noticing that Tank didn’t wag his tail at the attention like he normally would. He didn’t growl, but he seemed just as hesitant about the man as Sloan was.

“Wow! That’s really good training. Do you train dogs for a living? Most people don’t take the time out to train their dogs that well.” Derek asked curiously.

“No, I’m a general contractor for home construction. Tank is a military trained dog. Most of his training took place in Afghanistan, on tour with me.” Sloan said, almost as a warning.

“Oh shit! What branch?” Derek said, his eyes becoming wary, picking up the warning.

“Marine Corp,” Sloan answered.

“Thanks for your service, Sloan,” Derek said. “So I’ll let you get back to your day. Sorry to hold you up. I’m new around here and haven’t met a whole lot of people yet.”

“No problem, man. It was nice talking to you.” Sloan said as they shook hands one more time, before he slid into the driver’s seat.

As he drove off, heading back to the house, a shiver of unease traveled down his spine.

~~~

Eric watched the scarred man and his guard dog, as they drove off down the street. It took all he had not to pull the gun he had in the waistband of his jeans out, and shoot a hole through Sloan’s skull. Especially after he called Lexi his girlfriend. But he knew it wouldn’t do him any good to act now, and risk being thrown in prison before his plan was accomplished.
Besides, I’d rather her watch, as I put the gun to his temple and hear him beg for his life.

Though Eric knew, he had to tread lightly. Finding out that Sloan was a former Marine and the dog was military trained, he knew that it complicated his plans.
This guy isn’t some random pussy.
So he had to wait a little longer and adjust his plans.

Eric turned and started to stroll back to his rundown motel like he didn’t have a care in the world. A sinister smile spreaded across his face. The idea of lying in wait, while Lexi relaxed and got comfortable thinking that she was safe, filled him with a twisted kind of pleasure. He imagined that pretty smile he had seen on her face from afar, disappear as he drained the life from her unfaithful body.

~~~

Lexi was set up on the back porch, working. She was deep in thought as she worked on her painting of the stunning weeping willow and flowing river that made up her back yard, that she just barely heard the knock at the door. It didn’t help that there was continual hammering, and heavy footsteps around the house from the men working overtime on the renovation.

Lexi set down her paintbrush and grabbed her rag to wipe her hands as she walked to the door. She peeked out the side window and saw that it was her realtor Dominique, who had sold her the fixer upper cottage house. Dom was a stunning light-skinned black woman. Tall and graceful, the classic Southern Belle. Every time Lexi had seen her, she was dressed impeccably. And today was no different, Lexi noted as she swung the door open wide for her new friend.

Even though it was the weekend, the realtor was dressed in an adorable wrap dress that was in a deep royal blue. She was in fun leopard print sky high heels, that made Lexi’s four-feet-eleven stature seem even smaller. And her blonde asymmetrical pixie cut, had a sassy spike to it.

“Hey, Dom. What a pleasant surprise.” Lexi said sincerely though the last time they were together, Lexi had nearly had a nervous breakdown over the blind date Dom had set up for her.

“Lexi! It’s so good to see you.” Dom leaned in to hug Lexi affectionately, always ignoring Lexi’s obvious ‘Don’t touch me’ body language.

“So what brings you by?” Lexi asked.

“Oh, I just wanted to come see how things are going with the renovation. I remember you saying that the contractor you hired was relatively unknown. And I just wanted to make sure he’s doing right by you.” Dom said in her sweet melodic southern accent.

“Sure. Come on in and I’ll show you.” Lexi stepped aside to let the tall woman in. Though Lexi knew that seeing the progress of the house, wasn’t the only thing that the pretty woman had come to see. Lexi knew she was curious about the man that she was willing to let into her private world.

Dom looked around curiously at all of the workers bustling about, working on the main floor of the house. Lexi noticed that she was trying to figure out which one was her contractor. But Sloan had ran to the store to get more supplies that they were running low on.

“Hey Dom, come follow me. The upstairs is done already. And it’s heaven. My very own sanctuary.” Lexi said, with rare excitement in her voice.

Lexi led Dom up the stairs to her room. She opened the door to the bedroom that first led into the sitting area that Sloan had decked out, then into the main part of the master suite, the walk-in closet and finally the master bath. Dom gasped, oohed and ahhed at the beautiful work that Sloan and the workers had done.

“This is nothing short of amazing!” Dom exclaimed. “He really does know what he’s doing. I had my doubts. But I must admit that I was dead wrong. I have to meet this guy!” Dom said, nearly rubbing her hands with glee.

“Sloan ran to the hardware store really quick to get more supplies. But he should be back any minute.” Lexi explained. “Here let’s go downstairs and get some iced tea while we wait,” Lexi suggested as she motioned for Dom to head towards the stairs.

As the women walked down the steps, the door opened, and Sloan in all his rugged sexiness walked through the door, Tank following closely behind. Lexi had noticed lately that he was gaining back some of the confidence that he’d told her he once had, now that he was finally doing what he was meant to do. Finally having a purpose again.

He was dressed in low-slung jeans and a plain black t-shirt that hugged his lean muscular body just right. His hair, as always was gorgeous. With his hands full of bags, his jet-black silky hair had come loose from behind his ears and swung over his face, hiding his scars.

Sloan bent over to place the bags on the floor near the doorway. Standing back up, he did that thing that Lexi loved, where he ran his fingers through his luxurious hair to get it out of his face. Her heart stuttered every time he did it. And to seal the deal, Sloan looked up spotting them and smiled radiantly as he tucked his hair behind his ears, silvery blue eyes sparkling.

Apparently Dom wasn’t unaffected either. She came to a sudden stop, and Lexi heard her whisper, “Oh my!” right before Lexi crashed into her back. Both women had to grasp the railing to stop from tumbling down the stairs. Sloan stepped forward, ready to help them or to provide the cushion for their fall.

“Are you ladies alright?” He asked in his light southern drawl, dipped in the deep rich molasses that was his sexy baritone.

“Good. We’re good.” Lexi said as both women straightened up and walked down the rest of the steps.

Once they were both safely on the main floor, Lexi made the introductions. “Dom, this is my contractor and…and friend, Sloan Stryker.” Lexi stuttered out, not sure what to label him. “Sloan, this is Dominique Preston, my realtor,” Lexi said, noticing the skin around Sloan’s eyes tighten, realizing he was meeting the very woman that had caused Lexi to rip out his heart a few weeks ago.

But Sloan’s impeccable southern manners kicked in as always, and he wiped his hand on his jeans before extending it to gently shake Dom’s. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Preston.”

“Oh, call me Dom.” The realtor waved off the formality. A little too breathless and flushed for a woman of her age and relationship status, Lexi thought. “And the pleasure is all mine, I’m sure, Sloan.”

Uncomfortable with the attention and for lack of anything else better to break the awkward moment, Sloan pulled Lexi in for what had now become his customary peck on the lips, whenever he came back from being out of the house. Lexi looked down at the floor bashfully after he released her lips, not very comfortable with public displays of affection. Though she was finding that Sloan had no such hang-ups about PDAs.

“So Sloan, Lexi just showed me what you did with the master suite. And I must say that I’m beyond impressed. You have a true talent and eye for design.” Dom complimented.

“Thank you, Dom. It’s been a while since I’ve done any construction. So I really appreciate that.” Sloan said, flushing red with pleasure and embarrassment.

“No problem. I’d only say it if it was true. And it is.” Dom paused, either for emphasis or gathering her thoughts. “As a matter of fact, I have connections with a home décor magazine and they’d probably love to do an article and photo spread of this renovation. That is if you don’t mind Lexi.” Dom asked, looking down at Lexi with an excited smile.

“Oh no, not at all, anything to help Sloan’s career! He may not have done any home construction in a long time, but his talent is undeniable.” Lexi reassured her.

“Agreed. Perfect! I’ll contact them as soon as possible.” Dom said, pulling out her cellphone from her designer handbag. “Do you mind if I take pictures of the master suite?”

“No, go right ahead,” Lexi answered.

“Fantastic! And I still have the before pictures of the house from when I posted them on my realtor website. I’ll send them the before and after pics and I’m sure they’ll be calling.” Dom said as she started back up the stairs to take the pictures of Lexi’s bed and bath. She stopped and turned back to look down at them. “Oh and if you don’t mind me asking, what were you doing for the last several years that you weren’t working in construction?” She asked Sloan as an afterthought.

“I served in the Marines. I was enlisted for several years and served three tours in Afghanistan. I had a medical discharge about two years ago. Lexi gave me my first shot at restarting my career.” Sloan answered without shame.

“Whoa! You just sealed the deal for sure! They can’t resist American hero/underdog stories. I’ll be right back.” Dom’s heels clicked excitedly up the stairs, leaving Lexi and Sloan a little disoriented.

“I think I’m finally understanding why you couldn’t say no to her about that double date. She’s kind of a ‘won’t take no for an answer’ type of person.” Sloan said, a huge grin spreading across his face, realizing it really wasn’t that Lexi hadn’t cared for him. “Man, I bet she sells a shitload of houses. She could probably sell water to a drowning man.” Sloan joked, making Lexi burst out in laughter.

“You’re probably right. I told you she’s a force to be reckoned with.” Lexi said, stifling her giggles.

“Yes, she is.” Sloan agreed before leaning down to kiss Lexi’s forehead. “Alright, my break is over. The guys need help. I’ll leave you to deal with your friend.” Sloan smiled and then walked over to pick up the shopping bags.

Lexi turned back to the stairs when she heard the sharp clip of Dom’s heels as she came back down the stairs.

“Okay, I got the pictures and I’ll be sending them in an email later today. They probably won’t get it ‘til Monday. But I doubt that it’ll take long for them to respond, not with the before and afters, plus his story.” Dom rattled off, not letting Lexi get in a word as she continued. “And then with getting your art exhibition organized, I swear I’ll make you two the ‘It’ couple of Savannah! Oh, and speaking of, he is gorgeous! I didn’t know that you liked a little cream with your coffee. But I wouldn’t mind some cream like that! He’s definitely yummy. And with that sexy scar, he looks a little dangerous too. Woo!” Dom finally finished, fanning herself.