Shattered & Mended (9 page)

Blake falls asleep on the couch as we’re watching reruns of
The Walking Dead,
so I decide to tidy up the house. It’s not dirty, just dusty from abandonment. After I dust the living room, wipe down the kitchen, sweep and mop, I discover a mountain of dirty laundry in a hamper on top of the washer. I separate the clothes and throw a load in the washer. I click off the television and take the stairs up to his room. The bed is a mess, and there are towels lying on the floor of the bathroom. 

Before I get started up here, I decide to turn on some music. I crank up the volume loud enough for me to dance, but low enough to keep from waking Blake. I’m not sure where all this energy is coming from. It must be from the time I spent recovering. In an attempt to avoid Wyatt, I stayed in my room most days and just slept. As I’m bent over picking up the towels, warm arms snake around my waist.

“You don’t have to do that,” Blake says into my ear, his voice raspy from just waking up. “I had planned on cleaning it all tomorrow,” he adds, turning me in his arms so I’m facing him. He tucks the loose pieces of my hair behind my ears. “Let me cook us something to eat. You hungry?” 

“No, not really.” He releases me and bends down to scoop me off my feet. “Too bad; you’re eating anyway. I just thought I’d be nice and let you choose what you wanted to eat.” He carries me down to the kitchen and places me on a stool at the bar. I watch him as he pulls out filet mignon, potatoes, and salad mix. He goes out back to the patio and fires up the grill. I follow behind him, and my eyes catch a hot tub, something I’ve never realized before. He removes his shirt and throws on the steaks. My eyes on him and my mind on the hot tub, I begin to think of all the dirty things I could do with him in there.  

“Can we get in later?” I ask, running my fingers along its cover.

“Yeah, but it won’t be hot. It’s not recommended for pregnant women to submerge themselves in hot water for extended periods, but I can make the water lukewarm. Is that okay?”

Normally, I like my water scalding hot, but I can guarantee the water’s going to heat up without a thermostat. “As long as you’ll join me and keep me warm,” I purr, gently scratching his chest.

“Stop that, dammit. You know I lack self-control around you, and it’s getting more difficult to turn you down. Plus, you need to eat before we do anything,” he scolds. He should be elated that we’re finally able to lose control with each other, but he’s frowning. Is it me? I mean, I’ve gained a few pounds, but only in my stomach.

“What? You don’t want me?” I ask self-consciously.

“Are you out of your mind? Of course I want you. What possessed you to ask that?” he asks, bewildered.

“The baby bump,” I say, realizing I’m not as thin as I used to be.
 

“Fuck no, baby, I fucking love the baby bump,” he assures. He walks over and kneels in front of me, and then places his hands on either side of my growing belly. “I love looking at your belly, watching it grow, and knowing that you’re growing a part of me,” he adds, raising my shirt and placing a ki
ss to each side of my stomach.

“It hasn’t been long enough for your ribs to heal, and you know I lose control when it comes to you. I’m terrified of hurting you.”

“You won’t. And the only thing that’s hurting on me right now is this.” I push his hand down away from my stomach and place it on my throbbing heat. “Do you feel how hot I get for you? Can you feel how wet you make me?”

His hand begins to massage my pussy, and I’m so horny that the slightest friction over my jeans causes me to quiver as heat spreads through my entire core. “Damn, baby. I feel the wetness through your jeans,” he notes, his hazel eyes filled with desire.

I undo my jeans and let them fall to my ankles. “You want to feel wetness, baby? Feel now,” I instruct. He palms my clit and runs his fingers along my folds, spreading them and inserting his fingers one at a time.

“Fuck, Allie,” he growls appreciatively. He pulls his fingers in and out of my heat slowly, taunting me, making my pussy crave his delicious cock even more. My insides clench, begging him to claim me. He picks up speed as a loud and pleasurable moan passes my lips. I roll my head back and enjoy the sensation of climbing that glorious mountain. Just when I’m on the edge and ready to nosedive into the strongest orgasm I’ve ever had, he removes his fingers, leaving me in a whimpering, hot, and wet mess.

He puts his fingers in his mouth and enjoys the taste of me. “Um, it’s a sin for your arousal to taste this fucking good. But I can’t take you, not now,” he taunts, smiling his seductive smile. What a motherfucking tease! Karma, you skittle-tit whore, using my own game against me. Fuck her; I’m the Queen Bee of teasing. This isn’t over.

Reaching out, I pull him to me by his belt loop. Without warning, I undo his pants and free everything from his waist down. He’s gloriously naked before me. I run my tongue down the middle of his stomach and continue south until I’m on my knees. I hold the base of his dick with my hand and wrap my mouth around his deliciously-long, hard shaft. I take him deep into my throat and suck him tight, pausing every few seconds to swirl my tongue around his swollen tip. I glance up and see his eyelids flutter, his chin resting on top of his chest. I suck him tight and fast. Taking my fingers, I wrap them around his thickness and stroke him as I suck. I slow my rhythm and suck him slow and hard several times. I feel his balls tighten against my bottom lip as he climbs to his climax. I take him deep one last time and feel the vein along the bottom of his shaft pulsate against my tongue. When I taste the proof that he’s ready to come, I release him completely. 

Blake sighs through his nose and bites his lip. I stand up and pull his lips from his teeth, replacing them with mine. “You can play dirty, baby, but you need to remember that I’m filthy. You’re no match for me, B.” I release his lip and go back inside, swaying my hips a bit more than necessary, but he’s an ass man, and I know he’s enjoying the view. 

“You’re just gonna leave me like this? Babe?” he calls. I keep walking. If he wants me to finish what
he
started, he’ll be smart and chase after me. I’ll be waiting for him, in his bed, completely fuckin’ naked.

Thirteen

~Wyatt~

Allie’s been at Blake’s for almost two weeks. She won’t answer my calls or respond to my texts. She promised we’d talk. I can’t wait until she’s ready to talk, but time’s slipping away. And since she wants to be an ass and pretend I don’t exist, I went ahead and hired one of the best attorneys in North Carolina, Larry Morris. Although he doesn’t believe any judge would grant me full custody of Lacy, he’s going to try his damnedest. My case is unique, and he’s hoping the judge will have an open mind and a soft spot for those who served our country. I’m praying the judge will cut me some slack since I wasn’t aware of Lacy’s existence.

Allie’s phone goes straight to voicemail, again. “Look, Allie. I need you to answer your phone, return my calls, texts—something. We need to talk, and I prefer to have this conversation face to face. So, please, call me.” I end the call and toss the phone to the foot of the bed. I’ve been searching for Blake’s address over the web and phone books, but I haven’t found anything pertaining to him. And for obvious reasons, Lucille won’t give it to me. There’s only one other person I know who could tell me, but I’ll be damned if I ask her. 

If I don’t hear anything from Allie tomorrow, I’ll have to be a dick and have her summoned to court. Larry said that if she’ll come in and provide him with all the necessary information about how she proceeded with the adoption and which agency she used, he wouldn’t have to drag her in and out of court. I don’t want to put any stress on Al, but this is something she’s going to have to face. There’s no fucking way I could live with myself knowing I have a piece of me walking this Earth, without me. 

I’m like an abandoned puppy, sitting around waiting for Allie to come home, running to look out the window with each car that drives by. I’m pathetic. And the fact that I know she’s with Blake—more than likely giving herself to him—it’s making me mad. To keep my mind off what they may be doing, I go to the gym and lift weights until my arms and legs go numb. My muscles feel as if they’re tearing to shreds, but I couldn’t care less. In fact, I welcome the pain. Anything to keep my mind off Blake having his way with my girl. 

Fuck this. I throw on some loose shorts, lace up my shoes, and decide to go for a run. Unlike Allie, I fucking hate running. I did enough of that shit over the last four years, but I need to clear my mind. Why can’t she just forgive me? Everyone makes mistakes, even her. I’ve forgiven her for handing over our daughter, so why in the hell is it so hard for her? She wants me just as much as I want her. No, she needs me. We both know how precious time is. We both know better than to take something as small as a nanosecond for granted. Our being together is inevitable, and she knows it. All she’s doing is wasting time, irreplaceable moments. 

I’m two miles away from the house when I realize I left my phone behind. Immediately, I turn around and sprint back to the house. When I get to the edge of the street, I see a yellow truck with a big-ass lift kit parked in the drive. Being the hard ass that I am, I run up to the door and bust through like a damn maniac ready to take someone down. I skim the living room and kitchen, but I don’t see anyone. I open the door that leads to the basement and listen for any sign that someone’s here, and that’s when I hear her giggle. 

Leaving the door wide open, I race up the steps and barge into her room. “What the fuck, man?” Blake seethes, standing in front of Allie and hiding her from my view.

“Move,” I order.

“The fuck I will,” he spits.

“Look here, pretty boy. Move your ass out of my way before I lay you out,” I promise, stepping to him so that we’re eye to eye.

Blake grinds his teeth and presses his forehead against mine. “Confident asshole you are. Please, try me. I’ll have no problem reaching down your throat and ripping your heart out through your mouth,” he threatens through clenched teeth. 

“Can you guys just stop fighting? Wyatt, you hate Blake for reasons unknown. Blake, you hate Wyatt because he’s hurt me. But what neither of you seem to comprehend is that you’re hurting me more by fighting every time you come in contact. Get over yourselves,” Allie says, walking over and placing herself into Blake’s side.

“Sorry, baby,” Blake apologizes, leaning down and kissing Allie’s head.

Don’t do it, you’ll only hurt her. I repeat this over and over again, begging my body to listen to my brain for once. Allie must realize the battle raging inside me, because she reaches out and wraps her hand around my clenched fist. “Wyatt, I can’t talk to you right not. I’m not ready.”

“Yeah, but I am. You’re never goin’ to be ready, Al. You avoid confrontation at all costs. And I’m not letting you leave this house until you talk to me,” I demand. 

Blake steps in front of Allie as if I’m a danger to her. “You don’t give her orders, douche. She’ll do whatever the hell she wants. If she’s ready to leave, we’re going.” This cocky bastard must have a death wish, and I’m about to fulfil it if he doesn’t stand down.

He takes Al by the hand, and she follows behind him as he leads her out the door. Reaching out, I take her by the arm. Her eyes snap to my hand, and then travel up my arm until she’s staring into my eyes. “Butterfly, please,” I beg.

She stares at me for a moment before dropping her head. “Blake, wait for me downstairs?” she sighs.

“You sure?” he asks.

“Yeah.”

He lifts her head and whispers something in her ear. He goes down the steps, and I close the door to give us some privacy.

She walks over and falls onto her bed. “Okay, talk.”

I walk over and nudge her to make space so I can lie next to her. Instead of scooting over, she sits up and crosses her legs. “Wait, I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.” She nods in agreement, and I run down the hall and grab my lab results. When I return, she’s in the exact same spot as when I left. I plop down in front of her and place the results in her lap.

She looks down and skims the papers. “Um-kay, what are these?” she shrugs.

“Those are results proving I didn’t bang your friend,” I explain.

She shrugs and throws the papers to me. “Those don’t prove shit. I saw you with my own eyes, Wyatt.”

Okay, I should have worded that differently. “Yes, I believe you. However, I was drugged, Allie. I was oblivious to what I was doing.”

She reaches for the papers and snatches them from my hand. Cocking her head, she reevaluates the results. “So, you were high; doesn’t mean you didn’t know what you were doing. What y’all were doing looked pretty damn consensual. You fucked her, Wyatt, and it looked like you were doing a damn good job at it,” she accuses. 

I point to the paper and begin explaining the results to her, just as Dr. Ruben did to me. “Someone slipped me some ecstasy that night. The only person I can think of who would’ve had a chance to do it is Sophie.”

She begins to shake her head, vigorously. “No. She wouldn’t do that. Trust me, she doesn’t have any problem getting guys to lay the pipe, none whatsoever,” she says, but I can hear the uncertainty in her voice.

Her eyes mist over as I nod, letting her know that she would and she did. “Allie, listen to me. Sophie was the only person I saw after I left here. I went to Willie’s to grab a few beers, trying to calm myself down. I planned on coming home to you in a few hours, but the more beers I took down, the angrier I became,” I begin. She gets off the bed and turns her back to me. I scoot over and stand behind her. I test my limits and rest my hands on her hips. “She came over, offered to buy me a few rounds and I let her. I left my wallet here, and all I wanted was to clear my mind. One drink led to another, we danced, and the next thing I remember is waking up to her screaming your name. I rushed down and saw you lying unconscious,” I pause, trying to wash away the image of her lifeless body from my memory.

“I didn’t know where I was, who I was with, or why you were there,” I add. 

She removes my hands from her body and crosses her arms over her chest. “Okay, but none of this would’ve happened if you’d acted like a man, used your balls, and faced your problems, instead of turning your back on me every chance you get. You didn’t even let me explain anything. You just left.”

I spin her around by her hips and examine the growing bump I haven’t noticed until now. I lose my breath for a moment as reality sets in that she’s having another man’s babies. Cupping the side of her face, I angle her head so she’s looking right at me. “I know, and I’m sorry. I can’t go back in time and erase my mistakes. Believe me, if I could, I would. I need you to know that I would never sleep with anyone besides you, only you.” I use my thumb and trace her cheekbone.

“But you did, Wyatt. Knowingly or not, you slept with her,” she sighs. “You hurt me when you turned your back on me that night, more than you ever have before. I forgave you for doing it the first time, but I’m not sure I can forgive you for making the same mistake twice.” 

“I can never make up for the things I’ve done to you. Leaving you after we made love for the first time, not telling you about me joining the military, for making you deal with having a baby on your own, but I’ll regret it the rest of my life. But I’m here now, Allie. I’m here for you and for Lacy, forever,” I vow. I capture her mouth and just like old times, she melts into me, but only for a moment.

“Fuck, Wyatt! You can’t keep doing that shit,” she hisses, pulling the hem of her shirt up to wipe the evidence of our kiss away from her lips.

“Don’t pretend you didn’t feel it, Allie. You felt the shock I sent through your body, just like I always have, just like you’ve always done to me.”

“You’re a dick.”

“Yup, the best dick you’ve ever had,” I retort with a wink.

“Ugh! You’re one arrogant son-of-a-bitch, you know that?”

“Only when it comes to you, baby.”

She stomps across the room and gathers her purse and clothes. “We’re not finished,” I announce.

“Wrong. I’m done. You can sit up here and talk until your teeth fall out, but I’m leaving.” As she makes her way to the door, I jump in front of her and block it so she can’t escape. “Wyatt,” she warns with a glare.

“There’s something else I want to talk to you about. After that, you can go.” She eyes me from head to toe.

“Please, we both know I can bring you to your knees,” she smirks, eyeing between my legs. Just to be on the safe side, I pull my hands down and guard my jewels. They’ve experienced her wrath too many times before. 

“Well, get it out. I don’t have all day,” she urges.

“I hired an attorney to help me get Lacy back, and I need your help,” I blurt out. Her eyes go wide, and her clothes fall from her arms and pile onto the floor. “I meet with him tomorrow. He said if you come in and answer a few questions
, he won’t have to take you to court,” I begin to explain. Slowly, she falls to her knees and takes her face into her hands. I squat down in front of her. “I’m not going to say I’m sorry, and I’m not going to baby your emotions about me fighting for her. I love her, Allie. I want to be a part of her life.” My voice sounds pleading, as if I’m seeking her approval, which I sort of am.

“How can you proclaim your love for her, and you’ve never even met her?”

“I don’t have to meet her to love her. She’s a piece of me
-
piece of you. How could I not love her? I hoped you’d be somewhat happy.”

“Happy? Why would I be happy?” 

“Because this is a chance for me to make things right for us. For us to get our baby back and be a family,” I announce.

“No! You can’t do this to her. If you truly love Lacy and me as much as you claim, leave her alone. I put her up for adoption so that she’d have a better life, a happy one. You can’t ruin that by taking her away from the only family she knows,” she pleads. 

“She’s how old, almost four? You study psychology, of all people you should know that she probably won’t remember them in a few years,” I assure her.

“How can you say that? They’re her parents, jackass. They’ve raised her all these years. They put her to bed at night and stayed up with her when she was sick. They’ve taken her to all her appointments. They were there the first time she crawled and for her first step … I can’t believe you’re actually going through with this. Why can’t you just move on and leave it alone?” she asks, tears rolling down her face.

“Because you two are all I have, and my life isn’t worth living unless you’re in it.”

She gathers the clothes she dropped and stands to her feet. “That’s sad, Wyatt. You’re going to have to learn to live without me, because I’m with Blake, and I won’t leave him for you. You, me, and Lacy… we’re not a family. You need to get that through your thick skull. I love Lacy, and there’s not a day that passes where I don’t think about holding her in my arms, but her happiness means more than mine. You two will always have a place in my heart, and I’m not going to tell you that I don’t love you, because I do. But I’m not
in
love with you anymore. I love him.” I can tell by the way her eyes roam the room, looking everywhere except to me, that she’s lying. 

She walks around me and opens the door. “His name’s Larry Morris. His office is located thirty minutes west of Jacksonville, and that’s where I’ll be at eight a.m. tomorrow. I can pick you up if you want me to. Please show up tomorrow, Al. The last thing I want to do is have you summoned to court, but I’ll do it, if that’s my only option,” I tell her over my shoulder.