Vengeance in Bloom (The Love Unauthorized Series Book 2) Read online

  BRAELYN WILL BE SET FREE AT NOON TOMORROW AT CYPRESS LAKE.

  It’s perfect.

  “You guys take the tarp outside. I’d like a few minutes alone to say good-bye to Braelyn.”

  They move to opposite sides of the tarp, pick it up, and maneuver it outside as I turn back to her. No one ever righted her chair, so she’s still on her back, looking up at me. When I look into her cold, dead eyes, I wonder how I ever believed she was my family. All this time stuck in the damn warehouse, and I don’t think she’s done one bit of reflection. She doesn’t have a single glimmer of remorse.

  “This is the last time you’ll ever see me. I wish there were something I could say that still held meaning between the two of us, but there’s nothing. I know this is who you are. You’re just a manipulative bitch who doesn’t have the ability to care for anyone, except for yourself. I won’t worry about you. I won’t miss you. I won’t even think about you. Good-bye, Braelyn.”

  “What’re you going to do with me, Paisley?”

  “You’ll be set free tomorrow. What happens to you next is nothing you don’t deserve.”

  I’ve said all I needed to say, so it’s time to turn my back on the sister that never deserved me. Her role in my life is over. The Braelyn chapter is one I’m happy to close.

  When I exit the warehouse, the guys are walking back toward the car. Burke dusts his hands off on his jeans. The sweltering sun beats down on all of us, and I’m only two steps out the door when sweat gathers on my neck. I smile at Burke as he nears, and he wraps his arms around me. Any sour feelings about my good-bye to Braelyn fade away, and the comfort Burke always brings takes over. How could I have ever thought I could do this without him standing by my side? I was an idiot.

  “Ready to go?” Burke questions.

  I forgo an answer and drag him to the car by his hand. I’m more than ready to go. Kai takes shotgun, and I hop in the back. We pull away from the warehouse, and I leave Braelyn and all her drama behind.

  “I’m craving ice cream.” Something chocolaty.

  “You guys have something to tell me? Is Paisley carrying my nephew?”

  “Fuck off, Kai,” Burke says, but there’s also a hint of laughter underneath.

  “No. Not a pregnancy craving. An it’s-hot-as-fuck-out craving.”

  “You heard the lady, Burke. Take us to Love Boat.”

  I do have a bit of a sweet tooth tonight, but this last stop serves a greater purpose. Callen’s gone with Teagan, so there isn’t someone watching my every move, which gives me the perfect opportunity. My fingers probe the lining of my purse to make sure what I’ll need still sits in the side pocket, and like the last fifty times I’ve checked, the small bit of paper and thumbtack are right where I put them this morning. Hopefully, the ice cream place isn’t packed, so a ton of people won’t see me acting like a crazy person.

  We pull up, and surprisingly, the place looks pretty quiet. Luck is on my side today. The three of us head in, and I’m checking out the flavors. Yum. Mint chocolate chip, red velvet, caramel chocolate. The young girl at the counter looks at us expectantly, and I quickly give her my order.

  Then, I give Burke a quick kiss and say, “Grab my cone, will you? I’ll wait for you outside. It’s cold in here.”

  Burke gives me a tight nod, and I’m on my way out the door. Sunshine hits my face, and a flash of apprehension punches me in the gut. There’s no turning back. I glance through the shop door to make sure Kai and Burke aren’t watching as I retrieve the items from my purse. I pull each out and keep them hidden in the palm of my hand as I flail my arms and jump around a bit. To any innocent bystander, my flailing limbs and odd behavior might look like I’m having a fit, but we’re being watched. Always. So, someone will see my message. I’m counting on that.

  Once I get the point across that I want eyes on me, I hold the note up over my head and point toward the wooden table behind me. With purpose, I walk over and make sure my intentions are clear. I hold the note up once more, tack it under the table, and then point my finger out to the unknown. This message is for Sonnelion, and I’m putting all my money on the bet that he’ll take the bait.

  I stand from the table and walk toward the door to the shop again just as Burke and Kai come out. I take my waffle cone and lick around where the ice cream is already starting to drip. There isn’t anything better than ice cream on a hot afternoon. However, there’s an awful aftertaste in my mouth, hindering my full enjoyment of the caramel, chocolaty goodness. Fear, hesitation, deceit, and doubt. Each lingers from my taste buds, souring the sweet flavor of my treat.

  We sit and eat in comfortable silence. All the while, adrenaline races through my system. Burke and Kai seem none the wiser to the last part of my plan tacked underneath the table we rest our elbows on. It’s easy to get burned when you’re playing with fire. Ice cream isn’t the only dish best served cold.

  Burke

  I barely slept. My mind raced, and my body stirred the entire night. Paisley is soundlessly resting in my arms, but that wasn’t the case for much of the night. She cried out and went into more than one panic from whatever always happens behind her eyelids when she goes to sleep at night. I held her and did my best to soothe her, but her nightmares were relentless. At first, I’d tried to wake her, but she was too deep in whatever memory was playing out.

  A short time ago, I was a man on top of the world. I had Kai and Teagan by my side for all the ups and downs. I’d done okay by my sister. I had money and power. I had the fear of those around me. I drank like a fish and fucked like a heathen. I could have about any girl I wanted. I had a lifestyle I’d envied as a child. There was nothing I desired that I couldn’t have. I thought things were as good as they could get, but I was so wrong.

  Looking back, maybe I had plateaued. I’d accomplished all I had set out to do after getting custody of Teagan. I was comfortable and no longer striving to make it. Day in and out was the same shit I had been doing for years. Tattooing and hustling all day and fucking all night. The girls, booze, drugs, and parties were all a blur.

  None of it compared to having Paisley in my life. She’s a new challenge for me, one I’ll never conquer or grow tired of. I was coasting by on my success. Paisley breathes life into me. A life I don’t think I was really living before she came into my world. Each day is about protecting her, making her happy, and loving her. Each day is new and exciting, and I want to remember every second with her. She’s my vengeance, my middle finger to the twisted fucked up world. She’s my sanity. I love her like I never thought I could love. Fierce, true, and unwavering. I never thought the idea would appeal to me, but I’m going to marry this girl. When this is over, I’m going to get down on one knee and make her mine forever.

  “Are you watching me again?”

  “Forever.”

  “If you’re going to do this forever, could you at least brush your teeth first? Your hot breath is all over my face.” She moves her arm to cover her face in order to hide her smile. “Burke!” she screams my name.

  She gasps for air as my fingers assault her ribs. She writhes beneath me, and I can’t help but laugh along with her while I taunt her.

  “Say you’re sorry, Paisley.” My hands move faster against her skin.

  “I-I-I—” She can’t gather enough air to form the words.

  “What’s that? I can’t understand you. Tell me you’re sorry for hurting my delicate feelings, or this will get worse.”

  My hands are still on her sides. She looks up at me behind her bed head; pieces of her hair have gone rogue in front of her face. Her eyes gleam with wickedness, her smile teasing.

  “Are you sorry?”

  “Fuck you.”

  “Wrong answer, beautiful.” My fingers go back to tickling her ribs.

  She chokes on her own laughter. The sheets tangle up in her thrashing body. Her hands grab at my wrists, but she’s no match for me in her vulnerable position.

  “O-o-o-okay. I gi-give. I give.”

>   I stop my torture and run my hands down her ribs. “I’m waiting, Paisley.”

  “I’m sorry your breath smells.”

  I give her an evil glare and straddle her hips. Our naked bodies instantly mold to one another. My mind goes to her bucking underneath me while I’m in this position, and my hands are already moving to continue my advance.

  “Wait! No, don’t. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I hurt your delicate feelings. Don’t tickle me again.”

  My hands continue to move but not in the same manner. I cup her tits and squeeze them in my hands. My knuckles brush against her nipples before taking them between my fingers. My cock rubs against Paisley’s warm skin. Her breathing is still heavy from my fingers inflicting anguish on her ribs.

  My voice is strangled with need when I give my next command, “Tell me you love me.”

  She follows orders like a good girl. “I love you.”

  “Tell me something dirty.” I love when my girl gets filthy.

  “My pussy is wet. I wake soaked between my legs every day that I open my eyes next to you in bed. I want you to fill me with your cock for the rest of our lives.”

  Her words are dirty, but the sentiment isn’t. My fucking girl loves my cock, and more importantly, she loves me and wants this for the rest of our lives together. My hands crawl down her body to test her words. She spreads her legs as my hands descend. I love how her body reacts to me. She instinctively and impulsively reacts to my every touch. Watching her is the only thrill I need.

  My lips go to her neck while my dick teases her clit. I bite down on her neck, and with one slow push, I’m inside her. I fuck her without hurry. I attain pleasure in every movement. Lust seizes over her, and she transforms. Her body rocks with mine. Our tongues twist with one another in easy, amorous strokes. I want to make sure Paisley knows she’s my fucking world before we step outside of this house today. I want to appreciate every second we have here in our bubble. So, I take my time with her.

  She moans, and I go slower. She bucks beneath me, and I still her. My body moves above hers so gently, my head might explode. She gets the hint and mirrors her movements with mine. We move in sync without haste. The slower we move, the more she grips my cock. She shudders beneath me and holds on to my shoulders. I angle her hips and push deeper. Sweat clings to my skin as the build between us strengthens.

  My fingers go to her clit, and my balls tighten. In a deliberate, steady rhythm, I apply a hard pressure to her sensitive spot with two fingers. Her pussy clenches around my cock tighter. I quicken my pace slightly and continue to stimulate her with my touch. I crash my lips to hers, hungry to taste her. My tongue mimics the flow of my hips. I bite down on her lip to stop from losing control.

  “Come with me.”

  “Yes!”

  “You’re almost there, baby. Don’t take your eyes off me for a second. I want to see every second of you coming undone. I want to feel you come on my cock while I release inside you.”

  Her eyes lock with mine, and we explosively come undone together. Her orgasm soaks my cock while I come. Our releases mingle between us. My eyes don’t leave her face the entire time she finds her ecstasy. I come harder and longer than I ever have before, using up all of my strength. I drop beside her on the bed. We stay connected while I pull her to me. I wrap my arms around her and tangle my hands in her messy morning hair. She breathes heavily against my chest, and I take in her vanilla scent.

  “You still have morning breath.”

  I pinch her ass for her feisty comment while bringing her lips to mine. This kiss is rougher and rash. Her tongue teases while mine attempts to dominate. She laughs against my lips.

  I hold her close, and with our mouths still connected, I whisper a question that’ll pop our bubble, “Are you ready for today?”

  She’s been much more fearless about this plan. It was her idea after all.

  “I’m ready. You fucked me like that because you’re worried. You don’t need to be.”

  “I fucked you like that because I love you. Do I need an excuse to be gentle with you?”

  She’s right, but I don’t want to raise her suspicions. I like that she’s confident about today.

  “You fuck according to your moods. You’re pretty obvious to read. You took your time with me this morning. You’ll be able to take your time with me anytime you want. Nothing is going to happen to me today.”

  A knock at the door startles Paisley, and I pull the sheet up over her body in case Kai bursts in. She kisses my chest and buries her head between us.

  “Wake the fuck up, lovebirds! We have important shit to do today.”

  Neither of us responds, and Kai’s footsteps retreat from the door.

  “Ready?”

  “Ready.” She kisses me with promise, and we sluggishly abandon the bed.

  It’s the day we either burn our enemies to the ground or choke on the smoke from our failed retribution.

  One way or another, this ends today.

  Paisley

  “Feel okay?” Kai asks.

  “Yeah, fine.” I answer.

  “Okay then, we’re all set.” Kai responds.

  Burke kisses my forehead while I fix my shirt in place. Kai moves to wait for him in the doorway. I’m confident, but I’m not stupid. I’m scared out of my mind. I don’t want Burke to know though. I keep the brave bravado up while he tells me good-bye. I can’t fall apart.

  “You’ll be safe?” Burke’s hand grazes my face while he speaks.

  “I will.”

  “If there are any complications, any at all, then we end this.”

  I nod my head.

  “I mean it, Paisley.”

  “Got it.”

  Burke kisses me one last time, and it’s slow, showing all the emotions he can’t put into words. His hands grip on to the sides of my face like he’s fearful this will be the last time he ever touches me. We tell each other we love one another, and then Burke turns to his friend. They leave, and my legs shake with anticipation.

  They’ll go to the warehouse and pick up Braelyn for the drop. I need to wait a few minutes so as not to raise any suspicions. They need to be far enough ahead that there’s no chance for overlap between us. I think about the note and hope it found its way into the right hands. Despite having changed the words a dozen times, I can still play back the message in its final form.

  Don’t go after Braelyn. It’s a trap. Meet me instead while they’re waiting for you. This is my only unsupervised chance. I know you’re connected to my past, and I’m ready for the truth. I’m ready to meet you. I’ll come alone and unarmed to the old Punta Rassa Pier shortly after noon. Please do the same. I know you won’t hurt me.

  The old pier was abandoned years ago. It’s a quiet place, hidden behind miles of mangroves, and most people have forgotten it even exists. I have no idea what I’ll find there, but I’m hoping for answers. I hope I’m right that whoever waits for me won’t hurt me. There were orders given to leave me unharmed, and I was . . . for the most part anyway. Whoever I’m going to meet killed Jordan Harris because he knew a secret that could hurt me. The intentions for Burke, Kai, and Teagan are deadly, but the guy behind the scenes gave orders for me not to get hurt. I’m banking on all of that meaning something.

  I collect my emotions and push them down deep, gathering my courage to leave the house. Kai’s keys are exactly where I need them to be—on the junk table by the front door. I swipe them up and head outside to borrow a car that doesn’t belong to me. The old pier isn’t exactly close, and I’d like an exit strategy if needed. A bus would take too long, and a cab driver would become a witness.

  The car roars to life when I turn the ignition, and I’m on my way. Music lightly plays through the speakers, but the tune is only background noise. The adrenaline pumping through my system blocks everything but the details of my plan, which I go over and over again. Expensive neighborhoods bleed into little beach houses, which eventually give way to swamplands. Shrubs and waterways line th
e dirt road path.

  The sandy clearing comes into view, and I pull over and cut the engine. There isn’t another car here yet, and that makes me anxious. Still, I head to the single path that leads to the pier, and I forge on. I can smell the salt in the air. Birds dance through the trees, occasionally causing a branch to fall and extreme disquiet all around me. It’s a buzz of life I might not even notice if I were here for a normal visit, but every bustle causes my stomach to drop. I walk with purpose toward the old pier, and as it comes into view, I’m not sure if I’m relieved or discouraged about the area still appearing to be empty.

  What if no one picked up my message?

  I sit alone, my ass on the railing and feet on the bench, with my back to the water and my eyes on the single path leading this way. The water both soothes and distresses me. I’m on constant alert. I clasp my hands together in an effort to stop my fidgeting. My heart has taken up residence in my gut. My thoughts wander to all the possible worst-case scenarios. Everything inside me goes still. I force myself to breathe, and each second feels like an eternity. Then, when I’m sure I’m going to pass out, a figure emerges.

  What.

  The.

  Fuck?

  He stands, staring at me, blocking my only exit. I’m less ready for this moment than I anticipated. What now? He walks forward, and my pulse spikes. Sweat clings to the back of my shirt. I’m scrambling for a way to undo what I’ve done.

  “How do you like this disguise of mine?”

  “You’re Sonnelion?”

  “I am. That’s the name Braelyn knows me by anyway.”

  He smiles, and in another universe for another girl, I could see how his looks work to his advantage. For me, that single gesture makes me want to vomit.

  “What’s the point to all this, Jacoby?”

  I came face-to-face with the man behind all this before anything even started. I flirted with him. I contemplated sleeping with him. I was upset when he canceled our almost plans! How did I not see it before? I sat and talked to this guy for an entire afternoon, and I didn’t put it together. Then, I thanked him for getting me my birth certificate!