Heart Breaker (Break on Through) (14 page)

“Thought you’ve been wanting to fuck me for ages, Derek,” I taunted. “Now I’m offering myself up and you’re turning me down?”

“I said, I. Don’t. Trust. You.” He pressed the gun harder against my head. But I was so keyed up, I could barely feel a thing. “On one hand, I
really
like the idea of Masterson thinking I scooped up his li’l whore right out from under his nose.” Even though he was looking right at me, he wasn’t seeing me. He was lost inside that fucked-up, crazy head of his. “On the other hand, the idea of making that prick deep-throat my gun and watching his brains splatter all over the place,
fuck
, I like that a lot. Makes me hard just thinking about it.”

Suddenly, Max was right behind Derek, with his gun pointing at the back of Derek’s head. “Put the gun down, you motherfucker, or I will
end
you, right here, right now.”

“Who the fuck are you!” Derek screamed like an idiot, although doing it while still not moving a muscle and still keeping his gun on me.

“Doesn’t matter who the fuck I am, asshole,” Max said, looking eerily calm, like this extreme situation was a regular occurrence for him. “But I know you’ve heard of the Order.”

All the red from Schiller’s face drained away, turning a ghostly shade of pasty white. Just like that. Then, in a flash, the gun was out of his hand, he was slammed facedown on the ground, and Max was putting cuffs on his wrists, hands behind his back.

“You okay?” he asked me, his eyes scanning me from head to toe as I fell back on my haunches. I nodded, unable to say a word. Then the door swung out again and Kyle was there, shock on his face as he took in the scene in front of him.

The minute he saw Schiller, the veins popped out of his neck and he clenched his fists. Even like that, my relief at seeing him again was so overwhelming that my body heaved with my sobs.

Kyle rushed over, picked me up and took me away from Schiller. Cradling me in his arms.

“Baby, I am so, so sorry,” he rasped in my ear, rubbing my back, trying to soothe me. “I got here as fast as I could.”

I pressed myself into his warm, comforting body, and he immediately brought me to my room. Then he just held me. Stroking my hair. Pressing his lips to my forehead.

“Thought I was dead,” I half-choked, half-whispered into his neck. “He pushed his way in, told me was going to rape and kill me. I tr-tried stalling for time, tried to g-get to the Taser. But I fucked up because I o-o-opened the door without ch-ch-checking to see who it was…thought it was you.”

Kyle didn’t say anything, although the more I told him, the tighter his body got. By the time I was done, his whole frame was humming like a live wire.

“Hey, man,” Max called to him. “Need you a sec.”

I was still in a fetal position on his lap, on my bed, with my head resting on his chest. But I was calmer now.

“I’ll be right back,” he reassured while gingerly placing me back down on the mattress. He held me by the back of my neck and peered into my eyes, checking if I was doing all right. “You okay in here for a minute by yourself?”

I just nodded and offered a weak smile.

He waited for a moment. “Then say it, babe.”

I met his gaze, took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I’m all right, Kyle. Go talk to Max.” He seemed satisfied with my response, so he touched his mouth gently to mine.

On his way out of my room, he closed the door behind him. All I could hear were their muffled voices. Quiet, at first. Impossible to decipher a word. I got up and went over to the mirror over my dresser. To see the damage.

Sure enough, a bruise was already starting to form on my jaw and dried blood encrusted over my mouth.

“Son of a bitch,” I muttered to myself, leaning in to get a closer look. There was a gash across my lower lip, about an inch wide.

“
Shut the fuck up!
” I heard Kyle yelling, making me jump out of my skin. I rushed over to the door and swung it open to find Schiller on his knees, in handcuffs still, with Max holding him up while Kyle was slamming his left hook right into his nose.

“Kyle!” I screamed, but I was still frozen in place across the house. “Stop it!”

Kyle didn’t hear me. And he kept whaling into Derek, him groaning low, sounding like a wounded animal. It was a horrible sound.

“Max! Stop him!”

His eyes met mine and the fury in them was a palpable thing, reverberating in the air around us. I pressed my hand to my stomach, trying really hard not to throw up.

“Max,” I pleaded. “Kyle’s an attorney. He can lose his license for this!”

A shadow of awareness crossed over his face, finally sinking in. He gave a slight nod and then one of his arms came straight out, stopping Kyle mid-swing while pulling Schiller backward. I breathed a sigh of relief, placing my hand across my forehead.

Derek started coughing, blood pouring out of his nose in a stream.

“Jesus Christ, what have you done?” I hoarsely got out.

Kyle looked up at me. Blood caked on his fist and clothes. Breathing heavy. He was here but not here. I didn’t know who this was in front of me.

“Babe,” I choked out, “you could’ve killed him.”

That seemed to bring him fully back to me. And holy shit, if I thought he looked enraged before, that was nothing compared to the daggers his eyes were throwing my way at that moment.

“
That
son of a bitch was going to rape
you
and kill us both! What do you expect me to do, Sam? Just sit back and do nothing?”

I didn’t even think. I came right over to him, even though he had this crazy-scary energy coming off him. I sucked it up, reminding myself that this was my man. This was Kyle. I placed my palm on his cheek, holding his face in my hand. Letting my touch soak in. And then, I saw it. The tension drained and he softened. He covered my hand with his.

“Can’t even imagine my life without you in it,” he said to me, his voice cracking, his eyes getting glittery. “You’re it for me, Samantha.”

“Baby,” I sighed. “It’s not that I give a shit about him. I just don’t want anyone taking you away from me. Okay?”

“Hey,” Max interrupted and I reluctantly turned my head in his direction. “I already called the cops. They’re going to be here any minute.”

I numbly just stared at him.

His gaze darted back and forth between Kyle and me. “Our boy’s going to be fine. You’ve got nothin’ to worry about. And I’m your witness. Got it?”

I nodded and sank onto the couch. The rest of the night was a blur, with the Vienna police arriving a few minutes later, carting Derek off, taking my statement. When Jessica got home and saw the scene, she completely freaked. Somehow, Max was the only one able to calm her down and, from that point on, she was making tea and shepherding well-intended neighbors away from the crime scene formerly known as our living room. She even managed to pack a suitcase so I could go home with Kyle. Because as much as I loved my family home, there was no way I was staying there.

“Hey, gingersnap, where’s
your
bag?”

Jessica and I both turned our heads in Max’s direction.

“Gingersnap?” Jessica asked.

“Mad” Max was a character and giving my sister a nickname within minutes of knowing her was the least of it. His full name was Maximilian Korbin, but he’d earned his moniker during his time with the military, special ops, to be exact, and he’d kept earning it on the road, even after he was discharged. Out of all of Kyle’s friends, I knew the least about him. Which I did
not
like. Nope, not at all. Because I knew men, and the way he was looking at my sister? He was definitely into her. And with the way she read through romance novels, you’d
think
she’d have a friggin’ clue and pick up the
many
signals he was throwing her way.

She was utterly and completely clueless.

“You can’t stay here right now,” Max continued, ignoring Jessica’s annoyance with him. “And you’re coming with me.”

“Wh-what?” She was bewildered, which only seemed to encourage Max even more.

“Yeah, babe, I’m right down the street. Pack a bag for a couple of days and if you forget somethin’, we can come back for it.”

She shook her head and looked over at Kyle and me. “Can’t I just come with you two?”

“Of course you can, we—”

“My boy’s place is sweet, but there’s no guest room. Means you’d be stuck on the couch, listening to the two of them fucking. You want that?”

“Jesus, Max, way to paint a picture!” I was blushing and none too pleased with his graphic, albeit accurate descriptor.

“Callin’ it how I see it, peaches,” he replied.

“Peaches? Mind explaining how I got
that
nickname?”

Max smirked, his eyes turning mischievous while giving Kyle a look I could only interpret as cryptic man-code. “Heard you’ve got a real sweet—”

“That’s enough now,” Kyle interrupted, glaring at Max but turning his attention to Jess.

“He’s right about my place, but you and Sam can have the bed and I’ll take the couch.”

Jessica let out a sigh of relief. “That’s really nice of you, Kyle. Thanks.”

She may have been happy about the arrangements, but the irritation emanating off of Max was evident. Didn’t help that he was a big guy as well, at least 6’4” and made of solid muscle and covered in tattoos. He had blond hair, always kept back in a ponytail, and scruff on his face. He didn’t look mean, per se. He was too gorgeous for that, but he was a formidable presence.

“You’d rather get in between your sister and her man
and
have a bitch of a commute in the morning to get to the school than stay with me and my daughter?”

“Wait a second, how did you know I worked at the school, when did you move into
my
neighborhood
and
you have a daughter?” She was getting riled up. I could tell. And considering the trauma I had earlier, I was grateful for the entertainment in some strange way.

“Renting Lauren’s house for the year. Vienna’s too uppity for my liking, but your school is one of the best in the state, and my daughter needs that. She’s a pistol. Real smart, but doesn’t have a lot of friends. Just want the best for my kid.”

That did it. Jessica blinked a couple of times in a row. I could always tell when someone was getting in there.

“Heard about you when I went to register her for the fall. Asked if I could hire one of the teachers to work with her over the summer and they gave me your name.”

“Really?” she asked, her eyes wide like a child’s at the window of an ice cream shop.

“Called you the ‘pied piper’ for all the kids who don’t fit. My daughter’s name is Piper. Took it as a sign.”

Kyle leaned in, placing his hand on her shoulder. “Your choice, but just so you know, Max has been one of my closest friends since I was seventeen years old. He’s a good man and I trust him, more than anyone, to keep you safe.”

She took a sharp inhale of air and put her hand to her chest. Yep, she was a goner.

“Of course I’ll help her over the summer, and you’re right. I should stay with you too. I really dislike driving in traffic and I really should, uh—” she eyeballed me and my man, “—give my sister and Kyle their privacy.” Then she gazed back—and up—at Max. “Are you sure I’m not putting you out?”

He took a step into her space, making Jessica hitch her breath and pull her top lip between her teeth. I elbowed Kyle, and he gave me a knowing look in response.

“Gingersnap, the only thing you could do to put me out is to deny me the chance to help you. And until I know for a fact that the judge is going to keep that goddamn piece of crap behind bars—and
not
let him out on bond—then you’re under my roof and under my protection. Now let’s stop dickin’ around, pack a bag and take you home.”

Then a true first happened to the Lockhart girls. Jessica shut her mouth, walked out of the room and was packed in less than ten minutes. Without a snappy retort or argument of contention muttered the entire time.

Chapter Ten

Morning of dress rehearsal—two days before opening night

“Is the building on fire?”

“Nope.”

“Is the country in a state of emergency or something?”

He chuckled and sat on the bed next to me, his eyes smiling as much as his beautiful mouth. Looked like he was already dressed, but not for work. That merited me doing a double take from under my pillow.

“What are you up to, Masterson?” My tone was wary because the sky was still dark.

He brushed the hair away from my eyes and smiled down at me. Geez, he was handsome. Staying in his apartment over the last several days had been like a dream. We lived together so seamlessly that I had to remind myself—frequently—that this was temporary. It wasn’t us building a life together. It was playing house.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Huh?”

He responded with a patient smile, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “Where did you go just then?”

What was I going to say, that as much as I adored the home I grew up in, spending this time with him, under his roof, was like fulfilling a long-held wish I didn’t know I had? That I was madly and irrevocably in love with him? Was I supposed to tell him that I wanted to marry him someday? Have his babies?

Fuck no. I’d scare the shit out of him. For real and for good.

I mean, I never thought I would actually
like
living with a guy. I pictured toilet seats left up and stray hairs in the sink. I imagined him drinking straight out of the milk carton and leaving dirty socks and wet towels all over the floor.

He did none of those things. Instead I woke up to my man going down on me almost every morning and my favorite brand of coffee suddenly stocked in his pantry. He made space for me in his drawers and even more in his life. And every night, he brought me to orgasm, sometimes to the point where my throat would close up, my nose stinging, using everything I had not to cry.

I was that happy. And when I would be reading through a script or on my computer and I’d suddenly glance up to catch him staring at me? Euphoria scored through my veins like opium, surrounding my senses in a velvet bubble from which I never wanted to break free. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times over the last several days the words “I love you” were on the tip of my tongue, like something hanging off the edge of the cliff. Afraid to jump.

So I didn’t. In my mind, I just stood there. Waiting for a sign. Hoping like hell he loved me back and praying even harder that he would be the first to say it. So I knew it would be safe to jump. Because then I’d be assured I would fly or he would catch me.

“Nothing. I’m just tired is all,” I answered, rubbing my eyes and yawning. “May I go back to sleep now or did you want something?”

“Good thing you’re so beautiful always and your charm returns once you’re caffeinated,” he teased. “I’ve got coffee ready in the other room. Throw on something quick. Doesn’t matter what it is. No one will see you.”

He was definitely up to something. He playfully slapped my ass and then went into the other room. I stumbled out of bed, into some jeans, slip-on shoes and a long-sleeve Henley and followed him out.

He took my hand and led me to the rooftop of his building. It was obviously an area used for parties because there was swank lounge seating and a bar set up there. Then I took a closer look on the other side of the space and, right in front of the outdoor wood-burning fireplace, in the sunken pit, were countless soft pillows. And right beside was a silver tray filled with an assortment of fresh berries, juice, yogurt, and of course, coffee.

I brought my hand to my mouth, covering it because I was so overwhelmed. I looked up at him, those sparkling, whiskey-colored eyes taking in my reaction.

“You did all this?”

I got another electric smile, the kind that lit me up inside like a million Christmas lights.
God
, I loved him. I loved him. I loved him. I loved him.

“I’d do anything for you, Samantha,” he said, his voice still husky with morning and emotion. He gestured to his surprise with his chin and squeezed my hand, walking us over and having me lie down with him.

“Okay, I’m officially impressed and wooed, Mr. Masterson.” I smiled between sips of coffee, leaning on one elbow while he relaxed with his arms behind his head. “What’s the occasion?”

“Well, you’re about to start your play and a particularly noisy sparrow informed me you tend to get consumed when you’re in a production.”

I knew exactly who he meant by “noisy sparrow”. “You mean my sister.”

He gave me a warm smile. “You’re her family. Natural for her to want to look out for you, and since you’ve been holing up with me, she’s called to make sure I’m doing right by you.”

Jessica was also calling and texting me quite frequently. She was still staying at Max’s place and something about him seemed to unnerve my sister. And in spite of her flustered objections, I was thinking that was all kinds of good for her.

I just nodded in reply, putting my cup down, and as soon as I did, he took my free hand in his, threading our fingers together.

“And this was my small way to check in with my girl. Make sure you’re really okay.”

I looked around, grabbed a strawberry and fed him a bite. “Nothing small about this setup, honey. Although I always appreciate a grand gesture.”

“Your sister said as much,” he replied between chews.

“Kyle…” I warned.

“Hey.” He stopped me, sitting up to take hold of me by the back of my neck, something he did when he wanted my undivided focus. It worked every time too. “What happened earlier this week was something that you just can’t sweep under the rug and pretend it didn’t happen.”

“I know that.” My voice sounded smaller than I intended. “And I know I haven’t really dealt with what happened. Living in the bubble with you.” I rested my forehead on his. “Loved every minute I’ve spent here with you. Can’t blame me for wanting to soak this up instead of dealing with what happened at my parents’ house.”

Instantly, he laid me down and put some of his weight on me, cradling my face in his warm and comforting hands. He was looking down at me. Hovering. Studying my face like I was an exam he was about to take.

“What?” I let out a nervous laugh. He opened his mouth. Then closed it and gave a slight shake of his head.

“Nothing, baby,” he said. I searched his eyes but couldn’t figure out what he was hiding.

“Tell me,” I implored, knowing there was something.

His jaw clenched and twitched while his mouth was pressed in a hard line. “Schiller’s bail hearing is this morning.”

I sucked in air and my whole body stiffened, hating even hearing his name. I closed my eyes. “Think there’s a chance for him to make bail?”

He paused a few beats longer than I liked, making me open my eyes again to try and read his face. He let out a breath and furrowed his brow. “Would love nothing more than to tell you not to worry, but he has no priors. He has some friends in high places too. It can go either way.”

I bit my bottom lip, my teeth sinking deep into my flesh. I wanted that bite just then because it kept me from focusing on the dread rising from my gut.

“We’ve got the best prosecutor in the DC area representing us. And you don’t have to be there, as you know. I should get word by late morning.”

I stilled. “Representing ‘us’?”

“Damn right, ‘us’,” he said, his tone and expression instantly hardening. “Seeing what that pig did to you? It was worse than if it had happened to me.”

We were new, so I couldn’t pretend to know all his moods. But I knew Kyle was taking this hard. And I also knew, with the way his mind worked, that the memory of that day—and what he found walking in my door—wasn’t fading in the least.

“It’s going through a loop in your head, isn’t it?”

He closed his eyes and let out a sigh. “Yeah. Only stops when I’m back with you.” He opened them again and I saw most of the whiskey in his eyes dominated by his pupils. Dilated and on alert. “But through the day, while we’re both at work? I go crazy thinking something’s going to happen to you. That I can’t be there to protect you. Tears into me that I wasn’t the one to save you from him.”

“Baby,” I tried to soothe. “You were mere minutes behind Max. Either way, I was going to be safe again. My fault for not checking who it was first.”

“You thought it was me. I would’ve done the same thing. But still…”

“And seeing you mess him up?” I interjected, wanting to get my point across before the memory loop started spinning in his head. “I knew you were the kind of man who would always make sure I’m safe. The only reason why I stopped you was because I didn’t want to have to visit
you
in jail for manslaughter.”

He let out a harsh laugh. “I could’ve killed him. Wanted to, Sam.”

“I know, but he’s definitely going to jail. And then this whole thing will be over.” I paused and brought my hand to cup his face, smoothing his crinkled brow with the pad of my thumb. Immediately, his expression relaxed. “Are
you
okay?”

“Never been better,” he answered immediately. “I got you.”

Just then, rays of light peeked out, shining around his head, like a halo. I looked over his shoulder to see the sun starting to rise. I let out a laugh that sounded more like a cackle.

“You couldn’t have planned that any better!”

He laughed along with me. “Told you the sun rises and sets with you.”

“Well, there’s only one thing that would make this morning even better.”

He got a real turned-on look on his face and pushed himself into me, pressuring my core in the most delicious way.

“What else can I do to service you this morning, Ms. Lockhart?”

I cocked my eyebrow and gave him my most flirty smirk. “You can stop talking and fuck me so hard I feel you between my legs for the rest of my day.”

With a wicked, Cheshire grin on his face, he leaned in and proceeded to give me a morning wake-up that, indeed, lingered between my legs, and every other part of me, for hours afterward.