Shattered: A Black Diamond Novel, page 1
SHATTERED
A BLACK DIAMOND NOVEL
UNLUCKY 13
BOOK 13
CHARLI MEADOWS
Copyright © 2023 by Charli Meadows
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for brief quotations in a book review.
Editing by Novel Mechanic
Cover Design by Rebel Ink Co.
Formatting by Charli Meadows
CONTENTS
Author’s Note
Keep In Touch With Charli
Playlist
Welcome to Black Diamond Resort and Spa
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Epilogue
Need More?
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Also by Charli Meadows
ABOUT SHATTERED
Welcome to Black Diamond Resort and Spa. . .
Ah. The former child star, throwing a tantrum at the airport until he gets his way. How appropriate. I keep an eye on who comes and goes from my island, but I also keep a low profile, choosing to blend in as one of the regulars. I stay in a villa on the water, like everyone else, and my new neighbor is none other than Jett Roman himself.
The exhausted, entitled brat with the smart mouth and tempting glare resists all help from my staff. He seeks me out daily, venting his frustrations, ignoring all rules. He disrespects my establishment and, unknowingly, me.
I’m a very patient man, but everyone has their limits. I will be gentle with the delicate little doll before me, but he needs to listen. Because it’s clear to everyone else that he’s utterly shattered, and I can’t seem to stop myself from wanting to bend him a little before I heal his broken pieces.
Shattered is the final book in the Unlucky 13 shared world. It is a standalone gay romance. You can expect a light, enemies-to-lovers dynamic with humor, an age gap, hurt/comfort, and a hidden identity. This novel is intended for 18+ readers. See Author’s Note for Content Warnings.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
This was such a fun experience, and I’m so grateful to be a part of an amazing shared world. The Unlucky 13 are all standalone novels, taking place in the shared island world of Black Diamond Resort and Spa. There are some crossovers in my book, so if you’re looking for more from Chase and Holden, check out Cora Rose’s book Exception. For more Theo and Jordan, check out Reckless by Becca Steele. And for more Austin O’Kane and his mystery man, read Scandal by T. Ashleigh.
Callum and Jett have the best dynamic, and it was so fun to write them. The age gap situation hit just right, and I could not stop laughing. I would consider this a pretty light-hearted book, although it deals with a few heavy issues from Jett’s past, so please read below for content warnings. I love these guys so much, and I hope you do too.
Content Warnings: Language, explicit scenes, drug use, anxiety, and mentions of past parental abuse. Please be warned this is super steamy, and there are spankings!
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH CHARLI
Be sure to join my Facebook Group, Charli’s Meadow!
PLAYLIST
Available on Spotify
LIFE AFTER SALEM by Lil Nas X
Summer Love by Sarah Black, adi.
Karma by Taylor Swift, Ice Spice
Mess It Up by Gracie Abrams
I HATE EVERYBODY by Halsey
People Watching by Conan Gray
Feels Like by Gracie Abrams
Can We Pretend That We’re Good? By Daniel Seavey
lovely by Billie Eilish, Khalid
Missed You by The Weeknd
Tennessee Rain by Jada Facer
I’m The Dumb One by Pardyalone
Creepin’ by Metro Boomin, The Weeknd, 21 Savage
Strawberry Huracan by MASN
Can’t Help It by INTRN, Annábla
my type by brb.
Love Of My Life by Harry Styles
Snow On The Beach by Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey
I Tried by Daniel Seavey
MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) by Lil Nas X
Falling Slowly by Vwillz
DEDICATION
For my bestie, T. Ashleigh.
WELCOME TO BLACK DIAMOND RESORT AND SPA
Since our founding in 2001 by the Diamond family, we’ve strived to provide a unique experience for those who live in the public eye. Privacy and discretion are of the utmost importance to us; you won’t find paparazzi or journalists looking for a juicy story on our shores, only the relaxing lapping of waves and delicious drinks.
Enjoy the all-inclusive, private resort built exclusively for the elite. From luxury villas to gorgeous white sand beaches, there’s something here for everyone on the island. Water sports, hiking, massages, and five-star gourmet meals will have you never wanting to leave.
So take a deep breath and let us handle the rest.
CHAPTER ONE
Jett
My mind is fragmented, shattered into a thousand pieces, as my thoughts chaotically race through my brain. I can’t focus. Can’t commit to one thing. One single thought.
“Ahhhh.” I dig my palms into my eye sockets until bright lights flash behind my closed lids. I just need everything to slow down and give me a fucking moment’s rest.
I pop the Ritalin my best friend and occasional co-star, Zander, gave me and wait for it to take effect. I need to concentrate tonight. Everyone who’s anyone is attending this industry party. I don’t want Rhys Dameron stealing my next role, so I need to fucking schmooze these old bastards.
I swivel in my seat and peer out at the club, sipping my drink and searching for who to speak to first. Tonight is going to be a success, I know it. I have no other choice.
I start to relax, my mind finally focusing. I think.
Just as I’ve found my first target, a popular magazine editor, Zander bumps my arm and frantically digs through his man bag, nearly spilling my friggin’ mojito.
“Shit, Jett. Oh, fuck. Oh, shit,” he shouts into my ear, almost making me fall out of my seat. We’re at Lotus Lounge, the swanky new club that I actually don’t give a shit about besides trying to further my career tonight.
“The pills. . .” Zander trails off, eyes wide with panic and maybe a little fear.
“What?! Was it rat poison?” My mind automatically takes me to the darkest places sometimes.
“Huh?” he asks, brows scrunching in confusion.
“Was it?!” I shriek. “Do I need to call poison control?! What’s their number? Oh God! I feel it now. . . I’m going to die, aren’t I?”
“No!” he yells, then shakes me slightly, trying to cut through my rising panic.
“Perish. Expire. Kick the bucket.” I can’t stop. “Bite the dust—”
“No! Fuck.” He lets go and runs his hands through his bright blond hair, mussing the shiny strands up. “It was molly.”
“Zander! Fuck! Why?!”
“I know! I’m sorry! I got my baggies mixed up. I didn’t mean to,” he pleads.
“Oh, God. Briggs is going to kill me. I already know it. I wish they still made E! True Hollywood Stories because I’d earn one. I can see it now. Drug-addicted child star murdered by his manager. Fuck me, Zan. I think I can feel it already. What’s it gonna do to me? Should I go stick my finger down my throat?”
“You took it twenty minutes ago. It’s too late to stop it but too early to feel it. But you’ll be fine. I’m sure. Extra happy, maybe?”
His eyes dart to the side, then back to me.
Why is he acting so shifty?
“You don’t know?!” I accuse, a wave of hurt washing over me.
“Never taken it myself, dude. Sorry. For real. I just supply it to the elite. You know that.”
Zander tries to get in good with every producer in Hollywood, easily procuring any drug they want or need. Aaron O’Kane, one of two heirs to the biggest pharmaceutical company on the West Coast, is his other best friend. And we do not get along.
Zander uses that close connection to his own benefit.
Illegally.
And I’ve never cared until this very moment.
“Fuck me. Oh, fuck me. This isn’t good. Rhys is here tonight. The producers of the Resilience saga are looking for their next male lead! You know I’ve always dreamed of being a vampire, Zan! And the editors from Haute Monde are here too. I’m trying to book the cover! Swear to God, if they pick Rhys because you accidentally gave me molly, I’ll be the one doing the murdering in my E! True Hollywood Story.”
My heart starts to race, the anxiety taking over, or maybe it’s the ecstasy starting to work. It’ll probably hit me faster than most people. I’m not very tall,
“Chill out, Jett. You’re always so high-strung.”
“Yes, I am! Precisely. And that’s why I needed the fucking Ritalin to help me concentrate tonight! Not molly!”
“Who’s Molly?” a raspy, feminine voice asks from my other side.
I spin on the barstool and face Lucy, my other best friend and partner in crime.
My vision slightly wavers, the three mojitos and two Moscow mules not helping my situation.
“What?” I forgot what she just asked. My brain is foggy.
“Who’s Molly? Are you cheating on me with another woman, bestie?” Lucy says with a chuckle.
“Zander gave me molly. The fucking drug, Lucy! Tonight of all nights.” I throw my arms up in exasperation, and they land back down with a thunk on the bar top.
Ouch.
Why are my fingers getting so tingly, and why did the bar just friggin’ move?
I stare at my hands and then glance up, the bartender eyeing me with curiosity and disdain, but I just shrug. I’ve got no clue why that happened either, dude.
“You okay?” Lucy asks, suddenly very serious.
I turn toward her, taking in her beautiful red hair, big doe eyes, and cute little nose.
“I love you, bestie,” I can’t help but say instead of answering her question.
I’m warm and happy now. And I think I feel like dancing.
A burst of energy hits me as the drug begins to fully set in, rinsing away the anxiety and replacing it with impulsiveness.
A slow smile curves my lips as I gaze into Lucy’s somewhat hesitant eyes.
“Wanna dance?” I purr, ready to make a scene with my best girlfriend.
I don’t wait for a response before I hop off my seat, grab her hand, and drag her toward the dance floor.
I’m going to fuck shit up tonight.
“What are you on, Jett?” a harsh voice accuses, roughly shaking me and rousing me from a peaceful sleep.
“Fuck off,” I mumble, still half passed out.
“I need to know if you need to go to the emergency room and get your stomach pumped, kid. What’d you take?”
“Dunno. A few things.”
“How do you not know?” he asks in disbelief.
“Zander accidentally gave me molly. Then Lucy gave me something else. Can’t remember. But I love Lucy.”
He snorts, or maybe I snort. Actually, I’m positive it was me. Briggs never laughs.
“IloveLucy,” I repeat in what might possibly be a slight slur.
I drift off once more, and laughter surrounds me, choking me like a hundred clown faces coming in and out of focus. I swat at the air, desperately trying to make them go away.
Disperse.
“Stop it. Stupid clowns.”
“Jett. What the hell are you talking about? Clowns?”
My eyes pop open.
Why does my manager have a big red nose and sharp white teeth?
“Go away, evil clown. Take your balloons somewhere else. I won’t fall for your tricks,” I shout, or maybe it’s just a whisper.
A loud sigh echoes around me, followed by a phone ringing.
“Briggs. Yeah. He’s here. We’ll be there in thirty. Have the doctor ready to look him over. I’ve got no clue what the kid is on, as per usual.”
“I already told you, IloveLucy!” I mumble-yell in my own defense. It makes sense to me. I swear to God.
“Jett, you’re in the back room of Lotus Lounge, passed out in nothing but your underwear. Your hot pink thong underwear.”
I groan, a wave of dizziness making me feel nauseous. “I’m gonna be sick,” I scramble to my feet, swaying as Briggs wraps his suit jacket around me and guides me to the giant trash can in the corner of the room. I lean forward, throwing up massive amounts of liquid until my throat burns and my nose stings.
Fuck, that was harsh.
“Briggs,” I whimper, hanging over the trash can pathetically. “Take me home.”
Another loud sigh is all I hear before the darkness swallows my consciousness whole.
“I’m not on drugs. I took molly. One friggin’ time, Briggs! By accident! Get over it!” I defend myself from under the thick, warm hotel comforter.
“How can you be sure it was an accident?! Don’t be so naïve, Jett. You know this is a dog-eat-dog world. Our industry is filled with scumbags and pretenders. Wake up and get with it. Did you know that your friend Zander got the supporting role in Resilience? Right next to Rhys Dameron. He gets to be a vampire. I wonder how that happened?”
He taps his chin as he paces in front of me, acting like a disappointed father who’s about to ground me after lecturing me for five hours. Allen Briggs is in his late forties, with dull brown hair that’s starting to gray at the temples and a five o’clock shadow that never fades. He thinks he controls every choice in my life, governed by my parents’ word, and well, I guess he pretty much has. Briggs has been my asshole manager since I was eight and booked my first commercial.
“Now you’re just a joke in the tabloids. A laugh. An out-of-control child star who went off the deep end, taking one too many drugs. And now your best friend is going to be the star.”
I rub my forehead, an annoying headache pulsing. I need ibuprofen, orange juice, and some breakfast. Stat. “What are you saying, Briggs? Just spit it out. I’m not feeling the guessing game this morning. I know I fucked up, but I’m happy for Zan. Really.”
Fuck Rhys, though. That prick.
“You wouldn’t be saying that if you realized your so-called best friend just sabotaged you to take you out of the running. It’s obvious, Jett! And it’s even more obvious that you need help.”
“I told you I’m not on drugs, Briggs! And Zan would never do that to me on purpose. It was an accident!”
God. I feel like a broken record.
“Well, regardless of what you think, you need a break. I’m sending you away.”
“Away? Where? What does that mean?” I’m whining, even to my own ears.
“Just a little getaway.”
“Where, Briggs?” He’s purposefully being vague, and it’s starting to piss me off. I’m already hungover and hangry. “Spit it out.”
“Black Diamond Resort and Spa.”
My hackles rise. That place is known for its expensive-ass rehab for the super elite.
I don’t need rehab or any version of help.
“It’s just a vacation, Jett. To get away. Destress and regroup. Get back on track. There’s a health spa at the very least, but if you want professional help, there’s that too.”
I eye him wearily, too tired to argue as fatigue hits me hard. He better be telling the truth. It better be my choice.
“When do I leave?”
His dark eyes don’t waver, never breaking contact.
“Tomorrow morning. Early.”
“Briggs!” I cry, two seconds away from a full-on meltdown.
This is bullshit.
CHAPTER TWO
Jett
Not even twenty-four hours later, I step off the small private plane, squinting into the bright sunlight. I hate tiny spaces, and that flight was the worst. I was convinced we’d plummet to our death, sinking to the bottom of the ocean, never to be recovered again. But we made it, and now here I am. In paradise.
I take a deep breath, deciding to make the best of it. The warm, tropical air smells like salt water, flowers, and relaxation. Even though it’s humid as fuck out here. Before I can take in the lush friggin’ beauty of this place and attempt to appreciate it, some jackass ruins my day.
