Chasing Lustre, page 6
Swiveling in my seat, I spot her as a beautiful smile overtakes her face. For a second I think our eyes lock, but a big man grabs her from behind and the need to break every one of his fucking fingers becomes visceral.
This was supposed to be a wedding, but it’s about to become a funeral. If he doesn’t get his filthy hands off her in the next two seconds, there’s no telling how much of his body will be left to bury.
I’m up and off my chair in an instant, striding toward them with murderous intent. And I don’t miss the way Blyth freezes up, the shortening of her breath, or the glazed look in her eyes.
She needs me. Now.
The man’s eyes widen when he notices me barreling down on him like a runaway freight train. His face pales and he immediately lets go, backing up with his hands raised.
“Sorry man, I didn’t know she was dating someone now,” he says, looking at her with both lust and confusion. Rage simmers in my belly, and I barely hold on to it, but my need to take care of her outweighs the burning desire to pound him to dust.
Blyth is trembling and not totally with us.
She had seemed to shrug off yesterday’s attack with ease, but that shit can sneak up on you. Not wanting to make it worse, I don’t immediately grab her as I get closer. The guy is clearly concerned, and it eases some of the tension.
“Hey, Blyth. You okay?” he calls, getting closer once again. I pin him with a death glare, and he stops but doesn’t leave.
Bending down, I get to her eye level but don’t touch, instead snapping my fingers in front of her face. Sometimes sharp sounds break through the fog better than anything else, and fortunately, it works. She lets out a gasp, finally focusing on me.
“Murphy?” she asks, brow furrowing when she glances at the party. Seeing the goosebumps on her arms, I quickly remove my coat and drape it over her shoulders. She interlocks our fingers and I hold her hand, afraid to push for more contact, even if all I want to do is tuck her away and keep her to myself.
“You had a moment when that idiot over there grabbed you. Want me to break his hands?” I ask, overjoyed at the prospect. She giggles as if I’m joking. I’m not. But she looks over her shoulder at the fuckwad. Straightening up, she snuggles into my side like she was always meant to be there.
And I fucking love it. The feel of her pressed against me makes everything right in the world.
“Hi, Preston.” Blyth squeezes closer, and I run a hand protectively up and down her back, making her arch like a cat. The fear is slowly leeching out of her, but I don’t plan to leave her side again.
“Sorry, dollface. I didn’t mean to scare you. I was just going to ask if you had any plans for tonight. I…I’ve missed you.” He says the last bit quietly, as though I won’t hear or understand that he’s hoping to hook up with my girl. The urge to break him apart rears its ugly head again.
“Run,” I growl, clenching my fist hard enough that my knuckles pop.
He swallows and takes one last longing look.
“Now,” I bark, and he hightails it out of there like his ass is on fire. The urge to chase him down and smash his pretty face in is strong, but she’s the most important thing. Blyth lets out a little laugh as his back disappears from view, and I guide her over to a quiet spot near one of the many bonfires.
“You okay, Trouble?” I ask, pulling her down onto a bench with me. I situate the tiny blond in my lap and curl my body around her protectively. She relaxes into me automatically, and I’m so freaking honored by her trust. She hides her face in my neck and takes a deep breath before speaking.
“I’m fine. Honestly, Preston is harmless. He just startled me and it brought me back there…”
“Are you sure? I’m happy to go break his face.” She tilts her chin and looks up at me while the fire crackles beside us, giving off an orange glow as it dances in the twilight.
“He doesn’t deserve that. We’ve dated on and off. Actually, he’s the fire marshall… the one who made me feel like an idiot when I burned down my kitchen…”
“Clearly, he doesn’t deserve you.”
She hums noncommittally, turning to watch the crackling bonfire, and we sit in silence for a moment. A thousand questions run through my mind and I want to whisk her away from here, make sure she’s doing alright mentally after her scare, but I know this party is important to her.
A few people stop over and talk to Blyth, and for the most part, I plaster a smile on my face and tune them out. Fortunately, we’re outside, so it doesn’t feel as claustrophobic, and with my girl in my arms, I can handle anything. I still want to leave, but the urgency isn’t as bad as it usually is.
After a time, she wiggles in my lap. My cock perks up, immediately wanting attention, twitching under her sexy ass. She looks back at me seductively, batting her eyelashes before biting her lip.
“Need something, Trouble?” I ask, skimming my hand up her leg. She’s still wrapped in my coat, so there isn’t much bare skin to be found, but I slip my fingers under the hem of her dress to find what I need. Her thighs part, and she rolls her hips, grinding down on me.
Mine. Mine. Mine.
“I think we’ve stayed long enough,” she whispers, dropping kisses along my jaw, and I couldn’t agree more. Lifting her into my arms, I cradle her against my chest, and without a single word of goodbye, I disappear into the B&B. Best part about staying here is how close we are to the room.
In mere seconds, I have us behind a locked door with her pressed against the wall.
“Are you sure you want this, baby? I’ll wait for you forever,” I promise, wanting to make sure she truly feels up to intimacy after everything she’s been through. Even if she initiated fooling around after the bathroom assault, I need her to know that she always has a way out. Dealing with trauma isn’t linear.
“If you don’t kiss me in the next two seconds, I may explode,” she pants, nipping at my lower lip. “And I know you’ll never hurt me.”
“If you want me to stop at any time, all you need to do is say it,” I promise before crashing my mouth down on hers. Her lips part instantly, welcoming me in, and I take complete control, delving deep as our tongues twine together. My hands skim over her body, damning all the clothing between us when I can’t find any skin.
Completely unacceptable.
I slip the jacket off her shoulders, listening to it rustle as it falls to the ground in a pool at her feet. One down, more to go. Tasting her becomes my sole focus, and I pull her dress up around her hips. It’s pretty, and I briefly wonder how mad she would be if I tore it to shreds to get to the body beneath. But I don’t even have time for that. Reaching for her legs, I flex my muscles and lift her high in the air until her panty-clad pussy is directly in front of my face.
“Put your legs over my shoulders,” I demand, nipping at her through the lacey material. The scent of her arousal is intoxicating, and the second she obeys, I go to town, licking at her through the barrier. She lets out a mewl of frustration, and I chuckle against her heated core, twisting my head to nip her sexy thigh.
“Reach down and pull those sexy panties to the side. Offer me this perfect pussy,” I demand, and she arches against the wall, her eyes dancing with excitement. She reaches between her spread thighs and does as I ask, showing me the glistening folds with her throbbing clit peeking through the wetness. “Hold on tight.”
With that, I press my face into her molten core, loving the heat and the scent of her. My tongue darts out, circling her clit until she can’t help but grind back against me. Blyth’s hands tangle in my hair, tugging and pulling until it stings, but the pain pushes me to drive her harder. Faster.
I devour her like a man possessed. Like she’s water in the desert.
Latching on to her clit, I suck hard, loving the sound of her moans and cries as they reach a feverish crescendo. She’s so close. Her clit pulses between my lips, and her pussy flutters around me.
“Come all over my face,” I demand, popping off for a second, then doubling down. She writhes against me, rolling her hips faster and faster until she shatters with the sexiest scream I’ve ever heard. Blyth’s legs clamp hard around my ears, and she gushes as I lap up every drop.
Fucking delicious.
I keep licking her until she relaxes, flopping heavily against the wall. With a final kiss on her mound, I slide her down my body and carry my girl over to the bed.
Chapter Thirteen
Blyth
The mattress bounces as we fall on it, but all I can think about is getting this dress off as quickly as possible. It’s too tight, and the material creates an uncomfortable friction on my now aching nipples.
There’re just too many damn clothes between us, and I can’t take it. I rip my dress over my head, allowing my breasts to bounce freely, and I welcome his appreciative groan before Murphy captures a nipple between his lips. He lashes the tender bud with his tongue, and the sensation goes straight to my clit. If he doesn’t get inside me soon, I might just die.
My hands coast over his body, and a disgruntled whine leaves my lips when I find miles and miles of fabric. Too many damn clothes! The buttons of Murphy’s shirt pop under my rough yanking and fly across the room to ping off various surfaces.
“Naughty girl,” he rasps, snapping off my panties with a single tug. It burns against my sensitive skin, quickly heightening my desire.
Fuck, I need him so bad.
“Punish me with your cock,” I joke, fighting with the button on his pants. His body shakes above me, and I glance up to see if he’s having some kind of seizure. But no—the grump is laughing. A true, genuine smile takes over his face, and it’s like seeing the sun for the first time. A deep, rich sound breaks free and I can’t help but get swept away by it.
“Woman. That was next-level cheese. Porn star stuff. Even worse than when you called me sailor.”
“You know you love it,” I say, nipping his shoulder as I win my tug of war with his pants, and his thick cock pops free. It slaps against his toned abs, and I wrap my legs around his waist.
“You’re fucking amazing,” he says, looking deep into my eyes. Time and space slip away to nothing until it’s just the two of us. No past, no future, just now.
Pressing his lips against mine, he seals our fate, and I tumble, falling hard.
The crinkle of a condom wrapper is music to my ears, and finally, his tip nudges my entrance. My pussy floods, ready to welcome his girth, but then he pauses.
“Please,” I beg, knowing this could be the last time. I spread my legs wider and lift my hips, pushing him in an inch. The stretch is incredible, and chills break out over my body. My pussy flutters around him, eager for more.
“Look at me,” he demands, and I gulp before meeting his eyes. His pupils are completely blown, eyes nearly black with desire.
“You’re mine,” he growls, snapping his hips and empaling me in a single thrust. I gasp at the sudden intrusion and rise to meet him. My breasts bounce with every wet slap of our bodies, and I reach up to cup them, thumbing my nipples to add to the sensations firing through me.
“Murphy,” I gasp, unable to make a coherent thought when he lifts my legs higher, bending me nearly in two. The new angle allows him even deeper. His thick cock rubs against my walls, hitting that special spot deep inside me that had my pussy flooding.
“You’re so tight. So perfect.” His praise sends me soaring, and when he slips his fingers over my clit, rubbing in gentle circles, I lose it. An orgasm crashes through me. Wave after wave of pleasure lights up my nerves, and my cries and moans bounce around the room.
But he’s not done yet.
Sweat trickles down Murphy’s face, a drop rolling off his chin, and I open my mouth, wanting to catch it on my tongue. It’s salty—just like him—and I savor the taste.
“You’re going to give me another. Want this pussy to milk every drop.” He presses harder on my clit, pulling out completely before driving back in with such force that it takes my breath away. He moans, throwing his head back, and his hair comes out of its bun, tangling around his face. The ecstasy in his eyes is nearly enough to get me there again.
But then he slips one finger inside me to join his cock, then another. They press hard on my upper wall before curling against that sweet spot.
In. Out. In. Out. Faster. Harder.
My legs shake and my body becomes tingly, alive with sensation, awash with pleasure. It builds until I’m fit to burst.
I try to hold in, afraid I’m about to break apart at the seams. Every roll of his hips brings me closer to shattering.
“Come for me, Blyth. Squirt all over my cock.” His fingers curve, hitting that spot at the same time as he presses down hard on my clit.
Screaming, I lose all control of my body, drenching him in my juices as my vision whites out. He erupts inside me, following me right over the edge as we come simultaneously.
Both broken, only whole when we’re together.
My body shakes from the intensity, and tears well in my eyes.
This can’t be the end.
“That was incredible,” he pants, releasing my legs but staying deep inside. Murphy twists until I’m lying on top of him, cradled to his chest like a cherished keepsake. His hands rub my back in soothing circles, and although it’s on the tip of my tongue to beg him for more time, I can’t seem to form the words.
It’s been a long day, and as my heart rate slows, the need for sleep wins out, causing my eyelids to flutter shut.
Chapter Fourteen
Blyth
“Well, well, well, Mrs. Soon-to-be Hicks, what ever have you been up to?” I tease, coming up behind her as she sits at a vanity mirror, frantically trying to fix her makeup. There’re only a few minutes before the wedding begins, and, well, frankly—she looks like a hot mess.
“I’m going to kill that man.” Spinning her chair around, I twist it until she’s facing me and grab a makeup wipe off the countertop.
“You’d miss his cock too much,” I remind her with a smile. “Is it okay if I take you back down to nothing and start fresh?”
She gives me a nod and I make quick work of wiping away the mascara running down her cheeks and the lipstick that’s smudged all over her chin. Sheesh.
“What would I do without you?” she asks, eyes luminous with tears.
“None of that now. We both know I’m not going anywhere. Lustre born and bred—I’ll be here by your side forever.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, my stomach twists, and I wonder if that’s the way it has to be. Murphy is so attached to Sweetheart Falls. He has a beautiful home, a huge art studio, and everything he needs right there. Meanwhile, there isn’t really anything tying me to Lustre. Yes, it’s my home, but my house is trashed, and I currently live in a B&B.
But is a chance at love enough reason to leave the only place I’ve ever known?
A soft nose nudges against my leg, and I glance down to see Tilly’s ring bearer staring up at me with puppy-dog eyes. Hot Dog lifts his paw and smacks it against my leg, indicating that he wants up, and I oblige, lifting him and placing him in his mama’s lap. The sweet little furball circles once, then plops down, satisfied when Tilly rubs his ears. Snagging a brush, I quickly apply new foundation and blush before starting on the eyeliner.
“You know you don’t have to be. Right?” Tilly asks, trying to keep absolutely still so I don’t accidentally poke her in the eye. “I love you most. Always will. But if you have an opportunity to be happy outside of Lustre Lake—grab it with both hands. You deserve the world, bestie.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Bringing the mascara up to her lashes, I quickly apply it and go to grab the lipstick, but she grasps my hand, and I look at her. “We need to hurry.”
“I’m the bride. They’ll wait.” She glares at me with those piercing, soul-seeking eyes of hers. We’ve been best friends since childhood and never, not once, have I withstood the look. “Now be honest. Something is happening between you and Murphy. I can see it in the way he touches you. The way you are with him.”
My shoulders lift, and my heart races. It’s so much easier to keep life casual. But she doesn’t back down—she never does.
“Fine. Yes. Maybe…there’s something there. But it might be nothing. And I don’t think he’s feeling the same vibes. Now let’s get you dressed before you miss the lakeside sunset and new moon night dancing with your hubby.”
She lets me finish the makeup, glancing in the mirror before placing Hot Dog on the ground and leaping from the seat to embrace me. Tilly gives the best hugs, second only to Murphy’s, and I melt against her, needing this special moment with my best friend before she begins her new life without me. We’ll always be close, but I know babies and a family are a priority for her—and while I can’t wait to see that happen, our lives are diverging, and it’s hard.
“He’d be a fool to pass up a chance with you,” she whispers. “Take the leap. You’re worth it.”
Now, there are tears in my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. We don’t have time for another fix.
“Love you, Tilly,” I whisper, giving her a squeeze before stepping back.
“Love you more, Blyth.” She grabs our bouquets, passing one to me. The beautiful deep orange roses, white baby’s breath, daisies, and golden sunflowers complement one another, creating a cheerful fall feel that’s just so very Tilly.
“Let’s do this.”
Quickly, I grab Hot Dog, walk through the changing tent curtains, and step out into the interconnected staging tent. The other bridesmaids have already lined up with their groomsmen. Their dresses reflect the autumn vibes of the day, and they look resplendent in varied copper dresses. Murphy is right at the back, fidgeting. His jaw is locked, and his eyes keep darting around as though looking for a threat.
“Sorry, I’m late. Makeup emergency,” I whisper, sliding my arm through Murphy’s. His navy blue suit is already damp with sweat, and considering it’s fairly cool out, I can tell it’s from nerves.
