Текст книги "Undone"

Автор книги: R. E. Hunter

сообщить о нарушении

Текущая страница: 16 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

29

“You’re looking lovely this evening, Bree,” he said, leaning into her face.

She fought against him, trying for even a sliver of space, but he wouldn’t relent. “What are you doing here, Jack?” Embry bit out, continuing to struggle against his hold. His heavy thighs were crushed against hers, his body holding her flush against the wall, his hot breath coming down on her face. He smelled like a distillery.

“Well, it just so happens that my dad docks his boat here. Imagine that,” he sneered.

Embry’s mind spun, trying to grasp onto a single thought, anything to help her. She shook her head and continued her fruitless attempts to break free. Jack’s hands moved to the wall on either side of her head, freeing her arms. She took a deep breath, biding her time until she could catch him by surprise. “What do you want, Jack?”

“I didn’t get the chance to visit with you last night. When I saw pretty boy’s truck out here, I thought I should stop in for a chat.”

Jack turned his head slightly to indicate Luke’s truck, and Embry made her move. Summoning all the strength she could, she threw her arms up and out against Jack’s chest. She was quick, but he was quicker. Jack caught her wrists and squeezed, pushing her hands down to her sides. His grip was too tight, cutting off circulation and making her fingers tingle. Where were Morgan, Brett, and Luke?

“Jack, please. You’re hurting me.” She felt hopeless. Weak.

“I’m hurting you, Embry?” He let out a mirthless laugh.

“Let me go,” she pleaded as tears fell down her face.

“Not a chance,” he growled. “I want answers.”

Embry swallowed thickly. “To what?”

His expression softened infinitesimally, and Embry almost saw the boy she had once fallen in love with. Almost. He released her hands, but as soon as Embry made a move, he slammed her back against the wall. Her head bounced against the concrete, sending a wave of pain through her skull.

“You left, disappeared. How?” he demanded.

For just a moment, she thought he was actually hurt and asking how she could have left him. Then she remembered he was Jack Stowe, and he wasn’t capable of feeling any emotion other than anger. He didn’t want to know why she left him. He wanted to know how she’d pulled it off.

She trembled from head to toe, and shame swept over her, resting heavy on her shoulders. She couldn’t count how many times she’d thought about what she’d do if she ever saw Jack again. How she’d show him just how strong she had become. But when it happened, she fell right back into the same old pattern. Crying, scared, weak Embry. She was backpedaling into her past so quickly she wasn’t sure how she would find her way out.

She still hadn’t answered his question, but he didn’t seem to notice. His feral stare shifted and his eyes turned heated as he pushed his body harder against hers. His rough hands slithered up her sides, and he brought his face to her neck. She felt him inhale against her throat.

“Mmm, I forgot how good you—”

Jack was pulled off of her so quickly, she was nearly knocked over. Everything was a blur as Morgan dragged Embry toward the parking lot, but she didn’t miss the unmistakable sound of bones crunching as Luke’s fist met Jack’s face.

She winced as he used Jack as a punching bag. Her southern gentleman was keyed up. His hair was perfectly styled and his shirt sleeves were rolled up in typical Luke fashion, but his expression was one she had never seen. She’d gotten a preview when Jack had shown up at Thanksgiving, but that was nothing compared to the pure, unadulterated fury on his face. He landed blow after blow on Jack’s bloodied face, never giving him a chance to retaliate. A left hook sent Jack’s head snapping back and Luke went in for another punch.

Embry jumped forward, shouting, “No!”

She didn’t want that. She wanted Jack out of her life, but not like that. Luke couldn’t risk his future over him. Morgan continued to hold onto Embry as Brett stepped in, gripped Luke around the biceps, and pulled him back. Jack slumped down onto the hard concrete, listing to the side as blood dripped down onto his shirt.

“Easy, buddy,” Brett said. “You got him. Get your girl out of here. I’ll take care of this.”

Luke turned to Embry, the anguish in his eyes piercing her heart. Tears streaked down her cheeks as she gulped for air. “I’m so sorry,” she sobbed.

Luke kept his eyes trained on hers and shook his head. He approached her, nodding at Morgan, and grabbed Embry’s hand. “Let’s go.”

She gripped his hand loosely and followed him to the car. She looked over her shoulder and saw Brett grabbing Jack by the collar and pulling him so close they were nearly nose to nose. She didn’t want to see what happened next.

Turning back, she followed Luke around to the passenger side of the Rover as he opened the door for her. They sat in the car, silence stretching between them. The adrenaline was leaving Embry’s system, and she was shaking like a leaf. She hugged herself tight, afraid that her arms were the only things holding her together. She chanced a look at Luke. His stare was fixed on the darkness in front of them, the muscles in his jaw working furiously. He was angry, that much was obvious. But was it at her? Did he regret getting involved with someone with an abusive past? She stared at her lap, not knowing what to say.

“Goddammit!” Luke shouted, pounding his fists into the steering wheel.

Embry let out a startled yelp. Her nerves were shot, and a fresh wave of tears clouded her eyes.

Luke looked over in wide-eyed horror. “Fuck.” He scrubbed a hand down his face and took a deep breath before pinning Embry with his sad, blue gaze. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m so sorry.”

Embry began to cry in earnest. Heavy sobs wracked her body as she buried her face in her hands, her body working through all of the emotions she’d been suppressing for the past month. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, tugging her out of her seat. Luke arranged her on his lap and cradled her to his chest. He tucked her face into his neck and held her tightly as she fell apart in his arms.

Keeping one arm locked around her, he ran his free hand over her hair and whispered, “Shhh, it’s okay.”

Her sobbing quieted, and she slowly lifted her head. She sucked in a shaky breath, but the tears wouldn’t stop.

His hands came up to cup her cheeks, and he attempted to brush away her tears. “Breathe for me, baby.”

She tried. Gasping for breath, she fought the tears, fought all of the anger and sadness inside of her. The damage Jack had caused was long-reaching, and she was finally realizing how poorly she’d dealt with it. Running had been the answer to her problems, but they were right there waiting for her when she got back. She had no choice but to deal with it. She laid her head against Luke’s chest and let the tears fall until she had no more left.

* * *

By the time they made their way back to Embry’s parents’ house, it was well after midnight, and the house was dark. Embry went to the bathroom, avoiding her reflection in the mirror at all costs. She didn’t want to see the evidence of Jack’s terror on her face. Luke had agreed not to call the police, at least for the night. She just wanted to curl up in his arms and try to forget.

She walked into the bedroom and found Luke lying on the bed. He was staring up at the ceiling, and the small bedside lamp cast a soft glow on his face. His eyes shifted to hers, and she eased onto the bed next to him in the same position. Reaching between them, she entwined her fingers with his. She rubbed her thumb lightly over his knuckle, and she felt him flinch at the same time she felt the broken, jagged skin. Pulling their hands toward her face, she let out a soft gasp as she took in the damage. His knuckles were swollen and bloody, split in two places.

“Oh, Luke.” She sat up, eyes wide with concern.

Luke pulled his hand away, flexing his fingers. “It’s nothing.”

“That’s not nothing.” She tugged on his arm until he sat up. “Let me clean you up.”

He shook his head. “Really, it’s not a big deal.”

She glared at him, and he stopped arguing. Embry hopped up from the bed and banged around in the bathroom until she came back with an armful of medical supplies. She laid them on the bed in a heap. Peroxide. Cotton balls. Neosporin. Gauze. Band-aids.

“They’re just a few cuts, Bree,” Luke joked. “I don’t need major surgery.”

She glanced at him while she laid a small towel across the bedspread. “Very funny.” She held her palm out. “Give me your hand.”

Luke did as she asked and placed his hand in hers. She opened the peroxide, poured some onto a cotton ball, and got to work dabbing it on his knuckles. The sleeve of her shirt kept getting in the way. She pushed it up her arm then continued to nurse Luke’s hand.

“What is that?” His harsh voice made her freeze.

She looked at Luke. “What is what?”

Keeping his eyes on hers, he gently took her hand and pushed her sleeve farther up her arm to reveal dark purple bruises. Embry gasped. Luke grit his teeth as he reached for her other arm, drawing the thin fabric back to uncover the same marks on her other wrist. Embry ducked her head, her face hot with shame. How could I let Jack treat me like that? She put a stop to that thought. It wasn’t her fault. She wouldn’t let Jack back into her head. She wouldn’t doubt herself.

Luke hooked his finger under her chin to lift her head. He tilted her face from side to side, inspecting her for injuries. When he was satisfied, he dropped his hand. “Where else did he touch you, Embry?”

“He …” Tears threatened, but she took a breath and reminded herself that she was safe. “He slammed me against the wall by my shoulders. And”—she tugged the band out of her hair—”I hit the back of my head pretty hard.”

Luke held her gaze, his eyes fierce and protective, as he brought her wrists to his mouth and brushed his lips against the bruises. Even after all she’d been through in the past hour, the feel of his lips on her skin sent her blood thrumming through her veins. He placed her hands back in her lap before his fingers found the bottom of her shirt.

“Can I?” he asked, waiting for her permission.

Embry was silent, lost in his eyes.

“I need to see you, baby. I need to make sure you’re okay.”

She nodded, and he dragged her shirt up and over her head. His eyes grew hard and scary, and she realized there must be more bruises. Tilting her head, she took a look at each shoulder, noting the blue and purple marks left by Jack’s rough hands.

Luke leaned in and brushed his mouth over her left shoulder. He kissed his way, soft and slow, across her collarbone, until he reached her right shoulder. Then he brought his lips to her ear, sending a shiver up her spine. “I’m so sorry I let him hurt you.”

Embry nuzzled her head against his. “No, you saved me,” she whispered.

Luke rested his forehead against hers. His eyes were hooded, filled with need. She knew what he wanted. She wanted it, too. Needed it.

Embry leaned in, lightly pressing her lips to his. “Help me forget.”

“Gladly,” he said.

His tongue traced the curve of her lips before stroking into her mouth. She lost herself in his kiss, forgetting everything except the feel of him. She was floating, high on Luke. He laid her on the bed and stripped away the rest of her clothes before undressing himself. He braced himself above her, careful not to let her bear the full weight of his body. But his heavy thighs rested on hers, and suddenly Embry was back against the wall with Jack’s body crushed against hers. She tried to fight the panic, kissing Luke harder, but she started to lose it. Flashes of Jack’s hands touching her, hurting her, raced through her head.

Quickly, but gently, Luke rolled over, taking her with him and bringing her back into the moment. She was astride his lap, his erection pressing deliciously between her legs. His eyes found hers, and they told her everything she needed to know. He was taking away her fear, giving her control. Embry hovered over him, took him in her hand, and slowly sank onto him. A deep groan rumbled through his chest as she began to move. She rocked her hips back and forth, creating a delicious friction. Grabbing his hands and pinning them to the bed above him, she crushed her mouth to his.

“God, you feel good, baby,” Luke murmured.

“Shut up and fuck me,” she said, smiling against his lips.

Luke was fast. Pulling his hands free, he sat up, wrapped his arms around her back, and pulled her against his chest. “Wrap your legs around my waist, beautiful.”

She did as he said, and he thrust deep inside of her, causing her to cry out in pleasure.

“Am I helping you forget?” he asked before sucking her nipple into his mouth and causing a soft whimper to escape Embry’s lips. He pegged her with his seductive stare. “Answer me.” He bit down lightly as he lifted her hips and slammed her down on his cock.

The orgasm hit her hard and fast. She bit her lip, threw her head back, and rode it out as Luke moved inside of her, his hips bucking wildly as he found his own release.

“You never answered me,” he said against her neck, breathing heavily.

Embry pulled her head back and examined him. She raised an eyebrow and gave him a sultry little smirk. “Who are you again?”

A sexy grin stretched across Luke’s face. “That’s what I thought.”

He rolled over on top of her, and she felt him growing hard inside of her.

“Again?” she whispered.

“Again.”

30

Luke and Embry left her parents’ house after breakfast the following day and headed home so that Embry could study. Jack wasn’t mentioned again, and Embry made sure to wear something that covered her bruises. Her parents had been upset enough on Thanksgiving. She didn’t want them to worry any further.

She spent the remainder of the weekend in the library with Jeremy and Tessa. The two of them were officially dating, and as far as Embry knew, Jeremy had given up his slutty antics for her. He seemed to care for Tessa, and she made him happy, so Embry was all for it.

They had three final exams to study for—criminal law, contracts, and torts—and a final memo due in their legal writing class. Thankfully, their first year skills class had no final. They spent hours in the library drawing up flash cards and quizzing each other. Tessa may have been ditzy, but she seemed to have a good grasp on the law. Embry was happy to have her in their study group. Except for when she and Jeremy couldn’t keep their hands off of each other. Ick.

Embry reserved a study room for Monday and planned to spend the day finishing her final memo. Tessa showed up before Jeremy, and she brought coffee, which scored her points in Embry’s book.

“How’s your memo coming along?” Tessa asked as she settled in the chair across from Embry.

“It’s good, I think,” Embry said. “I’m almost finished. I just have to go back and add in the proper citations. How about yours?”

Tessa gnawed her bottom lip. “I’m not sure. I don’t think I’m going to do well.”

“Why do you say that?” Embry felt bad. The rules about student memos were extremely strict. They weren’t allowed to consult with anyone on their memos. Even having friends or family read over them to help proofread was against the rules, so discussing any of the specifics with other students wasn’t an option.

Tessa shrugged. “I just don’t feel like I’m making a good argument.”

“Well, at least we aren’t graded as much on whether we apply the right law, but more if our argument is persuasive enough, you know? Just make sure it’s backed up by good research and proper citations.”

“Yeah …” Tessa sounded as if she were trying to bait Embry, to make her curious.

Embry felt uncomfortable. She still couldn’t put her finger on it, but there was something about Tessa that left her feeling unsettled. “I’m sure you’ll work it out and do great,” Embry said, attempting to encourage Jeremy’s girlfriend.

“I hope so.”

Embry ignored the awkward silence that filled the room and went back to work on her memo.

Jeremy joined them a short time later. “Hey, Blondie.” His hand brushed Embry’s shoulder before he walked over to Tessa and planted a kiss on her lips. “Hey, babe.”

“Hey, Jer,” Embry replied.

“Hi,” Tessa said.

“What are you beautiful girls working on?” he asked, plopping down beside Tessa and using the chair next to Embry as a foot rest.

“Memos,” Embry replied.

He pulled his laptop out of his bag and set it up. “Memos it is!”

Embry looked up from her computer. “You are way too happy right now.”

“Didn’t you hear?” Tessa asked, a bit of haughtiness in her voice.

Embry looked at the girl and then eyed Jeremy. “Hear what?”

Jeremy cast a sidelong glance at Tessa, but his eyes lit up as he turned back to Embry. “I didn’t want to tell you until it was definite. My dad wants to expand the firm’s practice into private criminal defense, starting with the firm in the city. Turns out a few attorneys there have criminal experience already, so they’re going to head up the division. He always expected me to go back up to Rochester to work with him, but we have a penthouse in the city, so I can stay there during school breaks and start interning in criminal law!”

He was so excited he was practically bouncing. Embry couldn’t have been happier for him. She knew how badly he wanted to practice criminal law and how much he struggled with the pressures of his father’s expectations.

“Oh my God! That’s awesome, Jer!” Embry hopped up to wrap her arms around his neck. One glance at Tessa, and Embry dropped her arms and her smile. The girl was glaring at her with open hostility. Embry smoothed her sweater and sat back down. “That’s really great, Jeremy. I’m happy for you.” She went back to her memo while Jeremy looked disapprovingly at his girlfriend.

Midway through the day, Embry’s phone went off. She had long since removed Luke’s picture, but his name still flashed across the screen. Jeremy stared at it from across the table. Being Luke’s research assistant, it was no secret that he called her, but she could tell that Jeremy still thought something more was going on. She pressed ignore and continued working on her memo. The phone buzzed again a few minutes later. A text message. Jeremy’s eyes darted to the screen again, but Embry snatched up the phone.

I know you’re studying, but I need you for a minute. Call me?

She saved her work and left her computer on the table. “Be right back.” She put on a fake smile. Jeremy’s scrutiny made her uncomfortable. She walked out of the library and dialed Luke.

“Hey, beautiful.”

“Hey, yourself. What’s up?” She came off a bit more testy than she meant.

“Everything okay?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Embry dragged a hand through her hair, frustrated. She sat in the nearest chair and leaned her head back. “I’m fine. Just stressed, I guess.”

“Anything I can do?”

“We’re still on for tonight, right?” she asked, hopeful. Luke had agreed to cook her dinner at his place so that she could focus on studying.

“Of course.”

“Then that’s all I need,” she said, her tone softening. “So what were you calling about?”

“I’ll talk to you about it tonight. If you’re already stressing, I don’t want to add to it.”

She knew he was backpedaling for a reason, and she could guess what it was. “Out with it. Just tell me.”

“I filed your petition this morning.”

“And?”

“The judge issued a temporary order of protection, but there will have to be a hearing to finalize it. Jack will be notified, and I’m sure he’ll attend the hearing.”

Embry’s stomach rose into her throat. The thought of facing Jack again had her heart racing, and not in a good way. She was still freaked out about the fact that he would have her home address and know where she went to school. It was necessary for him to be able to comply with the restraining order, but that didn’t make her feel any better.

“You okay, Bree?”

“What does that mean for me?” she asked in a small voice.

“It means we’ll have him out of your life for two to five years. We took pictures of your bruises and I’m working on getting a court order for the phone records to show harassment.”

“But I’ll have to see him again?” The thought sent shivers down her spine.

“Yes. But I’ll be there with you every step of the way, okay?”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

Those two words were all she needed. She knew she sounded like a child, but it didn’t matter. Pulling back her sweater’s sleeve, she stared at the bruises on her wrist. She couldn’t do it alone.

* * *

Embry wore a path across Luke’s living room floor as she paced back and forth and recited her outline aloud. She’d realized that if she talked out the laws as if she were explaining them to someone else, she learned the material better.

“Easy, baby,” Luke called from the kitchen. “You’re going to wear a hole right through the floor.”

Embry stopped long enough to give him a pointed look then continued her pacing. “Modification of a contract,” she said, walking around the room. “There must be a voluntary agreement, the contract must not be fully performed by either side, and the circumstances prompting modification must be unanticipated by the parties.”

“You’re missing one,” Luke chimed in, walking into the room.

She hurled her outline at him. He snatched it out of the air and smiled at her.

“Stop interfering!” she said.

He held up his hands in mock surrender. “I’m just trying to help.” He set the outline down before walking over and wrapping her in his arms.

“I know, and I appreciate it, but you can’t.” She rested her forehead on his chest and took a deep breath, trying to focus.

He kissed the top of her head. “But I can. Let me help you.”

She glared up at him. “No, you can’t. You’re my professor.”

He smiled, clearly unfazed by her attitude. “No, I’m just your boyfriend helping you study.”

“My boyfriend who also happens to teach my contracts class. No one else in class has a professor helping them study.”

“Actually, you all do.”

“What?” she asked, perplexed.

“The review session tomorrow,” he answered.

Most of the professors had scheduled review classes in the days leading up to finals. Attendance was optional, but Embry had heard that sometimes they gave hints about what to expect during the exam.

“Not the same,” she said.

He shrugged. “Thought I’d try.”

“Fine. How about I let you tell me the fourth requirement for contract modification?”

His lips tipped into a small grin. “Fair and equitable.”

“Ah, I knew that!” she said, smacking her forehead into his chest.

“Come on.” He grabbed her hands and pulled her toward the kitchen. “Dinner’s almost ready. I’ll quiz you while we eat.”

* * *

Embry sat in front of the computer chewing on her bottom lip, her knee bouncing up and down.

“Will you stop?” Luke asked, placing a hand on her knee.

“I’m nervous,” she admitted.

He swept his lips across her cheek. “I can tell, but there’s no need.”

“That doesn’t change the fact that I am.”

“She’s four, baby.”

She glared at him. “Now you’re just making me feel stupid.”

Luke had a Skype date with his niece, and she wanted to “meet” Embry. He didn’t talk much about his family, but she knew he adored his niece. Mackayla meant the world to him, and Embry desperately wanted Mackayla to like her.

Luke pulled up Skype and hovered the mouse over the call button. He looked at Embry, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “You ready?”

She nodded and sat waiting for the chat to connect.

“Uncle Lukey?” Mackayla’s high-pitched voice came through the speakers before the video connected.

“I’m here, sweet pea,” he answered.

The video caught up to the audio, and Mackayla’s smiling face filled the screen. She had white-blond hair pulled into French braids on either side of her head and big brown eyes. “Hi!”

“Hey, how’s my girl?” Luke asked with a huge smile.

“Uncle Luke?” she responded, ignoring his question. Embry couldn’t get over her cuteness.

“Yes, sweetheart?”

“Who is that pretty lady?” she said, pointing at the screen.

“That’s my friend Embry. Remember we talked about her?”

Embry loved the way his tone softened when he spoke to his niece. As if her boyfriend weren’t swoony enough already.

“Embry, meet Mac. Mackie, this is Embry,” Luke said.

“Hey, Mac.” Embry waved into the camera.

“Nice to meet you, Embee!” she said, mispronouncing Embry’s name in that adorable way only a toddler can.

“Nice to meet you too, sweetheart.”

“Are you going to come see the big Christmas tree with us?”

“Um …” Embry glanced at Luke. “I’m not sure.”

“Uncle Luke said when we come visit, he’s gonna take me to see a big tree in the rock-ee-fella center.”

Embry giggled. “That’s a great idea. You’re going to love it!”

“Uncle Luke?” Mackayla asked, batting her long blond eyelashes. She clearly knew she had her uncle wrapped around her finger.

“Yeah, Mackie?” he answered.

“Can Embee come to the tree with me?”

“Sure, I—” Embry started, but she was interrupted by Luke.

“I think she’s gonna be busy, sweetheart.”

Embry’s mouth fell open, but she recovered quickly and nodded to agree with Luke. What the hell? Stunned, Embry sat next to him while he continued to chat with his niece. She responded to Mackayla and kept a smile plastered on her face, but she was stuck in her head, worrying over why Luke was once again being shady about his family.

She’d thought it was a fluke when he hadn’t told her about his visit to Georgia last month. But this time, not only had he failed to mention that his family was coming up for the holidays, he’d actually made it clear that Embry wouldn’t be there. She was baffled. He wasn’t shy about telling his mother about her, or even having her on speakerphone, but maybe he wasn’t ready to have his family meet her. Was he ashamed of her? Then why let her Skype with his niece?

Her mind spun, trying to make sense of his behavior. It was giving her a headache. She told Luke she was tired, said good night to Mackayla, and went to bed. She lay awake studying her outline, but when she heard Luke leaving his office, she shut off the light and pretended to be asleep. She didn’t want to talk to him yet. Not until she could get her emotions straight. She was pissed off. Hurt. Confused. Her heart raced with anxiety when she heard him walk in. She heard his clothes fall to the floor and felt the bed shift as his naked body pressed up against hers.

“You awake, baby?” he asked, snaking his arm around her waist and nuzzling her neck.

“Hmm?” Embry answered, pretending to be half asleep.

“I know you’re awake.” His lips brushed her jaw. “I saw the light turn off not even a minute ago. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She desperately fought her body’s desire to respond to his touch. Mad or not, she couldn’t help it when his mouth was on her skin.

He pulled at her arm, rolling her over to face him in the dark. “Talk to me.”

Embry shook her head, not trusting herself to talk. She didn’t want him to hear how upset she was.

“Please?” He swept kisses across her cheek.

“Tomorrow,” she said softly. “Can we just talk tomorrow?”

“All right, baby.” She rolled back to her original position, and he pulled her against his chest as he said, “Love you.”

“I know,” she whispered. And she did know. She just couldn’t shake the feeling that Luke was still hiding something. Why else would he not want her around his family?