Only Yours Read online

  Only Yours

  (Yours #2)

  C. Shell

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  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

  About the Author

  Only Yours

  C. Shell

  Copyright C. Shell 2014

  Smashwords Edition

  This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. IF you are reading this book and didn't purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to the author and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance between persons living and dead, establishments, events, or location is entirely coincidental.

  Cover image copyright

  © Dancinghorseprojects | Dreamstime.com

  Chapter 1

  It’s official.

  I no longer like the fairytale story of Cinderella and her fucking Prince Charming.

  That whole story needs major editing and a warning label added to it, stating," Prince Charming is only a fictional character and does not in any way portray the way a real man behaves or responds to a woman. Real men suck! They will stomp on your heart and use you until you break or finally give in."

  Yep, that should do the trick to scare every little girl into thinking twice, before believing in such things as ‘happily ever after’. I learned the hard way. They don't really exist.

  Curling myself into a tight ball on the couch, I ignore the consistent ringing of my cell phone, and down the last few drops of wine from my glass. I am not sure how many glasses I have had since I made it home over an hour ago, but my heavy limbs and blurry vision, is a good indicator that I am pushing past my normal limit. Go me!

  I should slow down, but I’m not going to. The hurt from all his lies are still too raw. Right now, I want nothing more than to feel numb. I desperately need for the pain and hurt to melt away - at least for a few hours.

  Reaching for the open wine bottle sitting on my coffee table, I refill my glass, turn on my iPod, and hit the silent button on my cell phone. I will deal with the world later. Right now I just need to be alone. As if readying my thoughts, Dimples, my crazy-ass kitten Daemon recently gave me, rubs up against my hand, reminding me that she is near, and that I am not completely alone. I pull her close and nuzzle my face against her soft white fur. I smile, enjoying rhythmic sound of her deep, happy purr. Maybe, I should just swear off stupid men altogether, get a few more cats, and become the local cat lady. I drunkenly giggle, liking that idea.

  Pulling my favorite red and white checkered chenille throw off the couch, I cuddle down into it, and drift away to the land of too drunk to care, while listening to the sound of Taylor Swift singing Cold as You.

  This song is good.

  It should be my theme song!

  One song drifts into another, as do my glasses of wine. I am floating on a cloud of ‘I-don’t-give-a-fuck-anymore’ until it is rudely interrupted by repetitive, loud, frantic pounding. The noise is causing my head throb. I sit up, wincing at the sudden movement, and glance around the room. It takes a moment for my clouded, heavy mind to shift into gear, but I finally manage to figure out what is going on.

  Someone is beating the hell out of my front door.

  Can't people understand that I want to be left alone? Tonight sucked! Not only was my heart ripped out, but I was humiliated as well. I felt like a complete dumb-ass in front of the one person I look up to. I dread having to face Cherie on Monday morning.

  "For all that is holy, will you just go away, and leave me the hell alone?" I shout towards the door, hoping it will act like a Genie, and grant me my wish. My words come out slurred, but they are clear enough for whoever is on the other side of that damn door to know that I am not in the mood for visitors.

  "Hun, please open the door. Tony and I are worried about you." I smile hearing Sasha’s voice. My sweet, hell on wheels, best friend Sasha.

  Realizing my two best friends left the party to come check on me, sends me into another fit of tears. Until tonight, I didn’t realize a person was capable of crying as much as I have. Tears should come with a limit.

  Unwrapping my limbs from the soft throw, I half-walk, half-sway to the door and peer through the small peep hole to make sure that Daemon is not with them, before unlocking it and let them in. It is not that I don't trust my friends, I do, but I also know Daemon, and how persistent he can be. He has already proven that he is not above dirty tricks and lies. Using my friends to get access to me, sounds like something he would do. The man is incorrigible.

  The moment Sasha and Tony enter my home they immediately pull me into a warm embrace. We all three stand together in my entry way hugging, while I continue to cry like a baby. I don't know what I would do without these two knuckleheads. No matter what happens in my life they are always there to pick me up, dust me off, and kick my ass back in the right direction.

  "So who told you?" I ask, embarrassment tinting my cheeks. Knowing how easy it is for gossip to catch fire and spread, I’m sure, what can only be described as the worst night of my life, is already well on its way to becoming prime-time news.

  I swear, if anyone from work finds out, I might as well pack up my shit and look for a new job. Sleeping with a client is bad, but being hired because of that same client, will no doubt shift me down into the same ranks as my slut-tastic secretary, Charity. You can't get much lower than that.

  "Daemon came over to us in a panic looking for you. He thought we might have already spoken to you, but since you stubbornly refused to take our calls, we had no idea what had happened. He filled us in,” she says with a wave of her hand. “He and Trey had several heated words that ended with Trey decking him in the jaw.” She smiles, obviously happy with that outcome. “I don't think I have ever seen Trey so pissed off. It was kind of hot seeing him turn all macho and fierce.” she smirks.

  I listen intently, silently taking in her accounts of what happened after I left. I glance at my front door, worried that Daemon will follow in her footsteps, and come barging his way as well. As much as I want to hate him right now, I can’t. Don't get me wrong, I totally want to kick him in the balls. He needs to suffer as much as I am. Maybe, I am in shock and need time to absorb everything, or maybe I’m screwed up in the head. Knowing my life, it is probably the latter.

  "Don't worry," Tony says quickly, noticing my wide eyed expression. "Trey swore to keep him busy... at least for tonight,” he adds with a grimace. “I can't say how long he will be able to hold Daemon off, but I promise that as long as we are here, you can relax."

  Gripping my hand, Tony and Sasha pull me from of the entry way and back towards the living room. My embarrassment goes up several notches as I take in the plethora of empty wine bottles lining my coffee table, used tissues blanketing the floor, and the depressing music blasting from my iPod. My poor living room looks like something you might find after a teenager lost her first crush, not a grown woman, who lost a man she’s known a measly few weeks.

  "Umm...," I begin, not exactly sure what to say.

  I know there are healthier ways to handle my pain that don’t include food and wine, but I so bad
ly want to drown out the world around me for a while. If I don’t, I’m afraid my mind will go crazy questioning every choice I have made in the last month. All those annoying questions will still be around in a day or so, and once I feel stronger, and more level headed, I will face them.

  "Oh, baby girl," Sasha whispers pulling me to her side as she takes in the scene around us. "I swear I could kill that bastard for doing this to you."

  Picking up an empty bottle of wine, Tony lets out a nervous laugh. "I can’t believe you started the party without us, babe. How much have you had to drink tonight?"

  "A few," I sigh, leaning my head against Sasha’s shoulder. "I think I might still have one bottle left in the kitchen, if you two would like to join me?"

  "It’s late, and by the looks of things, I think you’ve had enough for one night.” he says, exasperated. “You’re going to feel like hell in the morning, sweets. I’ll get you a glass of water, while Sasha cleans this up. You sit,” he says pointing to one of the few trash-free spots left on the couch. “We’ll all talk once I get back."

  Flushing brightly, I nod my acceptance. Tony is already in full big brother mode, and once that happens, he becomes hopelessly bossy. Defying him is not an option.

  Between my red puffy eyes, frayed nerves, and lack of sleep, I know I must look quite a fright. Excusing myself for a moment I make a trip to the bathroom. The harsh bright light stabs at my sensitive eyes, making we wince, as my hand shoots up to cover them.

  Splashing cool water over my face, I reach for a hand towel, and do my best to wipe off the remnants of what is left of my make-up. As I stare at my reflection in the mirror, I feel the tears well back up. You would never know that the woman staring back at me was the same person who only hours earlier was immensely happy.

  Shutting off the light, I leave, and follow the sounds of laughter. I smile at what I find. Sasha and Tony are curled up together in my bed, with an array of snacks sprawled out around them, while watching the movie Dumb and Dumber. Not wanting to be left out, I craw up onto the bed, maneuver around a bag of Cheetos and bowl of M&M's, and slide in-between my two best buddies. I pull the covers up around my legs while Tony props two pillows behind my back.

  "And why are we watching Dumb and Dumber?" I ask with raised brows.

  "Tony chose it," Sasha says, around a mouth full of gummy bears. "He thought we should end the night with a good laugh."

  "Thanks Tony," I say reaching over and giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Why can't all men be as wonderful as you?" I ask honestly.

  "Not an option,” he protests. “If they were, then I would not have the chance to swoop in and show off my mad skills. And before you try and deny it, I do have mad skills,” he smirks.

  "Oh, Tony,” Sasha groans. “You give yourself way too much credit. If I remember right, it was you that left poor Daisy Sherman at the high school, tenth grade dance, to go hook up with Tiffany Henderson in her dad's car. That poor girl spent over an hour looking for you before she figured out that you already left."

  "Oh my God," I laugh. "I forgot all about that.” I give Tony a mock scowl, not able to truly be mad at him. The cheeky bastard winks back at me, completely unfazed.

  “Poor Daisy,” I muse.

  "I was a stupid horny teenager back then, and Tiffany Henderson kept wagging her large D size tits in my face like they were candy. How could I say no to that?" He asks, smiling big. "Anyways, I have grown up since then. I mean, who needs more than a handful, right?"

  "You are such a pig," Sasha shrieks, throwing a pillow and nailing him on top of the head.

  Before he has a chance to retaliate and start an all out pillow fight war, I jump up. Playing peacemaker is what I do best. Situating myself between the two of them, I place my hands up, and try to hold them both back. If I hadn’t already drank so much wine tonight, it might have worked out that way. Instead I end up falling over. Using my already outstretched hands, I grab at their clothing, while trying to steady myself. I look like a drunk acrobat as I fall ass-backwards over the side of my bed.

  "Enough you two," I yell, rubbing my head. "Keep it up and I will put you both in the corner and keep all the gummy bears to myself."

  They both look at me as if I’ve lost my mind. Maybe I have. Nothing at this point would surprise me. Rising to my feet, I give them both my best stink eye. After several long beats of silence they both agree to behave and we all climb back into our previous positions. Dimples even jumps back-up and joins us once again. I laugh as she jumps around the covers, batting at Tony’s legs, and leaving tiny scratches in her wake. He thinks she is evil, but I think she really likes him.

  We finish watching the rest of the movie, snuggling close, and laughing so hard, my sides ache. My friends are the best. Once more, they came to my rescue and know exactly what I need. As the movie comes to an end, we grudgingly begin cleaning up the debris surrounding us. At our age you would think we wouldn’t make such a mess, but no, my bed is now sadly covered in an assortment of gummy bears, crushed Doritos, and smooshed multi-colored M&M’s.

  Expecting them to head home now that my tears have dried and the immediate danger of Daemon trampling down my door has ended, I head to the living room to gather up their things.

  “Where are you going, baby girl?” Tony asks with raised brows.

  “To turn off the lights and get your stuff.” I answer through a large yawn.

  Shaking his head no, he takes my hand and pulls me back down onto the bed. To my utter shock, they both silently climb in after me, one on each side, and curl up around me.

  “Nobody told me we were having a slumber party,” I murmur against my pillow.

  “It’s been too long since we’ve had one,” Sasha says, sleep coating her words. Gripping my hand, she holds it tightly between our bodies. Before I can respond, Tony reaches around my waist and lays his hand on top of ours. I glance at down at our lump of entwined fingers, and a few forgotten tears slip out.

  “Thanks guys. For everything. I love you more than peanut butter,” I whisper.

  “I love you two more than ice cream,” Sasha replies.

  “I can top that,” Tony says with a lazy drawl. “I love you two more than a banana split, covered in three scoops of sherbet ice cream, and a mountain of M&M’s.”

  We all giggle, sounding more like teenagers, instead of grown adults. It feels good to be silly again. It’s so much better than being sad and depressed. I don’t know what I would do without my two crazy friends. Knowing that I am not alone, makes my pain bearable, and gives me some hope that I can survive whatever Daemon throws my way.

  Maybe...hopefully!

  Chapter 2

  "Do you think the ass will ever shut up?" Sasha groans, rubbing her temples. “He’s giving me a freakin headache.”

  “No, but we can always hope he loses his voice.” I respond solemnly.

  Sasha throws her head back and laughs. Daemon is acting like a complete lunatic and I’m at my wits end. I take another sip of my coffee while contemplating what I should do. I knew he would arrive sooner, rather than later, but I had hoped I would have had more time. Thirteen hours. That is all the time he waited before pouncing on my door. I haven’t even thought out what to say to him. How does one go about preparing to do battle with a man who controls your body as if it is his own? With one heated look, he can have me soaking my panties, panting with need, and smiling with the kind of happiness I’ve only read about in books.

  Yes! It is scary, but the jerk is that talented.

  “I don’t know how to make him stop,” I gripe, taking another scalding sip of coffee.

  “Maybe we could bribe him into taking a break for an hour...or five,” Tony smirks.

  “Bribe him? How?” My tone perks up. That might work. I would try just about anything at this point.

  “Well...,” he falters. “He might give you a small reprieve if you give him a few minutes of your time. At least allow him to tell his side of the story.”

  “N
ot happening.”

  I immediately start protesting that idea. Tony, leans over the table, throwing his hand over my mouth, and muffles my creative choice of curse words. “I didn’t say you would like my idea, but it has merit. A few minutes of bullshit is better than hours of listening to him trying to bang down your door.”

  I give Tony a cross look, but manage to keep my mouth shut. It has been over three hours since the pounding first started and Daemon has yet to slow up. He keeps telling me that I need to let him in. I don’t want to see him. He broke my heart and the one promise he made to me. I asked him to always be honest with me and the whole time he was keeping a secret the size of Mount Everest. I don't how to ever forgive him for that. Even if I could somehow look past it, how do I trust him from here on out?

  "Kelly, please open the damn door! Let me explain. You don’t have all the facts,” Daemon bellows. “I’m not leaving without the chance to see you, so you either open this door, or I will tear the damn thing down." he growls, knocking against the door once more to make his point.

  The desolate sound of his voice rips at my heart. I might not have known him long, but I have felt more for him in these last few weeks of us being together, than I ever felt for Gary, and I was with him for seven years.

  Dragging my sorry ass up from the comfy confines of my couch, I walk into the kitchen and refill my coffee mug. As many cups as I’ve had this morning, It’s amazing I’m not bouncing off the walls. Since waking up with an enormous hangover, I’ve been practically pouring the stuff down my throat. Leave it to me to get rid of one crutch and fall back onto another. The warm liquid has been a miracle worker, smoothing out my nerves, while helping to ease the pain in my head.

  Trey stood by his word and kept Daemon away last night. Sasha, Tony, and I slept snuggled together in my bed until around six o’clock, when we were rudely awoken by Daemon punishing my door with his fist. He has not stopped since.