Broken Soldier: A Lost Hearts Novella: Novella One (Lost Hearts Series) Read online

  His jaw ticks, a vein pops in his forehead. When Lakia shrugs him off her shoulder and steps away, his face reddens with anger. His fists ball, as he glares at her, causing me to step in front of her.

  “I’m Isaac’s father and Lakia’s man,” he grits out.

  “Toni, you’re Isaac’s father,” Lakia corrects.

  He flinches at her words, narrowing his eyes at her. I don’t like the look he’s giving her. It’s clear in their ridged stances that none of the guys do either. Although, they hold back to allow me to handle this.

  “Funny, as long as I’ve been around I haven’t seen you once,” I shrug.

  “But I’ve seen you. How’s that new job and that fine Dr. Winsor you’re always around?”

  I want to punch the smug grin on his lips clear off his face. I step forward so that when I lower my voice he’s the only one that can hear me. His eyes grow harder, his face deepens to another shade of red, under his olive tone. It’s evident he’s not used to being challenged.

  “I’m the motherfucker that makes nightmares behave. You sure you want to fuck with me?” I say calm and coolly.

  “I don’t have nightmares because I don’t sleep. I’m always awake and watching. Stay away from what’s mine, soldier,” he hisses back at me.

  “Ain’t shit around here yours. You must be might tire from that lack of sleep. Fuck around and I’ll rock that ass to sleep for you, boy. I give two fucks about that badge you like hiding behind,” I bare my teeth in a smile, when he realizes I do know who he is. I wink at him. “I’ve learned to sleep with my eyes open. That way I’m always ready to protect what’s mine. Oh, and when I protect…that means annihilate. I don’t give second chances.”

  The bastard flex’s as if he is about to throw a punch, but I’m ready. What I don’t expect is Lakia jumping in the middle. She shoves at Toni’s chest, wiggling her curvy body between us. I pissed, but my body still reacts to her soft ass pressed to my front.

  “You will not disrespect my house or my guest. If you don’t know how to act you can leave,” she hisses low. “Think about the example you’re showing to your son. He’s watching you.”

  Toni looks over my shoulder, a sour frown replacing the raging one from seconds ago. He turns his eyes back to Lakia, his jaw working for a moment. His eyes then lift to mine.

  “We’ll see each other again,” he tosses my way, before exiting the backyard, without a backward glance.

  “Pussy,” I mutter.

  Lakia spins to look up at me, her eyes narrowed. I search her face, loving the anger I see there. I want to see that passion, when she’s writhing beneath me.

  I forget myself and those around us. Placing a hand on her hip, I pull her into my heat. I want to taste those full lips, but I stop a breath away from them when I dip my head.

  “Parker?” she gasps, quietly.

  “Just tell me one thing, has he ever put a hand on you?”

  She turns her head away from me. It’s all the answer I need. I kiss the side of her temple, releasing my hold on her hip. I go to step around her, but her small hand on my wrist stops me.

  “I’ve walked away from all of that. It’s not worth the trouble he’ll cause. Let it go. I wasn’t a victim. Myles taught me well. Toni got what he deserved, and he never tried it again,” she whispers.

  “That’s not good enough for me, Sweetheart. Not by a long shot,” I shake my head and start to pull away.

  “Well, today it’s going to have to be,” she says with a sexy smile on her lips, wrapping both her hands around my wrist, tugging me to the center of the yard where a few others are dancing.

  I’m hesitant at first. I want to turn and go beat the shit out of that asshole, but when those cola eyes sparkle up at me and those lush lips turn up into a megawatt smile,—I can’t find it in me to pull myself away. It’s not a couple’s dance, but Lakia still places herself in front of me so we move as one.

  I know enough about line dancing to pick up the version they’re doing. Lakia looks up at me, throwing her head back in laughter, as I grip her hips and follow their sway. I stay in time the best I can with her rocking and bumping against me.

  I can feel my body reacting to hers again. When she sucks her bottom lip into her mouth, I know she can feel it too. The tension around us feels like a whip cracking through the air. I lift a brow, silently asking if she knows what she’s getting herself into.

  “You’re dangerous, Parker, but I think I’m crazy because I’m going to run into this fire with a smile on my face. I’ve made that decision already,” she whispers up at me.

  I lean into her ear. “Fires leave scars, Baby. You ready to see what that looks like?”

  “I ain’t never scared,” she winks.

  We’ll see about that.

  Chapter 7

  Jealous Ex

  Lakia

  I haven’t been able to stop smiling all weekend. Parker left for a trip with his friends, but not before we dance the day and night away at the barbecue. I haven’t had that much fun in years. I mean, it’s two days later and I can still feel him pressed against me.

  I keep asking myself if it’s weird that I miss him. He looked a little reluctant to leave that evening, but I could see that his cousin and friends were determined to take him away. I’ll admit, I’ve been a little jealous, wondering if all those fine ass men took off to find a few women to bring them pleasure.

  I don’t have any claim on Parker, but I think I made it very clear that I’m more than interested in him. I’m usually not that bold, but the way he was ready to defend me and the way he stood up to Toni, totally turned me on. Toni is no chump, but it looked like he met his match in Parker.

  I shake the memory away, laughing at myself. That entire scene just made it into my latest book. I’ve been up since five, smiling and laughing all morning as I work. I give up on sleep as my characters nudged at my brain for me to get some of this stuff on page.

  I look up to see that it’s nine in the morning already. My smile broadens, when I hear Parker’s truck pull in. Or at least, I thought it was Parker’s truck, until I get up and peek out the window.

  I curse under my breath and press my lips. I should’ve known his ass would be showing up at some point. It dawned on me after the fact that he’s been sniffing around more since Parker moved into the garage apartment.

  Toni has another thing coming if he thinks he’s going to dictate my life. It’s one of the main reason we didn’t work out. I refuse to let him manipulate, dictate, control, and takeover my life. All it took was that one time he put his hands on me and it all became clear. He was never the man I thought he was.

  All of the signs were there, —showing up at my job, trying to tell me which friends I could and couldn’t hang around with, and in the end trying to drive a wedge between me and my family. He went too far the moment he tried to make my mama and brother into the villains. I felt so stupid for taking so long to see what they were trying to tell me all along.

  “Why don’t you look happier to see me?” He croons, when I open the front door.

  “Why should I be?”

  I fold my arms over my chest, blocking the entry way. Toni, lifts his arms, grasping the doorjamb above our heads. He’s not nearly as tall as Parker, but he still towers over me just a bit. I’m not intimidated, although, I know that’s his intention.

  “You going to just stand there, Darlin’ or are you going to let me in?”

  “You’re still on that side so that should give you my answer,” I lift a brow to emphasize my point.

  Toni drops the façade and that nasty glare comes out. It’s the look I know all too well. I place my hands on my hips, ready to go a round or two with him.

  “You know, I let you get away with that mouth for way too long. You don’t have your big brother to threaten me with anymore. Not that I gave a fuck before, but if I were you, I’d tread more carefully,” he growls in my face.

  I feel rage fill me, my arms fall to my sides,
as my fists ball. I was telling Parker the truth. The one time Toni did put his hands on me, I was not the one that looked like they were in a fight. I laughed my ass off at the bullshit story he told his partner. A story that happened to get back to me through a mutual friend.

  “Toni, I’m so over you and your bullshit. You’re not God’s gift to women, you’re a shitty father, you were barely a decent boyfriend in the beginning. Get off my porch and go find someone that wants to entertain your bullshit. I’m not biting I have shit to do,” I go to slam the door in his face, but he throws his body in the way, pushing it open.

  “You want me out of the way, all of a sudden so you can fuck that soldier, don’t you?” He snarls.

  I knit my brows, glaring up at him. “I’ve been single for three and a half years. I don’t need you out of the way to fuck anybody,” I snap back.

  He grasps my face between his large fingers, biting into my flesh. I try to pull back, but his hold only tightens. He lowers his lips to mine and forces a rough kiss, breaking the kiss just as I get ready to bite his ass.

  “You’re not single. You’ve never been single. You don’t even know who that piece of shit is, but you’ve allowed him in my son’s life. I’m warning you. Get rid of him,” he commands, releasing me with so much force I stumble back.

  I don’t get to respond, as I straighten up. He’s already strolled off, climbing back into his police SUV. I narrow my eyes at his partner sitting in the passenger seat.

  Coward, can’t even look me in the eyes.

  Chapter 8

  Come Here

  Parker

  Two months later…

  It’s been two months since the day of the barbecue. I thought things would be different, when I returned for my little trip with the boys. I was actually looking forward to my return.

  However, Lakia has been closed off since I got back. To be honest, she’s always pissed off and stressed. I haven’t pushed to make her talk to me. Although, we’ve had our little talks in the past, I don’t want to push the limits of our budding relationship.

  I figured it’s all been work related. She has mention deadlines a time or two. Yet, I notice she’s been taking almost daily trips out of the house. I haven’t asked about them because I don’t have those rights, but they have peeked my interest.

  I’ve been tempted to follow her, but this new professor position is more demanding than I thought it would be. Even now I have notes I’m putting together for tomorrow’s lecture. With my schedule, I’ve been telling myself that maybe this is all for the best. Myles isn’t here for me to ask for his blessing to date his sister and I don’t know how he would have felt about it.

  So many scenarios have run through my head. It’s the other reason I’ve backed off and allowed Lakia to pull away from me. I’ve never been indecisive. This is all new territory for me. I don’t like it. I know what I want, it’s only a matter of time before I allow myself to have it.

  I blow out a breath. I haven’t been able to concentrate. I had dinner with Lakia and Isaac tonight and something was off. My instincts tell me to go back over there and check in on her. I stop debating it. Tossing my postcards aside and shutting down my laptop, I head out of my apartment for the main house.

  Lakia

  I slam another dish into the dishwasher. I’m frustrated to the max. Toni has been dipping out on Isaac repeatedly, in the last few weeks. He calls him to get him all excited about spending time together, only to bow out at the last minute.

  That crap has me livid, but what I’m totally pissed about is the fact that he has the nerve to be pissed with me because the last two times he’s called, Isaac has declined speaking to him. I told him our son is no one’s fool. My little baby has had enough. I won’t make him talk to Toni if he doesn’t want to.

  I never talk poorly of my son’s father in front of my child. I’ve allowed him to make his own decision concerning Toni, but even at four he understands his father is a grade A asshole. Children can be more perceptive than we as adults think.

  Toni’s trying to punish me through our son. He has no idea, he is just fueling me in the process. I watched YouTube video after YouTube video on how to build and secure my own hidden lock boxes. I’ve built one at every entrance of my home and I have a licensed piece in each one.

  I’m not even worried about Toni finding out about the firearms I’ve recently purchased. Hopefully, the knowledge will show him how serious I am. I go to target practice nearly every day, just before hitting the gym. I’m not playing with this man. I’m tired of it.

  His mention of my brother made me aware that he feels he can take being a bully to the next level. I refuse to live like that. I loathe that Toni thinks I’m some weak southern bell that’ll wilt under him.

  “Son of a bitch,” I slam another fork in the dishwasher.

  “I’m sure I didn’t do anything to deserve that,” my nipples harden at the sound of his voice.

  My other issue.

  I’ve been so sexually frustrated. I don’t want to drag Parker in the middle of this. I’ve seen how close to flying off the handle he was when he asked of Toni ever put his hands on me. He doesn’t need to place himself in Toni’s crosshairs for me.

  I grasp the edges of the kitchen sink and drop my head between my shoulders. Parker places his hands on my shoulder blades and starts to massage. I sigh and roll my tense upper body into his strong hold.

  He moves closer, pressing his body to mine. I don’t move away like I know I should. Something in my mind tells me that once Parker places his claim on me, he’ll be a part of every aspect of my life. Not in the creepy way Toni has been asserting himself, but in a caring, protective, and loving way.

  I moan, when his lips meet my neck. Again, I ignore my brain telling me to run. Instead, I push back and wiggle against the hard bulge growing into me. I can’t help biting my lip, while thinking about how large he’s felt every time he’s swelled against me.

  “You left the door unlocked. I thought I told you about that,” he whispers in my ear.

  “Isaac wanted to be a big boy and throw out the trash, I didn’t check the lock behind him,” I breathe.

  “Is he asleep?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good, go sit on the couch. I’ll finish up in here,” he commands.

  I turn to face him and his hands slide down to my waist. His blue eyes lock on mine, saying a million things without a word having to be spoken. I lift on my toes and kiss his cheek, before following his orders.

  I’m bone tired and so over fighting my feelings for him. I flop on the couch and throw my head back over the arm. I dig my hands into my hair and close my eyes. I groan, when I think about the deadline that’s riding my ass. I’ve been too stressed to think about where I want this book to go.

  My phone rings startling me. I look at the time and sigh. I totally forgot that I’d planned a call with Kaye and Dean. When one of us hits a wall with writer’s block, we usually get on the line together to work a little sister magic. It’s why I love my girls.

  “Hey, ladies,” I answer the phone, placing it on speaker phone.

  “Girl, you sound exhausted,” Dean’s voice chimes through the line.

  “That assumption would be just about right,” I huff.

  “I feel you. It’s been a long day,” Kaye yawns.

  “How’s baby boy?” I ask with a smile.

  “He’s doing fine, getting on my last nerve,” she chuckles. “How’s Isaac? I saw the pics you posted, he’s getting so big.”

  “He’s a little monster, rushing to become a man,” I laugh.

  “Hold up, I have questions about the pics your mother posted. I know what Toni looks like and that man in those pics was not Toni. Who’s the cutie in the glasses?” Dean interjects.

  “I so didn’t want to ask, but I saw those too,” Kaye giggles tiredly.

  “Ut-uh, not now,” I murmur, my eyes looking towards the kitchen.

  “Mm, sounds to me like someone has
company,” Dean sings.

  “I hate to waste you guys time, but I’m too tired to even think tonight,” I side step Dean’s comment.

  “That deadline is about to fry your ass, Boo. You sure you don’t want to at least hash it out?” Dean asks.

  “Not tonight,” I yarn.

  “Well, I’m here when you need,” Kaye yarns back. “I’m going to head to bed, Ladies. Love you both.”

  “Love you too, Girl,” I smile.

  “Well, personally. I hate you both. Y’all both fucking and I’m not,” Dean grumbles.

  “No comment,” Kaye giggles, hanging up.

  I laugh hard, not even acknowledging Dean’s comment. Yeah, I know all about Kaye’s dirty little secret. I don’t judge her. She writes some fire based off of her muse. I wish I was getting it as good as she is. Her pen sets the pages ablaze just like her pen name suggests. Them sheets a are a victim of black smoke whenever she gets a chance.

  I sigh, as the line goes dead, following Dean’s laughter. Both of my friends moving on with their lives for the night. I close my eyes again. Dean’s words ringing in my head. That deadline is frying my ass. I have got to get my shit together.

  I jump, startled when my ankles are lifted from the couch. My eyes open to deep blues, staring back at me. Parker takes a seat, placing my legs across his lap.

  “I’m ready to listen when you’re ready to talk,” his sexy voice rambles.

  “About?” I shrug, trying not to sound exhausted.

  “I’ll be straight with you. I don’t play games. I’ve been there, done that. I like you. I want you. I get the feeling you feel the same. So, you can tell me what’s going on or we can talk about something else, but don’t try to play me for a fool,” Parker says, while massaging my foot with his strong hand.

  I just stare, at a loss for words. I groan, when he hits a sweet spot on the sole of my foot. Embarrassed, I try to pull back, but he doesn’t let me.