My brows furrow as I trail my thumb over his knuckles. “What is it?”

  He brushes his hand back through his hair and lets out a heavy breath. “It’s nowhere near enough but I was thinking, with her permission of course, I could open a foundation in her son’s name to help prevent crime in less fortunate areas and which also supplies a safe place for victims just like her who have nowhere else to go. Maybe if they just need someone to speak to, there could be counselors on hand, or other survivors to talk to.”

  Pride swarms through my chest, and I pull him in toward me, pressing my forehead against him. “I think you’re the most incredible man I have ever met,” I tell him. “I think it’s a great idea, but like you, I have no idea where to even start with a project like that. But you know who would?”

  Tanner pulls back, weariness in his eyes. “Who?”

  “Your mom.”

  “Fuck.”

  “You’re going to have to talk to her about this at some point.”

  “I know, but … fuck. That’s not going to go down well.”

  “I know,” I tell him. “But as long as you’re still holding on to this, you’ll never be able to move past it. Consider it personal growth, or hell, just doing the right freaking thing for a change.”

  He gives me a pointed stare before finally letting out a breath. “You’re right. I’ll figure out a way to tell her. But for now, are we cool?”

  I nod as my gaze shifts to the counter, my brows furrowing as I consider what I need to say. “There’s just a few things I haven’t been able to figure out.” I pause, waiting for his reaction, and as he watches me with openness, I go on, knowing I’ll get the complete truth from him. “How the hell did Orlando come across photographs of that night? And why hasn’t he said anything until now?”

  Tanner scoffs, irritation burning in his dark eyes, but there’s something else too, something I can’t quite put my finger on. Whatever it is, I don’t like it. “There are so many fucking reasons, Killer. I’m the brother of his client’s victim. I almost broke his jaw. I’m dating his new stepdaughter. Take your pick, there’s so many reasons he’d benefit from having my obedience,” he says, shifting his eyes from mine as though he’s trying to hide something, which doesn’t make sense as he’s being an open freaking book right now. Every question I’ve asked, he’s answered with complete honesty. “As for how he got them though, that’s a fucking mystery to me. But down in those cells, he mentioned something about my father. I just can’t figure out why.”

  “Your father?” I cut in, unable to work out how the hell the two things could possibly relate.

  “Mmhmm,” he murmurs. “My guess is that my father somehow found out what I had been involved in and asked Channing to bury the evidence. After all, that’s what he does best, but my father never mentioned any of this to me. Surely if he knew, he would have beat my ass for it.”

  Pressing my lips into a hard line, I try to wrap my head around it all.

  Tanner fucked up, that much is clear, and despite the work he promises to put in to make it right, Orlando still plans to blackmail him. But for what exactly? His silence? His obedience? Or is it something much worse, something neither of us could possibly imagine? All I know is I’m not about to let that shit slide. “So, what do we do?”

  “Huh?”

  “This isn’t just going to go away,” I tell him. “Orlando is going to hold this over you until the day he dies, so what do we do? I’m not just going to sit back and let it happen.”

  Tanner grins, his brow arching high. “Yeah?” he questions, slowly standing and reaching down to my hips. He hauls me up onto the edge of the island counter and pushes between my legs. “You want to get your hands dirty for me?”

  He presses right up against me, and the fly of his jeans rubs my clit, sending a shot of electricity pulsing straight to my core and flooding me with need. With a gasp, I sink my teeth into my bottom lip as he grinds against me. “Well, you know how I like to get dirty for you.”

  Tanner groans and dips his head, his lips pressing to the base of my throat and moving over my skin, sending shivers scattering over my body. “Fuck, Killer,” he groans, taking my hips and yanking me impossibly closer. “Tell me we’re all good so I can fuck this tight pussy right here in the kitchen.”

  “We’re so fucking good,” I pant, already desperate for him.

  Before the words even get a chance to linger in the air between us, his lips are on mine. Tanner kisses me deeply, and it’s like coming home for the first time all week. I’ve missed him so fucking much, missed the easy way we get to be together. This week seriously fucked with our vibe, but I feel as though we’re coming out the other end stronger, and now the only thing left for us to do is seal the deal with one hell of a thorough fucking.

  He reaches between us and I can already feel his cock straining against his fly. Tanner grips the waistband of my pants as his arm curls around my waist, lifting me just enough to tear my pants down my thighs, right along with my black lace thong. I work on kicking them off my feet as I hastily grab the front of his pants, desperate to release the monster I know is waiting to destroy me in all the right ways.

  My sweatpants hit the floor, and I push my legs wider just as Tanner’s heavy cock springs free against my thigh. Taking hold of it, I curl my fingers around his thick base, the sound of Tanner’s low groan doing wicked things to me.

  I feel his fingers at my entrance and just like that, he pushes them deep inside me. “Oh, fuck,” I breathe, his fingers curling just right, making my eyes roll back. He does it again, before gripping my chin and meeting my stare, holding me captive in every possible way. The hunger burns between us as he refuses to break eye contact, and just as the intensity grows, he moves his fingers just right, massaging my walls until my soul leaves my body.

  “Tanner,” I pant, unbelievable pleasure rocking through my body, and just when I think it can’t get any better, his thumb stretches up and presses against my clit, rubbing small, tight circles. “Oh, God yes. There … right there.”

  He watches me so closely, reading my body like a fucking book, and when his lips pull into that cocky smirk … holy shit. He’s absolutely everything. “You like that, Killer?” he questions in that deep, raspy voice, his confidence making me want to impale myself on him and fuck him until the sun comes up.

  My hand works up and down his thick cock, but it’s not enough. If he doesn’t stop teasing me and working my pussy like this, I’m going to come on his fingers, and as glorious as that would be, that’s not what I want. I need him inside me. I need him to fill me, to stretch me, and only after he’s thoroughly fucked me can I come.

  “Tanner,” I warn, tipping my head back as the satisfaction overwhelms me. “I need you inside me.”

  A low groan rumbles through his chest and his desperation has me dripping wet and ready for more. I mean, fuck. How do you politely say impale me?

  He pulls his fingers from within me as his other hand takes his cock, stroking it twice and making my mouth water before lining himself up with my entrance. He takes my hip to hold me steady and with a forceful thrust, he slams that thick cock deep inside me.

  I cry out in pleasure as my walls stretch around him, only stopping when he physically can’t go in any further. He pauses, closing his eyes as the softest curse slips from between his delicious lips.

  “Don’t stop,” I beg him, my hand curling around the back of his neck to hold him close.

  Tanner pulls back as his thumb works my clit, and when his eyes open, his desire hits me like flames igniting my skin. I suck in a gasp, everything clenching inside me as my anticipation builds. When he slams into me again, his jaw flexes, and he grips my hip with his other hand. “So fucking tight, Killer.”

  A thrill shoots through me as he picks up his pace, both of us panting heavily and clinging onto the other as though we’ll never get a chance like this again. Tanner fucks me hard, and I tip my head back as my pussy clenches around him, getting close to the fucking edge.

  “Oh God, Tanner,” I groan. “More. Don’t fucking stop.”

  He gives it to me just how I need it; hard, fast, and raw. It’s fucking everything. Every thrust, every touch, feels like ecstasy pulsing through my veins, until finally, I detonate and my world explodes.

  My whole body shakes as my orgasm tears through me like a fucking bullet, and I cry out his name, digging my nails into his warm skin. Tanner comes with me, grunting in pleasure as my pussy contracts around him, but he doesn’t dare stop. He keeps fucking me, keeps moving and rubbing circles over my clit as my high claims me—body and soul.

  Then finally, I crash hard, sagging against Tanner’s chest as he holds me tight, keeping me from falling to the ground. I struggle to catch my breath, and just as I go to tell him we’ll be doing it all over again, the familiar BANG of the door echoes through the house followed by Addison’s raging voice. “Oi, Tanner! Where are you?” she calls, quickly walking this way. “You wouldn’t fucking believe the shit I’ve had to put up with this afternoon.”

  My eyes go wide as I meet Tanner’s stare, knowing damn well we won’t have time to get dressed. “Well,” he says with a heavy sigh, an apology in his eyes. “This is going to be interesting.”

  And sure enough, the very next thing I hear is Addison’s disgusted scream. “OH, FUCK NO! ON MY KITCHEN COUNTER? That’s where I cream my bagels.”

  Tanner laughs, cupping his junk as I do my best to cover up. “After all this time, we finally have something in common,” he says, his tone preparing me for the worst. “This is where I like to cream Bri’s bagels.”

  Well … fuck.

  Chapter 14

  TANNER

  Who would have known an afternoon full of crazed make-up sex would have Brielle sleeping like the living dead? She didn’t even get to eat her dessert before she crashed on the couch. Can’t blame her though, I did make sure she was thoroughly fucked. You know, after my sister ran away to gouge her eyes out with a rusty fork.

  Hearing Mom in the kitchen, I reach over and grab the bowl of melted ice cream that’s been wedged between Brielle’s waist and the couch before lifting her legs off my lap. I take the discarded dessert into the kitchen, walking past Mom who’s trying to reach the chocolate she hides from us on the top shelf. The problem is, when she chose this hiding spot, she failed to consider the fact that I tower over her, and every time I open the cupboard, I see it staring right back at me.

  “You okay, my love?” Mom asks, turning her back and trying to be discreet about her chocolate.

  “Yeah, fine,” I respond, walking over to the sink and rinsing out the bowl before stacking it in the dishwasher. “Bri crashed on the couch, so I’m going to take her up to bed.”

  Mom gives me a dopey smile and I roll my eyes, knowing her over-the-top-mom-loving is coming at me full force. “Do you have any idea how happy it makes me to see you falling in love with such a beautiful, kind-hearted young girl?”

  I groan and let out a heavy breath. “Yes, Mom,” I say as she discards her chocolate and walks over to me, throwing her arms around me and refusing to let me go. “Soon enough, you’re going to be moving out of here and going to college. Being the star I know you are, I just hope you don’t forget about poor old Mom back at home.”

  A fond smile pulls at my lips and I hug her back, knowing just how much she needs it. “You’re acting as though you won’t have Addie here keeping you busy. With all your fundraisers and country club events, you’ll be the one who has to remember to check in with me.”

  “You’re right,” she says, a soft chuckle in her tone. “I am a busy woman. My social life is much more interesting than yours. You know they’re considering me for the event coordinator position at the club? Seems I’ve got a knack for it.”

  I nod, feigning surprise but knowing more than I let on. I may have been the one to subtly suggest it to Heather Fox, knowing her father is the president of the country club. “That’s amazing, Mom. No one throws a casino party quite like you do.”

  “Too right,” she laughs. “Who would have known at my age, I’d be cooler than my kids?”

  I scoff. “Bossing around a bunch of bored, money-hungry moms is hardly the definition of cool.”

  “Oh, stop,” she says, finally releasing me from her crushing embrace. “You wouldn’t know cool if it hit you in the face.”

  I roll my eyes and let out a shaky breath, thinking about everything Bri and I spoke about this afternoon, and knowing she was right. I won’t be able to move forward and make amends until I’m honest about everything that went down. I just hate that in the process of moving forward, I’m going to break my mother’s heart. She doesn’t deserve this, especially with all the stress she’s already been facing with Addie and her son possibly being a murderer, but I know at the end of the day, she’s still going to love me. And despite probably wanting to beat the crap out of me, she’ll figure out how to help me.

  Leaning back against the counter, I glance up at Mom, the heaviness of what I have to tell her weighing down on my shoulders. “Mom, do you have—”

  A soft knock sounds at the door and her gaze shoots up to mine. It’s after 10 p.m. Who the hell would be knocking on the door at this hour? Mom’s brows furrow. “Are you expecting someone?”

  I shake my head, unease pulsing through me. “It’s probably just Hudson,” I lie. “He and Addie had a weird moment at school today. I’ll check the door. You stay here.”

  Mom nods as I break away from the kitchen, making my way to the front door, but the closer I get, the more my hands shake. The only time someone knocks on the door this late at night is when someone is either desperate for help … or it’s the cops.

  Reaching for the handle, my stomach twists. There would only be one reason the cops would be on my doorstep. Had Colby woken from his coma, I would have received a call to let me know I was off the hook, but if it warrants a visit late at night, that could only mean one thing. He’s dead, and that blood is on my hands.

  Pulling the door open, I prepare for the inevitable arrest that’s about to go down, only to come face to face with something equally as horrifying.

  Rachael Jacobs, Colby’s older sister.

  “The fuck?” I grunt, standing in the open doorway, gaping at the biggest mistake of my life.

  “Ummm,” she says nervously, glancing anywhere but at me as she unconsciously picks at her fingernails. “Can I come in?”

  I narrow my eyes and try to figure out the best way to say fuck no, but Momma raised me right. If she’s here to tell me I killed her brother, the right thing to do would be to let her in, rather than having to break news like that on the doorstep. I’m not always a complete asshole.

  I cautiously step out of the doorway and wave her into the foyer, but there’s no way in hell she’ll go any further than that. I don’t trust this girl one bit, especially considering she shares DNA with Colby Jacobs.

  Rachael walks in, and I make a point to keep a good distance away as she takes in the larger-than-life foyer. I keep a hard stare trained on her, knowing what kind of effect it can have on people. “What are you doing here?” I demand, my tone suggesting I’m not in the mood to be fucked with.

  Rachael’s stare flicks to mine and her eyes widen just a fraction before taking a hesitant step back. “You put my brother in a coma.”

  “He raped my sister while she screamed for him to stop.”

  She presses her lips into a hard line and glances away, not denying it despite the bullshit Channing fed to the judge. “I’m not here to fight with you.”

  “Then why the fuck are you here?” I demand. “You’re not welcome in my home, especially the home where my sister sleeps.”

  “I really thought we’d be able to talk like adults, but your hostility is making that impossible.”

  “Do you blame me?” I question.

  “I did nothing wrong,” she seethes, stepping closer as she narrows her eyes at me. “Stop looking at me like I’m personally to blame for my brother’s fucked-up decisions. I’m not him. You don’t have the right to treat me like shit. My brother’s life is hanging in the balance because of you.”

  “Because of me?” I scoff, appalled by her audacity. “He came to us. He was the one who had the knife. He was the one who stabbed Addison in the bathroom and tried to rape her, again. He was the one who punctured my cousin’s liver. And he was the one who made sure the fucking love of my life nearly bled out in the grass. I did what I had to do to protect the people I love,” I growl, spitting each word through my teeth. “Tell me he didn’t fucking deserve it. Tell me after drugging and raping my sister, wrapping Bri’s car around a fucking tree, attacking Addison in the hospital, and everything he did at the fucking track that he didn’t deserve it. If that asshole dies, then consider it a favor.”

  Tears well in her eyes, but she’s too angry to let them fall and she desperately tries to blink them back, not wanting to appear weak in front of me. She just doesn’t realize I haven’t held high opinions of her since the moment I heard about her using me to cheat on her boyfriend when I was sixteen. If she wants respect from me, that ship has sailed.

  She doesn’t respond and so I step into her, getting a fucked-up thrill out of the way she retreats, not stopping until her back is pressed up against the wall and she’s got nowhere to go, trapped like a rabid bunny. “I’m going to ask you one more time. Why the fuck are you here in my house?”

  Rachael watches me for a moment, her brows furrowing as she stares back at me. “You really have no idea, do you?”

  “The fuck are you talking about?”