Afflicted Read online

  Piper

  I woke up the next morning with Blake still holding me closely. Focusing on his steady breathing, I forced the thoughts of Cole out of my head. What he did to make me leave was going to leave its mark for a long time, and I wasn’t sure that I would ever be able to move past it.

  I never thought the guy that I loved so much could be so cruel.

  Looking over at the alarm clock I saw it was only a little after seven. The rain was still coming down heavily outside. I noticed a picture next to the clock. Picking it up to examine, I saw it was of the two of us from Jake and Aubrey’s wedding. I felt myself smile for the first time in almost a week. Blake stirred and looked up at me with wide, green eyes.

  “I was starting to wonder if I just imagined you showing up.” He said with a half smile running his hand through his hair.

  I leaned in and kissed the tip of his nose before climbing out of bed and padding my way into the bathroom. I tried running my fingers through my hair, but it was hopeless, so I decided to shower. Turning the water on I gave it a minute to steam before climbing into the old, claw foot tub and closing the curtain behind me. I let the warmth of the water cascade around me loosening my stiff muscles and feeling myself relax.

  Blake called out saying that he left a towel and some fresh clothes on the sink. I used his shampoo washing my hair and working the knots out as I went. When I felt the water starting to cool, I turned off the faucet and stepped out onto the rug, wrapping myself in the oversized towel.

  I wrung my hair out one last time before grabbing the clothes and heading out to the main room. Looking over by the window Blake had his back to me, strumming his guitar. He looked content and sexy as fuck. I cleared my throat, and as he turned I let the towel drop letting him know what my intention was.

  His mouth dropped open. “Pipe, that’s not fair.”

  “You said last night that if I still wanted it today you would give it to me. It’s today, and I definitely want you, so what are you going to do about it.”

  He seemed to be pondering for a couple seconds before standing up in just his boxers and making his way over to me. I noticed his excitement prominently forming a tent, setting my body on fire. Once he was within distance I reached out and trailed my hands down his happy trail grasping his manhood and stroking him tentatively while his lips crashed to mine. He let out a low growl from the back of his throat. Dropping his hand and rubbing me gently he slipped a finger inside my heat. I bit down gently on his lip letting him know I approved.

  Making our way to the bed, he laid me down on my back and paid special attention to every part of me kissing, licking and biting as he went. Taking him in my mouth I wrapped my hand around the base pumping and swirling my tongue around the crown. Pumping back and forth looking up at his face was beyond erotic. Finally, when I couldn’t take it anymore, I moved and pulled him to me. Climbing on top and nestling himself between my legs, he hesitated as I pleaded with my eyes for him to proceed.

  “If we do this I need to know that you’re going to be mine, Pipe. This going back and forth thing isn’t working anymore. I’m done sharing you.”

  I nodded a silent promise as he nudged forward with his thick head stretching me, claiming me, making me his.

  “Holy fuck!” He gritted through clenched teeth. “Babe, you always feel so fucking fantastic.”

  Already soaking wet, it was just becoming more so with each movement. Every time he moved forward he would hit the most sensitive spot deep inside me. I was climbing higher and higher. I could practically taste my orgasm.

  Using his skilled fingers to play with my sensitive nipples he sent me completely over the edge. The orgasm ripped through me, sending me into a peaceful oblivion as I bit down on his collarbone.

  Every time with Blake was an adventure. He always did just the right amount of everything that I liked, and it was never dull. I knew that I had feelings for him, strong ones, and it was becoming harder and harder to deny them. As he picked up the pace, I felt him start to thicken inside me.

  “Pipe, I need to come. Do you want me to pull out?” His brows furrowed together, and I could tell that he was holding on with the last of his restraint.

  Without a second thought, I shook my head no. I wanted him to fill me. I needed him to fill me. I wanted to feel him let go more than anything right now. One final thrust and he found his release, sending me into yet another powerful, back clawing orgasm. I loved the feeling that he gave me each time we were together. We were like an unstoppable force, at least in the bedroom. I wasn’t sure what I had to offer him, or if he would even want it, but for the first time in a long time I decided to listen to my heart.

  Blake leaned his forehead against mine and looked me in the eyes. I usually pushed him away right after the deed was done, but today was different. I actually wanted him to stay where he was. I craned my neck until my lips met his. Just that simple act was enough to have his dick start twitching inside me again.

  “Round two?” I teased.

  “I think I can go again if you can.” He smirked.

  After we were done we hopped in the shower. My stomach growled loudly, and Blake offered to make me breakfast. I agreed apprehensively, not knowing what I was getting myself into. He wrapped a towel around his lean, muscular waist and made his way to the kitchen. I scooped his t-shirt off the floor and pulled it over my head taking a seat at the little kitchenette.

  He started pulling out pans and turning on the gas stove. I watched as he skillfully cut up ham and peppers throwing them in to sauté. He whisked up a couple eggs and poured them in sticking the pan under the broiler. He even made toast. I stared at him in amazement as the plate landed in front of me.

  “Looks like you’ve been holding out on me.” I said, cutting my fork through the corner of the omelet.

  “Shh, don’t tell anyone.” He smirked. “My mom had rules growing up and learning how to cook was one of them. Besides, who do you think fixes all of Aubrey’s cooking?”

  My mouth watered as I put the first bite into my mouth. It was incredible. He smiled at me thoughtfully as he made one for himself. When we were done I got up to take my plate to the sink, but he beat me to it and quickly washed the dishes setting them on a towel to dry.

  “So…” Blake said, rubbing the back of his neck like he did when he was hesitating about something. “Would you like to go to out dinner with me tonight?”

  I chewed my lip. “Like a date?”

  “Yeah, I mean that is if that’s what you want it to be? Fuck, I suck at this.”

  He was so cute when he got flustered. “I guess dinner couldn’t hurt. Besides, if you’re fucking me the least you could do is feed me.” I shrugged stifling a giggle.

  “Okay, nice or casual?” He beamed.

  “You pick. It’s your date, so plan away.”

  I went and flopped onto the couch as Blake went outside to make some phone calls. I could only imagine what he was up to. I channel surfed and decided I would take a short nap since this morning’s activities left me utterly exhausted.

  Blake

  I walked outside and pinched myself to make sure that this wasn’t some kind of fucked up dream that I was having. Sure enough, her vintage BMW was sitting in the driveway, and she was sitting inside the cabin. Just looking at her through the window made my dick twitch. After Rowan, the thought of being with someone more than once was unappealing, but when I was with Piper it was all I wanted to do. I just hoped that she wouldn’t tear a hole in me leaving me to have to sew myself up again.

  I would take whatever she was offering and see where it led. Though, I was kind of hoping she wanted to be my girlfriend. I moved my phone around a couple times trying to pick up a few bars so I could make plans for tonight.

  Once my mission was accomplished I went back inside and watched her sleeping peacefully. Her phone started vibrating on the counter where she left it to charge. I walked over to decline the call when it started ringing again. It was Cole.
r />   I was torn. Did I decline the call or tell him to fuck off? I opened the lid and saw the massive amount of unopened text messages. Twenty-three in total.

  Where the fuck are you?

  Pick up your fucking phone!

  I’m sorry. I didn’t mean what I said to you.

  Please Piper, just talk to me dammit.

  I just talked to Aubrey, and no one seems to know where you went off to. Just let me know that you’re okay.

  I decided I’d seen enough when another one came in.

  PICK UP YOUR FUCKING PHONE!!!!!!!

  Seconds later her phone was vibrating in my hand. Jealously had gotten the best of me and I stepped outside and hit answer.

  “It’s about fucking time!” He roared.

  “Whoa, who do you think you’re yelling at?”

  “Why are you picking up her phone, asshole?”

  “Because it seems like she finally grew tired of your shit and realized that you’re not her only option.”

  “We’re not done. She’ll be back. Just you wait and see. She always comes back!” He seethed.

  “Alright, if you’re done trying to piss on her leg and mark your territory I’ve got stuff to do.” I clicked off the phone.

  It took all my restraint not to toss it against the side of the house and shatter it into a million pieces. Maybe a couple years ago he deserved her, but not now. All he does is give her grief, and let her down. She deserves so much more than that. Not that, I had the best track record, but I also haven’t been in a committed relationship in a few years. I’d be willing to make sacrifices to let her know how fucking special she was. I made my way back inside just as she was starting to wake up. She stretched her hands over her head exposing herself. I made my way over to her and dropped my head between her legs.

  I spent most of the day worshipping Piper, and her body.

  She was in the bathroom finishing getting ready for our first date. I felt like I was losing my mind as the minutes ticked by. Finally, she emerged wearing navy blue dress with little, white bows tied at the sleeves and white wedges with navy ribbons and a peep toe, making my breath hitch. Her legs looked even sexier than normal.

  I slowly walked over to her holding my hand out and making her do a little spin so I could get the full effect. There was a knock at the door a couple seconds later. I let go of her hand to answer it.

  I opened the door only to turn around and quickly shut it. Piper looked at me with sparkling eyes as I made my way over to her. I took my hand out from behind my back and produced the flowers that I ordered for her earlier. It was a mix of Calla Lillie’s and red roses. She smiled as she took them from me bringing the bouquet to her nose, inhaling deeply.

  “Thanks, Blake. They’re beautiful.” Pulling a pitcher out from under the sink she filled it with water and placed the bouquet in it.

  “Ready to go?” I asked.

  I led her out to my car making sure that I held the door open and acted like a perfect gentleman all night.

  Piper

  Blake held the door open as we walked into a rinky-dink bar full of bikers and undesirables located in the neighboring town of Buckley. As weird as it was, this was my kind of joint. The wood paneling dated the place and the floor was covered in peanut shells. There was a row of green-topped booths with peeling seat covering to the left and a couple scattered tables, some with chairs and some without. Blake put his hand on my back and led me to the bar and ordered us each a shot of Jack and a beer. A couple customers were looking at us, but most of them seemed to be minding their own business. There was a karaoke stage set up in the corner, and I saw the gleam in Blake’s eyes.

  He took his shot and walked over and told the DJ the song that he wanted. He picked up the mic and said hello to the crowd. The music started, and Theory of a Deadman’s ‘All or Nothing’ came on. He sang the whole thing without missing a beat and sounded amazingly like Tyler Connolly himself. When he was done, he put the mic back in the stand and came back over to the stool I was sitting in and kissed me passionately.

  “It’s us against the world now, Pipe. You’re going to be my girl, and I’m going to spend every waking moment reminding you how fucking lucky I am to have you. I’m done letting you get away from me.”

  My heart melted into a puddle on the floor. I decided to go embarrass myself and sing him a song of my own. I let my fingers linger on his for a couple seconds before making my way over to the karaoke stage. I sucked in a deep breath as I picked up the mic locking eyes with him. I felt the rush as soon as the music started. I started into Avril Lavigne’s ‘Girlfriend’.

  He looked up at me with a huge grin on his face. I did the whole song clapping along and getting the whole crowd involved. I don’t think Blake could have smiled wider even if he tried. Just seeing his dimples made me want to run over and kiss his face. As soon as the song ended I jumped off the little stage into Blake’s arms.

  For the first time in a long time, everything felt right.

  I just hoped it could stay like this…

  “You rocked it, babe!” He cooed in my ear.

  He carried me back to the bar wrapped around him like a monkey. I noticed a couple of the women eyeing him up making me want to mark my territory. I almost felt the need to pee on his leg or something, but instead I just opted to move so I could sit on his lap. He ordered us some onion rings to snack on and made small talk with the bartender. I was trying to finish my beer so that we could get back to cabin…

  It had been four days since our first date and all we did was have sex, roast marshmallows and have more sex. He managed to get some writing done yesterday and said he should have enough material to finish up the album. This morning he said that he wanted to take me on another date. He wanted to drive an hour to Colombia to take me to a nice restaurant, but I insisted on something closer and low key. Dive bars were more my style. Fancy just made me uncomfortable, since people always looked at me funny with my bright red hair and tattoos.

  “I have something I want you to do for me when we get back.” He winked, leaving me giddy in anticipation.

  We pulled into a different bar called Rooster’s. Blake being the gentleman he was, came and got my door holding his hand out and pulling me close to his side. As soon as we sat down he was immediately flanked by a skank.

  “Hey handsome.” The busty blonde said to Blake. “I’m Sonja.”

  “Hi, Sonja.” Blake said, trying to politely ignore her and ordered our drinks.

  “You from around these parts?” She purred.

  “Nope.” He replied, taking a swig from his Pabst Blue Ribbon. “My wife and I are here on vacation.”

  He kissed the side of my head thoughtfully. I leaned my head on his shoulder trying to suppress my jealousy, laughing internally because he called me his wife, silly boy. I swear some women know no bounds. Clearly we’re here together, he said we were married and yet she still waltzes her bulimic ass up here to try and stake a claim.

  I wasn’t the insecure type, and if Blake and I ended up in a serious relationship down the road I would trust him implicitly, but it didn’t mean that the jealous bug didn’t come and bite me in the ass. I felt like this sometimes when Cole and I were together, but since we had been together for so long it didn’t really faze me anymore, this on the other hand, really did.

  I wanted to go home, back to our little bubble, and get lost in the sheets. I pinched Blake’s thigh letting him know that I was uncomfortable with her standing there gawking at us. He moved so that he could get his wallet and placed a fifty on the counter. I got to my feet and took his hand moving toward a table, leaving skanky Sonja in the dust.

  “I like jealous Piper. She’s sexy.” He said, scooting into the booth next to me.

  We ordered burgers and waited for the band that was playing tonight to start. Blake wrapped his arm around me and I leaned my head on his shoulder, loving the feeling of being close to him. It was such a change from Cole who barely ever held me.

 
; We would be going home in two days, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to face reality just yet. I knew from the slew of texts and missed calls that Cole was extremely angry. I was actually surprised and thankful that he didn’t show up here. Though, I’m sure if he could have gotten his hands on the address he would have.

  The band set up, and a burly guy took the mic and announced that they were The Pretty Pink Ponies causing the whole place to roar in laughter. I picked at my burger since I lost my appetite thinking about everything waiting for me when I got back. Blake kept looking over at me concerned, but I didn’t let him know that I was upset. He had a lot on his plate right now, and I knew that I was distracting him, but he didn’t seem to mind and I adored him for it.

  I was scared knowing how strong my feelings were for him. There was no denying the immediate attraction I felt for him the first time I met him in Pittsburgh, even though he was acting like an ass. He’s just someone that you want to be around. I knew that we were going to have hurdles, but as long as we stuck by each other I don’t think there’s a storm that we wouldn’t be able to weather.

  After Blake finished his beer, he asked me if I was ready to go. I was.

  Just as we were pulling up to the cabin it started to rain heavily. Blake came and acted as my human shield attempting to keep me dry. Once we made it inside he pressed me up against the door claiming my mouth. I parted my lips allowing his tongue to graze against mine igniting a fire inside me. Using my fingers to pull the hair on the back of his head, since he seemed to like it, I pushed him back to the bed. Straddling his waist I took full control of the situation.

  I was in the mood for relief. Sliding my hand down his happy trail and into his jeans, I gripped his hardness and started pumping, earning a growl. I pushed his jeans down to his knees, without bothering to undress myself before sliding him inside me. Moving up and down keeping a steady pace, I felt myself getting ready to find my release when he suddenly flipped me over, so my face was in the mattress. He grabbed both of my hands in one of his and started slamming into me until I was screaming out in pleasure, feeling him filling me.