Worth the Wait Read online

  “Shhh,” he whispers against my lips, “You are so deserving. You just need to start believing.”

  “I’ve done nothing for you. I have only myself to give.”

  “You’re here with me now, making memories. Making me feel things I’ve wanted to feel with someone for so long. You’re that someone, Quinn. You’re my missing piece. And that will always be more than enough.”

  His hot breath moves from my lips, trailing down my jaw and landing on my neck. He nibbles and teases the sensitive skin on my neck and I tilt to the side, allowing him access. My whole body feels like it’s on fire, my hands fall over his sculpted back.

  “How much time have we got?” he pants.

  “Long enough,” I breathe out, placing a hand on either side of his face, drawing his attention back to me. His hand gently skims from my ankle and up my thigh. I shudder at the tenderness of his touch, goosebumps covering my body. I link my legs together around him, pulling him as close as possible. I want him so badly. I feel my heart pounding and my cheeks flush as the need consumes me. Everything about him turns me on.

  His scent.

  His smile.

  His touch.

  His kiss is all consuming, like it’s an attempt to claim me. And it’s working. Slowly but surely I’m falling deeper and deeper into a hole I don’t think I’ll ever want to get out of.

  I yelp out in surprise when his hand grabs my ass, pulling me closer, positioning me on the end of the counter.

  “Lucky you’re wearing a skirt today,” he hums, his free hand works up my skirt, his fingers work inside the seam of my panties. He pulls my panties to the side, freeing me from the confines of my underwear.

  “So fucking perfect,” he groans, working his finger up and down my folds, catching and flicking my clit. I drop my head back, resting my arms against the counter.

  “You’re so wet for me, Quinn. Tell me how much you want to feel me.” His voice is laced with desire and I can’t deny how much I want him. How much I want to scream out his name.

  “I want you, Josh. Only you,” I pant as the tingle between my legs is almost too much. My heart throbs so fast, my body yearns for him.

  He releases his hold on my ass, reaching for the button on his pants before unfastening them and kicking them off completely. He grabs hold of his hard, swollen cock, stroking back and forth while his other hand continues to work my clit. I can feel my body tightening as he works me, closer and closer to the edge. Josh guides his cock to my entrance, stroking up and down until pressing against my entrance. I’m ready for him, desperate to feel him inside of me. A guttural moan escapes him as he slowly thrusts inside me. He drives over and over and I can’t help the moans of ecstasy that fall from my mouth, the intensity building with each repetition. I can feel myself tightening around his cock, his thumb circling my clit, sending me dangerously close to climaxing.

  “Oh god,” I cry out, the pleasure now almost unbearable.

  “Come for me, baby,” he purrs as he continues to work me. Within seconds I feel my whole body tense as the tantalizing wave of euphoria rips through me and I ride through my violent orgasm. My stomach muscles spasm as I come hard. I drop my head back, my breathing labored and all over the place.

  “Jesus,” I breathe out, my chest heaving with every breath I take.

  “Not Jesus,” he corrects, “it’s Josh,” he laughs, but continues to drive deeper and deeper, searching for his own release.

  It doesn’t take long, a few thrusts later and I feel him swell inside of me, a groan solidifying what I already knew.

  “Fuck, Quinn,” he cries out as he comes inside of me. He slows his thrust, wrapping his arm around the low of my back and pulling me closer to him. I reach up placing a hand either side of his face, pulling him into me. I place soft, light kisses on his lips, over and over and the smile on his face is enough to keep me warm on a cold night. What just happened between us was a quick moment together in the kitchen, but everything about it was perfect. He’s the perfect example of perfection. My perfection.

  “So, you need me to come with you again? You know, to see your sister,” he asks as we make our way out of the building and down to the parking lot.

  “I’d love that,” I smile, squeezing his hand a little.

  “I’ll come get you. Same time as before?”

  “It is,” I advise with nod of my head. “Did the garage say when I can expect my truck to be fixed?” I ask as I step into his car.

  “Quinn,” He sighs, his shoulders slumping as he reaches for his belt. “I spoke to the guy yesterday, he’s working on getting a quote, but he doesn’t think it’s worth the repair.”

  “But I need that truck,” I exhale heavily.

  “It might be cheaper just to buy a new one Quinn, rather than spending money on this one. It just makes sense.”

  “Not to me,” I snap unintentionally. “I don’t have the money for a car, Josh, you know this.”

  “I said I will help,” he quickly replies.

  “I can’t take more money from you, Josh. I’m getting myself into debt I don’t know I can afford to repay.”

  “I’m your boyfriend, Quinn. I’m not a bank.”

  I snap my head, turning and looking at him with wide eyes. “So,” I pause for a second, tilting my head to the side as I fight back smile. “We’re official. Like REAL boyfriend and girlfriend. Which, by the way, sounds ridiculous when you say it out loud.”

  “What do you prefer, then?” he questions. “My plus one, my lover, my soulmate…”

  “Okay, okay,” I laugh, holding my hands up in a mock surrender, “you got me. Girlfriend is fine.”

  His deep laughter fills the car as we make our way out of the parking lot.

  After a long but productive day spent in classes, I race out of there eager to see Josh and make the journey to collect my sister from school. I need to know Olivia is okay. Every day without her is tearing me apart. It’s like a part of me is missing without her by my side. I vow to change that, and soon. My university degree will be finished soon, and I just need to find schools willing to give me a chance. I’m lucky that I was placed at some fantastic schools during my internship, schools who gave me the option to return when I’ve completed my degree. I’m just hoping and praying they lead to me getting a job.

  A job that I so desperately need. A job that will provide security for Olivia.

  I run out of the building, clutching onto my books, my eyes scouring the parking lot for Josh’s car. I hold my hand just above my brow shielding my eyes from the brightness of the sun. I step up onto my tiptoes and spot him stood lazily against his car just to the left of the entrance. Shit, he looks hot in his grey fitted shirt. If the heat of the day didn’t make me flush, seeing him standing there certainly has. His smile widens as soon as he lays eyes on me, pushing his body away from the car with his foot. I watch, as if in slow motion, how he races over to me, reaching for the workbooks in my hand.

  “Let me take those,” he offers, relieving me from the bulk of all the books. “Shit,” he says with a chuckle as his arms drop a little at the unexpected weight. “This is a lot of books. You need all these?” he asks with a cock of his head.

  “Sure,” I reply, “I need these to make sure I pass the state test. It’s the last step in me becoming a fully-fledged kindergarten teacher.”

  “You’re amazing, do you know that,” he smirks at me before continuing, “and, if my arms weren’t totally breaking right now, I would be hugging and kissing you.”

  I give him a little sideways smile. “Let’s get in the car before your arms give way.”

  “There is nothing wrong with my arms,” he mutters giving me a little nudge with his elbow as we make our way over to his car.

  We drive the short distance to the school, parking in pretty much the same spot as before. I run out, eager to not miss Olivia. I stand at the gate as floods of children emerge, my eyes scanning all the faces, looking for my beautiful little sister. She has th
e lightest blond hair I’ve ever seen. She loves to wear it in a high bun which she does for herself. But the one thing I search for, the one thing I know makes Olivia stand out from the crowd. Her eyes. They are so distinguishing. Her bright blue, ocean like eyes shine bright even in the darkest of rooms.

  Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I light the screen, checking the time. “Dammit,” I mutter to myself wondering where she could be. The wave of children now becomes a trickle, but there’s still no sign of her. I glance back over to Josh and I see his eyes are fixed on me, full of concern. I drop and lift my shoulders, holding out my hands, gesturing that I have no idea where she is. I snap my head in the direction of the footsteps I hear approaching.

  “Hey,” he calls out a little breathlessly, “did we miss her?”

  “I don’t know,” I let out a sigh. “I’m worried, Josh,” I admit crossing my arms tightly over my chest, trying to squash the anxiety I feel tightening in my chest. I resume my search on the yard and spot a familiar face.

  “Annabelle,” I call to the little brown haired girl that I’ve seen before with Olivia. I’m sure they are in the same class. “You remember me, right?” I smile widely at her, hoping she recognizes my face and I don’t look like some crazy kid stalker.

  “Of course,” she replies sweetly, “You’re Olivia’s big, big sister,” she stops just in front of me, placing a hand on her cocked hip. Sassy little thing.

  “Oh good,” I clap my hands together in front of me. “So, has she been at school today? I’m worried I didn’t get here in time…”

  She doesn’t give me chance to finish before answers me. “No,” she shakes her head more than necessary. “She hasn’t been to school today.”

  My heart pounds in my chest, the bile rising in my throat. “Thank you honey,” I reach forward brushing the top of her arm lightly. I slowly turn to see Josh stood right behind me, waiting patiently.

  “I don’t know what to do,” I choke out, storming back to the car, as I feel the need to get away from here. Do something. Anything. I have to go find her. I need to know she is okay.

  “Wait up, Quinn,” I feel Josh’s hand on my arm, but I pull away sharply.

  “No,” I say, fighting back the tears. “I knew something like this would happen. I need to know she’s okay. She has to be okay…”

  “Hey,” he places two firm hands on my waist, pulling me to an eventual stop. “Talk to me,” he says in a calm, placating voice. “Look at me.” I feel the sudden touch of his finger as he hooks in under my chin, his body appearing in front of me. “What do you need me to do?”

  “Take me to the house.”

  Quinn

  We arrive outside the house. I clutch my hands together, placing them between my legs, squeezing as I try and force them to stop shaking. I look up slowly, focusing my eyes on the front door. I have to find the strength to go in there, knowing that Mom and that piece of shit Jared will be in there. I swallow down a lump of nerves that has manifested in my throat.

  “You okay, Quinn?” Josh places a gentle hand on the top of my leg. I look up at him through the loose strands of hair that are covering my face. I never wanted to be that person that relied upon someone. But right now, I need him. I’m not sure I can go inside without him by my side.

  “Please come in with me,” I whisper, but it’s every bit the plea I intended it to be. I need him to know how much I need him without having to say it.

  “Of course,” he smiles, taking my hand in his. “We’re in this together.”

  I lift his hand, kissing the back lightly. No one ever met my parents. My home life was one I always kept a secret, try to separate myself from the shit that happened in those four walls.

  “This ain’t gonna be pretty,” I exhale, my shoulders sagging involuntarily. “My mom’s a mess, and well, that asshole of a boyfriend is no better.”

  “Right,” he nods his head ever so slightly. “I’m with you, babe. No matter what.”

  “Please don’t hate me. I’m not sure how you’re going to feel about me after we have been in there,” I say honestly. And it’s the truth, A truth that has eaten away at me the whole time I’ve known him.

  “Never,” he lets out in a low growl. “Nothing could ever change the way I feel about you, Quinn.”

  I allow my eyes to flutter shut as I push myself onto my tiptoes, kissing him lightly on the lips. I hope and pray that he’s right.

  “Let’s do this,” I pull in a huge breath, releasing it slowly in an attempt to calm my ragged nerves. I open the door, jumping out and standing nervously on the sidewalk. I shake my legs, forcing my trembling hands into my pockets.

  “Hey,” Josh whispers. “It will be okay, I promise.” He pushes his arms through mine, pulling me into him, my head landing on his upper arm.

  “I really hope so,” I say as I lean into him, my words rumbling against his toned arm. I pull back and stop for a second, my eyes scraping over Josh’s face, my mind desperately trying to make a carbon copy of his face in my brain.

  I might just need to remember just how handsome, just how lucky I am to have known Josh Larson.

  I remove my hands clutching his in mine, squeezing and holding onto him like my life depends on it. We walk up the three steps to the front of the house. With a shaking clenched fist, I knock three times on the whitewash door. I roll my lips between my teeth, nervously glancing at Josh as I wait for someone to answer the door.

  Seconds feel like hours.

  Each breath feels like a fight to breathe.

  My heart pounds at an unhealthy pace waiting for someone to answer.

  “Let me try again,” Josh offers, reaching up to connect his knuckles with the door. Then, suddenly, the door is yanked open; a face I fear appears, glaring at us, his head looks between me and Josh.

  “What the hell do you want?” he glowers at me, the venom in his voice causing me to shudder.

  “Where is she? I need to know she’s okay,” I blurt out, giving Josh’s hand a little squeeze, needing to know he’s still with me. He turns to me, smiling a little, giving me a nod of approval.

  “None of your goddamn business, now get off my porch.” I watch, as if in slow motion, as he pushes against the door, trying to close it in my face. Josh takes one step forward, blocking the door with his foot.

  “Sir, you were asked a question and it would be polite to answer Quinn. She just wants to know her sister is okay.”

  He yanks the door open, stepping closer to Josh. “How fucking dare you,” he spits at him through clenched teeth. “Get your fucking foot out of the way before I do something you’ll live to regret.”

  “Who is it, Jared?” the words roll off her tongue with a slur. “Who the fuck is bothering us today?” she yells louder. Jared turns his head to acknowledge my mother. His grip loosens on the door, and I take my chance. I slip through the narrow gap, pushing on the door, making my way inside. I charge through, my head swinging room side to side as I scan desperately for Olivia.

  “Liv,” I call out, “Livia, are you here? It’s Quinn.”

  “Don’t. You. Dare!” my mom screeches loudly, her hand landing heavily on my chest.

  “Where is she?” I yell in her face, “I swear to god, if you’ve hurt her, I’ll … I’ll …”

  “You’ll what?” She asks, grabbing the front of my top clenching her fist and pulling it until our faces are nearly touching.

  “Where is she?” I avoid her question, covering his hands with my own, trying to get her to release her hold on me. I can’t afford a fight with Mom, I need to try and focus on finding my sister.

  “Please, ma’am, Quinn just wants to know Olivia is okay. Can you at least let her see her?” Josh is behind me, the heat of his body radiates against my back, his hand resting gently on my hip. Mom’s focus is now on Josh, her hands relax and she releases me from her grip. I reach down, placing my palm over the back of his hand.

  “Mom,” I snap, bringing her attention back to me. “Why hasn’
t she been at school?”

  “Who is this?” She points an unsteady finger at Josh, her eyes still boring into him. “And what the fuck is he doing with you?” She rakes her eyes over my body, flaring her nostrils and grimacing as she takes me in. The look of disgust plastered on her scowling face.

  “Don’t speak about Quinn like that,” Josh interjects. “She’s just as pretty on the outside as she is on the inside. It’s just a shame you can’t see past the end of the bottle to see that.”

  “How dare you come in here and judge me,” she snorts in indignation. “You don’t know the first thing about me or my family.”

  As we stand at the bottom of the stairs, my eyes flit between Mom and the dark staircase. I need to get up there.

  “I’m going to check upstairs,” I say, sliding from Josh’s hold and racing to get my foot on the first step.

  “Oh no, you don’t,” Jared chuckles; placing his hand on the wall, blocking my path. “GET. OUT. Or I call the police!” he roars in my face. I can’t help the tremble that runs through me.

  “Call them,” I say through clenched teeth. “Maybe they’ll be interested to know why I’m so concerned about my little sister.”

  “Olivia is not your concern,” my mother yells. “You don’t live here anymore.”

  “And why is that, mother?” I dart out my tongue, wetting my dry lips. “Why is it I no longer live here, huh?” I prompt her to admit the one thing she never acknowledged.

  “Because you’re a dirty little whore set out to ruin my life.”

  I feel the rage rising inside of me as I lurch forward, only to be stopped by Josh’s as the palm of his hand lands softly against the top of my chest. “A whore?” I gasp, “Is that what you call your daughter who was molested by your boyfriend, huh? A whore?”

  “You asked for it. You wanted him, you seduced him even,” she taunts.

  “You’re not fit to call yourself a mother!” I scream out so loudly he burns my throat. “He threatened me. He made me keep quiet for the last eight years. And you know why?” My voice wavers as I try to stay calm despite the emotional turmoil. “He told me if I didn’t keep quiet, if I told you what he was doing to me, why he was sneaking in my room most nights, then he said he would hurt her. He told me it was me or her, and I chose me,” I wail, my legs almost giving way.