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Summer Anderson didn't know what she was in for when she met the famous Soldier Boy. Her heart got more than it bargained for.
Pairing: Soldier Boy/Ben x OC Summer Anderson
Warnings: language, smut 18+, mentions of past domestic violence, spoilers for Titanic
Word Count: 4681
Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional and only for entertainment purposes
An hour later, Summer pulled into the driveway of the Long Island house, the late-afternoon sun slanting golden across the lawn. Ben sat in the passenger seat beside her, his big frame somehow making the car feel smaller. Heâd showered, shaved most of the wild beard down to a neat scruff, and changed into clean jeans and a dark button-down that Summer had kept in the hotel closet for emergencies. He still looked rough around the edgesâhair too long, eyes carrying too muchâbut he looked like Ben again. Summer killed the engine and turned to him, a small, nervous smile curving her lips. âShall we?â she asked softly.
Ben looked at the houseâthe white siding, the porch swing, the basketball hoop over the garageâand let out a shaky breath. âIâm nervous,â he admitted, voice low. âWhat if he hates me? What if he sees the monster you told him about and canât see past it? âSummer reached over and took his hand, lacing their fingers together. His palm was warm, calloused, familiar.âItâll be okay,â she said. âHeâs scared too. But he wants to know you. Really know you. Give him time, and heâll see the man who changed. The man I fell in love with again.âBen squeezed her hand, thumb brushing over her knuckles.âI donât deserve you,â he murmured.âYou do,â she whispered back. âYou always did.â They got out. Summer led the way up the walk, Ben a half-step behind her, shoulders squared like he was walking into battle. She opened the front door. Adam and Jenny were on the couchâAdam in a fresh hoodie, Jenny curled against his side with a throw blanket over her lap. The TV was on low, some sitcom neither of them was really watching.Â
The second the door opened, both of them looked up. Adam saw Ben first.For one long heartbeat, no one moved.Then Adam stood slowly, like he was afraid sudden movement might shatter the moment. His green eyesâso much like Benâsâlocked on the man in the doorway. Pride, fear, hope, and something deeper all flickered across his face at once. Summer stepped aside, tears already gathering in her eyes. Adam walked forward. Not fast. Not hesitant. Just⌠steady. He stopped a foot away from Ben and extended his hand.Ben stared at it for a secondâlike he couldnât believe it was realâthen reached out and took it.The handshake was firm, two strong men measuring each other without words.âHello, son,â Ben said, voice rough with emotion.Adam looked up into those same green eyes, saw himself reflected back, and something inside him cracked open.âHi, Dad,â he answered quietly.
The word hung between themâsimple, enormous.Benâs control broke. He pulled Adam into a crushing hug, one big hand cupping the back of his sonâs head, the other wrapped around his shoulders. Adam stiffened for half a secondâthen hugged back just as hard, face buried in Benâs shoulder.Summer watched them, tears streaming silently down her cheeks. Jenny stood beside her, eyes shining, hand pressed to her mouth.Ben pulled back first, keeping both hands on Adamâs shoulders, studying his face like he was memorizing every line.âYou got big,â Ben said, voice thick. âLast time I saw you, you were barely walking. Now look at you.âAdam gave a watery laugh. âYeah. Mom says I got your height. And apparently your stubborn streak.âBen chuckled, low and warm. âThat you did.âThey moved to the dining table. Summer had set it simplyâroast chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls still warm from the oven. Nothing fancy. Just family.They ate, and at first the conversation stayed light.Adam told Ben about school, about basketball, about how heâd once broken the garage window with a bad shot and tried to blame the neighborâs cat. Jenny chimed in with stories of Adamâs terrible attempts at cooking âHe set off the smoke alarm making toastâ. Ben laughedâreal, deep laughs that filled the roomâand told Adam about the time heâd tried to teach his mother how to throw a spiral football. Summer glared playfully at the story. It was easy. Warm. Healing.
Then the mood shifted, slow but inevitable.Adam set his fork down.âWhere were you?â he asked quietly. âAll this time.âBenâs smile faded. He leaned back in his chair, eyes dropping to his plate for a long moment.âI was betrayed,â he said finally. âMy teamâPaybackâthey turned on me. Vought gave the order. They sold me to the Russians. I spent years in a hole, being experimented on, tortured. They froze me in cryo when they decided I wasnât worth the trouble anymore. I woke up a few days ago.âAdamâs jaw clenched. Jenny reached under the table and squeezed his hand.Summer spoke softly. âHe came to find us as soon as he could.âAdam looked at Ben again, eyes searching. âMom told me⌠about what you did to her. Before I was born.âBen didnât flinch. Didnât look away.âYeah,â he said quietly. âI did. I hurt her.
 Badly. I was angry, out of control. I slapped her. I hit her. Iââ His voice cracked. âI raped her. He paused for a long moment and then continued. âShe left me after that, and she was right to.âAdamâs fists clenched on the table.âBut I got help,â Ben continued. âReal help. Therapy, groups, the works. I changed. I spent years trying to be the man she deserved. When we got back together, I swore Iâd never raise a hand to her again. And I didnât. Not once.âSummer reached over and covered Benâs hand with hers. âHe didnât,â she said softly. âNot after that.âAdam looked between them, processing. âYou believe him?â he asked her.âI do,â Summer answered. âI saw the change. I lived it.âAdam exhaled slowly, shoulders dropping a fraction.âI donât forgive you yet,â he told Ben. âNot completely.Â
But⌠I want to know you. The real you. Not the Vought poster. Not the monster. You.âBenâs eyes glistened. He nodded once, throat working. âThatâs more than I deserve, son. But Iâll take it. And Iâll earn the rest.âThe tension eased, just a little. They finished eating in quieter conversationâAdam asking about missions, Ben asking about school, Jenny chiming in with gentle questions that kept things from getting too heavy.After dinner, Summer started clearing plates. Ben followed her into the kitchen.âYou did such a great job raising him,â he said quietly, leaning against the counter while she rinsed dishes.Summer smiled over her shoulder. âHe made it easy. He was always such a good kid.âBen chuckled. âWell, he definitely got that from you.âThey both laughedâsoft, realâand the sound felt like sunlight after years of rain.Ben stepped closer, hands gentle on her hips, turning her to face him. He leaned down and kissed herâslow, deep, full of everything theyâd lost and found again.Summer melted into it, hands sliding up his chest.Neither of them heard Adam walk in.He stopped in the doorway, saw his mom in his dadâs arms, saw the way they kissed like no time had passed, and quietly backed out without a wordâgiving them the moment theyâd waited sixteen years for.In the living room, Jenny looked up. njhm âEverything okay?âAdam smiledâsmall, real, a little sad, a little hopeful.âYeah,â he said softly. âEverythingâs gonna be okay.â
In the kitchen, Ben and Summer broke from the kiss slowly, lips lingering, breaths mingling. Ben held her close, one arm banded around her waist, the other cradling the back of her head like she was something precious heâd finally gotten back. Summer rested her forehead against his chest for a moment, listening to the steady, strong beat of his heartâthe same heartbeat sheâd fallen asleep to a lifetime ago.She tilted her head up, hazel eyes soft and thoughtful, a small, real smile curving her lips.âI love you,â she whispered.Benâs green eyes warmed, the hard lines of his face softening in a way only she had ever seen.âI love you too, Summer,â he said, voice low and rough with emotion. âNever stopped. Not for one damn second.âThey embraced again, tighter this time, like they could press the years apart back into nothing. Benâs big hands stroked down her back, slow and soothing. After a long moment he pulled back just enough to look at her.âI guess I should be getting back to the hotel,â he said quietly, though the reluctance was clear in his voice.Summer shook her head immediately, fingers curling into the front of his shirt.âNo,â she said firmly. âStay the night with me.âBen gave her a long, searching look. âIs that a good idea? I donât want to mess this up. Not with Adam here. Not after everything.âSummer took both his hands in hers, lacing their fingers together.âBen,â she said softly, âI love you. And as far as Iâm concerned, weâre still married. Youâre stuck with me.âA slow, mischievous smile spread across her faceâthe same one she used to give him when they were young and reckless and the world hadnât broken them yet.Ben chuckled, low and warm, the sound rumbling through his chest. He wrapped her in another hug, lifting her just slightly off the floor, face buried in her hair.âGod, Iâve missed you,â he murmured. âMissed us.âSummer smiled against his shoulder. âMe too.âThey made their way upstairs together, hand in hand. In the living room, Adam and Jenny were still curled up on the couch, the TV flickering with some late-night rerun.âHey, guys,â Summer called softly. âWeâre heading to bed. Keep the TV up if you want, but donât stay up too late, okay?âAdam glanced over, gave a small nod and a half-smile. âNight, Mom. Night⌠Dad.âBenâs throat worked visibly. âNight, son. Night, Jenny.âJenny waved shyly. âGoodnight.âSummer and Ben continued down the hallway to the master bedroom. The door clicked shut behind them.The moment the latch caught, the air changed.They tore at each otherâs clothes with quiet urgencyâBenâs shirt yanked over his head, Summerâs sweater tossed aside, jeans unbuttoned and shoved down in a frantic tangle. Hands roamed, rediscovering, relearning. Ben lifted her easily, carrying her to the bed and laying her down like she was made of glass.He climbed over her, arms bracing on either side of her head, caging her gently. He kissed her againâdeep, slowâthen began working his way down her body.Â
Open-mouthed kisses along her jaw, down the column of her throat, across her collarbone. He lingered at her breasts, tongue circling each nipple until she arched and gasped his name. Lower stillâher ribs, the soft curve of her stomach, the dip of her navel.When he reached the waistband of her panties, he paused, looking up at her with dark, hungry eyes.Summer nodded, breathless. âPlease.âHe hooked his fingers in the lace and slid them down her legs, kissing every inch of skin revealedâhipbones, the crease of her thigh, down to her ankles. Then he shed his own remaining clothes and crawled back up her body.Summerâs breath caught when she saw himâthick, hard, ready. Her pussy clenched with raw anticipation, slick and aching.Ben positioned himself at her entrance, the blunt head nudging her folds. He braced himself above her and looked straight into her eyes.âIâm gonna spend every last breath making it up to you,â he said, voice low and solemn. âEvery time I hurt you. Every time I made you feel unloved. Every time I wasnât the man you deserved. I want you to know Iâm making up for all of it.âSummerâs eyes filled, but she smiledâwide, bright, ear-to-ear.âI know,â she whispered. âI believe you.âBen leaned down and kissed herâpassionately, hungrily. Tongues slid together, the kiss turning desperate, hands roaming, bodies pressing closer.He pushed inside her slowly, inch by inch, that familiar stretch making Summer moan into his mouth. Her legs wrapped around his hips, heels digging into his lower back, urging him deeper.âFuck, BenâŚâ she gasped when he bottomed out. âIâve missed this. Missed you.âHe groaned, forehead pressed to hers. âYou feel like home, baby.âThey found their rhythm quicklyâslow at first, savoring every slide, every drag. Then faster, harder.âHarder,â Summer moaned, nails raking down his back.Ben obliged, hips snapping, thrusting deep and rough. He hooked her legs over his shoulders, spreading her wider, the new angle letting him hit that spot inside her that made her cry out.They fucked like they were making up for lost timeâhard, relentless, bodies slick with sweat. Summerâs moans turned to screams, her pussy clenching around him as her climax built fast and brutal.âOh fuckâBenâyes!âShe came hard, back bowing, walls pulsing around him, screaming his name as waves of pleasure crashed through her.Ben followed seconds laterâtwo more rough, deep thrusts and he buried himself to the hilt, groaning low and ragged as he spilled inside her, hot pulses filling her completely.Summer felt every throb, the warmth flooding her, triggering another smaller, sharper orgasm that had her whimpering beneath him.Ben collapsed on top of her, still buried deep, cock twitching with aftershocks. Their breathing synced, harsh and satisfied.After a long moment he lifted his head, looking down at her with something soft and shattered in his green eyes.âYou are so fucking beautiful,â he rasped. âYou have no idea how much I missed being with you like this.âSummer reached up, cupping his bearded jaw, thumb brushing over his lower lip.âI love you, Ben,â she whispered, tears slipping from the corners of her eyes. âI never stopped.âHe leaned down and kissed herâslow, deep, tender.âI love you too, Summer,â he murmured against her mouth. âAlways have. Always will.âThey fell asleep wrapped in each otherâs arms, bodies tangled, hearts finally beating in time again.In the distance, high above the quiet Long Island street, John hovered unseen in the night sky. His eyes glowed crimson, fixed on the bedroom window where the curtains were drawn but not quite closed.He watched.He saw the silhouettes move together.He saw Summer disappear beneath Ben.He saw them collapse, spent and entwined.Fury boiled through him, hot and black and bottomless.âSummer,â he growled, voice low and venomous. âYou will pay for this.âThen he shot upward into the darkness, a streak of red against the stars, leaving only silence behind.
Over the next few months, Summer and Ben slowly, carefully rebuilt what theyâd once hadâlearning how to be with each other again, not as the broken people theyâd become, but as the versions theyâd fought to become in spite of everything. Ben moved back home permanently. No more hotel rooms. No more hiding. He slept in their bed every night, arms around Summer like he was still making up for sixteen years of empty space beside her.Adam loved having his father there. Truly loved it. The house felt fuller, warmer. Ben was patient in ways Summer had  never seen before. When Adam messed up during trainingâdropped a weight too soon, lost focus mid-sparâBen didnât yell. He didnât even raise his voice. Heâd put a hand on Adamâs shoulder green eyes steady, and say things like:âShake it off, kid. Youâre stronger than that mistake. Try it againâslower this time. Feel the movement before you force it.âAdam soaked it up. They trained together in the backyard most evenings, father and son finding a rhythm that felt natural, inevitable. Ben cooked breakfast on weekends (pancakes with chocolate chips for Jenny, eggs over-easy for Summer, bacon so crispy it snapped). He cleaned the kitchen without being asked. He even learned how to fold fitted sheetsâbadly, but he tried. Summer would find him in the laundry room cursing under his breath at a tangled mess of cotton, and sheâd laugh until tears came.The world still didnât know Soldier Boy was back. Vought didnât know, but they were quietâtoo quiet. Summer worried constantly. Every time the phone rang, every time a black SUV slowed on their street, her stomach clenched.âBen,â sheâd whisper in the dark, curled against his chest, âwhat if they find out? What if they come for you again?âHeâd tighten his arm around her, kiss her temple. âLet them try. Iâm not going anywhere. Not this time.âJohn had been silent. No calls. No visits. No threats. Ben thought it meant the kid had finally accepted his placeâout of the picture, out of their lives.Summer wasnât so sure.She caught herself glancing at windows at night, checking locks twice, waking up in cold sweats from dreams where Johnâs eyes glowed red in the dark.But the days were good. Really good. Blissful, even. She let herself believe, just for a little while, that they could have this.
November 2000 arrived crisp and golden. Adam and Jenny had been together exactly one year.They went out for their anniversaryânothing extravagant, just a quiet Italian place downtown Adam had saved up for. He held the door for her, pulled out her chair, let her order first. He was nervous; his leg bounced under the table the whole meal. Jenny noticed, reached across, and laced her fingers through his.âYou okay?â she asked softly.He nodded, swallowed hard. âYeah. Just⌠thinking.âThey talked about everything and nothingâschool, music, the way Adam still couldnât make toast without setting off the smoke alarm. But underneath it all, the conversation from the hospital lingered. The promise rings theyâd talked about that night. The future theyâd whispered about while the world fell apart around them.Dessert came. Adam barely touched his tiramisu. When the waiter cleared the plates, he reached into his jacket pocket with shaking fingers.Jennyâs eyes widened when she saw the small velvet box.âJenâŚâ His voice cracked. He opened it. A simple silver ring with a tiny diamond glinted under the restaurant lights. âI know weâre still in high school. I know people will say itâs too soon. But I donât care. I donât want to do this with anyone else. Youâre my soulmate. I wouldnât survive this world without you. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?âJennyâs eyes filled instantly. She noddedâfast, frantic, tears spilling over.âYes,â she whispered. âYes, Adam. I love you.âHe slid the ring onto her finger with trembling hands. Then he kissed herâsoft, reverent, right there in the middle of the restaurant. She kissed him back, arms around his neck, both of them crying and laughing at the same time.Back at the house, Summer and Ben were curled on the couch. Summer had won the movie argumentâBen had grumbled the whole time about âchick flicks,â but now Titanicâs credits rolled and he was quietly sobbing into a throw pillow.Summer laughed, nudging him gently. âYou okay over there?âBen wiped his face with the back of his hand, trying to play it off. âYeah, yeah, Iâm fine. Just⌠dust. Bad ventilation in here.âShe raised an eyebrow. âDust, huh?âHe let out a huge, frustrated sigh. âShe couldnât move over? There was room on that damn door. Plenty of room. Jack didnât have to freeze to death like that.âSummer burst out laughing so hard she almost slid off the couch. âOh baby, thatâs been said a million times. Wait till you see The Notebook.âBen shot her a playful glare. âNo more. Please. My heart canât take it.âShe leaned over and kissed himâsoft at first, then deeper. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer, hand sliding up her back under her sweater.They were mid-make-out, lost in each other, when the front door opened.Summer and Ben sprang apart like teenagers caught by parents. Summer smoothed her hair, cheeks flushed. Ben cleared his throat and tried to look casual.Adam and Jenny walked in hand-in-hand, glowing.Summer recovered first. âSo⌠howâd it go?âJenny shrieked in surprise, then laughed. âMom! Dad! You scared us!ââSorry, honey,â Summer said, smiling. âSo? Did you two enjoy your date?âJenny held up her left hand. The tiny diamond caught the light.Summer gasped. âOh my God!âShe ran over and pulled Jenny into a hug. âItâs beautiful!âBen stood, walked to Adam, and extended his hand. Adam shook itâfirm, proud.âCongratulations, son,â Ben said, voice thick.Adam beamed. âThanks, Dad.âThe four of them stood there in the living roomâlaughing, hugging, crying a littleâwhile outside the November wind rattled the windows, and somewhere in the dark, John watched from a distance, eyes glowing red, silent and seething.
The holidays came and went quietly, without any sign of John. No surprise visits. No late-night texts. No glowing red eyes watching from the shadows. For the first time in months, the Long Island house felt like a sanctuary again.
Ben and Summer fell deeper in love with every passing day. They relearned each other in the small, ordinary moments, late-night talks on the porch swing where Ben would pull her into his lap and kiss her temple while they watched the stars, slow, lazy Sundays where they stayed in bed until noon, tangled together, whispering memories and making new ones.
Ben gave Summer a dainty necklace for Christmasâa single teardrop diamond on a thin white-gold chain that caught the light whenever she moved. She wore it every day. The emerald pendant John had given her had been gently placed in a drawer weeks ago, forgotten beneath folded sweaters. She didnât need reminders of the past anymore. She had Ben.
Adam and Jenny were thriving in their engagement. They were working hard to finish high school early, staying up late at the dining table with textbooks spread out, laughing when one of them got an answer wrong. Adam would lean over and kiss Jennyâs temple whenever she solved a tough math problem, and sheâd blush and call him her âpersonal cheerleader.â
Summer still worked at Vought, but it was becoming harder every day. She and Ben spent long evenings at the kitchen table trying to find a way to break her contract cleanlyâlegal loopholes, quiet negotiations, anything that wouldnât trigger retaliation. Ben wanted revenge. He wanted to burn the whole tower down for what theyâd done to him, to Summer, to their family.
That was the only thing they ever really argued about.
One night in early January 2001, after Adam and Jenny had gone to bed, Summer stood at the sink rinsing dishes while Ben dried them. The argument had started small and grown.
âI canât just sit here knowing what they did to us,â Ben growled, setting a plate down harder than necessary. âThey stole sixteen years, Summer. They tortured me. They hurt you. They experimented on our son like he was a lab rat.â
Summer turned off the water and faced him, hazel eyes pleading. âI know, Ben. I know what they did. But if you go after them now, theyâll come after all of us. I lost you once. I canât do it again. Please.â
Her voice cracked on the last word. Benâs anger drained away the moment he saw the tears welling in her eyes. He crossed the kitchen in two strides and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest.
âIâm sorry,â he murmured into her hair. âIâm sorry. I wonât do anything stupid. I promise. Iâm not leaving you again. Never.â
She clung to him, face buried in his shirt, breathing him in. âI just want us to be safe. All of us. Thatâs all I want.â
He kissed the top of her head, rocking her gently. âWe will be. I swear it.â
Now it was mid-January 2001, right after the new year. The house was buzzing with excitement for Adam and Jennyâs early high school graduation. They were both finishing a semester ahead of schedule, and the ceremony was small but meaningfulâjust ten kids total, including them.
Ben and Summer were in their bedroom getting ready. Summer stood in front of the mirror in a soft cream blouse and black slacks, fastening her teardrop diamond necklace. Ben was behind her, struggling with his tie, muttering curses under his breath.
âBen, can you hand me the perfume?â Summer asked, smiling at his reflection.
He handed her the small bottle, then went back to wrestling with the tie. âI hate these fucking things,â he groaned, yanking at the knot.
Summer chuckled, spritzing the light floral scent on her wrists. âOh, stop fussing. Itâs for Adam and Jenny.â
Ben huffed dramatically, but there was a playful glint in his green eyes. âFine. But if I strangle myself with this noose, itâs your fault.â
She laughed and stepped over to help him, fingers deftly fixing the knot. âThere. You look handsome.â
He caught her hands and pulled her close for a quick kiss. âYou look beautiful. Always do.â
They arrived at the small auditorium early. It was intimateâfolding chairs arranged neatly, a simple stage with a podium and a banner that read âCongratulations Early Graduates, Class of 2001.â Only about ten students were graduating ahead of schedule, including Adam and Jenny.
Ben and Summer found seats near the front. When Adam and Jenny walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, Summerâs eyes filled with tears. She reached over and took Benâs hand, squeezing it tightly.
It wasnât just pride for Adam. It was the first major milestone since his first birthday that she got to celebrate with Ben by her side. The weight of that realization hit her hard. Ben felt it tooâhe lifted their joined hands and pressed a kiss to her knuckles, his own eyes suspiciously bright.
After the ceremony, everyone spilled outside into the crisp January air, laughing and taking pictures. Summer suddenly patted her side.
âOh, shootâI left my purse inside. You all head to the car. Iâll be there in just a minute.â
Ben smiled, leaned down, and kissed her forehead. âTake your time, baby. Weâll wait.â
Adam and Jenny walked ahead with Ben, chatting excitedly about the small reception planned at the house.
Summer hurried back into the auditorium, found her purse under her seat, and turned to leave.
She came face-to-face with John.
She let out a small, startled yelp.
John stood there in a dark coat, eyes glowing faintly red, expression unreadable. His gaze dropped immediately to her neckâto the dainty teardrop diamond necklace Ben had given her, the emerald pendant heâd once bought her long forgotten.
âJohnâŚâ Summer breathed, taking an instinctive step back. âPlease.â
He didnât speak. He simply movedâfast, too fastâarms wrapping around her waist before she could scream. In one smooth motion he lifted her off the ground and shot upward through the open skylight, carrying her into the cold winter sky.
At the car, Ben, Adam, and Jenny waited.
âWhatâs taking Mom so long?â Adam asked, concern creeping into his voice as he checked his watch.
Benâs instincts flared. Something felt wrong. âYou two stay here,â he said, already moving. âIâll go check on her.â
Adam nodded, wrapping an arm protectively around Jenny. âBe careful, Dad.â
Ben strode back into the building, calling her name. âSummer?â
The auditorium was empty now, chairs still in neat rows. He spotted her purse on the floor near her seat, contents spilling outâlipstick, wallet, keys.
Fear slammed into him like ice water.
He rushed back outside. âAdamâtake Jenny and go home. Now.â
Adamâs eyes widened. âWhatâs going on?â
Benâs voice was tight, urgent. âYour mother is missing. Iâm pretty sure Homelander took her.â
Adamâs face hardened. âIâm going with you.â
Ben started to protest, but Adam cut him off. âIâm not taking no for an answer. Sheâs my mom.â
They dropped Jenny off at the house with strict instructions to lock the doors and call if anything seemed wrong. Then Ben and Adam sped off togetherâfather and sonâtoward whatever nightmare awaited them, determined to bring Summer home.
Reenie Green has been in love with Colter Shaw for ages, so when he enlists her help to find his brother Russell who's gone missing, she jumps at the chance.
Pairing: Colter Shaw x Reenie Greene x Russell Shaw
Warnings: Language
Word Count: 1988
Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional and only for entertainment purposes
Reenie didnât get any sleep. She tossed and turned all night. The sheets smelled like Colter. She stared at the closed door, wondering what Colter was doing. She grunts, throwing her hands up over her face. âGet a grip Reenie, heâs probably fast asleep. He isnât even thinking about youâ She thought to herself. On the couch golden beams of morning sliced through the darkness. Colter had tossed and turned as well, not being able to close his eyes. He found himself staring down the hallway. He had been in love with Reenie for a while, but he knew she wasnât interested. She wasnât looking for anything serious, so he just stayed back. He wouldnât let her know it, but he got so jealous whenever Russell flirted with her. He flings the blanket off of him and sits up on the couch rubbing his face. âCome on Colter, get it together, manâ He told himself. He stood up and walked over to the sink grabbing a small glass from the cupboard. He filled it with some water and took a sip. His throat cracked as the clear liquid slid down his throat. He took another sip. Reenie appeared from the bedroom. âHeyâ he managed to choke out. Reenie smiled at him. âWhat are you doing up?â He takes another sip of his water and Reenie grabs a glass for herself. âCouldnât sleep. You?â She takes a long swig of her water. âMe either. Iâm just worried about Russellâ She didnât need to add that last part so why did she? Colter looks at her a little surprised âYa me tooâ He tells her, placing the glass in the sink. He tries to hide the jealousy he feels. He tells himself she is just worried, nothing else. She isnât with Russell. âColter?â Reenieâs voice breaks him from his thoughts. âUh..ya?â Reenie places her glass down. âHey, whereâd you go to?â Colter smiles playing it off. âSorry I just got lost in thought of where Russell could possibly beâ Reenie put a hand on his arm. âI know itâs like he just vanished. Maybe we can find some leads on the last place Russell went.â Colter nods âThat sounds like a good place to startâÂ
An hour later Colter and Reenie are sitting in a diner, half eaten plates of food and papers are scattered amongst the table. Colter is looking at the layout of the area where the girl may have been held. Heâs scanning over it when he notices something. âHey look at thisâ Reenie looks over. Colter takes a piece of paper and lightly shades over the paper. Slowly words in Russellâs handwriting come to view. âItâs an address,â Reenie says. Colter nods âYes, this is good. Our first real leadâ Colter and Reenie clean the papers up, pay for breakfast and head to the car. Colter puts the address in the GPS. âLooks like itâs about 20 minutes from here.Â
They arrive at the address. It is a run down abandoned building. Colter unholsters his gun. Reenie follows closely behind him. Colter carefully opens the door. He doesnât see anything. They check all the whole area. It's empty. There is a chair in the middle of the room with torn duct tape and blood. âColter look!â Colter looks over at the chair. âThey had Russell here, I know itâ Colter says. âMaybe there is a clueâ Reenie starts searching the area for anything useful. Colter starts looking as well. They search for what feels like forever and they find nothing. âDammit!â Colter shouts, his voice echoing off the walls. Reenie walks over to him. She places a hand on his arm, grounding him. âColter, itâs ok we will find him.â She reassures him.Â
Later that night they are sitting on the couch in the airstream. Reenieâs feet tucked underneath her. She has a throw draped across her and a glass of wine in her hand. âWe should go back to Russellâs room and see if we can find anything useful.â She tells Colter. Colter smiles at her. âI agreeâ They get into some friendly conversation. They talk about her practice and Colter talks about a few of his past cases. They both reach down for the bottle at the same time for a refill. Their eyes meet. Something sparks. âHere let meâ Colter says, pouring her a glass of wine. âThanksâ she smiles. Colter pours himself a glass of wine. He sits back and meets her eyes again. âYou know Iâve been meaning to tell you somethingâ Colter starts. Reenie breath hitches. She takes a sip of her wine. âOh?â she swallows hard. âAnd what would that be?â Reenie had moved closer to Colter without realizing it. Colter had done the same. Their knees were practically touching. Their eyes never left the others. Colter swallowed hard, his throat dry. They were moving closer and closer to each other. âIâŚ.uhâ Colter swallows again. âYeah?â Reenie says softly. They start leaning in closer to each other, when Colterâs phone vibrates on the table making them both jump back. Reenie takes a deep breath. Colter grabs his phone. âThis is Colterâ Reenie is trying to compose herself. Did that just happen? Or had she imagined it? Did Colter and her almost kiss? âWhat! Where!?â Colter shouted, making Reenie come back to the present. âThank youâ Colter hangs and looks over at Reenie. âThey found the girls. I don't know how, but they are at a shelter not too far from here.â Reenie is shocked. She stands up. âColter! That's great!â He smiles at her. âWe canât go to the shelter tonight, but we will go first thing in the morning. Reenie nods.Â
â----
The next morning Reenie and Colter pull up to the shelter. âLet me talk to themâ Reenie says, taking her seatbelt off. Colter gives her a look of understanding. âThatâs probably a good idea, who knows what these girls have been throughâ The two of them make their way to the door of the shelter. Reenie walks up to the front desk. âHi, can I help you?â A gray haired woman asks, her name tag reads Janet. âHi, Janet, yes I was wondering if you could help me. There were some girls brought in last night. Would it be possible to talk with them?â Janet looks Reenie up and down and then her eyes go to Colter. âHe stays hereâ she grumbles. Colter starts to protest, but Reenie puts her hand up, stopping him. âThatâs not a problemâ Reenie smiles at the woman. âAlright, come this wayâ Janet gets up with a loud sigh and grabs her clipboard. âIâll be right backâ She tells Colter following the woman. Colter smiles and sits down in the chair. Sighing heavily he glances around the room. There are three other ladies in the office and they are staring at him. Colter shifts in his seat. âMen arenât really perceived well here, are they?â He chuckles slightly. Silence, You could hear a pin drop. Colter chuckles nervously and the women go back to their typing on their laptops.Â
Reenie follows Janet down the corridor. The air is thick and smells of antiseptic.She walks past other guests' rooms. Finally coming to a room with multiple beds. âHere we are. There will be an armed guard in the room with you. These girls have been through hell and backâ Reenie nods in understanding âI understand, do you know if any of them are named Michelle?â Janet looks at her clipboard. She nods âYep, one Michelleâ Reenie looks at her and thanks her. She walks inside of the room. There are eight girls looking like their ages range from 12 to 16. They donât look the way you would expect. They looked healthy and ok, but Reenie knew better. Trafficked girls donât look homeless or look like they work the streets. They are almost always clean and in good health. Cause nobody wants to buy someone who looks homeless or unhealthy. Their mental state on the other hand is not healthy. Reenie knew that these girls were not ok. She put on a smile and walked into the room. The armed guard stops her and asks for identification. Reenie grabs it from her purse which she has to leave on the table so the guard can search it. The woman finishes going through her purse and hands it back to her. âThese girls need their rest, please make your visit short.â Reenie nods and makes her way further into the room. Some of the girls look up at her and then look away. She starts to open her mouth to speak, when a girl who looks like the girl in the picture walks over to her. âReenie?â the girl asks. Reenie is at a loss for words. âYesâ she manages to say. The girl smiles embracing Reenie in a tight hug. âHe said you would find usâ Reenie backs away slightly. âWho said?â The girl smiles again. âRussell of courseâ She wraps Reenie in a hug again. Reenie is not able to form words and just returns the hug to the girl. The girl finally pulls away. âIâm Michelle, my dad hired Russell to find meâ Reenie looks at her. âHow did you know who I was?â Michelle lets out a small chuckle. âWell Russell said that a pretty brown haired woman would come looking for us and he also told us not to be scared because you may have a very large man with you.â Reenie laughs. Really laughs. âHe said that? Oh, boy he would be talking about his brother Colterâ Michelle smiles and nods âÂ
Yeah, thatâs right. Russell saved all of us. We all thought he was bad, he was calling himself Darren then, anyway he told me who he really was and that he was going to save us all. I was very hesitant to believe him, but he eventually gained my trust.â Reenie smiles âYeah, he has a way of doing thatâ Michelle continues âWell one night he was talking to me and one of the men caught him and they were suspicious. They told him to hit me. He really tried, but he was too good and blew his cover. The guy started fighting with him and he grabbed his keys and yelled for us to run, so we did. We ran and ran and ran until we couldnât anymore. We were so scared, but a cop found us and brought us here. So did you find Russell?â Reenieâs face fell. âNo we haven't, we were hoping you might be able to help us find him.â Michelle looks at the floor. âThere is this place they would take us. He might be there, but I don't know where it is. They always put a bag over our heads.â Reenie takes her hand in hersÂ
âThatâs ok, anything at all that you can remember.â Michelle looks up â Well there is this strong smell. Like a farm. It felt like it took us forever to drive there.â Reenie smiles âThatâs great Michelle. Thank you, Is your dad coming?â Michelle nods âYes, he should be here soonâ She smiles. âWhat about the other girls?â Reenie asked. Michelleâs smile drops. â I donât know, some of the girls had been there a long time, they donât even know who their parents areâ A tear slips down her cheek. âMichelle, did they?â Reenie asks her carefully. Michelle shakes her head âNo, thankfully I was luckyâ Reenie hugs her tightly. âGoodâ she whispered and then walked out of the room. âReenie?â Michelle calls out to her. âYeah?â Reenie stopped and turned around. âPlease find Russell. I would really like to thank him one dayâ She smiles warmly. âI promise you. I will do everything in my power to find himâ She turns and walks out of the room and back to Colter.Â
Im so sorry everyone. A lot has been going on. I will hopefully be able to work on Triangle of Trust and Broken this weekend. I promise I have not forgotten you! Thank all so much for the love on my stories. It really means a lot. đĽ°
Summer Anderson didn't know what she was in for when she met the famous Soldier Boy. Her heart got more than it bargained for.
Pairing: Soldier Boy/Ben x OC Summer Anderson
Warnings: language, smut 18+, slight abuse, mentions of past domestic violence
Word Count: 3515
Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional and only for entertainment purposes
Summer woke up feeling like sheâd been hit by a truck. Her throat still ached, a dull, persistent burn every time she swallowed, and the bruises on her neck had darkened overnight into ugly purple fingerprints. She stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror for a long time, tracing the marks with careful fingertips, the memory of Johnâs hand around her throat replaying in slow, sickening motion.
Sheâd barely slept. Every time she closed her eyes she saw Benâs face, Johnâs face, the lab, the cell, Carterâs smirk, the way Adamâs eyes had shattered when sheâd told him the truth. Sheâd cried until there was nothing left, then lay awake staring at the ceiling, trying to figure out how to keep breathing through the wreckage of her life.
But today she had to move.
She had to see Ben.
She had to tell him everythingâbefore she brought Adam to meet the father heâd mourned for sixteen years.
She showered slowly, letting the hot water scald away the last of the nightâs tears, then dressed in something simple: soft jeans, a loose sweater, her blonde hair pulled back in a low ponytail. She hid the bruises under a light scarf, just enough to keep questions at bay.
Downstairs, the kitchen slowly filled with the comforting smells of Sunday morning: butter melting on the waffle iron, bacon sizzling in the pan, sausage links popping, eggs scrambling with salt and pepper. The aroma wrapped around the house like a hug, even if nothing else felt warm right now.
Adam wandered in first, still in sweatpants and an old band T-shirt, hair messy from sleep. His green eyes were shadowed, the usual spark dimmed.
âSmells great, Mom,â he said, voice quieter than usual, lacking its normal bounce.
Jenny followed a minute later, rubbing sleep from her eyes, blonde hair tangled, wearing one of Adamâs oversized hoodies. âSmells wonderful, Mrs. Anderson.â
Summer managed a real smile for them, small but genuine. âThank you, guys. I figured after the night we all had, you could use something hearty.â
They sat at the kitchen table, plates piled high with waffles, crispy bacon, sausage links, fluffy scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit sheâd sliced up. For a few minutes they ate in companionable quiet, forks scraping, the occasional soft âmmâ of appreciation. Summer watched them both, her heart aching at how young they still were, how much theyâd already carried.
Finally she set her fork down.
âIâm going to see your father today,â she said to Adam.
Adam looked up sharply, concern flashing across his face. âIâll go with you.â
Summer shook her head gently. âNo, honey. I need to go alone. I have to tell him⌠that John is his son.â
Adamâs eyes went wide, almost terrified. âMom, are you sure thatâs a good idea? What if he does something? What if heââ
Summer reached across the table and placed her hand on his arm, steady and warm.
âNo, baby. Your father changed so much before he disappeared. He worked hard on himself. He wouldnât hurt me. I know this.â She squeezed gently. âI need to talk to him first, prepare him. Then weâll figure out when you can see him. Okay?â
Adam searched her face for a long moment, worry etched deep, but finally he nodded slowly. âOkay. But⌠text me when you get there. And when youâre leaving. And if anything feels off.â
âI promise,â she said, voice soft.
Jenny reached under the table and squeezed Adamâs knee, offering silent support. Summer gave them both a small, grateful smile.
After breakfast she cleared the plates, kissed Adamâs forehead, hugged Jenny, and grabbed her keys.
âIâll be back in a couple hours,â she said. âLove you both.â
Adam watched her go, worry still tight in his chest.
Summer drove to the Vought Embassy Hotel in silence, radio off, windows up. Her hands gripped the steering wheel too hard. Every red light felt like judgment.
She parked in the garage, took the elevator to the 14th floor, walked the familiar hallway to 1432, and stood outside the door for almost a full minute, heart hammering.
Then she swiped the keycard and stepped inside.
Ben was sitting on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, staring at nothing. He looked up when the door clicked, and the raw hope that flooded his face nearly broke her all over again.
âSummer,â he breathed, standing slowly.
She closed the door behind her, leaning against it for support.
âBen⌠we need to talk.â
Summer slowly walked over to Ben, her steps hesitant but deliberate, like she was crossing a bridge she wasnât sure would hold. When she reached him, she didnât speakâjust wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close.
Benâs arms came around her instantly, crushing her against his chest like he was afraid sheâd disappear again. His face buried in her hair, breathing her in deep.
âI missed you,â he whispered, voice rough and thick with everything he hadnât been able to say for sixteen years.
âI missed you too, Ben,â she said against his shoulder, fingers curling into the fabric of his hoodie.
They held each other for a long moment, neither quite willing to let go first. Finally Summer pulled back just enough to look up at him, hazel eyes searching his green ones.
âSo⌠whatâs going on?â Ben asked quietly. âDid you talk to Adam?â
Summer nodded and eased out of his arms, moving to sit in one of the small upholstered chairs by the window. Ben followed, taking the chair opposite her, knees almost touching. The room felt too small for the size of everything between them.
âI did talk to Adam,â she said. âAnd I told him everything.â
Benâs face fell. The color drained from beneath his beard. He swallowed hard, voice barely above a whisper.
âEverything? Even the things that Iââ He stopped, throat working. âThat I did to you.â
Summer reached across the small space and placed her hand on his, fingers gentle against his scarred knuckles.
âYes,â she said softly. âEven that. I wanted him to know the whole truth. He needed to understand who you really wereânot just the hero Vought sold to the world.â
Benâs eyes dropped to their joined hands. âHow⌠how did he take it?â
âHe was shocked. Hurt. Angry at first. But once I told him how hard you worked on yourself, how much you changed before you disappeared⌠he started to listen. Heâs not okay yet, Ben. Not completely. Heâll be standoffish when he meets you. Protective. Please donât take it as an insult. Heâs just trying to guard the mom whoâs been his whole world all this time.â
Benâs mouth curved in a small, proud, pained smile. âHeâs got that from you. The heart. The fire.â
Summer squeezed his hand. âHeâs got a lot from you too. More than he knows.â
Benâs eyes lifted again, searching hers. âSummer⌠I really am sorry. For all of it. For every time I hurt you. Every time I made you afraid.â
âI know you are,â she said quietly. âI know.â
A beat of silence stretched between them, heavy with years.
âBen⌠thereâs something else.â
His gaze sharpened instantly. âOkay. Go on.â
Summer took a deep breath, steeling herself.
âYou remember I told you about John? The little boy in the labâthe one you saw them experimenting on?â
Benâs whole demeanor shifted at the mention of Johnâs name. His shoulders tensed, jaw tightening. âYeah. What about him?â
âHeâs yours.â
The words dropped like a bomb.
All the color drained from Benâs face. He stared at her, unblinking.
âWhat do you mean heâs mine?â
Summer stood up, suddenly restless, and started pacing the small space between the chairs and the window. She turned to face him again.
âYouâre his father.â
Ben shot to his feet so fast the chair scraped backward. âWhat? How?â
Summer threw her hands up, helpless. âI donât know, Ben. All I know is heâs your son. The DNA test proved it.â
Benâs hands went to his head, fingers raking through his wild hair. âI know I was a little frisky back then, but it was only you and Countess. Countessââ His eyes lit up with sudden, furious realization. âDid that bitch give birth to my kid and never tell me?â
Summer shook her head quickly. âWe donât know who the mother is. Only that youâre his father.â
Ben cringed, covering his face with both hands. âSo youâre fucking my kid. Wonderful.â
The words hit like a slap. Summerâs eyes filled with tears, but she didnât back down.
âBen⌠John and I are over.â
Ben dropped his hands slowly, staring at her. âYou are?â
She nodded, voice small. âI broke it off with him last night. He didnât take it very well.â
Slowly, carefully, she slipped the scarf from around her neck.
Benâs eyes widened, then darkened with horror and fury as he took in the deep purple bruises ringing her throatâperfect handprints.
âDid he do that to you?â His voice was low, lethal.
Summer nodded, tears spilling over.
Benâs fists clenched at his sides so hard she heard the knuckles pop. His breathing turned ragged, chest rising and falling like he was trying not to explode.
âBenââ
âIâll kill him,â he said quietly, almost conversationally. âIâll rip his fucking head off.â
Summer stepped closer, hands raised. âBen, please. Thatâs not what I want. Thatâs not what Adam needs.â
Benâs eyes snapped to hers, wild and wet. âHe put his hands on you, Summer. After everything youâve already been throughââ
âI know,â she whispered. âI know. But I canât lose anyone else. I canât.â
Ben stared at her for a long, shattering moment. Then he exhaled hard, shoulders dropping, and pulled her into his arms againâgentle this time, careful.
âIâve got you,â he murmured into her hair. âIâm not going anywhere. And Iâm not letting anyone hurt you ever again.â
Summer clung to him, tears soaking his hoodie, the weight of sixteen years and all the pain between them finally crashing down around them both.
Summer pulled back just enough to look into Benâs eyes.
They stared at each other in the dim hotel light, breathing shallow, hearts hammering in perfect, painful sync. The air between them crackled with sixteen years of longing, grief, and everything theyâd never stopped wanting. Neither of them spoke. They didnât need to.
Slowly, gently, Ben leaned in.
Summer leaned toward him.
Their lips met in a kiss that started soft, tentative, like they were afraid the other might vanish again. But the moment their mouths touched, something inside both of them broke open. The kiss deepenedâslow, passionate, full of everything theyâd buried. Benâs big hands cradled her face like she was fragile and priceless; Summerâs fingers threaded into his wild hair, tugging him closer, needing more.
They moved together like no time had passed.
Clothes came off in quiet reverence. Ben peeled her sweater away, kissing the newly bared skin of her shoulders. Summer pushed his hoodie up and off, palms sliding over the familiar planes of his chest, the scars that hadnât been there before. He kissed down her neck, open-mouthed and reverent, small soft bites that made her gasp. When he reached her bra he paused, eyes asking permission. She nodded, breathless, and he unhooked it with careful fingers, mouth following the path of his hands, worshipping every inch.
Ben gently guided her backward until the backs of her knees hit the bed. She sank down, pulling him with her. He kissed his way down her bodyâcollarbone, the swell of her breasts, the soft curve of her stomachâlingering at every freckle, every place heâd once known by heart. When he reached the waistband of her jeans he looked up at her again, green eyes dark with need and love.
Summer nodded.
He unbuttoned her jeans slowly, reverently, sliding them down her legs along with her panties, kissing every newly revealed inch of skinâhipbones, the inside of her thighs, down to her ankles. He tossed the denim aside and stood, stripping off his sweatpants in one smooth motion.
Summerâs breath caught when she saw himâthick, hard, ready. Her pussy clenched with raw anticipation, slick and aching for him already.
Ben climbed over her, caging her gently with his arms, and positioned himself at her entrance. He rubbed the head of his cock along her folds once, twice, coating himself in her wetness.
Then, slowly, he pushed inside.
The familiar stretch made Summerâs back arch, a long, broken moan spilling from her lips.
âFuck, Ben⌠Iâve missed you so much.â
He groaned low in his throat, sinking in inch by inch until he was buried to the hilt, filling her completely. Her walls fluttered around him like they remembered him perfectlyâbecause they did. She was made for him. He was made for her.
He moved slowly at first, savoring every drag, every push, letting them both feel it. Their eyes never left each otherâs. The rhythm was instinctual, muscle memory from years ago, but somehow deeper now, more desperate.
âHarder,â Summer moaned, nails digging into his shoulders.
Ben obliged.
He braced himself on his forearms and started thrusting harder, deeper, the bed creaking beneath them. Summerâs legs fell open wider; he hooked one over his elbow, spreading her further, the new angle letting him hit that spot inside her that made stars burst behind her eyes.
They both moanedâloud, unrestrained.
Ben fucked her relentlessly, hips snapping, the wet slap of skin on skin filling the room. Summerâs moans turned into cries, then screams, her hands clawing down his back, leaving red trails.
âOh fuck, Benâyes!â
Her climax built fast and brutal. When it hit, she shatteredâback bowing, thighs shaking, screaming his name as her pussy clamped down around him in pulsing waves.
Benâs control snapped. Two more rough, punishing thrusts and he came with a guttural groan, spilling deep inside her, hips stuttering as he filled her completely.
Summer felt every hot pulse, the warmth flooding her, triggering another smaller, sharper climax that had her whimpering his name again.
Ben collapsed on top of her, still buried to the hilt, cock twitching inside her as aftershocks rolled through them both. Their breathing was ragged, synced, chests heaving together.
After a long moment he lifted his head, looking down at her with something soft and shattered in his green eyes.
âYou are so fucking beautiful,â he rasped, voice wrecked. âYou have no idea how much I missed being with you like this.â
Summer reached up, cupping his bearded jaw, thumb brushing over his lower lip.
âI love you, Ben,â she whispered, tears slipping from the corners of her eyes. âI never stopped.â
He leaned down and kissed herâslow, deep, tender, tasting like salt and relief and sixteen years of waiting.
âI love you too, Summer,â he murmured against her mouth. âAlways have. Always will.â
They fell asleep in each otherâs arms, tangled together under the hotel sheets, Benâs broad chest rising and falling beneath Summerâs cheek, his heartbeat steady and familiar against her ear. For the first time in sixteen years, she slept without nightmaresâdeep, dreamless, wrapped in the warmth of the man sheâd mourned as lost forever.
â----
When they woke, the afternoon sun slanted through the heavy curtains in thick golden bars. It was well past two oâclock. Summer stirred first, blinking against the light, feeling Benâs arm tighten around her instinctively even in sleep. She smiled softly, pressed a kiss to his collarbone, and whispered, âBen.â
His eyes opened slowly, green and soft, and the smile that spread across his face made her heart stutter.
âMorning, baby,â he rasped, voice still thick with sleep, hand sliding up her bare back.
âNot quite morning,â she teased, kissing the corner of his mouth.
They didnât speak much after that. They showered together, slow and languid under the hot spray. Soap-slick hands roamed, rediscovering every curve and scar. Ben lifted her against the tile, legs wrapping around his waist, and they made love againâgentle this time, deep and unhurried, her fingers in his wet hair, his mouth on her neck, both of them whispering broken âI love youâs between moans until they came together, shuddering, clinging, the water still running over them like rain.
Afterward, wrapped in hotel robes, Summer sat on the edge of the bed brushing out her damp hair while Ben watched her from the chair, eyes soft.
âI need to get home,â she said quietly. âI have to make dinner for Adam and Jenny.â
Ben leaned forward, elbows on his knees. âLet me come with you.â
Summer paused, brush still in her hand. âBen⌠I donât know. Not yet. Heâs still processing everything. I need to talk to him first.â
Ben nodded slowly, jaw tight but understanding. âOkay. But tell him I want to see him. Soon.â
âI will.â She stood, crossed to him, and leaned down to kiss him goodbyeâslow, lingering, full of promise.
âIâll call you later,â she whispered against his lips.
He caught her wrist gently before she could pull away. âI love you, Summer.â
Her heart squeezed. âI love you too.â
She left the room on unsteady legs, the taste of him still on her tongue.
The drive home was quiet. She stopped at the grocery store for ingredientsâchicken, potatoes, green beans, the things Adam lovedâand by the time she pulled into the driveway, the late-afternoon sun was turning everything gold.
The house was empty. Adam and Jenny must still be out. Summer exhaled in relief; she needed the quiet to pull herself together.
She moved through the kitchen on autopilot, humming softly under her breath as she seasoned the chicken, chopped potatoes, set water to boil. For the first time in yearsâmaybe everâshe felt light. Happy. Like pieces of her soul that had been missing were finally back in place.
She was smiling to herself, lost in the daydream of Benâs arms, his mouth, the way heâd looked at her like she was the only thing in the world, when strong arms suddenly wrapped around her waist from behind.
She froze.
Then she whipped aroundâand came face-to-face with John.
Her scream lodged in her throat as his hand clamped over her mouth.
âGet away from me!â she choked out when he pulled back just enough for her to speak.
Johnâs blue eyes were dark, unreadable. He leaned in close, lips brushing her ear.
âYouâre going to regret spreading your legs for him,â he whispered.
Then he was goneâout the back door in a blur of motion, leaving Summer shaking, chest heaving, tears burning her eyes. How did he know she had been with Ben? Was he spying on her? A chill ran up her spine.Â
âMom?!â
Adamâs voice snapped her back. He burst into the kitchen, Jenny right behind him, both of them wide-eyed.
Adam ran to her, hands on her shoulders. âWhat happened? Are you okay?â
Summer tried to speak, but her voice cracked. âJohnâŚâ
Jennyâs hand flew to her mouth.
âHe⌠he was here,â Summer managed, voice trembling. âHe grabbed me. He threatened me.â
Adamâs eyes went dark, dangerous. âIâm done with his shit.â
Summer reached for him, desperate. âNo, Adam, pleaseââ
He looked at her, jaw set. âMom, he needs to be dealt with.â
Summer wiped her face, trying to steady herself. âI know, baby. I know.â
She took a deep breath. âYour father⌠he wants to come to dinner tonight.â
Adamâs eyes lifted to hers, surprise cutting through the anger. âHe does?â
Summer stepped closer, touching his arm. âYes. I told him I had to talk to you first. So⌠what do you say?â
Adamâs lips twitchedâalmost a smile, small and uncertain, but there. He nodded once.
âOkay,â he said quietly. âGreat.â
Summer exhaled, relief flooding her. âIâll call the hotel. Iâll go pick him up in about an hour.â
Adam stopped her with a hand on her arm. âMom⌠what about John?â
She gave him a soft, tired smile. âHoney, you let me deal with John. Now go get ready.â
Adam hesitated, then pulled her into a quick, fierce hug. Jenny followed, squeezing Summer tight. Then they disappeared down the hall to change.
Summer stood alone in the kitchen for a moment, letting out a long, shaky breath. She couldnât let Adam see how badly the encounter with John had scared herâhow her hands were still trembling, how her heart hadnât stopped racing.
She walked to the landline on the wall, fingers shaking as she dialed the hotel.
âVought Embassy, room 1432, please.â
It rang twice.
âHello?â Benâs voice, rough and warm.
Summer smiled despite everything. âBen⌠hi. I talked to Adam. Heâs okay with you coming to dinner. Iâll come get you in about an hour.â
There was a pause, then the softest exhale, like relief made audible.
âI canât wait, baby,â he said. âI love you.â
Summerâs heart swelled so much it hurt. âI love you too, baby.â
The last two words hung between them, quiet and perfect, and for a momentâjust a momentâeverything felt right.
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You and Russell are in a toxic relationship. You are trying to make it work, but after a fight changes everything, you find yourself caught between the man you love and his brother
Pairing: Russell Shaw x fem reader x Colter Shaw
Warnings: language
Word Count: 2760
Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional and only for entertainment purposes
The next day you wake up alone in a hotel room you got at the last minute. The sun is shining deceivingly bright. You groan and cover your face with the pillow. Your phone starts buzzing. You groan again looking at it. Russellâs name flashes across the screen. He hadnât stopped calling since last night. He had left a dozen voicemails. You hadnât listened to any of them. He had texted you multiple times as well. You ignore the call and groan again, pulling yourself upright in bed. Your phone starts buzzing again. You are ready to scream when you notice Colterâs name on the screen. You answer it. âHelloâ Colterâs voice comes through. âY/n, hey sorry to wake you. Just wanted to know if Russell and you wanted to get some breakfast? I already called Reenie and she is coming too.â Your chest tightens at the mention of Russellâs name. âUhâŚya Colter Iâll join you, but ummmâ Colter sighs âWhat is it?â You draw in a deep breath âI broke up with Russell last nightâ You could hear a pin drop. The dead air on the other line makes you wonder if Colter is still on the phone. âColter, you thereâ you ask. Colter clears his throat âYeah Iâm here. Iâm so sorry y/n. How are you?â You let out a breath âIâm okâ
The diner was cold. You walked in and instantly were hit with the aroma of bacon and eggs. You saw Colter and Reenie. You made your way towards them. Reenie stood up and gave you a huge hug. âAre you ok honey? Colter told meâ You nod and just smile. You sit down in the booth. Colter looks at you with those sympathetic eyes. âIâm ok guys really, it was a long time coming.â Colter sighs and looks at the menu. The waitress comes over and takes your order.Â
After you are all finished eating you look at Colter. âCan I get a ride back to town with youâ Colter nods âOf course you canâÂ
The ride back is quiet. Reenie offered you the front and you had declined, you just wanted to curl up and go to sleep. You caught Colter stealing a few glances of you from the review mirror. Colter pulled up to Reenieâs apartment. He climbed out. You could hear their muffled voices. You sit up and open your door, climbing out. You hug Reenie and say goodbye. You both watch as she goes inside. Colter looks over at you. âSo where you want me to take you?â You shift your weight and lean on the truck. âCan I go to your place?â Colter leans against the truck as well. âOf course you canâ You smile at him. âThank youâ He wraps an arm gently around your neck. âCome on lets goâÂ
You arrive at Colterâs. You walk into the familiar surroundings. You put your bag down and sit on the couch. He sits down next to you, close enough you can feel the heat of him. He looks over at you. âSo you wanna tell me what happened?â Your heart pounds as you turn towards him âI was just done with all of it. It was too much. The cheating and lying. I couldn't take it anymore. I told Russell it was over. Heâs been trying to contact me.â Colter takes in a deep breath. â Iâm so sorry y/n, you deserve so much better.â He puts his arm around you and brings you closer to him. You allow him to embrace you and break down in his arms. Your shoulders shake as you sob. Colter rubs your back as you cry. Trying to comfort you. âShhhh, itâs gonna be alrightâ He whispers in your ear. You look up into his eyes. He takes his thumbs and wipes your tears away. You smile and pull back away from the hug slowly. âUgh Iâm such a messâ Colter lets out a small chuckle. âThatâs ok I like messesâ Your breath hitches and you stare at him. Colter shifts nervously on the couch. â I just meanâŚI..â He stumbles over his words. You laugh. âColter your so sillyâÂ
Two hours laterâŚ
He looks over at you asleep on his shoulder. His heart is so full. He knew your heart still belonged to Russell, even though that jerk didnât deserve you. It killed him every time you showed up at his doorstep because of his brother's mistakes, Russell had hurt you more times than he could count and every time made him want to punch his brother in the face. So when he saw your black eye he had lost it in that hotel room and did what he had been wanting to do for months. He leaned back just slightly. His arm was falling asleep, but he would never move. He just sat there and watched you sleeping peacefully on his shoulder. He had loved you for years. Even before you had gotten involved with Russell. It had broken his heart, but you had been so happy he couldnât be upset. He had just been happy you were happy. Then you werenât. You shifted in your sleep and moved off his should to his lap. He put his hand on your shoulder. Just watching you sleep. He didnât want to disturb you. He eventually dozed off as well.Â
You wake up, blinking the sleep out of your eyes. It took you a few seconds to remember where you were. You sat up causing Colter to wake up. âHey sleepyhead,â he says, scratching his head. You smile at him âSorry I didnât mean to fall asleep on youâ Colter smiles. âNo problem, so what do you wanna do today?â You look at Colter. âI should probably go to my houseâŚI mean Russellâs and get my stuffâ Colter sighs running his hand down his face. âAlright, give me a minute and Iâll take youâ You put a hand on Colterâs arm. âNo, I should probably go by myselfâ Colter looks at you. âI donât think that's a good ideaâ You smile at him reassuringly. âI will be ok, Colterâ He reluctantly agrees and you grab your bag and head to Russellâs.Â
Your ride pulls up to the curb and you see Russellâs truck in the drive. Your heart pounds at the thought of having to see him again. You walk up to the door and knock. The door opens and there he is. Russell Shaw in nothing but a pair of sweat pants. He looks at you like you are something he canât touch. âHi, Russell I came to get my stuffâ Russellâs shoulders slump. âOh, yeah sureâ he steps aside so you can walk through the doorway. You walk towards the stairs when Russell reaches out and grabs your wrist, not rough but firm âPlease y/n can we talk?â You pull away, â There is nothing left to talk aboutâ you turn and walk up the stairs. Russell follows you. You go to the closet and pull out your suitcase and toss it on to the bed. You walk over to the closet and take your clothes out and toss them onto the bed. Carefully you start removing the hangers and putting the clothes in the suitcase. âCome on baby, please just listen. You donât have to say anythingâ Russell pleads. You donât answer and just keep putting the clothes into the suitcase. âI am so sorry. I was an ass. I had no right to accuse you of sleeping with Colter. Iâm the one who messed up. I know I can never make that up to you, but please if you give me another chance I will make it my lifes mission to. I will make sure you know just how much I love youâ You are still quiet. You donât say anything. You continue to fold the clothes and put them into the suitcase. âCome on baby, please Iâm trying here you have to meet me half wayâ You stop your eyes darting to him. âRussell, I did meet you halfway, I did give you chance after chance. You broke them, every chance you promised me you would change you promised me you would stay away from Sara. Iâm tired of all the broken promises.â Russell walks over taking your hands. âY/n I am so sorry I will never break another promise to you. Please just give me another chanceâ You look at the floor, your heart breaking. âRussellâŚâ he lifts your chin to meet his eyes. âI love you y/nâ You look away down at the pile of clothes and notice something. A hoodie. Not yours. You pull away. You grab the hoodie. You read the logo on it. Red Saloon Inn. Saraâs bar. Saraâs hoodie. âRussell, why is this in the closet?â Russell looks at you. âBecause it is yoursâ You feel the anger rising inside of you. âNo, Russell, this is not mine!â you throw it at him. He catches it. âY/n! What the hell!â You canât contain your anger anymore. âRussell, I am going to ask you this one time and one time only. Did you sleep with Sara when I left?â Russell eyes grow wide. âWhat?â You give him a look and he knows this is done. He gives you a defeated look.
âIâm sorry y/n I thought if I told you, you would never come backâ Tears run down your face. âYou had her in our bed?! How could you do that to me? To us? Russell it's over. I am done.â He grabs your arms in a desperate attempt to get you to stay. âNo baby, don't say that. You donât mean itâ He pleads with you frantically. You rip away from him. âNo, Russell!â you shout. â Stop! It's over, I'm done.â You turn and walked to the door, when Russell grabs you harder than he ever has before. You try to get away, but itâs no use, he has a vice grip hold on your arm. âOw! Russell let go!. You are hurting me.â Your eyes meet Russellâs and there is nothing in them. His eyes are dark, hollow, and unfeeling. A chill runs up your spin. âRussell pleaseâ you beg, but he isnât listening anymore. He calmly uses his other hand to close the door and lock it. Finally he speaks and you wish he hadnât âIf I canât have no one canâ Fear rises inside of you. âRussell, please let me go. What are you doing?â He finally lets go of your arm. Roughly sitting you onto the bed. âI just want to talk, this isnât overâ You rub your arm which already has bruises forming. Tears fall down your cheeks. âRussell, there is nothing to talk about-â Something loud crashing to the ground stops you. You look over and see the lamp broken on the ground. You let out a small yelp. âStop saying that!â He shouts. âThis isnât over!â You feel your phone buzz in your pocket. He hears it. âDonât answer thatâ you look at the screen. Itâs Colter. You don't answer it, but slide to send an automatic s.o.s message. âPut it down!â Russell demands. You put the phone on the nightstand. âOkâ your voice shaky. âNow let's talk,â he says. You swallow hard, your throat dry. Russell starts. âLook, baby I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I have a problem. I know it, but I swear to you right here and now. I have not been with Sara since the night you came home.â You let out a shaky breath. âNo Russell, nothing you say will make this right. You cheated on me more times than I can count, you have hurt me, betrayed me, and broke me too many times.â Russellâs rage rises again and he punches a hole in the wall. Plaster dust clouding the room. You let out a scream and run for the door. He runs toward you, grabbing you by your waist and throws you back on the bed. You scramble to get away, but he grabs ahold of your arms pinning you to the bed. âRussell!â you scream. âPlease let go, get off of me!â Before Russell can say anything, a loud crash echoes through the room as the door gets busted off the hinges. Colter stands there. âGet the fuck away from her!â He growls. He lunges, grabbing Russell and throwing him to the ground. âY/n are you ok?â Colter asks you. You nod. Colter walks over to you and helps you off the bed. Russell groans on the floor. âThank you Colterâ you say, wiping your face, trying to calm your nerves. You look down at Russell lying on the floor. You canât believe that the man you loved could do that. Colter walks over and embraces you.
â-----------------
One year laterâŚ
You sat at the bar counter in your new apartment sipping your morning coffee. Colter say next to you. It had been a year since that day with Russell. He has been arrested, but you didnât want him punished, so against Colterâs wishes you didnât press charges and only asked Russell for one thing. To leave town and not to come back. To your surprise he agreed. He had been really remorseful for what he had done to you. You knew he would never forgive himself and that torture was enough for you. He had left that week and you hadnât seen him since. Colter and you had stayed friends. You still helped him on cases. You still felt something for him, but never told him. One night a few months back after a few drinks you ended up spilling the beans to Reenie. The next day you had sworn her to secrecy. She promised not to say anything. You had been grateful, now you sat in your new apartment finishing your coffee and sitting next to Colter. He had come over cause he needed your help on a new case. A man had disappeared while hiking. He knew you knew a lot about the area and where some hidden trails might be. âY/n?â Colter pulled you from your thoughts. âUhâŚsorry, yeah that would be a good place to startâ You tell him. He smiles at you. âAlright, well let's get goingâ You grab your bag and hop off the stool following him to the door.
Two hours later you stand in the parking lot of the park. Colter had made his save, the man had fallen down a ravine. Colter and you worked together to get him out and called emergency services. You watched as the man was loaded into the ambulance. âThat was really great,â you tell Colter. He smiles at you. âCouldnât have done it without youâ You start walking and pain shoots through your ankle. You had twisted it in the Ravine, but with all the adrenaline you hadnât really felt the pain. You lose your balance and start to fall. Colter catches you. Looking into your eyes. âThanksâ you say breathlessly staring back into his eyes. âYeah no problem,â he says , helping you back up. âGuess I twisted itâ you say not looking away. âYou should really have that looked atâ Colter helps you to his truck. You shake your head. âIâll be fine.â He laughs and shakes his head. âYou are so stubbornâ You smirk. âJust something you love about meâ the words were meant as a joke, but both of you felt it, the sudden shift in the air. Suddenly the air felt really warm and thick. âI just meant-â Colter puts a finger to your lips, silencing you. âYouâre right,â he whispers, smiling at you. Suddenly you felt all of your resolve wash away. You feel yourself leaning in towards Colter, who is leaning in towards you as well. Before you know it, your lips crash into his. The kiss is soft and small. Like he is testing the waters. Then slowly he parts his lips teasing his tongue to your lips. You part of your lips allowing him access. His tongue slips into your mouth and your tongue into his. You continue the kiss until one of you comes up for air. When you finally part breathless. âYou have no idea how long I have wanted to do that.â Colter says. You smile looking into his eyes. âWhat took you so long?â You smirked.Â
You both laugh as Colter pulls you into a tight embrace.Â
Reenie Green has been in love with Colter Shaw for ages, so when he enlists her help to find his brother Russell who's gone missing, she jumps at the chance.
Pairing: Colter Shaw x Reenie Greene x Russell Shaw
Warnings: Language
Word Count: 1973
Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional and only for entertainment purposes
Russell and Reenie sat at the counter of the local bar, both on their third drink. They had just closed a case and were celebrating. Colter had left already. Which left Reenie and Russell alone. Reenie held her drink in her hand looking at some placemat in front of her. Russell was going on about some conspiracy theory. Reenie was listening, but her mind drifted to Colter. She was lost in thought when she felt Russell's hand on her thigh. Her eyes came into focus just as he tucked hair behind her ear. âSo what do you say?â His hand slides further up her thigh. She grabs his hand, stopping him. âRuss, waitâ He looks at her confused. âWhat? Why?â She moves back, putting more distance between them. âRussell, I can't do this anymore. I'm not sleeping with you again.â She moves his hand off her thigh gently. He leans back downing his drink, slamming the glass on the counter harder than he intended. âYeah, and why not?â He snaps. She looks at him. âWhat do you think I'm going to just hop into bed with you everytime?â Russell rolls his eyes and huffs âYou have so farâ The jab is sharp and painful and he knows it. âShit, Reenie Im sorryâ He reaches for her and she pulls away. âNo, you know what this was a mistakeâ She grabs her bag off of the counter and hops off the stool. Russell turns quickly. âReenie come on donât be like that Iâm sorryâ she ignores him and keeps on walking to the exit. The cold night air bites at her face when she steps outside. It feels good on her flushed cheeks. She draws in a deep breath. She knows she probably only has minutes before Russell follows her. She takes another step forward pulling her phone out and calling a ride. She hears the door open behind her. She turns around. Russell is standing there. âPlease Reenie, I'm sorryâ He begs. Reenie walks towards him. âYou have til my ride gets here.â He nods understandingly. âReenie, I was a jerk.â He starts. Reenie raises both eyebrows in acknowledgement. He continues. âI just⌠I thought we had something.â Reenie's shoulders sink. âRussell, I'm sorry. I never meant to lead you on.â Russell steps a little closer. âReenieâŚâ Reenie looks up into his eyes. âI'm sorry Russell. I don't want to hurt or upset youâ Russell reaches up and holds her face in his hands. âIt's ok Reenie, just tell meâ He looks at her with pleading eyes. âI Love Colterâ she confesses, shattering Russell's heart. His hands fall from her face and he steps back. âOh, I see so what was I? Just a placeholder?â Russell's voice cracks. Reenie takes a step forward reaching for him. He pulls back. âRussell, noâŚyesâŚshit pleaseâ Russell just turns and walks away as her ride arrives. âYour ride is hereâ He mutters walking back into the bar. Reenie wants to run in after him, fix it, but what would she say? She'd already said enough. She let out a breath, turned on her heel and walked to her ride.Â
â
Its been 2 months since that night at the bar with Russell. Reenie hasn't heard from him. Colter told her he was in Texas working on some secret op. She had smiled. Colter, oblivious to everything, had just smiled back. Now she was sitting in her office working on the final preparations for a case she was working on. Her phone buzzes on the table. She looks down and sees Colter's name flash across the screen. She picks it up and answers it. âHello?â Colter's voice sounds frantic on the other end. âReenie? Hey, have you heard from Russell?â Colter's voice is full of concern. âNo Colter I haven't why? What's going on?â Colter draws in a deep breath. âIt's Russell. He's gone off the grid. No one's heard from him in a week.â Reenie's heart leaps into her throat. âWell doesn't he do that often. I'm sure he's fine.â Reenie can hear Colter on the phone breathing nervously. âNot like this. Something isn't right Reenie. I need to go find him. Can you come with me to help? Please?â Colter pleads with her. Reenie can't help but agree. She hangs up and heads home to pack. About an hour later Colter's truck pulls up to her house. She grabs her suitcase and heads for the door. Colter sees her and smiles. He hops out of the truck grabbing the suitcase from her. âThank youâ she climbed into his truck. He climbed into the driver's side and started the engine. âSo where we going?â Reenie asked. Colter looks at her. âTexas, that's the last place anyone saw him. He was working that case I told you about. The high stakes one. He was last seen leaving the hotel around 10:30am last Monday morning. Reenie lets out a huff. âWhat took them so long to say something?â Colter shifts in his seat, tightening his hands on the steering wheel. â They didn't, I just know my brother and he wouldn't go this long with no contact, not after everything with our dad andâŚâ He trails off. Reenie puts a hand on his shoulder. âIts ok Colter, we'll find him. Do you think this has anything to do with your dad's case?â Colter shakes his head. âNo, the last thing Russ told me was that he was investigating a human trafficking ringâ Reenie's breath catches in her throat. âHuman trafficking?â Colter nods âYeah, it wasn't official or anything, but an old army buddy of his asked him to help because his daughter had gone missing. So Russell did what he does best and inserted himself into their circle.â Reenie's hand tightens on the door handle. She is so worried. She tries to hide how much. She doesn't want Colter to notice. Even though she loves Colter, she does care about Russell and it would break her heart if something happened to him.Â
They pulled into the hotel that Russell was last seen at. Colter turned off the engine. âI'll go talk to the clerk and see if they know anything.â Reenie nods. Colter shuts the door and heads inside. Sitting in the deafening silence Reenie's mind can't help but wander to the last time she saw Russell. The look on his face. He was so hurt. She hadn't meant to hurt him. She was just trying to be honest. A small tear dripped down her cheek and she wiped it away. If she could go back, she would go back to that first time with Russell and stop it then. She would make sure he knew she was in love with Colter. That there was no chance for them. Why had she gone that far? She loved Colter, but she still went to Russellâs bed. Why? A loud tapping on her window makes her jump out of her skin. She turns to look and sees Colter standing there with a small smile. She opens the door. âYou scared the shit out of meâ she climbs out of the truck. âSorry, what has you so lost in thought?â Colter asked her, helping her out of the truck. âNothing, so what did you find out?â Colter sighs knowing she isnât telling the truth, but doesnât push. âNo new information, but they did give me his room key, so maybe we can look for clues that wayâ Colter holds up the keycard. The two of them make their way to the room. Once inside itâs no question on whether or not this was Russellâs room. Reenie could smell his cologne, something woodsy with a hint of orange. Take out bags and beer bottles are everywhere, Russellâs bag is still on the bed like he expected to be back. âReenie look at thisâ Colter's voice pulls Reenie from her thoughts. She makes her way over to him to see what he found. Colter holds out a layout of what looks like the area where the girls are being held. He moves it and there is another paper that has a picture of a girl. She looks like she is 15. âThis must be the daughter of his army buddyâ Reenie looks through the other papers on the table. âColter I think he found herâ Colter grabs what Reenie has in her hand. Itâs a piece of paper that has Russellâs handwriting. âFound her, now need to get her outâ Colter sighs âThis isnât goodâ Reenie confused âWhy?â Colter looks into her eyes âBecause if Russell found her, knowing him he didnât just stop there. He probably tried to get all of them out and blew his coverâ Reenieâs heart pounds in her chest so hard she can barely breathe. âColterâ her voice shaky âDo you think Russellâs dead?â Her voice cracks on the word dead. Colter looks at her his eyes telling her more than his voice. âI donât knowâ He finally says in a shaky voice. âBut I am going to do everything I can to find my brotherâ He sits on the bed his head in his hands. Reenie sits next to him, not to close but close enough to feel the heat from his body. She put her hand on his shoulder. He looks up at her and pulls her into a hug. Shocked at first, because Colter doesnât show affection like that usually, she eventually melts into the hug letting her arms wrap around his shoulders. After a few minutes Colter lets go. âIâm sorryâ Reenie shakes her head. âDonât apoloizeâ Colter smiles at her. âIâm going to go get the airstream set up somewhere for the night.â Reenie smirks âAlright, Iâll get a roomâ Colter shakes his head. âWhy donât you just stay in the airstream? Or you could stay here in Russâs room itâs paid for until the end of the month.â Reenie feels her chest tighten. Staying in the airstream that close to Colter, one bed or sleeping in Russellâs bedâŚagain but without him. Alone. âAlright, Iâll stay in the airstream with you. Is there a couch?â Colter nods âYes, so you take the bed. Reenie shakes her head. âI couldnât do that. Iâll take the couch.â Colter wonât hear another word. âNope, donât want to hear it, I will take the couchâ Reenie smiles âThank you.â Â
Later that night after finding a place for the Airstream Colter and Reenie are sitting at the little table eating dinner that Colter had made. Afterward, Reenie offers to clean up. âHere let me take that?â Colter hands her his plate. She grabs a few other dishes and starts washing them. Colter helps dry. âYou didn't have to do thatâ Colter smiles. âI know, but I wanted to helpâ Reenie grabs two mugs from the cupboard while Colter grabs a bottle of wine. âThank you Reenieâ Reenie's heart pounds in her chest at the compliment. âReally Colter it was no problem.â Colter looks at her, taking her hands in his. His voice comes out serious. âNo, not for cleaning. Thank you for coming with me. I really appreciate it. Especially since I know how you feel about Russellâ Reenie's breath catches in her throat. Colter continues âI know how much he annoys youâ He laughs. Reenie forces a smile and let's a breath she didn't know she was holding. âRight, the man is infuriating,â she says, trying to keep her voice from shaking. Colter laughs again. âYeah, he sure can be that's for sureâ The two of them laughed together. Reenie gets up first. âWell I guess I should be going to bed. We have a lot to figure out tomorrow.â Colter looks at her. âYeah you're probably right. Goodnight Reenie ""Goodnight Colterâ she smiles and heads towards the bedroom.Â
Summer Anderson didn't know what she was in for when she met the famous Soldier Boy. Her heart got more than it bargained for.
Pairing: Soldier Boy/Ben x OC Summer Anderson
Warnings: language, slight smut, slight abuse, mentions of sa
Word Count: 3945
Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional and only for entertainment purposes
Summer rushed to her car in the hotel parking garage, heels clicking too loud on the concrete, the keycard still burning in her pocket like evidence. She yanked the door open, climbed inside, slammed it shut, and finally let go.The tears came in a flood, hot and unstoppable, her body shaking with great, wrenching sobs that echoed in the confined space. She gripped the steering wheel until her knuckles went white, forehead pressed to it, blonde hair falling like a curtain around her face.Torn.
Absolutely torn in two.John: the man she was supposed to love, the man who had held her together for months, who had become family, who looked at her like she was his whole world.And Ben: her true love, the one sheâd mourned for sixteen years, the one whose absence had carved a hole in her soul nothing had ever filled. The one whose arms still felt like home, whose kiss still tasted like every promise theyâd ever made.She loved them both.
And it was killing her.After long minutes the storm passed, leaving her hollow and exhausted. She wiped her face with trembling hands, fixed her makeup as best she could in the rearview mirror, and started the car.She stopped at the 24-hour market on the way home, picking up the chocolate fudge brownie ice cream Adam had asked for and a couple of other things to make the lie look real. By the time she pulled into the driveway, she had almost convinced herself she looked normal.Almost.She could still feel Benâs mouth on hers.
His rough hands sliding up her back.
The way heâd groaned her name like a prayer.She shoved the thoughts down deep, grabbed the grocery bags, and walked inside.Adam bounded into the kitchen like an excited puppy, snatching the ice cream tub and two spoons. âThanks, Mom! Youâre the best!ââKeep that door open, young man!â she called after him as he disappeared down the hall with Jenny giggling behind him.John was on the couch, remote in hand, staring at the TV without really watching. He didnât look up when she came in.Summer put the groceries away slowly, every clink of a jar too loud in the quiet house. Finally she walked into the living room.âHey, baby,â she said softly, trying for normal.Johnâs eyes flicked to her, flat and cold. âHi. Did you get your work done?âThe emphasis on âworkâ made her flinch. Guilt slammed into her like a wave.âWhatâs wrong?â she asked, stepping closer.He clicked the TV off. âNothing. Iâm gonna head to bed.â He stood, brushing past her without touching.âJohn, hey, waitâwhatâs going on?âHe stopped in the hallway, shoulders rigid. When he turned, the hurt and anger in his blue eyes stole her breath.âWhere were you tonight, Summer?âHer throat closed. She couldnât answer right away.âI told you,â she said finally, voice small. âI was at the office.ââRight.â His laugh was bitter. âGoodnight, Summer.âThe words burst out of her before she could stop them. âI was with Ben.âJohn froze, back to her, every muscle locked.
He turned slowly. âYou what?âTears filled her eyes instantly. âI went to see Ben. I needed to talk to him.ââTalk.â The word dripped acid. Summerâs gaze dropped to the floor, guilt written all over her face. âYes. I went to talk to him. Nothing happened, John.âHis eyes narrowed to slits. âYou expect me to believe you went to a hotel room alone with Ben and nothing happened?â âWe kissed,â she whispered, tears spilling over. The sound that followed was deafening, a sharp, explosive CRACK as Johnâs fist punched straight through the drywall, plaster dust exploding into the air. Summer shrieked, hands flying to her mouth. Footsteps thundered down the hall. Adam and Jenny appeared in the doorway, wide-eyed.âWhat the hell was that?â Adam demanded, looking from the hole in the wall to Johnâs bleeding knuckles. Johnâs gaze cut to Summer, then to Adam, cold and hard. âAsk your mother,â he said quietly, voice lethal. Then he walked out the front door and slammed it so hard the windows rattled. Summer stood frozen, tears streaming down her face, the house suddenly silent except for the distant sound of Johnâs car roaring away into the night.
Summer collapsed onto the couch, face buried in her hands, shoulders shaking with silent, wrenching sobs. The living room felt too big and too small at the same time, the remnants of their happy evening mocking her now. Adam was at her side in an instant, dropping to his knees in front of her. âMom, are you okay?â His voice was tight with worry, big hands hovering like he wanted to touch her but wasnât sure where it was safe. Jenny appeared on her other side, sinking down beside her, one gentle hand on Summerâs back. âWhat happened, Mrs. Anderson?â Summer couldnât speak. The words were lodged behind a wall of tears and shame and terror. She just shook her head, pressing her palms harder against her eyes like she could block it all out. Adam and Jenny exchanged a look over her bowed head. Adamâs jaw clenched; whatever had happened, the next time he saw John it was not going to be pretty.
Finally Summer straightened, dragging in a ragged breath, wiping her face with trembling fingers. She looked at Adam, trying to find her voice.âIâm okay, honey,â she managed, though her voice shook violently. âIâm okay.â she repeated. âMom, what happened?â Adam asked again, concern etched deep in his green eyes. Summer swallowed hard. âHoney⌠There's some stuff going on. Some really big stuff thatâs happened. But I canât get into it just yet. I promise you I will explain everything, but I need to speak to John first.â Adamâs brow furrowed. âMom, is that a good idea? The guy just put a hole in our wall. Heâs not exactly stable right now. He could hurt you.âSummer shook her head, forcing a watery smile. âNo, honey. He would never hurt me.â She stood on unsteady legs, grabbed her keys from the hook by the door, and headed out into the night before either of them could stop her.
Summer drove on autopilot. She knew exactly where John would go. Vought Tower. The familiar route to Vought Tower was muscle memory even after all these years. She hadnât set foot inside the building since theyâd finally released her, but she knew exactly where John would go when he was spiraling, the old lab where heâd been raised, tortured, molded into Homelander. The place that had been his entire world as a child. His only constant. Summer pulled into the underground garage, the towering glass building looming above her like a bad memory. She hadnât set foot inside since theyâd finally released her all those years ago. Her chest tightened just looking at it. She climbed out, drew in a deep breath, and swiped her badge.The door buzzed open.The smell hit her first: antiseptic, ozone, cold metal. Exactly the same. She walked to the elevators on legs that felt like water, pressed the button for the sub-level labs, and stepped inside.The doors closed.Her reflection stared back at her in the polished metal walls: blonde hair messy, hazel eyes red and swollen, face pale. She looked like a ghost returning to the place sheâd died. Memories assaulted her.
Being dragged down this same hallway by Carter. The cold cell with no windows, Carterâs handsâHer chest seized. She couldnât breathe. The elevator felt like it was shrinking. Black spots danced at the edges of her vision. The doors dinged open. She stumbled out into the corridor, bracing a hand against the wall until the panic ebbed. She walked past the old play area, the first place she had met John. The place she first got to see Adam again.
She pushed open the final door to the main laboratory.John stood in the center of the room, back to her, perfectly still beneath the harsh white lights. Machines hummed quietly around him. The place looked exactly the same, cold steel tables, monitors, restraints that had once held him. âJohn?â she called softly.He didnât move. Didnât speak.âJohn, please talk to me,â she pleaded, stepping closer.Finally he turned.His eyes were dark, empty in a way that chilled her to the bone.âWhy are you here?â he asked, voice flat and cold.She took another step. âBecause we need to talk.âHe scoffed, turning away again. âTalk. Now you want to talk. After you kissed him.âSummerâs shoulders slumped, shame flooding her. âIs that all that happened?â His voice had softened, just barely, threaded with desperate hope. Summerâs hand went to her chest, fingers closing around the emerald pendant John had given her for Christmas. She clutched it like an anchor. He read the answer on her face before she spoke. âJust tell me, Summer,â he said quietly. âDid you fuck him?â Her eyes darted to his. She opened her mouth. âAnswer me.â He yelled. She crumpled, sinking to her knees on the cold lab floor. âNo,John, but, Iâm soââThe truth slipped out before she could stop it.
âBut what? Out with it!â John yelled, his eyes widening. Summer flinched. âIf Adam hadnât called⌠I probably would have.â A sound escaped Johnâs throat, half growl, half wounded animal. Then, he was on her in a heartbeat, hand wrapping around her throat, lifting her clear off the ground. His grip was iron.âI love you, Summer,â he said through clenched teeth, eyes wild. âWhy would you do that to me?âShe clawed at his hand, gasping, vision spotting. She couldnât speak, couldnât breathe, terror flashing white-hot as memories of Ben flooded back.âPleaseââ she managed to rasp. Something in her voice, the raw fear snapped him out of it. Horror flooded his face. He released her instantly. Summer dropped to her knees, gasping, coughing, one hand at her bruised throat. âOh my God, Summerââ John fell to his knees too, hands hovering, afraid to touch her. . âI didnâtâI lost itâIâm sorryâââGet away from me!â she screamed, voice hoarse, scrambling backward on the floor until her back hit a cabinet. Johnâs face shattered. âSummer, please, I didnât meanââ âHow could you?â she choked out, tears streaming. âYou know what Iâve been through. You knowââ The words broke him. He curled forward, forehead pressed to the cold floor, shoulders shaking with silent, wrenching sobs. âIâm so sorry. I canât lose you. I need you. Iâm nothing without you.â John sobbed. Summer stared at him for a long moment, chest heaving, throat burning. After a few moments she finally stood up. She walked over and leaned her back against the cold concrete column in the center of the lab, a few feet of sterile floor separating her from John, who remained on his knees, head bowed, shoulders shaking.
The harsh overhead lights buzzed faintly, casting long shadows that made the room feel even colder, more clinical. Her hand drifted to her throat, fingers brushing the tender skin where his grip had been moments ago. She could still feel the burn, the pressure, the terrifying moment when air had refused to come. The fear. It crashed over her in waves, dragging up memories sheâd buried deep. Benâs hand around her throat the first time, the way the wall had cracked behind her head when he slammed her into it. The nights sheâd hidden bruises under turtlenecks, the excuses sheâd made, the love that had blinded her until the night heâd raped her so violently sheâd bled for days, until the doctor had whispered âtorn vaginal wallâ and something inside her had finally snapped. She shivered violently, arms wrapping around herself. She should have left the first time.
She hadnât, and sheâd almost died for it. John looked up at the sound of her ragged breathing. His face was wrecked, eyes swollen, cheeks streaked with tears, the mighty Homelander reduced to a broken man on the lab floor. âSummerâŚâ His voice was raw, barely audible. âIâm sorry. It wonât happen again. I swear on my life.â She lowered her eyes, unable to hold his gaze. âJohn, you hurt me,â she whispered, the words scraping out of her bruised throat. âThe one person I never thought would. You know my history. You know what Ben did. You know what CarterâŚâ She couldnât finish. The name alone lodged like glass in her throat. Johnâs head dropped again. âIâm not them,â he said, voice cracking.âI didnât think you were,â she answered, still keeping the distance between them, her back pressed hard against the column like it could hold her up. âUntil tonight.â Silence stretched, thick and suffocating. âIâm going to tell Adam his father is alive,â she said finally.
âAlone.â Johnâs head snapped up, desperation flooding his red-rimmed eyes. âSummer, we were going to tell him togetherââ âJohn,â she cut in, voice steady despite the tremor in her hands, âAdam is my son. Benâs son. Iâm the one whoâs been there every day of his life. I should be the one to tell him alone.â John pushed to his feet slowly, taking one hesitant step toward her. âWhat about me being Benâs son? Doesnât that count for anything?â She took an immediate step back, spine hitting the column again. âDonât,â she said sharply. âJust⌠stay back.â He froze, hands raised in surrender, fresh tears spilling over. âSummer, pleaseââ âI have to go.â She pushed off the column, legs shaky but moving. âDonât come to the house tonight. Stay in the hotel. Iâll talk to Adam, and then⌠weâll see.âShe turned and walked out without looking back, the lab door hissing shut behind her, leaving John alone under the cold lights, the weight of what heâd done crushing him to the floor once more.
Summer walked through the front door like a ghost, purse slipping from her numb fingers to the floor with a soft thud. The house was dim, only the glow from the living-room lamp spilling into the hallway. Adam was on the couch, Jennyâs head resting in his lap as they watched something quiet on TV. The second the door clicked shut, both of them flew upright.âMom?â Adam was across the room in two strides, green eyes wide with panic. âAre you okay?âJenny hovered just behind him, blonde hair tousled, worry etched across her young face.Summer managed a nod, but it felt mechanical. âIâm okay,â she whispered, voice hoarse and raw.Adamâs relief lasted half a second. His gaze dropped to her throat, and every ounce of color drained from his face.âWhat happened to your neck?âSummerâs hand flew instinctively to the darkening bruises blooming across her skin, fingers brushing the tender marks Johnâs grip had left. The touch sent a fresh wave of painâand memoryâthrough her.âAdam⌠come sit down,â she said softly, reaching for his arm.âI donât wanna sit down!â His voice cracked sharp, anger and fear warring in his eyes. âNot until you tell me what happened to your neck. Did John do that to you?âJenny let out a small, shocked gasp, hand flying to her mouth.Summer couldnât answer right away. Tears welled hot and fast, but she fought them back, trying to stay strong for her son. She guided him gently toward the living room anyway. âPlease, honey.âJenny placed a calming hand on Adamâs arm. He shook it off, but after a long, tortured moment he sank onto the couch, Jenny settling beside him, close but giving him space.Summer sat across from them on the coffee table, knees almost touching his.
She took both of Adamâs hands in hers, looked straight into his green eyesâso much like Benâsâand made the decision right then.âYes,â she said quietly. âJohn did this to my neck.âJennyâs gasp was louder this time. Adamâs entire body went rigid, fists clenching on his thighs, eyes blazing with pure fury.âIâll kill him,â he growled, voice low and shaking. âI told him. I told him if he ever hurt you Iâd break his face.âSummer squeezed his hands tighter, anchoring him. âThereâs more, baby. So much more. And you need to hear it all from me.âAdam searched her face, confusion mixing with the rage. âMore?âShe drew in a deep, trembling breath and started from the beginning.âBefore you were born, your fatherâBenâwasnât always the man I let you believe he was.â Her voice shook, but she forced herself on. âHe hurt me, Adam. A lot. Slaps at first. Then kicks. Punches. There were nights I thought heâd kill me.â Tears slipped down her cheeks, but she didnât wipe them away. âThe worst was the night he raped me so badly I ended up in the hospital. The doctor said my vaginal wall was torn. That was the night I finally left him.âAdamâs face crumpled, horror and betrayal warring in his eyes. Jenny reached for his hand; he let her take it, but he never looked away from his mother.âI stayed gone for a while,â Summer continued, voice breaking. âBut Ben⌠he worked on himself.
Really worked. Therapy, anger management, everything. He changed. I saw it. I believed it. We got back together, we got married, and then⌠you came along.â A ghost of a smile touched her lips. âYou were the best thing we ever did.âAdamâs grip on Jennyâs hand tightened until his knuckles went white.âThen, when you were barely one,â Summer went on, âBen disappeared on that mission. Everyone said he was dead. A couple weeks later Vought came for us. They stormed the penthouse. You were so little, but you fought them, baby. You threw two grown men across the room trying to protect me.â Her voice cracked completely. âThey took you anyway. Tested you. Hurt you. Kept me locked in a cell so I couldnât stop them.âSilent tears rolled down Adamâs cheeks now.âThatâs when I met John,â she whispered. âHe was just a little boy then, maybe seven or eight. They were doing terrible things to him too. We became each otherâs only comfort. He protected you however he could. You two were like brothers even then.âJennyâs eyes were wide, hand over her mouth.Summerâs voice dropped lower. âThere was a guard. Carter. For almost two years he⌠he raped me. Nearly every day. Until one day he was just⌠gone. Promoted, I heard later.âAdam made a broken sound, half-sob, half-rage.Summer reached out, cupping his wet cheek. âI earned little freedoms over the years by staying quiet, never telling the truth. I got to work for them, got to live with you, but Iâve never seen my parents in person since your first birthday party. I only get one phone call a week. Dad died a few years ago and I never got to say goodbye.âShe was openly crying now, but her gaze never left her sonâs.âJohnâs been part of our family for a long time. Heâs the only reason I survived some of those years.
Summer looked at Adam, whose face had gone pale beneath the lingering bruises, eyes glassy with shock and betrayal as the weight of everything sheâd just told him settled over him like a suffocating blanket. Jenny sat frozen beside him, one hand still resting on his knee, her own eyes wide and brimming with tears she was trying not to let fall.âAdam⌠thereâs something else,â Summer said softly, her voice barely holding together.Adamâs gaze snapped to her, glossy and searching. âWhat else could there possibly be?âSummerâs heart broke all over again. The words slipped out before she could stop them, gentle and devastating.âAdam⌠your father.âShe paused, just long enough for the silence to stretch unbearably.Adam and Jenny both stared at her, waiting, not daring to breathe.âHeâs alive,â Summer whispered. âVought had him this entire time.âThe room went deathly still.Jennyâs hand flew to her mouth. Adamâs eyes grew impossibly wide, emerald embers flaring with disbelief.âWhat,â he choked out, the single word scraping from his throat.Summer reached for his hands, gripping them tightly. âOh, honey, Iâm so sorry. I only found out yesterday.âAdamâs gaze turned sharp, almost accusing. âYou knew for a whole day? Is that what happened with John? Does he know?âSummer lowered her eyes, shame flooding her, then forced herself to meet his burning stare. She nodded once.âYes. I didnât go to the office last night.
I went to see your father. Heâs at a hotel. John questioned me about it, and I told him that your father and I kissed⌠and he didnât take it well.âAdamâs jaw clenched. âHe put his hands on you because you kissed Dad?âSummer shook her head, tears spilling freely now. âNo. He put his fist through the wall because I kissed your dad. He put his hands on me because I told him that tonight⌠things wouldâve gone further if you hadnât called me. Thatâs when he lost it. He wrapped his hand around my throat.âAdamâs entire body went rigid with fury. He lifted a trembling hand and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks, his touch impossibly tender despite the rage simmering in his eyes.âMom, you did nothing wrong,â he said fiercely. âNothing excuses him putting his hands on you.âSummer pulled him into a tight hug, burying her face in his shoulder. âI love you, Adam. My sweet, sweet boy.âJenny watched them, tears finally slipping down her cheeks, a small, heartbroken smile on her face at the love between mother and son.The front door suddenly slammed open with a force that rattled the windows.John stormed in, eyes wild, blood still dried on his knuckles from the wallâand from the nurse heâd accidentally lasered in his blind rage earlier.He looked at Summer, then at Adam, and a cold, bitter smirk twisted his mouth.âHey, little brother,â he spat.Summer shot to her feet. âYou son of a bitch.âAdamâs head snapped up. âWhat is he talking about, Mom?âJohnâs smirk widened as he stepped further into the room. âOh, your mom didnât tell you? Iâm Benâs son too.âAdamâs eyes widened in pure shock. He turned slowly to Summer. âMom?âSummer could only cry, tears streaming silently as she nodded.John took another step toward her.Adam was up in an instant, planting himself between them like a wall, shoulders squared, fists clenched.âGet away from her, John,â he said, voice low and deadly. âI saw what you did to her neck.âFor a split second, guilt flickered across Johnâs face.
Then it was gone, replaced by something colder. âDid she tell you your father did worse to her?â John asked quietly.âYes,â Adam answered without hesitation, eyes never leaving Johnâs. âShe told me everything. Except, apparently, that weâre actually brothers. But I know if you hadnât stormed in here like an asshole, she wouldâve told me. So why donât you get the fuck out before I make good on my promise to break your face.âThe room crackled with tension.John held Adamâs gaze for a long, charged moment. Then, without another word, he turned and walked out, the door slamming behind him hard enough to shake the walls. The three of themâSummer, Adam, and Jennyâstood in the sudden silence, all the truth finally laid bare between them, raw and bleeding and impossible to take back.
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Mark Meachum was sitting at his desk trying tirelessly to get her out of his head. He had opted to not go to the bar with everyone. Anything to avoid seeing her. He knew she would be there with the doctor. The one who had saved him. Julio. The heat rose in his body. Just the thought of them together made his blood boil. He thought after Todd that she would finally come to her senses. That she would run to his arms, but she didn't. She was grateful for the rescue, but made it clear there was still no future for them. He dropped the pen in his hand. He hadn't realized he'd been gripping it so tight. He leaned back in the chair and ran a hand through his hair, closing his eyes. When he opened them again there she was. Standing in front of him. He didn't believe what he was seeing at first. He closed his eyes and then opened them again. She was still there. âWhat are you doing here?â His voice came out smaller than he wanted. âI couldn't do it. I couldn't go into the new year without telling you how I felt.â His heart pounded in his chest. He stood up making his way over to her. âWhere's the doctor?â
He smirked. âMark, I'm sorry. I haven't been fair to you.â Mark scoffs â I could've told you thatâ Amber rolls her eyes. âYou are not making this very easyâ Mark's face softens. â Alright, alright, I'm sorryâ She looks at him. âDonât let this go to your headâŚâ A pause. âYou were right. I was choosing the safe option, but I was wrong. I want danger. I want the unknown. I wantâŚ.â Her eyes lifted to his. âYouâ Mark closes the distance between them. He wraps his arms around her waist pulling her close. âYou don't know how long I've waited for this. To hear you say those words.â Mark placed a hand on Amber's cheek. His thumb caressing it. Amber smiled. They both leaned in. Their lips finally crashing into each other. Mark deepened the kiss, slipping his tongue into her mouth. She returned it by meeting his tongue with hers. The kiss was full of all the passion. Fireworks started shooting off outside the window. They continued to kiss. When they finally broke apart they were both breathless. Foreheads pressed together. âHappy New Year Mark Meachumâ Amber rasped. âHappy New Year Amber Oliverasâ Mark breathed. âI love you.â Amber leaned back. Looking into his green eyes. For a second he thought he had made a mistake. Then she smiled. âI love you Mark so damn much!â They spent the rest of the night holding each other on the small couch in the task force office. Neither of them knew what the future held, but what they did know is that neither one of them wanted to be anywhere else!
You and Russell are in a toxic relationship. You are trying to make it work, but after a fight changes everything, you find yourself caught between the man you love and his brother
Pairing: Russell Shaw x fem reader x Colter Shaw
Warnings: language
Word Count: 2114
Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional and only for entertainment purposes
Russell and Colter broke apart at the sound of your voice. Dust particles floated in the golden beam of light that the sun was projecting through the window. Your annoyance flared in every muscle. You drew in a deep breath. âWhat is going on?â Your voice hoarse from the yelling. Colter pulled himself up dusting himself off, putting the back of his hand up to his split eyebrow. He winced slightly at the pain. âI'm sorry y/nâ Russell cringed in disgust. He placed his large hand on the dresser for leverage and pulled himself up off the floor. He ran his hand through his hair. âSuck upâ He muttered under his breath. Your eyes were sharp darting in his direction. âRussell, really grow up!â You snap. You turn on your heel and walk away before he can say anything else. Reenie follows you. You kept walking fast. When you finally reached the car you lost it. You leaned against the trunk. Sobbing. You felt Reenie's hand on your shoulder. You sat up wiping your face. You placed a hand on Reenie's. âI can't do this anymore, Reenie.â You confessed. âThe constant fighting, lying, cheatingâŚIâ the hurt was so much you couldn't finish. Reenie grabbed you, embracing you tightly. She hugged you so tightly like she was trying to take all the pain away with one hug. âOh honey, I'm so sorryâ she backed away just enough to wipe your tears. The sound of boots on gravel makes you look up. Your eyes lock on Russell. You could see the guilt tormenting him. âCan we talk?â You look at him, your eyes still puffy from crying and nod. Reenie opened her mouth to speak, but you stopped her. Just a slight shake of your head. Russell and you walk over to the corner of the building. âLook I'm sorryâ He starts.Â
âI know I've been an ass. I know I hurt you.â His voice cracks on the last part. You look into his eyes. Looking for some fraction of dishonesty. You didn't see any. This wasn't the same type of apology as the one in the kitchen. You could see that. This was different. He seemed honestly guilty for his actions. âIts ok. Im ok ... .we're okâ He breathed a sigh of relief. âI love you so damn much, the last thing I would want to do is hurt youâ Your eyes lowered to the ground. He hooked his finger under your chin and lifted your head until your eyes met his. âI love you tooâ You rasped as fresh tears fell. âYou know I didn't mean to hit you with the phone, right?â You nod as he wipes a tear away with his thumb. He wraps his arms around you. After a few more moments you walk back over to Reenie, Colter has joined her now. She is tending to his split eyebrow. Colter looks at you. You catch his glance then look away. Reenie stands up straight and clears her throat âAre we all good now? Can we get back to the case?â Colter raises an eyebrow looking towards Russell. âYeah, let's go talk to the clerk again and see if they remember anything.â He walks away towards the hotel office. All of you follow Colter. You walk inside. Colter walks up to the clerk. âWhen did she leave?â The clerk looks at Colter then the rest of you. âDidn't know she left. She must've skipped out on usâ He smirked. Russell lunges past Colter grabbing the clerk by his shirt collar. âListen you little fucker. Im not in the fucking mood. There is a missing woman, now how about you give us whatever information you have, before I break your face.â The clerk trembled âRight okâ Russell released him. He looked through the papers on the desk. âThis is everything I have on her, but Iâm serious I don't know where she isâ Russell grabs the papers. Colter looks at the clerk. âDid she have anybody with her?â The clerk shakes his head. âAlright, thank you.â The four of you all walk out.Â
The drive back to the hotel is quiet. Russell has one hand on the steering wheel and one holding your hand. He steals glances of you every now and then. âColter thinks we should get some rest tonight and regroup tomorrow morning.â Russell's voice comes out in a huff. You look over at him and smile. The two of you don't say anything the rest of the drive back.Â
The hotel smelled of mildew and mothballs. You set your bag on the bed. Russell followed after you. Tossing his bag on the table. âIm gonna hit the showerâ He muttered. He disappeared into the bathroom. You laid back on the bed, closing your eyes. The events of the day flashed through your memory. The fight with Colter and Russell. Â
Your break down with Reenie. Had you given in too fast? Had Russell fooled you like he always did? Colter had thought Russell hit you. He was concerned for you. He cared about you. Waitâwhy were sitting here thinking about Colter when you were with Russell? Sure Russell had been unfaithful, but things were different and he hadn't been with Sara for months. At least that's what Russell told you when you came home. You believed him. Right? You didn't have time to answer your own thoughts. Russell came out of the bathroom. The towel wrapped around his waist. The water dripped down his chest, the light making his body glisten. âWater pressure is greatâ He beamed as if the shower had renewed his energy. âGreatâ you smiled. You got up and headed for the shower. You turned the water on. The steam instantly fills the area. You step under the water and it let the water run down your body. You close your eyes. You mind drifts to Colter again. You imagine his arms around you. Holding you. Kissing you. âColterâ you whisper. You come too when you feel the arms around you that you thought were imagining freeze. Russell's arms. You freeze not knowing what to do.
 âWhat did you say?â Russell's voice cracks with pain and anger. You turn slowly in the shower to face him. You look up, meeting his eyes. You bite your lower lip. Averting your gaze. âI didn't say anythingâ The lie tasted like ash in your mouth. Russell didn't say anything. He just turned and left the shower. You heard pounded. What did you just do? You finished your shower quickly and got out. You opened the bathroom door. The hotel room is empty. Russell is gone. You crumble to the bed with your head in your hands.Â
The next morning you wake up in the bed alone. Russell never came back. You pulled yourself up still wrapped in the towel. You grabbed your phone on the nightstand calling Russell. It goes straight to voicemail. You sigh loudly and hang up. You grab some clothes from your bag. You pull on some jeans and a t-shirt. You grab your phone and call Reenie. She answers on the first ring. âHey hun, you alright?â You sigh and draw in a deep breath. âHave you seen Russell?â Reenie's voice comes through the phone softly. âNo I haven'tâ You close your eyes. âOk thanks.â You pull the phone away from your ear when you hear Reenie's voice. âWhat happened?â You bite your lip forcing back tears. âNothing, everything is fineâ you tell her hanging up.Â
An hour later you are standing outside the diner you were supposed to meet Colter and Reenie. You scanned the parking lot and didn't see them. You walked into the diner and that's when you saw him. Russell. He was sitting at a booth. His chestnut hair falling in his eyes as he stared down at his phone. You rushed over to him. âRussell! Where have you been?â He doesn't answer you. He just keeps scrolling through his phone. You slide into the booth across ross from him. âRussell, please talk to me. I'm sorry pleaseâ you reach out for his hand and he pulls away. Your shoulders sag, sorrow tore through your body like jagged razors. âPlease Ru-â you stop talking when you hear the bells for the diner door. You turn to see Colter and Reenie. They are walking towards you. You stand up to greet them. Reenie looks at Russell then at you. âWell I see you found himâ she laughs. You look at her. âUh yeah guess I did.â Colter looks at you, he can tell that something isn't right. âEverything alright?â He asks, his voice full of concern. âYeah everything is fineâ Russell mumbles, but it almost sounds like a growl. You all sit in the booth with Russell. Colter is talking, but you can only think of Russell. He won't even look at you.Â
Over the course of the day you end up getting a lead on the missing girl and her boyfriend. You find her and the boyfriend in a shed. You are able to apprehend the girl's twin. You all head back to the hotel. Russell still hasn't talked to you or looked at you. Russell leaves the area before you can get in the car with him. Reenie walks over to you. âHoney, what's going on?â Colter comes up behind her. âYeah, he just left without saying anythingâ You just shake your head. âNothing, I can't talk about it. Can you guys give me a ride back to the hotel?â Reenie smiles at you. âOf course we can honeyâ You smile back at her. You climb in the backseat and head back to the hotel.Â
You pull up to the hotel. You thank Colter and Reenie for the ride. You walk to your room and they walk to theirs. You open the door. You breathe a sigh of relief when you see Russell. You close the door. You sit in the chair across from Russell. âRussell, please can we talkâ Russell shifts his weight in the chair not looking at you. âRussell come on, would you look at me?â You plead with him. âHow long?â He finally says still not looking at you. âHow long for what?â He finally looks at you and you wish he didn't. His green eyes burned through you so sharp you flinched. âHow long have you been fucking him?â Your eyes widened, you felt the dread in the pit of your stomach. You knew right then and there this was not going to be a normal argument. âRussell, I'm not. I've never-â you are cut off by him standing with enough force that the chair tipped over. He towered over you. âSave it!â He roared. He leaned down and his lips grazed the shell of your ear. His voice dripped with malice and hatred. âYou're nothing but a lying whoreâ he rasps into your ear. You are overcome with rage, every muscle was tense, you could barely control it. Finally you stood up. âHow dare you!â the anger in your voice was undeniable. You pushed him back away from you. âYou fuck Sara idk how many times and I accidently mention Colter's name and suddenly im the whore! You have a lot of fucking nerve!â Russell takes another step back, obviously caught off guard.
 âY/nâ you cut him off. âNo, I'm the one talking now! You are not going to make me feel bad for having thoughts about your brother when you have actually fucked someone else! I never did anything with Colter. I've been completely faithful to you, but yes I have had thoughts of your brother. He treats me better, he actually shows he cares.â Russell tries to say something but you put your hand up to stop him. âNo Russell, you have hurt me too many times and I keep coming back. I keep forgiving you.â Your voice cracks on the last part. You feel your legs give out on you as you collapse into the chair. You felt numb all over. âIm done Russell, I can't do it anymore.â Russell looks at you. âNo baby, don't say that. Please, I'm sorry. I was angry and hurt. I never meant to accuse you. It just came out. I know you didn't do anything with Colter. Im the fuck up. I'll do better, please just don't leave me.â Tears stream down your face as Russell gets on his knees laying on your lap with his arms around you begging you not to go. âRussell, I'm sorry, it's over.â You push him away and walk through the door letting it close behind you.Â
âď¸âď¸A Countdown Christmas: Badges and Banter âď¸âď¸
Mark Meachum and you are on a task force to uncover a trafficking ring.
Pairing: Mark x female reader
Warnings: Language, Violence, Smut
Word Count: 4.6k
Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional and only for entertainment purposes
It's Christmas time in LA. The sun is shining and people are walking around in shorts. Much different from the Midwest Christmases you were used to. You had transferred here from a small town in Wisconsin about a year ago. The big city had been so overwhelming to you at first, but then it grew on you. There was a lot more crime in LA than your little rinky dink hometown. You pulled up to the precinct, climbed out of your car and made your way into the office. You walked up the stairs and into the squad room. You barely have time before you are thrown into a briefing. You see Finau, Shepard, Oliveras, Bell, Blythe and Meachum. Meachum was a sarcastic son of a bitch. He infuriated you. He was always pushing your buttons. Making you second guess things. The rest of the team was wonderful, Mark Meachum was your nightmare. You leaned against the table as you listened to Blythe. He was giving everything their orders. There was an organization that was running guns and people and they needed to infiltrate them and take them down. âBell and Shepard I want you in the truck listening Finau I need you with me. Meachum and y/l/n You two are going to be going undercover.â You look at Meachum and his smug smirk. You roll your eyes. âIs that going to be a problem?â Blythe asks. âNo sirâ you both answer. âGood, you are going to pretend to be a couple of drug addicts that need money fast and you are a coupleâ Your eyes shoot to Mark who's already looking at you smiling. âDismissedâ Blythe says and you leave and go to your desk. Mark follows you. âAlright well let's get startedâ You groan.
30 minutes later the two of you are in the car looking like your part. You are wearing a ripped shirt falling off of one shoulder and dirty jeans with holes in them. Mark starts the car and you head to your location. The two of you are supposed to put on a show at a bar. Making out and itching for a fix. The guy in charge of the organization hangs out there all the time. You arrive at the bar. You look at Mark and he gives you that infuriating smirk. He laces his fingers with yours. As soon as his skin touches your something inside of you cracks. You force it down telling yourself that it's just part of the show. You walk into the bar and sit in a booth next to each other. You spot the head guy. Alvarez. He is sitting in a booth across the way. Mark pulls you close his hands on your waist. You lean back against him. Your hands on his thighs. You feel Mark lips against you neck as he places a small kiss on it. You shiver. You don't know why, but this doesn't feel like pretend. âOk you ready to do this?â you ask Mark. He nods âYou said we were gonna scoreâ You say in character. âYa well if someone hadn't blown all out cash I would've been able tooâ Mark snaps back in character. Ruiz, who is Alvarez's right hand man, walks over to the two of you. âYou guys need something?â He asks you. Mark pipes up first âNah man, just having a disagreement with my old lady, but you wouldn't happen to know how we could make a little cash would ya?â Ruiz looked at the two of you. âLet me talk to my associate and I'll get back to youâ He says walking over to Alvarez. âHey boss, those two over there are looking for workâ Alvarez looks at you and Mark. Then back at Ruiz. âYa, so bring them over here. That one's got something I might be interested inâÂ
Over the next few days the two of you play your roles. They separate you and Mark, something Mark's doesn't like. When you come back together, there is something almost affectionate about Mark's touch. âHey baby you make us some good money?â He says in character kissing you. His kiss almost feels real. You nod. âAlvarez wants me to go with him tomorrow. He said he has something for me that I can't turn down.â Mark looks at you and a low growl escapes his throat. Ruiz who is standing close by puts a hand on Mark's shoulder. âDont worry big guy. Alvarez will take good care of herâ He says with a smirk. Mark turns around on the guy slamming him up against the wall. His forearm pressed to his throat. âWatch your fucking mouth!â he sneers. âTony stop!â You yell Mark's fake name. Mark let's the guy go. Ruiz takes off leaving the two of you alone. âMark, what are you doing?â You whisper. He eyes meet yours and for a split second they are filled with concern. Then his smirk is back. âJust playing my part, dollâ You roll eyes. âYou are so infuriatingâ You say walking away.Â
The next day you leave with Alvarez. Mark pretends he doesn't care, but inside he is dying. He has feelings for you, but he would never tell you that. He was stubborn. He knew that. That's why he had been giving you such a hard time. He didn't know how to act around you. Ever since his recovery. So he gave you a hard time and kept his distance, but what he wanted more than anything was to be yours for real. Not some undercover act. Not some job. Just you and him together. He was supposed to meet up with you later that night. To talk about your plan to take these assholes down. He couldn't wait for this job to be over.
You and Alvarez arrive at this upscale hotel. Your heart starts pounding as soon as you arrive. âSo why did you need me to come?â You ask him. Alvarez looks over at you and smiles. It's a creepy smile. A predator's smile. A shiver goes down your spine. âRelax, you are just going to entertain some people.â You look at him. âEntertain how?â You ask, your voice trembling slightly. âJust a dance or two. Maybe a drink. Maybe moreâ Your eyes widen. âMore? Hey buddy get this straight. I ain't sleeping with nobodyâ Alvarez grabs your wrist. âYou want the money?â You nod. âThen youâll do what I sayâ You nod again. âGood girl,â Alvarez says. âCan I call Tony?â You ask. Alvarez looks at you, raising an eyebrow. âMake it quick,â he says. You agree and pull your phone out. You step out of ear shot. You put the phone to your ear. He picks up. âHey y/n, you ok?â âNo, Mark, we need to end this fast. He wants me to âentertainâ men.â You can hear Mark's jaw clenched through the phone. âHang tight, alright Im comingâ You hang up and walk back over to Alvarez. Â
An hour later you are in an evening gown. Looking in the mirror terrified. Alvarez comes into her room. âWow, you look amazingâ He says. You smile, and let him lead you to the room.Â
Once in the room, you scan it. The room is full of men young and old. There are other women in the room as well. Then you see him. Blythe is sitting in one of the chairs. Relief washes over you. Alvarez grabs your arm. âYou see something you like?â He asks you. You nod. âYes, can I talk to him?â You ask Alvarez. Alvarez leads the way. You stand in front of Blythe. âWell hello thereâ Blythe says. You smile and sit down. Blythe looks at Alvarez. âHow much?â Alvarez smiles. âSheâs nice right? 10 grand for the nightâ Blythe agrees. They exchanged payment. Blythe grabs you by the arm and takes you out of the room. Just as he does Mark and the rest of the task force storm in yelling and arresting people. Mark walks over to you. âYou ok?â You look at him âYes, thank you.â You smile. The two of you make your way out of the hotel. Mark wraps you in a hug catching you off guard. He pulls away just as fast as he grabbed you.Â
The next day you come into the office. You walked past Mark and he doesn't even look up. You walk over to your desk and sit down. Mark completely ignores you. You dont understand cause you thought you and him had shared something and even became slightly closer. Â
Over the next week Mark barely says 2 words to you. There is a big storm coming. People are gearing up for it. The mountains are planning for snow. It's the day before Christmas eve. Just as you are getting ready to leave. Blythe comes in. âListen up I need Meachum and y/l/nâ Mark and you follow him to his office. âI need you to go up to this cabin and keep an eye on this suspect.â You look at Mark. Then back to Blythe. âIt's almost Christmasâ You say. âI know and I'm sorry, but I need you two on this right away.â Mark stands up. âUnderstood sir, we won't let you downâ Blythe nods. âSo who's the suspect?â You ask. âHe is suspected of kidnapping his child. We can't bring him in just yet, cause we have no proof that he has the child. So I need you to do a stakeout. You should only need to be there one night. You'll be home before Christmas.â Blythe explained.Â
The next few hours are spent getting ready. You don't know what you are going to do. How are you going to be in a cabin with Mark for the whole day? You pack an overnight bag. Grab a few extra things and throw the bag over your shoulder. Your doorbell rings. Mark stands on the opposite side. You open the door. He sees the bag over your should and the bag in your hand and makes a face. âYou planning on staying awhile?â He smirks. âShut up, let's go get this over withâ You snap. He puts his hands up in mock defense. You put your bags in the car.Â
The drive is pretty quiet. The snow had started falling. Mark stayed quiet, eyes focused on the road. The snow was starting to stick. He stole a glance or two of you when you were looking out the window. He couldn't believe he had agreed to this. Even though Blythe hadn't really left room for a discussion in the matter. Now he was stuck. How would he be able to hold back his feelings? He barely contained them during the undercover op. That's why he hadn't talked to you really since the case was over. He had kept his distance. Trying so hard to go back to normal, but that case did something to him. He couldn't stop thinking about you now. His feelings had doubled over. He felt like he was falling for you, but that wasn't possible. He wasn't the relationship type. He tried with Melinda, but he had ran away like a coward. Now here he was again. Stuck. Trying not to show you how he felt.Â
You finally pulled up to the cabin a little after midnight. Mark turned the car off. You opened your door and climbed out. You walked over to the trunk. Mark was still in the car. You smacked the trunk with the palm of your hand telling him to open it. He doesn't respond. âMark? Come on open the trunkâ you tired again. Nothing. You throw your hands up in the air and start walking away. You make it half way around the car before you slip on ice. You land with a thud rolling your ankle. You hear a pop and yell out as white hot pain shoots through your ankle. Mark finally climbs out of the car. He walks over to you. âHow'd you manage to do that?â He smirks. You glare at him. âCan you just help me please?â He sighs holding back laughter. He leans down, hooking his arms under your legs and arms. He scoops you up and carries you into the cabin and places you on the couch. He kneels down next to you. He touches your ankle and you flinch. âStop, let me lookâ He complains. You whine. âIt hurts.â âYou are such a babyâ He mocks you. You slouch back annoyed and slightly hurt. âWhy are you such an asshole?â His eyes flick to yours and you swear you can see guilt or concern in his eyes. "Why are you such a baby?â He snaps back. He stands up and walks over to the freezer. You watch him as he searches to see if there is any ice. He pulls out a small plastic ice tray and starts putting ice cubes in a towel. He walks back over to you. You pretend you weren't watching. He kneels down again, gently grabbing your ankle and putting the ice on it. You flinch slightly.Â
He doesn't say anything this time. âYou know, I don't mean to be an ass to youâ He says quickly catching you off guard. âHuh?â You look at him confused. âYou know earlier when you asked me why I was an assholeâŚIâŚI don't mean to be. I guess it's just part of the walls I've built. He doesn't meet your eyes. You just stare at him dumbfounded. âMarkâŚâ He looks at you. âDontâ You look at him. âMark I'm sorry I didn't mean anything by-â His grip on your ankle tightens slightly. âY/nâ He runs a hand through his hair. There is something about the tone in his voice that makes you drop the subject. The two of you just sit in an awkward silence. After a few moments he takes the ice off your ankle. âIt looks like it's just a sprain. Should be fine.â You look at him âThanksâ you whisper. He gets up and runs his hand through his hair. âSo first thing tomorrow we get this guy, yeah?â You nod. You look up and smile at him. He meets your gaze. His green eyes burning into yours. He extends his hand. You give him a confused look. âLet me help you to the room. I'll take the couch.â You reach forward and grab his hand. You stand, careful not to put too much pressure on your ankle. Mark wraps an arm around your waist for support. He helps you to the bedroom. You make your way to the bed. Mark helps and guides you down to the bed gently. His fingers linger a moment longer than they should. You look up at him. He meets your gaze.Â
For a moment you think that he might lean in to kiss you, but he backs up. âWell goodnight. I'll see you in the morning.â He says quicker and then he disappears into the hall. You let out a soft sigh and lean back on to the bed. That night the two of you both toss and turn. Both of you thinking of the other. Trying to ignore the feelings. You laid there trying to ignore how you felt with his arm around you. You finally were able to drift off.Â
Morning arrives, painting the cabin in ribbons of golden light. You stretch in the bed. You can feel the warmth of the sun streaming in through a crack in the curtains. You get up and make your way to the bathroom, rubbing sleep from your eyes. You turn the doorknob opening the bathroom door. Your eyes shoot open as your gaze crosses the nakedness of Mark. You shriek and slam the door. You cover your face. âOmg I am so sorry Markâ You hear a chuckle on the other side of the door. âAre you seriously laughing?â you snap but there is no bite to it. âYou can come in now,â Mark says from the other side of the door. You slowly turn the doorknob. Mark is now covered with a towel that is wrapped around his waist. Your eyes linger on his chest. Your eyes slowly meet his gaze. âIm so sorry. I didn't even know you were in here.â Mark smiles.âYeah, I didn't plan on giving a show todayâ He chuckles abd you cant help but chuckle as well.Â
A few hours later the two of you are staking out the cabin next door. You finally get the evidence that you need. Mark calls Blythe. 2 hrs later the guy is in custody and the kid is being returned to his mother. "Good job you two!â Blythe praises you both. You smile. âThank you sirâ Blythe looks at the sky. âYou two should make sure you get out of here before the storm hits.â Mark looks at the sky as well. âYa it looks like we are getting a white Christmasâ he chuckles at himself. Blythe waves and heads out. Leaving just you and Mark. âI'm ready if you areâ He says to you. âActually I really need to do something then we can leave.â you tell him. Mark makes a face. âSeriously the storm is coming.â You brush him off. You walk outside and start collecting some pinecones. Mark follows you. âWhat are you doing?â He asks you. You turn around. âI always did this with my grandma. We would collect pinecones and make wreaths. Then we would give them as gifts to everyone in the family.â Mark smiles at you. âYou want some help?â You look at him surprised. âYou wanna help me?â You ask. Mark looks at you. âI offered, didn't I?â He says. You smile. âYes I would love that. My grandma died a few years back, but I've tried to keep up with the tradition.âÂ
The two of you gather pinecones until the snow is coming down to the point you can't really see. âI guess we should get going.â You tell him. You both pack up the pinecones, along with your other stuff. You climb into the car and start to head out. You only get a little ways down the road before it's clear you two aren't going anywhere. âDammit we stayed too long. It's all my faultâ tears start forming. Mark notices the tears. He leans over in the car. âHey, don't cry. It's not your fault.â He comforts you. He reaches up and wipes a tear from your face. You look at him. He looks at you. Something shifts. He felt it too. You didn't pull away. âLet's get back to the cabin.â He says. You nod not looking away from his gaze. Your stomach was doing flip flops. He finally tore his gaze away and turned the car around.Â
You both entered the cabin. You sit on the couch still being careful with your ankle. Mark starts a fire. You watch him as he piles the firewood. His muscles tightening under his shirt. His hair fell slightly over one eye. You watched as he lit the fire. The flames lighting up Mark's face. You started feeling a heat low in your belly. Just watching him move. âWhy did you ignore me?â You blurt out. Mark freezes. âWhat are you talking about?â âAfter the case. I thought we had grown close, but you ignored and avoided me ever sinceâ is the only time you can talk to me or be nice is when we are working a case?â Mark is quiet for a long time. He makes his way over to the couch and sits right next you. âI was scared.â You look at him, your eyes still just as wide. âScared of what?â âOf what I feltâ He confesses. âWhat do you mean?â You ask still confused. Mark gets frustrated. He stands up running his fingers through his hair. âLets just drop it ok?â He asks with a pleading look. âMark no please talk to meâ you press. You stand up. He turns away from you. You put your hand on his shoulder. He spins around. Looking deep in your eyes. "I was scared of what I was feelingâŚforâŚfor youâ The words finally came out. Mark watches you for some appalled reaction. Instead you move closer to him. His eyes flicker with surprise. âWaitâŚyou-â You cut him off by crashing your lips into his. The kiss is stiff at first, then Mark kisses you back. He kisses you like a man starved. You make a small noise as his tongue enters your mouth. His hands tangle in your hair. Your hands wrap around his arms. When you finally break from the kiss you are both out of breath. âI have wanted this for so long.â You confess. âMe too,â Mark says breathlessly. Â
You smile at him. He wraps his arms around you pulling you closer. He kisses you again. This time the kiss is more passionate. More tender. He takes his arms and hooks them under your thighs lifting you up. You wrap your legs around his waist. He carries you to the bedroom. Laying you down gently on the mattress. He places small open mouthed kisses from your jaw to your shoulder. âYou have no idea what you do to me.â He growls. You reach for his belt. He gently grabs your hands. âNot yetâ He whispers. He puts your hands up over your head. He slides his hands down to your forearms. âJust let me take care of youâ He slides his hands down your arms to your sides until he reaches the hem of your shirt. He pulls it up and over your head. He throws the shirt to the side. âMarkâŚâ you breathe. He puts a finger to your lips. He leans over you kissing every inch of your neck down to the swell of your breasts. You let out a small moan. He slides the straps of your bra down off your shoulders, reaches behind with one hand unclasping your bra freeing your breasts. He pulls back just enough to see you. âGod, you're beautiful.â He rasps. He takes both of your breasts in each hand slowly caressing you. You moan as he rolls your nipples in each hand until they are both hard. He takes one nipple in his mouth, sucking gently, sending sparks of pleasure right down to your core. As one hand is placed on your hip the other unbuttoned your jeans.
 He leans down pulling your jeans and panties off in one swift motion. You can see him straining through his jeans. You smile. You reach out and grab him through his jeans. He moans as his head falls back. âFuckâ He gently grabs your wrist pulling it away from him. You frown. A low chuckle comes from his throat. âAww baby dont look at me like that. You'll get it soon enough. âPlease Markâ you beg. He smiles. His hands on your thighs spreading your legs apart. He lowers himself between your thighs. Placing small open mouthed kisses all the way down. He reaches where you want him the most. You can feel his breath on your wetness. Then he starts places on the other thigh. You are dripping for him. You can feel it. âMark please I need youâ you beg. âIm taking my time with youâ he says in between kisses on your thigh. You feel his breath on your wetness again. âYou are so fucking wetâ He beams with a hint of satisfaction. He lowers himself further and you feel his tongue slide through your folds. You gasp and moan at the feeling. His tongue continues to flick your clit. Making you squirm.Â
He places one of his big hands on your stomach to keep you from moving. He slid one finger inside of you making you moan and tighten around his finger. He enters a second finger. He pumps in and out of you as his tongue finds you clit once again. You moan loudly. âFuck Markâ He smiles against your skin. He turns his fingers curling them just right to hit that sweet spot. Then he starts pimping again as he flicks and sucks your clit. âMark please I need you inside me nowâ you beg. He pulls his fingers out of you and sits up sucking his fingers and wiping the back of his mouth. âFuck baby you taste goodâ He leans back unbuttoning his pants. You sit up. âNo let meâ you say scooting to the edge of the bed. You unbutton his jeans and slide them down his legs. You can see the outline of his cock and you feel your arousal drip down your leg. You slide your hand under the fabric and wrap your hand around his cock. You look up into his eyes and kiss him again. This time tasting yourself on his tongue. You slide his boxers down. His hard throbbing cock is glistening with pre cum. You begin to stroke him and wrap your mouth around him tasting his precum on your tongue. You suck and stroke. He grabs your hair. âFuck babyâ he moans. Your mouth leaves his cock with a popping sound. He pulls you up to him. Kissing you deeply. Before you know it you are back on the mattress with him on top of you. His weight pinning you to the mattress. He reaches down between you. He grabs his cock and slides it through your slick wetness coating himself with it. âFuck y/n you dont know how long I've been waiting for thisâ He enters you slowly.
 Allowing you to adjust to his size. You moan as he enters you. He slides almost all the way out then slams back in filling you up. You cry out the sensation almost overwhelming you. Each thrust deeper than the next, making you scream out in pleasure. He pressed your legs further apart and angled even deeper. His thrusts giving you even more pleasure. You could feel every inch of him. You wrapped your legs around his waist pulling him closer to you. Your nails dragging down his back as he fucked you harder and faster. The room is filled with nothing but the sounds of moaning coming from both of you. You can feel yourself getting close and he knows it. He slams harder into you. That does it, you scream and moan in pleasure as your climax hits her hard. Your legs shake, your body quivers as the waves of pleasure ride over you. He slams into you with one last final thrust, filling you with his cum. He stays buried inside of you just letting you feel him as he collapses over you. The only sound now in the room is from both of you breathless and satisfied. Finally he slides out of you, making you whimper. Your body feels empty without the feeling of him. He rolls off of you and pulls you over to him. You lay on his chest. âThat was fucking amazing.â you say. He smiles. âYou are amazing. He kisses the top of your head. He looks at the clock. âHey, it's Christmas.â You look up at him. âMerry Christmas Markâ you say. He wraps his arms tightly around you. âMerry Christmas y/nâ You didn't know what the future held for you two, but you did know that there was nowhere else you would rather be than in his arms. The two of you fall asleep in each other's arms not knowing what was next, but still blissfully happy with the snow still falling outside.Â
Im currently working on a one shot for mark x reader. Its set around Christmas time, but I have been so busy I wont be able to post it until tomorrow. Sorry everyone. I'll get it up as soon as possible. Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates âşď¸
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Rennie Green has been in love with Colter Shaw for ages, so when he enlists her help to find his brother Russell who's gone missing, she jumps at the chance.
Summer Anderson didn't know what she was in for when she met the famous Soldier Boy. Her heart got more than it bargained for.
Pairing: Soldier Boy/Ben x OC Summer Anderson
Warnings: language, slight smut,
Word Count: 5204
Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional and only for entertainment purposes
The hallway blurred around her. One heartbeat she was frozen, the next her legs were carrying her forward like theyâd been waiting sixteen years for permission.
âBen!â
The name tore out of her throat raw and desperate. She slammed into him so hard his back hit the wall, but his arms were already open, already crushing her against his chest like he could fuse them back together. Her feet left the ground as he lifted her, her thighs locking around his waist on pure muscle memory.
âOh my God, baby,â he rasped into her hair, dragging in lungfuls of her like a drowning man breaking the surface. Vanilla, hospital soap, her. Home.
Summer buried her face in the hot curve where his neck met shoulder, breathing him in. He smelled of gunpowder, sweat, and something metallic that hadnât been there before. She sobbed against his skin. âI knew. I knew you werenât dead. They told me for years and I never believed them. I dreamed for this every single night.â
His hand cupped the back of her head, fingers tangling in blonde strands like he was scared sheâd vanish if he let go. âIâm here, baby. Iâm right fucking here.â
A sharp, deliberate cough sliced through the haze.
Summerâs eyes snapped open. Ten feet away, John stood rigid, arms hanging loose at his sides, jaw carved from granite. His blue eyes were locked on the place where Benâs hands splayed possessively across her lower back, fingers nearly touching through the thin cotton of her sweater.
Benâs arms didnât loosen an inch. If anything they tightened, one big palm sliding down to grip her hip like he was staking claim. Slowly, deliberately, he let her slide down his body until her boots touched tile again, but he kept one arm banded around her waist, keeping her tucked against his side.
âBen,â she said, voice small, âthis is my⌠this is John.â
Ben finally released her waist, but only so he could extend his right hand toward John. The handshake that followed looked friendly to anyone walking by. It wasnât. Knuckles went white, forearms corded, both men leaning in just enough to make the grip punishing.
âTight grip you got there, John,â Ben drawled, voice low and lazy and loaded.
Johnâs smile never reached his eyes. âSame to you, Soldier Boy.â
Summer felt the testosterone spike like a physical thing and stepped between them, hands raised. âBen, what happened to you? Where have you been?â
Benâs gaze flicked back to her, and just like that the mask slipped. Something ancient and wounded flashed across his face before the smirk returned. âLong story, sweetheart. But we got time now.â He reached up, brushed a knuckle down her cheek, and she felt that old spark ignite low in her belly. âSo whereâs our boy?â
Summerâs smile came shaky but real. âRight in here.â She tilted her head toward 214.
Ben moved instantly. Summer threw out an arm and caught his wrist. âBen, wait.â
He stopped, but irritation flared green in his eyes. âSummer, what the hell are you doing?â
âItâs been sixteen years. You canât just walk in there and drop a bomb on him.â
âThe hell I canât,â he muttered, trying to step around her.
John moved faster, hand clamping on Benâs forearm like a vice. âShe said no.â
The air went arctic. Ben turned slowly, eyes narrowing to slits. âI suggest you get that fucking hand off me unless you want to take a tour through that wall, kid.â
Summer darted between them again, palms flat on Benâs chest. She could feel both their hearts hammering,one sheâd known half her life, one sheâd only just found. âBen, please. Just let us explain first. He doesnât even know youâre alive.â
âUs?â Benâs gaze cut to John like a blade. âWhat, you need Pretty Boyâs permission now?â
âJohnâs been part of our lives for a long time,â she said softly. âHeâs⌠heâs family, Ben.â
âYeah?â Benâs laugh was ugly. âWell, Iâm back now. Iâll take it from here.â
Summerâs hands slid up to cup his bearded jaw, forcing him to look at her. âBen⌠not yet.â
His nostrils flared. âBaby, all I want is to take you and Adam home.â
The tears came fast and hot. âWe havenât had a home since you disappeared, Ben. Sixteen years.â
Something cracked in his chest; she saw it. He grabbed her hands, pressed them over his heart. âIâm here now. Iâm never leaving you again. I swear on my life.â
Behind her, John made a rough sound. Summer felt his chest brush her back, felt the way his breathing went shallow when Ben threaded their fingers together.
She turned just enough to meet Johnâs eyes. âCan you give us a minute?â
Johnâs jaw flexed so hard she heard it. âBabeââ
âPlease. Iâm okay.â
For a second she thought heâd refuse. Then he dragged both hands through his hair, nodded once, and leaned down to brush a soft, deliberate kiss across her lips ,right in front of Ben.
Benâs growl was low enough to rattle glass.
John walked away without looking back.
Summer exhaled shakily, then tugged Ben down the corridor. She found an empty consult room, flicked on the light. The room was cozy with two plush chairs, a tiny table, a window overlooking the parking lot.
âCozy,â Ben deadpanned.
She ignored him, went straight to the window and leaned back against the cold glass. The chill bled through her shirt, grounding her.
Benâs voice came out rough. âI was frozen, Summer. Her eyes snapped up to his. âMy own team sold me out. Vought handed me to the Russians like I was nothing. After everything I did for them, for this countryâŚâ His fists clenched. âThey left me in a box for sixteen goddamn years.â
Summer had tears falling. âOh my God, BenâŚâ She crossed the room in two steps and threw her arms around him again.
He crushed her close, burying his face in her hair. âItâs over. Iâm back, and Iâm never losing you again.â He pulled away just enough to cup her face. âI love you, Summer. I Never stopped. Not for one second.â
âBenââ
He kissed her before she could finish. Hard, desperate, tasting like salt and fury and every year theyâd lost. For one heartbeat she froze; then muscle memory took over and she kissed him back, hands fisting in his hoodie, a soft, broken sound escaping her throat as their mouths moved together like no time had passed at all.
Neither of them noticed the door was still cracked open six inches.
John stood in the shadows of the hallway, one hand braced against the wall, watching Ben kiss the woman he loved like the world was ending.
His knuckles went white. His heart cracked clean in half.
And he didnât move. Not yet.
John forced himself to turn away from the cracked-open door, from the sight of Summer melting into Benâs kiss like the last sixteen years had never happened.
Johnâs boots hammered down the corridor so hard the linoleum cracked under his heels.
 He didnât feel it. He didnât feel anything except the white-hot shard lodged in his chest where his heart used to be.
He shoved through the first empty patient room he found, slammed the door behind him,The door slammed hard enough to crack the frame. His vision had tunneled to red.Then he lost it and let the monster out.
A metal tray stand went flying first, clanging off the wall. An IV pole followed, bending like tinfoil when it hit the floor. He ripped monitors from their mounts, plastic shattering. His eyes flared molten red and twin beams carved smoking trenches through drywall, through the bathroom door, through the mattress until stuffing snowed down like ash.
A crash cart went through the drywall. The bedside table, the rolling stool, anything that wasnât bolted down became shrapnel. âHow could you?â he roared to the empty room, voice cracking. âHow could you fucking do this to me?âHe punched the window; the safety glass spider-webbed but held. Another punch. Another. Blood smeared across his knuckles and he welcomed the pain, anything to drown out the image of her melting into Benâs arms like the last ten months with John had been a dream. His eyes glowed molten red again, twin beams carving smoking trenches across the walls, the ceiling, the mattress. Sparks showered. The fire alarm shrieked. He didnât care.She had kissed him back. She had melted into him like sixteen years hadnât passed, like John had never existed. His vision tunneled, breath coming in ragged, animal bursts. He punched the concrete wall; the impact reverberated up his arm, but did absolutely nothing to dull the pain inside.
Did she ever love me?
Was I just the placeholder?
The safe guy she settled for while she waited for her real soulmate. He felt like an idiot. Was he nothing more than a stand-in, a safe pair of arms until the real thing came back?Â
His chest heaved. He couldnât get air. The room spun, fluorescent lights strobing at the edges of his vision. His chest felt like it was caving in. He couldnât breathe, couldnât think past the roar in his ears. The lasers hot and red. He didn't hear the door open.
A young nurse, maybe twenty-five, stepped in with a clipboard. âSir, you canâtââ His head snapped toward her. A red line sliced across her chest before John even registered she was there. The beam sliced clean across her upper chest, a hand-width below her collarbone. Her clipboard clattered. Blood bloomed bright and instant, soaking her teal scrubs in a widening bib. Her mouth opened in a silent O, then the scream came, raw, piercing, endless. John was across the room in a heartbeat, one hand clamped over her mouth, the other catching her as her legs buckled.âOh God, oh fuck, Iâm sorry, Iâm so sorry, just hang onââShe thrashed weakly, eyes rolling white, blood bubbling between his fingers.He scooped her up, cradling her against his chest, and ran. Nurses and doctors swarmed the station as he burst through the doors. âComing through! Sheâs hurt bad!â He laid her on the first stretcher he saw, hands slick and red. âShe has a chest wound, supes from the college attackâone nurse wheeled a crash cart, shouting orders. Someone shoved an oxygen mask over her face. John stepped back from the stretcher, blood slick on his forearms, and backed away as the curtain whipped closed. Then he was gone, boots pounding down the stairwell before anyone could ask a question.Â
Back in the consult room, Summer finally tore her mouth from Benâs.âNo⌠Ben, I canât. We canât.â She stumbled backward until her spine hit the window, palms up between them like a shield. Benâs chest rose and fell hard, lips swollen, eyes dark with sixteen years of starvation. âWhy the fuck not?â Tears spilled over her lashes. âBecause Iâm with John. Because Iâm not yours anymore. I love him, Ben. The words tasted like rust. âI love you, Ben. I never stopped. But I love him too. Weâve been together for almost a year. âBenâs face went through three emotions in half a second: disbelief, betrayal, then pure venom. The words hit Ben like a gut punch. He actually flinched. âYouâre in love with him.â A humorless laugh scraped out of him. âWhat is he, twelve? âSummerâs eyes flashed.âAre you serious? I was eighteen when I met you, Ben. Three months out of high school. Youâre the last person on earth who gets to judge me for dating someone younger.â His jaw worked, pride and fury warring across his face. He opened his mouth to say something. âDonât. You have no idea what Iâve been throughââ Her voice shaky. âI waited BenâŚI waited years. John is the first person Iâve been with since you⌠willingly, anyway.â The last two words slipped out before she could stop them, barely a whisper. Ben went predator-still. âWhat the fuck does that mean, âwillinglyâ?â
He crossed the room in two strides, hands gentle but firm on her shoulders. âSummer, did someone hurt you?â âDid someone hurt you?âShe turned away so he wouldnât see the fresh tears. âDonât. Please.âHe moved behind her, arms sliding around her waist, turning her carefully until she faced him again. âBaby, talk to me. Iâm here now. Whatever it is, Iâll fix it. Iâll burn the world down.âShe shook her head against his chest. âI canât. Not yet. Please donât make me.âHis embrace tightened, protective, heartbreakingly familiar. He pulled her into his chest, rocking her slightly. âOkay. Okay, sweetheart. Iâve got you.â After a minute he guided her to one of the small plush chairs in the room. She sank down, trembling. Ben knelt in front of her, taking both her hands in his.âSummer, I love you. Knowing you moved on⌠itâs killing me. But Iâm not giving up on us. Iâm gonna fight for you, baby. For our family.â Summer looked up, eyes red âI love you too,â she whispered, but it wouldnât be fair to John.â A low, animal growl rumbled in Benâs throat, but he swallowed it down. âI know. Believe me, it takes everything in me not to throw you up against that wall and remind you who you belong to. But Iâll back off⌠for now.âSummer exhaled shakily. âThank you. Just⌠let me talk to him first, okay?âBen nodded once. Summer stood, dug in her pocket, and pressed a plastic keycard into his palm. âVought keeps a suite for me at the Embassy downtown. Room 1432. Standing reservation. Stay there tonight. âHis fingers closed around the card like it was the only lifeline he had. âVought?â he asked, suspicion flaring. âNo questions,â she said softly. âJust trust me. Please. âShe brushed a feather-light kiss to the corner of his mouth, then slipped out the door before she could change her mind. Ben stood alone in the little room, keycard cutting into his palm, the ghost of her lips still burning on his skin.Â
John stood in the ruined patient room, blood drying on his forearms, staring at the scorched walls.The nurse was in surgery. Critical but stable.Â
Heâd almost killed an innocent woman because he couldnât control himself. Summer was probably still in Benâs arms. He pulled out his phone with bloody fingers and typed a quick text. âWe need to talk. Rooftop. Now.âÂ
Summerâs phone buzzed against her hip like a hornet.
She pulled it out with trembling fingers.Â
âRooftop. Now.â Her stomach dropped straight through the floor.
She drew in a shaky breath, wiped her face one last time, and headed for the stairwell. Inside Room 214, Adam and Jenny were still wrapped up in each other, oblivious to the earthquake happening outside their door.Adamâs heart was hammering so hard he was sure Jenny could feel it. He took both her hands, thumbs rubbing over her knuckles.âLook⌠I know weâre still in high school,â he started, voice cracking just a little, âbut I love you, Jenny. That attack showed me how fast everything can disappear. So this isnât a proposal or anything crazy⌠itâs a promise. A promise that Iâm gonna love you forever.â
He swallowed hard. âSoon as weâre out of here Iâm buying you the prettiest promise ring I can find. And one day itâll be the real thing.âJennyâs blue eyes filled instantly. âAdamâŚâ
She launched herself at him, arms around his neck, kissing him through happy tears. âI love you too. So much.âThey held each other like the world wasnât falling apart ten feet down the hallway.
Summer pushed open the rooftop door. The wind whipped her blonde hair across her face as she stepped out onto the gravel. John stood at the far edge, back to her, city skyline behind him. The late-afternoon sun painted everything bloody orange.âJohn?âHe turned.Summer stopped breathing.Â
Blood.
It was everywhere: streaked across his forearms, splattered on his white T-shirt, smeared on his cheek like war paint. His hands were shaking.âOh my God, baby, what happened?â
She ran to him, reaching out.He flinched away like her touch burned.âDonât,â he said, voice flat and dead. âJust⌠donât pretend you care.âSummer froze. âWhat are you talking about? Of course IâââI saw you, Summer.â His voice cracked on her name. âI saw you kiss him.âHer heart shattered all over again. âJohn, no, it wasnâtâââSave it.â He spun, eyes glowing faintly red with leftover heat vision, fists clenched so tight the gravel crunched beneath his boots. âI know what I saw.âTears flooded her eyes. âJohn, please listenâââDid you ever love me?â he asked, so quietly it was worse than shouting. âOr was I just keeping your bed warm until he came back?âThe slap was reflex. Her palm cracked across his cheek before her brain caught up.The sound echoed off the rooftop.Summerâs hand flew to her mouth. âOh God, John, Iâm sorryââHe didnât even flinch. Just stared at her, cheek already reddening, something broken behind his eyes.Then he grabbed her arms, hard, yanking her forward. She shrieked, terror flashing white-hot.âJohn, youâre hurting me!âThe words snapped him out of it. Horror flooded his face. He released her like she was on fire, stumbling back, hands up.âOh my God, Summerââ His voice cracked completely. âI didnât, I would neverââShe backed away, cradling her arms, eyes wide with fear she hadnât felt in years.John dropped to his knees on the gravel, head in his hands. âI saw you kissing him and I lost it. I thought you loved me.âSummerâs legs gave out. She knelt in front of him, tears streaming. âI do love you,â she whispered fiercely, taking his blood-streaked face in both hands. âThatâs the part you didnât see. I told Ben I couldnât be with him. Iâm with you. I love you, John.âHe looked up, blue eyes shattered. âYou do?âShe nodded, crying harder. âYou really think Iâd throw away ten months of us? I got caught in the shock of seeing him alive. I will always love Ben, but heâs my past. You are my future.âShe kissed him, hard, desperate, tasting blood and salt and terror. He kissed her back like a drowning man, hands gentle now, cradling her face, apology and need and love all tangled together.When they broke apart, foreheads pressed together, breathing the same air, Summer whispered, âLetâs go get Adam and Jenny and go home.âJohn cleaned up in a staff bathroom (scrubbed the blood from his hands and arms, changed into spare scrubs someone found him), and twenty minutes later they walked back into Adamâs room hand in hand.
Adam and Jenny were curled together on the bed, glowing with their own private joy, oblivious to the war that had just been fought on the roof.âHey, honey,â Summer said softly, managing a smile that almost looked real. âYou ready to go home?ââMore than ready,â Adam grinned.They stopped at Adamâs favorite burger joint on the way home, the four of them crammed into a booth laughing over fries and milkshakes like the world hadnât almost ended an hour ago.Back at the house, Adam and Jenny collapsed on the couch with their food, already bickering over who got the last fry, young and in love and beautifully unaware.Summer caught Johnâs eye and tilted her head toward the hallway.In their bedroom she closed the door softly and sat on the edge of the bed, hands twisted in her lap.âWe need to tell him now,â she said quietly. âAll of it.âJohn nodded, throat working. âYou gonna tell him the whole thing, or just that his dadâs alive and Iâm his half-brother?âSummer rubbed her temples. âI donât know. I should tell him everything (what Ben was really was, what happened to me at Vought, all of it), but⌠God, I donât know if I can break his heart twice in one day.âJohn sat beside her, close but not touching. âWe start with the big stuff. Benâs alive. Iâm his brother. We let him breathe for a minute, then we decide how deep we go.âSummerâs eyes widened suddenly. âOh my God⌠Ben has no idea youâre his son.âJohnâs whole body went rigid. âHe doesnât need to know.ââJohnâââNot yet.â His voice was raw. âLetâs just get through telling Adam his fatherâs alive first. Then we deal with the rest.âSummer searched his face, then leaned her head on his shoulder. âOkay,â she whispered. âWeâll tell him together. And weâll get through it. I promise.âJohnâs arm slid around her, grip tightening like she was afraid sheâd vanish.
âWeâre going to be okay,â he said against her hair. âAll four of us.âOutside the bedroom door, the sound of Adam and Jenny laughing drifted down the hall, young, happy, untouched by the storm about to break over them all.
Later that evening â The house was quiet except for the low hum of the TV in the living room and the occasional burst of laughter from Adam and Jenny. Summer stood at the kitchen sink, sleeves rolled up, blonde hair slipping from its loose knot, mechanically scrubbing a pan that was already clean. The emerald necklace caught the light every time she moved, a constant reminder of John, of promises, of the life sheâd built while waiting for a ghost. John was sprawled on the couch with the kids, pretending to watch whatever action movie theyâd picked, but his mind was miles away. Summer glanced at the clock, 9:03 p.m. She dried her hands, heart hammering.
âIâve got to run to the office real quick,â she called out, voice bright and fake-casual. âForgot some files for tomorrow. Iâll be back in an hour or so.âAdam barely looked up from the screen. ââKay, Mom. Drive safe.âJohnâs eyes flicked to her, sharp and knowing, but he only nodded. âText me when youâre on your way back.âShe forced a smile, grabbed her keys, and slipped out the door before guilt could choke her.The drive to the Vought Embassy Hotel felt endless. She greeted the doorman with a tight smileâheâd known her for years, never asked questionsâand took the elevator to the 14th floor. The hallway was silent, carpet plush under her heels. She stopped in front of 1432, took one steadying breath, and swiped the keycard. The room was dim, only the city glow through the windows and the flicker of the muted television.
Ben sat in the armchair by the window, elbows on his knees, staring at an infomercial like it had personally offended him. His eyes were red-rimmed, the beard and long hair making him look half-wild, half-broken.âBen?âHe didnât look up right away. âOver here.âSummer crossed the room slowly, sat on the ottoman in front of him, and took one of his big hands in both of hers. âHey⌠talk to me. Are you okay?âBen finally met her eyes. The cocky smirk was gone. Just raw, aching grief.âSixteen years, Summer.â His voice cracked. âI missed everything. Adamâs first steps. His first words. First day of school. The worldâs completely different. Cell phones. Internet. Music I donât even recognize. And my boy⌠heâs a man now. My sonâs seventeen and thinks Iâm dead. I wasnât there for any of it.âTears welled in her eyes instantly. âI know,â she whispered. âI know.â He swallowed hard. And youâŚâ He looked at her then, really looked, and the tears heâd been fighting spilled over. âYouâve got a whole life I wasnât part of.â Tears welled in her eyes again. âWhat happened to you? Where were you?â Benâs jaw worked. He stared at their joined hands like he was afraid sheâd vanish if he blinked.
âThat morning I left for what was supposed to be a routine op in Russia⌠my team turned on me. Payback, Crimson Countess, Black Noir, all of them. Vought gave the order. They handed me over like I was nothing. Russians kept me in a lab. Torture, experiments, poison⌠anything they could think of. Only thing that kept me sane was knowing you and Adam were waiting.â His voice cracked. âI escaped once. They dragged me back. Decided I wasnât worth the trouble anymore, so they froze me. Next thing I know I wake up and itâs the year 2000. Theyâd shipped the box back to Vought like I was expired cargo.âSummerâs hand flew to her mouth, tears spilling over. âOh my God, BenâŚââI thought about you every single day,â he whispered. âEvery time they cut me open, every time they pumped that green shit into my veins, I just kept thinking, âI promised her Iâd come home.ââ
Summerâs tears were falling fast now, dripping onto their clasped hands. âThey told me you died in a reactor explosion. I knew it was a lie. I knew youâd never leave us.âBen lifted one hand, cupped her cheek, thumb brushing away a tear. âSo what happened after they took me? The penthouse? Your parents? Jim? Whereâs our boy been all this time?âSummer closed her eyes, the words sticking in her throat like broken glass.
 âA few weeks after you disappeared, Vought came for us. Stormed the penthouse. We fought, Ben. Adam was just a baby and he still tried to protect me, but they sedated us. Her voice shook. âThey took Adam. Said they needed to âstudyâ his abilities. They locked me in a cell so I couldnât interfere. For years I only got to see him in supervised visits. Thatâs when I met John. He was the little boy they were⌠hurting. The one you told me about.â Benâs grip on the armrest creaked ominously.âThey kept me compliant with threats,â she whispered. Summerâs words tumbled out faster, like poison sheâd held too long. âThey gave me tiny freedoms if I stayed quiet. I still only get to call Mom and Dad once a week, monitored, restricted. Dad died a few years ago. I never got to say goodbye.â She was sobbing now, barely able to breathe. âI miss him so much.âBen pulled her into his arms, crushing her against his chest. âIâm so sorry, baby. Iâm so fucking sorry I wasnât here to protect you.â She clung to him, face buried in his neck, years of grief pouring out. When she could speak again she whispered
âThereâs more.âBenâs eyes darkened. âThe âwillinglyâ thing you said earlier.âShe nodded, barely.
âThere was a guard. Carter. He⌠he raped me. Almost every day for a year. Then one day he just⌠disappeared. I heard later he got promoted.â The temperature in the room seemed to drop twenty degrees. Benâs entire body went rigid, a low, continuous growl rumbling in his chest. His hands fell to his side, fists clenched so tight the knuckles went white. The chair armrest splintered under one grip without him even noticing. The sound was so violent Summer flinched. âHe touched you?â His voice was deadly quiet. Summer couldnât speak, just nodded, tears streaming down her face.
Benâs eyes were green fire. âCarter,â he repeated, voice deadly quiet. âIâm going to find him. And when I doâââBen, no.â She grabbed his wrist with both hands. âPlease.âHe looked at her then, really looked, and the rage banked into something worse: guilt that cut deeper than any blade.
âI shouldâve been there,â he rasped. âI shouldâve protected you.ââYou didnât know.â She cupped his bearded face. âYou wouldâve torn the world apart to get to us if youâd known.âHe turned his head, pressed a kiss to her palm, eyes closing like the contact was the only thing keeping him sane.
She collapsed forward into his arms again. He held her until the storm of tears slowed. When she could breathe, she pulled back, wiping her face. âAdam doesnât know any of this. He thinks you died a hero. He thinks Vought âprotectedâ us after you were gone. I couldnât take that from him.âBenâs eyes softened, pain flashing across his face, memories of his own darker days, moments with her flashed through his mind. âYou protected him from me too, didnât you? âShe met his gaze, steady despite the tears. âI protected him from the parts of you that would have broken his heart. The rest⌠he deserved to love his father.â Benâs throat worked. He rested his forehead against hers. âI donât deserve you.â Silence stretched, heavy and electric. Ben tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear, thumb brushing her cheekbone. The air between them crackled the same way it always had dangerous, inevitable.âSummerâŚâ His voice was rough.She felt it too. That pull. That heat. Sixteen years and it was still there, banked but never extinguished.
Ben leaned in slowly, giving her time to pull away. She didnât. Their lips metâsoft at first, then deeper, hungrier. Sixteen years of grief and longing poured into that kiss. His hands slid to her waist, lifting her like she weighed nothing, backing her toward the bed. She went willingly, fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him down with her as they fell onto the mattress.His mouth moved to her neck, her collarbone, hands sliding under her blouse, pushing it up and off. She arched into him, gasping as his beard scraped deliciously against her skin, as his palms cupped her breasts, thumbs teasing her nipples through lace. Her phone buzzed violently in her pocket. She froze. Ben groaned against her throat. âIgnore it.â âI canât.â She fished it out with shaking hands.
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Adamâs name on the screen. She answered, trying to keep her voice steady. âHey, sweetie.â âMom, before you come home from the office, can you grab ice cream for me and Jenny?â Summer closed her eyes. âUh⌠yeah, honey. Sure. Be home soon. Love you.â She hung up. Ben was kneeling in front of her again, big hands resting on her thighs, eyes dark with want and restraint. âIâm sorry,â she whispered, standing. âI have to go. I canât do this to John.â Ben caught her wrist gently. âSummer, please stay.â She looked at him, tears threatening again. âIâm with John. I love him. I shouldnât have kissed you⌠again.â She pulled free, she scrambled off the bed, pulling her blouse back on, smoothing her hair with trembling fingers and walked to the door on unsteady legs. At the threshold she paused, hand on the frame. âIâm sorry, Ben. I just⌠I canât.â At the door she paused, hand on the knob. âStay here. In this room. Let me figure out how to tell Adam his fatherâs alive. Let me figure out how to do this without destroying everyone I love. Then she was gone, the door clicking shut behind her, leaving Ben alone on the hotel carpet.Â