Broken (Surrender Book 1)

CONNER SENT HIS DRIVER, Colin, to pick me up. Colin stood beside the opened passenger door of a shiny black Rolls Royce Phantom. He was a tall, imposing middle-aged man, with red buzz-cut hair, and a thick Irish accent. He was dressed in a black tailored Canali suit and dark aviator sunglasses. Once I settled inside of the car, I surveyed the plush peanut butter leather interior. There was a transparent glass partition that turned opaque with the press of a button. The glass also appeared to be soundproof with an intercom button for communication purposes. This came in handy since my dad called not long after we drove away.

‘What do you really know about this young man,’ my father asked gruffly.

‘Daddy, he’s a great guy. You can’t believe everything you see on the Internet.’

‘So, I shouldn’t believe my lying eyes? He had a different woman on his arm in every single photograph.’

‘Daddy, what’s the crime in that? He was a single man.’

‘I’ll tell you what’s wrong with it. Now he’s with my daughter. Helena and I didn’t raise you to become some man’s trophy piece.’

I winced at his words and his tone. ‘Daddy, I’m not doing this with you right now.’

‘Excuse me?’ he asked incredulously.

‘I will not do this right now. Conner is my boyfriend. He cares about me, and I care about him deeply. Your opinion of him is not going to change that.’ If I could’ve high fived myself, I would have. I’d never spoken up to my father before about anything.

‘I see you’ve lost your mind. Talking to me like this.’

‘Daddy, I’m not trying to be disrespectful. We’ll have to discuss this later. I’m driving right now.’ I looked out of the window as we approached the gated entrance to Conner’s neighborhood. ‘I’ll bring him by the house soon. I promise. You’ll like him, I know it.’ Though I didn’t believe my own words. Daddy and Conner were both cut from the same cloth. Both arrogant and stubborn men with strong personalities.

‘We’ll see about that,’ he grumbled.

‘Okay, daddy. Talk to you soon. Love you.’

‘Love you too, Freckles.’

After disconnecting the call, Colin drove through a large iron rod gate. Two security guards, who sat inside of a guard station, tipped their hats as we drove by. We cruised down wide tree-lined streets with antique streetlight posts scattered about. Mansions were tucked away behind sprawling lawns and circular driveways, fountains and constructed lakes. Colin made a few turns before driving down a secluded road towards another set of custom wrought iron gates with the initials C B monogrammed in the center. The gates opened for us and we passed mature curved oak trees on each side of the road that connected overhead, blocking out the sun. Acres of pristine green lawn surrounded us, before slowing to a stop in front of a large stone and stucco mansion with sharp lines and lots of windows. The two-story estate had a large wrap around balcony on the second story and a rooftop deck.  Connected to the massive home was an impressive size car garage. ‘We’re here, Miss,’ Colin’s voice reverberated through the intercom.

‘Thank you, Colin,’ I said before adding some gloss to my lips and smoothing down my braids.

Colin helped me out of the car. I ran my hands down the mini, bell-sleeved, sunflower-yellow baby doll dress.

‘I’ll see to it that your belongings get inside,’ Colin said as he retrieved my suitcase from the trunk.

‘I appreciate it, Colin.’ I made my way up the front entrance and rang the doorbell. A few moments later, the door opened, and there stood my mouthwatering boyfriend. Conner was dressed casually fine in pair of tan khakis and a short sleeve soft cotton pale blue shirt. ‘Miss me?’ I asked as I twirled a braid around my finger.

Conner immediately pulled me into his arms. ‘Does the Pope wear white?’ He kissed me passionately.

I kissed him back with as much hunger. His warm hands branded my backside as he squeezed it underneath my dress.

‘By the way.’ I closed my eyes, and I tipped my head back, giving him easier access to my throat, as he kissed and sucked the sensitive spots. ‘I caught shit the other day from Amy.’ His lips stilled on my throat.

‘Oh, yeah? Why?’

‘Because you told her about us before I had a chance to. She feels like I was holding out on her.’

‘Too fucking bad,’ he said, his fingers biting into my butt cheeks. ‘You’re mine. I want everyone to know it.’

‘Clearly.’ I removed his hands from my backside. Stepping out of my shoe wedges and immediately subtracting four inches from my height, I sauntered away from him toward the great room. My bare feet felt cool against the dark gray bamboo floors. ‘Fatima told me about your Facebook page.’

I turned back to see him following close behind. ‘And the problem is…’ His eyes slightly narrowed inquisitively.

‘I just wish you would have given me heads up.’ I now stood in the great room, which was surrounded by floor to ceiling windows, giving the illusion that we were in a glass house in the forest. ‘I hadn’t even told my parents about us yet. They had to find out from their nosy neighbor who skims through blogs like a teenage girl.’ I stepped in front of him and folded my arms across my chest.

‘Jesus fucking Christ,’ he said with a slight exasperation in his voice. ‘Why do you give a shit?’

‘I wanted to be the one to tell them. And you should have told me before putting my picture on social media.’

‘I’m sorry you’re upset.’ He palmed the sides of my face. ‘But your parents will get over it. Amy will get over it.’

‘You’re such an asshole,’ I said with no heat in my voice. He leaned down for a kiss, still caressing my face.

‘I know,’ he said against my mouth before kissing me.  ‘I love these, by the way.’ He ran his fingers down a braid. ‘They’re sexy as hell.’

‘Thanks, babe. I like to switch it up every now and then.’ I pecked him on his lips before walking across the spacious open floor plan towards the gourmet kitchen. I looked back and found his eyes locked in on my backside. Gets em’ every time. ‘Mmmm, something smells good!’ Conner’s kitchen was as spotless as the rest of his house. It was evident he had access to a housekeeper and interior designers. ‘Aww, babe. Did you cook?’ I gestured to the two plate warmers on the white quartz countertops.

‘My chef, Javier, prepared the meal,’ he added. ‘Sorry babe, but I’d burn water.’

‘Goodness. That won’t do. Every man should know how to cook, even the ones who rule the world.’ I saddled up next to him, and we both leaned our backs against the counter. ‘I’ll teach you how to prepare a few basics.’

‘Good luck with that. Our nanny tried to teach us. After numerous failed attempts, she gave up.’

‘Typical.’ I laughed.

‘We can eat whenever you’d like.’ He went over to the refrigerator that blended into the sleek cabinetry and retrieved two bottled waters.

‘Wow. You have OCD, and you’re a health nut.’ His gigantic size refrigerator was stocked to capacity, with fresh, healthy foods and beverages. Everything was itemized and arranged by food group and color.

That comment garnered me a swat on the butt, causing me to yelp. ‘Hey!’ I squealed.

‘I like order.’ He nipped my earlobe with his teeth before soothing the bite with his tongue.

‘Oh, God. You must hate me,’ I said, referring to my disorganized and cluttered refrigerator, closets, and cabinets. ‘I thought you were nuts when you reorganized my drinking glasses by shape and size the other week. Now I can blame it on the OCD.’

‘Very funny.’ He took my hand in his. ‘Come on. Let me give you the tour. Besides, you’re going to be spending a lot of time here. Might as well know your way around,’ he said matter of factly.

∞∞∞

CONNER LED ME THROUGH all seven thousand square feet of his home, before leading me out back to the most luxurious backyard I’d ever seen. The backyard donned a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with a bar and flat screen t.v.  Across from the kitchen, was another seating arrangement that surrounded a large outdoor fire pit that spun on an axis. Beyond that, there was a large Olympic sized indigo blue swimming pool with lounge chairs surrounding it. His property was secluded, surrounded by expansive green lawn and trees galore. There were no neighbors in sight. That worked out great with what I had in mind.

‘We should go swimming,’ I excitedly said.

‘You want to go swimming, now?’ he asked, a slow smile forming on his lips.

‘Yes. Right now. This pool is amazing,’ I said, stretching my arms out toward it. ‘How often do you use it?’

‘Never, actually. I just moved in a month ago. I spend most of my time at the office.’

‘That settles it.’ I grabbed the hem of my dress and slowly pulled it over my head, revealing a white cotton demi bra with cherries printed on the front and a matching thong.  Lust and hunger reflected in his dilated pupils as he watched me intently. I stifled a groan when he pulled his shirt over his head, his muscles flexing in the process.  With a wink, I turned around and dove into the pool.

‘This water feels amazing!’ While treading in the water, I watched Conner steadily as he unfastened his pants. My eyes followed his hands as he pulled his khakis and boxer briefs down, revealing his abdominal V muscle. That lead to the most impressive cock I’d ever seen. Long and thick. It stood at attention, completely captivating me. It was huge, not ‘dreadfully so’ but ‘pushing the boundaries’ big. I doubted that he would even be able to penetrate me completely.  I couldn’t wait to find out.

‘Come on, slowpoke,’ I managed to say.  I swam farther away from him to a shallower area. There was a mischievous glint in his eyes and a cocky smirk on his face before he dove in.

Conner swam over to me like a skilled swimmer, and I instinctively wrapped my legs around his waist as soon as he joined me. With my legs wrapped around him like a koala bear, he glided us near the pool’s border.  I scraped my teeth along his jawline as I threaded my fingers through his hair.  He tugged my braids back forcefully, causing an enticing amount of pain. He ran his tongue down my throat and between my cleavage, leaving a trail of scorching heat in its wake. His sucked on a stiff nipple through my bra, before deftly removing the fabric and tossing it over his shoulder. As soon as his mouth met my bare sensitive flesh, I screamed out. ‘Ah, that feels good, Conner. Damn.’ I arched my breasts into his face as he lasciviously sucked on my nipples.

‘Come on,’ he grunted, grabbing me by the waist and lifting me out of the pool. He effortlessly hopped out behind me, and without any warning, he hoisted me over his shoulder, caveman style. I yelped at the sudden elevation of my body. And when he smacked my wet backside, I yelped even louder at the tingling sting his palm left behind.

‘I can walk, you know,’ I said through giggles.

‘I know.’ He took long and determined strides away from the house.

‘Where are we going?’ I asked, my view still hindered from being carried over his shoulder.

‘To my pool house. It’s closer.’

After pushing through a door, he finally set me down on my feet. My back was now against a wall. I looked down at Conner in awe as he swiftly lowered himself to his knees. ‘I need to taste you before I fuck you,’ he said into the triangle of my thong. My toes sank into the plush carpet in anticipation of his mouth on me. With one sharp tug, he tore the wet thong off my body, the damp material biting into my skin. My head lulled back against the wall when he lifted my leg over his shoulder and began lapping his tongue up and down my slit.

‘So fucking sweet,’ he grunted into my sex, as he swept his tongue around my folds.  I tugged at his wet hair, wanting to hold him there forever.

His tongue pushed me over the edge, causing a volcanic eruption throughout my entire body. A plethora of fireworks exploded behind my eyes. He drank every drop of me as if my nectar held the secret of immortality.

My entire body was on fire, every nerve ending sizzling. Conner had utterly unraveled me. He set my leg back on the floor, and I stood upright on shaky legs. He towered over me, kissing me fiercely, allowing me to taste myself on his tongue.

I ached to feel him inside of me. ‘You ready for me?’ he asked against my mouth. His green eyes sparkled like gems. Danger and lust illuminated from them.

I looked into his hypnotic eyes as I ran my hand down his abs and latched on to his cock. I began stroking him, slowly and seductively. His breath caught on a hiss as he parted my lips for another kiss. He moaned into my mouth as our tongues stroked.

Gripping the back of my thighs, he lifted me up. I readily wrapped my legs around his waist, his cock daringly close to my opening.  He carried me into another room, all while I kissed him all over his neck and lips before I was placed on a large poster bed.

He pulled back from me. He stood over me and looked down at me, his usual icy expression on his face. ‘Sit back. Open your legs,’ he ordered, his authoritative tone arousing me. With my eyes on him, I sat up against the headboard with my knees bent and my legs wide open.

‘Touch yourself for me,’ he commanded as he slowly stroked his cock. I faltered, my hand pausing on my stomach. ‘Do it, now,’ he calmly demanded.

I trailed my fingers down to my folds. I began to slowly rub the tiny bundle of nerves with two fingers, circling my hips as my body buzzed with heated pleasure.

He continued to unhurriedly stroke his cock as he eyed my slick sex.  ‘Stick two fingers in your pussy.’

I did as I was told.

‘Now add a third. Get that pussy ready for me.’

His wish was my command.

‘Now fuck yourself, hard.’

Unable to say no to him as if I was under a trance, I complied. My toes curled as erotic sensations took over my entire body.

I was on the verge of having an orgasm under his watchful eyes. My pulse quickened, and my legs began to tremble. He strode closer to me, like a graceful hunter about to devour his meal. Clasping my wrist with his hand, he withdrew my fingers right as I was on the brink of an orgasm. He looked at me with hollow eyes. ‘Your orgasms are mine.’

Grabbing hold of my ankles, he pulled me towards him. My back was now lying flat against the mattress. Within seconds he was on top of me, and my legs wrapped instinctively around his muscular ass.  His cock was now at my entrance, and he heedfully inserted the head inside of me. I cried out as he pushed a couple more inches in before he stilled, allowing my body to slowly accommodate his size.

‘Fuck.’ He shuddered. ‘You’re so tight,’ he grunted out, before easing in another couple of inches and stilling once again. With our foreheads pressed against one another’s, we steadied our breaths.  ‘Am I hurting you?’ he whispered tenderly.

It felt divine, as the initial slight burn from being stretched started to subside. ‘No,’ I said through a shallowed breath. With one more stroke, Conner eased the last few inches inside of me, burying himself to the hilt and causing a moan to escape from our lips. ‘Oh, God,’ I moaned, as he masterfully moved his hips, stroking inside of me in ways that proved he was an expert at this.  The rhythmic and explicit way he moved inside of me pushed me close to the edge. I grounded my hips with his, and we found a perfect cadence.

Our slow lovemaking steadily increased to raw, unadulterated, x rated, fucking. Our slick bodies relentlessly crashed into each other, as our mouths, tongues, and hands roamed wherever they could reach. Without warning, Conner pulled out of me and flipped me over on all fours. This time he shoved his cock inside of me forcefully, causing me to scream his name. He slammed into me mercilessly, circling his hips just the right way, hitting all the right spots, as he periodically smacked my bum cheeks to the point of delicious pain. Incoherent moans and profanities filled the room from both of us. Tightness started to build up in my center, and when he reached his hand around to massage my clit, I unraveled. I cried out in an earth-shattering orgasmic scream. My walls began to clench around him, causing him to shutter, moan, and curse, as he followed me over the edge of the cliff and emptied his seed deep inside of me.

No longer able to support myself up on my knees, I collapsed onto the bed. Conner followed suit, collapsing on top me, before shifting us on our sides and spooning me. There were no words. Just labored breaths and quickened heart rates. This went on for a few minutes before he spoke. ‘You completely own me,’ he whispered into the crook of my neck, nuzzling his nose there, as he rested an arm around my hip.

I think I’m in love with you. His semi-erect cock was still inside of me as I nuzzled my backside against him. ‘You’ve ruined me. No other man could ever make me feel the way you do,’ I said as I clasped his hand and moved it up to rest between my breasts.

∞∞∞

WE SHOWERED TOGETHER IN the pool house bathroom, before lazing nude outside on an over-sized chaise lounger by the pool.  Conner lay on his back with his arms crossed beneath his head. I snuggled on top of him, my head on his chest. I softly trailed the contours of his abs with my fingertips. We lay in silence, seemingly lost in our own thoughts. Timothy Bloom’s A Long Time Ago softly crooned through the speakers.

‘Penny for your thoughts,’ I asked.

There were a few moments of awkward silence before he answered. ‘You hungry?’

I lifted my head, ‘Sure. I can eat.’ We got up and made our way back to the main house. There was a slight shift in the air between us that I couldn’t interpret. Conner slipped on some lounging pants that hung deliciously low on his waist. I slipped on a black silk nightie.

The dining room table was situated near floor to ceiling windows, granting us a stunning view of the swimming pool. Crystal, chinaware, and silverware adorned the table, as well as our steaming plates of food.  I lifted my plate cover to reveal a duck breast with a pomegranate glaze, mushroom risotto, and roasted vegetables. It looked and smelled divine.

‘Please thank Javier for me. This is so good,’ I said between bites.

He smiled graciously at me. ‘I’ll be sure to do that. It’s almost as good as your jambalaya.’

‘This is so much better, but thank you,’ I said, before taking a sip from my crystal water glass. ‘Hey, can I ask you a question?’ Something he told me earlier had lingered in my mind.

‘Shoot,’ he said, giving me the green light.

‘At the restaurant, a few weeks ago, you mentioned that you were an only child, like me.’ I watched him intently as he sliced his duck. He didn’t meet my gaze. ‘But tonight,’ I continued, trying to gauge his mood which suddenly felt…. off.  ‘Tonight, you said we used to drive our nanny crazy. Who’s we?’

His hand froze mid-slice, before resuming his actions. He didn’t respond.

‘Who were you referring to?’ Another few seconds passed between us without him looking up at me or uttering a single word. ‘Conner?’

He released the knife and fork from his hands, both clattering on his plate.  He finally looked up at me, his eyes void and lifeless. ‘I had a brother,’ he said, his voice short and clipped. He finished off his remaining wine in a few big gulps.

Had a brother. ‘Oh, I’m sorry. I had no idea.’  I reached for his right hand, which rested between us on the table. He moved his hand before I could touch him.

‘It’s getting late. I have a lot of work to do in the morning. Colin will take you home.’ He abruptly stood from the table and left the room.

Completely and utterly stunned, I remained rooted to my chair. What just happened? Was he putting me out? I thought I was sleeping over. Obviously, I’d hit a sore spot, asking about his brother. His sudden coldness towards me had me questioning whether or not it was entirely about the mention of his brother. Was it something else? He had been acting strange ever since we left the pool house. I didn’t know whether to go after him or wait for him to return.  I had no idea where he was, and it was a rather large house.

Talk about mixed signals. Amy’s words replayed in my mind. He doesn’t have a reputation of sticking around. Was it true? Did he lose interest after getting what he wanted?  No. I refused to believe that. That would be too painful to accept. But the longer I sat at the table alone, the more I fumed, and the more I doubted. After a few more minutes had passed, I decided enough was enough. I abruptly stood from my chair, turned from the table, and came face to face with Conner.

∞∞∞

CONNER HELD THE HANDLE of my suitcase in his hand. ‘There’s a guest bath down the hall.’

I glared at him and snatched my bag from his outstretched arm. Stomping off toward the bathroom, I called out, ‘Bastard.’

‘Novalee,’ I heard him say from behind. Without looking back, I flipped him the bird.

I slammed the bathroom door shut and locked it, as I heard his footsteps nearing. Resting my forehead against the door, I could feel his presence on the other side of it. Then I heard retreating steps.

I willed myself not to cry. I felt cheap. I felt stupid. I felt insignificant. I felt like the others.  I slipped the straps of my nightgown off my shoulders, letting it fall into a silken puddle at my feet. I angrily swiped tears from my eyes as I dug out a strapless maxi dress and undies from my bag. After dressing, I opened the door and stepped out into the darkened hall towards the great room. Conner stood by the window, looking out at the swaying trees across his acreage. He turned to me as I approached. His face was an unreadable mask. ‘I’m sorry. I -‘.

‘Save it,’ I snapped.

I stepped into my nearby shoes, turned on my heels, and hurried out of the front door. I strode toward the waiting Rolls Royce with my head held high, and my heart in my throat.

‘Miss Dumont,’ Colin said, with a hint of sympathy in his tone. He opened the car door for me.

‘Thank you, Colin.’ With my head hung low, I slumped into the car, unable to look at him.

‘Ma’am, I…’

‘Please, don’t.’ I peered straight ahead.  Colin silently closed the door. Disappointment sat in the pit of my stomach as I glanced out at the closed front door and the empty porch. The car roared to life, slowly turning and driving off the property and out into the night.

Pulling my phone out of my bag, I fired off a text to Amy.

You were right.

I stared down at my phone screen and contemplated sending that text. Brushing my finger over the send button, I hastily pressed the delete button instead, before turning off my phone.

‘Miss Dumont,’ Colin’s voice echoed through the intercom. ‘Mr. Brathwaite has requested that you power on your phone. He’s also asked me to turn the car around and head back to his estate.’

‘You can tell Conner that I said to go to hell. Take me home, Colin. Thank you.’

‘Yes, ma’am,’ I heard a smile in his voice.

∞∞∞

AS SOON AS I arrived home, I kicked off my shoes and headed to the refrigerator. I retrieved a bottle of white wine and poured myself a hefty glass. I started toward my terrace doors. I paused with my hand on the handle, at the sound of my doorbell. No wonder on who it was. I opened my terrace doors, letting the cool night air prickle my skin and calm my heated nerves. The doorbell rang sequentially. Setting my wine glass on the counter, I strolled to the front door.

I opened the door just enough to peek through. ‘Go home, Conner,’ I said glumly, before attempting to close the door, only to be blocked by his foot.

‘Angel, I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve that.’ He pleaded with his eyes. ‘Please let me in. I was an asshole.’

I opened the door wide. ‘Yes, you were.’ I jammed my finger hard into his chest, hurting my finger in the process. ‘You treated me like crap back there. You literally screwed me and then kicked me out.’

He winced as he gripped the doorway frame. ‘I know what it looks like, but it’s not what you think.’

I stepped aside with my arms folded across my chest. I wanted to hear him out. I needed him to prove Amy wrong. ‘I was disrespectful towards you. I’m so sorry.’

‘What the hell happened back there? You shut down on me.’ My voice croaked.

He shoved his fingers through his hair and gripped the roots. ‘I just…I don’t talk about my brother, ever…to anyone.’

‘And I was supposed to know that? I’m sorry about your brother. I really am. But that gives you no right to treat me the way you did back there. You made me feel cheap. Like I don’t even matter to you.’

Conner was suddenly in front of me, cupping my face with his hands. ‘You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Being with you…being inside of you, was unlike anything I’ve ever known.’ My conflicted heart swelled, and my traitorous body buzzed with lust at the mention of what we did in the pool house.

‘I’m assuming he’s no longer with us?’ I tipped my head back to look at him.

He nodded. ‘He’s not.’ He sighed heavily, and his shoulders slumped.  ‘There are aspects of my childhood that I don’t talk about. I’ve told you all that I’m willing to share about my past. I can’t give you any more. It’s a non-negotiable.’

‘Non-negotiable,’ I repeated, absorbing the reality of those two words. Conner’s thumbs slowly caressed my cheeks as he palmed my jaw and searched my face. I knew nothing about his childhood. It disturbed me that he felt the need to lie about being an only child. ‘So…if I can’t accept that then this is…over?’

He gave an almost imperceptible nod. My heart sank. I couldn’t think straight with his hands on me. I turned my head away from him, causing him to release my cheeks from his palms. ‘I care about you, Novalee…a great deal. But I meant what I said. I’ll give you every other part of me, except for my past. I just can’t…’ He shook his head as if he were shaking off a bad memory. ‘It’s a deal-breaker for me.’ A pained looked was etched across his face as he gave that ultimatum.

My heart cracked a little. For him. For us. I knew a thing or two about painful secrets. I had my own that I wasn’t ready to divulge. But could this ever work between us if we kept significant parts of ourselves from each other, no matter how dirty or unpleasant they were? He now knew about some of the physical abuse that I suffered by the hands of Keisha. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Did our relationship stand a fighting chance to ever grow beyond what we had at this moment?

Giving in to my need to be with him, I relented. ‘Okay. I understand,’ I said, even though I doubted my resolve. I knew, deep down, that my patience and understanding had an expiration date. When that would be, time would only tell. But I knew the day would come when I’d want more, and he’d deserve more, from me. I prayed that in time, we would both be able to open our hearts and our lives up to each other, no matter how painful.

I rested the palms of my hands on his chest. He visibly relaxed under my touch. ‘Thank you,’ he said, barely above a whisper as we embraced.