Shattered Hearts A MFM Love Story

~ ~ Maddy ~ ~

“Hey, you okay—you’ve gone radio silent on me?” asked Riley Jo. She was driving me back to Jackson and Logan’s ranch after another failed attempt to visit our Nana Em.

I sighed. “Yeah, just thinking.” My mind kept going over what had happened that morning with Daddy. I’d told Riley Jo, and she’d flipped out, cursing so much the air turned blue and only calmed down when I told her it wasn’t good for the baby for her to be upset.

I made a note to myself not to say anything else that might upset her.

Riley Jo turned off the road heading onto the Reilly’s land. “I told you neither of them are worth your time or tears.”

That might be true but it still hurt a lot that my mama and now my daddy thought so little of me. I’d spent my entire life trying to make them happy and live up to their expectations. And what had it gotten me? Nothing. The first time I turned to them for help and they’d shut the door in my face.

Riley Jo carried on. “I reckon we might as well consider ourselves orphans from now on.”

I laughed. “Orphans? Isn’t that just for children?”

“Don’t matter.” She shrugged. “I ain’t never treating this baby the way our parents treated either of us.” She placed one hand on her bump. “I would die before I let anything bad happen to them.”

She was right. Parents were supposed to put their children above all else. No matter the age.

Pulling up out front of the twin’s house, Riley Jo cut the engine to the car, twisting in her seat toward me. “So quit worrying. You have me, Nana and Connor.″ She flicked her head toward the house. “Not forgetting, two hot guys who would pretty much do anything you asked.” Rubbing her tummy again “And soon a little nephew or niece to run around after.”

She leaned over the centre console as best she could and pulled me into a hug. “And I’ll always be here.”

I still didn’t feel like I deserved her love. Not after how I’d treated her. But I wouldn’t make that mistake again.

“Now go on—get.” She shifted around in her chair, smiling. “And don’t forget. Six-thirty.” I’d agreed to dinner at Riley Jo’s tonight. Connor and Max were coming too. “And you better not be calling me later to change your mind.” She threw me a mean stare before cracking another smile.

I held my hands up. “I wouldn’t dare change my mind.” I then remembered I had no car. “I’m gonna have to ask if I can borrow Logan’s truck.”

“No need.” She was quick to reply.

“What? You can’t drive back out here to come get me.”

“No. Logan will drive his own truck.”

“What? No, I can’t ask him or Jackson to keep doing stuff for me.” They’d already done more than enough.

“Duh, you not figured it out yet?”

“What?” I shook my head, dumbfounded.

“They’re invited to dinner.”

“When? You only asked me on the way to the hospital.”

“Oh I texted them whilst you were in the bathroom,” she said distracted by her nails, eyeing them carefully.

I couldn’t believe she was only just mentioning this now. “What are you up to Riley Jo?”

She pressed a hand to her chest “Me?” There was no masking the mischief swimming around her head. “It’s my way of thanking them for helping you out.”

Okay. That wasn’t a bad idea. “Well, okay. As long as you’re not fixin’ to put ideas in their heads.”

I’d not told her about sharing a bed with them last night.

Riley Jo rolled her eyes. “And what kind of ideas are those?”

“Like thinking we’re ever gonna be more than just friends?” I’d also not mentioned the small snippet that every time I found myself alone with either one, I just so happened to end up in a lip-lock.

She grinned. “Awe, c’mon... I just want you to be happy.” I grumbled. “What’s wrong with that?”

True. But I wasn’t ready to jump into a relationship with anyone. And not only because I worried I’d never trust anyone again, but how could I explain what was wrong with me? That I was broken. Or ‘fucked up’ as Cooper took delight in telling me at every God-given opportunity.

And what if I couldn’t be fixed? Never able to have sex. What man would want me then?

Riley Jo snapped her fingers in front of my face. “Hey, where did you go?”

“What? Sorry.”

“You were a million miles away. I was just saying Logan and Jackson are good men.”

“Yeah, I know.”The best. My eyes dropped. “But that doesn’t mean I’m right for either of them.”

She slipped her finger under my chin, lifting it, so I had no choice but to look at her. “What do you mean you’re not right for them?”

Oh crap. “Nothing. I meant nothing. Just promise me you won’t do anything crazy later.” I gave her a pointed glare.

“Fine,” she tsked. “Pinky promise.”

My eyebrow cocked. “Nah-ah. Pinky promise won’t cut it this time. Swear it, Riley Jo.”

She waved it off. “Stop being dramatic. Go on, Shoo, Get outta here. I have dinner to prepare.”

I reluctantly got out of the car but leaned in. “I’m serious, Riley Jo. Don’t go meddling!”

“Pfft. Keep your panties on. I gave you a pinky promise, didn’t I?”

Yeah, but the grin she was wearing said the complete opposite.

I closed the door and watched her drive away. Only then to realise that she had my purse on the back seat with her bag of groceries we’d picked up. Damn. No matter, I could get it later. Heading inside the house, I could hear country music playing and a woman singing along... and quite well, too.

Jody.

She hadn’t left yet. Heading toward the sound, I came to a standstill in the kitchen doorway. Bent over, her head was buried inside the refrigerator and her ass stuck out, swaying to the music.

I bit back my smile and cleared my throat, hoping she’d heard me come in.

Nothing.

I raised my voice. “Hey.”

Her head popped out as she straightened up, looking at me, with a wide smile. “Well, hi there.” She shut the door. “I’m just preparing my weekly shopping list. You want anything from town?”

Jody walked toward the radio on the windowsill and turned it off before making her way back to the table. Sitting down she picked up her pen. “Those boys eat like horses.” She scribbled something down on her pad.

But I hardly had a dime to my name, so I wasn’t making any demands. I would happily make do with what I was given. “I’m good. Nothing I need.” I smiled. “But thanks for asking.”

Jody pulled out the chair next to her and patted the seat. “Come sit with me and talk for a while.”

I plodded over and sat next to her. “Can I get you something? A coffee?” She pulled a plate of biscuits toward me. “Here, you wanna try one of my biscuits?”

I shook my head. “I’m still full from breakfast, but thanks. They look delicious. As good as my Nana’s.”

Jody picked up one of her biscuits. “I was sorry to hear about your Nana Em. How’s she doin’? Jackson said you were heading out to see her this morning.”

A swell of tears stung my eyes. I’d kept it together whilst at the hospital. But the concern on Jody’s face had a rush of emotion bubbling up and I burst into tears.

“Damn, look what I’ve gone and done.” She got up out of her seat, looked around, then moved to grab something and came back to the table, resting a hand on my shoulder. “Here you go.” Handing me a tissue. “I’m gonna make you some tea. My ma always swore by tea. Said it makes everything better, like magic.” She grinned, moving toward the stove, grabbing the pot to fill it up and then setting light on the burner.

I sat quietly as she made the magic drink. It wasn’t long before a mug of steaming hot tea was sitting right in front of me. “Drink up while it’s hot.” Taking her seat again.

I blew my nose and wiped my eyes. “Sorry,” I said, my voice shaky with emotion.

“You’ve got nothing to be sorry for, honey. Better out than in.”

I swallowed. “Thank you, you’re too kind.”

She waved it off. “It’s nothing, honey. The least I can do for upsetting you.”

“Oh, you didn’t upset me.” She was being nice to me and I didn’t want her to feel bad. “I guess I was just holding it all in.” I sighed. “And Mama still won’t let us in to see her.”

Jody huffed through her nose, her face twisting. “I’ll never understand some people.”

Me neither. “Lucky for us, Adam, Riley Jo’s—that’s my sister.”

She nodded, smiling. “Yeah, I know Riley Jo.”

Everyone loved Riley Jo. “Well, Adam said they’re gonna be doing another scan tomorrow, and if the swelling has gone down, then they can look at waking her up.”

I prayed that was the case. Losing my Nana wasn’t something I was ready to think about, if ever.

Jody reached over and squeezed my hand in hers. “She’s a strong one that Nana of yours.”

“That’s what I’m praying for.”

“Well, I’ll add her to my prayers too, a little extra praying never did any harm.”

I smiled, nodding.

She let go of my hand and I picked up my tea, blowing over the top.

Jody munched on her biscuit. “Are you sure you don’t want some? They’re damn good if I do say so myself.” She chuckled.

“I’m good, but thanks again.”

We sat there for a while before she spoke up. “Now don’t be mad at the boys—but they’ve said a couple of things about what’s been going on with you.”

My head snapped in her direction and my stomach plunged. Opening my mouth to say something.

She lowered her half-eaten biscuit and held up her free hand. “Don’t get upset with them—they didn’t go into detail.” She sighed. “Just said you’ve had it rougher than most.”

I didn’t want anyone to know the humiliating facts about my marriage.

She continued. “No man or any person has any right to hurt another living creature without a damn good reason.” She ate the other half of her biscuit, chewing then swallowing, adding. “And you did the right thing in getting yourself out of that situation.” Shaking her head. “I’ve known others not as lucky.”

She was right but thankfully the conversation shifted direction.

“So, what are your plans now? You planning on staying here a while—at the ranch?”

I nodded. “Yeah. Logan’s offered me work, helping around the ranch and my sister said I can work with her too. So I’m gonna save some money and then look to getting my own place.” And divorcing Cooper. I hoped Connor might recommend a good divorce attorney—not that I wanted anything from him. Apart from my God-given freedom.

“Sounds like a plan.” She lifted her mug to her lips. “But what are your plans for Logan and Jackson?”

Plans? “I’m not following you?” I took another sip of tea.

She pulled her head back; her face full of disbelief. “You know they’re both sweet on you?”

I almost spat out the mouthful of tea. Had they said something to their aunt about me? She read my mind.

“And no. They’ve not said anything, but I’ve got eyes in my head. And I might be old, but I know what a man looks like when he’s pining away.”

Was she worried I was going to cause a rift between the brothers? “You don’t have to worry about me coming between them because I won’t ever choose one over the other.”

She nodded thoughtfully. “I get what you’re saying. I do.”

I sensed a but coming.

“—But expecting them to just shut off their feelings for you or one of them step aside for the other...” She shook her head. “Well, that’s like forcing an open flame to point downwards.”

I was about to reply when there was a knock at the door. Riley Jo? “You can bet that will be my sister dropping off my purse.” I jumped up from my seat. “I stupidly left it in her car.” Heading toward the door.

Just as I reached the door, I heard the radio being turned on again, flooding the house with music. I was smiling as I opened the door to greet Riley Jo. “I knew—” the words died in my mouth.

Frozen. My smile shrivelled to nothing. It wasn’t my sister standing on the porch.

“Hello, Princess.” He cocked his head. “So this is where you’ve been hiding?”

The air stilled, and I gasped a breath, provoking a clipped snick against my teeth, sounding horribly familiar.

Cooper.

My heart literally shrunk inside my chest, and my mouth went dry. Wearing his aviator shades. He was dressed so simply in jeans and a T-shirt.

He should have been at work—why wasn’t he at work?

And how had he found me? ... my Daddy. He must have been on the phone the second I left this morning.

Of course, he was gonna tell on me. What should I expect – loyalty?

“Cat got ya tongue, Princess?” He removed his glasses, fixing them to sit on his head. His eyes were blazing and his mouth set in a hard, angry line. He looked beyond livid but there was something else on his face too, a darkness not even I’d seen before.

I swallowed hard, my voice quiet. “What are you doing here?” I’d sent a message yesterday telling him I was leaving him for good. “You got my message—right?”

He took a step closer but kept his voice lowered. “You thought you could end our marriage by text? He sounded disappointed and angry, shaking his head slowly. “Think again. I’ve come to take my wife home.”

It was cowardly and under any other circumstance, I would rather have done it face to face. But my safety meant more than his pride. “I’m not going back, Cooper. Not now. Not ever.”

I stood taller. He couldn’t hurt me any more. He crowded closer. “You’re mine.”

That was his reply? Had he not listened or read my message?

I angled my head up. “No. And I never was.”

About to step back and close the door in his face, Cooper moved fast, his hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. “You’re not going anywhere,” he hissed, dragging me toward him like I was some kind of rag-doll.

His touch on me was branding. “Let go of me, Cooper.” My voice rose in volume and tone.

“I said you’re coming with me.” He breathed heavily through his nose as he towered over me. “Get in the car, Maddy.”

I was going nowhere with him. He could do whatever he wanted. “I’m done taking orders from you.” I shook my head. “And my parents.”

He snarled, his top lip curled up. “We’re done when I say we’re done!”

I struggled to free my wrist. “Why? Why can’t you just let me go—you don’t love me?” I shrieked. “If you ever loved me, then you would never have hurt me.”

I was trembling now but my voice held strong.

“You’re too stupid to know what you’re saying. Now get in the damn car, Maddy,” he repeated with more venom, yanking me so I collided with his firm chest.

I pushed myself off him, although his hand stayed wrapped around my wrist. Opening my mouth to argue, it slammed shut when he lifted his T-shirt and showed me the gun stashed there.

“I suggest you don’t cause a scene.” His words scraped over my nerves like a rusty blade. “And next time I hear you snap your tongue at me, your mouth will be sore for days. Understand?”

My mind panicked, thoughts tumbling over one another.

“Everything okay out there?” I heard Jody call out from inside the house.

I couldn’t involve her in this. He was crazy, for sure. And what if he shot her—killed her?

Cooper leaned into me. “Tell her everything is fine,” he warned.

I turned my head slightly, calling out over my shoulder. “It's Riley Jo. I’m just gonna walk her back to her car.”

“Okay, say hi for me,” she hollered.

Cooper reached behind me and pulled the front door closed. “Cooper please,” I begged with my bravery slipping away faster than quicksand. I was back to meek, pathetic Maddy.

He dragged me toward the porch steps and I tried to snatch a stabilising breath, but it was utterly useless when I stumbled on the first step and Cooper caught me. “Everything’s gonna be just fine once we’re back home.”

He was crazy. I shook my head. “You know that’s not true.” His blue eyes flashed darker with a current of anger.

Smart Maddy. Made him angrier.

I needed to shut the hell up.

“Oh, you will,” he sneered. “And if you try to leave again, then I will make sure them Reilly’s lose everything. They might even come by an accident.”

I gasped. He was a monster. “You wouldn’t!” I hissed as his grip on my wrist dropped and his hand shifted around the back of me, twisting his fingers in the back of my dress, tightening the material across my tummy as he directed us toward his car.

He laughed without humour. “Trust me. I can, and I will.”

With his free hand, he retrieved the car keys from his jeans pocket, pressing the fob to unlock the door. Opening the car door. He twisted me around, his hand slipping up under my hair, gripping the back of my neck. Tugging me flush against him, he leaned down and kissed me hard. His tongue tried to invade my mouth. Desperate to push him off me, I bit down, driven by instinct.

He cried out and pushed me away so hard I fell backwards, landing on my ass.

“You fucking bitch! You bit me!?”

I swiped my hand across my mouth.

“Oh, you’ll pay for that, Princess.”

I scrambled backwards, pushing dirt up as my feet dug into the ground beneath me.

“Get the hell away from her, asshole!” We both turned to see Jody standing with a shotgun aimed directly at Cooper. She spoke to me. “You okay there, Maddy?”

Cooper spat on the ground. “This ain’t got nothing to do with you. So I suggest you go back inside.”

Ignoring Cooper, Jody’s eyes narrowed on him. “He hurt you, Maddy?” She raised her shotgun a little higher.

“I-I’m okay.”

“I want you to get up and come inside the house,” she instructed me and then directed her next command at Cooper. “Keep your hands where I can see them and one more word out of your mouth and I’ll happily add an extra hole to that over-muscled body of yours.”

I scrambled to my feet and brushed the dirt from my legs. I didn’t look at Cooper as I hurried toward the house.

“Maddy,” he growled. “Don’t you dare—”

I stopped and did a turnabout. “Go home, Cooper. Forget ’bout me. I ain’t never going back.”

“—This ain’t over. You hearin’ me?”

Jody moved down one step. “I’m gonna count to three and you better be in your car on your way.”

“You don’t scare me.” He tossed out the words. But he didn’t sound half as sure as he was a moment ago.

He reached for his own gun.

I turned back to Jody. “He’s got a gun!”

She fired off the shotgun close to Cooper’s feet; the bullet hit the ground, and a plume of dust filled the air. Cooper started coughing. “You crazy bitch.”

I stood side by side with Jody who threatened Cooper again. “Now quit goin’ around your ass to get to your elbow and hit the road, because I won’t warn you a third time.”

As the dust settled, I saw nothing but hatred staring back. Holding his position for another minute, back stiff and fists clenched. I thought he was going to charge right at us. Like one of those bulls in a ring. But he walked around his car opening his door and ducked into the driver’s seat.

I held my breath until his car wheel spun right on outta there.

Jody lowered the shotgun and turned to me. “Damn. You look as pale as a tall glass of milk.”

My breath rushed out in a whooshing sound. “Thank you, Jody. You just might have saved my life.”

“Don’t mention it, honey.” She rubbed my arm. “I hate bullies. Men like him need putting in their place.” A smile brightened her face. “How ’bout we get ourselves another drink?” She winked. “Something stronger.”

“You go ahead. But if you don’t mind, I think I’d like to go have a shower.” I felt dirty and wanted to get out of these clothes.

“Sure, you go up, and then when you come down, we can have that drink.”

I hugged her quickly, then made my way inside and headed straight up to my room.

Barely alone for a few minutes, I heard heavy footsteps and for a moment I thought it was Cooper coming back as I moved toward the middle of the room, looking for something to hit him with. Not that I’d have much chance against a gun.

The door burst open, and my shoulders sagged.

It was Jackson.

Moving toward me, he looked painfully gorgeous, his eyes piercing and intense as they drank in my appearance. “I heard the shotgun and Jody—” He stopped moving, took a deep breath, and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his body.

Oh, the heat and the comfort were instant and immense, and I softened.

He moved his mouth to the top of my head, kissing me gently. Easing back, his eyes assessing, checking I was okay. His hands moved to either side of my head, leaning down he kissed my cheeks, my jaw, moving up to my lips. And I felt a thrum of electricity move through me. It ignited something inside me like a cold room given warmth of an open fire. Jackson was that fire. And when he pushed his tongue into my mouth, I didn’t fight him, I couldn’t help but sigh into the kiss.

Moving one hand down to my hip. He pulled me into him, rocking his hips against me as he deepened the kiss. I could feel the insistent nudging of his erection and I didn’t try to stop him.

“Maddy,” he whispered. “I was half out of my mind when Jody told me...” He took a sharp breath. “I’ll end his sorry, miserable ass if he dare comes near you again.”

Between his mouth and his words, I felt safe. And right at that moment, I didn’t want to be anywhere else but in his arms.