Beautifully Destroyed (Beautifully Broken)

“Hey, Dad.” He clears his throat. “We’re good. Just had lunch.” His eyebrows dart up, then he shoots off the couch. “You’re here? I’m opening.” Ending the call, he whispers, “Did you hear knocking?”

I shake my head, letting out a burst of laughter because we were so caught up in each other we didn’t hear Mr. Jackson.

Then Ethan adjusts his erection, and I almost go up in flames, a silly grin stuck to my face.

He opens the door, giving his father an apologetic look. “Sorry, I didn’t hear the knock.”

Mr. Jackson chuckles as he ruffles Ethan’s hair. “I can see why.”

Oh, God. Busted.

Ethan’s hair was still messy from me running my fingers through it.

Feeling awkward as hell, I mumble, “Hey, Mr. Jackson.”

He gives me a warm smile that doesn’t make him look as scary. “You look much better today? How are you feeling?” He walks toward me, coming a little closer than he usually does.

“Much better. Thank you for all your help yesterday.”

“Don’t mention it. Did you get a new number?”

I nod quickly.

“Give it to me.”

Ethan recites the number, and a couple of seconds later, my phone rings. “Program my number into your phone. If anything happens and Ethan’s unable to get in touch with me, then you call me.”

“Okay.” I do as he says while he turns his attention to Ethan. “Did you take a couple of days off?”

“Yes. Sydney will take over my private training sessions, and Carl will give the self-defense classes.”

“Good.” Mr. Jackson glances between Ethan and me. “So… what are the two of you doing to keep yourselves busy?”

Ethan clears his throat. “Guitar lessons.”

Among other things.

ETHAN

After Dad leaves, Finlay and I wash the dishes.

“What’s your favorite movie?” I ask as I pack the last plate away.

“Winter’s Tale.”

“I haven’t heard of it.”

Finlay’s eyes light up. “You have to watch it.”

Taking a seat on the couch, I go into my Amazon app and rent the movie. “A story of miracles, crossed destinies, and the age-old battle between good and evil,” I quote the synopsis. “Sounds interesting.”

“There’s tons of action for you,” Finlay says, snuggling into my side and curling her legs beneath her. “What’s your favorite movie?”

I have to think for a moment, then answer, “The Revenant.”

Finlay shakes her head, then asks, “What’s it about.”

“Determination and the strength of the human spirit. We’ll watch it after your movie.”

I press play, then ask, “Why is this your favorite?”

“Their love transcends time.”

Lifting my legs, I rest my feet on the coffee table. When the gun digs into my back, I pull it out and shove it beneath one of the throw pillows. Finlay burrows closer, and finding a comfortable position with her cheek pressed to my chest, we watch the movie.

Or at least, I try, but halfway through, I drift off.

When I wake up, the TV’s off, and Finlay’s fast asleep against my side.

It’s dark, and checking the time on my phone, I see it’s already past nine pm.

I slept for five hours, and with Finlay getting some rest, I have no intention of moving a muscle.

With the silence around me and Finlay safe in my arms, my thoughts turn to this morning. I drop my head back against the couch, my eyes closing as I try to wipe the images I saw from my mind.

I can’t believe that sick fuck did that to Finlay. What the fuck is wrong with a person to hurt another human being like that?

Finlay’s petite and… Christ, she brings out the fiercest protective feeling in me. I could never hurt her.

I start to imagine how I’m going to kill him, reveling in the most gruesome ways. Cutting off his fucking dick and feeding it to him until he chokes on it is number one on my list.

Finlay stirs, snuggling closer and wrapping her arm around my waist as if I’m her personal teddy bear.

The corner of my mouth lifts, thinking I’ll be anything she wants me to be.

For this girl, I’ll move heaven and earth.

I never believed in love at first sight until I locked eyes with Finlay. The other half of my soul. Two weeks, two years – time doesn’t matter. I love her.

Finlay’s hold on me tightens as she starts to tremble. Brushing my hand over her hair, I whisper, “I’m here. You’re safe.” The trembling fades, and my lips curve up. “Sleep, baby. I’ve got you.”

My thoughts turn to what I can do for our dates. I want to give Finlay the relationship she deserves. If the weather’s nice tomorrow, we can go sailing. It might be chilly, but I’ll bundle her in warm clothes.

We still have the movies to watch. We can do that tomorrow night.

My phone starts to ring, and I quickly grab it and answer so it won’t wake Finlay.

“Hello.”

“It’s David. How are things there?”

“Much better,” I murmur. “Finlay’s asleep next to me.”