Breaking Ryann
Synopsis:
He promised to leave me alone, but that was a lie. I should have known he’d have this pull on me—seeping through my skin and into my bones, burning me from the outside in. It’s just like when we were kids, and I can no longer avoid him. I’ve accepted it, but what will it take to convince him that I am no longer his? Is that really what I want?
I told her I’d leave her alone. But who was I kidding? I’ve never been one to back away from a challenge. He stole my girl—my future—from me. I’m coming back with a vengeance. I’m taking back what he took from me. After all the secrets and lies, can we come back from this? Even if it breaks me, I’ll stop at nothing to protect what’s always been mine.
Where to purchase BREAKING RYANN:
Chapter 1
Reese
“Keep doing that,” Sean breathes,
pulling my bottom lip into his mouth before releasing it.
I scratch my nails up
and down his back, running my other hand through his golden brown hair. He’s
got it cut really short, and I like it. “This?”
He switches to my top
lip. “Yeah, it feels good,” he says, hungrily moving back and forth over my
mouth. When he rocks against me, our tongues collide. I softly moan, enjoying
the friction it brings. He squeezes my breast then glides down my quivering
stomach, meeting the edge of my shorts. The familiar confusion settles in.
“Are you wet for me?”
His voice is husky as his fingers slip inside of my panties. Desire pools in
his eyes.
It’s
all in your head, Reese. You can do this.
Meeting his gaze, he
asks, “Do you want me?”
I feel conflicted, not
wanting to hurt him. He senses my hesitation and rolls off me, rubbing the
space between his brows.
“It still feels like we’re rushing things. I’m
sorry.”
“Don’t worry,” he
replies, clearly frustrated. “Give me a minute to lose this semi, and I’ll be
fine.”
“I didn’t mean to get
your hopes up.” I scoot back against the headboard and fasten my shorts. He
lets out an exaggerated breath. It’s been a few months since we’ve called our
relationship ‘official.’ He’s never pressured me for sex, but it’s clear my
hesitancy is wearing on him.
“It’s your first time. You’re nervous,” he
replies, looking straight ahead. I can tell he’s thinking into it. Ever since
Luke’s return, I’ve sensed his insecurity. We haven’t spoken since the night he
came back, but it doesn’t make Sean feel any better. He knows how much Luke
meant to me.
“You’re leaving?” I
ask as he climbs out of bed.
Grabbing his light
blue polo, he pulls it over his head, and makes a weak attempt to cover his
erection. “It’s late,” he says, tapping twice on the doorframe. “I should go.”
He starts down the hall.
“Wait.” I jump out of bed, meeting him in the
middle. “I love you. You know that, right?” We’ve said it before, but I want
him to know that I mean it. “I’m just protecting my heart.”
His eyes soften. I
hope that means he believes me.
“What’s up guys?”
Logan calls from the other room.
We glance toward the
couch, where he and Gia are spooning, the volume on the television set low. I
purse my lips, unaware we had an audience, then my eyes move to the fresh
bouquet of Calla lilies displayed on our table. A shot of fear bolts through
me, and I try to speed things along, lightly pushing Sean forward. “Will I see
you tomorrow, or will you be working?”
“Depends on what I get done tonight.”
“Well, you better get going then.”
“I’m goin’.”
I move him to the
door, and he pauses and turns to Logan.
“Dude. You’re going to
have to quit that.” He tips his head toward the flowers with a half grin on his
face. “You’re making me look bad.”
I cringe, glancing at
Logan. To say he looks confused is an understatement.
“The flowers,” Sean
confirms.
Logan lifts his head.
His eyes flick from me to the lilies before he relaxes against the pillow. He
focuses back on the television. “Wish I could take the credit, man, but those
aren’t from me.”
Gia silently
apologizes with her eyes. Logan doesn’t know any better. It isn’t her fault.
I’m the one who chose to lie to my boyfriend. Hurrying us out the door, I
prepare for an argument.
“You lied to me,” Sean says sharply, not
wasting any time. His hair glistens under the porch light.
“It’s not what you think.”
“It’s not? Because I’m
thinking Luke sent you those flowers.”
“You’re right. He did,” I pause, sighing. “But they don’t mean anything. I just
wasn’t sure how to tell you. I knew it would upset you.”
He
looks disgusted. “And that makes it okay?”
I sit on the porch
bench right outside the door. “Of course it doesn’t. I should have been honest
with you. Lying was stupid.” Feeling defeated, I put my head in my hands.
“Is there anything else I need to know, while
we’re being honest with each other? Just get it all out now. I don’t want any
more surprises.”
Uh
yeah, Luke has a wife. I
shake my head. “There’s nothing.” His jaw ticks like he doesn’t believe me.
“Stop reading into this like it’s more than it is. They’re just flowers, Sean.”
“Just flowers,” he
murmurs lowly, rubbing his hand against his forehead. “Is he the reason you
won’t let me fuck you?”
“Excuse me?” My stomach drops.
“You heard me.”
“Of course not!” I stand and look directly
into his eyes. I’ve always known this was in the back of his mind, but the way
he said it hurts. “I can’t believe you just said that!” Luke’s dog barks across
the way, and my gaze slides towards his place. “Keep your voice down! You’re
being loud.”
“So what if he hears me,” he spits.
“I told you. We haven’t spoken since the day
he moved back.”
“How
do I know that isn’t bullshit?”
“Because
it isn’t.” He only knows a quarter of what happened that night. I left out the
candlelit dinner and the wife—a wife I’ve rarely seen around here. I assume
they’re having problems already. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least.
Two days after we’d
met on the rooftop, my heart shattered all over again, when I spotted a woman
carrying boxes into his house. I recognized her immediately and ran to the
toilet to dry heave, then silently bawled for an hour. I wasn’t prepared to
have it shoved in my face. A part of me had hoped that, if I let Luke explain
like he’d asked, we’d somehow be able to move on from this, but my logical side
told me to let him go. I didn’t want to make the same mistakes as my
mother—constantly living in denial. I refused to be that girl.
The next night I
walked out my front door and came face to face with a large German Shepard.
Startled, I took a cautious step back. He sat on his hind legs, lifting a paw
like he wanted to shake. Hesitantly, I leaned down to pet him, admiring his
brindle fur coat. “Hey there, big boy.
You scared me for a minute.” I smiled, and he happily panted in return. “Good thing you’re friendly. Are you lost?”
“Chance,” called the voice of the woman from the
day before, standing in front of Luke’s place. I froze when she walked over,
sizing me up with an eyebrow raised. I’m not sure if she recognized me from the
hospital. “I’m Rachelle,” she said, reaching out her hand. It took me a second
to take it. She exuded confidence and was disgustingly fit. I wanted to throw
up again.
“Reese,” I replied
with a clear of my throat, before we shook hands.
Flipping her hair over
her shoulder, her eyes fell on Chance. “Sorry. Blame it on his father. I told
him Chance had mastered opening doors.” She
tipped her head toward their house. “But Luke had other things on his mind,
if you know what I mean.” She laughed half-heartedly. “You know men. Maybe next
time he’ll put him away first, like I’d asked.” Reaching for his collar, she said, “C’mon boy. Let’s go,” dragging
him back to the house. “It was nice to meet you,” she said right as she shut the door.
That was the last time
I saw her.
“For two damn months
this has gone on! You couldn’t tell him to stop?” Sean yells, snapping me out
of the memory.
“I didn’t want to face him. I … I thought if I
ignored it, he’d get the hint and stop sending the flowers.”
“You’ve got ‘em in the
center of your living room!”
“At first I threw them
away, even using his garbage can, so
he’d see them.”
“You’re giving him the
wrong idea, Reese!”
“Stop yelling! I can
hear you!” I shout, as loud as him.
“Are you going to tell him, or am I?” His
fists clench at his sides.
“You okay, Reese?” Luke calls, standing twenty
feet away. My breath catches as he strides over. Sean pulls me in for a
possessive kiss, making things more awkward than they already are. Forcing my
eyes shut, I give in, though I’m not done being pissed. What he’d said earlier
was disrespectful, but I need to show him there’s no reason for his insecurity.
Luke and I are truly over.
“You gonna let her
answer, or are we gonna stand here all night?”
My skin responds to
the familiar voice as if it were touching me. Oh God, he’s so close.
Sean releases me,
wiping his mouth. “Mind your own
business. She’s not your concern anymore.”
Ignoring Sean
completely, Luke asks me again, “You okay Reese?” His eyes search deep, like
he’s invading my soul. Chills shoot up the back of my neck. I don’t know how he
does it. He’s shirtless and freshly showered—wearing low-slung shorts that show
off his muscular physique, and the sexy V framing his pelvic area, one I’ve
been known to stare at.
I drag my eyes away
from his body, breathing in his intoxicating scent. He’s married, Reese. He’s a liar! Remember?
“She’ll be fine once you leave her alone. And
stop sending the flowers,” Sean growls. “She doesn’t want them.”
“You gonna buy them
for her?” Luke asks without casting him a glance. A conflict of emotions burns
inside my chest. How can he be so
protective on one hand, yet so hurtful on another?
“I said she doesn’t
want you here, man. Go back inside.”
The tension continues
to thicken. I place a hand over Sean’s chest, giving it a slight shove. “Let’s
get you home.” If he doesn’t shut up,
he’s going to get his butt kicked.
“Do you always let him
speak for you?”
Whipping around to
face Luke, I spit, “I think you know me better than that, and frankly, it’s
none of your business.”
He moves a little too
close, dipping down to meet my eyes. “You being honest with me?”
Then Sean’s up in
Luke’s face. “She can’t stand being near you, asshole! Take the fucking hint!”
Luke smirks, taunting
him. “You keep telling yourself that, buddy. Reese and I have a past. I can read
her like a book.” He straightens his shoulders. “Whether she’s hiding
something, her emotions, her truths, her lies … all of it.”
Oh
God … where is he going with this?
“That’s special. Really, I’m touched. But
where were you when her father died, huh? ‘Cause I was drying her tears,
picking up the pieces you left behind. You dumb piece of shit!”
I watch Luke’s
expression change to lethal. When he turns to me, his jaw is clenched. “If you
care about him at all, you’ll convince him to walk away.” His voice is a low
growl.
I take his threat
seriously, grabbing onto Sean’s arm. “It’s late. You have work to do.
Remember?” I plead, keeping my voice as calm as I can muster, but I’m not sure
that it’s helping. He still hasn’t budged.
“Tell him what you
said about the flowers. I’ll go home once you’re inside. I’d be crazy to leave
him alone with you.”
“Luke would never hurt
me.”
He snorts, then Luke
rams himself hard into his chest. “Something funny, prick?” Before I can blink,
he’s bumping him again. There isn’t a contest on who would win, if things got
ugly. Luke’s an expert, and he towers over Sean.
I work my way between
them, placing a hand on both of their chests, giving Sean a look of warning.
Then I turn my attention to Luke. “I don’t think it’s appropriate that you send
me flowers.” A lump forms in my throat. “I need you to stop.” Why do I feel sorry for him?
His hands slip deep
into his pockets, and slowly he backs away, showing no flicker of emotion.
“Done,” is all he says.
I lift my chin. Glad I’ve made it easy. Now run along to
your wife, wherever she is.
When he reaches his
front door, I give Sean a glare. He’s still on my shit list. “Told you—you have
nothing to worry about.”
He wraps his arms
around me, kissing the side of my neck, even though I slightly protest.
“Something tells me he’s not done yet.”
“You’ll see.”
“That’s what I’m afraid
of.”
“See you in the morning,” Luke calls from his
doorway. His arms stretched out wide, he grips the frame.
Sean tenses, and I
stare at Luke, confused.
“The morning?”
Every ripple of his
torso is on display under the porch light. “Work,” he replies, with his gaze
fixed on Sean, no matter that I’m who asked the question. “I’m back at the
gym.”
My mouth falls open,
the beat of my heart triples its pace, and I stand there, speechless.
Raising Ryann
Synopsis:
He's the stereotypical fighter- 100 percent alpha male. The kind of
guy a girl should avoid at all costs. When he's hired to privately train me,
avoiding him isn't an option. Most girls would love to drop their panties, even
if it is just to catch a glimpse of his dimpled smile. I won't fall victim to
his charm. That's what I tell myself at least, though it's torture when my
mind's at war with my body. Something about the tattooed bad boy draws me in.
It isn't just the broad shoulders, piercing eyes, and muscular frame that has
me entranced. Luke Ryann has a secret. And I plan to find out what it is.
Recommended for mature audiences due to language, violence and sexual
situations
Where to
purchase RAISING RYANN:
Amazon http://amzn.to/1NieFj9
iBooks
Kobo
Smashwords
Resisting Ryann
Synopsis:
USA Today bestselling author Alyssa Rae Taylor
amplifies the angst-filled love story that started in Raising Ryann.
What happens when the person you love becomes threatened by your very
existence? How far will you go to keep them safe?
Luke Ryann will do anything to protect the woman he loves, even if it
means shattering her heart. When the mystery of his past comes back to haunt
him, he leaves Reese behind and enters the life of crime he had worked so hard
to escape. When all is said and done, will he be able to get out of this alive,
or will he be in over his head?
She's been in love with him since her childhood, but now she questions
everything. After Reese Johnson discovers Luke's disappearance has nothing to do
with the MMA, she faces a difficult choice. Can she find it in her heart to
forgive him? Or will the secrets and lies be too damaging for her to trust
again? Will this couple ever have a chance? You know what they say.
Sometimes ... love just isn't enough.
Resisting Ryann is the second book in The Bad Boy Reformed
trilogy. This story isn't just a romance. It's filled with action, suspense,
mystery, and a touch of humor.New adult romance. Recommended for mature readers
due to situations of abuse, violence, language, and sexual content.
Where to purchase RESISTING RYANN
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1O1dc24
SMASHWORDS: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/441959
Author Bio:
USA Today Bestselling author Alyssa Rae Taylor lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, their three daughters, two English bulldogs and a miniature pig. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and watching Sam & Dean Winchester fight off scary creatures on the WB. She enjoys stories that tug at her emotions and isn't a fan of the insta-love type of romance. Her dream is to travel the world with her husband and children beside her. The first time she started writing, she couldn't stop, which leads to now, and the publication of the Bad Boy Reformed Series,
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