Open Wounds (Damaged Souls Book 2) Read online

  “I just got off of the phone with Dom. She got an email back from the editor of the magazine she contacted. They want to do a full spread about you and the house!” Lexi burst out, clutching her hands to her in front of her, trying to contain her elation.

  “Are you for real?” Sloan asked in disbelief.

  “Yes!” Lexi squealed.

  “Hot damn!” Sloan shouted, before scooping Lexi up into his arms, and spinning her around until they were both dizzy. “I officially have changed my opinion of that meddlin’ woman,” Sloan stated, his southern accent a little thicker in his enthusiasm.

  He kissed Lexi soundly on the lips and then placed her gently back on the ground. He grinned down at her like a besotted fool. And unable to contain himself, he grabbed her face, kissed her again and then started to dance a jig of his own.

  Lexi giggled at his antics. Ah, what the hell! Then she joined in, and they started dancing together. Sloan linked his arm with hers and began to skip round and round, doing a do-see-do. They heard a loud bark and turned to see Tank looking out through the screen door, catching them in the act.

  They collapsed into the grass in exhaustion. They stared up at the bright blue sky, and big fluffy clouds as they caught their breath. Lexi turned to Sloan and propped her head up on her hand to look down at him.

  “I didn’t realize that you’d be this excited about it. You seemed pretty nonchalant when Dom mentioned it.” Lexi wondered out loud.

  “I didn’t want to get my hopes up. Life has been pretty tough, with little to get too happy about. The last several weeks with you have been the best of my life. And each day just keeps getting better and better. I think I thought it was too much to ask, to have this happen too.” Sloan admitted honestly.

  “Well, I think it’s time for both of us to have a little joy in our lives. I’d say we earned it. Don’t ya think?” Lexi gave him a sassy smile, finally starting to believe it herself, that happiness was possible for them.

  “Yes, I do.” Sloan looked up at her, love shining in his eyes.

  “So I’m assuming you came looking for me because you’ve worked up an appetite?” Lexi asked, deflecting the look he gave her. She didn’t want him to say the words attached to the look, when she wasn’t sure she could say them back.

  Sloan sighed in mild disappointment, but let it go. He didn’t want to ruin the celebratory moment. “Yeah, I couldn’t ignore the growls any longer.”

  “Alright, let’s go fix something to calm the beast,” Lexi said, sitting up.

  Sloan jumped up with the agility of panther. He held out his hands, and Lexi took them gladly, as he pulled her to her feet. He instantly pulled her into a warm embrace, squeezing her tightly to him.

  “Thank you,” Sloan whispered against her soft hair.

  “For what?” She asked into his hard chest.

  “For having faith in me,” Sloan answered, barely containing the emotion in his voice.

  “You’re welcome,” Lexi said simply.

  Chapter 6

  Royals

  The week leading up the Dom’s wedding, Sloan was the grumpiest that Lexi had ever seen him. It didn’t help that one night he had another flashback and woke up screaming in a cold sweat. As well as his deadened nerves bothering him more than usual, making work on the house difficult for him. Even the excitement of the magazine wanting to do a spread on the house, showcasing Sloan’s work, did little to brighten his mood.

  When they went shopping for a suit for him earlier in the week, he had been a grouchy bear the whole time. Lexi knew that Sloan despised high society, but she didn’t realize that he hated it that much. And as she soaked in the tub Saturday afternoon, the day of the wedding, she had heard the last grumble she was willing to listen to, as Sloan stepped out of the shower.

  “Sloan! That’s enough! I know you don’t want to go to this wedding. I know that you hate high society. But we both have to do what we have to, in order to get ahead. You need the clientele, and I need people willing to spend a ridiculous amount of money on paintings. To have an interest in my work, so that they’ll come to my art showing. We don’t have any choice. So stop your damn whining and grumbling under your breath! You’re not ten for God’s sake!” Lexi burst out, her relaxing bath turning into anything but.

  “I know. I’m sorry.” Sloan hung his head in shame. “It’s more me, than anything. I’m hoping people don’t look at my scars like I’m some kind of freak. And also, I’m worried that if one of those stuffy bastards says anything, which they probably will, I’ll lose it on them and embarrass you. The last time I was in a room full of wealthy people, I attacked one.” Sloan sighed deeply. “It didn’t go over too well then, and it won’t now.”

  “Come here,” Lexi said, holding out her hand.

  Wrapped in just a towel around his hips, Sloan walked to the tub and pulled over a little wooden stool that Lexi had purchased to use as a place to sit and apply her lotion after bathing. He sat down on it and took her hand in his. He took the sponge from her and began to bath her back as she spoke.

  “Sloan, sweetie. You can’t hide in this house forever. You have to go out there and make a name for yourself. So you can be successful in your own right, without the help of your parents.” Lexi said softly, before leaning over slightly to kissing him on his shoulder. “You’ll do great. And if not, I’ll be there to help you. So stop worrying. Let’s think of it as a fun night out. All we do is work and stay cooped up in this house. It’ll be nice to get out. Some drinks, and maybe even a little dancing.” Lexi coaxed.

  “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to take you out on a proper date. I was raised better than that.” Sloan said sadly.

  “Stop that! That’s not what I was trying to say, and you know it. I don’t need to go on a date to know that you care for me. You show me every day. More than anyone I’ve ever been with. I’m just saying that we need a break from work. It’s time to go play a little.” Lexi finished, looking up at him coyly. Her green eyes sparkled with mischief.

  “Oh, you wanna play. Well, we don’t need to leave these four walls for that.” Sloan smirked as his hand moved from her shoulder to her neck.

  Sloan’s eyes locked and held Lexi’s green gaze, as his hand traveled down her wet skin. He traced his index finger around her areola, puckering her nipple. Her mouth opened on a gasp. He continued down her damp, slippery body, down under the water. Finding what he was looking for, Sloan ran his finger up her slick opening, touching her sensitive nub at the top. A soft cry escaped her lips, and Sloan leaned in to flick his tongue against her open lips.

  “Unh, Sloan!” Lexi groaned, her hands gripping the edge of the tub and her hips pumping forward, towards his skilled fingers.

  “Yes, princess? Tell me what you want?” Sloan asked against her lips, before dipping his tongue into her panting mouth.

  “More.” Lexi moaned when he released her lips.

  Obliging her, Sloan stroked two fingers into her heat, hooking them to press against her G-spot as his thumb circled her hardened clit. Lexi’s cries became louder and more frequent, the water in the tub sloshing on the sides from the frantic movements of her hips.

  “Will you come for me?” Sloan asked, looking into her hooded green eyes.

  “Aah…” Lexi cried incoherently. “Stand up.” She ordered him.

  Sloan followed her command and stood up next to the tub. Lexi tore away his towel. His beautiful manhood stood at the ready. Lexi flicked her tongue against the pearl of liquid that seeped from the tip. Sloan’s hips pumped towards her reflexively, and he grunted with pleasure. Grasping him at the base, Lexi slid her mouth down his long thick shaft.

  “Fuck, Lexi!” Sloan shouted.

  He bent over her, placing one hand on the tub as the other dipped back into the water to finish what he had started. He fingered her aching sex while simultaneously flicking her clit. Lexi continued to glide her mouth up and down his length, his hips thrusting forward of their own accord.

&nbs
p; It wasn’t long before his skilled fingers brought her back to the brink. Lexi moaned around his thickness, and Sloan cried out, close to the edge himself. He slid her clit between his fingers, gently rubbing back and forth. Lexi’s body tensed in response, her thighs squeezing his hand to her, her lips tightening around his cock, as she screamed around him. The vibrations sent shudders through his entire being, and he came hard inside her awaiting mouth.

  After swallowing down his cum, Lexi released him on a gasp. Sloan collapsed onto the stool at the same time as she fell back against the tub, both spent.

  “Woman, you’re gonna be the death of me. Why do you always drain me of every ounce of energy I have when I have to go do something, because now I just wanna take a nap?” Sloan said in exhaustion.

  “First of all, you started it. And second, at least you’re relaxed now. Am I right?” Lexi responded, with a satisfied and sated Cheshire cat smile.

  “Well, you do have a point. But how am I supposed to resist a tub of steaming hot chocolate? Hmm?” Sloan gave her a sexy smirk.

  “Uh, I’m guessing as hard as it is for me to resist the hot vanilla love muffin, coming out of a steamy shower, wrapped in nothing but a towel and a smile.” Lexi grinned.

  “‘Hot vanilla love muffin’?” Sloan asked with raised eyebrows.

  “Just following your lead.” Lexi threw back. “Anyway, I need to get out this tub and finish getting ready.” She sighed, water sluicing down her curvy body, as she stood up.

  Sloan swallowed hard, trying to tamp down his resurging need for her. He turned away from her delectable glistening body, grabbed a giant fluffy towel to wrap around her, and to distract himself. He swathed her full compact figure in the giant towel and lifted her out of the tub with ease.

  “Alright, beautiful. Let’s get ready, so we can get this over with.” Sloan sighed with resignation.

  ~~~

  Sloan let Tank out to use the bathroom, one last time before they had to leave and filled his food and water bowls while he waited for Lexi to finish getting ready. He was grateful once again that Lexi hadn’t forced him to get super fancy for the wedding. It just wasn’t his style, and they worked around that. Especially since her style was also very laid back, but feminine. She understood him.

  They had decided on him wearing a pair of new dark-washed relaxed fit blue jeans, brand new black boots, and a black belt. They paired them with a pretty cerulean blue V-necked t-shirt, in the nicest material that Sloan could ever remember a simple t-shirt being made of, with a price tag to match. And to dress up the look, they added a sharp semi-shiny charcoal gray suit jacket. The jacket was in the newer style. The sleeves tighter so that he could push them up, giving the jacket a slightly more relaxed look.

  He kept his beard low, to distract from his scars and just cleaned up the edges. He had considered doing something different with his hair, maybe slicking it back. But in the end he kept it in his usual style, loose and hanging in his face unless he tucked it behind his ear. He felt more comfortable that way, using his hair as a shield against stares.

  Sloan heard the click of heels on the stairs and came around the demolished entrance to the kitchen that was under construction. Lexi stepped down from the last stair and turned the corner, the wedding gift she had bought for Dom and Tony, clutched in her hands. When their eyes met, she stopped, and they each slowly took in the other.

  Sloan swallowed hard at the vision Lexi made. She wore a stunning red dress. The sleeves were short and capped. The bust scooped down, showing off a lovely amount of cleavage, just enough to make a man lose his train of thought, but still high enough to stay classy. It cinched at the waist with a sash tied in a bow in the front that cascaded down into the flowing dress. The dress was made of multiple sheer layers that floated around the tops of her shapely calves like silk. And she wore strappy muted gold heels. Just one strap buckled around her pretty ankles, and one bejeweled strap over her red painted toes. The simple yet sexy shoes, making her legs appear longer and shapelier.

  Her hair had a side part and was smoothed down and back into a sleek, curly afro puff, at the back of her head. She wore giant gold hoops at her ears. Her makeup was a flawless natural look with hints of gold in her eyeshadow and lip gloss. And her skin glistened like polished bronze from the moisturizer she had applied to her skin.

  Sloan’s blood pounded in his ears. Love radiated from the roots of his hair to the tips of his fingers and toes. He reached up and absentmindedly rubbed at the ache in his chest, where his heart thudded thickly. Dear God!

  “Never in all my life…” Sloan started, unable to finish for fear she would reject his words of love. “You’re a living daydream.” He opted for a compliment instead.

  Lexi flushed at his flattering words. “Sloan, you look phenomenal! Like a rock star on the red carpet. Seriously!” Lexi breathed, and he turned red in response.

  “So, uh…you ready to go?” Sloan asked, self-consciously shoving his hands into his pockets, pushing aside the praise.

  “Yeah, I’m ready.” Lexi smiled shyly.

  Sloan walked the short distance to her, taking the gift from her hands to hold for her. He leaned down and kissed her temple, then laid the side of his face against hers. He took a deep breath through his nose, taking in her sweet fragrance, and whispered softly to her.

  “You don’t have to answer, just listen.” He paused to find courage. “I love you with every fiber of my being. From the moment I laid eyes on you, you made me want to be a better man. Everything I do is to make you proud. You gave me my purpose back. And for that, I could never repay you.” Sloan finished softly.

  Pulling back, he cupped the side of Lexi’s face with his right hand, caressing a thumb across her cheek. Her eyes were glassy with unshed tears, making her green irises glow like two emerald jewels.

  Sloan could see the love in her eyes though she still refused to say it again. He smiled sadly and kissed her softly on her full plump lips. Turning, he looked down at Tank, who was wagging his tail with eagerness to go for a ride.

  “Sorry, buddy. You weren’t invited to this party. I’m gonna need you to stay and look after the house.” Sloan said to the big dog, leaning over to rough up his fur. “Stay. Watch.” Sloan commanded as he stood back up. Tank’s tail stopped wagging, and his stance straightened hearing the direct order. He was now in watchdog mode, all business and no play.

  Nodding his head in approval, Sloan walked to the door and opened it for Lexi. She started for the stairs as he locked the door.

  “Wait. Stop right there. A lady should never have to walk down the stairs unassisted if at all possible. Especially dressed in heels.” Sloan scolded lightly.

  “Oh sorry, Prince Charming. It has been a long time since I was in the presence of a real gentlemen. If ever.” Lexi teased, taking the arm he offered her.

  “Well, you’re in the South now, princess. Chivalry has been drilled into most of us since birth. You all say it’s dead, but it’s been right here in the South all along.” Sloan winked at her playfully, deepening his accent.

  He walked her down the steps, and to the car. He opened the passenger door for her and closed it once she got in. As he walked around to the driver’s side, Lexi reached over and unlocked the door for him. Sloan got in and grinned at her slyly.

  “A Bronx Tale?” He asked quirking up an eyebrow.

  “Ha! Yeah. It’s a good movie.” Lexi giggled at being found out.

  “It is. So I guess you’re a keeper then.” Sloan stated as he turned the key in the ignition.

  “I hope so” Lexi said under her breath as they pulled away from the house.

  They were about fifteen minutes outside of downtown Savannah when they reached the gates of what looked like a sprawling affluent community. Sloan handed the wedding invitation to the guard at the gate. The guard checked it and then handed the envelope back before opening the massive iron gate. As Sloan drove through the neighborhood, Lexi’s mouth hung open in disbelief.


  The streets and sidewalks were absolutely spotless. Instead of regular standard issued city approved streetlights, they had old-fashioned light poles that looked like they should be lit by a guy on stilts in the 1800s. Each yard was huge, and the landscaping was immaculate. And looking at the houses they drove by, Lexi felt the term house should be used very loosely. More like mansions. Or better yet…palaces.

  “Did we just arrive in Stepford? Holy crap!” Lexi exclaimed nervously.

  “I wouldn’t doubt it,” Sloan said with a frown. “I grew up in this type of environment, and I still feel out of place.”

  Lexi reached over and squeezed his hand as they pulled up to a huge circle driveway, behind several fancy cars. Guys in black dress slacks, white shirts, and red vests came up to each car to help the guests out and take their keys. Then they drove off to some unknown destination.

  “Oh jeez, they have valet?” Lexi asked bewildered.

  “Would you really expect anything less, driving through this neighborhood?” Sloan asked, looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

  “No, I guess not.” Lexi shook her head in wonder.

  When it was their turn, Sloan pulled up to the grand covered entrance, and two valets came up to the Mustang and opened their doors. As one valet helped Lexi out of the car, Sloan handed the keys to the other. Lexi walked around the front of the car and took Sloan’s proffered arm.

  “Well, at least the Mustang doesn’t stick out too badly, next to all these luxury cars. Once my aunt got it restored, it turned out to be worth nearly the same price as all these newer cars.” Lexi said, looking back at the procession of cars that were behind them. “Nearly.” She qualified as she looked at a Bentley pulling up.

  “But yours is tougher, too. And by tougher, I mean cooler, faster and the fender alone would annihilate the thin metal on the cars they make today.” Sloan grinned down at her, his bluish gray eyes sparkling.