All the Missing Pieces

by Catherine Cowles

“It’s a bad idea,” I rasped. “We’d be playing with fire.” Those ocean eyes sparked. “Then let’s watch it burn.”

“Fuck. Those sounds you make, Chaos. Need to hear what you sound like when I’m inside you.”

that sliver of connection that was so much deeper than anything else—how we understood each other’s pain, loss.

“The way you move. Like a goddamned work of art. Could

spend a lifetime memorizing all the ways you bend and bow.”

“Don’t. Rush. Me,” he growled.

“So. Fucking. Gorgeous. Glistening. Just for me.”

“Don’t come, Ridley. You tell me before you’re going to come because the first time I make you shatter, I’m gonna be inside you.”

“Tell me I can have you.”

“Yes.”

“Won’t lie. I want more of you. All oranges set aflame.”

Colt’s head dipped, those pools of shadow searching, desperate for something to hold on to. So I gave it to him.

I slid my fingers through his, linking us together. I squeezed with everything I had. Because I wanted to tell him one thing. The only thing I’d never truly had but wanted so damn badly. That he wasn’t alone.

Storming toward me like true chaos in human form. And the moment her hand slid into mine, I could breathe again. It shouldn’t have been possible for chaos to be so calming, but it was. She was. Ridley.

“Enemies with benefits would be more accurate.” He barked out a laugh. “I knew I liked you.”

I reached up and grabbed his bottom lip. “I don’t know, this was sticking out pretty far.” Colt grabbed my wrist, tugging me to him fast and hard. “Chaos,” he growled, but there was an amber heat in his eyes. “Careful. You’re playing with fire.” My breath hitched. “You should know by now, Law Man, I’m not afraid of getting burned.”

“If I break my neck pulling this ridiculous stunt, I’m going to haunt your ass.” I grinned up at him. “I could be into a little ass play.”

“Remind me I’m alive.”

“You feel how much I want you? How I’m dying to be inside that tight heat, stretching you, taking you?”

“Yes.”

“Your gorgeous fuckin’ nipples are already hard enough to cut stone. Cheeks flushed, lips parted. Most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.”

“Colt,” I breathed.

“You know what hearing my name on your li...

“Take me,” I whispered.

“Tell me again.” “Take me.” He did.

Colt pressed a kiss to the column of my throat as he finally pulled out of me. “Thank you. I think I needed that reminder too.”

“But you’re still here. Still fighting. For them and for Avery.”

“I am.” “And you’re not alone.” I stiffened. “Colt—”

“Ridley. You’re never alone because you carry your sister with you.”

“She’s always been a piece of you, and she always will be. And you honor her every day of your life.”

“That’s all I want. To do her proud. To live for us both.”

“You do.” Colt dropped his forehead to mine. “I promise you do.”

“Will you be okay for a minute?” Ridley nodded. “Not gonna break.” “That’s my girl.”

“I happen to know that anonymous tips are made to law enforcement at every level, even the FBI. And those tips are admissible in court as long as law enforcement doesn’t know for a fact they were obtained illegally.”

“I’m a little scared of you. You know that?”

“Thank you.”

Colt’s mouth took mine. It wasn’t gentle—it was all need and dominance. But I didn’t let him take over. I gave as good as I got, my tongue twisting with Colt’s, stroking, teasing, demanding more. When he broke away, I gasped for breath and then glared at him. “Seriously?” Colt sent me a cocky grin. “Just a little reminder of what’s waiting at home, so you don’t take too long.”

“Should’ve told you before now. You look beautiful. A kind of beauty that would make any man stop in his tracks. But it’s only matched by your fierceness.” Those brown eyes sparked gold. “Show no mercy, Chaos.”

“Let. Her. Go. Or I’ll happily remove your balls from your body.”

“Jesus,” I muttered. “You’ve got bikers and senior citizens teaming up to off your enemies?” Ridley just smiled up at me innocently. “I like making friends.” “Fucking hell,”

And now I couldn’t imagine walking away from him.

“Tell me.” It was a command but also a plea, to give me a piece of her pain to hold awhile.

“Maybe you just need a little help.”

“A little help to get out of that quicksand, to get beyond the shallows. But you have to take the hand that’s reaching out.” A fresh wave of tears filled Ridley’s eyes. “I’m scared.” “I know,” I whispered. “But I’m right here waiting.”

“Haven’t you figured it out yet, Chaos? You’ve had me breaking all the rules since the day I met you.”

“Grab the headboard, Chaos.”

I’d made countless promises to Avery that I would live. And no one made me feel more alive than Colter Brooks.

“My greedy girl,” he growled against my breast. And I was. For him.

“Need more?” I sucked in air, desperate for something to cling to. “Yes.” “But not just any more. Tell me who you want.”

“I want…you.” The words tumbled out between pants.