Frayed (Torn #2)(23)

It was for the best. Nothing good could ever come out it. With shaky breath and legs, I decided that it was best to sit it out on the sand for a while and wait for my turbulent emotions to calm down, before going back up to the villa.

Huh, he’s sorry. How trite and obnoxious could he be?

“Hey, you okay?”

I spun sideways and found a serious looking Taylor standing on the foot of the steps. My fingernails dug into the insides of my palm when I clenched my hand. Heck, I forgot about him and his watchful eye. “Were you eavesdropping?”

Taylor’s footsteps headed towards me. I held my breath when I heard him sit behind me. “Come here, let me hold you.” His toned, muscular arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me against him. I curled up like an injured animal. My body nestled in between his legs, my head on his chest. His large hand rubbed a small place on my back, soothing me. “Let it out. You’ve held it in for far too long. I’m here just to listen and comfort you, nothing more.”

Dang it, why did he have to say the right things? I didn’t want to break down and cry my guts out, but I ended up doing it anyway. I cried like the broken woman that I was inside. Cried for the mistakes I could have avoided, for the life I could’ve had if I hadn’t become a mistress. But m M ost of all, my heart cried out to my innocent, unborn child—the collateral damage for our forbidden tryst.

“I have to forget him. It’s time,” I murmured, as much to myself as to Taylor. I hoped that the more I spoke and thought it, I would eventually believe it.

I was not aware how long I cried my heart out, but the moment my loud cries turned into soft sobs, I took notice. All of my hair-raising senses were on high alert—conscious, enrapt and aware—of the hard perfection that held me. It left me flustered and dismayed. Why? Possibly due to the fact that I found myself liking being held in his arms, or the way he smelled—sexy with a cool, crisp hint of potent masculinity—that toyed badly with my amplified senses.

Taylor would’ve been the perfect, sexual, rebound man. If he weren’t so connected to Bass and Emma, I wouldn’t even hesitate to lose myself in him. Alas, life wanted to play more ghastly jokes on me, testing my will and limits of temptation.

Like Harry, it all started with curiosity, turned into temptation, which brought me to eternal damnation.

Yeah, I wasn’t ready for another head-to-head match with my mind and body. So, I simply broke myself out of his hold, stood up and silently walked away without saying a damn word.





***



The four “let’s play under the sun” girls joined Taylor down on the shore for swimming and beach volleyball. I don’t know why, but each time one of them tried to engage me in conversation, I turned into a bitter bitch. I noticed them starting to avoid me as much as I was them; I guess the feelings were mutual.

It was just Lindsey and I on the patio. We were on our backs, bathing suits and sunglasses in place, working on our tans, when my phone beeped with a text message.



Amber: I wished I was there with you guys. The only thing that keeps me from walking out of this place is the thought of seeing you all in a month. Since I am miserable in Arizona, please make sure you have twice as much fun. You get my fun card. Double the pleasure, double the fun! Tell both girls I said hi and miss them. I have so much to make up with you all. I love you, Trista Stevens. Thanks for not giving up on me.



“Is that Horrid Harry? You look sad.” Lindsey lifted her sunglasses, her eyes waiting for me to confirm her suspicions.

Shaking my head, I rolled my eyes underneath the sunglasses. I knew she didn’t really like Harry, well no one did, but I was done talking about him. I didn’t want to say or hear his name anymore. I meant it when I told him I was going to do everything in my power to banish him from my thoughts. “No. I told you, Harry wouldn’t be contacting me anymore. It’s actually Amber. She’s saying that she misses you guys and can’t wait to join us back in SB,” I replied, distracted with my quick reply to Amber’s message.

“Tell her to focus on getting better and stop flirting with the doctors and the entire male staff.” Lindsey muttered as she went back to her old position, with a slight frown on her pretty face.

Amber was known for her excessive, sexual appetite. She’s quite open about it to us and doesn’t hold back the details. Knowing how she was, I bet she had the male staff under her thumb.



Me: Hey, love. Wish you were here, too. We’re on the island of Ios with Taylor Montgomery (Bass’s BFF). I’m looking forward to seeing you. BTW, Lindsey said to focus on getting better and not flirting with the male doctors. I know it’s fun and all, but we’re serious. Get better this time. We miss you.

P.S. I’m here for you, always. Love you, Doll.



After sending the message, I laid back and worked on my tan. I looked calm, but it was only a facade. Inside, my thoughts gravitated again to Harry, Taylor and now, Amber. The first two, I could do without. The last one, I couldn’t. I gave a long silent prayer that Amber was getting the treatment that she obviously needed. I also hoped that she took it seriously.





Chapter 10


Trista


After a full hour of serene silence, the Fantastic Four along with Taylor joined us around the pool. I held my eyes shut, not caring about the intruders.