Free Beautifully Damaged by L.A. Fiore Page A

thought up that I should be with you.
    But it's time to face the truth,
    I'm never going to be with you.
    I closed my eyes as unfathomable emotions rocked me. It was instinct, and a deep want that had me turning my head to press my lips to his neck. My lips lingering until the song was over. His thumb touched my chin and lifted my gaze to his.
    "I'm not good for you, Ember, but I can't seem to stay away from you, either."
    His hands moved up to frame my face just as his mouth captured mine. He tilted my head as he took the kiss deeper and it was the most carnal kiss I'd ever experienced. I felt as my bones melted and though I suspected I was about to spontaneously combust from the heat burning through me, I knew I would die a happy woman. With effort he pulled away from me but his thumb reached up to brush over my lower lip and his eyes followed the progress. He finally lifted those eyes to mine and I saw what I was feeling looking back at me. He pulled me against him and held me there for a good long time.

Chapter Five
    I was floating on cloud nine as I made my way to Starbucks after my run. My thoughts were completely on Trace and I knew as I thought of him that I had a goofy smile on my face but I couldn't help it. I was happy -- really, really happy. I reached Starbucks and ordered my coffee. I was about to hand the woman a twenty when suddenly a hand appeared which was attached to an arm that, though covered, I recognized immediately.
    "My treat."
    The goosebumps were completely involuntary as was the small hitch in my breathing when I turned to see Trace standing there.
    "Hello, Ember."
    "Trace!" Seeing him had a warmth burning through me as my heart skipped a few beats. He waited for me to add cream to my coffee before he held the door for me. He fell into step at my side but I imagined we made quite a funny picture since he is a foot taller than me.
    "Thanks for the coffee," I said as I eyed him from over my cup. His head turned in my direction and our eyes met and held. He didn't say a word, but his eyes were saying plenty, and then he asked, "Did you run this morning?"
    "Yes. I run so I can feed my cake-pop habit."
    A grin flirted around his lips as he looked down at me and, dear god, it was amazing that my brain could even hold onto a thought looking at such masculine beauty. I could see only a part of his back tattoo, the section that moved up his neck to his hairline, and I wanted to run my tongue along those scroll lines. I wanted to do that more than I wanted another cake-pop.
    I blushed but not as much as when my eyes returned to his to see that he was watching me closely. I wanted to kiss him, wanted to throw myself into his arms and feel those lips on mine again. I didn't though because I sensed that Trace had an internal struggle going on. Like he said the previous night, he wanted me but he didn't want to want me. So instead of picking his brain to find out what he was thinking I instead asked, "What is that on your back?"
    "Celtic symbols."
    "Does it hurt?"
    "Tattoos?"
    "Yeah."
    "Irritating but not necessarily painful." His lips turned up on one side before he asked, "Are you inked?"
    I almost choked on my coffee with that question before I offered rather weakly, "No, it's so permanent. I'd only do it if I knew with absolute certainty that what I wanted done I'd want forever. How often is anyone that sure?"
    "It's just as well. You have beautiful skin, Ember. It would be a crime for you to mark it."
    I blushed at his words, which made him smile, before I asked, "Can I see the tat on your arm?"
    I knew I threw him with that question but he recovered quickly before agreeing.
    He reached for my hand and pulled me from the sidewalk to the shade of a tree before he took off his jacket and pulled his t-shirt sleeve up over his shoulder. My mouth went dry watching the play of his muscles from that simple act. I handed my cup to him before I took his arm in both of my hands and really studied the scene.
    Hades