Free Damaged Goods by Lainey Reese

cradling the side of her face when she said the last one. “I don’t know how I’m going to live without her.”
    A tear trembled and fell from the corner of her lashes and she saw Brice watch it slide over her cheek to pool at the edge of her lips. He said, “Ah, Red,” then took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. “C’mere.” Without letting go of her hand, he walked into the hall leading to the restrooms. Terryn thought he was bringing her there so she could wash her face but when she reached out to open the door of the women’s room Brice gently turned her until she was backed into the wall and dipped his head.
    At the first touch of his lips, Terryn felt all her muscles clench as she held her breath. The kiss was tender and sweet. His mouth gently nuzzled hers and when she didn’t draw away or stop him, his tongue came out light as a feather and traced along her bottom lip until she opened for him. Then gentleness gave way to more. His mouth sealed over hers with a quiet groan and his tongue delved inside to stake his claim. The tender hand on her cheek slid to the back of her neck and gripped a fistful of hair; he used it to tilt her for a better angle and turned up the heat. Terryn’s breath caught on a small moan at the mastery of the move.
    She broke away with a gasp. “Wow.” And when he used his mouth on the skin just below her ear, “Oh really, wow.”
    “I want you to get your coat and meet me outside. Right now.” He looked into her eyes. She guessed he was judging to see if she was scared. She wasn’t, but it was nice he wanted to make sure. “All right?”
    “Yes.” Terryn was a little nervous. After all, the club wasn’t open this early, so that meant someplace private. However, she wanted this, she wanted him and she wanted to just feel something other than grief.
    “Go ahead, I just have to say goodbye to my cousin and his family first.”
     
     
    Riley stood between her husbands and Brice saw that each of them had a hand on her, stroking in comfort.
    “Hey, beautiful, wanna run away with me?” His heart eased to see her smile at his tired line. “We are going to find this guy, Riley. I promise.”
    As he clasped hands with her, he looked at first Trevor and then Cade, letting them know without words that he was hurting for them too. It turned out Katie had been the girl Riley had been hoping to set him up with and this was killing them all. She’d been a frequent guest of theirs these last months and was more than just Riley’s friend.
    “I know you will. You’re my hero.” Riley’s face crumpled. “Now you’ll be hers too.”
    “Ah hell, honey.” Trevor’s voice cracked as he said, “Don’t cry again. Please, little one, I am going to break in two here.”
    Brice hated how this was hurting her. He hated how it was hurting them all.
    “So,” Cade said as he rubbed comforting circles on Riley’s back, “Let’s talk about something less painful for a moment. Terryn, hmm?” He gestured with his chin to where they could see her saying goodbye to the cafés owner, Jenny. “You sure about that?”
    When Riley gasped, Brice quirked a brow and said, “I’m sure it’s not any of your business, cuz.”
    Riley reached out and grabbed his wrist. “Oh, Brice. I know you just said it wasn’t our business, but Terryn is not like us. I mean she has never been to our club or any club like it.” When Brice’s expression clued her in that she was stepping out of line, she hastened to explain. “I know she’s beautiful. God, I wished I looked half as good as she does, but, honey, she’s sweet.” She leaned close and whispered, “Brice, she goes to church.”
    Brice chuckled and whispered back, “So do you.” Before she could answer, he continued, “Riley, I love you like it’s nobody’s business, but this doesn’t concern you.”
    He could have left it at that. In all probability, he should have, if Terryn hadn’t confided to them that she was exploring