Stone Unhinged (The Stone Book 2) Read online

  Stone Unhinged

  Renee Harless

  All rights reserved.

  Copyright ©2015 Renee Harless

  This work is one of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to persons, living or deceased, is purely coincidental. Names, places, and characters are figments of the author’s imagination. As so the author has recognized all trademarked items included in this novel. The author holds exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.

  All rights reserved

  Cover Design by: The Book Cover Machine

  Website: reneeharless.com

  Facebook: authorreneeharless

  Twitter: Renee_Harless

  Instagram: renee_harless

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  Prologue

  My body is trembling as his rough fingertips glide up along my thighs, inching their way past my skirt and wandering to my warm center. His touch sets my skin on fire and I beg him to move faster. My pleading only causes him to chuckle as he slides his fingers around the opening of my panties and drags them down my legs.

  Sitting back on his heels he says, “Take off your clothes, Mallory.”

  Fingers shaking, I unfasten each button of my blouse and free my arms from the material, tossing the fabric onto the floor. I slowly trail my fingers across my chest, caressing my breasts as I reach down to remove my skirt. The screech of the zipper is the only noise that can be heard over our heavy breathing.

  Once I’m completely naked and lying on his satin sheets, he says, “So beautiful. Absolutely perfect,” as his fingers skim over the heated skin of my stomach.

  “Please, I need you,” I whisper.

  “I know, beautiful.”

  Leaning forward, resting his body on top of mine, he punishes my mouth in a devouring kiss. His nimble fingers cup my breasts and I moan into his mouth as I feel the heat building in my core. Nudging my sensitive spot with the tip of his penis, he rocks against me, increasing my desperate need for him as he continues to knead my breasts and assault my mouth. Knowing that my release is pending, he swaps the hand on my breast for his mouth and rubs his hand on my clit, instantly forcing my climax.

  As I come down from my release, he thrusts his large manhood into my center, causing me to gasp at the fullness. As he stares down at me, not moving, I can’t help but feel an indescribable peace. Only he does this to me, makes me feel as if I’m a part of him, and nothing else around us matters. But with the electricity crackling through my veins, I don’t have long to wonder about this sense of peace - I need him to move.

  Rocking my hips against him, he begins to thrust, slowly at first, gradually increasing to a breath-taking pace. Wrapping my legs around his waist, he takes that as a cue to thrust harder. The noise of the bed creaking against the wall can’t be heard over our moans and my screams of ecstasy.

  Suddenly he stills above me, and I feel his erection grow thicker before the warm release of his seed rushes into me. Resting on his elbows, he stares lovingly into my eyes while brushing the sweat-drenched hair away from my face.

  “That was amazing,” he whispers, “I don’t know what you do to me, Mallory, but everything with you is just… better.”

  “I know what you mean.”

  Wrapping me in his arms, he pulls me across his satin sheets and drapes my body across his own, tucking me against his side. His fingers slide through my hair as I lie there, listening to his steady heartbeat.

  I realize I must have dozed off for a few minutes as I feel a darkness wash over me. Reaching across the bed, I feel nothing; no warm body, no cold sheets, just air. Assuming I have moved to the edge of the bed, I turn over and open my eyes, only to come face to face with plastic railing.

  Beep…… Beep…. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

  A glowing monitor looms over me, and I witness my heartbeat increase to an alarming rate.

  Sitting up in the bed, I rub my eyes and look around the frigid room. I can’t believe I dreamed of him again. And I dreamed that kind of dream. It was so real. I felt him, every part of him.

  A few moments pass and a nurse walks in to checks my vitals, frowning as she notes my increased heart rate.

  “Deary, this is the fifth night you’ve had an accelerated heart rate. What’s got you so worked up? Is it the accident? Are you having nightmares? The doctor can prescribe some sleeping medication if you’d like.”

  “No medicine, but yes it’s the accident,” I lie.

  It’s not an accident that keeps me up at night. It’s the face, the voice, the feel, the essence of the man that completely transformed my world and stole my heart.

  Alex.

  Chapter 1

  Two weeks. Two weeks that I have had to lie in this hospital bed, feeling sorry for myself as I try to absorb everything that has happened to me.

  Signing the last of the discharge papers, I glance around the bleak hospital room, waiting for my nurse to wheel me to the lobby. The doctor told me this morning that all of my wounds are healing better than expected and the therapist believes I will gain full usage of my hip and shoulder. Dr. Chang, the primary physician on my case, also scheduled an appointment with a plastic surgeon to remove the heart that has been carved onto my chest. Reaching up, I run the tips of my fingers over the etched marking that has finally begun to scab over. A shiver races across my skin. Memories of Seth’s violent attack are so freshly mounted in my mind that I can even smell the rancid dampness of the abandoned warehouse– recollections so vivid it is as if I were still held captive there. Seth had been one of my best friends for the past seven years, but that friendship warped into a series of sinister acts on his part that landed me in the hospital. His menacing laughter still rings in my ears and visions of myself bound to the chair are the true reason for my nightmares.

  Alone with my thoughts, my gaze wanders around the room, taking note of the wilted flowers and aging cards. I see that the purple roses showcased in the center of this display are still vibrantly alive and in full bloom. They were sent by Alex Stone, the man that stole my heart and left me in the dust. It’s a shame that something so beautiful can bring such utter despair to my heart.

  Thankfully, a noise in the hallway redirects my attention to the door of my hospital room. Strutting inside, broad shoulders and chestnut hair greet me before I am welcomed with a handsome smile.

  “Will, you made it!” I exclaim.

  “Of course, beautiful. You didn’t think I’d leave you high and dry, did you?”

  “No, of course not.”

  Will steps forward to grace me with a hug. He and I met over the summer when Alex, my ex-lover and dominate, brought me to his friend’s California winery. Will and his wife, Samantha, were in the middle of a legal separation and she threw herself at Alex without even the pretense of restraint. After witnessing their exchange, Will and I formed a close friendship.

  “So, when are you going to tell me why you’re in here bruised and broke
n?” he asks sullenly.

  “Um, I’m not up to explaining it today,” I mutter, trying to close my mind to the flashbacks. “Soon though, since I did bring you here from California.”

  “Ok. I’ll agree to that. And I’m keeping this all a secret?”

  “Yes, please. I’m…I’m not ready for him or anyone to know.”

  “Are you really ok, Mallory?”

  Holding back a sob, I shake my head in reply, “No, I’m not. But I will be, one day. I just need to learn how to trust again. I think that will be the hardest part.”

  “No doubt,” Will replies, glancing around the room as the discharge nurse comes in to collect my paperwork.

  “Ms. Winston, everything looks good. You’re free to leave, but please come straight to the emergency room if your head begins to ache,” she says, lines of compassion etched across her face.

  “Yes ma’am. Will, please take me home.”

  When at last we arrive at my apartment, I settle myself onto the couch as Will moves into the kitchen to make us some lunch. We’ve formed a comfortable friendship since my weekend in California at his winery. On the ride from the hospital, Will informed me that Samantha has moved back to England after their brief reconciliation fizzled out. I know he still loves her, but I understand his need to continue with the separation. I can’t imagine how I would react if my spouse called out someone else’s name during sex.

  “So, Will, can I ask you for some advice?

  “I’m not sure how much good advice I can give, but I’ll try my best.”

  “Well, you know about the Alex situation; what do I do now? He completely ripped apart my heart.”

  “It will get better, Mallory. It takes time, but you’ll fall in love again. Just give it a few more weeks and then start dating again.”

  With a sigh, I glance up at the ceiling, letting his words sink in.

  As a lone tear escapes from my eye, I turn back to Will, “But how do I do that? I don’t even know how to trust anyone anymore. Look, I guess I’ll explain to you why I was in the hospital.” Pausing, I take a deep breath, and then continue, “One of my best friends, Seth, kidnapped me. He had been in love with me for years, but his jealousy skyrocketed when I began dating Alex. He tortured me, Will. And I loved him, trusted him. How do I move past that?”

  Staring at me wide eyed, Will moves closer to me and wraps me in his arms

  “Wow, Mallory. You’ve been through hell and survived. You’re amazing, and anyone would be beyond lucky to have you trust them. I promise things will get better. You’ll learn to let people in your heart again,” he whispers, wiping the tears from my cheeks with his thumb “Look, finish your sandwich, take your meds, and then I am putting you to bed.”

  “Ok,” I reply with a grimace on my face.

  ~

  The past week Will has stayed and taken care of me but he needs to return to his winery today. He has been a huge help especially in assisting me around the house, but since beginning therapy, it is finally becoming easier to walk. I’ve also learned a lot about him and his whirlwind romance with Samantha, though I think they still have some unresolved issues to address. True to his promise, Will hasn’t mentioned a word about Alex or Abigail. I’m hoping that in time the hole left in my heart will heal, but I know I need to move on before that can happen. Alex’s golden eyes still haunt my dreams at night and it terrifies me to lose that connection with him. That connection is the only thing that brings me back to that sense of peace when I’m alone.

  Making my way from my bedroom to the living room, I find Will setting his last piece of luggage next to the door.

  “Mallory, are you going to be ok after I leave?”

  “I’ll be fine, Will. The therapist says I’m doing great. And I can get my casts off at the end of the month.”

  “I know all that, but you know that wasn’t what I was asking.”

  With a deep sigh, I shrug my shoulders and say, “You said it gets easier right? I just need time.”

  “Alright, I can live with that. Take care of yourself, ok?” he replies, gripping me tightly in a hug.

  “Bye, Will. Let me know when you get in.”

  “Bye, Mallory.”

  Closing the door behind him, I grab my cell phone and make my way to the couch. I have a very overdue phone call to make; it’s to the only other person I trust with my life. Perching myself on the arm of my sofa, I turn on my phone and quickly press the first number on my favorites list.

  “Mallory?”

  “Hi, Madison. Do you think you could come by?”

  “Oh my gosh, you’re just now calling me? The hospital said you were discharged a week ago,” she exclaims irritably.

  “I know, and I’m sorry. I just needed a few days, but I miss you and I want to see you.”

  “Ok. Well, text me your address and I’ll head over to your new place. I miss you, too.”

  Tidying up my kitchen, I hobble my way around the apartment until I hear the ringing of the buzzer by the main entrance. In my rush to buzz her in, I barely make it to my door without tripping along the way. At the top of my floor’s landing, I wait for Madison in the entrance of my apartment. Glancing up, Madison hustles up the remaining flight of stairs and engulfs me in a giant hug. Barely able to keep my balance, I stumble back a bit from the force of her exuberance.

  “I love you so much, you bitch. Don’t ever do this again, ok?” she shouts, barely able to restrain her tears.

  “I love you, too. And I won’t,” I promised, squeezing her tightly and stepping back from her embrace. “Now come inside and I’ll show you around.”

  I take her arm and give her the “grand tour” of my apartment, glad that the therapist was able to give me a boot for my foot at yesterday’s session. The crutches I had to use were far more a hindrance than a help. After making our way from room to room, we relax at the kitchen table.

  “So, what’s next?” Madison asks.

  “Well, I go back to work next week.”

  “Good. Will you be ok going back there?”

  Considering her question, I take a few moments to think, “I suppose so. I hadn’t really thought about it. Stephanie goes back tomorrow. If she’s strong enough to go back, than I should be, too.”

  “That’s pretty optimistic of you. Now what I really want to know is who took care of you for the last week?”

  “Oh, that. Um, his name is Will. You don’t know him, but he’s just a friend. He is the only other person I trust right now.”

  “You don’t trust me?” she asks with a small pout on her lips, clearly heartbroken.

  “Oh, Madison, of course I do. I just needed someone that was going to give me a bit more space. I’m still really struggling with the Alex thing.”

  “Well, since you mentioned Alex... How are you doing with that?” Madison inquires, eyebrow cocked in question.

  “Honestly? Not good. I don’t know how to move on from him. I knew it wasn’t going to last forever, but I really thought he loved me. He didn’t even say goodbye. And then I get those stupid roses at the hospital, but no message, no letter, no card. What do I do? I dream about him every night. I just want to move on.”

  “Wow,” her response – or lack thereof – perplexes me.

  “‘Wow?’ That’s all you have to say? Madison, come on. I need advice.”

  “I’m sorry, Mallory. I’m not sure what to say. I really thought he loved you too, especially after seeing how he was at the restaurant. Maybe you need to give it a while longer and then start to go on a few dates. I know quite a few guys that are interested.”

  “Thanks. I’ll think about it,” I reply before changing the subject, “But how’s Mika? I haven’t heard from her.”

  “She’s been busy. I think she’s started going to a therapist to discuss her issues with her family. I think your kidnapping really shook her up.”

  Not really sure how to reply to that, I nod my head in understanding. We sit in a companionable silence for a few minutes
, enjoying the comfort of each other’s company.

  A silence doesn’t last long with Madison, however.

  “You should call Dr. Sexy,” she declares suddenly, and I can almost see the light bulb appear over her head. Dr. McSexy, or Dr. Bradley Young, was my attending physician in the emergency room after my kidnapping. Madison nicknamed him when she visited me in the hospital and the name has stuck around.

  “You’re funny. I’m not calling Dr. Young.”

  “Not right now, but I think after you go on a few dates you should call him. He was very interested.”

  “We’ll see, but I’m definitely not ready yet.”

  “Ok,” she sighs, sounding very inconvenienced, then changes the subject at the speed of light. “Well, what do you want to do since I’m staying with you for the next week?”

  “You are?” I ask.

  “Of course I am, silly. Someone needs to make sure you don’t do something stupid.”

  “Considering that there isn’t even a point in arguing with you, why don’t we watch some marathons on Netflix?”

  “Perfect, I already brought my bags, just let me go get them from my car. And when I get back, you’re going to tell me everything that happened with Alex and Seth. Ok?”

  “Alright,” I mutter with all the enthusiasm one would expect, grimacing at the thought of reliving those situations once again.

  Chapter 2

  Sitting in Dr. Young’s office, I’m waiting for him to return with the results of the x-ray, hoping that everything has healed so we can remove the casts from my arm and leg. The past few weeks at work has been interesting, to say the least. Any and everyone that works in our building have asked me questions about the kidnapping. Finally, I had to release a statement to all of the employees and press asking for privacy, weary of constantly reliving the memories. Thankfully, everyone seems to understand my position and have backed off from the interrogating.

  “Congratulations, Mallory,” Dr. Young says as he enters the exam room. “Everything has healed perfectly and it looks like we can remove your casts today,”