Broken Pieces (Riverdale #2) Read online

  “She knew you were going to see her then?”

  “Yes, and the last time I spoke to her was the day before I switched my flight. She never tried to contact me.” Sam shrugged her shoulders, sometimes she speculated if Erica knew that Sam had walked in on them. She never confronted Erica, because she was too proud. In her mind, it was easier to let Erica believe that Sam was the one who wanted nothing to do with her. Call it a defense mechanism, call it naïve, whatever it was, it helped. She never wanted Erica to know what kind of pain she had inflicted on her.

  “So this bitch basically knew how much you cared about Nick.” Phillip said disgusted.

  “She knew everything. She knew the promises that were made before he left. She knew that I had been in love with him for years. She knew how desperate I was for him and in the end she was the one who got him.”

  “So what’s your plan? He obviously isn’t going anywhere.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure of that. The minute things become too real for Nick, I’m sure he’ll find an excuse to run the hell out of Riverdale. Besides, it’s only a matter of time before he has to get back to Erica. She is still employed with his father’s company.” She covered the remaining leftovers and placed them in the refrigerator.

  “Does it get any more real than your brother being diagnosed with Stage four Cancer?” He asked, softly. He stood up and walked behind Samantha and placed his hands over her shoulders. She turned around and faced him. “From what you’ve told me, he’s been nothing but a stand-up guy when it’s come to Jake.”

  She couldn’t deny that. Since Jake had been diagnosed, Nick had been there for him. When Jake began to lose his hair, he took the buzzer to his own hair. No one fights alone, and he made sure Jake didn’t. Emotions coursed through her as she remembered the day she walked in on Nick and Jake after they had both shaved their heads. She felt as if her heart was stuck in her throat, staring at them, much like she did now, just reminiscing that day.

  “He has been. He loves Jake.” She looked down and remembered how she threw in his face that he was her brother not his. She knew very well that Nick loved Jake just as much as she did. She wished she could take back those harsh words. But in the back of her mind, she couldn’t help but think Nick was just sticking around until Jake’s health was back to normal.

  “My point is he hasn’t left. He’s been right there by your family’s side throughout this entire ordeal.” He shrugged his shoulders, driving his point home. “Maybe it’s time you realize he’s not the same person he was seven years ago. Maybe it’s time you accept that he is home and he’s not leaving this time.” His mouth curved and he smiled at her. “Or at least allow yourself a roll in the hay! Even if he is tied to that bitch, which you don’t know for sure, get the hussy back!” He lightened the mood with his little innuendo.

  Sam sighed and then reluctantly she laughed. “Sure, that’s the answer. I’ll just have my way with him and cut him loose.”

  Phillip pressed his lips to her cheek and then his smile widened. “Now, you’re getting it.”

  She wished it was that simple. That she could be satisfied with just a taste of Nick. That she could have one night, and not allow her heart to get involved. It would be great if her heart had an on and off switch. Her phone rang and disrupted her thoughts. She looked around her kitchen and saw it vibrating along the table. She walked over and picked it up. Staring at the caller I.D. her heart began to thump wildly. She held her phone in her hand and turned around to face Phillip. Her eyes were wide as she stared at him, unsure what to do.

  “It’s him!” She said as she showed him the caller I.D.

  “Well, answer it!!” Phillip urged, motioning with his hands for her to pick up the phone.

  She took a deep breath and tried to erase the fact that the last half hour she had done absolutely nothing but profess her undying love for Nick. She hit answer on her iPhone and brought the phone to her ear.

  “Hello?”

  “Are you home?” Nick barked curtly into the phone. His voice was distressed she countered.

  “Yes.” She said as she drew her eyebrows together, trying to decipher his voice.

  “Open your door.” He commanded through the phone. Her eyes widened in shock and she looked at Phillip as she answered him.

  “You’re here? You’re in front of my house?” She swallowed hard and both she and Phillip stared across the living room at the front door of her apartment.

  “Open the door, Sam.” He said, his voice agitated and then the line went dead.

  “Does he know I’m here?” Phillip whispered.

  “How the hell would he know that?” She said as she glanced down to look at herself. Not much changed since he had seen her an hour ago.

  “I’ll hide in the bathroom. Hurry up and answer the door.” He said as he ran towards her bathroom. She looked after him perplexed. Why was he hiding? She shook her head once the door closed behind him. She stood still, staring at her front door. Why wouldn’t her feet move? Nick banged on the door, lighting a match under her ass. She hurried to the door and swung it open.

  When the door opened Nick stood in front of her, his fist in the air ready to pound her door again. Lucky for her door, she got there in time. “What are you doing here?” She asked.

  He ran his hand over his short hair and let out a strangled breath. He didn’t say a word for a moment and instead of answering her question he just stared at her.

  She studied his face, and noticed how frazzled he looked. His eyes darkened as his head dipped lower, traveling the length of her body. She could feel the heat creeping up inside her as she stood under his heated stare.

  “Do you have any idea what I just endured?” He asked roughly, his hands falling to his sides as his eyes held hers.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about?” She stammered.

  “Your father just gave me the No Glove, No Love speech.” He bit the side of his cheek and struggled to remain calm. “I couldn’t shut him up. I tried to tell him nothing would happen between us. I told him he had nothing to worry about, that you couldn’t stand the sight of me.” He paused and watched her swallow. She gripped the edge of the door, not sure where he was going with this or why he had decided this was so urgent he couldn’t wait to tell her. “Then he asked me why? Why can’t my daughter stand the sight of you?”

  She bit her lip as she watched him shuffle his feet, not able to remain still.

  “I couldn’t answer him because for the life of me, I have no idea why you hate me so goddamn much? What I do know is that I’m stuck with a woman who hates me for two days and a four hour car ride, each way, scares the shit out of me.” He took a deep breath. “Why do you hate me Sam? Is it because I left? Is it because I don’t call you Samantha?” Is it because I came back? Because I honestly have no fucking idea how the girl I left almost seven years ago, the girl who looked at me like I was everything to her, can look at me now like I’m the devil.” With each question his voice grew louder, until he was shouting at her, demanding her to answer him.

  Sam absorbed his words and her grip on the door tightened as her knees threatened to buckle. Her mouth was suddenly dry, so she swallowed. She couldn’t recall a time in her life where she had seen Nick so unhinged. They stared at each other, for what seemed like an eternity, but in reality it was barely a minute. She heard him mumble a stream of curses before he closed the distance between them. It took her a moment to register what was happening, and before she could, his hands cupped her face and his mouth crashed down upon hers.

  Sam’s head spun as his lips glided over hers evoking every emotion that had been lost for nearly seven years. His mouth wasn’t gentle as she remembered, but rather desperate. His thumbs did, however, gently caress her jaw as his tongue slid between her lips and found her own. She heard a moan escape and wasn’t sure if it had come from her or him. His tongue slid over her, sampling her flavor. Before she could find her will to pull back, her tongue responded to him. Gr
eedily they reacquainted themselves with their mouths, savoring what one another offered.

  This time she was sure it was he who groaned, as his hands slid down her arms, wrapping around her waist. He pressed one of his palms against the small of her back, pushing her against him. The vision of him naked crept into her mind, as she felt his arousal, reminding her of the monster that was pressed into her thigh. Then it was she who moaned. His teeth grazed her lip tantalizingly, before his tongue found its way back to hers. Their lips fused together as their tongues engaged in their own battle. Neither of them could be satisfied, and breathing was overrated.

  He started to pull away. In between gasps, he pressed his lips to hers, not able to completely withdraw from her. His hands made their way to her shoulders and he held onto her as he took a step back, finding the willpower to back away from her. Both of them breathing unevenly.

  Involuntarily she lifted her trembling fingers to her swollen lips as she stared at him. She couldn’t formulate a single word. The son of a bitch had kissed her senseless. He slowly dropped his hands from her shoulders and inhaled sharply. She opened her mouth, but still, no words came out.

  “Please try to stop hating me so much.” His voice was barely above a whisper. “You might find it more rewarding if you let me in.” He all but purred as he pointed towards her heart. The gesture sent every nerve ending in her body into high alert. She went to tell him off, to tell him that she’d never let him in her heart again, but he didn’t give her the chance. He turned around and walked away, just like he always would. She was better off never letting him in her heart, he had just proved it. His car started as his tires skidded along the pavement, and she felt as if he had just skidded over her heart again.

  Sam took a deep breath before walking over to the bathroom door and knocked. “You can come out now.”

  Phillip swung the door open, and was fanning himself with her hair brush. “Holy shit, girlfriend. I vote you totally do him, to hell with that two timing bitch friend of yours. Do it for all the woman scorned!” He pumped his fist in the air to emphasize his point and cheer her on.

  Sam rolled her eyes, wondering when her life became a soap opera, and how she’d be able to get the daily serial canceled.

  Chapter Six

  When Luke called Nick, to invite him to a last minute barbeque, he and Leah had decided to host at Luke’s house, he was going to say no. In fact, he did say no, figuring he needed some distance from everyone. Well, not everyone, just Sam. He should’ve never kissed her, for the last week he had done nothing but beat himself up over that. He originally went to her apartment to talk to her, and to figure out for once and for all why she was being so hostile toward him. The truth was he had been getting sick and tired of the cold shoulder routine she was giving him. It was one thing to be angry with someone, but to never tell that person why you’re angry with them, well, that’s a different ball game. He needed to get through the weekend with her, and then cut his losses. Maybe too much time had passed, it was probably better for both of them to just move on.

  He walked into the gated backyard of Luke’s home. The scent of grilled meat filled his senses, and made his stomach growl. Luke was standing in front of the grill, sipping a beer while he moved things around on the grill to fit more food on top of it. Jake stood beside him holding a tray of raw ribs that were next to go on the barbeque. Jake’s eyes found his and he grinned.

  “Well, it’s about time. I thought you were standing us up.” Jake said as he batted his eyelashes at Nick.

  Nick shook his head and leaned down, reaching into the cooler to grab himself, a beer. He pulled the bottle opener that doubled as a keychain out of his back pocket and popped the top of the beer off. Luke glanced over his shoulder as he took the platter of ribs from Jake.

  “He tried to stand us up.” Luke said as he eyed Nick, letting him know that wasn’t going to fly.

  Jake’s hand moved over his chest and gasped. “Are you trying to break my heart?” Jake asked accusingly as he wiggled his eyebrows.

  Nick couldn’t help the smile, and patted Jake on the back. “Never that,” He took a quick glance around the backyard. “Where are your women?”

  Jake nodded towards the sliders on the back of the house. “They’re inside, Cara’s making macaroni salad and Leah is cooking up some sort of dessert.” Jake studied Nick for a moment. “Hey, there’s something I wanted to show you on my bike, got a minute?”

  “Sure, lead the way.” Nick said, taking a step back waiting for Jake to lead him to where his bike was. They walked back through the gated yard to the driveway where Jake’s motorcycle was parked.

  “There’s nothing wrong with my bike.” Jake said in a matter of fact tone. He crossed his arms on his chest and peered at Nick.

  Nick wasn’t in the mood for any more of Jake’s match making shenanigans. He took another sip of his beer as he observed Jake. He slowly brought the bottle down from his lips and nodded. “Okay, so what’s this about?”

  Jake looked towards the house and then back at Nick. “There’s something I need to ask you. It’s been driving me crazy actually.”

  Nick looked at him curiously. “What is it?”

  “What happened the night I beat up Cara’s father?” Jake asked seriously. Nick watched him for a moment, and could see that it was bothering Jake. Not much usually did, but when something did bother him it was obvious with one look into his eyes. What he didn’t understand is why it bothered him now, seven years later.

  “You know what happened that night.” Nick said carefully, taking a sip of his beer, while keeping his eyes firmly locked on Jake’s.

  “I know bits and pieces. I know I called you and the reason I called you was because I knew you’d help me, and I knew Luke had Ava to take care of. I couldn’t ask him to pick up after my messes anymore.” Jake said honestly and waited for Nick to respond to him. When he never did Jake took a breath and continued. “I need to know what happened after you told me to run, when the cops arrested you.”

  “Jake, that was a long time ago, what does it matter?” Nick asked as he squeezed the back of his neck, cranking it from side to side.

  “It matters to me. I should’ve asked you a long time ago.” Jake said, as he stared down at the ground. He shoved his hands in his pocket. Nick saw Jake, for the first time in all the years he knew him, look uncomfortable. He didn’t know why there was a sudden urgency on Jake’s behalf to know the truth that Nick had hidden. He knew he, himself, had made peace with the sacrifice’s he made that night, and didn’t really see the need to rehash the past. Both men looked towards the driveway as Sam pulled up.

  This wasn’t a conversation he wanted to have in the first place, let alone in front of Sam. Nick let out a groan as she made her way towards them, catching Jake’s attention. He raised an eyebrow at Nick before turning to face his sister.

  “Hey.” She said looking between the two men. “What’re you guys doing out here?”

  Jake smiled at her before nodding towards his bike. “I wanted to run some ideas I have for my bike by Nick. Luke’s in the back grilling and the girls are in the kitchen, no doubt making a mess of something.”

  Nick inhaled sharply as Sam’s blue eyes peered into his, her cold demeanor towards him paired with the icy look in her eyes, reminded him of a glacier.

  “Well then I’ll leave you two to talk shop.” She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her brother’s cheek, before brushing past Nick, as if he wasn’t standing beside Jake at all, and she strode into the house. Once the door closed behind her he shook his head slightly, and let out a strangled breath he seemed to have forgotten he was holding.

  “She’s relentless.” Nick muttered as his eyes fell back on Jake’s. He nodded in agreement.

  “That she is. But there’s one thing I learned about my sister. She puts up a wall and this whole bitch routine she has been playing, is because something hurt her. She won’t give anyone or anything the chance to hurt her again.”
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br />   Nick scratched at his temple and wondered if Jake’s words made sense.

  “She doesn’t really hate you, but she needs for you to think she does. Do you get what I’m saying?”

  “How did I hurt your sister? By leaving? It’s not like I had proposed to her. We barely had anything other than a few stolen moments.” Nick knew that it was more than that, not only for her but for him too. He felt it, the pull that always had been there. He had spent years trying so hard not to look at her. The worst of it was when she looked at him, with such promise in those eyes of hers, making him want nothing more than to learn about all the mystery that lay in those baby blues.

  “Why’d you leave?” Jake insisted. So they were back to that. Nick sighed and looked at Jake, knowing very well, the excuse he used the last seven years wasn’t going to be acceptable to him anymore.

  “I was arrested and charged with assault.” Nick said flatly and watched as Jake let his words sink in. “You sure you want to go down this path again?” He’d only give him one more out, before he gave him what he seemed to be so hell bent on having.

  “Jesus Christ, Nick, Just tell me already. At this rate, I’ll drop dead before you get to the point.” Jake said, exasperated but obviously on edge, with the story that loomed over them.

  Nick nodded and brought himself back to the night in question. “They put me in a holding cell, until I could face a judge the next day…”

  Nick sat on the cot in the holding cell, silently praying that Jake listened to him and got away. An officer banged his nightstick against the metal bars.

  “Foti, you got a visitor,” said the officer.

  Nick looked up from the cot, to face his mother. Lucille Foti, gave her son a cold hard stare. The cop went to open the jail cell, but she stopped him.

  “Leave him where he is.” She said icily.

  Nick rolled his eyes and shook his head. How typical of her. The officer nodded, and resumed his post.

  “Your victim is alive, in case you were wondering.” She said.