Hearts on Fire Read online

  Today was one of those days. I walked towards the main building after making a delivery at the end of the marina. I was in my own little world, thinking about Tyler, when one of the bigger boats started pulling into the slip ahead of me. I raised my hand to my eyes, blocking the sun, to get a better look. Usually Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were on this boat, but today their prick of a son, Derick, was on it with a group of rowdy guys. They were loud and obnoxious and I could see that the boat was littered with empty bottles.

  “Just my luck,” I muttered to myself as I tried to walk by unnoticed.

  “Hey, boat girl,” he yelled out. I pretended not to hear him and kept walking. “I’m talking to you, boat bitch!”

  I stopped in my tracks. Seriously? I turned and faced him, arms crossed. “Are you talking to me?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.

  “Yeah, I’m talking to you. You’re here to serve us and we need service. Bring your pretty little ass over here and take our order,” he slurred out.

  Jeeze, it was only two in the afternoon and these guys were wasted already. I had dealt with drunk people every day, but none had disrespected me like this before. I put my hands on my hips and plastered on a fake smile. “If you’d like to place an order, just call the main building and someone will bring it out to you.” I turned to walk away, but heard him jump off the boat and onto the dock.

  He walked over to me, standing a little too close for my comfort. Towering over me, he looked down at me. His hand came around my back and palmed my ass. “I don’t want to call it in. You’re here now, and I want you to take my order.”

  I turned out of his groping hands and took a step back. I looked from him to the other guys on the boat. They seemed to be enjoying the show, cheering Derick on. Mustering all the confidence I could at just five-foot tall, I reminded him, “That’s not really the way it works here. You’ll have to call it in or go up to the main building yourself.” I turned to walk away, but didn’t get far.

  “I don’t think so.” He grabbed my arm hard, fingers biting into my skin, and yanked me hard towards the boat. I lost my balance and fell forward onto my hands and knees. Pain tore through my knee where it had been ripped open by one of the screws on the dock. Blood gushed down my shin from the gash.

  I fell on my side, looking around me in a daze, for a way to escape. By now, our scene had started to attract attention from the other boaters, people were whispering to each other, but no one stepped in to help. I saw the marina owner running towards us, with security. Someone must have called it in. I silently begged him to hurry. Derick seemed oblivious to what was going on around us, his focus was solely on me.

  He squeezed my arm tighter and yanked me back to my feet. He got right in my face, and groped at my breast. “Get up, sweetheart! Come on with me. I promise we’ll show you a good time.” The sneer in his voice combined with the alcohol on his breath offended my senses and made me cringe. This was not happening! He was yanking me towards the boat. “Stop! No!” I yelled, trying to pull away. He was too strong and squeezed harder, pulling me into his body. I yelped out as the pain shot down my arm. I dug my heels in, trying to keep him from getting me on that boat.

  “Let her go!” I heard Tyler’s angry voice behind me. I turned to look, pleading for him to help me.

  The drunk prick stood his ground, and never released his grip on me. “I’m just trying to place my order. Mind your own business, asshole.”

  “She IS my business, fucker!” I saw Tyler’s arm cock back and his fist smashed into Derick’s face. Derick’s grasp on my arm immediately released as he fell to the ground with one punch. Tyler leaned down towards his crumpled body, spewing venom, “Learn some fucking manners, asshole”.

  I was shaking so badly that my legs couldn’t hold me and I collapsed to the dock. Tyler reached down and scooped me up, one arm behind my back and the other under my legs. I wrapped my arms around his neck, buried my face in his chest and sobbed softly as he carried me towards the building. “Shhh. I got you, baby,” his voice soothed my nerves. From the corner of my eye, I saw security dragging Derick Murphy and his friends out of the marina. Relief washed over me. I felt safe in Tyler’s strong arms. I knew he wouldn’t let anything else happen to me.

  Once inside, Tyler took me to the employee breakroom, and sat down on the old, vinyl couch. He held me tight, as I tried to pull it together. “It’s okay Ky, I got you,” he whispered to me, as he gently smoothed my hair back out of my face and kissed my forehead.

  I don’t know how long I sat there in Tyler’s arms, shaking, as I clung tightly to his warmth and security. A few minutes later, or maybe longer, I’m not sure, Mr. Olsen, the marina owner, came to check on me. He kneeled down next to the couch, “Kyla, I’m so sorry that happened to you. I came as fast as I could. Derick Murphy won’t be bothering you anymore. I’ve banned him and his friends from the marina. I’ll be calling Mr. and Mrs. Murphy to let them know what happened here today.”

  I nodded my acknowledgement of his words, “Thank you Mr. Olsen. I should have…should have just taken his damn order. I know the Murphy’s are important members.”

  Mr. Olsen looked at me with sympathy, shaking his head, “That may be, but I won’t tolerate that type of treatment towards my employees. This is not your fault. I know the Murphy’s won’t be happy when they hear what their son pulled today. I’m just glad Tyler was there to help you. That should have never happened.” He turned to Tyler, “Let’s get her cleaned up and then I want you to take her home. I’ll call your uncle and explain what happened. I’m sure he can have someone come pick up your work truck.”

  “Thank you, sir. I’m sorry I punched him. I just got so pissed when I saw his hands on Kyla. I kind of lost control.”

  Mr. Olsen waved Tyler off, “Are you kidding me? Derick Murphy is a spoiled little prick. That punch to his face was long overdue.”

  Chapter 20

  Tyler

  While Kyla was getting her knee bandaged, I made a quick call to Chris. I gave him the short version of what had happened and asked him to pick me up at Kyla’s house, since I was leaving the truck at the marina. Being the good guy he was, he agreed without hesitation.

  Just as I ended the call, Kyla hobbled over to me. “You probably need stitches in that knee. You shouldn’t be walking on it,” I said.

  “I don’t need stitches. They just put some butterfly bandages on it. I can walk fine,” she winced.

  “Yeah? I don’t think so.” I shook my head.

  Kyla rolled her eyes at me, “It’s fine, really.”

  “It’s not fine,” I said as I scooped her up. I carried her out to her car. She insisted she could walk, but fuck that! I didn’t want her walking on it right away. I planned on taking care of my girl.

  I placed her in the passenger seat of her car, took the keys and slipped into the driver’s side. “Let me see your arm.” I lifted her left arm to look at it. It was still red and starting to bruise. I could see the outline of that asshole’s fingers where he grabbed her. “How bad does it hurt?” I asked, trying to hide my anger.

  “It’s just a little sore,” she answered rubbing her hand over the dark marks on her arm. “It’ll be okay.” She looked at me with her glistening green eyes. I could see the tears that were about to fall. “Thank you for taking care of me today.”

  “When I pulled up, I came to find you to say ‘hi’. When I saw that guy’s hands on you, I just…I saw red. I ran to you as fast as I could. I’m just sorry I didn’t get there sooner. I’ve never punched someone before, but I don’t regret it. I’d do it again. Always… for you.”

  “I was scared,” she admitted.

  “I know, baby.” I threaded my fingers through hers and brought them to my lips, kissing her hand. “Let’s go home.”

  The ride home was quiet. I held her hand as she leaned against the window and stared off into the distance. I’m sure she was replaying what had happened.

  So was I. I couldn’t keep the murderous thought
s out of my mind. The rage I had felt when I saw him touch her, started to return. I had wanted to rip that guy’s head off. I didn’t even want to think about what would have happened if he had gotten her on that boat. Nobody touched my girl like that!

  I tried to reel in it, as we pulled up in front of her house and I parked the car. Burying my anger, I got out and went around to open her door. I leaned down in front of her, “Here, get on. I’ll give you a piggyback.” She cracked the first smile I’d seen from her today and climbed up. She wrapped her legs around waist, draped her arms over my shoulders, and laid her head against my back. I carried her up the walkway to the house,

  As we approached, her parents opened the door for us, as I carried her inside. Her mom’s hands flew up in front of her face, “Oh my god, Kyla are you okay? Mr. Olsen called and told us what happened.”

  “I’m okay. Just shaken a bit.”

  I looked at Mr. O’Malley, “I’d like to take her up to her room if that’s alright, sir.”

  He nodded his approval and I took her up the stairs to her room. I carried her to the bed, turned and squatted down so she could climb off my back. I turned and kneeled down between her legs and held her face in my hands. I looked into her sad eyes, “I want you to try to rest. I’m going to go home to take a shower, then I’ll come back and maybe we can watch a movie or something.”

  “That sounds perfect,” she said. “How’d I get so lucky to have you?”

  “Oh. I think you have that backwards, sweet girl. I’m the one who’s lucky.” I gave her a gentle kiss. “I better get back downstairs before your dad comes up here to hunt me down. See you in a bit.”

  I left her room and headed down the stairs. Mr. O’Malley stood at the bottom waiting for me. “Thank you for what you did for my daughter today. You’ve earned my respect, son.” He reached out and shook my hand.

  “No thanks are necessary, sir. I love her. I’d do anything to protect Kyla. I’m just sorry I didn’t get there sooner. I apologize for losing my cool and punching that asshole…excuse my language… in the face.”

  “From what Mr. Olsen said, ‘asshole’ sounds about right. I’m glad you took him out.” He glanced up the stairs to Kyla’s room, concern on his face, “Honestly, how is she?”

  I let out a sigh, “Shaken, but not broken. Her arm is going to be bruised pretty badly, where he grabbed it and her knee has a pretty big gash. I think she’s scared more than anything.”

  “You did good today… are you coming back?” Mr. O’Malley stuck his hands into his pockets and looked back at the stairs. “I’d like to think that she needs me, but I think she needs you more tonight.”

  “I am. I’m going to go take a shower, pick up a pizza and a movie. I should be back in about an hour or so. If that’s alright?”

  Mr. O’Malley nodded again. “Do you need a ride home?”

  “No, sir. Chris is on his way to pick me up.”

  “We’ll see you later then….and Tyler, again, thank you.” He turned and walked away.

  I left and ran out to Chris’ car that was waiting for me. When I got in, the anger I had been holding back boiled over, “GODDAMN MOTHERFUCKING FUCKER!”

  Chapter 21

  Kyla

  That night I slept restlessly. I dreamt about Derick Murphy’s hands on me. In my dream- no, nightmare- his hands had been all over me. Touching me in places I had only let Tyler touch. His words echoed in my head. Get up, sweetheart! I promise we’ll show you a good time. I struggled to get away, but I couldn’t. He just kept pawing at me, grabbing me, violating me.

  I startled awake, gasping and sweating. It wasn’t real, but I couldn’t shake the creepy feeling snaking up my back. I felt dirty. I needed to wash it away.

  I made my way to the shower, stripped off my clothes, unwrapped my knee, and stepped into the scalding water. I let it rush over my body as I scrubbed everything away, and let it wash down the drain. I looked at my arm, the black marks in the shape of his hand, were a cruel reminder of the day. I scrubbed at them harder, until the skin was red and raw, but they wouldn’t come off. The cut on my knee had opened up again, and the blood trickled down my leg. I leaned against the cold tile and slid down the wall, sobbing into my hands, releasing the sadness and fear inside me.

  If it hadn’t been for Tyler, it could have been so much worse. I don’t know how long I sat there letting the heat soothe me. When the shower ran cold, I turned off the water, put a couple of butterfly bandages back on my knee and got dressed. I crept back to my room and picked up my phone. I looked at the clock…2:14am. It didn’t matter, I needed him.

  Ky: R U up?

  It didn’t take long for my phone to buzz.

  Ty: Yeah. Can’t sleep.

  Ky: Me neither. Can I call U?

  Ty: Always

  I needed to hear his voice. He picked up on the first ring. “Hey, baby,” his voice calmed me.

  “Hey.” I searched for the words I needed to say. “I’m sorry about today. I know you’re upset. I could see it in your eyes.”

  “Don’t you dare apologize. Kyla, I’m not upset with you. I was pissed because that ass had his hands on you and I couldn’t get to you. I should have been there.”

  “You were,” I assured him. “But it keeps running through my mind.”

  “Mine, too,” he confessed.

  “Tyler…I need you,” I rasped out.

  “I’m on my way.”

  Chapter 22

  Tyler

  I parked down the street, careful not to wake her parents. As I jogged up to the house, I saw her sitting on the porch, waiting in the shadows. She walked toward me, her bare feet silent on the pavement. Her shorts barely covered her ass and her tight tank was wet from her hair, making her nipples poke through the thin fabric. Every curve of her body was on display for me. She took my hands, not saying a word, and led me around the side of the house.

  When we got to the dark corner, she pushed me against the wall. She took my hands and placed them on her tits. Looking up at me through her lashes, she pleaded, “Touch me, Tyler. Please…touch me.”

  I cupped her tits, lightly rolling her nipples through the fabric. I moved my hands down her curves to her waist and reached around to grab her ass. I pulled her close so she could feel my hardness against her stomach. She leaned her head back, letting out a soft moan. Kissing up the side of her face, I ran my tongue along the shell of her ear. “What do you need, baby?”

  “I need you to take it away. Make me forget,” she begged.

  “I’ll take it away, Ky. I’ll make you forget,” I promised. She was using me and would let her. I would be whatever she needed tonight. Always.

  She captured my lips with hers and became needy with lust. Our tongues were frantic to taste each other, consume each other. She reached down and took my hand, placing it at the top of her tank. I pulled down the fabric, freeing her. I rubbed my fingers over her taut nipple, gently rolling the peak. She grabbed my head, pulling at my hair and leaned back. She pushed my mouth to her tits. I took one in my mouth, sucking and teasing her nipple with my tongue. Then uncovered her other glorious tit and gave it the same attention.

  My hands ran down her sides ‘til they reached the bottom of her shorts. I slipped them up inside, palming her ass and pulling her to me. I rubbed my hardness against her softness. So perfect. I needed her as much as she needed me. Our kissing became desperate as I swallowed her moans. Our tongues tangled. Our pulses quickened. Her hands ran through my hair. I pushed the bottom of her shorts aside and moved my hand towards her heat. I ran my fingers along her entrance and hissed. So wet. So perfect. “You’re soaked. So wet for me.”

  “Please…please,” was all she could get out before I slipped two fingers inside her wetness. I pumped them in and out, slow and deep. She was needy and panting, her short breaths ragged. She pushed her hips into my hand, trying to increase the pressure. Her fingernails dug into my back to pull me closer. I followed her lead and increased my speed, curling my
fingers inside, pumping her hard. Her legs became jello, as she fell onto my hand. I held her up with one arm wrapped around her waist. “Please, Tyler… fuck me…fuck me…please.” A tear ran down her cheek, “Take it all away. Love me.”

  She unbuttoned my shorts and her hand slid down the front. Taking my cock in her delicate hand, she gripped me tightly and stroked me up and down, rubbing my pre-cum around the head with her thumb. I closed my eyes, and basked in the pleasure she was providing. She was relentless in her movements. A low growl escaped my chest. I felt my dick hardening more in her hand, becoming almost painful. “You gotta stop.” I grabbed her wrist, pulling her from my shorts.

  I reached in my back pocket and took a condom from my wallet. I slid it over my length, then pushing her shorts aside. I bent my knees and lined up with her swollen entrance. I held the back of her thighs as I pushed up into her, lifting her from the ground. She wrapped her legs around my waist and gripped me over the shoulders, holding the back of my head in her hands. I adjusted my hands under her ass and lifted her up off my dick and let her slide back down it. She felt tight like this, clenching me with her slick walls. This girl was pure torture and ecstasy. I continued to pump into her slow and steady, but I needed more leverage. She just needed…more.

  I placed one hand on the wall behind me for support, and eased down the wall while still inside her. Once I got to the ground, I pulled my shirt up over my head and placed it next to me. “Put your knee on my shirt,” I said. She unwrapped her legs from around my waist, as I lifted her up off of me. I instantly felt the need to be back inside her. She straddled me, using my shirt to cushion her injured knee, and slid back down on my cock. She put her hands on my shoulders, using them to help push herself up. My hands went to her hips, lifting and guiding her up and down on my dick… faster and harder. It was a torturous pace we were setting, both of us covered in sweat. Her skin glistened in the moonlight.