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Chapter 16

Author: K.I. LYNN
last update Huling Na-update: 2024-10-29 19:42:56
 

We sat at a table in Lila’s favorite hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant a half hour later. I ordered her a margarita—a well-deserved drink after the morning we’d experienced. We were supposed to be having a celebration of our victory, but instead we sat in the booth with a somber aura, and I was icing my aching knuckles.

She was lost in thought, but not vacant or detached. I was happy with that, and the fact she didn’t need my help but only my presence to pull her from the debilitating fear that took hold of her thanks to that asshole father of hers opening his mouth.

She blew through her first drink in minutes, and I found myself shoving the chips and salsa at her before I had a drunk on my hands. After all, I had plans.

“Baby, you need to slow down.”

Her eyes flipped up, almost as if she was just noticing me, and her lips twitched. “Sorry, it’s just been a…day.”

I nodded. “Lots of highs and lows.”

She blew out a breath and dipped a chip in the queso I ordered. Her teet
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  • Reciprocity   Chapter 17

    Lila was not the woman I knew. No, the woman before me was a little girl—wide-eyed, smiling, full of bouncing, hyper energy and wonder.We were starting out our trip in the Magic Kingdom bright and early. Her attention was all over the place as she took in Main Street. When we were almost to the end, I pulled the map from my back pocket.I didn’t even get to ask where she wanted to go before she nearly tugged my arm out of the socket and I tripped over my feet, almost face-planting onto the stone below. Her pace was almost a run, her gaze fixed on one thing in front of her. She was practically dragging me on her quest.When I looked up, I saw what had her so excited—Cinderella’s Castle. It was the iconic Disney view. She blew past people, only to stop in front of it and stare. I wrapped my arms around her waist and stood behind her, cradling her against my chest.“It’s so pretty.” Her voice was low, reverent almost.I nodded against her shoulder. It was what had given me t

    Huling Na-update : 2024-10-29
  • Reciprocity   Chapter 18

    Lila was stuck in a strange state between relief and fear for the weeks following the trial. Adam had been found guilty on all charges, but there was still sentencing to go. She was teetering on an edge, and I knew things would tip when the ruling came down.Our little getaway helped, but the countdown to sentencing was excruciating. We were both ready for it to be done, over. Put the crap in the past and move on to the future.“Lunch today?” Lila asked as we rode the elevator up to the office.My face scrunched up a bit at the uncertainty in her tone. “Of course. Why wouldn’t we?”She looked down to the floor. “I just didn’t know what your schedule looked like.”“Sunny with a chance of afternoon Honeybear.” I winked at her.That got a smile to peek out and an elbow into my ribs. The damn dark cloud was washing over her again. The effect it had on her was hell to watch, and harder every day to combat.One fucking day left before Adam’s blackness wouldn’t be able to touch

    Huling Na-update : 2024-10-29
  • Reciprocity   Chapter 19

    Lila was different. That was the only word I could come up with to describe the change. Over the past few days, she’d shed a lot of the crap that held her back for years. It always dwelled in the back of her mind, ever since she left her father’s house—when will he come for me?The unsurmountable weight that pressed upon her was lifted. Chains that held her down released, shedding away the girl like a cocoon and opening up the woman inside. Adam was going to be in jail for a long time, and the judge had approved the restraining order on her father.It was the first time in over a year I felt like my words really penetrated her. After years of suffering, others finally saw the monster that Adam was. It was validation.Life returned to its normal pace. It was hard to believe how fast the days were passing. Even more unbelievable was how even we were—no more ups and downs. I was thankful for the change, for the monotony of getting up, going to work, and coming home with my wife

    Huling Na-update : 2024-10-29
  • Reciprocity   Chapter 20

    The next day, I was a wreck.Meeting Tom was a mistake.Granted, it wasn’t like I planned to run into him. That was what made it worse. If Marconi had someone watching us at that moment, I was screwed. It was a chance meeting that could get Lila killed.An innocent fucking errand that brought the devil down.After what Noah told me, I knew it wasn’t an “if” someone was watching. I’d recognized one of his men sitting in the corner as we talked. Marconi probably thought I was working the case.I needed to figure out a way to keep Lila safe.My mind was cracking, and the beast paced, whimpering. Everything was spiraling out of control. I was losing my grip.It was times like this the beast in me was let out. Nothing calmed it more than Lila. My body ached only for her touch. I needed it to survive. I’d die without it—without her. She let me ravage her, letting go in ways no other would. Euphoria and comfort—the soothing balm to my screaming agony.I couldn’t go hunt her do

    Huling Na-update : 2024-10-29
  • Reciprocity   Chapter 21

    Days passed and…nothing.Well, not nothing. I was a mess. A fucking disaster.High anxiety, nightmares, and a constant popping of pills got me through the day. Lila got me through the night.She made microwavable popcorn one evening and I flipped out, tackling her to the ground. I did laugh about it later, but it still had me on edge. I knew she was worried about me. She wouldn’t say it, because she didn’t want me to flip out even more. Conversations of the file and Marconi were taboo in our home.Every day, she sucked and fucked me in an attempt to keep me calm. It worked, but I wasn’t stable. Highs and lows led to more forceful, selfish, but mind-blowing sex.“Fuck, you’re so fucking good at that.” She had me panting as she swallowed around my cock.I held her head down, nose pressing against my skin, cock down her throat. Her fingers flexed against my skin, but I kept her there. The overpowering sensations of her gagging around the head forced me to pull out.Lila was

    Huling Na-update : 2024-10-29
  • Reciprocity   Chapter 22

    The event alarm pinged on my computer, opening a window in the middle of my document. I cracked my neck, stretching it out. I’d been staring at my screen for more than two hours without moving and was happy for the distraction of the end of the workday.I saved my progress and shut my computer down. There wasn’t much time, and we needed to get going. I slipped my jacket back on and grabbed my phone before heading out the door, locking it behind me.A few feet later, I popped my head into Lila’s office. “Are you ready?” It was almost five-thirty, and she had an appointment with Darren in half an hour. It would take nearly that long with traffic to get there. “Honeybear?”Both Lila and Owen failed to acknowledge my presence, still typing away. I shook my head and sighed.“Yo! Wife of mine, come on.”Her head snapped up, eyes blinking in confusion. “Fuck,” she hissed as she noticed the time. “Give me a sec.”“It’s never a sec in this black hole.”She held her finger up, not

    Huling Na-update : 2024-10-29
  • Reciprocity   Chapter 23

    The day was long, and I was ready to get home. My workout with Jared left me exhausted and in desperate need of a shower. He was pushing me harder, to beat all the pain, fear, and anxiety that consumed me out and into the pads and the bag.It helped a lot, and I was thankful for another physical release, but it didn’t change the truth. Marconi was coming for us.In the back of my mind, I’d been working on a contingency plan—a getaway. Working it out in real life without them finding out was harder than I imagined. Who could I trust, and of those few, who wasn’t being watched?When I stepped into our condo, dread washed over me.Silent.Black.Nothing.“Lila?”I closed and locked the door behind me, then set my bag down. Silence remained. Her car was in the parking lot, so I knew she had to be here.The echo of my footsteps on the tile accentuated the quiet, along with the hammering in my chest. I flipped light switches as I moved through the condo, scanning rooms for a

    Huling Na-update : 2024-10-29
  • Reciprocity   Chapter 24

    LilaI stared at my reflection in the mirror, at the dark circles that needed more makeup every day. Insomnia had taken control again, and sleep eluded me. I took comfort in my husband’s arms, but I couldn’t shut my brain off.What were we going to do? Over a week had passed since we had the pregnancy mishap, and things were only getting worse.Life was hard for everyone, but it was incredibly atrocious to others. Nathan and I qualified as others. I knew with every cell in my body he was my soul mate. I also knew that fate was a cruel mistress.“Honeybear, you almost ready?” Nathan called from the bedroom.“Almost.” I closed up the concealer and brushed on some powder.My hand trembled, and I clenched it into a tight fist, trying to stop it. I had to keep calm, had to show calm, no matter how badly I was breaking on the inside. Nathan needed me to be strong, and I would be his pillar.“Ready.” I smiled at him and held out my hand to take his.I didn’t want to di

    Huling Na-update : 2024-10-29

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  • Reciprocity   More books from K.I. Lynn!

    Welcome to the Cameo HotelI get what I want.When I walked through the door of the Cameo Hotel I didn’t expect such a beauty to be working the front desk.The effect she has on me is intense, and I make her life a living hell because of it.I love her spirit, her internal defiance when completing the most inane task I assign her. My two week stay has turned into unending, just to be near her.She’s under my every command if she wants to keep me happy.There’s one last thing I want.Her.Find out more hereBecoming Mrs. LockwoodEvery girl has dreams of meeting Prince Charming, or at least I know I did.A fairy tale-like meeting of love at first site.Real life and fairy tales are very different.I’m just a small town Indiana girl that had a chance encounter with one of Hollywood’s golden boys. You may think you know where this story goes—not even close.Life is different. Marriage is hard. It’s even

  • Reciprocity   About the Author

    K.I. Lynn is the USA Today Bestselling Author from The Bend Anthology and the Amazon Bestsellers, Breach and Becoming Mrs Lockwood. She spent her life in the arts, everything from music to painting and ceramics, then to writing. Characters have always run around in her head, acting out their stories, but it wasn’t until later in life she would put them to pen. It would turn out to be the one thing she was really passionate about.Since she began posting stories online, she’s garnered acclaim for her diverse stories and hard hitting writing style. Two stories and characters are never the same, her brain moving through different ideas faster than she can write them down as it also plots its quest for world domination…or cheese. Whichever is easier to obtain… Usually it’s cheese.WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramGet my Newsletter

  • Reciprocity   Acknowledgements

    Special thanks to:My husband, David, for putting up with me and the madness of writing.To Massy, the voice of clarity in my chaotic mind and one who understands it all. Forever my twifey and BFF.To Crystal, my pervy twin, for everything.To Nyddi, for her support, friendship, and big heart.To all the fans. Thank you for loving Nathan and Lila, and for joining them on their journey. Your support, pimping, and love for the series keeps me going. Words can never express my gratitude and love to you all.

  • Reciprocity   Chapter 6

    Year 7…The house was an odd and eerie quiet. So much that I could actually hear the ticking of the clock above the mantle.Lila was out with Anna and Jackson in an effort to wear them down some for my parents and nephew. They were going to babysit for the night while we went out to celebrate our anniversary.Seven years.Seven years ago, I pledged my love and life to my Lila.Laying on the couch, my leg ached, stiff from being stuck in the same position for so long. I stretched it while trying not to disturb the bundle on my chest. My little Kayla was curled on me, her soft, sweet breath blowing across my skin. I leaned down and kissed the soft spot on her head and marveled at the miracle that she was. Only three months old, and she already had us all wrapped around her tiny fingers.My eyes flickered around the room, and I took stock of how much my life had changed over the prior nine years. In that period of time, I had moved from a large, quite literally empty

  • Reciprocity   Chapter 5

    Year 6…The week had been long and tiring. Then again, every week was beginning to be like that. Anna and Jackson were in so many activities there wasn’t a night in over a month we were home at a regular time.I rubbed my face and glanced over to the clock with a sigh. The day was minutes from being over, and my to-do list was barely checked off.Closing up, I settled my desk, readying it for the next day to start the cycle over again.“Night, Nathan,” Angie, my shared secretary, said as I stepped out of my office, locking the door behind me.“Night.” I set a file in her inbox. “Don’t stay too late.”“I’ve got to pick the boys up from their dad’s, so no worry there.”I swung by Lila’s office and waved to Owen. The poor guy looked swamped as usual. I was surprised that he continued on with the position for so long. Perhaps he, like Lila, found a sort of peace in the chaos. The more stringent requirements, double checking everything.He had a little one of his own

  • Reciprocity   Chapter 4

    Year 4…“Lila, have you seen my other shoe?” I asked, holding up my one running shoe.She bounced Jackson in her arms, rubbing his back to get him to burp. “No.”There was a little giggle coming from under the bed, and we both looked in the direction of the sound.I smiled and gestured with my head to the bed. “Oh, I wonder where it could be. Maybe it’s in the closet.”Another giggle.“In the bathroom?” Lila suggested with a wide smile and a shake of her head as she tried not to laugh at our toddler.A loud laugh—my daughter thought she was so sneaky.“Maybe…” I laid down on the floor and reached. “It’s under the bed!” Screeches of laughter as I grabbed hold of a toddler leg. “Gotcha!”She wasn’t very far under, and I was able to pull her out. I tickled her sides, making her squeal before reaching back under for my shoe.Anna smiled wide, little giggles coming from her. “Again!”I stood and pulled Jackson from Lila’s arms so she could finish getting dressed.

  • Reciprocity   Chapter 3

    Year Two…“Oh my God, look how adorable you are!” Caroline held Anna high up in the air, then brought her little baby belly to her mouth and blew on it, making Anna squeal in delight.Our little bundle arrived without issue, just an exhausting delivery, with my hair and Lila’s eyes. At nine months old, she was already exhibiting signs of the rambunctious child she would grow into.Lila smiled at them. “You say that every time you see her.”“Can’t blame her. She got her looks from her mom.”I turned in my seat. “Drew, are you saying I’ve got an ugly mug?”He gave a snort and shook his head. “You still have women in the office chasing your ass. So, no. Just saying Lila is beautiful.”I pointed my finger at him. “Hey, that’s my wife.”Lila rolled her eyes and swatted my arm before going over to Drew and giving him a hug.“Thanks, Drew, I needed that.”“Needed that? Is Nate falling down on the job?” He gave me a mock glare, and I flipped him off.She shook her he

  • Reciprocity   Chapter 2

    Year One…After a six-month search, Lila and I found a home in Carmel—land of the roundabouts—and had settled in to suburban living. With the lives we’d led, it was quite an adjustment. Being neighborly was a foreign concept for Lila, leaving some of our neighbors a little put off.She wasn’t the stereotypical suburban housewife like many of the nearby residents.There was a good chance we would never fit in well, but it didn’t bother me. She was all I needed.We had a beautiful lot overlooking a small lake. It made for wonderful nights sitting on the deck, watching the sun set.I stared at her, my eyes wide in surprise at her sudden burst of anger. My wife was livid—pissed beyond belief at me—and I had no idea why. Her face resembled the same shade of red as the Twizzler dangling out of my mouth. I held up my hands in surrender, never having seen the she-devil before me, and I had no idea how to handle her.“Why?” Her hands were balled into fists at her sides, sh

  • Reciprocity   Chapter 1

    Two months after the end of Reciprocity…The glare-down entered its fifth minute with neither of us backing down. My jaw twitched. Lila’s jutted forward. A bottle of wine sat between us on the counter. The kitchen was a disaster, we both looked wrecked, and we hadn’t had sex in five days.Five fucking days.Weeks of small spats were building, and the blowout was bound to happen at any moment. What bothered me, what hurt the most, was the reason why my wife and I were having such difficulties.It wasn’t because of someone coming after us, my overbearing protectiveness, or her family. No, it was us.Us.Me.Her.The reality of life without looking over our shoulders.Who were Nathan and Delilah Thorne?What did they like? What did they do in their spare time? Hobbies?The only hobby I had was fucking her, and that wasn’t happening lately because one or both of us was constantly angry at the other for sometimes unknown, irrational reasons.Sex was no longer pro

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