Flawed Heart (House Of Obsidian #1)
Bella Jewel
Flawed Heart
Bella Jewel
Published by Bella Jewel, 2015.
Table of Contents
Title Page
~*FLAWED HEART*~
FLAWED HEART | Copyright © 2015 Bella Jewel
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
DEDICATION
PROLOGUE | Ana | NOW
CHAPTER ONE | THEN – COLLEGE – MAX
CHAPTER TWO | NOW – ANABELLE
CHAPTER THREE | THEN – COLLEGE – MAX
CHAPTER FOUR | NOW – ANABELLE
CHAPTER FIVE | THEN – College – Max | Two weeks after meeting Belle
CHAPTER SIX | NOW – ANABELLE
CHAPTER SEVEN | THEN – COLLEGE – MAX
One Week Later
CHAPTER EIGHT | NOW – ANABELLE
CHAPTER NINE | THEN – MAX – COLLEGE
CHAPTER TEN | NOW – ANABELLE
CHAPTER ELEVEN | THEN - TWO YEARS LATER
THEN – MARRIED LIFE – MAX
CHAPTER TWELVE | NOW | ANABELLE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN | THEN – MAX – THE ACCIDENT
CHAPTER FOURTEEN | NOW – ANABELLE
CHAPTER FIFTEEN | THEN – MAX – AFTER THE ACCIDENT
CHAPTER SIXTEEN | NOW – ANABELLE
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN | THEN – ANABELLE
MAX
THEN – ANA – TWO WEEKS LATER
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN | NOW – ANABELLE
CHAPTER NINETEEN | THEN – ANABELLE
THEN – ANABELLE
CHAPTER TWENTY | NOW – ANABELLE
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE | THEN – ANABELLE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO | NOW – BELLE
EPILOGUE
THE END
Now, as promised, here is a snippet from FLAWED LOVE - Book two in this series of standalones. This is Rainer’s story. (Please note this snippet is unedited) | PROLOGUE – Emalie - THEN
CHAPTER ONE | NOW – MALI
~*FLAWED HEART*~
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FLAWED HEART
Copyright © 2015 Bella Jewel
FLAWED HEART is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and events portrayed in this book either are from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, establishments, events, or location is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
As always, my heartfelt thanks to every single blogger, reader and author that has supported my journey, from reading my books, to sharing them, to raving about them, to being there for me. Thank you. My career would be nothing without any of you.
A huge thanks to Kylie from Give Me Books for organizing my reveals and blitzes. You do such an amazing job. No matter how many times I use you, I am always blown away by how efficient you are. Nothing is ever a drama. Thank you for giving me so much support.
A massive thanks to LM Creations for this gorgeous cover. Every time we work together, I swear it just gets better and better. These covers are breathtaking, so thank you. Also to Golden from FuriousFotog and his GORGEOUS models for always having a picture on hand for me to create this beauty. Thank you for always being there to help me out. You’re all amazing.
To Lauren, my epic editor. You are the best thing since sliced bread, no lie. You seriously are the best person EVER to work with. You are quick and your notes always make me laugh. No one else could ever keep up with my writing pace, but you always nail it.
To my girls, Belle and Sali. I f’ing love you so hard. There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not thankful to have you in my life. From our crazy vox messages, to the amazing times we have together. You girls are my glue, but you already know that.
And of course, to my admin, MJ, for ALWAYS keeping my page running beautifully. I couldn’t do it without you, girly. I love your teasers and your passion. Thank you for taking the time out of your life to help this poor girl keep everything running.
And, last but certainly not least, to my loyal readers. To each and every one of you that picks up my books and give me a chance. To the reviews you write, good or bad. To the time you take to make me a better person. You make this real for me; never stop giving such love and passion. You make our journey so amazing.
DEDICATION
To everyone who has lost love and been lucky enough to find it again. To second chances and the epic romances that sweep us off our feet.
PROLOGUE
Ana
NOW
Dear Max,
I wanted to write to tell you why I ran. There are things you need to know. I know you were hurting, but I just don’t understand why you didn’t speak to me, why you pushed me away . . .
~*~*~*~
Max,
I am writing this letter because I want to clear some things up. You hurt me. You broke my heart. There are no words to describe how you made me feel. I don’t know what I want; I just need . . .
~*~*~*~
Max,
There’s something I need to tell you. It’s important. I don’t know how to do this, but it’s imperative you know. She deserves to have you, even if I don’t want her to.
~*~*~*~
Max, why did you do it?
Do you regret it at all?
~*~*~*~
To Max,
Do you still think about me? Does your heart still ache? Do you remember the good times? Is there even a small part of you that wishes you never lost me?
~*~*~*~
Is there any love in your heart left for me?
Any at all?
Do you remember when you used to call me Blue Belle?
~*~*~*~
Max,
I just don’t think I can ever forgive you.
Belle.
CHAPTER ONE
THEN – COLLEGE – MAX
I stride down the halls like a rooster, puffing my chest out, nodding at the girls who smile at me. It’s my second year in college, and in that time I’ve created somewhat of a name for myself. Star quarterback, popular, good with the ladies—I have it all. College, so far, has been one of the best experiences of my life.
“Max!”
I stop walking and turn, staring at my best friend, Reese. He’s jogging towards me, bag in his hand, which is trailing behind him, bouncing with each step. He stops in front of me, dropping down so his hands are on his knees. His dark hair falls over his face and he’s gasping like an unfit, old man.
“Dude you need to get fit,” I smirk down at him.
“I ate too much pizza over the summer break,” he groans, patting his stomach.
“Excuses, excuses,” I scoff. “Coach will make you do double the training if he sees you hunched over, huffing like that.”
He flips me the bird and straightens. “Where’s Demi?”
I shrug. Demi is my on-again, off-again girlfriend. Right now, we’re on more than we’re off, which is surprising, but I have no doubt it comes down to image. She’s the equivalent to me in her social circle, so it works. Plus she’s hot. That makes her stuck up, spoiled personality that much easier to handle. If it weren’t for the fact that people consider me higher in my social circle fo
r dating her, I’d give her the flick.
“Fucks me,” I say, continuing my walk towards class. I don’t do this often, I hate class. I hate studying. I hate fucking school. But, I have no choice. If I want my career in football, then I have to get good grades.
“Bitch,” he grumbles to himself, then looks at me. “I don’t know how you put up with her.”
I thump his shoulder. “Yeah you fucking do.”
He laughs, wiggling his eyebrows. “Anyway, bro, I’m going to class. See you at practice?”
I nod, giving him a fist bump. “Yeah, man.”
He disappears and I dig the phone out of my pocket as it vibrates inside my jeans. It’s Demi. I read her text and start typing out a reply when I slam into something, or someone, to be clearer. A small squeak sounds out and then the sound of pens scattering echoes through the corridor. I look up, see nothing, so I tilt my face down and see a girl, hair falling over her face, scurrying about on the ground trying to get her pens.
Shit.
I tuck my phone away and reach for the pens and books I sent flying by running into her, and lift them up, handing them to her. She flinches and lifts her head, looking at me. Color creeps up her cheeks, and her mouth opens and closes as if she wants to say something but has absolutely no idea how to do that. I have that effect on women.
“Sorry about that,” I say, studying her face. “I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
Her eyes focus on mine and they’re the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen, captivating even. The sky holds no candle to her eyes. I study the rest of her, really taking her in. I don’t think I’ve seen her around here before. She’s got this thick mass of strawberry-blond hair that’s bundled on top of her head, with thick strands falling around her face. She’s wearing a pair of thick-framed glasses that seem too big for her petite face.
Her skin is creamy white and flawless, and she’s got pouty little pink lips. The clothes she’s wearing don’t seem to fit her tiny frame, but I get the feeling she likes it that way. She’s not a nerd, far from it, but she’s certainly not in the same league as Demi. What she is, however, is beautiful. Not hot. Not sexy. Just fucking beautiful.
And she’s staring at me.
“Cat got your tongue, darlin’?” I ask, and she flinches.
“Ah, sorry, I, um,” she stammers, and I grin.
She’s shy, and I can see she’s nervous around me. More often than not, I’d leave her alone, but she’s so fuckin’ cute looking up at me with those big blue eyes, I just can’t make myself walk away.
“You got a name?”
She runs a hand over her face, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Ah, Anabelle. People call me Belle, though.”
I meet her eyes. “You’re new here.”
She nods.
“You lost?”
She swallows, glances around, then sighs and nods again.
“My name’s Max,” I say, extending a hand.
She reaches out hesitantly, and shakes my hand. Hers is so small against mine, her fingers so delicate and tiny. I let go and then reach over, plucking her class list from her hands. I study it, and then point towards the door to our right. She was so close to where she needed to be, but I can imagine how daunting her first day is. I got lost the entire time I was here on my first day.
“And your class is right there, you weren’t far off.”
“Oh, um, thanks.” She smiles, and it lights up her whole face.
“Max!”
I look over my shoulder to see Demi stalking towards me, her eyes on Belle. She’s the jealous type. Obsessively so. When she reaches me, I tuck an arm around her shoulder and her blond hair falls over my chest as she snuggles into me. She smells like strawberries. “It’s time for class,” she croons into my ear, while shooting daggers at Belle.
She couldn’t give a second shit about class, but she doesn’t like the fact that I’m talking to a girl that could possibly be prettier than her. Maybe not as hot, but most definitely more beautiful. Belle has a rare kind of beauty, it’s soft and alluring, the kind that never fades. She certainly will be in my thoughts today, a face like that is hard to erase.
I turn away but glance over my shoulder at the girl still staring at me, blue eyes wide. “Later, Blue Belle.”
Her mouth drops open.
I grin.
~*~*~*~
Demi’s head bobs up and down as she works my cock with her mouth. I stare down at her, seeing nothing but blond hair falling all over my lap. It feels good, but she’s sloppy, far too much saliva. I’m trying to focus, but I keep thinking about the girl in the hall, Belle. Her eyes are calling to me and I have no fucking idea why. Girls like her and men like me . . . we don’t mix.
Yet I can’t stop thinking about that face, no matter how hard I try.
“How much longer?” Demi whines, lifting her head and staring up at me, lips puffy.
I take my cock in my hand, feeling it going rapidly flaccid. “We’ll finish this later.”
I tuck it back into my jeans and she sits back as if I’ve slapped her. Her green eyes are wide and her lips are parted. “Are you seeing someone else?” she snaps.
Here we fucking go.
“No, I’m just stressed,” I mutter, standing. “I’m trying to pass while making sure I’m getting in practice time. This year is fucking double the pressure.”
“You’ve barely called me, and you always come when I suck you off. There’s another girl, isn’t there?”
Always come? God, she forgets half of it because she’s so drunk more often than not when we’re getting down and dirty. If she were sober, she’d realize I barely ever come when she sucks me off, because she’s a fucking sloppy lover. Not that I’m super, I prefer to fuck her when I’m drunk too, so I guess we’re even on that playing field.
But this right here is the reason why. She talks way too much.
“Demi,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm, “I’m not fucking seeing anyone else.”
“Then why didn’t you come?”
“Because I’m stressed,” I mutter, running my hands through my hair.
“You’re lying.”
She starts crying. I do not have the patience for this today. I step over, wrapping my arms around her while grinding my teeth. “Baby, I’m not lying. I’m seriously stressed.”
She sniffles and looks up at me. “Are you sure? Because if there’s another woman . . .”
And end the tears, enter raging bitch. This girl has more than one personality, I’m sure of it.
“Demi,” I warn.
“I have power,” she says, studying my face. “You don’t want to dump me, Max. I’m the best thing you’ve got.”
Fuck me. Last time I checked, it was meant to be me threatening her for the title of power. This shit is getting more warped by the second.
“I could say the same.”
She jerks back and glares up at me. “Are you threatening me, Max?”
I narrow my eyes and cross my arms. “How did we go from me not coming, to me threatening you?”
She steps away and crosses her arms, too. “I’m starting to think we need a break.”
I sigh.
We had a break last week. It lasted two days. She saw another girl at a party dancing with me, and suddenly she couldn’t live without me. This girl has way too many hormonal fluctuations for me to be able to follow. One minute she’s happy, the next she’s losing her shit.
“Do you even care?” she yells.
Right, I’m supposed to react to her little threat like any normal boyfriend would. “Of course I fucking care, but I’m not going to play mind games with you, Dem. You either wanna be with me, or you don’t. There are plenty of girls who would jump at the chance to take your place.”
“I can’t believe you just said that to me,” she whispers, then turns and storms out.
I’m starting to think getting to know blue eyes would be the easiest part of my life right now.
CHAPTER
TWO
NOW – ANABELLE
“Immy,” I soothe, holding my daughter to my chest, rocking her backwards and forwards. She’s got high fevers and vomiting, and because of that we’ve been awake for the past two nights.
It’s hard doing this on my own sometimes. Especially times like these. I know Max would want to know about her, if I gave him the chance, but I never did. I haven’t seen him since the night I left five years ago. The love of my life. My hero. My husband. I just disappeared one night, because I couldn’t handle it. I couldn’t take the demons he was hiding in his head. Demons I didn’t even know about—because he just shut down and wouldn’t tell me.
He fell out of love with me, because of those demons.
And my heart broke.
“Hey, are you okay?”
I look up to see Pippa, my housemate, standing at the door. Pippa was kind enough to take Immy and I in six months ago when I came back to town, to be with my mom when she fell ill with cancer. Mom’s is terminal, and I wanted to spend as much time as I could with her. The only way to do that was to move home, but she doesn’t have the space in her tiny house so I had to get a new job and find a place.
Pippa is a sweet girl, and is dating a member of a motorcycle club. She’s kind hearted, and a good friend. I’ve not had a great deal to do with the club, but they seem like great guys. I just try to stay out of it, especially after I found out Max, my husband, helped her in a recent situation she had with some bad people and the club.
Max still lives here, in the same town. He runs a club that has a massive underground fighting ring, called House Of Obsidian. The club has been in his family a while, but the fighting ring was something Max started.
I never thought he’d go down that path. Max was always going to be a football star, but when we fell in love and got married, things changed. I never wondered if he regretted his decision not to follow his dreams, because he seemed so happy with me.
Until everything changed.
“I’m okay.” I smile, stroking my daughter’s hair.
