Breaking Shaun: The Breaking Free Series, #2

By E.M. Abel

No matter how fiercely guarded, even the strongest hearts can break.

Some men fall in love but not Shaun. Surfing and his freedom were the only two things he’s ever needed. Meaningless one-night stands were fun but rarely worth the drama.

    Until he met Natalie, Shaun never realized there were women who felt like him. She enjoys sex with no strings and has no desire for love.

He’s finally met his match.

But how long can friends with benefits last? 

**Not recommended for younger readers due to sexual content and drug use.**

• Language: English
• Publisher: E.M. Abel
• Release date: May 26, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499702941

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by E.M. Abel

All rights reserved.

Cover Designer: Angela Fields, i love it design studio

Editor and Interior Designer: Jovana Shirley, Unforeseen Editing, www.unforeseenediting.com

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Visit my website at emabelbooks.com

Preface

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

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Epilogue

Saving Jay Teaser

Special Thanks

To my sisters,

No matter what life has thrown your way

You’ve always persevered

And never lost hope.

Your strength inspires me every day.

I love you.

Please, God, no. This can’t be happening. What did I do to deserve this? He’s cute. Look at him. He’s got nice hair and pretty eyes, and he even has a sexy body. So, please tell me, why? Why is he pounding into me like a fucking jackrabbit on speed? Why?

I slowly peeled my eyes open to look back up at the man hovering above me. His eyes were squeezed shut, and his face was sweaty. His arms were flexed and pulled so tight that it almost looked painful. And he was slamming himself into me as if the harder and faster he went, the better.

So. Not. True.

Didn’t anyone teach him the value of foreplay?

He had to be at least twenty-six or twenty-seven years old, so there was no excuse. If he didn’t seem like such a nice person, I would just push him off me and leave as fast as my feet could take me, but now, I felt obligated to at least let him finish. By the looks of things, it wouldn’t take long.

This was all his fault. I didn’t know his name, but his crystal green eyes, perfectly bowed lips, and rumbling low voice were branded into my brain. He was burned there.

You’re not wearing panties, a raspy, deep voice whispered into my ear.

I was sitting at the small makeshift bar in the gallery, sipping my glass of wine. My back straightened, and my breath hitched as my cheeks grew warm. I narrowed my eyes and turned to face the man next to me.

I first noticed his piercing green eyes. I’d never seen anything like them. They were the lightest green and surrounded by the darkest black eyelashes. As those eyes stared directly into mine, I felt so exposed that I moved my elbow off the bar to drape my arm across my lap. It wasn’t much, but it made me feel less vulnerable, less open.

Those eyes were slightly narrowed because of the smug grin playing on his rosy pink lips. His bottom lip was glistening like he had just licked it. I could barely make out one small dimple on his left cheek. My heart was racing. I didn’t know how this man’s presence had engulfed me, but I was surrounded. He obviously didn’t have a shy bone in his body, and it was clear he would say whatever he felt like saying, whenever he felt like saying it.

Excuse me? I asked, being sure to sound agitated.

He leaned toward me, and this time, I could smell him. He smelled like the ocean.

I said, you’re not wearing any panties, he whispered again.

My hair moved with his breath, and the strands tickled my ear.

Tilting away from him, I twisted my neck, so I could look at him while putting distance between us. And you felt the need to tell me this…why? You do realize that I’m aware of what I have on, right?

His lips curled into a full smile, and my hand tightened around my wine glass.

Holy crap!

He was gorgeous before, but when he smiled…oh my God. I caught myself staring at his mouth, and then he tilted his chin down and looked at his feet as he chuckled. His laughter sounded incredibly sexy. When he peered up at me through those thick lashes, my heart thumped even faster.

Yes, I just wanted you to know that I’m aware of what you have on and what you don’t have on.

No matter how much I wanted him, there was no way I would sleep with this man. No way.

From the instant I’d heard his voice, I’d known he was in control. He knew what he was doing, and I would not get caught up in that.

Well, it’s been noted, but I’m not interested. I turned away on the stool, so my back was to him, and I took a sip of my merlot.

That was when I felt the front of his shirt against my back. His heat was seeping through the fabric, and it sank right into my core. My back straightened as my nipples instantly hardened, and I sucked in a deep breath.

Too bad. I was really looking forward to lifting that red dress up around your hips and testing how wet I could get you before you begged me to fuck you, he murmured beside my ear.

Then, he walked right past me, the shoulder of his suit jacket grazing my back as he went. I watched while he approached the artist, but then I swiftly turned back around, resting my elbows on the bar again, as I tried to control my breathing.

That man’s aura was spellbinding, intoxicating, and completely dangerous.

So, here I was, getting humped by a man who fucked like a teenage boy. I was stupid enough to think I could extinguish the fire Mr. Green Eyes had set inside me with a quick one-night stand with someone else—someone a lot less scary and a lot easier to control.

Boy, was I wrong.

Let’s fall in love

Before the world breaks through.

Before time catches up

And I break you.

Three Months Later…

This bitch is crazy.

So, why didn’t you call me? she shrieked into the phone.

I held it away from my ear. I could have sworn I’d felt it vibrate in my hand.

This was exactly why I didn’t give out my number—so I wouldn’t have to deal with phone calls like this one. Except this bitch knew where I worked, and she had actually tracked me down at Marcus’s shop just to give me shit for not calling her. Honestly, I couldn’t even remember what she looked like. She’d said her name was Jamie, but that didn’t mean shit to me. All I knew was that she was yelling in my ear and pissing me the fuck off.

Why the fuck would I call you? I leaned back in my chair, staring at the white ceiling in my office.

What do you mean, why the fuck would you call me? Because you fucked me! That’s why!

I held the phone even farther from my ear that time, and I contemplated hanging up on her. This always happened. No matter how careful I was about avoiding these situations, there was always some crazy bitch who thought I owed her something just because she’d willingly spread her legs for me.

I’m pretty sure it takes two people to fuck. So, why don’t you stop acting like you did me a favor, and I owe you somethin’? We fucked. We got off. Now, move on.

There was silence on the other end—well, except for the heavy breathing.

She finally responded, "You. Are. An. Asshole!"

The phone definitely vibrated that time. Then she hung up.

I sighed before hitting the End button and putting the phone back on my desk. Crazy fuckin’ bitches.

Yes, there were a lot of people in the world who thought I was an asshole, and that was okay with me. But the truth was, I wouldn’t just tell people what they wanted to hear. Yeah, I knew how to sweet-talk my way into a woman’s panties, but I never filled her with false hope. I never promised anyone I’d be her boyfriend and take her out on dates. When I made promises, I always kept them, and the most I’d ever promised a woman was multiple orgasms. That was it, nothing more. And if a woman expected it, then that would be her problem, her mistake, not mine. But somehow, I still always ended up being the asshole, and the women were the victims.

Bullshit.

It pissed me off how a woman would act like she didn’t like getting fucked just as much as I liked fucking her. Even though, just hours before, she had been under me, screaming at me to go harder and faster, loving every second of it. Women were the assholes, not me.

This shit is getting old, I told Marcus as we sat at his huge dining room table.

Asia was in their kitchen, trying to put dinner together. I still hadn’t decided if I was going to eat it. My little sister wasn’t exactly known for her culinary skills. It had only been three months since she and Marcus got engaged at her art exhibit in L.A., and they already acted like an old married couple.

What’s getting old? Marcus asked before taking a sip of his beer, his eyes on the kitchen behind me.

He obviously hadn’t been listening to anything I said. This was one of the many disadvantages of my best friend falling in love—not to mention, with my sister.

Are you going to actually listen to me? Or are you just gonna sit there and stare at my sister’s ass the whole night?

Marcus chuckled as his gaze left Asia and studied his beer. Then, he leaned back in his chair and looked at me. Sorry, man. So, tell me, what’s getting old?

Fucking, I stated before taking a swig from my own beer.

He gave me a questioning look. Huh?

It’s just not fun anymore, you know? It’s too much fuckin’ work. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I love pussy. It’s all the bullshit that comes with it that I don’t love.

Marcus grinned. That motherfucker was thinking something that he knew I wouldn’t like.

I ran my hand through my messy long hair and huffed. What?

Contemplating his next words, he rubbed his hand over his stubble before answering. Maybe you just need to fuck someone you actually like.

Marcus focused in on something behind me—or more like, someone. Asia walked up to him, and he pushed his chair back, allowing her room to sit on his lap.

Fuckin’ lovebirds.

After she sat, Asia turned to look at me. So, what are you guys talking about? she asked as she gave me her usual skeptical glare.

I swore she thought I was the devil on everyone’s shoulder.

Shaun is getting tired of his groupies, Marcus told her.

She shifted in his lap to look at him before twisting to face me again. It’s about damn time! I mean, it was only a matter of time before you were ready to settle down, Shaun. It’s only natural—

Hold up, hold up, hold up, I interrupted as I held up my hand toward my sister. I never said anything about settling down. That shit just isn’t for me.

Asia sighed, and I could see the excitement draining out of her.

So, what are you saying then?

I shook my head before running a hand through my hair again. I did not want to have this conversation with my little sister. Nothing, I muttered before I took a long sip from my beer.

Come on, man. You can talk to us about it. Maybe Asia can give us a female’s perspective. It might help you out.

I scowled at my friend and widened my legs before resting my bottle of beer on my thigh. I could see the amusement in his eyes, and it made me want to punch the shit out of him.

He’s getting tired, babe—tired of dealing with the bullshit that comes with being a man-whore, Marcus informed Asia with a grin.

Oh…well, that’s easy, she said, shrugging her shoulders. You just have to find a woman like you—someone with commitment issues and a never-ending sex drive.

Marcus chuckled, and Asia smiled at him over her shoulder. She was obviously giving me shit, but she was right.

Why can’t I find a woman like me—someone who loves sex but doesn’t need a relationship to justify it? Do women like that even exist?

Nick’s snoring was going to drive me insane. When I’d agreed to move in with him, I’d had no idea that he snored like a bear in hibernation.

Groaning, I rolled onto my stomach and reached for the alarm clock beside my bed. Six thirty. I moaned and moved onto my back, tossing the blankets off of me. Sitting up, I huffed, blowing away the strands of hair that had fallen over my eyes. So much for sleeping in.

I dragged myself to the bathroom down the hall, and I stopped to admire the décor inside. The walls were painted a soft teal, and all the accents were a rich dark brown. One good thing about moving in with my cousin was that the man had style. I pulled my auburn hair back into a loose ponytail and went about brushing my teeth before washing my face.

This would be my first full day living in Virginia. I’d finally arrived late last night after a three-day road trip from California. I loved moving somewhere new. Everything felt different and exciting. I’d moved every few years since I was little.

My mother didn’t believe in settling down anywhere, and as a result my little sister, Lili, and I had been dragged along with her. At the time, I’d hated it—always changing schools and packing, unpacking, and packing again. The funny thing was, I now got restless when I would stay in one place for too long. Three years was usually my limit. After that, I would need change. So, I was in Virginia now, staying with Nick in his stylish downtown apartment on the fifteenth floor of a brand-new building.

The truth was, I hadn’t just moved to Virginia for the new surroundings. I was twenty-four, and I felt like my life was slipping away from me. I’d spent so much of it closed off from everyone around me. I’d never had best friends, boyfriends, or friends at all really—unless I counted Lili and Nick, but they were family.

Nick and I had grown close when his mom had taken Lili and me in for a year when I was sixteen. I thought the fact that Nick and I had both been outcasts helped us bond. I had been the school slut, and he had been the flamboyant gay guy. That year, living with my aunt, had probably been the best time of my adolescent life. I’d had a warm meal every night and clean clothes to wear to school, and I hadn’t worried about who or what I might find in the house when I woke up in the mornings. Even after my mom had come to get Lili and me, Nick and I had made sure to keep in touch.

Now, here I was, living in Nick’s new apartment with him—at least until I got my own place.

I was a bartender, so I wasn’t too worried about finding a job. Every city had bars, and those bars needed bartenders to serve drinks. There was always a demand that I could supply. My real dream was to become a photographer, but I’d had to let that dream go once I realized college wasn’t going to be an option for me.

Since it was Sunday, I decided I’d take the day off and start the job hunt tomorrow. I had some money saved up, but I wanted to get something soon. Nick and I were close, but I didn’t want to overstay my welcome. I preferred to take care of myself, and relying on someone else to put a roof over my head didn’t sit well with me.

Peering down at my black yoga pants and white tank top, I decided to put on a bra and head out in search of some breakfast. I could also use a large cup of coffee. I was still on California time, which meant my body thought it was three thirty in the morning.

I stood in front of the display case with a coffee in my hand, trying to decide what kind of doughnut I wanted, when I heard the glass door to the convenience store open, and time slowed to a crawl. My heart rate immediately spiked when I saw him—Mr. Green Eyes. I didn’t even have to see his eyes to know it was him. I could feel his energy, his aura.

Oh fuck.

I quickly ducked my head behind the doughnut case and rubbed my lips together before deciding to take another peek. He was oblivious to everything around him as he moved his black Ray-Bans up onto the top of his head, pushing his long hair back. It had grown a few inches since I last saw him. I watched as he walked toward the drink coolers. He was wearing a pair of old camouflage cargo shorts, a white T-shirt with some surf shop’s logo on it, and flip-flops. On any other guy, that outfit would have looked sloppy, but on him, it looked stylish, sexy even. With a body like his, I had a feeling anything he wore would look good.

My nerves tingled as I remembered that night at the art gallery—the way he’d looked in a suit, the way his eyes had affected me when they met mine, how deep his voice had sounded when he spoke.

I had actually started to think that maybe I dreamed him—or at least my memory of him had been embellished, and he really wasn’t as gorgeous or as breathtakingly beautiful as I remembered. But I had been wrong. He was even better in real life.

Stop, Nat! Stop! Look at the doughnuts. Pick a fucking doughnut, and don’t look over there anymore, damn it!

I set my coffee down and quickly grabbed a piece of paper. I started picking random doughnuts and tossing them into my plastic bag.

You plan on leaving any for the rest of us?

That raspy, deep voice vibrated through my entire body, and I nearly dropped my full bag of doughnuts onto the floor.

Stay calm. Keep control.

I never got nervous around guys. If anything, it was the other way around, and that was how I liked it. I had the pussy, which meant I called the shots. Sure, men liked to think they were in charge, and sometimes, I’d let them. It was easier that way. I’d play the role, smile and flutter my eyelashes, but I also had no problem telling men what I wanted and taking it. Men’s egos were a lot like their dicks, always needing to be stroked. As long as they kept me satisfied, I didn’t mind doing it.

But Mr. Green Eyes was different, and I’d known it from the moment he spoke to me in that gallery. He exuded confidence and control, and two alphas were never compatible in bed—or anywhere for that matter.

I think I’m good. Help yourself. I averted my gaze to the small trash bin and threw away my paper before picking up my cup of coffee.

As his hand reached out and grabbed his own paper, I couldn’t help myself from taking a quick peek at him. Our eyes met for a split second before he looked into the doughnut case, and then his hand stopped moving. Shifting my focus from his hand to his face, I realized his glorious green eyes were on me. I froze as his perfect lips spread into a mischievous smile.

Oh no, he remembers.

Don’t I know you? he asked as he grabbed a doughnut out of the case without taking his eyes from mine.

No.

He raised an eyebrow before his gaze made its way down my tank top and over my legs. Oh, that’s right. You turned me down.

Straightening my back, I slowly raked my eyes over the front of his shirt and shorts before letting them move back up. Yep.

I grinned before turning my back to him and moving toward the cash registers. I could feel him watching me as I set my doughnut bag on the counter, and then I began opening my wallet.

So, what brings you all the way out to VA? He set a Red Bull and his doughnut bag down on the counter beside mine.

I gave him a look, making it clear that it was none of his business.

He chuckled at my warning. Look, we obviously know the same people. You might as well tell me. I’m sure we’ll run into each other again.

Turning back to the cashier, who didn’t look a day over eighteen, I realized she was too busy staring at Mr. Green Eyes, so she hadn’t even started ringing up my doughnuts. I cleared my throat, and she quickly snapped out of her daze.

Oh. Sorry. She shook her head a little to help her focus.

That’ll be four thirty-seven, she told me. Her eyes went back to the man standing next to me, and she gave him a please-fuck-me smile.

I tried to hide my amusement as I pulled a twenty out of my wallet and handed it to her.

So, you’re not gonna tell me? he asked.

The cashier gave me my change.

Nope.

You always play this hard to get? Or is this special treatment just for me? He pushed his things closer to the cash register.

Oh, I’m not playing. I grabbed my coffee and bag of doughnuts off the counter.

Walking backward, I pushed the glass door open with my back, and I gave him a devious smile before turning toward the parking lot. I made my way to my old beat-up Mustang, making sure not to look back, and then I climbed in and left.

When I walked back into Nick’s apartment with a bag full of doughnuts, I found Nick sitting at his small kitchen table in his beautifully decorated breakfast nook. He was sipping on a cup of coffee and looking at his iPad. Nick was model perfect with his flawless bone structure and immaculate style. He really belonged somewhere like New York, not here in Virginia.

He looked at me over the lip of his coffee mug, and his eyes ran down my body, assessing my outfit like he always did, before stopping at my hand. Doughnuts?

I smiled as I went to take the seat across from him. Yeah, I went a little nuts. I plopped the bag down on the table.

He inspected it. I get the chocolate one, but if you ever bring doughnuts home again, I’ll have to bitch-slap you.

My head jerked back, and my eyebrows drew together before I laughed. Um…okay.

You think I’m playin’, bitch, try me, he warned. He grabbed the chocolate doughnut and took a bite big enough that half of it disappeared into his mouth.

I just rolled my eyes at my crazy cousin and took a sip of my coffee. I saw someone from Asia’s art show at the store. Small world. I got up to get a napkin, and I immediately regretted bringing it up.

I wasn’t supposed to be thinking about Mr. Green Eyes, and I definitely wasn’t supposed to be talking about him…especially with Nick.

Oh, yeah? Who? Nick asked, studying his iPad before licking icing off his fingers.

I shrugged as I made my way back to my seat. I don’t know who he is. I just recognized him.

Nick’s eyebrow rose as soon as he heard me say the word he, and he slowly lifted his gaze to look at me with his mischievous grin.

Oh no. Oh God, no.

When my cousin got an idea in his head, he was relentless. I had to nip this in the bud and fast.

Don’t look at me like that, Nick. I’m not interested, so get that grin off your face, I threatened him with my finger pointed in the direction of his mouth, but it had no effect.

Nick scoffed, Pffft. Who are you kidding? You wouldn’t have brought him up if you weren’t interested.

I sighed before taking a sip of my coffee. He’s not my type.

How do you know? You don’t even know the man.

I shrugged. I just know. Trust me.

He smirked before taking another bite of his doughnut, and then he looked back at his iPad.

Dodged that bullet.

So, what did this guy look like? Nick asked as he cut his eyes back to me.

Fucker. I glared at him. I don’t even remember. Forget I said anything. Leaning back in my chair, I picked out a cream-filled doughnut from the bag.

Well, let’s see…he lives here, and he went all the way to L.A. for Asia’s show. That means it could be Asia’s dad, Robert. He paused, studying my face for a reaction. He’s tall and incredibly hot for an older guy. Looks just like Gerard Butler.

I smirked at him but remained silent as I took another sip of my coffee.

Then, there’s Marcus, but you already know who he is since he proposed to Asia, and let’s be honest, he’s impossible to forget. Nick winked at me.

I shook my head and giggled as I bit into my doughnut.

Hmm…and then there’s Shaun. He paused again.

I stopped chewing for just half a second, but he saw it.

He continued, his eyes persistently studying me, Now, Shaun is definitely someone you would never forget. He’s tall, and he’s always tan because he spends the majority of his life surfing. That’s also why his body is incredibly sculpted and mouthwatering.

As I imagined Shaun’s body, I could feel saliva beginning to pool in my mouth, and my chewing slowed.

Nick didn’t stop there. He’s got the most amazing green eyes that could strip you bare with just one glance. His lips look so delicious that you have to know what they taste like. His voice is so deep that you can feel it. He’s effortlessly sexy, and he exudes sex. Then again, I’m probably telling you things you already know.

I swallowed and looked at my doughnut. I hated the fact that I didn’t want Nick to stop. I wanted to know who Shaun was and how much Nick knew about him.

No, you don’t. You don’t care, Natalie.

I straightened my back before shrugging my shoulders and taking another bite.

Nick chuckled and got up to put his cup in the sink. When you decide this whole pretending-to-be-uninterested thing is for the birds, you come see me, and I’ll tell you everything I know.

I feigned indifference as I took another sip of my coffee, and Nick smiled before sauntering off toward his room.

What’s up, Dad? I yelled into my dad’s house after walking in the front door.

His truck was in the driveway, so I knew he was home.

In here, he said from the direction of the kitchen.

When I walked into the room, I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw my dad sitting across from a woman at the kitchen table. This woman was not only in my dad’s house at eight in the morning, but she was also sipping coffee and wearing a bathrobe.

What the fuck? Um…sorry. Am I interrupting something? I asked, suspiciously eyeing my dad.

He smirked. Samantha, this is my youngest son, Shaun. Shaun, this is Samantha.

I was shocked. I knew my dad had his fair share of ladies, but this was the first time he’d ever introduced me to one. As a matter of fact, this was the first time I’d ever seen one up close.

Hi, Shaun. Nice to meet you. Samantha turned in her chair and reached out her hand to shake mine.

I hesitated for a second before taking it. Uh…hey. What’s up?

You’ll have to excuse Shaun. He’s not the most polite one of the bunch, my dad muttered before taking a sip of his coffee.

I wasn’t sure what the fuck was going on. Is this dad’s girlfriend? He doesn’t have girlfriends.

So, what brings you out this way, son? my dad asked.

I snapped out of my daze and looked at him. I suddenly forgot why I was there. Usually, I didn’t need a reason to stop by, but now, this felt totally awkward.

Shit. I don’t know. I was just coming by to see what you were up to, but I see you’re busy, so I’ll just—

I began to turn out of the room when Samantha stopped me. No, don’t go. I’ll just go upstairs to change. I need to get going anyway.

She smiled at my dad before getting out of her chair and making her way toward the stairs. I watched her as she walked out of the room. She had long blonde hair, and from what I could see, she had a hot little body to go with it.

Nice.

When I turned back to face my dad, he had an eyebrow raised. He’d caught me checking out his girl.

Is that your girlfriend? I whispered. I approached the table and took Samantha’s seat.

My dad chuckled. I guess you could say that.

What? Since when do you have girlfriends?

My dad didn’t respond. He just looked at me as he continued drinking his coffee.

This shit was throwing me off. My dad didn’t date. Our casual sexual relationships were one of the few things we had in common. Now, here he was, having coffee with some woman named Samantha.

I answered my phone, Hello?

Hey, man. What are you doing? Marcus asked.

Just about to leave the shop. Why? What’s up?

Why are you there on a Sunday?

Just making sure the inventory shit got done right. Don’t wanna piss off the boss.

He chuckled. Wow, I’m impressed. Maybe you need a raise.

"Of course I need a