Lovely Broken Strength: Cypress Falls Romance, #2

By Abbey Easton

A sweet and swoony, deliciously tension-filled, romantic suspense series with twists and turns that'll keep you on your toes!

 

I thought we'd be best friends forever.

 

After being raised in a world of backstabbers and shallow beauty, I learned to trust no one. But he was different. Since we were kids, Tyson Ranes has always been my best friend. My protector. 

 

Until the day he leaves our small town without a word and shatters my last piece of hope.

 

Now, after three years of silence, he's returned to flip my fractured life upside down again. 

 

He's looking for a second chance, but I push him away at every turn. I vowed to never let anyone hurt me again.

 

As Ty continues trying to rebuild a friendship seemingly beyond repair, I notice the shadows in his eyes. He has scars that never healed, too. When the threats start, and strange incidents I can't explain, I discover that loving Tyson Ranes may have more dire consequences than a broken heart.

 

Lovely Broken Strength is the second book in the Suspense in Cypress Falls Romance series, although all books in the Cypress Falls world can stand alone. Enjoy this sweet, small-town suspenseful romance series that always ends in a happily ever after!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Peridot Publishing LLC
• Release date: May 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201945299

Book preview

Prologue

Ellie

Six Years Old

The man stared at me through the rearview mirror. His gray eyes were sharp, hungry. He had been looking at me more than the road and it made me want to squirm in my seat. But I didn’t.

I hated it when Mama let her boyfriends be alone with me. It didn’t happen often, and I was glad, but Mama was tired this morning and sick with a headache. She told Hank to bring me to school on his way to work. The bus didn’t go out to where we lived in Hank’s double-wide because it was too far.

Hank pulled his old, rusted truck into the school parking lot and relief hit me knowing I’d be out of his sight soon.

You know what, Ellie girl? I clenched my hands into fists at the sound of his voice. Mama had been with Hank almost a year now and I couldn’t stand him. I couldn’t wait until she moved on to the next guy. You never knew what kind of guy Mama would find, though. I doubted anyone could be worse than Hank.

I met his gaze in the mirror and raised my brows.

He licked his lips and I wanted to throw up right there in the backseat. You sure are a pretty one. Your mama knew what she was doin’ putting you in all those pageant shows.

He pulled up to the front of the school and the moment the truck stopped moving I already had the back door open. I didn’t reply as I hopped out and sprinted toward the front doors of the building. I was late.

I paused as the cold winter wind bit into my skin. The heater in Hank’s truck had been blasting and I’d slipped off my coat half way through the long drive to school. I’d left it on the backseat.

I thought about turning back around, but didn’t. I’d rather be cold than go back to that probing gaze.

I liked school well enough. My favorite part was when our teacher read us story books. Mama never read, but sometimes my big sister, Faye, read books she’d checked out of the library to me. When I got old enough, I’d check out all the library books I could and I’d read them all.

Later on in the day, I tried to stifle my shivers as the wind blew my hair around my face. Recess was probably my least favorite part of school. I sat on the ground close to the wire fence that closed in the playground. My knees were hugged tight to my chest as I picked at the dry, colorless grass. I made sure to stay far away from the teachers. I didn’t want them noticing I didn’t have a coat. If they called my mama about it, she’d have a fit when I got home.

A group of girls screeched so loud my ears rang as they ran by me, chased by some boys. I grimaced as they stomped by. Being chased didn’t sound very fun.

It made me almost glad the girls in school didn’t like me much.

I stared back at the grass. The pieces I’d picked blew away in the wind, as if they’d never been there at all. My hands trembled. I could barely feel the tips of my fingers. They were so cold.

I jumped as a heavy piece of fabric was draped over my shoulders. Sucking in a sharp breath, I sprang to my feet, whirling around to face a boy I didn’t know.

The boy smiled at me. His face was warm and friendly with dark ringlet curls falling over his forehead. Hey, he said, holding up a hand.

I blinked at him, my heart racing for some reason I didn’t know. I reached for the end of my long braid, but whatever had been draped over my shoulders got in the way.

I stared down at myself, realizing with a jolt that it was a heavy, denim coat. It was lined with soft flannel and instantly kept the warmth close to my body. It smelled like a fireplace with smoky, burning wood and minty toothpaste.

I glanced back up at the boy. He was taller than me, but he looked around my age. I didn’t know where he came from, though. I’d never seen him in my class before.

His smile fell, but only a little. I’m Ty.

I sought out the teachers standing watch close to the building. Only one was looking in our direction, our teacher, and I thought she was smiling.

Ty cleared his throat, shifting on his feet. A small crease formed between his brows. Uh, what’s your name?

I didn’t know why he was talking to me. Most boys only looked at me, but never talked to me. The ones that did, they weren’t usually nice. What do you want?

My voice sounded sharper than I meant it to. Ty’s eyes widened before he looked away, down at his feet. Guilt flared in my chest as blotches of red bloomed on his cheekbones.

Um, nothing. I… He rubbed the back of his neck. I just thought that you looked cold.

I stepped back, my own cheeks burning. Something clicked into place as I looked down at the jacket over my shoulders, then back up at Ty. He was only in a T-shirt. No coat.

Is this your jacket? My breath clouded in the cold air.

Ty shrugged. You can wear it. I don’t mind.

He stuffed his hands in his pants pockets. Goosebumps rose on his arms. They seemed thinner than other boys our age. They might not have been much bigger than mine.

I stared at Ty. But won’t you be cold?

Ty shook his head. A few more curls fell into his eyes. I can handle it.

I grabbed the sides of the thick jacket, pulling it around me. Okay. I wasn’t sure what else to say. We stood in silence for a while as neither of us spoke. It didn’t seem like Ty wanted anything from me. If he did, he wasn’t making it clear.

I kicked at the ground. Are you new here?

I couldn’t think of another reason why he was here. He had to be a new kid. That didn’t happen much in the small town of Cypress Falls.

Ty nodded.

I bit my lip. My name is Ellie.

Ty’s gaze met mine and something in the way he looked at me made my tummy flip.

Hi, Ellie. I like your name. It’s pretty.

My whole face heated. I’d been called pretty before, but not for something as simple as my name. Thanks, I breathed.

Ty smiled again, and I was glad. He looked better with a smile. Can I sit with you?

I paused. No one had ever wanted to be with me during recess. I didn’t know how I was supposed to act or what to do. But Ty seemed so friendly.

Before I realized it, I nodded. Sure.

I sank back onto the grass, and Ty lowered himself next to me. The tips of his nose turned pink in the cold and I offered to give him back his coat but he wouldn’t take it.

What kind of friend would I be if I let you freeze? He laughed and I think it might’ve been the nicest sound I’d ever heard.

Friend? I asked, stunned.

Ty rubbed the back of his neck. Can we be friends, Ellie? He looked as unsure as I felt, but something in my chest swelled. It felt as if a balloon had been blown up inside me and was going to make me float all the way up into the sky.

Friends? I’d never had a real friend before.

I nodded anyway. Yeah, I said, looking away so he didn’t see the tears in my eyes. I can be your friend, Ty.

Chapter One

Tyson

Present Day

Pounding music blared through the arena as I stepped out of the hallway into the massive crowd. Some cheered when they saw me, holding out their hands as I sauntered down the aisle toward the octagon. I didn’t make eye contact. I was focused. But the energy of the people flowed through me like a shot of adrenaline straight to the veins.

I lived for this.

Tonight was the single most important fight of my career. I’d been working toward this night for almost three years. I was on an impressive winning streak for my weight class and there were eyes on me now. Eyes that would help me get to the next level of MMA.

I stopped before the gates of the octagon. A burly, gruff looking man stomped up to me. I didn’t look into his face as he flexed his muscles. Slipping off my thin, zippered hoodie, I handed it to my trainer behind me. The muscled dude checked me over, making sure I wasn’t concealing anything to cheat. Like I could hide something in this outfit—nothing but a pair of skintight shorts.

He nodded when he was done, stepping back and letting me enter the ring.

My opponent was already waiting. He flexed his abundance of muscles. I suppressed a smile as he glowered, his lip curling into a snarl. Cheers ricocheted through the arena as we stepped up to each other. Chants of, Viper! Viper! Viper! made my blood sing.

I’d managed to make a name for myself in some circles. The small recognition of all my hard work made me feel like I could conquer the world. And maybe I could.

The ref introduced my opponent and me. The crowd erupted when they heard Tyson The Viper Ranes.

My rival, also known as The Tank, had a similar supportive roar, but not as loud. He raised his arm as his fans cheered, encouraging them to continue. He’d been doing well and was on a winning streak of his own, but not like mine. He was the decisive underdog. I was better. I knew it in my bones and from studying his past fights.

I was going to win this.

The Tank bounced on the balls of his feet. His dark hair was cropped short and his brown skin glistened in the flashing lights. He was shorter than me, but built like his namesake. He was about as graceful as a tank too when he fought. Barreling in, rather than using any finesse.

My feet stayed planted firmly, my muscles loose, but ready to spring. I focused on my opponent, sharp and ready. He wasn’t going to beat me.

The instant the ref started the fight, The Tank kicked out, but it was slow and easily dodged. I twisted in an instant and landed two good jabs to his body. The crowd cheered, but he was hardly affected. It didn’t matter, they were mostly a test.

The two of us danced around each other, circling as we assessed. We went back and forth, both landing blows in quick succession. I spat a mouthful of blood on the floor after he managed a solid punch to my jaw. I had to admit, I was impressed. He was better than I anticipated.

But I wasn’t worried. We circled each other again, two predators looking for the best opportunity to land the kill-shot. I knew this was almost over. He was good, but I was better. He was weak on his left side, leaving himself open and vulnerable. I’d already gotten in a few blows and I was about to end this.

I lashed out with my leg, ready to kick the soft flesh beneath his ribs…but he was prepared for it. It was almost as if he was reading my mind as he blocked the kick. Before I even planted my foot again, he kicked out at my weight-bearing leg. There was nothing I could do to protect myself as his foot landed on my quad, stomping as he put pressure down and inward, twisting my leg and knee until a hot, tearing pain ripped through my entire leg.

I almost fell completely, barely managing to catch myself before I hit the mat. I transferred all my weight to my uninjured leg. But in the effort to keep standing, I’d let my guard down. All my attention shifted from my opponent, to the pain radiating through my leg.

Whipping my head up, there was just enough time to see his fist bearing down on me before a burst of pain erupted on the side of my head and everything went black.

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The next thing I was aware of was a steady beeping noise. I groaned as the pain in my body came to the forefront of my consciousness. I knew where I was before I opened my eyes. This wasn’t the first time I’d ended up in the hospital.

I lifted my eyelids, only managing to get one of them to open. The other must’ve been swollen shut. I stared at the ceiling as the memory, the realization, came crashing down on me. Followed instantly by the anger.

Rage roiled in my chest like boiling water; hot and urgent. I’d lost the fight. A knockout. My hands clenched into fists. Blood pooled in my mouth as I bit down on my tongue. I couldn’t believe I’d fallen for that. That tank of a guy had been ready. He’d been baiting me to take that strike. Making it look like he was vulnerable when he wasn’t. He had completely played me.

How could I have been so stupid?

Ty? A familiar voice distracted me from my self-loathing.

I turned my head, meeting the sad, brown eyes of my big brother. My mouth fell open as I blinked at him. If Atlas was here, in my hospital room, then it was something serious.

I’d been so distracted by my anger I hadn’t taken stock of my injuries.

How bad is it? I asked.

He stood from the chair at my bedside, crossing his arms over his chest. He’d traveled a long way from Northern Alabama to get here. The hard line of his jaw suggested he wasn’t happy.

You were really hurt. A muscle in his cheek fluttered.

My first reaction was to shrug. I instantly regretted it as my body protested. Atlas’s eyes flared.

How long before I can fight again?

Atlas bristled, his chest expanding with a pent-up breath. He placed his hands on my bed, leaning in close. You don’t get it. You suffered a lot of head trauma. That guy beat you unconscious and you had swelling in your brain. Your knee is torn up too.

Shock hit me at Atlas’s desperate, concerned look. I wasn’t a stranger to that look, but this was different. This had been bad.

You almost died, Ty. His stare widened and glassed over.

A weight settled on my chest, making it hard to breathe, but I couldn’t let him see my fear. I tried to find my old, boyish smirk. The one I’d worn daily when I’d been nothing but his punk-ass little brother.

But I didn’t, I said, trying to find some semblance of the guy I used to be. The guy who didn’t care about anything except partying and having a good time. Dying is for the weak anyway, Atty. My lips tipped up in a weak attempt at a grin.

Atlas’s hands fisted into the thin blanket covering me. I’m serious, Tyson. I jerked back at my full name coming from his mouth. He never used it. This has been enough. It’s time for you to come home.

I looked away. I couldn’t do that. Not after all this time. Not after everything I had done.

I’m not coming home. My voice was a whisper, a ghost of who I’d been.

I don’t know if he sensed my panic, but when I met Atlas’s eyes again, they were softer. Sympathetic. I hated it.

The doctor talked to me about your injuries… He shifted on his feet. Something sharp twisted in my gut. I’m sorry, but…you might never be able to fight again.

Chapter Two

Ellie

I stumbled up the steps to the trailer home. My toe stuck on the top and I pitched forward, almost face planting into the front door. But a strong, beefy arm grabbed me around the waist before I did.

Damn, girl, Callen hissed in my ear, pressing his body close to mine in the dark. I hadn’t remembered to turn on the porch light before I’d left.

I laughed, a sudden burst of hysteria echoing off the aluminum siding. I put my finger over my lips as I swayed in Callen’s grip. Shhh, you’ll wake my daddy.

Callen stiffened, his arm almost crushing me. He would leave soon. They usually did. Although, this wasn’t the first time Callen had taken me home. He was getting bold recently and I didn’t think I liked it.

I waited for him to move away, to step back and awkwardly come up with an excuse to leave. He didn’t. Instead, he leaned closer. The small hairs on the back of my neck rose in warning.

But ya daddy’s sleepin’ now, right? he whispered. I cringed at his damp breath in my ear.

My muscles tightened as the sweet buzz I’d picked up at the bar fizzled. Great. All I’d needed was a ride home. Not company. Callen knew as much, but it sounded as if he’d had his own fair share of alcohol.

His hands shifted steadily from my waist, working their way down to my ass. The feel of his hands roaming and touching had my mind going blank with panic. He stood behind me, seeming so big compared to my small frame. His lips traveled from my ear down my neck, licking and sucking on the delicate skin.

You’re so fucking hot, he mumbled, those hands still roamed…traveling lower until they reached the hem of my mini skirt. He started to tug it up my thighs. I’ve never met someone as hot as you.

My chest constricted around my lungs until I couldn’t breathe. It was too much. The cold night air hit my bare upper thighs, and that seemed to snap me out of it. I couldn’t stand here and do nothing. Not again.

I didn’t remember making the decision, but as his hands continued running up my skin, my body finally moved. I yanked out of his grip, whirled around and smacked him so hard across the face my palm