Too Hard to Break: Love Beyond Barriers, #3

By Missy Jane

A few months ago, I finally moved on with my life and got away from my abusive ex-boyfriend. That should be a good thing, right? But now I'm living with Hunky Hank, my ex's former friend turned my Knight in Shining Armor. He's great at everything and treats me like a queen. Unfortunately, that makes me feel needy when I'm trying to be more independent. When I need to be more independent. So when I started getting vibes of another woman, I knew it was time to move out and move on. So much easier said than done. It's hard to leave behind the most perfect guy I've ever known. The only one who sees me not as a shattered image, but as someone too hard to break.

 

Content warning: domestic abuse and violence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Missy Jane
• Release date: Aug 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223147411

Missy Jane

Missy Jane is a romance author from Texas who loves all things paranormal. 

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Too Hard to Break

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Too Hard to Break Copyright © 2023 Missy Jane

Originally published through Ellora’s Cave Publishing 2014

Edited by Grace Bradley 

With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from MJHM Enterprises, Author Missy Jane.

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This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

A few months ago, I finally moved on with my life and got away from my abusive ex-boyfriend. That should be a good thing, right? But now I’m living with Hunky Hank, my ex’s former friend turned my Knight in Shining Armor. He’s great at everything and treats me like a queen. Unfortunately, that makes me feel needy when I’m trying to be more independent. When I need to be more independent. So when I started getting vibes of another woman, I knew it was time to move out and move on. So much easier said than done. It’s hard to leave behind the most perfect guy I’ve ever known. The only one who sees me not as a shattered image, but as someone too hard to break.

Chapter One

What’s worse than a rainy Monday morning? The rainy Monday morning when the electricity got knocked out by a surprise storm and the alarm clock was still flashing twelve when I finally woke up. My pulse hit double time as I rolled off the bed and hit the floor with an inelegant, Ow, fuck! before using the bed to drag myself to my feet. Now, I’m not one to throw curse words around willy-nilly. I actually try to be a lady as much as possible. Unfortunately, after the floor flattened my nose, the bedframe took off the tip of one toenail and a clap of thunder shot through the house like a shotgun, scaring the piss outta me... I couldn’t help but scream.

Motherfucker!

My bedroom door banged open, scaring me all over again until I got a look at what the cat had dragged in. Standing in the doorway, looking as if he hadn’t slept a wink in the past five months, stood my roommate Hank. His black boxer briefs stretched enticingly across his muscular thighs and the suspicious bugle in between. I took a second to admire the sight before looking up at his face.

What? What the fuck, Elle? You scared the shit out of me with all the noise.

I rolled my eyes to hide my embarrassment and prayed I wasn’t blushing.

I don’t know how you heard me over the storm. Any idea what time it is?

He ran a hand through his shaggy dark hair and shook his head before turning to leave the room. I barely suppressed the urge to whistle. Damn, the man had a fine ass.

Much as I wanted to call him back in, I was grateful he left as quickly as he did. The storm-darkened sky held back the sun’s rays. A good thing since I had fallen asleep in a ratty old t-shirt and my one pair of granny panties. Damn laundry day. I was still walking the fine line between flirting and holding Hank at bay. After five months I’d expected him to get sick of me and show me the door, but his mama had raised him to be a true Southern gentleman. He knew I had nowhere to go that wouldn’t be pure hell.

I sighed and brushed away thoughts of my homeless, worthless state to find my cell phone. It had fallen under the bed, sliding across the hardwood floor to the center of no-man’s land. I cursed as I went down on all fours and reached across the dust-bunny expanse to get it back. A deep groan behind me had me jerking upright, hitting my head on the edge of the bedframe as I sat up.

Ouch! Shit!

Damn, baby, are you okay? Hank said in his sexy, deep voice.

My eyes were tightly shut as I held my head in both hands and fought the urge to cry. Life was so unfair. Hank had gotten a full view of my granny-panty-clad ass. Shoot me now.

Let me see, Elle. How bad is it?

He pried my hands down and gently probed the sore spot on the top of my head. I flinched and cursed again.

Well, it’s not bleeding at least, but you’re gonna bruise, he said.

Great, I grumbled.

Sorry about that, baby. I didn’t mean to startle you. What were you doing anyway?

He pulled me up with him as he stood, our bodies inches apart. He’d donned a pair of well-worn jeans but no shirt. I was momentarily distracted by the expanse of muscular chest at eye level.

Huh?

He chuckled and tipped my chin up with a finger so I would look him in the eye. I sighed as his hazel eyes darkened the slightest bit and he ran his finger along my jaw.

I asked what you were doing on the floor. Not that I minded the view.

I lightly slapped him on the chest, barely reining in the desire to keep rubbing my hand over the spot. I was trying to reach my cell phone so I could check the time.

Ah. It’s just after eight. What time are you supposed to go in today?

Another clap of thunder made me jump and he wrapped one strong arm around my waist. I had to catch my breath to answer but didn’t think the storm was to blame.

Uh...ten? Yeah, ten. I work mid-shift today, I replied.

Oh yeah? And what would you like for dinner tonight?

I sighed and melted farther into his embrace. He was so damn good to me. Why couldn’t I give in to what we both wanted?

You know I’ll be happy with anything you make, Hank. You’re the best cook I’ve ever known.

He grinned and placed a soft kiss on my forehead before slowly moving his lips down the bridge of my nose. He stopped with his mouth hovering enticingly over mine.

All right. Why don’t you get dressed and I’ll make breakfast, he whispered against my lips.

I shivered and the movement pushed me forward just enough for our lips to meet. I moaned as he deepened the kiss. One strong hand held the back of my neck while the other palmed one ass cheek. He squeezed it and pulled me tight to his hard body so I could feel every ridge and bulge. The denim didn’t hide his erection.

Damn, Elle, you feel so good, he whispered.

Mmhmm...

I rubbed against him like a cat in heat. Despite my reservations I couldn’t hold back when he held me against him. He kissed me again, licking the seam of my lips until I let him in. I held on to his broad shoulders to anchor myself and was already anticipating getting naked when another loud clap of thunder shot through the room.

A small scream escaped as I jumped against him and accidentally bit his tongue.

Ow, shit! he cursed.

Oh my god, I’m so sorry.

He chuckled as I cradled his face in my palms.

Open your mouth. Are you bleeding? I asked frantically.

Nah. I’m fine, baby.

He was fine but I wasn’t. The moment was gone and the morning was passing quickly.

Guess I should get ready, I said with a sigh.

He released me slowly and nodded. Yeah, okay. I’ll go start breakfast.

He left without another word.