Beautifully Torn Read online

  Beautifully Torn

  Candied Crush #16

  Charity Parkerson

  The scanning, uploading, and distributing of this book via the internet or via any other means without the permission of the copyright owner is illegal and punishable by law. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Brief passages may be quoted for review purposes if credit is given to the copyright holder. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. Any resemblances to person(s) living or dead, is completely coincidental. All items contained within this novel are products of the author’s imagination.

  —Warning: This book is intended for readers over the age of 18.

  Copyright © 2021 Charity Parkerson

  Editor: BZ Hercules & Consultants

  ISBN: 978-1-946099-88-4

  All rights reserved.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Introduction

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  About the Author

  Introduction

  Most people spend years looking for their soul mate. Jinx has more choices than he can handle.

  Working for Zealous Blaze has opened a world of sexy men for Jinx. On one hand, he has a rock star. On the other, the head of security for a billionaire. Jinx has never been more torn in his life.

  Hudson can have any man he wants. Fame turns a lot of heads. The only guy he wants for more than one night doesn’t want him back. It’s a position he’s never been in before. It’s definitely not a place he thought he would fight to stay in. Yet here he is.

  Rocky has better things to do than fight for the attention of guy who’s way too young for him. He can’t stop. Jinx is everything Rocky has searched for his entire life. He’s also Rocky’s best friend. It’s a mess he doesn’t know how to escape.

  Two men fighting for the same heart is a situation bound to end in heartache for someone. Or maybe not.

  One

  When Hudson Vincent walked through a crowd, heads turned. Phones appeared in people’s hands and lights popped from where people forgot to turn off the flash on their cameras. Hudson ran his fingers through his bright green hair that was shaved down the sides, flipping his mohawk to one side. Jinx smiled as he watched Hudson pretend not to notice the way everyone took his picture while he made his way through the restaurant. Light glimmered off the ring in his nose and lip. His heavily lined lids made the boredom in his green eyes even more obvious. Jinx wondered how much of his expression was an act. The only thing keeping anyone from throwing their underwear Hudson’s way was the bodyguard shielding his every step. Hudson moved like he didn’t even notice he was being shadowed.

  “Do you plan to walk right by me like you don’t even see me?”

  Hudson glanced Jinx’s way like he planned to keep moving, blowing off whoever dared to say such a thing to him. When his gaze landed on Jinx, his expression changed. Happiness flashed in his eyes. Butterflies stirred in Jinx’s gut. Hudson had a way of making Jinx feel special, but Jinx refused to show it. After all, Hudson was a grunge rock god. Jinx was no one. Yet, somehow, they were still friends.

  “Jinx. Wow. I really didn’t see you there, but now that I have, how could I walk right by your gorgeous self?”

  Jinx rolled his eyes before he could stop himself.

  A bright smile lit Hudson’s features at Jinx’s reaction. “You’re the only person I know who rolls their eyes at every compliment. Do you think you’re surrounded by liars?”

  “I know I am.”

  Hudson threw his head back and roared with laughter. He plopped down in the seat across from Jinx without an invitation. “You’re so much fun. Are you eating alone?”

  “I am.”

  Hudson’s eyes flashed with mischief. “Mhmm. I do love having you to myself.”

  Jinx’s heart skipped a beat. He had felt that hum against his skin before. It was pretty fucking amazing. As sound engineer for Zealous Blaze, the top DJ in the world, Jinx had met a ton of celebrities. Most were horrible and ignored Jinx. He was beneath them. Jinx had been beneath Hudson in a whole other way more than once. It was a magical place to be. Jinx knew better than to let someone like Hudson see him starstruck.

  Hudson set his elbow on the table and propped up his chin with his fist. His gaze never wavered from Jinx. “Where’s that big-ass guard of yours?”

  “If you mean Rocky, he’s not my guard, and he’s working.” Hudson had met Rocky at the last rave Jinx worked. Now Hudson brought him up every time they saw each other.

  The laughter flashing in Hudson’s eyes said he heard the forced disinterest in Jinx’s voice and planned to exploit it. “I’m well aware he works for your boss’s man, but you live with them, right?”

  It was true Jinx lived with Zayn and Spencer… and Rocky, but Jinx didn’t see Hudson’s point. “Yes, but that still doesn’t make Rocky my guard. He’s head of Zayn’s security team.”

  “You two are together a lot.”

  Jinx leaned closer as he spotted his chance to turn the tables. “Are you jealous?”

  Hudson dropped his arm and leaned closer too. “Should I be? Does he know how you sound when you come?”

  An unexpected wave of longing washed over Jinx. No one knew how much he wanted the sexy guard he spent his nights talking and laughing with. Still, he couldn’t let Hudson see his weakness. “Nope. You hold that distinction.”

  “Damn. He has no idea what he’s missing.”

  “Would you like me to move your meal to this table, Mr. Vincent?”

  The server’s sudden appearance and question had Jinx sitting back in his seat. He hadn’t realized Hudson had been sitting elsewhere in the restaurant.

  Hudson nodded. “That sounds great. Thanks.”

  The server moved away, and Jinx watched as she picked up a plate and drink from a crowded table. The three men at the table watched as the server brought the plate to Jinx’s table. Then their heads came together, obviously discussing their abandonment. “Won’t your friends miss you?” Jinx asked as his gaze moved back Hudson’s way. He found Hudson staring.

  Hudson shrugged. “I’d rather be with you.”

  Jinx hated the way his chest warmed at the claim. He wasn’t dumb enough to think he could hold Hudson’s attention for long. Jinx hated that he wanted it nonetheless. His life was a bit fucked up. Jinx wanted the man seated across from him. Not the rock star, but the man. Yet he also craved the sexy guard at home. He never dreamed it would feel every bit as unlucky to desire two men as it felt to be completely unwanted. Jinx wasn’t sure this problem wasn’t worse. On one hand, he could let Hudson completely level his life. On the other, Rocky likely didn’t want him at all. Jinx didn’t know which limb to climb out on. Each one seemed just as likely to break. It was a conundrum. Hudson swept a heated gaze over Jinx, and Jinx settled in. If he was doomed to get hurt no matter what he chose, there was no sense in thinking too hard. He may as well go down moaning.

  The amount of stress Rocky felt when Jinx went anywhere alone was well beyond what could be considered healthy. Rocky couldn’t help it. He was protective by nature, and it was Jinx. Jinx was young and sweet. He was off limits to everyone as far as Rocky was concerned, especially to Rocky. Jinx was like family to Rocky’s boss, Zayn. Since Za
yn would soon be married to Jinx’s boss, Spencer, that made Spencer Rocky’s boss too. They were one big chosen family. Rocky would die for every last one of them. Plus, Rocky had been a thug in a former life, he was ten years older than Jinx, and there was just no way they would ever be together.

  As if thinking about him conjured him, Jinx came through the door. Rocky swore a fire lit in his chest at the first sight of his shaggy-haired boy. His light blue gaze landed on Rocky and a smile lit his face. At the first glimpse of his adorable smile, Rocky almost ran toward him, greeting him like a fucking dog. Then Hudson came through the door on Jinx’s heels. Rocky’s smile dimmed.

  “You brought home company.”

  Jinx nodded. “I ran into Hudson at lunch. We got to talking and had a great idea for a project. Since we’re both free today, we’re running with it.”

  Rocky didn’t hear half of what Jinx said. The way Hudson looked at Jinx distracted the hell out of Rocky. Before Rocky could formulate a halfway intelligent response, Jinx started down the hall toward his bedroom.

  Rocky followed. “If you’re only working, wouldn’t that be easier in the living room?”

  A low chuckle floated down the hall. “I’m not twelve, Rocky. I’m allowed to have boys in my room.”

  Hudson followed Jinx to the door of his bedroom. At the last second, he turned and eyed Rocky from head to toe while walking backward into Jinx’s bedroom. “You should join us.”

  “If you’re only working, why should I join you?” Rocky didn’t blink as he posed the question.

  Hudson didn’t back down either. He smirked. “Would you join us if we weren’t?”

  A wave of possessiveness overwhelmed Rocky. He wanted to mark his territory. “Leave the door open.”

  Hudson’s smile kicked up a notch. “Why? Do you want to watch?”

  “For fuck’s sake.” Jinx moved between them and closed the door in Rocky’s face. Rocky pressed his forehead against the wood, fighting the urge to kick it down.

  “What are you doing?”

  At Zayn’s sudden appearance, Rocky jumped away from the door. “Nothing. I was just...”

  Zayn made a dismissive gesture. “Never mind. I’ve been looking for you. Spencer and I need to go over a few things with you.”

  Since Zayn hadn’t called him on his weirdo behavior, Rocky dutifully followed Zayn down the hall. He forced himself not to look back. Hudson probably already had Jinx halfway undressed by now. Rocky focused on Zayn to keep from going insane. Zayn wasn’t particularly tall. Of course, everyone was shorter than Rocky. Except for Spencer, who Rocky could already see was waiting for them outside the dining room. As they headed inside the dining room, Zayn motioned for him to sit. Rocky’s anxiety shot through the roof. He had been acting like a crazed stalker lately and likely fucking up on the job. It hadn’t occurred to him until now that Zayn might not put up with this shit for long. He wondered if they were firing him or planned to make him move out. After all, Jinx was important to them. Rocky was just some guy who had gotten busted stealing a car from Zayn. He definitely wasn’t worth keeping. Zayn was crazy for having kept him this long.

  Zayn pulled a planner closer and tapped it with a pen. “We’ve been looking over the schedule, trying to free up more time for you. With the wedding coming up, we’ll be crazy busy with tuxedo measurements and parties. Obviously, we want you there as a guest. Not working. Who on your team do you want to promote?”

  “Um...” Rocky hadn’t been prepared. He’d had a completely different notion of where this meeting was going, especially since he was the one who usually set his team’s schedule.

  “I’m still planning to pay you your regular salary. This isn’t cutting into your check.”

  At the misunderstanding, Rocky forced his mind on track. “Corey is my best guy. Plus, he has a baby on the way. If anyone deserves the promotion and needs the extra money, it’s him.”

  Spencer nodded, as if he approved, while Zayn jotted in his notebook. Zayn didn’t look up as he spoke. “Obviously, it’s your team, so you can let him know and set his new wages. I’ll give you a list of dates that I need him covering for you. We have a designer coming next Wednesday to get started on our tuxes. You’ll need to be available.”

  Rocky glanced over his shoulder. He hoped this didn’t take long. It was supposed to be his day off, and he didn’t want to miss seeing Jinx again. “Yeah. I’ll be here.”

  “You two should just fuck.”

  Rocky’s head whipped back around at Spencer’s words. “I’m sorry, what?”

  Spencer looked like a Viking with his blond hair, beard, and blue eyes. Sometimes, his stare looked like it cut right through Rocky. Today was one of those days. Adding to Rocky’s surprise, Zayn was the one who repeated Spencer’s claim. “He’s talking about Jinx. You two should just fuck and get it over with. The tension in this house is making everyone crazy.”

  For a moment, Rocky eyed Zayn, wondering if he had lost his mind. The same light brown eyes that had saved him fifteen years ago stared him every bit as steadily now. Zayn was of Asian descent, was smart as hell, and highly pragmatic. He was also one hundred percent serious. Rocky didn’t know what to say. He chose the most obvious path.

  “I work here, and Jinx is like family.”

  “To us,” Spencer said, confusing Rocky. “He’s like family to us,” Spencer clarified, obviously seeing the bewilderment on Rocky’s face. “You’re perfectly free to fuck him. Both of you are adults. Just get it over with. No one cares.”

  He did. Before he could say as much, the sound of Hudson and Jinx coming down the hall distracted him. He glanced over his shoulder, desperately trying to catch a glimpse. Surely they hadn’t finished already. If that was all the time Hudson dedicated to Jinx, then maybe Rocky should be the one fucking him.

  Zayn let out a loud sigh. “Just go.”

  Rocky turned back the couple’s way, determined to pay attention. “It’s fine. Finish your spiel.”

  With a shake of his head, Zayn closed his notebook. “Go before you miss him. Just don’t forget about Wednesday.”

  Rocky flew to his feet. “Yep. Wednesday. Got it.” He was down the hall before he finished making his promise. Jinx wore different clothes. Otherwise, he looked unmolested.

  “Hey. Are you leaving again?” It was a dumb question. They were obviously headed out.

  Hudson held up the camera he carried. “Jinx came up with a great plan for an urban photo shoot for a hardback glossy accompaniment book to go with my next album—like a collector’s thing. We’re headed to Spencer’s place in the warehouse district to get started. You should come with.”

  Rocky geared up to immediately say no, but Jinx’s face lit. “That’s a great idea. You’d make an amazing model.”

  Hudson nodded. “You really would. Plus, if I put you two together, yum. People will be licking the pages. Come on.” Hudson headed for the door, as if it was settled.

  Still, Rocky dragged his feet. He didn’t think spending the day with Hudson and Jinx together was such a good idea. Then Jinx took his hand. Rocky’s legs carried him in Jinx’s direction. He would go wherever Jinx wanted him to go, as long as Jinx didn’t let go. Outside, a large, black SUV with dark tinted windows sat waiting. As soon as Rocky closed the front door behind them, the driver’s side and passenger side doors opened. Two gigantic men in black suits stepped out, opening the back doors. Hudson circled the vehicle. He climbed into one side while Jinx dragged Rocky into the other. The leather bench seat was surprisingly roomy and comfortable. Still, they seemed squished together once the doors closed, shutting them inside. Rocky recognized it was his large frame taking up all the space. He draped his arm across the back of the seat, freeing up some room. To his surprise, Jinx leaned his way. He set his hand on Rocky’s knee.

  Hudson held the floor, chatting the entire way to the warehouse district. Rocky didn’t hear a word. His entire being stayed focused on Jinx’s hand. It was such a small thing. Rocky’s skin burn
ed with desire. He had never been more spatially aware. It felt like it took forever to get to Spencer’s warehouse. Rocky had to keep stopping himself from leaning closer to smell Jinx’s cologne. He nearly leaped from the car when it stopped. Hudson’s bodyguard looked more than a little surprised when Rocky not only didn’t wait for him to open the door, but also almost took him out with it. Rocky flashed the huge bald dude a smile.

  “Sorry. I’m not used to anyone opening my door.”

  Jinx climbed out behind him, and Rocky automatically turned to help. He didn’t realize what he had done until Jinx accepted his hand and then didn’t let go. Rocky’s entire being stayed focused the rest of the day on every way Jinx touched him. Then he read too much into each encounter. Hudson took several photos of the walls tagged with spray paint. He positioned Jinx in different poses before turning his attention Rocky’s way.