Catalyst (Savior Complex #1)

16. Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Jace

I n my line of work, some days were worse than others. And tonight? It was the worst night of my fucking life. Not only was it Super Saturday, but everything that could go wrong had.

I’d lost track of time watching a movie with Callie and was late for my first client. And as a punishment, he came on my face. Not only that, but his rude ass got it in my hair. I couldn’t just show up to my second client with cum in my hair, so I needed to shower. Unfortunately, that shower made me late .

My second client was much more understanding, but she was terrible in bed—as most supers were. So, while I wasn’t running behind for my third client, I was so pent-up that my balls hurt. Then, my third client spilled a whole glass of wine on my shirt, which put me right back on the late train for my fourth and final client of the night, TitaniumJustice.

Part of me debated skipping our session, but while I didn’t exactly need his money right now, I needed to save up for nursing school. We were T-Minus four-ish months until Sawyer was here, and I wanted to give Callie something to be proud of. She deserved someone who she could be proud of. Someone who bought her kid shit with money earned the honest way.

And I was going to be that man, even if it killed me.

I made my way through the marble hallways in TJ’s apartment building, doing my best to make up for lost time by running when I could. Why the fuck did this guy have to live on the top floor? Whatever, at least the elevator ride gave me a chance to catch my breath.

I used my reflection in the door to straighten my hair and adjust my freshly changed shirt. Even with a little primping, I wasn’t up to my normal standard. Ugh, I couldn’t wait to get home, crawl into bed bedside Callie, and feel Sawyer kick.

And, yes , I was aware of how pathetic I sounded. But I couldn’t help it! I deserved to be a little fuzzy when it came to my girlfriend and her son.

Eventually, the elevator slid open, and I sped down the hallway. TJ’s apartment was the last one on the left, and as I approached the heavy oak door, I silently prayed that he’d use my tardiness as an excuse to cancel on me. Unfortunately, the door opened after my first knock.

I tried to hide my disappointment as TJ cocked a hip against the doorframe. His dark hair was slicked back with water, and all he had on was a pair of silver sweatpants. He crossed his arms over his bare chest, the neck of a dark beer bottle pinched between his fingers.

His shit-brown eyes flicked over me as he took a long drink of the ale.

“You’re late,” he said with a swallow.

“Yeah, no fucking duh, I’m late; I’m surprised your dumb ass can tell time,” I snapped before remembering that, right now, TJ owned me. So, I took a deep breath and put on the charming persona I used to pay my bills. “But don’t worry, I know how to make up for it.”

I shot him a wink as I tried to push myself into the apartment, only for TJ to plant a hand on my chest.

“Strip,” he ordered, his eyes falling onto the undone buttons on my shirt.

“Excuse me?”

I dramatically looked around the hallway just so I could remind him I was, in fact, still in the fucking hallway.

“You heard me. Strip.” He repeated, placing his hand on the other side of the frame. “Prove you’re sorry, be a good boy and strip like the whore you’ll always be.”

I grit my teeth, struggling with the urge to tell him off. But… then I remembered her . And somehow, the idea of being with Callie after all of this bullshit made this moment bearable. So, begrudgingly, I reached for the collar of my shirt.

One by one, I popped the buttons out of their holes, letting the fabric slip from my shoulders. The hallway was enclosed, but it felt colder than expected. Goosebumps pricked my skin as I allowed the white cotton to fall to the ground behind me.

His lips curled into a smug grin as his eyes drifted lower, focusing on the waistband of my jeans.

“Keep going… this is what I’m paying for after all.” His voice was low, husky, and ripe with condescension.

With a huff, I allowed my fingers to drift to the leather of my belt. I undid it with one tug before hooking my fingers in my jeans. Just as I prepared to drop my pants, a bark of laughter came from just out of my line of sight.

“Holy shit–you were right. They really will do anything you tell them to.” A slightly familiar voice caused me to stand a little straighter.

You have to be fucking kidding me.

I barely masked my irritation as Jack Voltaris swaggered over, draping his arm over TJ’s shoulder. He reeked of alcohol and stale nicotine as he practically doubled over laughing at me. In my gut, I could tell this was going nowhere good, and I needed to get the fuck out of there.

“It looks like you have a friend.” I tried to purr through my words, hoping it’d overcome my growl. “Unfortunately, I charge double for–”

“Check your bank account.” TJ gestured toward me with his beer. “I already sent it to your account.”

I took a slow breath as I grabbed my phone from my pocket. My gaze flicked to them as I unlocked the device and opened my bank account to see a fresh deposit of thirteen hundred dollars. This entire night had gone from bad to worse, and now I was standing shirtless, humiliated, with two jackasses eyeing me like I was some sideshow attraction.

“See, Jack?” TJ nudged him with the neck of his beer. “Money’s the only language whore’s understand.”

“Gotta admit… I didn’t believe you.” Jack slurred through a laugh as he looked me over once more. “God, my sister really is pathetic if she’s shacking up with someone like you.”

“Don’t talk about Calista,” I warned before I could think better of it.

My anger caused the pigs to snort as they elbowed each other like they’d just pulled off the best prank in the world.

“Oh, come on, Jace, you’re not here to defend her honor… You’re here to entertain us,” TJ said, reaching forward to touch my shoulder. “Now keep that pretty mouth of yours shut and remember what I pay you for.”

“You pay for my time. Not to insult, my girlfriend.” I warned.

“Your girlfriend? She’s my sister, dude.” Jack cackled. “It’s only a matter of time before she comes to her senses and realizes you’re not fit to lick the dirt off her shoes.”

“And then, she’s all mine.” TJ sneered, pressing his nose to mine.

My stomach bottomed out as all the awful pieces clicked together.

“She would never fuck around with a douchebag like you.” I didn’t like the fact that her parents were willing to trade her off to someone like TJ.

If the way he treated me was any indication of how he’d treat her… let’s just say, Callie deserved better.

“Douchebag?” TJ laughed as he yanked me forward, causing me to stumble into the apartment.

Jack slammed the door shut the second I staggered over the threshold. The lock clicked behind me, and a prickling sensation ran down my spine. This was bad .

“If anyone’s the douchebag, it’s you and that shadow dude.” Jack jeered. “Mom told me all about how Callie dropped out of school… That’s your fault, isn’t it?”

“She’s sick, asshole.” Sure, it wasn’t as bad as it’d been last week, but she’d traded a fever for insurmountable exhaustion.

But, at least this way, she wasn’t going to burn up.

“She’s only sick because she fucks with villains like you and that stupid pyromancer.” Jack’s comment caused me to see red.

“This is your last warning. Leave Sulien and Callie out of this.” Fucking heroes.

“Awww, I think we hit a nerve.” TJ cooed as he leaned in, pinching my cheeks together. “Newsflash–People like you and that pyro freak are nothing but poison. Dying was the best thing Sulien could have done for Calista and the baby.”

And just like that, every shred of restraint I held went out the window. TJ’s fingers on my cheeks were all I needed to control him. I took a deep breath before using his blood to force him to his knees. The second he started to fall away from me, I planted a hand on his bare shoulder, allowing my power to slither through his veins until it filled his heart.

Slowly, I began constricting the vessels in the area, causing TJ to gasp and double over. I could kill him. I could kill him right now, and no one would even miss him. My jaw remained locked as I slowly looked toward Jack.

His blue eyes widened as his drunken bravado made way for fear. He held his breath, extending his hand as a spear of solid ice formed near his palm. But he wasn’t the only one with stupid fucking tricks.

My gaze stayed focused on him as I brought my palm to my lips before biting myself hard enough to break the skin. The sharp taste of copper filled my mouth as blood dripped down my wrist, pattering on TJ’s white floors.

The confidence he so desperately tried to hold on to crumbled. His knuckles went white around his ice spear as a jagged tendril of blood coated my hand. If he wanted to fight, we were going to fucking fight. But, just as I stood to put this bitch in his place… once again, I remembered Callie.

I wanted to be better for her… And I couldn’t do that by stooping to their level. So, against my better judgment, I returned TJ’s pulse to his control. I kept my weapon firmly affixed to my hand, just in case either of these jackasses got any bright ideas.

“You better both write Callie a thank-you letter because if it weren’t for her, you’d both be dead,” I said calmly, looking between them as I spoke.

TJ held his chest as he heaved in a few uneven breaths. This was the second time this week I’d seen him almost get his ass kicked. If he wanted to be a hero, he’d better learn how to fucking fight. He was only still alive because I was a man in love… huh, I should probably tell Callie I love her. She’d like that.

Jack’s spear shattered against the floor as he rushed to check on his friend. He dropped to one knee, putting his hand on TJ’s back.

“You’re fucking crazy!” Jack accused me, but he didn’t bother me.

“Just stay away from Callie and keep Sulien’s name out of your mouth. Got it?” I said, almost begging him to try me again.

Jack’s gaze bore into mine as he nodded. That’s all the permission I needed to leave, but before I could, the lesser Voltaris spoke.

“You realize she’s going to die without our help–right?”

I needed to talk to Kane. I needed to talk to Kane. Holy shit–I needed to fucking talk to Kane.

That was all I could think about as I practically sprinted home. I didn't even wait for my cab; it felt faster just to run. Was there a chance Jack Voltaris was just talking out of his ass?

Uh, yeah, probably.

But what he said made sense—and a lot of it. That’s how I knew whatever he was talking about didn’t come from him; instead, he was likely just repeating something he heard from someone far more qualified.

I barely recognized the streets as they flew by, leading me home far faster than I expected, but not before I was a sweaty, panting mess. I did my best to compose myself before unlocking our front door.

I expected to bust into an empty apartment. Callie had been dead tired, and allegedly, Kane slept sometimes. But I barged into what was probably meant to be a sweet moment, and I was a massive fucking pervert.

Kane slowly fed Callie cherry ice cream with one hand, the other resting on her stomach. He softly rubbed the curve with his thumb, his touch reverent, and she looked at him like he was the only thing in the world.

He took his time dipping the spoon back in the ice cream carton, and she shifted around like she just couldn’t get comfortable before settling on leaning back just a little more before allowing him to place the spoon in her mouth.

This was a fucking kink for at least one of them. It had to be.

She breathed out a heavy sigh, “No more.”

He leaned in slightly, brushing a kiss to her cheek as he pressed on her stomach a little more. “Come on, just a little more. You said ice cream made Sawyer kick.”

“And it did last night.” She groaned, rubbing her stomach as she did. “I'm so full I feel like I’m going to pop.”

I tipped my head to the side. Kane’s kink? No. While this shit was right up Sulien’s alley, Kane’s never shown an interest in anything this… weird . And, seeing as I was his personal slut, I would know.

“Oh, come on. You know you like it.” He purred, bringing the spoon to her lips once more. “Or did you think I forgot how wet you get when I fed you?”

Her gaze narrowed as she turned her head, but I didn’t miss the subtle clench of her thighs.

Callie’s kink. Holy shit, Callie has a kink.

And it was a kink that I had experience with! There was a weird science behind it. When a woman’s stomach was overly full, it pressed down on her sex organs and made her orgasms harder–At least that’s what the doctor who paid me to feed and fuck her said.

Kane’s hand lingered on her stomach, pressing just enough to make her squirm before he leaned down and whispered something in her ear that I couldn’t quite make out. But I saw the way she shivered at his words, her eyes fluttering shut for a second as she parted her lips. A subtle flush crept across her cheeks, and I suddenly felt a little offended.

These two were up to the freaky shit without me ? How rude! And yes, I knew I needed to have a super important conversation with Kane, but after tonight my balls were as blue as the fucking sky. Plus, she was already horny, which meant it was my job, as a literal escort, to help her out.

I stood there a beat longer, watching Callie be a good girl for Kane as I thought about the best way to make my presence known. And then it happened. Kane went to offer Callie more ice cream, but the half-melted treat slid off the spoon far before it reached her mouth, leaving a pink splat on Callie’s shirt.

She gasped, looking down, and Kane mumbled something halfway between an apology and a curse. Before I could fully process what was going on, Callie removed her shirt, tossing it behind the couch and leaving her perfect body beautifully exposed and ripe for the taking.

That was all it took for me to rush over to them, clearing the distance between the front door and the couch in five long strides. Kane flinched the second I came into view, probably wondering how I snuck up on them, but that wasn’t my problem. Before anyone could protest, I picked up the melted carton of ice cream, slowly tipping it from side to side, watching the melted dessert slosh around the container.

Her eyes widened as her arousal quickly shifted to a slight embarrassment, and somehow, that made it better.

“Feeding the baby?” I joked, gesturing to the exposed curve of her stomach.

A nervous laugh exited Callie’s lips as she tried to get up. Unfortunately for her, Kane knew better than to let her go so easily.

“Something like that.” Her words were little more than a squeak. “I–You’re going to make this a thing, aren’t you?”

“Oh, you bet that sweet ass I am.” I chuckled as I swatted at Kane so he could fucking move .

He begrudgingly scooted back just enough for me to straddle Callie’s hips. I savored the way the heat of her body seeped into my slacks before realizing I was, tragically, still dressed. But fuck it, I knew how to do laundry.

Slowly, I dipped my finger into the more solid part of the ice cream before putting it in my mouth. I made a low mmmm sound as I sucked the digit clean, enjoying the fruity dessert. Callie watched as she squirmed beneath me.

“I see why you’re enjoying yourself so much,” I mumble around my finger before swiping it through the container once more, this time holding it to her lips. “Open up, Princess.”

Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink as she craned her neck to peer around me. I knew she was probably silently asking Kane for permission, but I didn’t like the feeling of little miss-miss going over my head when I was clearly the one in charge right now.

I reached down with my ice cream-covered hand and cupped her chin, forcing her to look back at me.

“I asked nicely once, and now I’m telling you. Open up that pretty mouth before I make you.” My words came out as little more than a growl.

Her pulse thrummed against my fingers as she parted her lips. If she’d done this in the first place, I would have been content with letting her suck on my finger. But now? I lifted the container before slowly tipping it forward, allowing the melted portion of the cream to pour out in a thick ribbon. She closed her mouth to swallow, and I probably should have tilted the container back, but I wanted to turn my girl into a beautiful mess.

My eyes followed the ice cream as it dribbled down her chin before sliding down her neck and pooling on her chest. That was my sign to put the carton down and enjoy myself. Callie’s breath caught as I pressed my mouth to her neck, savoring the salt of her skin and the faint sweetness of the ice cream.

Slowly, I traced my tongue along the sticky trail that led directly to her collarbone before showering the area in vampire-like kisses. She jerked and whimpered in response, and God , the sounds coming from her felt like enough to get me drunk.

My hands roamed down her sides, gently squeezing the soft flesh before creeping up to her stomach. The area was slightly more taut than usual, but the softness I’d grown to–All my dirty thoughts were stopped the second I pulled back far enough to meet her gaze.

Callie’s blue eyes were wide, and the slight sheen of sweat caused her golden hair to stick to her forehead. Her full pink lips parted just enough for me to see her teeth, and her breathing was slow. She swallowed hard as she placed a hand on her chest, just under the mess of ice cream I’d left for her.

And there was something in that moment–something beautiful, and raw, and unfiltered that caused my heart to burst.

“I love you.” The words trickled out the second they popped into my mind, like my brain knew I’d never say that if I had a genuine chance to think.

For a heartbeat, she looked at me as if she wasn’t sure she heard me right or like she wasn’t sure if she was allowed to believe that I could love her. But I did. I loved her determination; I loved the slightly spiteful side of her; I loved that she saw a run-down apartment full of criminals and thought this is my home , but, most of all, I loved how she made me feel like I could do anything . Like she’d stand by my side and hold my hand until I figured it all out–and trust me, I needed time to figure this shit out. And every agonizing second she didn’t tell me she felt the same was literal hell .

Her hand drifted up, her fingers caressing my cheek, and I brushed a kiss to her wrist. If I wasn’t a prideful bastard, I would have fallen onto my knees and begged her to just repeat what I said. Thankfully, Callie didn’t leave me to squirm for long.

“I love you too.” The words were barely above a breath, but they came in loud and clear.

That was my woman. She was carrying my child, even if his DNA would say otherwise. Both meant it was my duty to keep her as happy as possible. With a satisfied grin, I traced my thumb over her lips. The heat between us thrummed through my veins like a fire tearing through a forest, and I allowed my thumb to dip into her mouth. Her eyes stayed locked on mine.

“Good girl,” I murmured, silently wondering if she loved all the attention I was giving her.

Without another word, I slipped my belt off and unbuttoned my slacks, sliding them down just far enough for me to get my cock out.

Her gaze fell to my erection, and she pulled her lip through her teeth, arching her hips just enough to slip her panties down. I grabbed her by the hips, settling her against me with enough force to make her groan.

Her hands inched up my arms before she squeezed my biceps, and I plunged into her again. This time I lost myself in the way her tits bounced with the motion. Her breath came in shallow gasps as I held her by the hips, allowing me to sink further in.

She fought a moan as she wrapped her legs around mine, arching her hips to meet me. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to kiss her, or if I wanted to keep my distance just to watch the faces she made as she took my cock.

“You love knowing you’re mine, don’t you?” I rasped.

She let out another stifled moan as she nodded, and normally, I’d make her say it. But, right now I really just enjoyed hearing myself talk.

“You two are everything to me,” I promised, wanting nothing more than to gush about my love for this woman.

But my erection was currently massaging her cervix, and if I kept talking about how much I loved her, I’d make the moment weird. So, instead of planning our wedding, I settled on making her come.

My hips rolled into hers with a motion that I knew felt fucking fantastic for my female clients. She tipped her head back, closing her eyes as she let out the first loud-as-fuck moan I’d heard all night. Her fingers tightened on my arms, and I picked up the pace.

The room quickly filled with the sound of our frenzied breathing as my stomach clenched. With one last thrust, the earth stopped spinning in the best way possible. Pleasure pulsed through me, leaving me to close my eyes and breathe through my orgasm as I filled Callie’s needy cunt with my cum.

It took a minute to recover from whatever demon possessed me to finish inside her, but once I did, I finally looked over my shoulder, waiting for Kane to jump in. That’s when I noticed he was nowhere to be found.