Momma laughs, tucking me in. “Now, what did I tell you about listening to Miss Beatrice’s wise comments? They aren’t always wise. You, my sweet girl, have a bright, wonderful future ahead of you. One day, when the time’s right, you’ll meet a man. And you will know. He’ll be worthy of your time and kindness. He’ll cherish his moments with you and love you for you.”
“How Daddy loved you?”
“How Daddy loved me.”
“And maybe when I grow up, I can run the antique shop and make the orders and put all the stuff on the shelf.” Right now, she won’t let me because I have small hands and she worries I’ll break stuff.
She laughs again, brushing her warm hand across my cheek. “I was thinking more like, the mayor. Or even, one day, leaving this small town and becoming president. What do you think?”
My tired eyes pop wide open. “President? You really think?”
Her head dips and she places a kiss to my forehead. “I think you can be anything you want to be, if your heart is in the right place.”
That night I fell asleep dreaming of all the things I could and would be.
When the day of the carnival finally came, I was, as Mabel called me, an over wound toy. I couldn’t sit still.
I waited while they closed up the shop and dragged Momma the three blocks until the carnival came into view. It was nothing I’d ever seen before. Gigantic rides, horses walking in circles with kids on them, rows and rows of booths with games and food. If another second went by and I wasn’t on a ride, I was going to explode!
“Baby, you have to stand in line.”
I turn around to see she’s finally caught up to me. She looks extra pretty today in her favorite yellow dress. Her hair is down, which she only wears it that way when we go out. She has a light layer of lipstick painted over her lips and she’s wearing earrings. “Momma, maybe if you say hello to the man over there, he will let us go in front. You look mighty special tonight. Can you try?”
She takes a peek at the long line until she makes eye contact with the man taking the tickets. “Um…no, baby. I think we’re just gonna have to wait our turn.”
My lips turn down. “But the line is so long. We’re never gonna get on it. Please!”
She grabs for my hand to keep me in place. “Francis, we have to wait like everyone else.”
I stomp my feet. Not everyone else had to wait hours and hours to close a store no one was even in. I’m old enough. I could have come here myself. “If we don’t get on the ride, it’s your fault.” I rip my hand out of her grip, crossing my arms over my chest, pouting.
“Now, missy, if you keep up this attitude, we won’t wait at all. I spent a lot of money on these tickets—”
“Yeah, and we’re not gonna get to use them because they’re gonna close before we get up there!” I yell.
She goes for my hand, but something catches her attention. She freezes, any color in her face suddenly gone. As if she’s seen a ghost. My eyes search the same places she’s looking, but I don’t see anyone. “We…we…have to go.”
“No! We can’t. We will lose our place in line!”
She snatches my hand, pulling me out of line and toward the area she’s yet to take her eyes off of. I fight her, watching a family move up, taking our spot.
“No! I want to ride the Ferris wheel!” I scream, kicking, but she doesn’t stop.
I wake with a start.
I blink away my fogginess until my surroundings remind me of the present. The large mountains tell me we’re well into Colorado.
“Rise and shine. Thought you were going to sleep forever.”
I look over at Luca, sporting a pair of sunglasses, courtesy of Theo and his vehicle trade. My mouth is really dry. “Here, drink this.” Luca hands me a water. I take a hefty sip, thankfully quenching my thirst.
“What happened last night?” I ask, shading my eyes from the bright sun.
“You were fed pot brownies, made friends with a bunch of hippies, went skinny-dipping, and then we traded off our SUV for a hippie van and had wild maniac sex until the sun came up.”
My eyes shoot wide. “We did?”
“No, you passed out eating Doritos. I figured you needed the sleep, so I let you, while I got a head start on our drive.”
Visions of green ketchup and dancing, and— “Oh my God, everyone was naked!” I cover my eyes.
Luca chuckles. “At least you can cross skinny-dipping while high as a kite off your bucket list.”
“How embarrassing,” I moan through my covered face.
“Consider it adventurous.”
I peek through my fingers to see him wearing a humorous smile. “Making a complete fool out of myself is not what I had in mind when I said I wanted adventure.” More like eat a crab cake in Maine. Visit the World’s largest ball of twine in Kansas. Try bull riding.
“Then enlighten me. What’s on your bucket list?”
I turn back to Luca. “Bucket list? I don’t know that I really have one.”
“Come on. Everyone has one. What’s something you’ve always wanted to do?”
I sit and take a moment to ponder it.
“Don’t hurt yourself.” He laughs. “Just spit out the first thing that comes to mind.”
“Ride on a Ferris wheel,” I say, still in the memory of the past.
“Ferris wheel? Really?”
“Yeah. When I was a kid, the carnival came to town. I was so excited. Nothing like that ever came to Teterboro. So, you can imagine what a big deal it was. Anyhow, the day the carnival came, I ran straight toward the Ferris wheel. I remember it being so much bigger than I expected. I wondered if you could touch the clouds when you were all the way on top.”
“Could you?” he asks, with a playful smile on his face.
“I wouldn’t know. I never got to ride it.”
“Why not?”
“The line was so long. I was worried we wouldn’t get our chance, so I begged my momma to go up and sweet talk the worker. She told me no, so I threw a fit. In the midst, something happened. As if she saw a ghost or something. She pulled us out of the line and across the entire carnival, until my feet couldn’t go any farther. I was crying so loud for her to stop. A stranger stepped in. She, herself, was frantic. She’d disappeared there for a moment, mentally. But when she came to, she broke down and cried. At that point, I just wanted to go home, so we did. The carnival never did come around again.”
He grabs my hand, placing a tender kiss to the inside of my wrist.
“Silly, isn’t it?”
“Not at all. It’s your bucket list. Not someone else’s. Everyone has a different take on what’s special to them. Some wishes are small, some big.”
I’m thankful for his words. I don’t know where that memory came from. It’s been so long since I’ve thought about that day. I think all the change happening is stirring up old memories. So many of Momma. I wish she were here to see me. She’d be so proud of the way I’m experiencing each day as an adventure. Maybe not so much the romance part, since she would have been scandalized by all the new things I’m learning, saying, thinking. “Okay, well, then tell me one of yours.”
“To ride in the Scooby mobile. And look at me now.”
A few seconds pass and I throw my head back, a boisterous laugh escaping my lips. “You mean the Mystery Machine?” I’m surprised I didn’t notice it before, but the van indeed is a spitting image of Scooby Doo’s shag machine. The seats are lined in light brown fur covers. Seventies flowers are painted on the outside of the baby blue exterior.
“You see it now,” he says, “don’t you?”
“I sure do. Wow.” I’m not sure who got the better end of the trade. A brand-new, suped up SUV, or this classic vehicle. I shake my head again in disbelief, unable to hide my smile. The craziness we’ve been through the past few days is hard to believe. Teterboro is a quiet town. Nothing exciting happens.
Before this, my enjoyment consisted of searching the Internet for new Lean Cuisi
ne flavors and Richard Simmons’ videos. Before Luca, I realized, I wasn’t truly living. I scrape my brain for every little wish, thought, idea I’ve ever had. With the way Luca has brought my body to life, one idea stands out. “Name one thing on your bucket list that can be accomplished right now.”
“Hot sex in the Mystery Machine.”
Wow, how our minds think alike. I start to giggle.
“What’s so funny, squirrel girl? Gone shy on me all of a sudden?”
I look at Luca and lose it, laughing harder.
“Okay, spill it or I’m going to make you. You’re still my captive. You do as I say.” He reaches over and starts squeezing at my thigh.
“Okay! Okay!” I try and catch my breath. “I think we can both scratch one thing off our bucket list.”
His brow rises in curiosity. “I’m all ears.”
I don’t know where all this boldness came from, but I’m loving it. “I’ll have sex with you in the Mystery Machine. But in doing so, you have to do something for me.” His smile turns wicked. “There’s something I’d also like to cross off my bucket list.” Holy cow I’m really going to ask this.
“Babe, spit it out. You have me thinking anything from teaching you how to fly a kite to flipping you over and owning that—”
“I want you to reenact a scene from my romance book.” Shoot. I said it. Oh God! I want to take it back! What’s gotten into— “Wait, where are you going?” I’m confused as he changes lanes and takes the rest stop exit. “I thought we still had—”
“It’s your lucky day, sweetheart. I’m all about pleasing and we’re actually ahead of schedule.” He drives up and occupies a spot toward the back of the rest stop. Putting the van in park, he turns to me. “So, please do tell, what kind of scene will I be reenacting?” His eyes are on fire, his grin already working me into a frenzy. He resembles a wolf ready to attack his prey.
“Well—um…” Just do it. There’s no turning back now. “It’s my outlaw book.” Deep breath. “And he’s rough with her.” Inhale. Exhale. “May choke her and spank her.” Oh dear Lord, just stop talking.
“Deal.”
“Wait, what?”
“I said deal. Where’s the book? I want to make sure I do it all right. Fulfill your naughty captive fantasy just right.”
My cheeks blaze, but nothing compares to the inferno of heat that’s between my legs right now. Live, Frannie. Be wild and free. I bend down and dig through my new satchel purse—IOU to the Chatfield Reservoir gas station—since Luca, my handsome kidnapper, rushed me and I left mine at home. I finally locate the outlaw book Beatrice gave me that I thankfully thought to shove in my suitcase before I left. I pull it out and search for the exact page. Before I chicken out, I hand the open book to Luca. He accepts it, giving it a sample read. It’s when his brow turns up that I want to take it all back and hide.
“His strong hands, ruthless and hungry for her virgin flesh, work their way up her silky-smooth leg, his calloused fingers finding her bare of any undergarments. ‘Naughty little girl, aren’t you? Makin’ it easier for Daddy to get to that pussy—’”
“Okay, maybe this was a silly idea—”
“Oh, I don’t think so, babe. This is happening. And I might be knocking two items off my list. Now,” he says, using his finger to imitate a gun. “Get in the back of the van, and no one gets hurt.”
My confusion quickly morphs into excitement. I almost bounce out of my seat, tossing Chandler to the floor and hopping in the back. My entire body is buzzing with anticipation as he climbs back with me.
“Don’t try and fight me, or else I’ll make you pay.” He lifts the book to read a few more lines. “Take your clothes off. And kneel. I want you to know who your master is.”
I bite at my lower lip, and his eyes darken, lost in the words. I lower myself onto the floor. My hands dig under my tank top and I lift it over my head, dropping it next to me. His eyes dilate and I continue unsnapping my bra. My breasts release and pop free as I drop the undergarment on top of my shirt.
“Fuck,” Luca groans. He shakes his head, getting back into character. “All of your clothes or I’ll teach you a lesson and you won’t be able to sit for a week.”
My thighs clench together. I push down my black leggings, taking my panties with them, until I’m completely bare for him.
There’s a strain in his voice, but he keeps going. “Open your legs. I want to see how wet your pussy is… Jesus.” He brushes his hand over his face, almost dropping the book. “Your pussy is mine. Hear me? You’re wet for me and only me.”
“Yes, Master,” I reply, knowing how the heroine in the book responds.
He skims through a few more lines and tosses the book. “I get the gist.” And then he whips out of his jeans, tossing his shirt as well. His knees hit the ground, and he’s putting his hand around my neck, his huge erection poking me in the belly. “You like it when I choke you, captive? I’m going to choke that innocent virgin pussy next.” He pushes me gently so my back falls onto the floor bed.
This is even hotter than I’d imagined it would be. His lips fall against mine and he kisses me hard. His hand is back around my neck, his thumb pressing at my pulse.
“Please… Don’t hurt me. I’ll do whatever you say,” I whisper, my voice raspy.
“Oh, I plan on doing more than hurting you. Starting with this gun.” He lifts his hand that’s still in the shape of a gun. “I’m going to fuck you hard with this pistol until you’re begging me to stop.” He brings his hand between my thighs and slides his finger up my wet center. “Yeah, you naughty little captive. Just what I thought. Sopping wet. Going to make you choke on my dick next—”
“You motherfucker!”
Luca’s finger stops mid thrust. “What the—”
“I’m going to fucking slit your throat!”
We freeze, the color washing clear off both our faces. “What is that?” Please don’t be what I think—
“Shit, the phone,” Luca jumps off me and pushes me to the side. The phone, somehow when he undressed, slipped out of his pants and when he pushed me to the ground, I must have butt dialed, or in this case back dialed Mr. Death.
“Fuck,” he hisses and pulls the phone to his ear. “It’s not what you—”
“Enjoy the remaining days of life, you motherfucker.”
“Mr. Death—”
“You’re dead. You touch another hair on her body, they pay.” Then the sudden howl of a female’s voice rings through the phone.
“Don’t fucking hurt them!” Luca screams.
“Too late. Change of plans. You have twelve hours to get to LA.”
Luca’s face explodes with panic. Looking at the clock on the dashboard. “That’s impossible. We’re fifteen hours away at least.”
“Every minute you’re late, I cut off a finger, you piece of shit.”
“We won’t fucking make it in that time!”
“Good thing you don’t need all your fingers and toes to survive. Blood loss, though. That’s another problem.”
I throw my hands over my mouth, about to be sick.
“You made one vital mistake. It was crossing me. Twelve hours.”
And the line goes dead.
Luca
Can’t Help Falling in Love
Twelve hours.
Fuck!
After yanking my clothes on, I scramble into the front of the van and peel out of the rest area, my heart hammering inside my chest. I’m so goddamn stupid. I really let my guard down.
And now Lindsay and Cala will have to pay.
Chandler, sensing my mood change, sits in my lap, licking my arm. Oddly enough, it calms me. I give him a little pat on his head. It’s not his fault. No, this is all on me.
I’m back on the interstate by the time Frannie joins me up front. I can feel her eyes on me, but I can’t look at her. I’m too upset and fucking worried. All it’ll take is one look at her innocent face and I’ll break. I can’t break knowing my sister and niece n
eed me whole and strong. If I have any hope of getting there before the deadline, I need to stay focused.
Frannie reaches over and takes my hand, threading her fingers with mine. “We’ll make it.”
I hope so.
Fuck, how I hope so.
“I don’t have a plan, babe,” I grit out, my voice gravelly with defeat. “My only plan is to just get to them. But I don’t know what happens at that point. I don’t know what he wants with you. I know nothing. I’m scared as hell about what we’re walking into.”
She squeezes my hand. “Whatever it is, we’ll do it together. But, Luca, as much as I love the Mystery Machine, you can barely get it up over sixty. We’re gonna need a faster car.”
“Next town, we’ll find one,” I assure her.
“And guns. We need guns.”
“Do you even know how to fire a gun?”
“No, but you do.”
I shoot a glance her way. She’s fierce in this moment. Brave and angry and determined. Fuck, I’m glad someone is. I’m about to crack right down the middle.
“Anything else, outlaw?”
“A big knife for me.”
“You’ll accidentally cut out your spleen. Definitely no.”
She pouts. “Nun chucks?”
“What the—”
“Oh, I know! Ninja stars.”
“You watch too much television.”
“What do you suggest, con man?”
I bring her hand to my face and kiss her knuckles. “Use that brain of yours. It’s gotten us out of some hairy situations. I need you to think, because, babe, I can’t. That motherfucker has Lindsay and my niece. He’s pissed. I don’t know what that means for them. But you’ve proven you’re better than me under fire. And, Frannie, we’re in the fucking frying pan right now.”
She nods. “We’re a team. We’re going to figure this out. Come on, Mr. Bing. Let the man drive. We have a bad guy to take down.”
He yaps, jumps up to lick me in the face, and then scrambles into her lap. Her fingers fly over the phone screen as her squirrels run wild. A few minutes later, she puts the phone to her ear.
Conheartists Page 16
