by Riley, Alexa
Chapter 9
Brian
I glance down at my phone when it vibrates on the small table I’m sitting at in the coffee shop. I hope it’s Steve getting back to me. I told him I wanted everything he could get on Slate and Claudia’s brother, Mark, as quick as he could get it to me. Her little comment about not trusting a man because he has a sister was stuck in my head since those words left the sweet mouth of hers. My own sister’s number comes up again for the third time in the last ten minutes. I know if I don’t answer she’s just going to keep calling over and over again. I might as well get this over with before she loops my mom and they both are calling me. Besides, I owe her with how good she was to my girl this morning, making her feel right at home, but Sage has always been like that. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. Her new man has enough for both of them.
“Hey,” I say in greeting. She lets out an annoyed huff before she’s off and running to poke for answers.
“She’s so pretty,” she breathes out in excitement. I can tell she’s trying to play it cool but is failing.
“Stop wiggling,” I hear grunted in the background, followed by a giggle from my sister. I have to remind myself that I’m okay with her being with my best friend Jensen. It’s weird seeing her with someone after spending years trying to keep everything and everyone away from her. It’s a habit I’d picked up after some psycho tried to kill her in his crazy obsession for her. Jensen is a little crazy, too, when it comes to my sister, but I know he’d lay down his own life before anyone harmed a hair on her head.
I thought it was nuts when I saw the change in the man I would have once called unemotional. Everything was about work and order. Not so much lately. He doesn't want to travel or work as much as he once did. I understand it now, having cancelled a work trip I was supposed to take this morning.
“She is,” I agree. Though I want to say other things because pretty doesn't begin to cover what Claudia is, but my sister doesn't want to hear that as much as I don’t want to hear about what she thinks of Jensen.
“Think she’ll come for Christmas? I was going to get these stockings that light up with everyone's name and well—”
I cut her off because she might be getting these stockings, but more than anything she wants to know if this is serious.
“You ever seen me with a woman?” I ask lazily, picking up my coffee and taking a drink.
“Do I count the ones that follow you around like lost puppies?” she smarts back at me.
God, am I glad that shit will be over. “Don’t start with that shit,” I sigh. I always hated that crap. It drove me nuts. They weren't after me. They were after my last name and money. I also think they enjoyed the chase because I never gave in. They wanted to be the one that snagged me.
She laughs before the line goes quiet for a moment. “I already ordered one for her,” she tells me, and I can hear the smile in her voice. “I’m happy for you. She’ll be good for you. Maybe you’ll stop working so much and enjoy life a little more.”
For the first time in my life that thought sounds good. More than good. “I think you’re right,” I agree. Still, all those long days at the office feel worth it. I have the means to kick my feet back now if I want.
“I always am,” she chirps. “Can’t wait to get to know her better,” she adds before telling me she loves me and hanging up. I set the phone down smiling. I’m actually looking forward to Christmas. Thanksgiving was miserable when all I could think of was having Claudia but she wouldn't answer my calls.
I’d come up with all kinds of fucked up things in my head that she could be up to. She could be married with a family. Hell, my mind had been so messed with so many ideas I hadn't even noticed my best friend and sister falling in love right in front of my face. Instead I’d left Thanksgiving dinner and drove my car over to the same place I’d first met her. I sat there all night like she’d show up at an empty lot. I hadn't cared. It was the closest thing at that moment I could think to do to be close to her. Like now, working in a coffee shop next to where she is, looking as crazy as Jensen. I have no plans of fighting it either. I’m actually enjoying the feeling.
Next plan of action is getting her to stay put. Her furnace isn't fixed yet, and I’m not putting a rush on that shit either. I know I can only drag my feet on that for so long before she calls me out, which I know she will. I’m sticking with my other plan—making her fall in love with me and getting my baby inside of her. Both will have her locked tight to my side.
I reach under the table to adjust my cock, which went instantly hard as I was thinking about those two things. I’m not even sure how I can still get hard at this point. It’s like my dick has come alive for the first time in its life. It had been hiding away until it found something worth waking up for.
My phone vibrates again. I grab it off the table and I’m relieved when I see it’s Lars, an old friend of mine I don’t get to see often enough with him being an undercover cop now. He’d often drop off the map for months on end. I was lucky that when I shot him a message, he got back to me swiftly.
“You sure she’s not playing you?” are the first words out of his mouth.
“Don’t care if she is. I want her.” It’s the truth. I wouldn't care. I’m too far gone. I’ve tasted every part of her and there’s no way I’ll ever be able to walk away from her now. So it doesn't matter either way. But I know she isn't. At least not because she wants to. I’d see it in her eyes when we made love. When I took her over and over again. Not to mention those sweet blushes that light up her skin. You can’t act that. If she could she’d be in Hollywood, not some run-down house she doesn't belong in.
It’s a life she shouldn't have, either. It’s one that has given her a bit of bite. You have to work to get down to that sweetness she’s built a wall around. I’d be lying if I said I don’t enjoy that mouth of hers in more ways than one. I love never knowing if I’m going to get naughty or nice from her. It keeps me on my toes. But I want it because she chooses to do it. Not because she’s guarding herself.
“Whatever you say, man. I don't have a ton of time to dig, but what I can tell you is Slate and her brother Mark are both dirty bastards. With how they operate and the kind of money and power you have, you don’t want them to know how much you’re into this chick,” he informs me.
“Too late,” I grit out. I’m already standing from my chair.
“Then this goes one of two ways. Either they got her playing you.” Maybe they did at first. It might have been a play to start with, but now I have her and I won't let them use her like that. I’ve already cut my dealings with Slate. She won't be a pawn to them. I’ve made sure of that.
“Or they use her against you,” Lars finishes. My whole body goes tight. Why hadn’t I thought of that before? Maybe because I didn’t know how bad these men really were. But I should have known better. Just like with my sister. I look over towards the shelter where she’s working and take off at a dead run.
Chapter 10
Claudia
My stomach tightens even more when I see where we’re pulling up to. The strip club hasn’t been here long but it already looks run-down on the outside. I’m sure the inside isn’t much better. Luckily the parking lot is empty. Maybe it’s too early for the place to be open. I’m not sure if that is better or worse for me.
“Mark,” I try to plead with him once again. He doesn’t seem like himself. If I had to guess, he’s on something.
“Don’t start your fucking shit. You should be thankful how nice and fluffy your life’s been. It’s time you realize where we come from. There’s no shaking the life Mom brought us into.”
I look down at my hands in my lap and wring them. He’s wrong. I don’t know that life. Even though he’s an asshole, I hate he knew it. “We can have whatever life we choose,” I whisper. I’m not sure if I’m talking to him or me. I jump when his fist comes down onto the steering wheel hard. I hear a crack and wonder if he broke something.
“I
t’s clear you were made for this life, little sister,” he says mockingly. “You spread those thighs real easy.” I swallow, clenching my legs together when his eyes go there. “Don’t get shy now. Slate’s been talking about you since we left the other day. I’d get ready to spread them again if I was you.”
A sob comes from my throat as I watch Mark get out of the car. He comes to my side jerking, the door open. I step out and look up at the bright red flashing sign of the strip club.
“In,” he orders, motioning towards a door on the side of the building.
“Where the fuck is Morty?” he says as I open the door and step into a dark hallway. “Dipshit can never keep his ass on the door.” Mark pushes my back to keep me moving down the hallway. “Second door on the right.”
I keep moving and do as he says. I wish I had another moment with Brian. I’ll never be the same after whatever it is that’s going to happen to me. I reach for the door handle and turn the knob.
“I love you, Brian,” I say, wanting to hear the words out loud as I open the door to meet my fate.
“Love you, too, beautiful.” A hand grabs my wrist and pulls me into the room. The sight of Brian has me wanting to sob again, but before I can try and grab at him, he's gone. I whip around to watch him plow right into my brother. They both go down with a loud crash. I watch as Brian lays into my brother. All those hours of lifting weights is not helping my brother in the least right now.
I glance to my left to see Slate lying on the floor. He looks like he took a beating himself. His eyes are closed, but I see the rise and fall of his chest. He doesn’t look so put together anymore.
My eyes widen when I look to my right to see a man in all black. Scars litter his hands and he even has a few on his face, but what’s weirder is the small woman he’s holding close to him in a death grip. She barely has any clothes on and he’s easily double her size. If I had to guess she works here. Her eyes are filled with tears, but she’s leaning into the enormous man for comfort.
“Are you going to stop him?” I ask the giant, who looks unfazed by the fight happening right in front of us.
“I’m busy.” He shrugs, keeping his hold on the girl. “Besides, I’m guessing he'll listen to you.”
I look back at Brian. Rage is clear on his face. I’m not sure he’ll listen to anyone at the moment, but I try.
“Brian,” I say, but he only lands another punch to my brother.
“Might want to yell,” the giant suggests in a lazy, deep voice.
“Brian!” I scream this time. His fist stops mid-air, his head jerking my way, and his eyes lock on me. “Please stop.” He drops his hand instantly and looks down at my brother.
“You stay the fuck away from her. You don’t even know her name. You got that.” It wasn’t a question. Mark does the best he can to nod.
Brian stands and comes towards me. “How’d you find me?” I ask as I throw myself at him, burying my face in his neck. I don’t know if my tears are happy, scared, or relieved. It really doesn’t matter. I’m where I want to be right now.
“You really love me, beautiful?” he asks. I notice he doesn’t answer my question.
I lean back to look at him. “I know it sounds crazy and fast. I—”
“You don’t have to make excuses to me. If anyone gets it, it’s me. Loved you that first night you gave me that smart mouth of yours.”
“I love you,” I say it again.
“Love you, too,” he says before his mouth is on mine, kissing me. I get lost in him, and I know everything is going to be okay. Brian will always make sure of that. I feel safe. All the walls I’d been holding up come tumbling down around us.
“That’s so sweet. My ma always said there wasn’t love like that,” the girl says, reminding me where we are and that we’re not alone. I pull back, licking my lips. My face turns red.
“Thanks, Lars. I owe you one.” I look over to the giant Brian is talking to. “What do we do about this?” Brian puts me on my feet but doesn’t let me go.
“At least we didn’t kill them,” is all Lars says. I think he’s joking at first, but his face doesn’t show any levity. “They aren’t calling the police.” He lifts a lock of the girl’s hair and starts playing with it before bringing it to his nose and smelling it. She doesn’t even notice.
“Going to buy this place and bulldoze it.” Brian looks around the room and I know he’s deadly serious.
“Guess you could do that.” The man shrugs again. “I was just going to burn it down.” The man’s eyes meet mine. “Cheaper.”
Brian laughs.
“I’ll get this taken care of. Get out of here.” He nods to the door.
“I’ll call you tomorrow.” Brian pulls me toward the door. “Answer the fucking phone,” he adds as we step over my brother. I don’t look down at him. He’s not my brother anymore. He’s no one.
As I slip into Brian’s car, I lay my head back and close my eyes. Brian’s hand slips into mine as I feel the car start to move.
“You found me,” I say, opening my eyes.
“When I got to the shelter you were gone. Lars told me where he thought your brother or Slate might take you. Guess I drive faster than your brother.” I roll my head to the side and look over at him.
“They wanted me to get close to you. I thought maybe you told them you wanted me, but after a few hours I knew that wasn’t you.” I give him the truth. All of it. “It’s why I agreed to come with you last night.”
“I would have gotten you either way. They only made it happen a little bit faster.” He winks at me. His teasing nature is back. I believe him. He wouldn’t have stopped until he got me. It’s clear he’ll do anything to have me. It might be crazy, but I can’t help but love that he would.
“You’re not mad at me?” I bite my lip. He glances back at me again as he comes to a stop at the light.
“You have been naughty. Little brats do get punished.”
I suck in a breath as my mind plays images of all the dirty things that happen to bad girls. “You bent over my lap, ass in the air, will make me feel anything but mad, I can promise you that.” I wiggle in my seat at the visual.
“Though I’m not sure that’s punishment with how excited you look.”
“There’s only one way to find out,” I breathe.
The light turns green.
“Guess you’re right,” he growls as he pushes down hard on the gas. I already know I’m going to like my punishment more than I should. It’s a good thing the man that loves me likes me both naughty and nice.
Epilogue
Brian
A few weeks later…
It’s our first Christmas together and I want everything to be perfect. Sage and Jensen left early to go to my parents’ house and get everything ready. They’ve all fallen in love with Claudia and treat her like she’s part of the family.
My mom asked her about having babies the first time they met, and though I should have played it cool I blurted out that there was probably one on the way. I’m glad that Claudia forgives my excitement, but I love her so much and I can’t wait to be a dad. I’m close with mine and we have such a great relationship. I can’t wait to have that with my kids. I told Claudia I want a house full and she didn’t run for the hills screaming. I take that as a good sign because I plan on keeping her pregnant for a long time to come.
“Brian?” she calls out from our bedroom.
I had to get up early or otherwise I would have kept her in bed all day. Instead I got up, filled with nervous energy, and cleaned the already immaculate apartment and made coffee. Then I took a shower and got dressed before I woke her up.
“In here,” I call out and watch her walk into the room.
She’s wearing a soft blue sweater dress that hugs her lush curves. It’s fuzzy and has a knitted neck that hangs off one shoulder. Her dark boots click on the wood floor as she walks towards me.
“There you are. Why did you rush out of bed so quick this morning?”
/> When she comes close she puts her hands on my chest and leans up to kiss me. I bend down and give her a quick kiss before I pull away from her.
“You stay on that side of the counter.” I point as I walk around. “If I get too close we’ll be late and you look fucking delicious right now.”
She gives me a wicked smile as she sways her hips and comes over next to me. “What’s wrong with me being so close to you?”
It’s out of my control when my hand goes to her ass and I squeeze. “Because we’re supposed to be out of here right now and all I want to do is take you to the floor and fuck you until I can’t remember what year it is.”
“Stop it, you’re getting me wet.” She wiggles her eyebrows as she walks away from me, and I groan.
“Fuck, you probably smell so good right now,” I huff, grabbing our coats and going to the door. I put my hand on it and stare down at her. “When we get back here tonight, you’re mine, beautiful. Do you understand me?”
She nods and bites her lip as I smack her on the ass and we walk out the door.
The drive to my parents’ place is quick, but I fidget the whole way over. When we get to the road that leads to the house, the car stops and I get out. I turn around and hold my hand to help Claudia out of the car and she looks at me funny.
“Why did we stop here?” She takes my hand and steps out then looks around at all the snow coming down.
The long driveway is lined with large trees and all of them have been strung with Christmas lights. It’s early morning, but they still sparkle and twinkle in the snowy fog.
“It’s so beautiful, I wanted to walk with you for part of it,” I say, taking her hand, and she smiles at me as we make our way to the house.
“Oh look! Someone made a snowman,” Claudia says when we get closer.
