Cassie (The Mitchell/Healy Family #6)

by Jennifer Foor

  Brant seemed better than them. He did what he was able to impress me, using his charm to take me places and win me over. He never had to work hard. Even when I was angry, he found some way to distract me until I forgot what we were fighting about. He’d been good at something else too. His ability to think ahead made me feel like our plan to be together could work.

  I just feared it would backfire. My father was a relentless man. People didn’t cross him. He meant business, and when he said he was going to do something, he did it. Much like Brant, he wouldn’t back down. The two of them had that in common at least. They’d fight to the death for me, and it scared the shit out of me to think about losing either of them.

  “Why do you keep looking back there?”

  Keeping watch out of the rear car window wasn’t my idea of a good time, especially after what I was giving up to be with him. Brant seemed to think we were in the clear, but ditching our phones wasn’t going to stop them from seeking another way to hunt us down. “I’m afraid they’re going to find us,” I admitted. “Dad is probably already coming after us.”

  “Baby, chill the fuck out. We’re good.” He took my hand and raised it to his lips. My tolerance level was wearing thin. “I love you. Don’t be such a downer. If I wanted to feel like shit I’ll do it on my own terms.” He smiled, displaying a dimple in the corner of his creamed toned skin. His dark hair was blowing with the breeze coming in the open window. “When we get to Vegas I’m going to buy you something nice. I know this is hard. I get it. Just give us a chance, Cass. We’ve planned this for a long time. Don’t back out on me now. I need you.”

  Like my father, Brant always felt his way was the right way. I however, had a different opinion, though I hadn’t yet voiced it. Now he was making me feel guilty. The idea of slipping away to Vegas seemed exciting, but in hindsight I knew it was a terrible idea. Nothing good was going to come from it, but I didn’t have the gall to go against what my boyfriend had already decided. He wasn’t keen on someone standing in his way, and he’d planned this move for far too long to reconsider. He’d made plans, found us a place to stay, and arranged for a job. He’d kill me if I ruined it because of being homesick, not to mention how many hoops he’d gone through to convince a stranger to give him a chance. It wasn’t like he had fantastic references.

  “Sorry,” I whispered under my breath. While looking in the upright mirror at my reddened green eyes, I wondered if I’d ever be the same carefree girl again, or if this crazy move would change me. “I know this is what I want. You’re right, Brant. I can’t wait to see what life has in store for us.” In the pit of my stomach I felt a need to continue to worry. This was new for me – all of it. I’d never lived anywhere else than my family home. I didn’t know the first thing about being independent enough to start a whole new life, and Brant hadn’t yet been forthcoming about his new job, which had me a bit concerned. He wasn’t exactly the poster boy for employment opportunities. Since he was being so secretive, I was worried if what he was going to be doing would even be legal. If it wasn’t I didn’t know what I’d be able to do. He wouldn’t listen to me, and I couldn’t exactly call the cops on the only person who was taking care of me.

  I’d have to get my own job, and since the only experience I had was working on a ranch, I knew I’d have a hard time finding something I was good at.

  Maybe I should have finished college. A few night courses didn’t exactly leave me with a degree in anything. For the life of me I couldn’t ever remember wanting to be anything more than a housewife, much like my mother. Sure, she had a hair salon with my aunt, and both my sisters enjoyed working there in the past, but it wasn’t for me. I pictured having a bunch of kids and homeschooling so I could spend all my time with them. I’d been raised to love and appreciate my relatives. Us children were taught nothing is stronger than the bond between family.

  Turning my back on them was excruciatingly hard, especially not having any clue what we were getting involved in.

  This was the choice I made, and I couldn’t turn back now. I wasn’t willing to give up my relationship with Brant, and I certainly didn’t want him leaving me behind. This was our future. Like it or not, we’d made the decision to leave and I wasn’t going back.

  I thought about my family as I stared out the car window. The faithful group of people who raised me and taught me right from wrong were probably freaking out. I knew they were frantic by now. I was sure they contacted the authorities, or at least my great-uncle who’d been the sheriff in Kentucky for many years. There was little he could do now, since we’d exited the state hours before.

  Then there was someone else who filled my mind. I’d treated her terribly. I’d taken out my frustrations on her, knowing it was crushing her heart. I’d said things I’d been taught to never say to someone. My mother didn’t deserve to be told off in her own home, nor did she appreciate watching me walk out the door with no intentions of ever returning. I regretted our last moments together, and I wouldn’t blame her if she never wanted to see me again. If my father had been there things would have gone down differently. He probably would have got out his rifle and sent Brant to heaven with no regard for how it would affect me. He hated him with a passion, and it showed. He was quite open regarding his feelings for my boyfriend. Maybe it’s why I was determined to be with him. Maybe my rebellious ways led me right into his arms. Maybe I didn’t deserve a surreal life in the country. Perhaps I was bound for bigger and better things, or maybe I was in way over my head.

  The mere thought of that made my stomach feel queasy. I came from something good. Most people would do anything to be raised by two loving parents under the same roof. It wasn’t just my mom and dad who took care of us kids either. We lived on a large piece of property in North Carolina, where my father and my uncle ran a cattle ranch. Sure, we also had a few chicken houses, and even grew produce for the local grocers, but we mostly were known for raising the best steeds around.

  I’d grown up with chores and responsibilities. I’d been taught to mind my manners when in public, and thank the Lord for every blessing we’d been given. Before kids came alone, my parents had struggled, both with their own personal demons. Finding each other brought out the best in each of them. They were happy together, and extremely settled.

  It’s part of the reason I couldn’t understand why they refused to relate to my situation. Why couldn’t they see I was in love with Brant Moxin? It was either their way or none at all. I think being the troublemaker made me more prone to get the brunt of their reprimands. They were obviously trying to set an example for my siblings, by throwing my relationship under the bus.

  At any rate, they hated Brant from the first time they laid eyes on him. Nothing would change their opinions, and I knew with my latest decision, now more than ever before, they’d do whatever they found necessary to bring me home. That’s why I had to go to extreme measures. It wasn’t like they would have allowed me to move out with my boyfriend.

  “I think we shouldn’t stop. We need to keep going. The city never sleeps, so when we arrive we can get some grub and party.”

  I tried to focus on our new journey. “Whatever you think. I can’t wait to see the lights.”

  “Baby, you have no idea how awesome it is. Just wait.”

  Brant lit up a cigarette and took a long drag. I glanced over and watched the smoke escaping from his lips and traveling into each nostril. His firm grip on the steering wheel showed off the tattoos he’d gotten just above his knuckles. He told me the words meant something to him, although I found them sexy and didn’t care. Nobody else would question them, or why he’d put Dead Life across the back of his hands, because they always hated approaching him.

  To me, Brant was attractive, a bad boy, rough on the edges with his own sort of style. He was intimidating, and it made me feel safe and protected. He’d always been in control, and I liked it at first. Women were always hitting on him, and before I could go into bars, I was jealous imagining him being with s
omeone other than me.

  Now I worried about the consequences if my parents had been right about him. He’d pretty much threatened our relationship for me to come with him, and now that I’d run away, I knew I’d disappointed all the people who could potentially save me if things went sour.

  Brant’s plan didn’t include me going anywhere without him. He’d promised we would get married, and we’d start a new life together. Each time I fought with my parents, he’d reassure me something better was out there waiting for us. The more miles that separated myself from my family, I reconsidered my selfish decision.

  Things would have been easier if my parents would have given Brant a chance. I could only pray his criminal ways were a thing of the past. He’d changed. He’d changed for me – so we could be together. We were running away to have a life, not like some Bonnie and Clyde scenario. It was about love and nothing else. We’d prove them wrong. Somehow, someway we’d prove our feelings were genuine and they’d finally accept us. He’d be a part of our family, and we could have the future we both had been dreaming of. I’d taken the risk, throwing caution to the wind. I only had myself to blame for whatever happened next.

  “Baby, you need to chill the fuck out. We’re not being followed, and they sure as shit ain’t going to catch up to us. We’re free. Ain’t that what you want? This is our chance.”

  I watched as one of his hands came over and massaged my thigh. My hand fell down over his and I lightly squeezed. “I know. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t apologize. It’s going to be great. Just wait. We’re going to have it all. Anything you could want, I’ll give it to you.”

  I forced a smile and then stared into the passenger side mirror. “I believe you.” But did I? My reluctance made me nervous. “About this job. What will you be doing?”

  He ran his hand through the back of my hair and glanced in my direction. “That’s for me to know and you to find out. Don’t worry. All you’ve got to do is stand around and look pretty.”

  My eyes widened as I noted what he was saying. “What do I have to do with the job?”

  “You’re going to be my partner, baby. Don’t fret. I’ll do the heavy lifting.”

  I already knew what it implied without asking further. By heavy lifting he meant stealing. Maybe I should have asked to get out of the car and found a way home right then. Maybe it was my out I’d silently been looking for. Except, I didn’t take it. In my head I thought I could still change his mind. I wouldn’t give up, at least not yet. If he thought I was going to break the law for us to be together, he was dead wrong.

  Chapter 2

  Cassie

  The pictures didn’t do it justice. Vegas was absolutely breathtaking. I was in awe of the buildings, the lights, and the atmosphere. Once we got onto the strip I hung my head out the window and let my fears dissipate. We were both overwhelmed with excitement, high off of the possibilities. “This is unbelievable. Am I dreaming?”

  “Nope. This is what I was telling you. I knew you’d be impressed.”

  “Impressed,” I kept staring out the window in awe. “This is the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen. Oh my god. Look at that water show. Do you see the lights?”

  Brant got a kick out of my reaction. “You’re going to rule this city soon, baby. Just wait.”

  As much as I wanted to go into a casino and see what it was like, I knew it was time for us to find a place to stay until Brant was able to get in touch with the people who were arranging our apartment situation. I know he did it to make me feel comfortable. We ended up checking into one of the popular hotels with gondola rides out front of the establishment.

  Our room had one giant king-sized bed, and it was designed in up to date décor. I plopped down on the mattress and stared at the ceiling. The night was still young for Vegas, the city that never sleeps, and there were at least one hundred sights I was determined to see before I closed my eyes. Being that we’d taken turns driving in order to nap, we were good to go for a while.

  Brant crept on the bed, hovering over me so his lips were grazing over mine. “This is just the beginning. I’m going to give you the world.”

  I wanted to believe him. I swear I did. More than anything I wanted to think we could have a beautiful future together. I’d imagined our children, and us growing old together. Yet, for some reason, I could never grasp the idea of it being real, not even now when we’d gotten away from all the people trying to rip us apart.

  “Prove it.” It was a simple request.

  He coasted my body with his eyes, wasting no time watching as he began raising the hem of my shirt over my bra. With his palm running smoothly down my abdomen, I inhaled, preparing for him to dive down into my shorts. His hand was warm against my cool skin, like it had been made to heat me up. It was evident he was breaking down my worried walls, distracting me from being able to think about my family and the pain they all must have been in from my leaving.

  I closed my eyes as I felt his fingertips rolling over my pussy for the first time. He dipped lower, pressing his lips against it, all the while stroking my awaiting clit. When he realized how aroused I’d already become, he yanked off my shorts, taking my thong with them. I leaned up, allowing him to lift my shirt above my head. He shoved my bra away, tucking it almost under my neck while savoring each of my breasts, inch by inch. Brant sat up, taking me in completely. “You’re the hottest fucking piece of ass in Vegas.”

  I appreciated his admiration for me. It was another one of the reasons I fell so hard for him. He knew exactly what to say to make me melt. “Well, if I’m the hottest piece of ass in Vegas, I suppose I’ll let you have your way with me.”

  “I wasn’t asking permission, Cass. If I want you I’ll take it.”

  His words sent chills throughout my body. It wasn’t like I could fight him, or even if I’d want to. He cupped my pussy, keeping his hand there as he spoke. “This is my pussy. You need to remember that while we’re here. You’re going to attract other men, and I don’t want to have to kill anyone.”

  “Ohh, you sound scary. Maybe I’ll meet a prince who will swoop me away to a foreign land.”

  “I’m not fucking around,” he gritted his teeth as he said it. “No one will touch you. There’s no prince who can love you like I do. That goes for women too. I’ve waited too fucking long to have you all to myself. Everything I’ve done is for us.”

  One thing he said made me giggle. “Women? So I’m a lesbian now?”

  “No. Anyone can be tempted. You’ve never been here, Cass. You haven’t seen how innocence can disappear. I need you to remain like a fragile flower so you stand out amongst everyone else. Do you understand what I’m saying? You’re a little fragile porcelain doll, and this is a big place with a lot of destructive children. They’ll shatter you.” I felt like his comment was a joke, so I laughed at him. Then I caught his stare, and it was everything but comical. “Promise me you’ll be a good girl – you’ll be my good girl?”

  “Yeah. Of course. I’m always yours. I promise. There’s no question. Why would I ever want someone else when I’m happy with the man I’m with? If you haven’t noticed, I gave up everything to be with you.”

  He refused to answer, probably because he was using his mouth to do other things, like kiss my pussy. He used his stiffened tongue to spread me open, inserting it inside of me. While doing so, Brant thumbed my asshole, applying pressure without penetration. He kept at it, toying with me until I was on the brink of falling apart, then pulled away.

  I watched as he got up on his knees and unbuckled his pants, shoving them down and exposing his stiff erection. He handled his package, aiming it while making sure I was focused. “Beg for this, Cass. Beg me to fuck the shit out of you.”

  I bit down on my bottom lip, smiling. I loved it when he got down and dirty. It made me feel like a bad girl, which in turn got him off quickly. Since we were both exhausted, I didn’t feel like spending a bunch of time with foreplay. I wanted a fast encounter, where we’d f
all asleep entwined.

  “Please, baby. Fuck me. Make me cum.”

  A guffaw escaped him as my legs were grabbed and lifted up in the air, then further, until they were pressing against my chest. My breathing was strained, but only for a second until I felt him entering me. He hadn’t checked for lubrication, so it was extremely tight. I watched his face coil as he thrust in dry. He bucked a few times before it began to feel slippery. With pressure still on the underneath of my knees, he had me folded over while drilling inside of my now aroused opening. He stared down as he moved, watching his whole engorged length fill my channel. At first he moved at a slow pace, only to pick it up as he got closer to his happy ending. I threw my arms above my head, succumbing to the pleasure he was bringing me.

  His body was in full control, but as I stared into his dark blue eyes he knew what I wanted. He reached forward, straining my legs to the max, albeit continuing to grind. His lips brushed mine. Then hungrily, he ravaged them, playfully teasing my tongue with his. The pressure from our current position was extreme. It felt like he was hitting a dead end road in my cervix. I cried out, not caring if the people in the room next to us could hear. I wanted the whole world to know the sheer amount of satisfaction he gave me. I also wanted my boyfriend to know without a doubt there was no one better in my eyes. He was all I needed – all I wanted even.

  It happened fast, my orgasm sending waves of euphoria down every inch of my body. Overtop of me I felt him stiffening, this time because he was losing control, filling me with a load of release.

  Finally he flipped over, allowing my legs to come down and rest in their natural position. I was out of breath, naked, and satiated. As my eyes fluttered shut, I stopped worrying about what I couldn’t change and got excited about the future we were about to have.