Max (A Carter Brother series Book 4)

by Lisa Helen Gray

  MAX

  Carter Brother series

  Book Four

  Lisa Helen Gray

  ©

  Copy rights reserved

  2016

  Lisa Helen Gray

  All rights reserved

  No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system without the prior written consent from the publisher, except in the instance of quotes for reviews. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded, or distrusted via the internet without the publishers permission and is a violation of the international copyright law, which subjects the violator to severe fines and imprisonment.

  This book is licensed for your enjoyment. EBook copies may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share with a friend, please buy an extra copy, and thank you for respecting the authors work.

  This is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, places and events are all product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business or establishments is purely coincidental.

  Dedication

  To my Readers, this one is for you.

  Prologue

  MAX

  Fuck! My head hurts.

  Why did I agree to have a drink tonight? Oh yeah, because it was the only thing getting me through the poxy prom my twin brother dragged me to.

  After everything he’s been through the past few months, I owed it to him to go. He’s been banging on about it for a while, wanting his girl to have something special.

  Throwing the bloodied tissue in the bin next to me, I glare at the copper who arrested me when he walks past. I can’t believe I’m taking the entire rap for this shit.

  My story is that I was attacked, picked up a spray can to hit said attacker, and accidentally got spray paint on the church.

  I’m also lying through my teeth.

  I was spray painting the wall but, in my defence, I didn’t know it was attached to the church building. I also didn’t know the kid I started fighting with was a community support officer until it was too fucking late. I thought he was some graffiti artist, pissed that I had tagged his spot.

  I’d been dead fucking wrong.

  I chuckle just thinking about it. The lads I went with to the church all pegged it out of there when they heard the sirens, leaving me to fight with the officer. If I hadn’t been so drunk I would have gotten away, but shit happens. Plus, I really needed the drink tonight. How else would my twin brother get me to go to the fucking school prom?

  The minute I hear the door to the station slam open, I begin to wish they had locked me up in a cell for the night. At least then I’d be protected.

  My granddad is mates with someone who works here so he made a call and got them to keep me out of a cell for the night. I’m pretty fucking lucky, but you won’t hear me voicing that out loud. It also helped that it’s a Friday night and the cells are filled up with other drunken idiots.

  I know for a fact my granddad is going to be pissed, but I’m more concerned about Maverick, my eldest brother. He’s been riding my ass more and more lately about getting my act together. Another reason I wished they’d put me up in a cell, the other is because I could really do with getting some shuteye.

  Speaking of Maverick, I hate letting him down. I hate letting all my brothers and Granddad down, but this shit isn’t done intentionally. I just get roped into shit that sounds freaking awesome at the time. Like the time I ate a goldfish as a dare. It was all fun and games until I had nightmares thinking he was still alive, swimming around in my stomach. We had to go to the hospital in the end just to make sure.

  R.I.P. Goldy.

  Sad times.

  “What were you thinking, son? A church? A Goddamn church, Max,’’ my granddad roars and I jump, wincing when I notice how pissed off his expression is. I’d normally laugh right about now, making a pun about using God’s name in vein, but his red faced, angry expression and the veins in his neck that are pulsing angry is a sure sign that he’s deadly serious and not to be messed with.

  “Would it better if I told you it was only the community hall and not the actual church?’’ I ask sheepishly, not knowing when to keep it shut.

  “Don’t be smart with me, boy. You’re in a world of trouble,’’ he starts, but he’s cut short by the other prick that arrested me.

  “Are you Mr. Williams, Max Carter’s guardian?’’

  “Yes, sir.’’

  Sir? Fucking sir? Does he think we’re at school? Jesus! Words are gonna happen between the two of us when we get back; he needs to take a walk. Bloody Sir! Pfttt.

  “Can we talk?’’ the officer asks my granddad who replies with a stern nod. He follows him to the door but stops before entering. He turns my way, glaring holes into my head. I blow him a kiss and sink back down into my chair, hoping like hell this hangover is gone by tomorrow morning, or later today for that matter. I’ve got early practice and our coach will be pissed if I miss one more game. The season is almost out so I don’t want to spend the last three games sitting on the sidelines watching my team lose.

  Eyes on the side of my head start making me feel uncomfortable, so I turn my attention to the community support officer who I got into it with, and grin. He’s been sitting in the chair in the far corner with a couple of icepacks since we arrived. Poor fucker is gonna hurt in the morning.

  “I’m not one to let people down, mate, but I’m just not into you.’’

  “Pardon?’’ he snaps, looking at me like I just asked him to suck my dick.

  “Sorry, I must have done something to your hearing when I clipped ya. What I said was, I’m…not…in…to…you.’’

  “Max, I’d shut it if I was you,’’ Maverick warns, walking in with Malik behind him.

  Great! A family outing.

  “Well, unlucky for you; you’re not me, so the point’s mute. Also, did you call the whole family tree? And did you bring any food?’’ I smirk. I’m starving. I haven’t eaten since I arrived at prom and even then it was freaking party food which I hate. I don’t get why they have those small sausages and sausage rolls. They wouldn’t fill a baby up, let alone a bunch of growing teenagers. I even told the principal that, reminding her that we’re all growing lads. It didn’t go over well that’s for sure. I guess I’m lucky she loves my sorry ass.

  “Shut the fuck up, Max. Do you realise the trouble you’re in? Do you even fucking care? What is wrong with you?’’ Maverick shouts, pacing in front of me with his hands pulling at the ends of his hair.

  Ladies and gentlemen, I represent to you my brother, Maverick Carter, the worry wart. I swear no one can worry like he does. He’s gotten worse in his old age but I don’t want to be the one to tell him that. I wish he’d get laid more, he’d probably relax somewhat. The bloke is twenty-four yet acts like he’s eighty.

  “I just feel like I don’t get enough attention,’’ I tell him, pretending to sniffle. I groan when a hand smacks the back of my head. I should have known that shit wouldn’t work. I get enough attention. Fuck, I’m centre of mostly everyone’s.

  “You need to tone it the fuck down, Max. Granddad and Maverick have bent over backwards for you and this is how you repay them? What is wrong with you lately?’’ Malik butts in when Maverick walks off.

  I shrug, not wanting to answer. He wouldn’t understand anyway. None of them would. The door opens but I don’t bother looking up to see who it is.

  “Is that our nan’s great-aunt’s, daughter’s, daughter?’’ I ask sarcastically, closing my eyes.

  “Joan? Is everything oka
y?’’ Malik asks and my head turns to watch Joan storm in. Next Myles walks in with Kayla behind them, his eyes scanning the rest of us before settling on me. He looks disappointed but I don’t care. Kayla looks worried; clinging to Myles’ arm. She’s a good girl, one I approve of and she’s cool. When I take in her appearance I notice how flushed she looks and I burst out laughing gaining everyone’s attention.

  “Looks like Myles got himself some,’’ I laugh and everyone in the room stares me down with a glare.

  Shit! Wrong thing to say. I forget about Kayla sometimes and all the shit she has been through. How that girl manages to get up every morning is amazing. Another reason I love the girl. She’s one of the strongest girls I know.

  “Shut the fuck up, asshole,’’ Myles growls, stepping towards me. Kayla stops him, but I just ignore it and instead give a bright red Kayla a wink. That’s when I see her. A girl my age or younger, I don’t fucking know, stands next to Joan shivering. She’s looking between us with wide eyes, her hands twisting together.

  Who the hell is she?

  “Who the hell are you?’’ I ask, making her jump.

  Fuck, she’s beautiful. Her hair is piled up in a bun at the top of her head. And fuck me there’s a lot of hair there. Her sharp blue eyes cut to me and I feel myself harden beneath my trousers. Just looking at her makes me want to strip her down and have my wicked way with her. Maybe if I ask the coppers nicely they’ll let me have a room in the back there for five minutes.

  ‘Or not,’ I think, looking at the bulldog sitting behind the counter at the desk. The guy looks miserable about being stuck on desk duty, but then, to be fair, it doesn’t look like the guy knows what exercise means.

  The girl looks to Joan shyly before glimpsing at Kayla with recognition. Do they know each other?

  “None of your business, Max Carter,’’ Joan snaps, looking annoyed with me.

  Shit! She’s the one person I hate getting on the wrong side of. It doesn’t help she’s been looking at me a lot lately like she’s got something cooked up her sleeve.

  “Sorry,’’ I grumble, meaning it for the first time tonight.

  “Malik, I need a favour, sweetie. Can you call Harlow and see if she has some warm clothes she could bring over to the house?’’

  “Sure, but why?’’ he asks warily. He’s grabbing for his phone, still looking between Joan and the new kid.

  “This is Lake, Lake Miller. She volunteers at the church food bank and will be staying with us,’’ she tells him, not elaborating further.

  Malik nods his head whilst texting away on his phone. Maverick is eyeing the girl too, with a look of suspicion. What is up with everyone tonight? The girl is smoking hot. I’d definitely bang her. But they’re acting like she’s invading their personal space and smelling like dead fish.

  “You don’t need to do this; I can stay at a friend’s place,’’ Lake says quietly, not looking at anyone but Joan.

  “If you had a friend’s house to sleep at then you wouldn’t have been sleeping in the church shed,’’ Joan snaps before gentling her tone. Kayla gasps and takes a step toward Lake, ready to reach out, but the girl just pulls away looking ashamed. Joan’s face saddens and she steps forward towards Lake. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I just can’t have you staying out in this weather. We have a spare room we don’t mind you sleeping in. You’re welcome to stay with us for as long as you like.’’

  Lake nods her head, looking to the floor, and I watch as Joan’s body sags with defeat. I can tell straight away Joan cares for the girl and wants to help her but is struggling on how to.

  I stand up and walk over to Lake. Fuck, even her name is hot. I remove the jacket Myles made me wear to prom and hand it over. Everyone’s being quiet and I know they’re all looking at me, at her. I’ve never handed my jacket to any chick before. In fact, I don’t usually care if a chick’s cold or not.

  When she doesn’t take the jacket, I sigh, wrapping it around her shoulders anyway, and step away before she can refuse it.

  Then I ruin it.

  “You can sleep in my bed if you don’t like bunking it at Joan’s,’’ I tell her and everyone groans. “What?’’ I’m looking around the room and everyone is shaking their heads, but a kid who was here when I arrived grins at me, his yellow teeth rotting and glowing in the dimly lit room. He gives me the thumbs up but I ignore him, not wanting to get into it with him about dental hygiene.

  “Shut up, Max,’’ Myles snaps.

  “What? She needs a place to stay; my bed is as good as any,’’ I blink, offended.

  “Cut it out, Max. When I’m through with you tonight you will wish you never left the house, let alone vandalise a church,’’ Joan snaps angrily, shocking me.

  “Joan, my granddad won’t appreciate you talking dirty to me,’’ I tease, winking. She just shakes her head looking disappointed with me. I get that a lot.

  Another door opens and I turn to see Granddad walking out of the back with the officer from earlier. I move forward hoping like hell I’m going to be let off with a fine or a warning, but with the look on Granddad’s face I’m thinking I should just give up.

  “What did they say?’’ Maverick jumps in before I do.

  “He’s lucky…’’ he starts. I begin to grin but it’s soon wiped off when I hear his next words. “They’re only giving him community service. He’ll be working at the church donation centre; cleaning the graffiti off the walls and helping out with the food bank until December.’’

  Wait, what? That’s four months away, no way.

  “No way, that’s in four months.’’

  “You’re lucky you didn’t get longer or get arrested, Max. The church decided not to press charges. We also know there were others involved tonight. Now let’s go, you’ve got a long day ahead of you tomorrow.’’

  I look down at my phone, groaning when I notice the time. It’s nearing on half five in the morning. “Shit, I’ve got to be at practice in a few hours.’’

  “No, son, you don’t. I’ll call coach when we get back and leave him a message.’’

  “You can’t do that,’’ I yell. He can’t. I need football, I love it.

  “You’ve left me no choice, Max. You’ve been warned more than once about your juvenile behaviour.’’

  “If you haven’t noticed I am a kid. We make mistakes.’’

  “Yes, and you should also take responsibility for them too. So, as from tomorrow there will be no football, no going out to parties, and no hanging out with any of your mates.’’

  “Why don’t you concentrate on the new girl? She needs your attention more than me,’’ I snap.

  He looks at me confused, before his eyes reach Lake’s and they soften. Fuck’s sake, does she have to have everyone wrapped around her little finger? They should be focusing on the fact she’s been illegally staying on the church’s property, rather than on me.

  “This is so unfair,’’ I groan, moving to leave.

  “Life’s unfair, son, you have to live with it. Now move. We’ve got a lot of talking to do,’’ he snaps and I ignore him, walking out. When I get to the door, the kid with the yellow teeth holds his hand up for a high five.

  “Dude?’’ I ask, shaking my head. He looks up at me confused. “I wouldn’t touch your hand if you had just sanitised it.’’

  He goes to stand up but the officer guarding him puts a hand on his shoulder, shoving him back down.

  “Go, before they arrest you,’’ Maverick snaps, grabbing my arm. I try to shove him off but it doesn’t work.

  Then I turn, noticing Joan helping Lake into her car. She’s bent over getting into the back seat and I have to bite back a moan.

  I vouch here and now, I’ll bang her before the four months are up. Maybe up the church’s wall, the very one I vandalised and being punished for.

  When she’s in and has her belt on, her head turns, her sharp blue eyes snapping to mine. Neither of us looks away and for a second my heart does this crazy thing - beating wildly -
but then Maverick cuts my view off, shoving me into the car.

  LAKE

  TWO HOURS EARLIER…

  What on earth is that noise? It’s making the pounding in my head ten times worse and, believe me, it was already painful to begin with.

  With sore limbs, a blocked nose, and a throbbing head, I drag myself up off the dusty blankets I accumulated from a box stored at the back of the shed I’m currently living in. It’s not home but at least it’s keeping a roof over my head. I just wish it kept the cold at bay. Especially now I’m suffering with a horrible flu.

  Loud voices bellow from the outside; not sounding near yet not sounding very far either. My feet stand and, wrapping around another blanket I found - this one thinner, I look through the clouded, blurry, plastic window. It’s hard to see but when my eyes finally manage to focus on something I notice a group of lads laughing - one is drinking from a glass bottle and another two are sitting on the ground laughing while they watch another lad spray painting the wall. I gasp in shock and disgust. Who would vandalise a church? Really? That’s just… I have no words; it’s sickening is what it is. I move towards the door, wanting to get a closer look, and when I look through the crack, my breath hitches when I see its Kayla’s boyfriend, Myles. Kayla works at the food bank with me - the building next to the one he’s spray painting. I can’t see Kayla being onboard with this, she doesn’t seem like the type of person who could let this go on unpunished. And judging by his attire he’s obviously been to prom. She’s been talking about it all week; worrying over dresses, makeup, shoes and what have you. From the way she talked about tonight, I could tell she had something more planned and seeing him here and not with her isn’t good.

  To me, Prom is the night I destroyed everybody’s lives. Not intentionally but I still did it all the same. Now their lives and mine will never be the same.

  Hence the reason I’m sleeping in a shed. It’s not by choice, it’s just what I had coming. Including the damn fucking flu I’m suffering with.

  Staring at Myles, I take him in; he looks a little different to when I first met him. Not that I met him to talk to but I still took in his appearance when Kayla introduced us. He seemed less rugged, slimmer built, whereas in his suit he looks bulkier, more muscled, and from this angle and from what I’m seeing, more dangerous.