Inferno

by Casey Lane

  “Marissa’s one notch crazier than her sister,” Tyler confirmed.

  “Bells may look delicate and prissy, but I’ve seen her make guys twice her weight tremble in fear. It was both awe-inspiring and frightening,” Tate added.

  “It’s five on one. Clearly the bitch deserves to get her ass beat, but those aren’t fair odds.”

  Standing close enough to overhear, Jack interjected, “no worries law man. This fight is between Lexie and the skank. The rest of us are here to make sure that snatch cracker doesn’t have any friends waiting for their chance to tip the scale. When this goes down tonight, Lexie will beat the bitch back all on her own.”

  Joel looked to Ethan. “You aren’t seriously going to stand here and let Alexis get into a fight?”

  Ethan’s eyes slid to the detective. “You’ve spent time with my girl, haven’t you?” It was more of a statement than a question, but Joel nodded his agreement. “How effective do you think telling her to back down would be?” The look on Carlson’s face told him he knew exactly how that would go. Ethan slid his eyes back to the women in front of him. “Sophia’s stubborn streak could rival Lex’s. Just thought you should know what you’re getting yourself into.”

  “Why don’t you take your old, has been, tapped to many times ass and walk it out of here,” I advised.

  Oooo that hit a nerve. Someone doesn’t like to be insulted. Wonder how many buttons I can push?

  “Keep it up little girl, you don’t scare me.”

  “You got two things right. Compared to you, I am a young girl. And from what a copious amount of guys disclosed at the STD clinic, you’re a triple threat, concealing not one, but three black holes that’ll suck in any cock within a two mile radius.”

  Lydia’s face flushed with anger at the jab. Our growing audience hooted their approval, egging me on further and pushing her one step closer to the edge.

  “The way I hear it, there weren’t enough… packages… on the west coast to fill your box. Aw,” I feigned concern to the growing assembly, “I think I’m upsetting the knob jockey.” Addressing my enemy in a voice usually reserved for babies, I continued my taunt. “I’m sorry, are your little feelings getting hurt?”

  “I’ll admit, she’s good,” Joel acknowledged. “She’s using insults even I haven’t heard before, impressive.”

  “She’s just getting started. Those girls study Urban Dictionary like a law student studying for the bar exam.” Tate notified the men. “They have mastered the art of verbal sparring. If you’re ever lucky enough to witness an oral match involving two or more of the girls, you’ll experience something truly extraordinary.”

  “What about Jack?” Joel asked in that curious, offhand way guys discuss sport stats over a beer, never taking their eyes from the game.

  Mimicking his casual tone, Tate shared his expertise on the subject. “Whenever the group is referred to as a whole, it’s always girls, and you can safely assume Jack is included. Before you ask, no, that does not offend him. It wouldn’t matter if it did, these girls aren’t exactly PC, and they are equal opportunity insulters.”

  “How long does one of these showdowns usually last?” Tyler shot out.

  “Until they make their opponent cry or a fight breaks out. The majority of the time, their rival runs away crying. Makayla’s skirmishes are the most likely to end physically. On rare occasions, they score a double hit, crying and a fight.” Tate paused, deep in thought. “Come to think of it, Lex is the only one with both an endless amount of ingenious slurs and the patience to ever pull that off. I think she enjoys the long game more than the others.”

  “I’ve seen Lex fight with a chick before. Honestly, she didn’t do much but fend her off,” Sebastian stated.

  Tate let out a chuckle. “That wasn’t this Lex. This Lex only comes out when you mess with someone she loves. This right here,” he said pointing to woman in question “is mama bear Lex defending her cubs.”

  “Tate buddy, didn’t you think that I should have been told about this little personality trait before tonight?” Ethan accused.

  “Nope, more fun for me this way.”

  “You guys are nuts,” Joel muttered.

  Sebastian gave him a manly slap on the shoulder. “Welcome to the club my friend. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.”

  “Listen you little bitch. All you’re doing is showing all of these people the real you.”

  Oh yeah, she’s getting close now. Just a few more pushes and she’ll have no choice but to tuck tail or attempt to save face. Yee Haw!

  “What’s that Jizzabelle? How much more clever, articulate,” giving her a scathing once over, I finished, “non-surgically enhanced I am? Sweetheart, you should probably shut your pie hole now before you embarrass yourself anymore.”

  That did it. Lydia lost the tiny thread of composure she was desperately clinging to, and pushed me on the shoulders with both hands, rocking me fractionally.

  “That’s it? That’s what you throw at me? I expected more from a whoreslag, very disappointing.” I shook my head in disgust.

  She threw a sissified punch my way that I easily deflected with my left hand, simultaneously landed a punch to her stomach with my right, doubling her over. I stepped back, in a show of sportsmanship, allowing her time to recovery. I brazenly examined my nails, and asked the crowd if anyone had a file I could borrow. Adding a bit more insult to an already bruised ego, I explained further that my nail had snagged on the lot lizard. The horde’s raucous laughter aptly complemented my taunts.

  Lydia finally stopped gasping for air and kicked off her heels. Ah, we’re getting serious now, I thought, following suit. She ran at me. Using her momentum to my advantage, I accelerated Lydia’s reunion with the floor through a well placed foot and a tiny shove. Planting my knee in her back, I grabbed a fistful of hair, yanking it up to whisper in her ear.

  “I know you’re the vapid model type, getting by on her good looks and cock sucking abilities, so in case you missed it, I’m toying with you.” She began to struggle, causing me to tighten my hold and deepen my knee until she cried out with a painful sob. “You have two choices. I can let you up; you leave and stay away from Ethan, from everyone we even occasionally associate with, and from me. Or, you can choose door number two, where I pound the shit out of you, possibly marring that pretty face of yours, and then you can leave and stay away from Ethan, from everyone we even occasionally associate with, and from me. The choice is yours.”

  You may think I’m being a little harsh, but I’ve already had one crazy ass bitch try to take me out this year. I’m making sure this one knows crazy can go both ways. Apparently, she got the message loud and clear, deciding that departing with the full use of her legs was in her best interest. The crowd parted, and we watched Lydia skulked away as nameless faces mocked her steps to the exit.

  I felt Ethan’s heat at my spine before his arms slipped around me. “I’ve gotta say baby, that was kind of hot.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  I have taken particular care in tonight’s set up. Candles adorn the dining room, lending a soft glow to the ambiance. Fine china placed for two. A candelabra ready to be lit, and a bottle chilling, decorate the table. The only thing I have left to do now is wait. I hate waiting. Staring out of the picture window, and into the chilly night, I’m watching for Ethan to pull into our drive. If things go as planned, tonight will make it onto my list of favorite memories. As I am searching for his approaching headlights, I reminisce, pulling up images of my others.

  *******************

  It was a cold December evening and we had just gotten back from dinner with Ethan’s family. I remember complaining that I was cold…

  “I don’t think I’m ever going to warm up again,” I whined dramatically and shrugged off my coat.

  Ethan took my jacket, tossing it in the general direction of the couch, where it fell in a heap on the floor next to his. He pulled me close, wrapping me in his arms and letting his body heat seep into
mine. Not satisfied with the pace of my rising temperature, I tucked my freezing hands under his sweater, sucking the warmth from his bare back.

  “Goddammit Lex,” he shouted, prying my hands away. “You’re a spiteful, mean woman, you know that, right?”

  I tossed him a saucy grin and replied, “yes, but you love me anyway.”

  It always amazes me how incredibly fast he moves for such a big man. I was still uttering the last word when I found myself up and over his shoulder. Crossing the room in five long strides, he smacked my ass and chucked me onto my bed.

  “I’ve got a better way of warming you up, and we both get to be naked.”

  “Oh really, and what would that be?”

  “It’s much better if I show you,” he smirked and slowly began to peel the sweater up his body. His muscled torso rippled with the movement, causing the first signs of a sizzle to begin stirring within me. Fingers, I knew to be nimble, moved with exaggerated slowness, releasing his jeans. By the time he was completely naked, my body was burning and ached to touch and be touched.

  Continuing his slow seduction, he inched my pants off, little by little. My patience was wearing, and I took the liberty of removing my remaining clothing at a much faster pace.

  Turning me to my stomach, loving hands began working their way up and down my spine, smoothing stiff muscles along the way. Skilled fingers kneaded down one leg and then the other, turning me into a pliant doll. Scorching wetness trailed in a sluggish line from my ankle to the nape of my neck, following the path of Ethan’s tongue.

  Flipping me to my back, he began the process again, slowly working his way down my right side before moving up my left.

  “Mmmm,” I purred as he massaged his way from my shoulder towards my hand, “you spoil me. I like it.”

  Ethan started applying pressure to my hand, rubbing circles with his thumb. “Do you know what would make me very happy?” he asked in a husky timbre. He was manipulating my fingers, stroking each one separately. “If you would be my Mrs. Storm,” he advised, and I felt a hard circle slide down my left ring finger.

  ********************

  It’s the day of every little girl’s dreams, the one day that she is not only allowed, but also expected, to be the beautiful princess. A year’s worth of planning, the heated arguments, the delicate negotiations, and that was just with Makayla. Throw in the other two divas, the Stewart females, and Ethan’s mother, running away to Vegas starts looking better and better. Even with all of the stress and multiple meltdowns, standing here now, makes it all bearable.

  The music signals our start down the red carpet. I’m gripping tightly, to the man who has become a father with one hand, willing him not to let me fall. The other has a crushing grip on a bouquet of red roses. My girls are standing, forming a black and white line in the dress each selected, and reserving my spot. To the right, Ethan’s groomsman, dressed in head to toe black, are positioned in a single row.

  Keeping pace with the music, I am only vaguely aware of passing guests as I’m escorted down the aisle. My focus is on the man waiting for me. Deep pools of sparkling blue beckon my mossy green, keeping my gaze from drifting anywhere else. My heart beats faster in anticipation, and I struggled not to quicken my steps. Reaching the end of our journey, Mac gently kisses my cheek, murmuring loving words meant for a daughter, and places me in Ethan’s outstretched hand.

  The world around us fell away as we exchanged vows. Nothing else mattered; we were two people passionately in love, binding ourselves for eternity. The minister was pronouncing us man and wife, and I was listening for our cue to kiss. How in the hell did I ever get a man like Ethan Storm to fall in love with me? I am the luckiest son of a bitch in the world.

  Chuckling broke out among those around me, and Ethan flashed me that trademark smirk I love. “No babe, I am the luckiest son of a bitch in the world.”

  My face heated at the realization my thoughts were heard by those around us. The preacher finished his decree, and Ethan’s hand shot out, pulling until our lips met. Now my face was burning for an entirely different reason.

  ********************

  Headlights flash through the glass, momentarily bathing the room in a muted light. I rush to the kitchen, removing trays from the oven where they were keeping warm. With the last candle lit, I hear the door close, followed by approaching footsteps. Arms wrap around me from behind and his face nuzzles my neck.

  “What’s all this? I didn’t forget our anniversary, did I?” he teased, burrowing further to breathe in my scent.

  Leaning back, allowing him to support my weight, I answered with a wicked smile. “If you ever forget our anniversary, I would advise not eating any special dinners I cook just for you.”

  With a bit of an awkward twist, our lips finally met in the greeting I’ve been waiting for. Ethan released me, and I began spooning food onto the plates. He seized the bottle from the chiller, preparing to fill our glasses. Examining a label I was sure he had never seen, a look of puzzlement captured his face. He was about to ask, but I beat him to it.

  “What do you think about Aiden Michael for a boy and Addison Michele if it’s a girl?”

  Ethan looked down at the bottle, with the words Sparkling Cider, that he still held in his hand. After a few moments, a goofy, deliriously happy smile, parroted by the twinkle in his eyes, replaced his initially shock over the news.

  Dinner forgotten, and as predicted, a new favorite memory joined my list.

  Friend Code

  You are not merely friends. You have actively selected the other members of this group to be your chosen family.

  This is an A Team group. All other individuals are designated to the B Team. This includes, but is not limited to, significant others/spouses, biological family, friends, co-workers, ect.

  You will always be honest with the group, even if the truth is not flattering.

  Members will not make derogatory remarks concerning other group members, blood relatives, or current significant others in the presence of non A Team members.

  You will side with the members of this group in any argument, regardless of fault. The only exceptions are a) if the argument is between group members, and b) when the argument involves a blood relative of a group member. In either case, you may choose the alternative option of nonparticipation.

  Nonparticipation is allowed when a dispute is between a group member and their significant other. However, the moment involvement ends, the demise of said relationship is the full responsibility of the other party, regardless of facts.

  Group members will not poach guys from each other.

  Once a group member has had intimate relations with a guy, including one night stands, he is forever off limits to all other group members.

  In the event of an emergency, real or perceived, group members will immediately come to the aid of their friend.

  Any member may declare Girl’s Trip. When evoked, all other members will take the necessary actions to secure their involvement. Participation is mandatory. When possible, friends will give advance notice. To be used sparingly.

  ###

  I hope you enjoyed Inferno.

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