Wayward Son (Jensen Family #3)

by Michelle Day

  “And you didn’t take advantage because?”

  “I very nearly did, I had her jeans off, her bra undone, hands and mouth everywhere, I could easily have gone the whole way with her but Dad called me downstairs to have a go about me not cleaning the pool and by the time I got back she was asleep, I just tucked her up in bed and slept next to her.”

  “You could have had some dream time fun,” Novak nudged him but not meaning the words.

  “Pervert,” Gavin laughed, “I’m not going there until she’s free from Quinn. Besides, she trusts me, I’m not going to spoil that. ”

  “Stupid girl.”

  “Hey, you’re supposed to be on my side,” Gavin punched Novak on the arm.

  “I am. You do know she hasn’t stopped looking at you since she sat down? Those dark Ray Bans aren’t fooling anyone,” Novak gestured in her direction. “Don’t get why she’s covered up though, looks like she’s hiding a smoking body.”

  Gavin turned to look at Angel, her bikini top was modest to say the least coupled with a matching sarong high on her waist. He smiled, “She has a tattoo that circles her hips and doesn’t want anyone to know.”

  “Surely Quinn knows?”

  “I don’t know about that, he probably only has a fumble with the lights off and she’s still a virgin.”

  Novak spat out the water he had just taken into his mouth. “NO!?”

  “Yes and she said she doesn’t want Quinn to be her first.”

  “Well there’s an invite if ever I heard one.”

  “Yeah,” Gavin agreed. “But it shouldn’t be me either.”

  “Why the hell not?”

  “Look at the things we’ve done dude, she should find herself a nice guy who’s going to treat her right.”

  “From the way she can’t take her eyes off you, I’d say she thinks she’s found him,” Novak advised. “You’ll treat her right Gav if you really want to.”

  “I really want to.” Gavin confirmed.

  Chapter 8

  Kiera meanwhile, was having fun escorting James around her wide and varied group of friends. Compared to Novak and Gavin, James was shy, but away from the over confident pair he came into his own, he was charming and witty and generally very pleasant to be with. They stopped beside two of the guys who were Gavin’s potential new band mates and their hangers on. After the usual pleasantries, Kiera steered James away and began to head in Angel’s direction when she spotted two latte coloured beauties beckoning them over, she made the introduction.

  “James this is Dominique and Gabrielle, they are our star gymnasts,” Kiera said. “Girls, this is James, he’s Gavin’s friend, oh, Quinn’s gone, James, I just have to have a quick chat with Angel, look after him ladies.” She took off before James could protest.

  “Hi James,” Dominique stepped forward and slipped her arm through his, “come and sit with us and tell us all about yourself.”

  Kiera joined Angel, keeping an eye on Novak’s movements while she told her best friend all the gossip about the new arrivals.“Isn’t Novak gorgeous?” she sighed as Novak came to his feet and began to saunter in their direction.

  He turned on his dazzling smile as he approached. “The delectable Kiera, do you fancy coming for a wander?” he reached his hand out and pulled her to her feet.

  “Ok.” Kiera breathed.

  “You must be Angel, I’m Luke Novak, Gavin’s friend and confidant.”

  Angel scrambled out of the awkward beach chair. “Wondered when you would introduce yourself,” she smiled realising that her face was level with his well muscled chest whereas she came to Gavin’s chin. “Nice to meet you Luke.”

  “Novak,” he corrected. “You, young lady, have my friend in turmoil; he doesn’t know what to do for the best so can I give you a gentle nudge in his direction while your delightful boyfriend is busy with his toy, so that you two can at least try to sort something out?”

  “We do need to talk,” she agreed but Novak caught her wary look out to sea.

  “I’ll keep an eye on Quinn and let Gavin know if he looks like he’s returning to shore. Be gentle with him Angel, he’s having a rough time today.” Novak put his arm around Kiera’s shoulder and led her away saying, “I’d like to lay you on the white sands of a desert island and drink Champagne out of your navel.”

  Gavin was laying on his back, eyes closed and headphones in when Angel sat beside him and placed her hand on his washboard stomach, making him open his eyes.

  He sat up and removed his headphones. “Touching,” he grinned reaching for his shades.

  “I don’t have the willpower not to,” she grinned, using his line from earlier.

  Gavin chuckled. “Taking a risk talking to me though aren’t you?”

  “Quinn’s busy with his jet ski, he’ll be gone for ages.” She paused, taking a deep breath. “I’ve decided to tell him we’re done on the way home.”

  “You’re dumping him?”

  “Yep, I’ve had enough of his attitude and constant pestering, so as far as I’m concerned we’re finished.”

  “Huh, I can’t deny that I’m pleased.”

  “Doesn’t mean I’m going to jump into your arms,” she warned.

  “I know, but at least we’ll be able to talk without recriminations.”

  “Knowing Quinn, there will be plenty of recriminations,” she replied ruefully. “I’m going to get an ice cream, you coming?” she asked hopefully, in response to her question Gavin came to his feet in one easy movement, “Novak is like a protective mother hen, he told me to be gentle with you,” she told him as they walked up the beach.

  “He’s just looking out for me.”

  “He also said you were having a rough time, is it because of me?”

  “Not totally because of you but that is part of it,” he admitted.

  “When are you going to open up Gavin?”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “Everything, starting with the other reasons why you’re having a rough time.”

  “Ah, that’s mainly because it’s my Mum’s birthday today.”

  “Shouldn’t you be spending the day with her?” Angel asked.

  “I wish I could, she passed away.”

  “Oh Gavin,” she gasped. “I’m so sorry.” Now she felt horrible for asking.

  “It’s ok, you didn’t know, I’m trying to get through it,” he felt her hand on his back, a gesture of comfort but he couldn’t stop the tremor that passed through him at her touch.

  “That’s why you live with your Dad?”

  “Yeah,” they had reached the ice cream parlour. “Let’s sit here for a bit, talk some more.” He held out a chair for her.

  “Do you mind me asking what happened to your Mum, was she ill?” Angel asked as she glanced at the menu, the pain in his eyes making it difficult for her to look at him.

  “No, it was a car accident. She’d taken our dog to the vets.” He smiled then. “Poor bloody dog was traumatised by the amount of visits he paid to the vet. Mum had the hots for the guy,” he explained. “He was a nice guy, actually asked me if I minded him dating my Mum, everyone was happy with it except the dog. Anyway, as she was pulling out of the vet’s, the place is on a massive hill, an arctic lost its breaks and ploughed into her car. She survived the crash but died three days later in hospital, the dog was in a bad way so he had to be put down.”

  “That’s awful. Did they arrest the lorry driver?”

  “They did but it wasn’t his fault his brakes failed, he did all he could to stop the lorry, he hasn’t driven since.”

  “Were you with her?”

  “I was surfing with Novak when the accident happened. Dad called me and sent a helicopter to pick me up; I was with her when she died. It’s been ten months and I’m still trying to deal with it.”

  “How’s your Dad coping with it?”

  “He’s fine, they weren’t married and hadn’t been together for years, he was called about the accident because Mum had him down as he
r next of kin, he drove up to Gloucester to be with her and once she was gone, he sold the house, packed me up and moved me to Kingston.”

  “Oh.”

  “He only really used to visit when I got into trouble, something I’m very good at doing by the way, so he and I just used to argue all the time, we didn’t get along well at all when I moved in but things seem to be going well at the moment.”

  “You poor thing.”

  “I’ve told you before, I don’t need sympathy Angel, I sometimes need a little space to deal with things my own way.”

  “That’s understandable. While you seem to be in a chatting mood, can I ask again about your criminal record?”

  “I’m very good with my fists,” he answered holding out his hands, she noticed the scars on his knuckles. “I had an explosive temper and it got me into a lot of fights, I put a few people in hospital with fairly serious injuries and have spent quite a few nights in Police cells. The last time was just after Mum died, I nearly killed a guy. Novak pulled me off and I turned on him, he managed to subdue me, I still don’t remember how, he made me hand myself in. I got away with it because of extenuating circumstances and because Dad has a very good lawyer but I’m on my last strike. If I get caught fighting again I’ll go to prison and even Dad’s money and influence won’t be able to help me.”

  “Quinn was lucky you didn’t deck him then?”

  “Very lucky. Are you afraid Angel?” he reached out and stroked her face.

  “No. I trust you,” she answered.

  “I drove my Dad mad with my moods and violent outbursts. I trashed my room four times before he finally put his foot down and put me in anger management. When he worked out that I was telling the councillor everything they wanted to hear and not dealing with my anger issues he changed tact and sent me to a group house at weekends where I had to stay and identify the flash points of my anger.” He said the last bit complete with two fingers of each hand held up, denoting quotes.

  “I thought those places were court ordered. Sort of for the criminally insane?” She laughed.

  Shaking his head at her comment, “Trust me, no one there was insane. Just angry, but emotionally stunted enough to be unable to verbalise and deal with it like a normal member of society and you don’t leave group until you’ve spilled your guts,” he answered.

  “You don’t seem out of control now,” she observed.

  “They broke me. I’m not that person anymore. I still have a temper but I recognise the flash points now and can step away most of the time. I’m just beginning to like who I am.”

  “This last year has been hell then?” she asked.

  “Pretty much, it’s starting to look up now though,” he smiled. “We’d better start heading back,” his phone bleeped, he chuckled at the message and held the screen towards Angel, the message simply said. “Incoming.” They left the ice cream parlour and began a slow stroll back.

  “Why don’t you tell Quinn it’s over when we get back and let me take you home? James and Novak can grab a lift with one of the others.”

  “I want to do this my way Gavin, I know Quinn better than you do, if I tell him now he’ll make a terrible scene and I really want to avoid that.”

  “Fair enough, just call me when you get home, let me know you’re safe.”

  “I will, I promise.”

  “The things we’ve talked about, they’re between me and you,” he said.

  “That goes without saying, I would never tell anyone else,” they were walking close together, their hands brushing against each other.

  “Angel,” he stopped walking and waited for her to turn to him. “You probably already know this but I’m going to say it anyway. I want to be with you, I want everything, a relationship, everything. Crap.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “See what you do to me? I’m not even making sense.”

  “Ssh,” she put her finger to his lips then stepped in closer, lifting her lips to his and wrapping her arms around his neck, revelling in the fuelled but gentle kiss they exchanged. “You’ve got me,” she whispered against his lips. “You just need to give me a little time to do the right thing.”

  “Ok.”

  Novak had got so wrapped up in rubbing sun lotion on Kiera’s back that he had completely forgotten to keep an eye on Quinn, it wasn’t until he’d heard the other boy call out Angel’s name that he realised he’d screwed up.

  “Fuck,” he murmured.

  “Where’s Angel?” Quinn demanded of Kiera.

  “Don’t know, I’ve been with Novak most of the day,” she answered sitting up and clutching her tiny bikini to her more than considerable assets drawing Novak’s gaze away from Quinn’s furious red face.

  “Fine, where’s Gavin?”

  “He went for a swim,” Novak’s head snapped up to glare at Quinn.

  “I’ve been on the water for hours and haven’t seen him,” Quinn answered. “You’re lying.”

  “Just one minute pal,” Novak started coming to his feet. “Where the hell do you get off calling me a liar? I’ve answered your question now fuck off.”

  “If he’s with Angel, I’ll kill him,” Quinn threatened.

  Novak drew himself up to his full six foot four inch height. “You’ll have to go through me first.”

  “That’s not a problem.” Quinn said but he’d already taken a step back from the man mountain in front of him.

  “Let me tell you something,” Novak stepped forward. “If I hit you it’s only going to sting a little, if Gavin hits you, he won’t stop until you need an ambulance and life support so I suggest you back off , can your silly threats and go look for your girlfriend elsewhere.”

  Quinn was about to reply when one of his friends called him, “Quinn, look,” he pointed down the beach. Everyone turned to see Gavin and Angel strolling side by side towards them.

  “Uh oh,” Gavin said as he saw all the faces turned towards them.

  “Novak’s a really crap look out.” Angel replied. They moved a little further away from each other.

  “Angel, come here.” Quinn demanded as they got closer.

  She felt Gavin tense beside her,

  “Don’t let him talk to you like that.”

  “Relax, its fine,” she speeded up, pausing by Novak she hissed. “Thanks for the early warning.”

  Novak merely shrugged and made his way towards Gavin.

  Quinn grabbed Angel’s arm and pulled her roughly over to their chairs,

  “You’re hurting my arm,” she said calmly, prising his fingers from her. Quinn responded by throwing her into one of the chairs,

  “How dare you wander off, especially with him, I told you not to go anywhere near him, you lying bitch,” he shouted.

  “That’s it,” Gavin went to go to Angel’s side but Novak’s strong arm wrapped around his shoulder and turned him away.

  “Come with me my bad tempered friend,” he said calmly.

  “He shouldn’t treat her that way.” Gavin seethed.

  “No he shouldn’t but equally, it’s got nothing to do with you and he’s not worth going to prison for.”

  Gavin sighed. “You’re right, he’s not.”

  Quinn, emboldened by being surrounded by his friends decided to take things one step further. “That’s right, walk away, your friend has already started fighting your battles for you, you pussy,” he shouted.

  “I take it back, he is worth going to prison for,” Gavin growled, turning away from Novak, trembling with rage.

  Large strong hands grasped his shoulders and Novak’s brown eyes stared into his, “I’ll handle this,” he told him then began to walk away. Instinct told him Gavin was right behind him; he whirled to face the younger boy. Putting both hands on his chest he pushed Gavin backwards. “Stay,” he told him then went to deal with Quinn.

  “I’m a very patient person,” he told Quinn. “But you are getting on my last nerve, was my warning earlier not enough to deter you?”

  “I don’t have a problem
with you,” Quinn replied. “It’s that coward who needs to face me,” he pointed in Gavin’s direction.

  “Right now, he is a seething ball of anger, if I step aside and let him at you, you’ll die, I guarantee it. Your problem is, you think he’s done things with your girlfriend that he hasn’t, it’s all in that tiny little head of yours. His problem is you treat your girlfriend like a dog, you expect her to obey your every command, only you’ve got yourself a girl who has a brain and can think for herself and you don’t like it. We’re going to pack up and leave now, I don’t want to hear one more word from you. If I do, I’ll deck you myself.” He stepped around Quinn and helped Angel to her feet. “Are you ok?” he asked, examining the red welts on her arm.

  “Yes, I’m fine,” she answered.

  “You should come with us,” he told her.

  “Thank you Novak, but I’ll be ok here.”

  Novak returned to Gavin’s side, “we should go,” he said quietly.

  “You should let me at him,” Gavin replied.

  “Listen to me,” Novak frowned at his friend. “He really isn’t worth it.”

  “No, but she is.”

  “Holy shit! You’re in love.” Novak grinned.

  “Don’t be so fucking stupid.” Gavin shoved Novak away from him.

  “I’ve seen you like this before Gav, I know the signs.”

  “Shut your face Luke! I’ve never been in love before.” Gavin replied beginning to pack his things.

  “Oh so you admit it is love then?” Novak asked, beaming with triumph. “Maybe she is worth doing time for, but have you stopped to consider what would happen to you inside? It’s not a pleasant experience anyway, it’s even worse for people who look like you. You’re far too pretty to go to prison dude, you’d come out with an arsehole the size of the Blackwall Tunnel.”

  “Eww!” Kiera complained at Novak’s last comment.

  “Low blow,” James agreed.

  “Shut the fuck up and get your shit together,” Gavin told his friend. Novak had succeeded in brightening his mood.

  With the last of their things packed into the car, Novak made one more journey to the beach.

  “Barbecue at Gavin’s if anyone’s interested, be there around eight,” he yelled, he pointed at Quinn as he made his way back to the car. “Not you,” he said.