Blackness Within (The Blackness Series Book 5)

by Norma Jeanne Karlsson

  “I like my way better,” I assert and dig back into my noodles.

  “Is that how you deal with Kav havin’ a messy face?” she questions with a quirked brow.

  “I usually skip the finger and just use my tongue,” I reply with a suggestive brow wiggle.

  “So moving day,” she prompts, rolling her eyes at my pervy ways.

  “We’ll get to that. I was thinkin’ about the dragging you into the pool part of Saturday.”

  “It was the highlight of my day,” she snarks.

  “It was the highlight of mine,” I reply honestly. “Well, a close second at least.”

  She beams a sweet smile at me just as Zeus launches at the door in a fierce attack. The doorbell rings a second later.

  “Expecting somebody?”

  “No.”

  I stride to the door and grab a hold of Zeus’s collar before swinging the door open. You’ve got to be shitting me.

  “Ben,” I say coolly.

  “Ben?” Natasha questions not a second later.

  “Natasha!” he yells. It sounds more like a squeal coming from his lips.

  He brushes past me and grabs her in a rough hug.

  “Thank God you’re okay,” he says with a sigh of relief.

  Natasha steps away from his embrace, but he has other plans. He runs his thumbs across her cheeks before cupping her face.

  My stomach rolls and I have the urge to sic Zeus on him. I look down at the dog and find him staring at Ben with the same uncomfortable gaze that I’m sure is plastered on mine.

  “I thought I lost you,” Ben whispers and then he kisses her.

  I’m standing right here and he kisses her. Natasha stands stock still as he presses his lips firmly to hers, her arms rigid at her side.

  I clear my throat roughly before I end up in prison for murder.

  Ben halts his assault and pulls away slowly.

  “Sorry. I’m sorry. I know you two are obviously still together,” Ben grumbles, shifting from foot to foot after stuffing his hands in his pockets.

  I’m about to confirm his assumptions when Natasha speaks. “We’re just friends. We were having dinner.”

  “Oh,” Ben says in a surprised voice. “Do you think I could speak to you alone then? Maybe ask your friend to leave?”

  What the fuck is this dude smoking? I’m about to educate him on how I work when Natasha cuts me off again.

  “What do we need to speak about alone, Ben? How did you find me anyway? What are you doing here?” she rattles off quickly.

  “When your house burned down I was there. I waited all night until they cleared the scene and assured me you weren’t in the house. Your cell phone was turned off. You didn’t answer my emails. When I called the hospital to find you, I could never get a straight answer about where you were. Then they finally told me you quit. It’s been over five months, Natasha, and not one word from you. I’ve been terrified. Sick. I hired a P.I. and he just found you here. I came as soon as he gave me this address. What happened? What’s going on?”

  “It’s been a complicated time in my life, Ben. I’m sorry you were worried, but I’m fine.”

  Natasha looks at me, signaling she could use a hand. Ben follows her gaze and sneers at me over his shoulder.

  “Can we please talk, Natasha? I’d be more comfortable without an audience for the things I need to say to you. Please,” he begs turning his focus completely to her once again.

  She’s crumbling under his pressure. Natasha’s not back to normal yet and she’s crumbling when she would typically stand tall.

  “Ben,” she starts and clears her throat. “I would love to talk to you, but I’m spending the evening with my friend. I’m not going to ask him to leave. If you’d like to join us, you’re more than welcome. Or if you’re more comfortable, we can have coffee tomorrow.”

  That’s my girl. I flash her a proud smile, but she’s intent on Ben.

  “Really? Not even an apology for how you cast me aside the last time we saw each other? No apology for dropping off the face of the Earth with no word? You just want me to leave or spend the evening with you and that guy?”

  “Ben—”

  “I get it. You’re taking a walk on the wild side. The bad boy thing. I’m not surprised with how you grew up. I’m just shocked you’re doing it now. You have my number when you grow tired of this life. I won’t wait forever, Natasha. But I’ll wait as long as I can.”

  He leans in a kisses her stunned cheek before squeezing past me and out the door. I should have knocked him out. I should have told him to go fuck himself. I should have claimed her and beat his face into the ground for touching her. Instead, I stood here and watched.

  “Grey,” I call out softly.

  “I’m fine, Sully. I just wasn’t expecting that. His eyes were furious. I’ve never seen him like that. I don’t understand what that was. What was that?”

  She turns her confused tornadic greys to my face and waits for me to explain.

  “No clue. That was fuckin’ weird. A little stalker-ish if I’m honest. He hired a P.I.? You’d been broken up a while when the whole shit storm started right?”

  She nods as she tries to process.

  “Yeah, that’s weird, Grey. I mean, I’m a full-blown stalker when it comes to you, so I don’t have much room to talk,” I say through a sly smile and she chuckles at me. “You wanna hug it out?”

  Please say yes.

  She doesn’t say yes but shrugs instead. I take that as a green light.

  I stride to her and wrap her small frame in my arms, pulling her flush with my body. Tentatively, her hands snake around my waist and I kiss her bright blonde hair.

  “I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to explain any of this to anyone, but what do I tell them instead? I’m a shitty liar. I need a plan to deal with people,” she mumbles into my chest.

  “So let’s make a plan.”

  “Really?” She pops her head up in surprise.

  “I’m pretty smart,” I brag and squeeze her tightly one last time before I lead her back to our dinner.

  “Humble too,” she snarks, settling on her stool.

  “I know right?”

  Natasha’s shoulders shake with laughter as we get back to our meal and easy joking. The light that Roman Vojtech tried to snuff out is coming back. When it’s at full strength, I believe it’ll burn even brighter than before and I plan to be right at her side to witness it.

  Natasha

  July

  My first shift back as a labor and delivery nurse was uneventful. It was quiet, peaceful almost. Getting my old job back shocked me. Roman allowed me to call in and quit, but stood right next to me as I made the call. I used my vacation time as my two weeks’ notice and apparently, the hospital was fine with that. I think Karen, my head nurse, had something to do with that.

  When I called to quit, I said I had family issues that needed my full-time attention. She doesn’t know about Blake, but there was understanding in her voice when I gave my weak excuse.

  I’m back in the swing of things. I’m still sad, hurt and a lot of other negative emotions, but I’m also learning to be happy and joyful again. And things like what I’m currently staring at are helping me along.

  “Hey,” Sully calls out with a big wave and a giant Cheshire grin.

  He’s in light khaki slacks and a barely pink button up with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. His hair is in that constant messy yet put together way it always is and his chocolate eyes are smoldering.

  “Don’t you have somewhere better to be on a Saturday night?” I yell back as I make my way over to him where he’s leaning against my newly purchased Prius. Insurance money has done its due diligence.

  “Nope,” he declares with a pop of the p.

  “Your harem will be disappointed,” I tease as I stop a few steps from him.

  He just shakes his head at me, but I notice an irritated tick of his jaw. Maybe he really is putting off something important to be her
e.

  “What’s up?” I ask with a readjustment of my shoulder bag.

  He reaches out, slides the leather from my shoulder and fists the strap in his hand before answering, “Came to pick you up from work.”

  “I have a car now, Sully,” I respond with an exaggerated finish.

  “I know. I was there when you bought it. I’m leaning against it now. Thanks for the reminder though,” he drones sarcastically.

  “You’ve been hit in the head a lot. I’m not certain how intact your memory is.”

  “Don’t worry your pretty little head about my brain. Now get in your girly car and I’ll follow you home.”

  “You’re awfully bossy tonight.”

  He just stares at me and waits for me to do what he said. I want to rail against him, but that would just be juvenile. Am I going to stand in that parking garage all night just to spite him? No. Will I stop at the pharmacy and by a douche and tampons just to fuck with him? Yes.

  “Your evil plotting face is sexy as hell, Grey. But your plans to torture me with feminine hygiene products will have to wait. We’ve got somewhere to be.”

  He raises a brow at me and then looks down at my handle. I roll my eyes and unlock the car.

  “How did you know?”

  “About the tampons?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I have a sister. She’s done every evil vagina thing she can. It doesn’t faze me anymore. You want me to buy you yeast infection treatments? I’ll do it with ease. You want me to buy you scented maxi pads? I’ll load up a cart. You want me to ask a pharmacy employee what the best douche is after anal sex? I’ll have them get me the manager. You’ll have to think of something else if you wanna torture me, Grey.” He leans in and kisses my cheek before ordering me to, “Drive safe.”

  I burst into hysterical laughter as he walks to his Mercedes. The idea of Shannon torturing him as a teenager with that stuff is too perfect a picture not to enjoy. He honks at me to get going and I take a few calming breaths before I pull away.

  “Can you be ready in twenty minutes? We need to get movin’,” Sully informs me as we enter my apartment.

  “Are you gonna tell me where we’re goin’?”

  “It’s a surprise. Hurry up.”

  He smacks my ass in a sporting way and I yelp before running down the hall to my room. He’s nuts.

  I take a fast shower and blow-dry my hair in record time. I don’t have time for much on the make-up front so I opt for mascara, blush and lip-gloss. I look fresh. I don’t know where we’re going, but he’s in slacks and a dress shirt, casual yet sexy.

  I pull on a light green shirtdress adding a thick black leather belt and some black gladiator sandals that stop just below my knees. I can go pretty much anywhere in this outfit. At least I hope I can.

  I check the clock and see I have two minutes to spare. I’m impressed with myself as I stride from my room.

  Sully and Blake are laughing when I enter the living room.

  “Ready?” I ask, grabbing their attention.

  Sully’s gaze rakes me from head to toe with hungry, primal eyes. I shiver at his perusal.

  “You look…” Sully pauses, searching for the word he wants to use. “Fuckin’ unbelievable. Breathtaking, Grey.”

  I beam a smile at him.

  “Here’s the keys. Call if you’re gonna be late,” Blake orders in a parental tone.

  “Why do we need your keys, Dad?”

  “I’m borrowing the truck for our outing. It’s better for what we’re doin’,” Sully explains.

  “If we’re goin’ off-roading, I’d rather not,” I grumble.

  “Not tonight. Maybe some other day.”

  I hug my brother and pat Zeus a few times after Sully finishes stroking his back.

  Sully grabs my hand and pulls me from the apartment, waving at Blake over his shoulder. When we get to the rust bucket, Sully grips my waist and lifts me into the seat before slamming the door shut and rounding the hood.

  Once he’s settled and checks my seatbelt twice, he turns over the engine and points us toward the highway. I let the companionable silence comfort me as we drive, the wind of the lowered windows whipping my hair around in a happy dance.

  I should’ve brought a hair tie.

  As soon as I think it, Sully reaches over and fists my hair in his hand, holding it away from my face. A smile slips over my lips as I watch the sun disappear behind the landscape, oranges and golds streaking in its wake.

  Sully exits the highway and I get curious as to where we’re going. This isn’t a usual Saturday night hot spot. Actually, it’s the middle of nowhere. Just as I’m about to demand he tell me what we’re doing, I see it.

  “The drive-in?” I ask with excitement bubbling over.

  “The drive-in,” he confirms.

  I bounce a little as we pull in and wait in a long line of cars. Sully lets go of my hair and pushes it behind my ear. When he pulls up to the booth to pay, I’m shocked he chooses the romantic comedy. I figured we’d be watching action and CGI. I don’t have a preference. I live with Blake so I’m used to watching zombies and horror along with action and thrillers.

  Sully expertly backs us into a perfect spot in the middle of the rows. I glance over my shoulder to see a mattress filling the bed of the truck.

  “Awesome,” I mutter to myself.

  “What’s that?”

  “Nothing. I’m really excited. I love the drive-in. I haven’t been in years though. Thanks, Sully.”

  He smiles genuinely at me before hopping out and rounding the hood. He pulls me out of the truck by my hips and my body brushes against him during my descent. I feel electric pulses spark everywhere we touch and gasp as it happens.

  I stare into his dark chocolate eyes and feel a deep yearning to press myself against him from head to toe. There’s heat in his gaze as his chest rises and falls with heavy breaths. Slowly, he leans toward me and I brace myself for a kiss that will steal my own panting breaths. Just before his face meets mine, he shifts to the side and reaches behind my seat pulling a large bag out.

  “Blankets and pillows,” he mutters in my ear.

  He walks away from our almost moment and I gather my wits.

  “Friends, Natasha,” I scold myself and follow him.

  I go to climb onto the tailgate only to have my body hoisted up by my armpits.

  “Thanks,” I mumble.

  “You’re welcome.”

  We set about making the mattress comfy and warm as an unusual night chill sets in.

  “Snacks and drinks?” Sully asks as we finish with about ten minutes left before the previews start.

  “Sure.”

  He hops off the tailgate in a powerfully graceful move and holds his hands up to me.

  I lean my palms against his broad shoulders and jump. Sully catches the globes of my ass as I crash into him. My lace Cheeky panties allowing him contact with my bare skin. His strong fingers tighten for a moment before he drops me to my feet.

  “Sorry,” he mutters.

  “Sorry,” I mutter at the same time.

  He sighs deeply before pressing a hand to the small of my back, leading me to the concession stand.

  Popcorn, soda, Junior Mints and gummy bears purchased, we make our way back to the truck. The open-air theater is only about half full. Couples are cuddling and preparing to enjoy a romantic date night. It’s a nice evening for the drive-in.

  Sully climbs in the bed and hoists me up again. He seems intent on lifting me tonight. He’s tending to me so sweetly. I experienced this with him the day we spent in his house back in January. I’ve seen him like this with his sisters and Kat. I saw a little of it with Quinn, Kieran’s wife, too. This is how he is with his friends that are women. It’s so charming and a sobering thought. I’m not getting special treatment. I’m getting friend treatment from a good man. I’ll take it. It’s what I asked for.

  Sully kneels and fluffs up the pillows before I flop down beside him, unzipping my san
dals. He toes off his shoes and settles back. I do the same just as the previews begin.

  Sully sets the snacks between us and we munch and slurp until we’re both satisfied, the movie well into the plot.

  A woman scorned, hard and unwavering, working with a light-hearted man, confident and sexy as hell. It’s cliché and sweet.

  Sully moves the snack tray and stretches his arm behind my head pulling me over to his chest. I snuggle in and laugh as the movie shows a very real sex scene. You know the kind.

  “Ow! You’re on my hair.”

  “Is it in yet?”

  “What’s that on your lip?”

  “A pubic hair?!”

  Sully chuckles along with me, his chest vibrating beneath my ear. I snuggle closer and Sully’s arm wraps around me further, placing a large warm hand on my hip. Those electric sparks fire again and I shudder.

  “Cold?” he whispers in my hair.

  I shake my head no and tip my head up to look at his chiseled face illuminated by the pale light of the moon.

  He’s stunning, breathtaking…delicious.

  I spy a little chocolate on the corner of his mouth and I can’t help myself. I lean up and dart my tongue out, swiping the remnants away.

  Sully sucks in a sharp hiss through his teeth at my action, his hand on my hip digging in.

  “Chocolate,” I breathe out against his mouth, waiting for him to make the move.

  From beneath my lashes, I look up at him. Make the move.

  “Grey,” his quiet voice carries warning.

  I nod in acquiescence and lower my face away from his, annoyed with myself. He’s being friendly with me and I’m throwing myself at him like a lost puppy. Stupid.

  We watch the rest of the movie in tense silence. I’ve made him uncomfortable and myself look needy. So much for a fun time at the drive-in.

  There’s a ten-minute intermission between the double feature and we take advantage to run to the bathroom.

  “Natasha Reynolds?” a slightly familiar voice calls as I make my way out of the ladies room.

  I turn and search for the man it belongs to and find myself staring at my past.