Twisted

by Christa Simpson

  "It's almost time. We better head back."

  I held him under his jacket and pressed myself against him wickedly close. He smiled back at me and leaned forward, speeding parallel to the beachfront. We pulled up to the dock with only minutes to spare. Hunter and Aliah were waiting for us on the hill.

  "Did you guys have fun?" Kane asked, taking my PFD from me.

  "A blast," I replied smiling.

  "Yeah buddy, thanks a lot," Edwin added.

  Kane smiled and nodded. Then after a second of thought, "Hey, there's this nightclub me and my boys like to hit up. It's right on the main drag. It's a pretty fly place, a local hot spot on the long weekends," he said. "You guys should come check it out. There's never a shortage of hot ladies there.”

  "I got all the hot lady I need right here," he told Kane, as he nuzzled in my hair and gave me a quick kiss.

  "I see. Of course you're invited," Kane said to me, smiling.

  Edwin clutched me to his side, strong and possessive.

  Kane drew his eyes up to Edwin, acknowledging the limits. "The more hot ladies, the better. Why don’t you bring your friends?”

  "Okay. Thanks again brotha," Edwin said, then reached out to exchange some guy hand shake.

  I climbed up the hill, as Aliah stood up with help from Hunter, and dusted herself off. We all walked down the sandy ridge together.

  "So do you guys have any plans for tonight?" Edwin asked.

  "We couldn’t help but overhear Kane talking about that dance club. Aliah wouldn't mind checking that out," Hunter said.

  Aliah secretly smiled at me, over her shoulder. "It's time to get our drink on bichez!"

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  ~

  WE ALL CONGREGATED OUTSIDE the ladies place, warming up with a few beers. I could see Maddie coming up the road, dragging Jay along, with Tanner lagging behind them.

  "This should be interesting," Aliah whispered to me.

  "It's fine," I whispered back. I flashed a glance at Edwin, but he was oblivious.

  I was the only one fretting and, after a thrilling day with Edwin, I could have used some downtime. Too bad there’s no rest for the wicked and wicked I am. I focused on the light music, flowing from TJ's portable I-pod speakers, and it helped to relax me somewhat while I waited for dinner to be ready. TJ was master of the barbeque, and grilled everything from hotdogs to hamburgers to steak. There was probably enough food prepared to feed half of the resort.

  "You guys want something?" TJ hollered to the newcomers. "There's lots of food here, don't be shy."

  I had already gobbled down a hotdog and stole a bite from Edwin's second cheeseburger with ketchup and onions. If he was eating onions, then I was too; and man was it tasty.

  As night began to flood around us, a cool breeze set a chill in the air. Edwin rubbed my arms to warm me up, but the second his hands left my skin, I trembled again.

  "Maybe we should start up a fire," Edwin suggested.

  "I can get it," Tanner announced, leaping from his seat, eager to make himself busy.

  "I got it," Edwin growled, angry, possessive.

  I stayed in my seat as the two of them battled it out with words. My heart raced wildly as the two massive men puffed their chests and voiced their expertise. I don't think they were actually talking about fire making any more. Damn. Double damn. This was my doing.

  "You know what?" Tanner said to Edwin, my breath catching in my throat. "You go ahead."

  I was relieved when Tanner backed off suddenly to let Edwin tend to the fire, but was stunned when he took a seat in Edwin's lawn chair next to me. Apparently the vacant picnic table next to that wasn't quite as enticing to him. Aliah's eyes bugged out of her head, and her mouth dropped in shock. Maddie was devoting all of her attention to Jay's rendition of their day together, as Hunter ate it all up.

  When Edwin realized Tanner's game, he shot an evil glare in his direction, but Tanner seemed to ignore it. I tried to ignore them both, but I could feel all of their eyes on me. Tanner was giving me his undivided attention, but I wasn't speaking. Edwin's eyes were angered, waiting for me to say something, but he didn't make a move.

  I could see what Tanner was doing, but it wasn't going to work. And I refuse to promote his bad behaviour. I told him before I was off limits. I told him I was Edwin's. I told him, but he keeps pressing.

  "Everything okay?" Tanner finally asked, noticing I was lost in my own thoughts.

  I wasn't about to strike up a conversation with him. I'd learned my lesson the hard way. “Everything's great," I said, exaggerating, then left my chair to join Edwin next to the crackling fire. I wrapped my arms around his waist, stroking his ego and making his night.

  He held me proud and possessive. He dipped his lips to my ear, his eyes never leaving Tanner. "I love you," he whispered, though I was sure Tanner could read lips.

  "I love you too Eddie." I slowly tilted my head up until his glimmering eyes met mine. My night was finally complete. When he slowly sunk down for a kiss, I gladly accepted.

  Maddie stared at us, tisk tisking. "She pulls a stunt like that and Edwin just comes crawling back to her. Like a dog," Maddie whined. "It's disgusting."

  "Shut your hole," Aliah said, to save me from an argument.

  Edwin held me in a trance while Tanner got the hint and decidedly stood from his chair.

  "Well, it's been fun, but the nightlife awaits me. If this is my weekend, then I better go find myself some hunnies," he said, TJ the only one showing any interest. “You coming Jay?"

  I tried to stay impartial, but I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. Tanner was a decent guy being thrown out to the wolves, after being torn apart by one.

  "You know it!" Jay hollered excitedly.

  "Wait, what about me?" Maddie pouted.

  "Duty calls my lady. I'll check you later," Jay said, pulling her into his arms for an embrace.

  "Like hell you will," Maddie said, slapping him off of her, angered. "Don't bother," she said scowling, and that was that.

  Tanner saw himself off and Jay followed with one hand raised in the air. Funny, it seemed more like a see you later than a wave goodbye. Maddie rolled her eyes and, to my surprise, didn't seem real upset about it when he was gone.

  "Over him already?" Aliah teased.

  "It was fun while it lasted. I was gonna kick him to the curb when I was done with him tonight anyway. He's too high maintenance for me," Maddie said, giving us all a good laugh. She walked across the lawn and took a seat on top of the faded old picnic table. Alone.

  While I still felt a little guilty for throwing my relationship in Tanner's face like that, I had to look out for myself. Who knows, maybe now Tanner might actually do something about it for a change.

  TJ looked more miserable about Jay leaving than Maddie did. And with him out of the picture, Maddie seemed to dwell on me in Edwin's arms. Then she noticed the relationship that had started to blossom between Hunter and Aliah while she was off gallivanting.

  "You seem deep in thought," Edwin said. "Nothing I should be worrying about I hope." He stole my stare from the raging fire.

  I gazed up through dark lashes, my heart aching for him. "Eddie, I’m all yours." I licked my lips then slowly touched them to Edwin's, so soft and sensual.

  Edwin smiled and turned his eyes back to the flames. "I didn't doubt it. I just like hearing you say it."

  I cupped my hand behind his neck and stole his attention back for another kiss. Moments passed and I was feeling so good. Everything was moving back into place for me.

  "You still feel like going out tonight?" Edwin asked. "Or we could always stay in again." He raised his eyebrows suggestively.

  I love tapped him on the shoulder so he would release me. "No, I think we should go out. Hey, what do you guys think?" I hollered for everyone to hear. "Want to check out this dance club we heard about?"

  "I think that's an excellent idea," Maddie chimed. "I brought all kinds of cute outfits and haven't even worn a single one.
We should all clean up and make a night of it."

  "Yeah, let's do it!" TJ hollered, getting pumped. He was ready to let loose.

  After painting our faces, clothing ourselves in the sexy, but skimpy fashions out of Maddie's massive collection, and covering ourselves in a good helping of body glitter, we were finally ready to go. When I walked out of my room, all of the guys’ eyes were on me.

  "God damn Abigail!" TJ choked.

  Hunter's eyes were wide, but he didn't say a word. Then he did, "Edwin's been known to share, right buddy." He elbowed TJ, teasing.

  Edwin got up from the couch swiftly to see what the huff was all about. Instantly he swept across the room and pulled me close. "You look amazing baby. But you don't know what that does to a man. Look at TJ. And Hunter can't seem to pick his mouth up off the floor."

  Hunter snapped his mouth shut.

  "I'll take that as a compliment," I said, smiling.

  Maddie joined us, not getting the exact response she had hoped for, but she still looked hot. "Aliah, you almost done in there?" Maddie squealed impatiently. "I'm ready to go!"

  "Just one more minute," she insisted. "Why don't you call us a couple of cabs?"

  "Done and done,” Edwin said. “They should be here any minute."

  Edwin smelled so good and looked even better, wearing his tight shirt and showing off his incredible physique. Tonight should be fun.

  Hunter walked over to the window and peered out. "Our rides are here," he hollered.

  "Come on TJ. Let's go,” Maddie insisted. “Hunter, you too."

  "Alright, I guess,” Hunter said. “Edwin, you coming with us brother?"

  "I'll catch the next one with Abby. You go ahead."

  Hunter jogged out the door behind TJ, Maddie already waiting impatiently in the cab.

  "Aliah, let's go!" Edwin hollered, his voice deep and demanding.

  "You go ahead and get in the car,” I suggested. “I don't want the cabby to take off without us.” I hurried toward the bathroom, as Edwin headed out the door. I peered in the door without announcing my arrival. Aliah looked terribly upset. "What's wrong?" I asked. "Are you sick? I so hope that's not it. That would totally suck.”

  "I'm freaking out here Abby," she cried.

  Aliah crying? "I'm sorry, you've lost me."

  "Hunter does it for me," she said.

  Still lost in my own little world, "Huh? He does what?"

  "It! You know: it," she said, frustrated. She wasn’t usually one to dwell much on emotions. “I’m kind of scared. I've never felt like this before. You must think I'm so stupid."

  "No. You’re only human. Tell me. What happened?”

  "I don't know what happened. But it did. I've fallen so hard for him Abby. I think I might even love him."

  "Oh, no!" I teased.

  "Stop it. I'm serious," she whined, so out of her normal character.

  "Well I kind of figured as much. That was your plan, right?” I paused to let it sink in. “So, what does Hunter think about it?"

  "I didn't tell him!" she stammered. "Do you think I should tell him?" Worry trumped her expressions of anxiety. "You don't think he knows, do you?"

  I laughed lightly. "No. Men aren't that swift. So telling him might be a good start.”

  Aliah scowled at me. "What do you think I was getting at earlier today when we saw you and Edwin under that old willow tree? You totally messed with the moment," she said.

  "My bad. You can tell him tonight though, right?" Oh, she’s got it bad.

  "Right. No more waiting. I've procrastinated long enough. I'm going to do it," she said with determination.

  "Right now?" I asked.

  "No better time than the present."

  "Oh, shit!" I said aloud without thinking. "Hunter just took off in the other cab, and yes Maddie is with him. Sorry to say, but that girl is on a mission tonight."

  Aliah's wide eyes narrowed. "That'll change and fast. That bitch better keep her hands off my man or she's gonna have my foot in her face."

  A smirk was all I hinted. She's even worse than me. "They just left a few minutes ago. If we hurry, we won't be far behind them."

  Suddenly Ally grabbed her purse and stomped out of the bathroom. She breezed right passed Edwin, who seemed to be checking up on us, and stepped out the door.

  "What was that about?" Edwin asked, stunned by the smear of tears across Aliah’s face.

  "Don't ask," I said, as I locked up for the night.

  "I can tell you!" Aliah growled from outside. "Maddie better watch herself or she'll be getting a high-five. In the face. With a chair."

  "Okay. Forget I asked," Edwin replied, smirking.

  I quickly slipped into the back seat of the dirty yellow car. The interior wasn't much cleaner than the outside, so I sat up tall and made a great effort not to touch anything.

  Edwin squeezed in next to me. "Sweet ride," he said sarcastically, then slammed the door shut behind him.

  "Let's move buddy! There's an extra twenty in it for ya if you step on it," Aliah said.

  The dark haired cabby did just that, shooting dirt from the well-worn tires and leaving a trail of dust behind us.

  "That's what I'm talking about!" Aliah cheered happily. She tossed him an extra twenty when we got out of the car.

  We got there just fast enough to catch Hunter disappearing into the club, with Maddie tugging him along. Worse, it didn't look to me like he was putting up much of a fight. Aliah only saw red, so she stalked up the main drag ahead of us, passing the long line of loud, excitable people and up to the door of the club. Aliah looked back to me, as Edwin and I hurried to catch up with her. I could read her signs too. She wanted me to work my magic on the door man. I nodded to her and Edwin turned away hoping I'd make quick work of it.

  First I smiled to get his attention, then lifted my chest and held it out provocatively to distract him. After whispering discreetly in the doorman's ear, with my hand lingering on his buff chest, he was like putty in my hands. He checked me out, his eyes lingering on my low cut top and glittery cleavage, then he looked Aliah over head to toe.

  The doorman unlatched the clamp that had blocked our access and Aliah walked in ahead of me, winking at him. Not bad. I didn't even have to drop Kane's name.

  I reached back and twisted Edwin's shirt in my hands, then pulled him through the door. "He's with me," I said, batting my eye lashes as I passed.

  The doorman wasn't impressed that I pulled a fast one on him, but he let us pass. As we did, the excitable wannabe's turned from raring to go, to impatient, whining snobs. A couple of them had been hanging out by the door and tried to sneak in with us, but there was not a chance in hell that the doorman was going to let another person scam their way in.

  "To the back of the line,” he told them, simple and stern. “We're at capacity."

  We walked through the cool, dark blue hall until we were met with a quirking young woman with pink and bleached blonde hair, short and straight. She sat on a tall bar stool next to an even taller table. Standing next to her was a tall, heavyset man, with his head shaved bald and a grim look set on his face. He wore a black collared shirt that showed he was hired muscle. He stood there unsmiling with his hands folded over his sagging chest.

  Pinkerella had just stamped Aliah's hand and marked mine next as Edwin paid for our cover. Farther up the way, a group of ladies with dramatic makeup, forced cleavage and tight clothes, congregated on the left side of the hall. As I waited for Edwin, I watched them. A group of five chicas huddled there, the tallest being the leader of the pack. She stood out from the rest, being very blond, with long lean legs, by far the most striking of the bunch. The other girls seemed to magnetize to her and were hanging on her every word.

  Aliah walked right past them, without a look, as they sized her up. It was clear from the scowling that they pegged her as the competition. It didn't help that TJ greeted her, hugged his arms around her waist and spun her around, with a huge but genuine smile on his face, before she
hurried off to find Hunter.

  I smiled and watched the ladies drink him up as he came in to meet us. After TJ's recent dry spell, tonight was looking like his night.

  He smiled and nodded at the girls as he passed. "Ladies," he said.

  They all swooned and smiled, all eyes on him, as they assessed the muscles that pulled his shirt tight in all the right places.

  I overheard the blonde chiming to her friends. "I called him first."

  "You guys made it," TJ said. He rested his hand on my back and gave it a friendly rub.

  We started forward and TJ led the way, all the girls’ eyes on him. Just then, the blonde redirected her attention behind me and I knew exactly what she was doing. Her eyes were locked wide on Edwin, devouring his everything.

  I tucked my arm in his and tightened my grip to show her he’s mine, which I thought might fend off the vulture's eyes, but it didn't. Edwin didn't seem to notice her and looked at me to see what the sudden attachment was all about. That gave me some satisfaction, but as I glanced over my shoulder, the blonde bimbo continued to devour him.

  "Wait, I take that back," the blonde said, with wicked certainty. "This one's mine." Her eyes never left Edwin's ass.

  Oh. No. She. Didn't! In my fragile state, unable to let that slide, I tugged on Edwin until he came to a stop. He glanced at me confused.

  I went on my tippy toes and cupped my hands over his ear. "There's something I have to do. Be right back," I promised, before planting a soft kiss on his lips.

  "Don’t be long." Edwin smiled, cute and curious. He carried on down the hall toward TJ and disappeared into the hot sticky dance room with him.

  I couldn't drop what had just happened. I wouldn’t. There was an overwhelming, nagging recklessness just begging me to do something about it. Turning on my heel, I spun around to face the whore eyeing up my man and strutted right over to the blonde bimbo and her trampy troop. "Hey you," I called rudely, as I approached.

  The bimbo looked me eye to eye, suddenly recognizing who I am.