All for an Angel
Jasmine Black
All for an Angel
Copyright © 2009 by Jasmine Black
All rights reserved.
Cover design by Jasmine Black
Published by Jasmine Black at Smashwords
Smashwords Edition 1.0, October 2009
Visit Jasmine Black at her blog
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Chapter 1
What the hell? This can’t be happening.
“Ma’am, I need to see your license and registration.” The officer pointed his flashlight at her breasts.
“You’ve got to be joking.” Amy Bradshaw laughed.
“This is no laughing matter. Speeding is a crime, and I’m going to have to write you a ticket.” The officer opened his book, but left the light turned on the same spot.
She shifted in her seat, uncomfortable about his gaze on her breasts. “A ticket? For three miles over the speed limit?” She had been working double shifts three days a week, for the last month, saving to move from that roach infested hole the landlord called an apartment. With the speeding ticket last week, her car needing tires and now this impending ticket, all her hard earned money would be gone. “Gabe, does this have anything to do with the fact you asked me out not ten minutes ago, and I turned you down?” She rolled her eyes and hoped it was too dark for him to see.
“Again,” he muttered.
“What?” What was he talking about and did he have to pull her over on Main Street? Even at night, the whole town would recognize her car.
“You turned me down again. License and registration.”
If her luck didn’t change, she’d never be able to move out of that hell hole. She gripped the steering wheel, willing herself to maintain her poise. “Please don’t do this. My insurance will go through the roof, and it’s hard enough to put food on the table for Angel and me.”
The six foot, solid steel man flinched at the mention of the three foot, pudgy-cheeked girl. Oh, why did I bring up Angel? She should have just given him the documents he wanted and kept her mouth shut. But then her cash would be gone, and she’d have nothing as a deposit for that apartment on the nicer side of Seawell. The small Indiana town had grown fast over the last few years, making good affordable apartments a rare commodity.
Gabe wandered around her car, checked the lights, and then came back. “I’m going to have to ask you to step out of the car.” His voice stayed calm and in control even though she could see the pain on his face.
She wanted to argue her case more, but instead she shoved open the car door and stepped out. Her baby waited with the sitter and needed to be tucked in bed. She didn’t have time or the strength to go through this again. Going on a date with Gabriel Hawkins, a.k.a. Hawk, was out of the question. It hurt having to say no to him over and over, but she didn’t have a choice. Too much was at stake to risk it.
The night breeze blew across her exposed skin and cooled her. She’d only been in her car a few minutes but without air-conditioning it was stifling.
He flashed the light inside her beat-up old Pinto and cleared his throat when the beam landed on the stained car seat. She despised what her past mistake had done to him.
As he riffled around, she couldn’t help but stare at his muscular arms and tight butt in his uniform. Nor could she stop the thought of running her fingers through the short brown curls growing at the nape of his neck. The curls were sexy when he let his hair grow out.
“If you need some cash to get you through—”
“No, no. I did okay with tips tonight, and I couldn’t ask you for money. Lou’s the one who’s behind on child support.” Behind? Hell, that man had never paid one dime. Plus, she didn’t have a court order to make him pay. She’d been stupid and naïve to leave his name off the birth certificate. But she’d been in denial, praying to God Gabe was the father, even though it was impossible.
He stopped looking through her car, slid his flashlight into a loop on his pants and took her by the arms. “He doesn’t pay? Wait till I find that no good…I can’t believe we have the same blood in our veins.”
“Gabe, don’t start a fight with your brother. Promise me?” She looked into his eyes shadowed by the brim of his hat, but she knew the color by heart. Sky blue when he laughed and a deeper ocean blue when he was angry. She guessed they were the darker shade right now.
“He should help you. It’s not right that you have to work double shifts at the diner while he’s off having fun as if he has no responsibilities. Or at least none he’d acknowledge. Let me take you to dinner Friday and for once have someone wait on you. I’ll even forget the citation.” He dropped her arms and closed the ticket book he hadn’t written in.
Instantly, she missed the feel of his hands on her bare skin. “I can’t. Friday is my best shift and then there’s Angel…” She hated discussing her parenting issues with Gabe, the man who had loved her since junior high. The brother she should have been with instead of the loser who knocked her up at eighteen and split town.
“Saturday, and Mom will watch her. She just said she never gets to see Angel.”
“So you're bribing me and making me feel guilty to go out with you?”
“Ouch, do you have to put it like that? My ego is already bruised.” He held his hand over his heart as if she’d stomped it. His ego would be fine. And if he’d just stop looking at her, he’d see how many women in town wanted to date him.
“How do I tell a four-year-old, Mommy’s going on a date with Uncle Gabe?”
“I’ll pick the two of you up about five. Tell her she’s going to go see Grandma, and we’re going out for a bit. She won’t care after she gets to Mom’s. It’s a win-win situation. Angel gets spoiled, Mom sees her only grandchild and you get dinner served to you.”
“And what do you get?” She tried to smooth down her windblown hair the best she could with her fingers.
“I get the date I’ve waited so long for with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Why did he have to be so sweet? She was a mess, food caked on her waitress outfit. Her hair pulled back in a ponytail with stray strands flying loose. Not to mention everything that had happened between them and he still wanted to be a part of her life?
What the hell? One little date couldn’t hurt, right? Didn’t she deserve a night out, to be pampered? She worked so hard, and she was a good mother. Money didn’t make anyone a better parent, it just made it easier.
“Well?” He grinned and shrugged his shoulders.
How could she refuse him anymore? She wanted to be with him. And it was only one date. Just a few short hours, no one would find out. His sexy grin and cute shrug squashed any resolve she had left.
“Okay—”
“Yes!” He smacked his hands together then cupped her face and planted a quick kiss on her lips.
“Slow down. It’s just dinner. No funny stuff.” Her lips tingled and hungered for another taste of his.
He raised his fingers in a scout’s honor salute. “Just dinner. No funny stuff. I get it.” A wicked smile formed from the corners of his lips.
Funny, she didn’t remember him being a boy scout, but she’d take her chances anyway.
Chapter 2
Amy shifted Angel to her left arm and fumbled with the key i
n the lock. Her baby was growing so fast and getting too heavy for her to wag around. Pushing the door open, she noticed the soft glow coming from the table lamp.
Great! She cringed and felt the vomit rising in her throat.
Struggling to keep her balance, she closed the door with her foot and dropped her purse. Without a word, she passed him and took Angel to the bedroom. She laid her down on the bed and tucked the sheet to her chin. Taking a deep breath, she slipped off her shoes and headed for the living room. Of all nights, he would have to show up and remind her why she’d told Gabe no for so long.
She closed the bedroom door and hoped Angel wouldn’t wake up. “What are you doing here, Lou?”
“Do you always have to ask me that question?” He paused, but she wasn’t in the talking mood. “I’m here to see my kid. Where’ve you been?”
“Working, Lou, always working. And you know Angel’s asleep. If you’d like to see her in the daylight hours, call me so we can arrange something. Right now, I’m tired and would like to go to bed.”
“Don’t be rude. I’m here, so come sit down and make the arrangement.” He patted the couch cushion next to him.
She didn’t like the way his voice dropped low when he’d said arrangement, but maybe he was willing to spend time with Angel for once. Sitting down, the smell of beer overtook her. “You’re drunk.”
He laughed. “And horny, too.” He ran his hand up her thigh.
“Stop it.” She tried to shove his hand away, but he grabbed hers. Disgust washed over her and she regretted believing him.
He pushed her down and pinned her under his large frame. “I need you, Amy. I’m lonely and you feel so good.” He kissed her neck. “Your pussy’s hot.”
She wiggled beneath him, trying to escape, but it only increased his desire as she felt his dick grow against her leg. “Knock it off. I don’t want this.” Her stomach churned.
“Just give it to me.” Lodging his knee between her legs, he pushed them open and settled between them.
Her heart sped up as he worked on her shirt. She slapped against his shoulders, but he captured her hands with one of his and forced them above her head. “Lou, no!” Using the only moveable part of her, she rammed her head against his.
“Damn it, Amy, that hurt.” He sat up some, but kept her pinned.
Shaking, she forced herself to slow her breathing.
Grasping her by the back of her head, he covered her mouth with his and forced his tongue inside. Clamping her teeth around it, she bit.
He jumped back. “Fucking bitch!” Standing, he grabbed his mouth. “What the fuck is wrong with you?”
“I don’t want to do this.” She straightened her blouse.
“He came by the diner tonight, didn’t he?”
She hung her head and avoided eye contact. “No.”
“Don’t lie to me. You always fight me when you’ve seen him. Maybe I should just take you rough.” He paced and stared down at her. His blue eyes raged with anger. He looked so much like Gabe, but yet so different-smug and arrogant. Not at all sweet, gentle or kind.
“Why do you keep coming here? You don’t love me or Angel. And if you’re lonely, you could find someone who wanted to go out with you. You’re rich and good looking.” She didn’t want to admit he was hot, but she couldn’t think otherwise. He was after all Gabe’s twin brother.
He got close enough to her face that his nose touched hers. “I don’t want anyone but Jenna! And since Gabe took her away from me, I took you away from him. You’re mine and don’t forget it. The moment you do, I’ll push for custody of Angel and I’ll fuck Gabe over so bad he’ll never forgive you.” He kissed her lips. “I played a little poker with Judge Mathis, Chief Daniels and District Attorney Hay tonight. They sent you their best.”
Vomit rose to the base of her throat as he caressed her check and neck.
“Now be a good girl and give me that pussy.”
Tears formed behind her lids. What choice did she have? She lived in a drug infested neighborhood and scraped out a living by waiting tables. Lou owned a graphic design business and had accumulated a large clientele, enough to buy the best lawyer and stuff her heart into a shredder. Hell, the Judge was already in his back pocket, he didn’t even need an attorney.
She slowly unbuttoned her shirt with trembling hands.
“That’s it.” He licked his lips, and she wanted to spit in his face. “Let me see your big titties.”
He watched as she finished undressing and lay down on the couch. He stripped his clothes and rolled on a condom. As he climbed on top of her and slid inside, tears rolled down her face.
“Oh, hell. Close your eyes and pretend I’m Gabe if you need to, but fuck me back.”
In her mind she saw Gabe’s eyes, looking at her with longing. She felt his hands on her body and thought about the quick kiss he’d planted on her lips a little over an hour ago. She dreamed of him arresting her, cuffing her to his bed and doing a striptease in his uniform for her.
The thought of Gabe made her wet and hungry with desire. She bucked and met his thrust, ran her hand down his muscled back, over his tight butt and squeezed.
He moaned. “Oh yeah. That’s it Amy, fuck Gabe.” He kissed her neck and sent a tingle to her breasts.
It was wrong. Not to mention disgusting, with Lou’s beer breath on her skin, but she wanted Gabe. She needed him to fill her, ached for him.
She wrapped her legs around him, arched her back and grinded her hips against him.
“God you want him, you little vixen.” He sat up and pulled her with him, his cock deep inside. “Ride his dick, baby.”
“Fuck!” She slammed up and down is cock, wanting more and bit his neck. Her pussy convulsed around his shaft.
He grabbed her hips and pumped her harder. She couldn’t get enough as if she’d been starved for Gabe’s touch. “Squeeze my breasts.”
Without hesitation, he complied, tugged on her nipples, and pinched them. “Oh God, Gabe!” She cried out as she came and her juices ran down his shaft. Still riding him hard, his cock twitched inside and he moaned over and over.
She climbed off his lap and started for the bathroom.
He grabbed her hand. “Damn that was hot. He really makes you horny. Next time you want him, give me a call. And when I come over, just fuck me so I don’t have to get nasty with you.”
Repulsed by her actions, she headed for the shower. When the water was scalding, it still wasn’t hot enough to wash away her shame and regret. Scrubbing herself until her skin felt raw, she couldn’t forget what a mess her life was. After turning off the water, she curled by the toilet, still naked and vomited. She couldn’t stop the nasty cycle. Lou’s threats and her desire for Gabe.
She slid on her gown and slipped under the sheet. Hugging Angel close, she closed her eyes and cried herself to sleep, hoping it would be a long time before Lou came calling again.
Chapter 3
Gabe pulled into the parking lot of Amy’s apartment building at four forty-five on Saturday. The last thing he wanted to be was late.
He scowled as he glanced around The Pharmacy, as it was known for the illegal drug dealings. The place made his skin crawl every time he came around. Lou, that jackass of a brother, had put her in this spot. Gabe knew for a fact Lou could pay his child support. He just saw him two months ago with a brand new Mustang, while Amy’s car broke down every other week.
She should have told me. All she had to do was slap charges on that jerk, and he would arrest the dead beat himself. Except, Lou would deny the kid, like always, they’d need a DNA test and then a court date, on and on. Hell, that little girl looked just like his brother and himself for that matter.
Four fifty-five. He slid out of his car holding a bunch of mixed flowers and headed to the door, zigzagging through broken down cars. A dozen red roses described his feelings better, but he didn’t want to scare her away. Five years of pining, of waiting for her to throw him some table scraps, and he wasn’t about t
o blow it now.
He smoothed down the mess of curls that had appeared almost overnight, let out a deep sigh and knocked on the door. I need a haircut. Why didn’t I get that done? Tonight needs to be perfect.
The sound of chains rattling came from inside. How many locks did she have on the door? However many she had, the place wasn’t safe. Someday, something bad would happen.
The door flew open, and Amy dashed away just as fast. “Come on in.”
He entered and found Angel running around with one arm in her shirt and one arm out. One untied shoe on and the other in Amy’s hand as she chased the laughing speed demon.
“Get over here. Uncle Gabe is ready to take you to Grandma’s house. Don’t you want to go? She gives you ice cream.”
“Uncle Gabe.” Angel ran into his arms, almost smashing the flowers.
He scooped her up with his right arm and handed an out-of-breath Amy the bouquet. “Let’s get you dressed, and then we’ll go for a ride.” Angel allowed him to put on her shirt and shoes as well as tie them.
“Oh, great! Sit still for Uncle Gabe.” She softened her voice and glanced toward Gabe. “By the way, thanks for the flowers. They’re beautiful.” She put them in an old jar and inhaled their aroma.
Shit! I should have gotten her a vase.
“You’re welcome, but I got them for my little angel.” He blew a raspberry on his niece’s belly, making her laugh. “You might want to grab a change of clothes for her. You know Mom will have chocolate syrup for that ice cream.”
“Good thinking. I’ll be right back.”
As he played with Angel, he couldn’t help noticing the old appliances and tattered carpet. The drywall was also cracked and stained with water spots. What was wrong with Lou?
After he gave Angel a few more raspberries and tickles, Amy came back with a small bag. Her light brown hair hung loose around her shoulders, and she wore her best jeans. The ones that outlined her curvy ass and gave him a hard-on every time he saw them. He remembered the feel of her ass in his hands from the last time he touched it, five years ago. Oh, how he wanted to touch it again, tonight. The original plan had been dinner and then shoot some pool, but no way in hell could he go through the torture of watching her bend over the table.
All For An Angel Page 1