Bare Yourself (Consumed: Book Two)

by Alex Grayson

  Not finding him lurking in the shadows or behind any cars, I tell Minnie, “I’m on my way,” as I rush to my car, unlock it, and climb inside, making sure to lock it behind me.

  With getting off early, I’m able to avoid the mad Atlanta rush hour traffic, and make it home in half the time. When I walk in the door, Logan is standing on the other side waiting for me. Without a word, he stalks off into the living room, and I follow. Luna’s asleep in her bassinet and Minnie sits on the couch beside it. When she sees me, she gets up and rushes over, pulling me into a hug.

  “Tell me what happened,” I demand after I pull back from Minnie.

  I’ve never seen Logan look so angry before. He’s normally one of the happiest guys you’ve ever met. Now though, his eyes are slitted and not the normal light gray, but a stormy color. There’s a tight line around his mouth, and the vein in his neck throbs.

  “Your brother is a fucking crazy asshole,” Logan growls.

  I look down and see his hands balled into fists. My stomach plummets when I notice his knuckles have dried blood on them. I glance back at his face and search it, not noticing any damage.

  “What happened?” I ask again, but this time my voice comes out a croak. Minnie grabs my hand and walks me over to the couch.

  “The motherfucker tried barging into the house, that’s what happened. When I told him you weren’t here, he obviously didn’t believe me.” He lifts his hand and flexes his fingers. “I knocked his fucking teeth down his throat when he tried shoving his way in and got busted knuckles in the process. With blood spewing from his mouth, he left.”

  I wince. It hurts me knowing that my brother got hurt, but it hurts even more that he forced Logan to hurt him. I don’t blame Logan, I blame Bryan for forcing Logan’s hand.

  Tears gather in my eyes when I tell Logan, “You need to have a blood test done.”

  Minnie’s hand in mine gets tighter.

  “Yeah,” he grunts. “I figured as much when I saw the track marks on his arms. Office closes early today. I’ll make an appointment tomorrow.”

  My jaw clenches in anger. If Logan gets some type of disease from Bryan’s blood from all the shooting up he’s done, I’ll kill him myself.

  My eyes slide back and forth between Minnie’s and Logan’s. “I swear I never told him where I was. He didn’t even know I was coming to Atlanta.”

  “Not your fault, Willow,” Logan reassures me in a firm tone, but I still feel like it is. If it wasn’t for me, Bryan would have never stepped foot on their property. It makes me sick to think of what could have happened if Minnie had opened the door.

  Minnie grabs my face and forces me to look at her. “Don’t blame yourself for this. We’re your friends, and friends are there for each other. Besides, I forced you to stay with us, remember?”

  “But he could have hurt you or Luna.” I shake my head. “It would kill me if something happened to either of you.”

  “But he didn’t, and he won’t.”

  “Fuck no, he won’t,” Logan growls.

  I nod, but it still doesn’t make me feel any better. They can say it wasn’t my fault until they are blue in the face, but the fact remains, I brought Bryan here. I should have been more stern about staying in a hotel until I could find my own place.

  “I’m going to go pack my things. I have a couple more places to look at tomorrow. Hopefully one of them will pan out. I’ll stay in a hotel until then.”

  When I go to get up, Minnie tightens her hand around mine.

  “You’re not going anywhere,” she states, her voice unyielding.

  “But—” I don’t get to protest before Logan cuts in.

  “Your ass is staying here, where I can keep watch on you until this fucker is gone.”

  “Logan—”

  “It’s not up for debate, Willow. I saw your brother. He’s obviously unstable. There’s no way I’m letting you go out on your own with him loose. There’s no telling what he’ll do. You’re staying, so get used to it.”

  I bristle, both at his tone and what he says. I don’t want to think Bryan would hurt me, it makes my chest feel tight, but Logan’s right. There’s no telling what Bryan will do. I know this more than anyone. I’ve told them bits and pieces of how bad it’s gotten, but they don’t know the worst parts. They don’t know the horrors I’ve seen caused by Bryan.

  “Are you sure?” Logan doesn’t answer, just gives me a look. I sigh and rub my clammy hands down my skirt. “Only for a little while.” When Logan goes to interrupt, I don’t let him this time. “We’ll see how things play out. Maybe you scared him enough to leave.”

  He gives me a doubtful look, but doesn’t reply. Yeah, I don’t believe me either. If my brother was willing to come all this way, something I have no clue how he did because he has no money, I’m sure getting his teeth knocked in won’t get him to back off. Fear races down my spine when I think about what Bryan may do next.

  I look at Logan, then Minnie, and then let my eyes settle on the bassinet where Luna is still sleeping. I love my friends with my whole heart. They’re more than friends to me, they’re the only family I have left. I’d do anything for them, anything to protect them, just as much as they apparently would do for me.

  I send up a silent prayer that me being here doesn’t hurt them. I love my brother, but the man he is now isn’t him, so if I should have to choose, I’d pick these three people to protect over him. I just hope it doesn’t come to that.

  Chapter Eleven

  Tegan

  I pick up the woman in front of me and squeeze the life out of her. Air whooshes into my ear as she grunts out a breath. I pay it no mind and squeeze her tighter, then twist back and forth, her body dangling from my arms.

  “Jesus, Tegan,” she wheezes. “I can’t fucking breathe. Put me down, you brute!”

  I drop Abby to her feet, then plant a loud kiss on her cheek before releasing her. She rubs her ribs and shoots me a glare. “Crazy ass.”

  I pout playfully. “It’s been sooo long since I’ve seen you. I was a bit excited,” I tell her, and finish with a cheeky grin.

  “It was just a couple of weeks ago that we all had lunch,” she grumbles, letting Colt, her man, pull her to his side. She places her hand on his stomach and continues to glare at me.

  “That’s way too fucking long. I missed you.”

  It’s true. I did miss her and it was only two weeks ago the last time I saw her. But I’m used to seeing her three or four times a week. I’m glad she finally found a man she feels comfortable to be herself around and who accepts her for who she is, but fuck if I don’t miss her. She’s one of my best friends and a part of my family.

  I look over and see Willow watching the exchange. There’s a strange expression on her face, like she’s not sure what’s going on. And do I detect a hint of jealousy maybe? Although she has absolutely nothing to worry about, I like the thought of her being jealous. It means she cares.

  I snag her around the waist and drag her over to me, bending down to drop a single kiss to her lips. I turn back and face Abby and Colt.

  “Willow, these are my friends, Abby and her fiancé, Colt. This hot little chick here is my Willow.” I give her waist a squeeze.

  She lets out a strangled laugh and blushes prettily before extending her hand. “Hi. I’ve heard so much about you both.”

  Abby rolls her eyes, but then smiles as she takes Willow’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Tegan can be a bit dramatic at times, so there’s no telling if what he says is true or not.”

  “Hey!”

  Willow laughs and elbows me in the ribs. “It was all good.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Willow,” Colt says.

  “Come on. I’m starving.”

  Grabbing her hand, I pull Willow behind me over to the booth we always use. Nathan and Ava are already there. Since there are six of us now, there isn’t enough room for all of us at the booth, so I slide a small table and a couple chairs over, extending our sitting area and
table space. Abby sits beside Nathan in the booth and Colts sits in the chair at the table.

  “Out,” I tell Ava, throwing a thumb over my shoulder.

  “Excuse me?” Her eyes narrow into slits.

  “You’re sitting here.” I point to the table.

  She pats the extra space beside her and says, “There’s plenty enough room for someone to sit here and the other person to sit at the table.”

  I shake my head. “Not good. Willow and I are sharing the booth.”

  “Tegan,” Willow interrupts. “It’s okay. I’ll sit at the table.”

  “Nope.” I lean down and run my nose along her cheek until I’m at her ear, where I whisper loudly, but know the others hear me, “What if I want to do dirty things to you under the table? I won’t be able to reach you as easily.”

  “Really, Tegan?” Ava asks, her lips twitching.

  Several groans and grumbles ensue, while Willow nearly chokes on her spit. Because I’m a great guy, I pat her back, helping her breathe easily again. I ignore the others and smile big, then turn back to Ava.

  “Well?”

  “Ask nicely, and I might give up my seat,” she taunts.

  Being the good sport that I am, and because I really want to share a seat with Willow, I bow at the waist. “Please, O beautiful and mighty Ava, will you please get up so I can share a seat with Willow?” And just because I’m me, I tack on, “Because I want to do naughty things up her skirt and it would be ever so much better to have her in the seat beside me.”

  Abby laughs, and I send her a wink. Nathan says, “You’re ridiculous,” and I just shrug at him. Colt mutters under his breath something I can’t understand, making Abby elbow him in the ribs. And Willow stands beside me, speechless. That’s one of the things I like most about my friends, they don’t judge me. They know my vices and accept them.

  Rolling her eyes, Ava slowly slides across the seat and slips out of the booth. I ruffle her hair. “Thanks, A.”

  Willow sits, and I follow. When I put my hand on her leg, she grabs it, digging her claws in, and lifts it to the tabletop, where she retracts her claws and pats the top.

  “I don’t think so,” she says sweetly with a smile.

  “Ahh… come on,” I whine. “You’re no fun.”

  “Later.”

  “Hey, Tegan,” Ava calls. When I look at her, a smirk lifts one corner of her mouth. “You just got rejected, buddy. How does it feel?”

  Willow laughs along with the others.

  “It’s gonna feel damn good later when I have my cock—” I don’t get a chance to finish before Willow pinches my thigh.

  “Fuck, woman!” I rub at the sore muscle. “That hurt! You’re mean.”

  “How do you feel now?”

  “A hell of a lot worse than I’m going to feel later.” I just can’t help myself. I laugh at her glare.

  “Maybe you should stop now, before you feel your own hand around your cock later and not mine.”

  “Burn!” Ava shouts, pointing her finger at me.

  “You wouldn’t,” I accuse.

  “Try me.”

  “Okay. Wait a minute,” Abby butts in. She turns to Ava. “Ava, babe, no offense, but Willow here is my new best friend.”

  Ava laughs. “Fuck you. She’s my new best friend.”

  “That’s okay. I can have two new best friends,” Willow puts in, amused.

  “Looks like you finally found someone to rein you in,” Nathan inserts. “I’m sorry, Willow.”

  She smiles. “Oh, I think I can handle him.”

  “Screw you all. I’m hungry. Let’s order food.”

  They all laugh at me, and I secretly laugh with them. I’m glad Willow fits in with my friends. They are a big part of my life. There’s no way I could be with someone who doesn’t get along with them.

  Nathan waves over the waitress, a lady by the name of Beatrice. She’s worked at Suzie’s for as long as we’ve been coming here. She’s an older lady with gray hair she wears in a bun at the back of her head and she’s as sweet as pie. Speaking of pie…

  “Hey Bea, you got any of that homemade pie?” I ask.

  “I do.” She beams a smile at me. Beatrice is the shit. “But you need to eat something more substantial before I bring you a slice. You want your usual?”

  “Yes, ma’am. But you promise to not give my slice away, right?” Suzie’s homemade pies are to die for, and you’re lucky if you get any. I’ll damn near kill anyone who tries to take my portion.

  Her smile is kind. “Nope. I’ll dish it up and set it in the fridge for you for later.”

  We all order our usual. Since this is Willow’s first time here, I help her out and tell her all the best items on the menu. She ends up ordering the same thing as me.

  “So, what’s new with you lately, Abby?” Ava asks, after Beatrice walks away.

  “Not a lot. Colt and I have been watching Lizzy lately. Colt’s mom hasn’t been feeling well, so we’ve taken over until she does. That’s why I haven’t been around much.”

  “I hope it’s nothing serious,” Ava remarks.

  “Just her old age catching up with her,” Colt says. “She doesn’t like to admit it, but she can’t do as much as she used to. She needs to learn to slow down.”

  “She’ll figure it out.” Abby looks over at Ava with a smile.

  “I’m never getting old,” I tell the group.

  “Oh yeah?” Nathan says, looking amused.

  “Yep.”

  “And how are you going to prevent that? You plan on dying in the next ten years?”

  I shake my head. “Nope. I’m going to find a brain surgeon and have him put my brain in a younger body once I reach forty. I’ll have him do this over and over again.”

  “You’re an idiot,” Ava says, laughing at me.

  “Hey, that’s offensive.”

  “No, what’s offensive is your idiot brain. The brain is a functioning part of your body. It’s going to get old as well and eventually cease to function just as much as a body will.”

  “Duh.” I roll my eyes dramatically. “By the time that happens they’ll be able to make artificial brains. They’ll just take all my memories and transfer them into an artificial one. It’ll be a miracle. I’ll live forever.”

  Everyone laughs, giving me exactly what I want.

  “And how do you plan on paying for this?” Colt inquires, playing along. “It’s gonna be expensive.”

  “You’re going to pay for it. You’re rich, so you can afford it.”

  He lifts a brow. “I am?”

  “Maybe.”

  “No is more like it.”

  I sigh. “Fine. The money from the lottery I’m going to win will pay for it.”

  “Do you even play the lottery?” It’s Willow’s turn to ask.

  I scratch my chin thoughtfully. “Good point. Guess I’m getting old after all.” I throw my arm over the back of the chair and bend down to her ear. “You gonna get old with me?”

  I pull back and look into her eyes. She’s looks surprised by my question, and I don’t blame her. I’ve shocked myself. But my shock comes from hoping like hell her answer is yes. It’s hard to believe that I’ve only known her a few weeks. It feels more like years, and I only want to know her even longer. I never want to not know her. She’s special and I want her to know it.

  I’m disappointed when she doesn’t have time to answer before Beatrice comes back with our food. I’m dying to know what she’s thinking. Are her feelings just as strong as mine? I don’t know exactly what I’m feeling for her, but I know it goes way beyond just physical attraction. I want more than just sex with her. I want to know every facet of her and for her to know every facet of me. I think about her all the time, even when I try not to. She’s invaded my brain, and I know it won’t be long before she invades other parts of me. Vital parts of me.

  We all sit around the half-empty diner, enjoying our food and talking bullshit. Willow tries to snag a bit of my pie when Beatrice
drops it off, but I slide the plate away.

  “Looks good, doesn’t it?” I taunt, slipping a bite of the best damn coconut cream pie into my mouth. “Mmm,” I moan.

  “Asshole. Gimme a bite.” She tries again to dig her fork in, but I bat her hand away.

  “Nah-uh. What will you give me for it?” I take another bite and close my eyes.

  “Hey, Beatrice,” Abby calls.

  “What do you need, sweetie?” she yells from behind the counter.

  “Do you have any more of that coconut cream pie?” Abby asks, sliding her eyes my way without turning her head. She’s silently laughing at me, so I give her a glare.

  “I’m sorry, sweetie. That was the last piece.” My glare turns into a chuckle. “But we have a couple of the chocolate mousse.”

  “It’s not as good,” I mumble quietly around a mouthful.

  “That’s okay, Beatrice, but thank you anyway.” Abby looks at Willow with an apology. “Sorry. I tried.”

  “No worries.” Willow smiles. A second later, I feel a hand grab my dick through my jeans and give it a firm squeeze. Not to hurt, but to distract. I choke on my pie and my fork clunks to the plate. Willow takes advantage of my surprise and snatches the plate from my hand. She has a bite in her mouth before I realize what happened.

  “Hey! Give that back!” I demand.

  “What will you give me for it?”

  She has whipped cream on the corner of her mouth, so I reach over and lick it off for her.

  “I’ll fuck you right here bent over this table.”

  Her eyes widen, and it’s my turn to snatch the plate away. She pouts when she realizes she no longer has the pie. I take pity on her and scoop up a bite with my fork and offer it to her.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, but that’s all you get. The rest is mine.”

  She sticks out her tongue at me. “Fine. Have your pie and eat it too.”

  “I will, thank you.”

  Everyone around us laughs. I fucking love my life.

  I end up giving Willow two more bites of pie. She doesn’t realize it, but I’d give her every slice I could find of Suzie’s homemade pies, if it brought the same smile to her face that she’s wearing right now.