Scarred Love

by M. S. Brannon

  Drake’s leg sweeps across mine as they’re rolling around on the floor, causing me to lose my balance and dumping the cold water on my lap. Now I’m pissed!

  I stand up and kick both of them in the gut, making them wince. “Douche bags!”

  They both look up at my soaked pants and let out side-splitting laughs. I roll my eyes at their juvenile behavior and smack them both in the arm. “You guys are such dicks sometimes.”

  Jake climbs out from under Drake and holds out his hand to help his brother off the floor. “Truce?”

  Drake grips his hand. “Truce.”

  “Sorry, Presley, I was just teasing.” Jake rarely apologizes for his actions, but I’m sure he gets the same vibe as the rest of us. Presley’s privileged life is not as easy as we think.

  “It’s okay.”She stands from the couch and presses her body into Drake’s side. He puts his arm around her, putting her at ease.

  Jeremy walks in the back door and holds up his cell phone. We all look at him confused before he says, “We’re gathering up at Old Miller’s Road. Looks like this new guy is ready to take on Sulfur Heights’ race scene.”

  Reggie

  I pull my cell phone out of my pocket and wait for the incoming text. Today I will make my first payment with the additional two hundred dollars added to my already exorbitant installment. Normally, I send my payments through the mail, but Robert has insisted I deliver this one in person. Honestly, he’s doing it because he knows how much he got under my skin when we spoke the other day and, in true Robert form, he’s going to take full advantage of my anger. He’ll be waiting for me to slip up, and if I do, she’ll be gone.

  Darcie’s stepfather is well known in the wealthy community. He owns a successful consulting firm and works with major players in the business world. I wonder what his so-called friends would think of his fixation for abusing little girls. Would he still be the man he is today?

  When I pull into the bar parking lot and kill the engine, I lay my head back on the headrest and recall the night I met Darcie. It was exceptionally cold that night. My breath was a puff of smoke around my face as I released the air from my lungs. I was rounding the corner, turning onto Washington Street, about three blocks from home, when I heard a scream. It wasn’t loud, it was pleading. My feet came to an abrupt halt. I was tired from my three mile jog. I looked up to the run down house; it was dark with no lights on and there were no cars in the driveway. I could have been mistaken, but then I heard it again. The scream was meek, but it was definitely coming from the upstairs of that house.

  I ran to the back door, peeking through the windows. Nothing. The sound came from the house again, but this time it was frantic. Fearing someone had an accident and was hurt, I busted through the back door. Her hysterical screams were louder, echoing down the hallway as I ascended the stairs.

  When I opened the door, my stomach dropped at the sight of a naked teenage girl, bound by handcuffs to an old, metal bed. The smell of urine was penetrating my nose, causing my eyes to water. Her skin was painted with red slashes, dark purple bruises and raised, puffy welts. I ran to her side, careful how I touched her battered body, and yanked the blindfold off her eyes. She was still screaming until she focused on my face. Darcie looked deep into my eyes and asked, “Are you…my knight in shining armor?”

  I ran my hands up and down her arms, trying to calm her. A wave of emotions crashed into me with unbelievable force when I looked into her glistening green eyes. I instantly wanted to protect her, to save her from whoever had done this to her. I wanted to kill the person responsible for hurting her. I whispered, “Always. You’re safe now.”

  The ring of my cell phone snaps me out of my reverie. “Good afternoon, Reggie. Do you have my money?”

  “Yes. When and where do you want to meet?”

  “I’m out on business. I will meet you Tuesday night at your bar. Be in the parking lot at ten pm.”

  “Fine.”

  I move to shut off the phone when his voice catches my attention. I should have hung up, but I didn’t. “How’s my girl doing? Are you taking good care of her, Reggie?”

  “Fuck you, Robert!”

  “She’s a sweet, young woman now. So supple and ripe. Have you thought about it, Reggie? Touching her?”

  “I’m warning you, Robert, shut your damn mouth before I break your jaw!”

  “I’ve been thinking about terminating our relationship. The girl is ripe and untouched. I think I need to be the one to break her in. Then, once I’m done, she’s all yours. What do you think, Reggie?”

  “If you even come close to her again, I will destroy you. Do you understand?”

  “Just like you destroyed Vinnie?” The blood rushes from my face at the mention of his name. “We will see about that. Just keep an eye on her. You don’t want her to come up missing.” The phone goes dead.

  I get out of my car. The anger is searing through me and I start to pace the parking lot. Gravel crunches under my boots as I take long strides back and forth like a caged lion. Walking to the nearest tree, I begin to annihilate it. Lacerations form across my knuckles, however I continue my assault. Blood is dripping down my hand when I finally bring to a halt my abuse on the tree. I step over loose bark, making my way inside the bar and into the bathroom.

  Gavin is stocking the cooler when he sees me walk in. “Whoa, man. Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, just had a little accident with the tree. Will you get the first aid kit out of the office?”

  “Sure will, Reggie.” Gavin jogs out from behind the bar and collects the first aid kit. I rinse my wounds and wrap my hand in gauze. I open and close it, stretching the muscles. It’s sore with every movement, but doesn’t seem broken.

  The sheer mention of Vinnie’s name puts me on full alert. I reach in my pocket and make a quick call. “Jeremy, he’s threatening to take her again. Don’t let her out of your sight.” I return the phone to my pocket. He will have to kill me before he even tries to hurt her again.

  Chapter 14

  Darcie

  Once it’s dark, we all pile in the Challenger and make our way to Old Miller’s Road. Jeremy informed us there is a big race tonight between Tommy Sykes and the loud mouth new guy, Grady McGuire. He’s from a neighboring city and has worked his way up in the drag racing scene. Most cocky newbie’s have no idea how serious drag racing is taken in Sulfur Heights, but they all come aspiring to be the best. Mostly, they leave with their tail between their legs and their car in ruins, though. Tommy Sykes is one of the best drag racers on the scene, besides Jeremy, and if he’s accepting a challenge, then it’s going to be packed with spectators.

  We make our way to the outskirts of town, following a winding gravel road up to a large wooded area. Large trees blanket the crowd as we pull up to find a place to park. As predicted, the crowd is enormous and eager with anticipation to see the race. It seems every person who lives south of the railroad tracks is here to watch the show.

  I climb out of the car and readjust myself. When I left the house I was in no mood to impress anyone, but Presley looked too cute in her long, gray, tunic sweater, black leggings, and Uggs. I couldn’t help myself and decided to put a little effort into my wardrobe. I pulled on dark blue skinny jeans and my favorite knee high boots, sans heels. This is complimented by a black, lace cami and my favorite leather motorcycle jacket. We wore the same smoky eyes and shell pink lip gloss as we did the night before, but Presley pulled my hair back in a messy bun. It only took her a couple minutes, but looked like I had sat for hours getting it styled. I love it! She has a talent, there’s no doubt about it. I never thought I would admit this, but I really enjoy having another girl to hang around with. Weird?

  I look to my right and see Jeremy’s friend, Ronnie, is taking bets with Tommy Sykes as the favored winner. Four trucks are backed up to the main gathering area with the beds holding kegs of beer. The line stretches at each truck and eager under-aged kids are waiting patiently to get a taste of the ale. As we sta
nd amongst the growing crowd, I watch Drake take Presley’s hand. He lifts her chin and tenderly places a kiss to her lips. From this simple gesture, he’s announcing he’s officially off the market. The skanks who are still pining after Drake now have their dreams shattered and an invisible target has been placed on Presley’s back.

  I stand in line, waiting to get beer for all of us. Laughter is everywhere. Three Days Grace “Riot” is blasting in the background as the crowd is getting pumped to see the race between Tommy and Grady. The energy is infectious and I can’t help smiling with excitement.

  I make my way over to the guys hovering around Jeremy’s Challenger. I pass out the beer and eagerly anticipate the race. Jeremy is leaning against the back of his car with his arms folded across his chest. He’s clenching his jaw tightly, waiting for Grady McGuire to arrive. Jeremy’s in his element. The thrill of racing pumps through his veins, but you would never know it. His poker face never falters.

  Tommy Sykes is waiting for his competition to arrive as well. He’s checking under the hood of his 1970 Pontiac GTO when the roar of a 426 V8 engine rumbles in the distance. Making his grand entrance to Sulfur Heights’ drag racing is Grady McGuire. His black 1971 Hemi Cuda causes spectators’ jaws to drop when the beauty rolls up to the starting line. Jeremy’s face slightly shifts, taking in the pristine beauty of the car. Grady’s ride is the classic muscle car and is easily worth as much, or more, than our house.

  The door opens and the loud mouth stranger comes into view. Holy shit! As Grady stands from the car, I’m nearly knocked off my feet. This man is gorgeous. He has edgy, movie star good looks and the smile to match. Thick black hair is cut short to his head, but long enough to style if he cared to. Fierce, chiseled jaw with light stubble across it, full lips, glassy, gray eyes, and a long, lean body. Presley peels her eyes off Drake and leans into my side. Yeah, she feels it, too.

  The make-out session I had with Reggie at the bar has woken up the sleeping beast of my libido. I’ve seen guys as hot as Grady, but it’s never shocked me the way it is now. Reggie comes to the forefront of my mind. My heart still aches from his cold shoulder and now I am staring at this striking man feeling slightly guilty, yet it’s all I can do to stop looking at him.

  The crowds of skanks merge their way to the front, with Vanessa leading the pack. She side-steps empty cups lying on the ground and stands right in front of Grady. Shameless. Her long, black and rainbow colored hair is draped down her back and she’s wearing a denim skirt short enough to see her butt if she bends slightly. As always, Vanessa’s huge boobs are popping out of her shirt. She’s disgusting!

  Grady meets her gaze and bends down so she can whisper in his ear. My gag reflex is in full effect watching Vanessa flirt her ass off. Lord knows what she’s offering to do. Grady leans back with a slight smirk on his lips and reaches around to Vanessa’s backside, slipping his hand under her skirt and grabbing her ass. I have to turn around before I puke all over Presley’s Uggs. He keeps walking through the mob of people until he reaches us.

  Grady’s eyes dance with excitement when he approaches Jeremy. “Nice Challenger. How does it race?”

  Jeremy stands on his feet and strides in front of Grady. Remaining cool, he says, “Don’t know. I haven’t raced her.”

  Grady lets out a loud bellowing laugh. “Yeah, I heard you’re a little chicken shit to race since your accident six months ago.”

  His crude comment makes him slightly uglier. I suddenly get the urge to punch him in the face.

  Jake springs to his feet and comes to the back of the car, cracking his knuckles, ready to start a fight. “Go fuck yourself, Grady! You haven’t even raced in Sulfur Heights.” He lets out a deep sigh while rolling his neck. “It’s not like those pussy races you’re used to. Here, you actually have to know how to drive in order to win. Doesn’t matter how fast your car is. If you can’t drive, you won’t win a race.”

  “I guess we’ll see. Huh, Jeremy?” Grady’s voice is mocking. He’s looking to get a rise out of Jeremy. Little does he know, it takes more than testosterone-fueled conversation to get him to break his poker face.

  I move to Jake and put my hand on his shoulder. We don’t need a repeat of last night’s incident at the bar. “Calm down, Jake,” I whisper.

  Grady’s eyes connect with mine. They are piercing and my breath hitches.

  He extends his hand. “Wow, Jake, this can’t be your girl. She’s way too sexy to be with someone like you.” Jake’s muscles constrict under my grasp. He’s barely hanging on to his control. Then, the mysterious man looks into my eyes, introducing himself, “Grady McGuire.”

  I look down at his hand recalling not so long ago it was on Vanessa’s ass. I refuse to shake it. I nod my head in acknowledgement and introduce myself, “Darcie Claiborne. And I’m not his girl.” Why did I just correct him?

  His eyes light up as he turns his attention to Jake. “Oh, even better.”

  Grady steps closer to me and tries to run his hand down my arm. I quickly move to the side and snap. “You just grabbed Vanessa’s ass. So I would prefer you not to touch me. God knows what kind of diseases you’re infested with now.”

  His eyes glaze over with slight anger then flash back to his cocky confident self. Grady licks his lips and my heart stops at his slight gesture. “Oh, Darcie, I’m sure I’ll be touching you sooner rather than later, but now, I’ve got a race to win. See you later, baby girl.” Grady strides away just as smoothly as when he arrived. Yep, the backside is just as hot as the front. It’s a waste someone that beautiful has a mouth like his. I can think of better uses for his mouth and it doesn’t involve talking. Wow! I need to get a hold of myself.

  I pick up my beer and begin to chug. I suck every last drop from the glass.

  “Thirsty?” Presley asks.

  “Yeah. Are you going to drink yours?”

  She hands me the cup. “Nope. I’m not really in the mood to drink.”

  I tip my head back and down the warm beer. I need more. I need to be numb. The emotions coursing through my body are too much to handle right now. I hate how my body betrayed me when Grady looked at me. I hate how my mind is flooded with thoughts of Reggie. The way he’s acting is confusing. I can’t bear to lose his friendship, but I’m not sure I want him to be just a friend. Then, I throw Grady in the mix of my emotional stew and it’s causing my head to spin.

  Two of the kegs are tapped out and the line for the others is longer than before. Not in the mood to wait, I cut to the front and grab a full cup. As I’m walking back, some jackass decides to make a comment.

  “Hey bitch, the line’s back there.” He sneers as he points to the long line of people behind him.

  “Yeah,” I say as I take a drink from my cup. Right now, I don’t care. My mind needs cloudiness.

  “Hey, give me that beer.” The man reaches forward and tries to grab the cup from my hand. I turn on my heel, lift with my knee and connect it with his groin. Once he’s down, I pull back my booted foot and slam into his gut. Standing over him, I take a drink of my beer and dump the remaining contents on his head. “Here you go.”

  Grady’s wearing a full grin on his face as he watches me walk back to my friends. Apparently, he’s enjoying the show. I make eye contact with him as he shouts, “Impressive, baby girl!”

  He pulls a bottle of tequila from his car and takes a long swig. Needing to get drunk and fast, I make a beeline to Grady with only one intention. Shaking my hips a little more than necessary, I stride over to Grady’s car, turning on my devilish grin.

  “I spilled my beer, do you mind?” I ask, motioning to the bottle of golden amber deliciousness.

  “The pleasure is all mine, baby girl.” He hands me the pint and I take a long gulp. Letting the burn make its way down my throat to my stomach. I let out a small cough and repeat the process.

  The contents are halfway gone when I hand it back to him. Grady’s eyes are filled with want as he eyes me up and down. “It’s on me, baby girl.” He han
ds the bottle to me and I head back to Jeremy’s car, taking another shot on my way and making sure I continue my trampy walk.

  Jake is glaring at me when I arrive back to the spot. He’s not impressed with Grady McGuire and isn’t afraid to let me know. “What the fuck was that, Darcie?”

  “What? I want to get drunk and that won’t happen waiting in line all night for a damn beer.” I roll my eyes and lean against the car, ignoring his penetrating gaze at me.

  Tommy and Grady get into their cars and let them roar to life. They take turns revving their engines and the vibrating sounds break up the crowds. Everyone moves to the side of the road, anticipating the match up. The smell of exhaust and testosterone infuse with the crisp fall air as a light breeze sways through the trees.

  I keep myself planted against Jeremy’s car, taking sips of tequila. My body is warm and tingles from the alcohol. I can finely breathe. My mind shuts off and my emotions are at bay. I let out a drunken sigh of relief and, through glassy eyes, watch Tommy and Grady take off down the road. A cloud of dust is left in their wake. Just like my mind. Finally.

  Chapter 15

  Darcie

  It’s about one in the morning when we pull into the driveway and park next to Reggie’s Camaro. I am wasted. Unable to walk, shitfaced, wasted. I can’t form a single thought and my lips are numb. All the guys are pissed at me. Apparently, I was running my mouth to Vanessa during the entire race and ended up chucking my empty tequila bottle at her head. I can’t remember if it hit her or who won the race for that matter.

  Jeremy runs around to the passenger seat and hoists me out of the car. I climb onto his back and he carries me up the back steps into the kitchen. I’m attempting to sing “Creep” by Radiohead, but butchering the song with every syllable when Jeremy sits me down on the counter. Jake avoids me as he makes his way down to the basement. Screw it! I could care less right now. I achieved my goal; I’m drunk as hell and it’s amazing!