Chapter 3
Jake
The drive from Sawyer & Co to Chester House took too long. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing something. “Think, dammit,” I said aloud and I hit the steering wheel. I recognised that Bella from somewhere, or did I? I didn’t like when I felt like this. What I couldn’t usually control, I beat the shit out of until I could control. Was there was something familiar about her… some resemblance… an echo of something I couldn’t place, or was I imaging it?
As I walked into dad’s office and I always smiled to myself. You could easily imagine it as a bank manager’s office or something… if you didn’t look closely at the pictures. He had family pictures on the walls beside photos of meetings with other mafia bosses. The only thing missing was the little brass nameplate, Carrick Armstrong, Mafia Boss.
I sat down on one of the chesterfields, the leather squeaking beneath my tracksuit bottoms. “I handed the file to Louise today, she says the payments will be processed and into all the accounts in a couple of days.”
“Good son, never forget the families of those who have died for the Kindred Sons.” The same spiel every month.
“Yeah, I know. Blood and Loyalty.” Yadda yadda yadda. As if I hadn’t been reared by our motto.
“Don’t take the piss, Jake. I’m serious.” He peered up over his glasses, his accent thick with disdain. “I’m getting older and I want to know ye can handle everything and be content you’re not going to fuck the whole thing up because ye’re gonna forget about the people who split blood to put ye here.” Moments like this were when I caught a glimpse of the man who my father had been; the man who pulled the Kindred Sons together when the threat had been very real and very deadly. The man my father was when I was growing up – the man I rarely seen.
“Ok, ok.” I rolled my eyes as I stood up. “Just keeping you in the loop, da.” I felt his eyes piercing my back as I walked out the door. Outside of what fatherliness he showed in front of the Kindred Sons, to say we had a relationship might have been an exaggeration.
Chapter 4
Bella
A few days later and I still hadn’t been able to get speaking with Denver. I had decided that I didn’t care how he took what I had to say to him – if he wanted to get me into trouble, then so be it. I’d spoke with Louise earlier and agreed we’d take our lunch break together. Even though she practically begged me not to mention the post room incident, she was still insisting that her relationship with Jake was entirely professional. The girl had been good to me, so I didn’t have a problem not mentioning it. I had my own secrets too; besides had no one really to tell it to anyway. Mildred was usually either in a meeting or on the phone and I didn’t really associate with many of the other workers here. It was beginning to feel like I needed to look for work elsewhere.
At 12:30 I grabbed my lunch and went to the staff kitchen on the third floor. It was strange for the kitchen to be empty at this time but I heated my pasta leftovers in the microwave and filled the kettle to make some tea. That was when I heard the kitchen door click shut behind me.
“I heard you’ve been looking for me, Bella.” Denver’s voice was suddenly behind me. “I hope you’ve been thinking about me, I’ve definitely been thinking about you.” He was right behind me, jamming me between the sink and himself. He grabbed my hips and rolled his body against me. I could feel him behind me and a familiar, sickening fear crawled up my stomach.
I grabbed his hands to try to take them off me. Tears welled in my eyes. “I’ve told you I’m not interested and this is sexual harassment, you prick.” Stronger than I was, his hands didn’t move, they just dug into me harder. Somewhere within I remembered I was wearing my heels. With a quick stomp, my left heel pounded into his shoe leaving him cursing and almost head butting me from behind and he buckled with the unexpected pain. Those two seconds were enough for me to get away from him, open the kitchen door and get into the hall… and straight into a huge suited man chest.
I tried pushing him away from me, ending up pushing myself backwards from him.
“Jeaysus.” Oh no. “Are ya alright there, missy? Oh, it’s you.”
“Hi, um, Jake.”
When he realized I was upset his whole demeanour went from laid back to high alert. I saw his eyes move from mine to behind me, where I heard Denver had come out, muttering to himself about “Stupid fucking bitch.”
Louise appeared from nowhere and dragged me away from being between the two men. My head was reeling and flashbacks from my past threatened to turn me into a shaking mess.
“So I see you’re still preying on the defenceless then.” Jake took a step closer to Denver who was looking between Jake, Louise and me.
It felt like the air around Jake changed in preparation for a fight: the set of his strong, chiselled jaw; the way his already huge, muscled chest expanded further, making him look twice the size of his opponent; the frosty look of pure hatred he was shooting at Denver; the way he rolled his neck and shoulders, limbering up for what was to come. He was lethal, I saw that now. As Jake’s body shifted to take the first step towards Denver, Louise, with her petite frame, pushed herself right in between them.
“Gents, this is an office. This is not the place to have a brawl.” Her determined expression set, eyeballing both of the guys. The girl had balls, I’d give her that… but either of them could have swatted her away in an instant. She was either the bravest or the dumbest person I’d ever seen.
The interjection was enough to distract both guys for a moment, easing some of the massive pressure that had built up in such a short time. Jake seemed to get a better grasp of his surroundings, but when I saw how white his knuckles were on his clenched fists, I wasn’t sure it was over. They have history, my mind suddenly realized.
Denver took no chances in case things becoming physical and took the opportunity to disappear as quickly as possible. “Mr. Armstrong, it’s always great to see you.” His voice dripping with sarcasm, “I’m sure I have no idea what you’re on about. Maybe you should lay off the ‘roids for a while, huh? Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m meeting my wife for lunch.”
I think it was pure shock from the whole event, but somehow but I didn’t react as Denver winked at me as he sauntered past - probably because Louise’s arm was now firmly holding me. Thank god Jake hadn’t seen him; otherwise, I think his fuse really would have blown.
“Louise, ye need to keep a better eye out for both of yous.”
“Of course.” She took a deep breath; “I didn’t realize he was up here.” she looked ashamed. Had I missed something here? I’d missed part of this conversation.
“Are you ok?” He asked me, more tenderly than I would have thought possible for such a huge guy. For the first time I realised he was wearing a suit today rather than gym clothes.
“Yeah I’m ok.” My pride kept me talking. “I’ve had to contend with bigger bastards than him before.”
“You’re welcome.” He said, watching me closely.
I raised my chin in defiance. “Thanks for what you did. But I got myself away from him. I mean, I know a bit of self-defence. I only wish I hurt him more than I did.”
“I’m glad to see you’re ok, Bella.” He said, almost apologetically.
“I’m glad you guys were up here,” I said to them both.
“Louise, I need to cancel our meeting today. We will rearrange.” Louise took that as her cue to move away from us and right then I wanted to smack her in the face for leaving me alone with him. “Bella,” he stepped closer to me. “That guy is dangerous in all the sneakiest of ways. Be careful around him.”
“I have kept myself in one piece so far.”
“Well Bella, I guess I’m actually glad that fight never goes away, no matter what name somebody calls themselves.” He smiled knowingly and walked away. Leaving me speechless for the second time in a row. Fuck.
Chapter 5
Jake
I stalked into my home gym and straight to my treadmill. I wanted to kil
l someone. I knew exactly who, too. I pictured myself wrapping my hands around his neck and squeezing until his vile little life left his body. Denver was a slippery cunt who would get what was coming to him – and I would be the one to happily provide the service.
I increased the speed on my treadmill in the vain hope that the punishment my legs were now taking would help to release the anger I still felt. The worst part about today had been seeing that smug look on the bastard’s face, he knows the agreement between McCauley’s and the Kindred Sons was weakening and just wanted me to bite. We were bigger than them, with more power and more reach, but dad had let that power become lazy. Both gangs had worked together to push the triad threat out of the neighborhood, simply because our combined force and intel outweighed theirs. If our “peaceful” agreement ended, then right now, I doubted if either Family would survive. What I was certain of was that Chang was waiting for us to fight each other: it would not be my doing. Denver McCauley was pussy enough that he’d happily bow down to the Chinese and take whatever scraps they’d give him.
I was playing the long game: my quiet plans of bringing more talent into our ranks meant that once the Kindred Sons finally came into my control, we would be strong enough to not only annihilate the McCauley’s, but the triad too. This was my neighbourhood and everyone would know it.
I pressed the increase speed button again and the belt of my running machine screamed in protest as did the muscles in my thighs. I didn’t care. If I didn’t exhaust myself here I’d either end up punishing the next poor bastard who walked in front of me or finding where she lived and fucking her into next week. I needed this; I had responsibilities to the Kindred Sons now, so doing the only thing I wanted would not be the answer. Besides, her face when she saw me today told me that she was not interested.
Bella. Fucking Bella. My hunch was right – it’s not her real name. The way her eyes widened in shock, the sharp intake of breath and the slight redness that came to those cheeks all only confirmed my suspicions. But how do I recognise her? We definitely haven’t slept together – I would have remembered that body beneath me, those sweet lips wrapped around my cock, those eyes watching me as I’d fill her.
I smiled in satisfaction as I remembered the shock on her face when she literally bumped into me today. I affected her… ok, maybe not in the way I wanted to, but it was a start.
The fear that replaced her shock destroyed me. I’m the underboss of the Kindred Sons for God’s sake and I had to I let him leave. I held back today because I can’t break the treaty. Regret smothered me. I should have offed that cunt. No treaty is worth the fear I saw today in her eyes. And what would she have thought of you if you had killed him, then? Yeah, that’s real boyfriend material, dickhead. I shook myself. I’d only cast eyes on her twice, what the hell has happened to me? I’m the guy that swore off women and I was worrying about what a woman who didn’t like me and that I didn’t want. She could already be with someone for all I knew, but that thought only seemed to enrage me more.
I hit the stop button on the machine as I put my weight on my arms and rested my feet on the sides of the treadmill. It wasn’t long until I hit the shower, still frustrated I needed to try another tack to ease this frustration.
I stood under the blistering hot water as it poured over my neck, shoulders, and back. Her face came back to me again, only this time, she was smiling, feigning shock at the dirty little things I was whispering in her ear, and pushing herself against me regardless. “You’d love my cock inside you, baby, I just know it.” I’d whisper to her, “Let me try.”
For some reason in my fantasy, we were back in the Post Room where I first laid eyes on her. I’d unbutton her white blouse and her perky tits would be busting out of a white lace bra. Reaching inside the bra I’d lift both of her tits out of the lace, hearing her moans as I’d nibble on the pink buds. Suddenly my fantasy shifted to the shower, her hair soaked and her wet blouse clinging to her. I’d make her step out of her skirt to see the rest of the lace underwear ensemble: stockings, suspenders, and white lace panties. An intoxicating mix of sweet and sexy.
I couldn’t help myself, so I reached down and started stroking my rock hard shaft, imagining her mouth accepting me at the same pace. In my mind’s eye, I was stroking her hair away from her face so I could watch her cheeks rise and fall with her efforts. She’d stand up and pull the white lace to one side, giving me a glimpse of the sweet heaven beneath. Her hand would reach around and her nails dig into my ass cheek as she’d pull me closer. “Fuck me, Jake. I need you inside me.”
My fist pumped harder around my cock and I felt my whole body tensing, the water running over my skin only adding to the sensations. I imagined sliding into her tight wet hole.
She had spread her legs wider, wanting more of me, wanting me deeper. Of course, I’d honour her unspoken request, she’s hungry for me and she would be satisfied. I’d pound against the tiles of the shower and as I heard her moans of joy, my balls tightened and I cum in the shower. Spurts of hot white release hitting the tiles where my fantasy Bella had just been.
Chapter 6
Bella
After Jake walked off Louise rushed over to me again, fussing over me and apologising that she wasn’t up here already. We slipped into an empty meeting room so I could collect my thoughts and clean myself up – apparently, I had been shaken up more than I thought.
“How can a guy like that work here?” I spoke, not really expecting an answer. “I mean, it’s like he’s some sort of…”
“Shh… Bella, you can’t let anyone hear you say anything bad about Denver.”
Before I responded she moved closer. “He’s connected. And that makes him pretty untouchable.” She shook her head. “The last girl who reported him ended up with a burnt out car and a dead dog when she got home. Suddenly Sawyer’s didn’t need her anymore and she was let go.”
“So I’m supposed to just let him get away with that?” I said through gritted teeth.
“Fuck no,” she replied, “I just need you to bide your time. Haven’t you noticed that practically no one actually talks with him unless they have to for work stuff? Yeah, he’s got a couple of lackeys who think he’s great, but you won’t see one woman speak to him unless she needs to - even Mildred doesn’t like him.”
“Seriously?”
“Well, their offices are at opposite ends of the floor and even though they both do similar jobs, have you seen her speak to him at any time?”
I thought for a moment. “No. She’s phoned him a few times but that’s it.” Realisation poured over me. “Why is she letting him act like that? Surely she has a duty to report him?”
“It’s not common knowledge but I happen to know that he’s got something on her eldest daughter – that’s why Mildred is keeping quiet.”
“Oh.” I thought the woman had more nerve than that. “Whatever he has on her must be pretty bad then?”
“No idea.” She said as she stood up again. “I really wanted to warn you about him the first day we met, but I couldn’t get a chance. Then when you’d met, I knew he would suspect if you changed the way you were with him. Ever since I’ve been trying to be nearby if I can. I feel like I’ve let you down.”
The pain on her face was clear; she really did think that somehow it had been her job to keep me safe here. That made no sense. “Hey, it’s not your fault. You’ve been a good friend to me since I started here. It’s not your job to protect me, and anyways, I’ve learned a few self-defense moves.”
“I’m glad you have. Most people freeze the first time they need to defend themselves, but you didn’t.”
“I guess so,” I said as I stood up and fixed my blouse. I only wished that had been the first time I’d had to defend myself. I shuddered as thoughts about the last time I saw Robert ran through my head. Louise must have assumed I was still thinking about Denver.
“Do you want me to say you’ve gone home sick? I can cover for you?” She offered, placing a supportive hand
on my arm.
“Nah, I’m fine… honestly.”
When I finally got home that evening I took a long, hot shower. The scalding water still didn’t help me feel that his sweaty hands were still all over me. I kept myself busy by tackling the grout between the bathroom tiles. I felt surrounded by mould and dirt: I needed everything to feel fresh and clean. The smell of the bleach and the job itself helped keep me distracted until it was time to fall into bed and try to sleep.
Louise was waiting for me a few doors down from the office as I walked in the next morning. “Hey, how are you? I was gonna phone last night but didn’t want to smother you.” She had a regretful smile on her face, eyes surveying me for weakness.
“Me? I’m fine… tough as old boots. That douche isn’t going to stop me doing my work – besides, I really need this job.” I replied as lightly as I could muster. “Anyway, you never said why you were with your non-boyfriend again yesterday.”
I Need A Bad Boy: A Collection of Bad Boy Romances Page 47
