by River Savage
“Are you kidding me?” Her body tenses at my rejection and the unabashed need that looks so fucking perfect on her starts to shut down.
Controlled, snobby Liberty is back.
“Liberty, you’re hurt.” I start to explain my reluctance, but I know she won’t see past her frustration.
“Forget it, Hetch.” She pushes me back, and readjusts herself, pulling her panties and shorts up her legs.
“Sweetheart, when I sink myself into your fucking gorgeous pussy, I don’t want to hold back.” I try again, but I know it doesn’t register.
“Yeah, well, this is not happening again. It was a one-time deal, you blew it.” She fixes her shirt before climbing off her bed.
“It wasn’t, but I’ll let you think it for now if it makes you feel better.” I adjust my straining cock in my shorts and stand.
“Trust me, this”—she motions between us—”is not happening again.”
“I know what you’re doing, Liberty. Don’t think I don’t.”
“You think you have me figured out? Please… you know nothing about me.” I know I’ve hit the mark with my assessment.
Anger, frustration, and lust stirs in her eyes as she works to hide her emotions.
“I might not know everything yet, Liberty. But I know the important stuff.”
“Yeah, what do you know?” She folds her arms over her chest and waits for me to elaborate.
“I know what sounds you make when you're lying in your bed at night playing with yourself.” It takes her a second to realize I went there.
Before she can shut this down, I keep going.
“Know that vibrator of yours must be some heavy duty machinery 'cause some nights, baby, I swear I can feel the vibration through the wall.” My grin widens as her scowl deepens. I need her to feel, to know just how much this chemistry between us has me wound up, but most of all, I need her to know this is far from over.
Even if I have to get it out of her in anger.
“How dare you!” She finds her voice, but I’m not finished.
“I also know you always go back for seconds, sometimes a third—”
“You're an ass. I want you to leave.” She cuts me off this time, walking out of her room, down the hall and out of my line of sight.
“Sorry, not leaving, gorgeous.” I tail her down the hall, but instead of following her to the door, I take a seat on my makeshift bed, and settle in for the night.
“I'm not joking, Hetch. I want you to leave.” She opens the door expecting me to listen.
“And I want to watch you play with yourself with your jacked-up vibrator.”
“Never gonna happen.”
“Well then, looks like we both don't get what we want.” We stare at each other longer than I expected before she reluctantly cracks.
“I hate you.” She slams the door shut and stomps back to her bedroom.
“Good night, Liberty. Sweet dreams.” I smile into the darkness, wondering who this woman is and how the fuck I’m going to get myself out of this one.
I wake the following morning to a note on my chest. The same neat handwriting that told me I needed to keep it down stares back at me.
Thanks for staying last night. I’m going to crash with my parents for a few days. Please lock up after you leave.
Liberty.
Well fuck, now she’s begging me to chase.
Game on, Liberty.
Game on.
Ten
Liberty
“We’re worried about you, Bertie.” That damn name comes out of my mom’s mouth again, but this time, it’s delivered as a scold and I know she means business. “You didn’t call us, didn’t come to stay with us. We had to find out from that lovely police officer.”
I’m going to fucking kill him.
It’s our weekly family dinner, two days after my run-in with Dominic. Two days after my second kiss with Hetch. Two days of hiding at Fee’s.
Two days after my second kiss with Hetch.
To say my parents are pissed they found out I was in the hospital and didn’t tell them would be an understatement. Knowing I’ve been hiding out at Fee’s for two nights has made them lethal.
“I know, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to wake you. It was late, and I know you don’t like driving at night.” I offer the only excuse I can give them. Yeah, it was late, and I didn’t want them to worry, but the truth is I didn’t want them there, giving me this exact lecture I’m getting now.
“You didn’t want to wake us? How do you think we felt when the police dropped by to follow up on the statement you made two nights ago?” I find it hard not to cringe trying to envision that conversation. I can’t believe Hetch showed up here. At my parents’ place.
Well, I did tell him I was staying here.
“You’re right, it was wrong of me. If ever I’m in that position again, I’ll make sure you’re the first call I make.”
“I should hope you don’t find yourself in this position again, Liberty.” My father’s customary smooth voice is thick and drowning in raw emotion. I struggle not to react to it.
“Dad, I promise you, I’m not going out trying to find trouble. I was helping one of my boys.” His thick silver mustache sets in a straight line, almost parallel to the numerous wrinkles etched on his wide forehead. I know he thinks I’m on some big kick to save all the kids who come through the doors at Haven, but if he knew Mitch like I do, he would see why I’m so invested.
“Yeah, well, this kid got you hurt, almost killed.” It’s an exaggeration. We all know it, but I don’t call him on it.
“Listen, I know you’re worried. I get it. Yes, I was hurt. But so was he. He’s as much a victim as I am. I couldn’t walk away from him.”
“You’re getting too close to this kid, Liberty.” My dad doesn’t give in, and I don’t have anything else to say so I keep quiet. The silence grows heavier the longer we stare each other down.
“We just want you to know we’re concerned.” Mom is the first to break the silence.
“And I understand and appreciate your concern. I do. But I need you to know, I’m not walking away from him or from my responsibility at Boys Haven.” My eyes don’t leave my father's, needing him to know this is my passion, and I won’t step back.
“We’re not telling you to walk away. I’m telling you to think smart, darling. You need to stay safe. You can’t help these kids if you’re not here.” My gaze cuts back to my mom, at the unsteadiness of her voice, and I watch her lose her steely composure, revealing her fears.
“You’re right, Mom. I’m sorry. I’m not thinking about you guys. I promise. I’ll be more careful.” I step toward her.
“That’s all we ask.” She takes me in her arms, wrapping me up in her comfort.
“You’re still our baby.” My dad steps behind me, circling both of us in his arms. “So don’t ever keep something like this from us again.” I cringe at my father’s tone, letting the shame wash over me. I really should have called and filled them in before sneaking off to Fee’s for two days.
“I understand.” I let their love surround me, giving them the peace they need. I know they mean well, always have. They just aren’t as invested as I am.
“Okay, rein it in everyone. You’re gonna make me sick,” my brother calls from the door, breaking our moment.
Why the hell is he here? The last time he joined us for family dinner, was months ago.
“Ohh, you’re here. Excellent.” Mom releases me from her vise grip, gives my brother a quick hug, and then moves past him to the front door.
“Bertie.” Jett offers me his arms, and reluctantly, I step in for a quick embrace.
“Wasn’t expecting you here tonight.” I try to whisper into his ear, but even up on my toes, I barely reach his jaw. Just like my father, he’s freakishly tall.
“Knocked off work in time.” He pulls back, unable to give me his eyes. Ever since it came out about his affair with his skanky whore, he’s never been able to look me
in the eye.
Probably knows he can’t bullshit me with his bullshit.
“Aunt B.” Arabella barrels through the door, past my mother and father, and into my arms. “Daddy droves us in his car.” It takes a second for me to breathe through the ache she jolted out of me.
“He did, did he?” I inhale through my nose, masking my discomfort.
“Yep.” She nods up and down. “What happened to your face, Aunt B?” She steps back when she notices the small bandage concealing the graze on my cheekbone.
“I have a nasty boo boo,” I tell her as her small hand reaches out and gently touches me.
“Mommy, Aunt B is hurt!” she yells out, like somehow her mother, my best friend, can fix me.
“Is she?” Payton steps into the house, her eyes scanning over my face and assessing the damage. I haven’t spoken to Payton since our breakfast the other day. I’m not sure how tonight is going to go.
“What the hell happened?” Her eyes grow wide as she takes me in.
“I just–” I’m not sure what to say, so I don’t say anything else. Mom, sensing the tension, ushers Arabella out of the room and into the kitchen. Leaving Dad, Jett and Payton all staring at me.
“Come on, son, come help me outside for second.” My dad picks up on the stiffness between us, opting for a quick escape.
Well, this should be interesting.
“What happened?” She drops her bag down on the sofa and takes a seat.
“I ran into some trouble with The Disciples.”
“Jesus, Lib, how do you get yourself into these situations.” She drops her stony stare and scolds me.
“Don’t you start on me, too. It’s bad enough I’m getting it from Mom and Dad. I need my friend. Can I have her?” It’s all she needs to hear to scoot forward and wrap me up in her arms.
“I’m sorry, girl. I shouldn’t have left the way I did the other day.” Her hold on me is strong, and a little painful, but I don’t let her know. It feels good to have her talking to me again.
“I shouldn’t have said what I did,” I admit, not sure if I really mean it.
“No, you brought up valid points, Lib. I shouldn’t have lashed out at you. You’re right, and maybe it’s why I left. I couldn’t handle it. Maybe I am holding on out of guilt with Arabella. Maybe I was afraid to lose you, lose this.” She motions around my parents’ house. The same house we grew up in. “It’s so hard to know what to do.” To me, it sounds like she’s made her decision.
So why did she come with Jett tonight? Like a family?
“I went home, thought hard, then spoke to Jett, and unless I make a decision, we can’t move on. So I made a decision.” I sit, waiting, still not sure exactly where she is going with this. “We’re going to give it a second chance. But one slip up, even just a little one, he’s done.” It’s almost too hard not to react the way she’s probably expecting me to react.
“Well, I’m not sure if my brother has it in him to fix the pain he’s put you through, but I hope for your sake he does. ’Cause if he hurts you again, Pay, I won’t be able to control myself,” I warn on a shaky breath.
“Believe me, he messes up, you can have him after I’m done with him. Trust me on this. I’ve laid it out. He steps out again, he loses his family.” I almost make a snide remark about him not worrying about the loss of his family the first time he stepped out on her, but I only just got my best friend talking to me again. I’m not about to piss her off in less than five minutes.
“I’m happy for you, Pay. I am.”
“I know you’re not really, but you will be again. You’ll see. I promise. He’ll win you back too.” It’s a big call, a big chance she is willing to take. I pray more than anything, Jett can man up.
Not just for Payton’s sake, but for the sweet little girl of ours.
“You sure you don’t want to stay the night?” my dad asks after dinner as he and my mom walk me out to my car. Payton, Jett, and Arabella left an hour ago, but I stayed back and helped Mom clean up.
“As much as I love the thought of sleeping in the same bed I slept in when I was a teenager, my king bed is calling me after sleeping in Fee’s uncomfortable guest bed for two nights. Besides, I’m back to work tomorrow.”
“Are you sure you’re okay to go back to work. Has the doctor given you the all clear?” My mom worries at her bottom lip.
“Mom, it’s barely a bruised rib and a slight concussion. Besides, I’m not back at the house tomorrow anyway. I’m in meetings all day at head office.” I turn and wrap my arms around her, in a good-bye hug. “Love you, thanks for dinner.”
“Love you, too. Call us when you get home. And make sure you tell the nice police officer neighbor thank you again for looking after you.” I reluctantly agree, stupid Hetch, then turn and give my father the same love.
“Night, Dad, love you.”
“Love you, Bertie.” He kisses me on the top of the head and then releases me. They stay out the front, my mom lovingly tucked up under my dad’s arm, waving me off until I turn the corner.
The drive home is quick, and soon enough, I’m pulling into my parking spot. My gaze shifts to Hetch’s parking spot and I'm relieved his truck isn’t there. I know we probably should discuss what happened the other night between us, and the fact he came to find me at my parents’ house, and at some stage we will, but for now, I’m happy to keep laying low.
Grabbing the leftovers my mom sent home with me, I make my way up to my apartment. Climbing the stairs with a hell of a lot more ease than I had two days ago, I come up short when I notice my front door is open, slightly ajar
What the hell. Did Hetch lock up?
I slow my pace and take stock of the situation. Pulling out my phone, I contemplate dialing 911, but before I know it, I’m pushing the door open and calling out.
“Hello? Anyone here?” I step over the threshold into a chaotic mess. The place has been ransacked. Drawers and cupboards lay open, their contents littering the floor and counter tops.
Oh, God, what a state.
Ignoring my need to start tidying everything. I continue past the relatively untouched kitchen and down the hall, and into my bedroom. I’m only slightly relieved to see they didn’t mess with my bed; however, my underwear drawer is another story.
“Assholes.” I sigh, looking down at the hundreds of dollars’ worth of panties I will never be able to wear again.
“Liberty?” My name carries down the hall, and instantly I freeze.
Shit, Hetch.
“Yeah, I’m here.” I walk back down the hall to find him standing just inside the doorway.
He clocks me when I step into the room, his assessment of my living room coming to an end, his gaze burning right through me.
“What the fuck?” are his first words to me, and it takes me a second to figure out if he is asking where the fuck I’ve been the last two days, or what the fuck happened to my place. Taking a guess he’s talking about the place, I answer accordingly.
“Welcome home gift I guess.” I shrug, not sure what else to say.
“Yeah, some gift, you call it in?” He takes a step toward me but tracks my retreat. The last time I saw him I had my tongue down his throat, begging for his cock, only for him to reject me. The last two days I’ve been trying to get him out of my head, but the second I’m back in his presence, I know I can’t trust myself.
“No.” I swallow past the impulsive need to climb his stupid thick body and stick my tongue down his throat.
Hetch, oblivious to my internal dilemma, pulls out his cell and starts dialing a number.
“Who are you calling?”
“The police. This has to do with Dominic and his crew.”
“Yeah, it’s a warning. I knew I shouldn’t have made a statement.” I chance a step closer to him, wanting him to take me seriously. This is getting out of hand. I’m not going to put myself at risk.
“Liberty, I’m calling it in. This fucker is messing with the wrong person.” He turns, offe
rs me his wide shoulders, and barks his name and badge number down the line.
I stand awkwardly for a few minutes while he requests backup to our address.
Fucking great.
When he hangs up, he turns his hard gaze back to me and asks, “You touch anything?”
“No, I didn’t. And I wish you didn’t call it in, Hetch.” I watch as he pockets his phone, and moves closer to me.
“Yeah, well, like we’ve already established, we don’t seem to get what we want when it comes to each other, so you’re just going to have to deal.” He stops a whisper's breath from me, getting up in my space.
“Hetch, I’m not doing this with you right now.”
“Why did you run?” He ignores my rebuff, going right for the money shot.
“Hetch.” I pause, unsure what I’m going to say. Why did I run? It’s the same question I’ve been asking myself the last two days.
“Liberty, answer the question.”
“I needed a few days, that’s all. It’s no big deal,” I lie, knowing full well it’s a big deal. I ran because as much as I hate to admit it, his rejection stung more than the grazing on my face.
“Sweetheart, I’m gonna let your lie slide because I have a unit coming here any minute, but the moment they’re out of here, we’re talking, then you’re packing a bag, and I’m taking you back to Jack and Connie’s.” He uses my parents’ first names, shocking me into a fit of rage. Jack and Connie? He thinks he’s on first name basis with my parents. I don’t think so, buddy.
“Hetch, I’m not even going to discuss how pissed I am that you know my parents' names. Nor am I going to stay with them.” I shut the idea down right away. Jesus, they barely survived the hospital visit. Finding out these guys may have been in my place will well and truly push them over.
“Liberty, someone broke into your place.”
“I’m well aware of that, but I’m not going to cower away from this.”
“You’re not cowering away. You’re being smart and sorting out a game plan.”
“I don’t need a game plan, Hetch. And I’m not leaving.”
