Cursed Soul (Cursed, 4) (Cursed Series)

by t. h. snyder

  “Seriously, Jenn, what’s wrong? You’re scaring me and killing off my good buzz.”

  She starts to giggle and turns back to look at herself in the mirror.

  “I’m fine, it’s just going to get some getting used to I guess.”

  Huh, either I’m a complete idiot or she’s lost her mind.

  “You’ve lost me, Jenn. What the hell are you talking about?”

  Releasing a long breath of air, she closes her eyes for a few moments and then opens them.

  “I never thought seeing Steve and Ashley again would bother me as much as it does. I mean I’m happy for them . . . I’m happy, but it’s just weird. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s as if time stops when I see them and it’s become unnerving. The other week at the tattoo place was one thing, but again now tonight.”

  “But you knew we were coming here. Christian said Etty invited us to come. Didn’t you think you’d be running into him again? I mean, come on, Jenn, your worlds were gonna collide sooner or later.”

  “Yeah, I get that, Kris, I just don’t know why I’m feeling the way I do. I kinda hate myself for the sick sensation that’s building in my stomach. It’s not right . . . right?”

  She looks to me for an answer, but I don’t have one for her. I can’t imagine how awkward it must be to see your ex-husband and ex-best friend together. Even after all these years, the two of them found their happily ever after and my sister is no longer a part of it.

  “Do you think you still have feelings for him?” I ask, praying that she says no.

  “Hell no,” she shouts throwing her hand over her mouth. “No, Kris, it’s not like that at all. I love Christian . . . oh my God, did I just say that?”

  The look on her face is priceless, a mix between shock and like she’s ready to puke her guts out. I can’t help but laugh. I love my sister with my whole heart, but right now, I think she’s a bit of a drunken hot mess.

  “Relax, big sis, it’ll all be okay. I promise. You’ve had about as much wine as me and I think it’s best to just chill for right now. Your head is spinning in all directions with a million different emotions. Let’s just take the rest of the night slo—”

  She stops me mid-sentence and raises her hand in the air.

  “No . . . no way. We need shots, like fun fruity shots right NOW.”

  I watch as she quickly turns off the running water and grabs my arm pulling me out of the bathroom. We are immediately met with Christian who has a confused look on his face. She completely ignores his presence and continues to plow right past him. Turning my head, I smile at him and continue to move through the room as Jenn leads the way. My feet are moving so fast I’m afraid if she doesn’t slow down I’m going to slide across the floor on my heels. As soon as we approach the bar, she wiggles her way between two men and signals for the bartender with a wave of her arm. The place is packed and I can see there are quite a few people waiting to grab his attention. He looks down to her and without a second thought he smiles back and starts walking our way.

  Well, I guess blonde hair, big boobs and being gorgeous does have its benefits.

  Within a few moments, she’s handing me a shot glass filled with a red liquid and a glass of white wine.

  “Jenn, you do realize wine isn’t the best chaser for a shot?”

  “No worries, lil' sis, Troy over there,” she says pointing the bartender, “says it’s the best shot. You won’t need a chaser with this, come on let’s go.”

  I lift the shot to my nose and take a whiff, it smells sweet and fruity.

  Okay then here goes nothing. We clink the shot glasses as she shouts, “To sistas!” In one quick movement, I place the cool rim to my lips and allow the flavorful liquor to slide down my throat.

  “Mmmm,” I hum while licking my lips. “That was yummy,” I say handing my glass back to her.

  “I know right, we should do another,” she replies moving to turn back toward the bar.

  “Umm, no let’s drink our wine first than we’ll come back for more.”

  I start to scan the place for Christian. Where the hell did he go? As my eyes are roaming the crowd, I feel Jenn start to pull me in the opposite direction. My head spins to see where we’re going when I plow smack dab into a wall of a man.

  The wine glass falls out of my hand and crashes to the floor. Without looking up, I stoop down to pick up the shreds of glass scattered at my feet.

  “Shit!” I shout as a piece of glass breaks through the skin of my finger.

  With shaky hands and blurred vision in the dark bar, I try to pull it out. A drop of blood starts to form along the cut as I stare down to my finger. On wobbly legs, I try not to fall over as a wave of panic shoots through me.

  Ugh, I hate the site of blood.

  Two hands pull me to my feet as my eyes meet the most intense gaze I’ve ever seen. For a moment I’m struck dumb, I can’t feel my arms, my legs . . . anything. I try to speak but my lips are numb. It’s as if I’m being sucked into the pools of blue, I can’t breathe. I’m hypnotized and the world around me is frozen.

  I’m shaken out of my daze as Christian comes to my side asking if I’m okay. Blinking my eyes a few times, I pull my sights away from the man I can’t seem to stop staring at . . . those eyes.

  Chapter 9

  Taking a look at my watch, it’s still early. Without making it look as though I’m actually having a good time, I continue to play off the smirk that is a constant on my face. Cliff Benjamin refuses to show emotion, even around the people I feel the most comfortable with. My walls are always up and very few are ever allowed close enough to me that I’ll let them down. Instead, I chose to just sit back and watch as the world revolves around my immediate surroundings.

  Tonight has been a nice change of scenery and exactly what I needed. The conversation and company have been great, I’m glad I decided to come out with the crew. With the shit going on, it helps to spend time with the men and women who matter the most to me. I may be overly exhausted, but tomorrow will be another day, a fresh start, and a new outlook on what’s yet to come. All I need to do is remain focused on my job, my family and keep my eyes peeled out for any suspicious behaviors. But for tonight, I’m just going to kick back and chill.

  Now that a few beers have gone down the hatch, I’m beginning to relax and take in my surroundings. Glancing around the bar, a couple of chicks walk past the table dressed in their barely there attire, each of them catching my eye. For a moment, I start to think about the possibilities and debate whether or not it’s worth the drama to approach one of them. It’s been a while since I’ve brought a woman back to my bed and with all the stress weighing on my mind, I need a way to escape and release my frustrations. Images play through my mind of a sexy ass woman sitting in my lap, my arms wrapped around her and my tongue gliding along her neck sending a wave of mixed emotions straight to my cock.

  Fuck, I’m horny.

  Readjusting myself in my chair, I weigh my options. As I look down at my watch, again, it’s way too early to call it a night . . . even if the tension building in my jeans says otherwise.

  I’m in need of a quick lay, but nothing more . . . nothing more, Cliff.

  Since moving back to ‘Bama I haven’t once considered a serious relationship, it’s just not in the cards for me. Instead of placing the burden on one woman, I’ve found it much easier to pick and choose the ones that will be the best lay and those select few I’ll take home. A night of wild, no holds barred passion is exactly all that it is. Afterwards she can grab her things and go home. I may be a prick and to some an asshole, but it works for me. There are no strings, no expectations; just an extraordinary night that will leave us both breathless. This is my life, single and ready to mingle without hurting anyone in the process. I set up my rules right from the start. That way the chick knows where I’m coming from. If she’s in fantastic, if not see ya. I’ll find another one who is more than willing. Easy as that . . . no pun intended.

  “Cliff,” Linc
’s voice calls out to me.

  Turning my head away from my current view, I nod in his direction.

  “What’s up, man?”

  “You gonna go after that or you wanna play some pool?” he asks with a laugh.

  “Maybe,” I reply shrugging my shoulders as I reach for the almost empty bottle of beer. Taking a long swig, I think about it for a second. “Either way, I need another beer first. Head on over and set it up, I’ll be there in a minute. I’m sure those chicks will still be here when we’re done.”

  “Nice, Cliff,” Jo replies with a roll of her beautiful eyes.

  “Don’t judge, babe, not all of us are gifted with an amazing woman like you,” I reply with a wink.

  “Watch it, bro. She’s all mine,” Linc remarks in a growl.

  Lifting my hands up in defense, I let out a laugh. I’d never cross the line with any of the girls. I know exactly where their hearts fall and it’s surely not at my feet. As stunning as these ladies are, they’re my friends and I know that they’d be there for me in a heartbeat just as I would for them and the guys. There’s no sexual chemistry or desire for them, my witty banter is all in good fun. Linc knows me better than that; at least I hope he does.

  “No worries, man, I know who belongs to who. I’m just admiring the view.”

  “Sounds good, bro, just keep your hands to yourself,” he replies before leaving the table and slapping his hand along my back.

  Alrighty then, I need another beer.

  Getting up from my chair, I check to see if anyone else needs a refill. As I start to move through the crowded bar a weird sensation takes over me. I can feel a pull, to what I’m not sure. Starting to scan over the tops of people’s heads, I feel lost. What the hell is going on with me lately? My senses have been on high alert since the night of the explosion. Right now, it’s as though my body is tingling, it’s the craziest feeling in the world.

  Trying to brush it off, I turn in the direction of the bar when a female’s body comes plowing into me at full force.

  What the fuck, chick?

  Dropping the glass she was holding in her hand, liquid covers the bottom of my jeans and boots.

  Seriously, woman!

  I watch as she stoops down, her long brown hair falling over the front of her shoulders and covering her face. Taking in the woman beneath me, my eyes graze over her form and I must say I’m intrigued. Her tight little ass is nicely on display under the fitted skirt she’s wearing, yet I can’t see much of anything else in this darkened room.

  The thought of her on her knees before me sends an instant message to my cock. My mind drifts into a fantasy where my hands fall into her long brown hair, pulling her soft strands while she bobs faster and faster. As she sucks me off, I guide her head up and down, feeling the vibrations as she hums along to the music playing in the background. My dick twitches as my eyes close for a brief moment.

  Damn it, I need to get laid.

  Feeling like a horny, punk ass, I open my eyes continuing to watch over her as she’s still on the floor picking up the shards of glass. I reach down to pull her upright and as soon as my hands touch her arms, a bolt of static electricity runs through my fingertips.

  Seriously what in the hell, bitch just shocked me.

  As she stands before me, the top of her short frame barely reaches my chest. She tilts her head to look up at me and I’m sunk into the most mesmerizing brown eyes I’ve ever seen, but wait . . . I’ve seen these eyes before. My mind goes blank, my feet stuck to the bar room floor and I can’t complete a coherent thought.

  Who the fuck is this chick?

  “Kris, are you okay? What the hell happened?” A man’s voice yells over the noise of the crowd.

  Her head turns to face him, breaking our gaze away from one another. I take a step back to see who’s interrupted one of the oddest moments of my life.

  No way . . . she’s here with the scum bag. She’s the chick from the shop the other night?

  Shaking my head and trying really hard not to burst out laughing, I can’t believe it. I’ll be damned, she’s Jenn’s little sister. It’s all coming back to me now. Jenn brought her into Cursed Magic on opening night. Etty fucking invited the tool bag, but lucky for me he brought along this vision standing in front of me. Steve was weirded out and now I understand why, but the moment I saw her I knew she was something to look at. She’s fucking hot and now she’s right here . . . she was staring back at me like she was in the same daze I was. This is just too much of a coincidence, yet I’m not quite sure how I want to play this out. I see an opportunity, yet can’t grasp my next move. The asshole in me wants to play this a bit to piss Christian off, but the nice guy wants to sweep her off her feet. Strumming my fingers along the sides of my jeans, I contemplate what I should do. Hmm, decisions, decisions.

  “I got this, Christian, no worries here, bro,” I state with a smirk, my eyes finding hers once again.

  Her expression is that of a deer struck in the headlights, she can’t seem to stray from my sight and I can’t help but feel the same way. Taking her arm from Christian’s, I lead her back over to our table. Not asking, but telling her to take a seat. She watches my every move, but is still left speechless. I flash her a wink and ask the girls to keep an eye on her ‘til I have the broken glass situation under control. My heart is beating a million miles a minute and I want nothing more than to pull her into the back room. I’m at such a loss with her and whether I want to bend her over or sit and talk to her, but for now, I need to get the broken glass on the floor out of the way.

  Damn my Good Samaritan duties over my raging hard on.

  Moving back toward the bar, I let the bartender know a cleanup is needed and turn to find the next thorn in my side . . . Christian.

  As I start to walk back toward the table, I’m met face to face with the scumbag.

  “Dude, lay off Kris. You’re the last problem she needs in her life right now,” he says daggers coming through his eyes.

  I can’t help but laugh, who the hell does he think he is? No one tells me what to do . . . not now, not ever.

  “Sorry, but I don’t know who died and left you boss. I think the little lady is perfectly capable of making her own decision. Not to mention from the way she was just looking at me, she’s more than interested in spending some time alone with me.”

  “Cliff, seriously man, I’m not one to interfere, but Kris doesn’t need your shit right now.”

  With rage seeping through his pores, he pushes past me and moves quickly back to the table. Following close behind I wait to hear what he has to say. Once we approach, I can see that both Kris and Steve’s ex, Jenn, have made themselves quite comfortable with the girls.

  “Jenn, Kris, I think it’s time we head out,” Christian says bending down between the two of them.

  Jenn forms a pout on her pretty little face and I can’t help but laugh on the inside. I watch as their conversation takes over, the noise surrounding us too loud for me to hear the words actually exchanged.

  Linc comes up alongside me, resting his hand on my shoulder.

  “You coming, man?”

  I hold my hand up signaling him to wait a second. Watching the interaction between Christian and the ladies for the next few moments, it seems as though he’s lost this battle and they’ll be hanging out for a bit longer.

  “Guess we know who wears the pants in that relationship,” I say turning to face Linc.

  “Huh?” he asks with a confused expression. “What are you up to, Cliff?”

  With a laugh, I throw my arm around his shoulder and lead us back to the poolroom. For now, I think I’ll leave the brown-eyed angel to the rest of the crew. After that stare off, I need a bit of distance to process what the hell just happened.

  Chapter 10

  “Did you all see that?” I ask my eyes stuck on the scene playing out in front of me.

  “Holy shit . . . he look on his face,” Jo exclaims. “I think I felt something, damn!”

  “
Wait . . . what are you two rambling about?” Ashley asks looking in the same direction of Cliff.

  “I think I’m feeling butterflies,” I giggle.

  “Girl, what are you looking at . . . ohhhhh!”

  I can’t help but stare as I watch the interaction between Cliff and some random stranger. Her back is toward us so I can’t make out who exactly she is, but oh my . . .

  His eyes are fixated on her and he hasn’t uttered a word for what seems like forever. This is so not Cliff. The expression on his face, the look stemming from his eyes . . . he’s in a trance. My heart does a wheel of flip-flops with hope or a silent prayer that one day he will be able to fill his soul with the love and passion I share with Dault.

  He’s a good guy who refuses to allow himself to find what he so rightfully deserves. Cliff is strong, hardworking and has the heart of a teddy bear. If only he could meet that one woman to show him he’s worth so much more.

  “Earth to Etty,” Jo’s voice calls out.

  Shaking away my thoughts and redirecting my stare in her direction, I see her and Ashley are both laughing.

  “Girl, I can’t even image the ideas that are filtering through your pretty blue haired head. Don’t go marrying him off to some random stranger just yet.”

  “I hate you both, I completely missed it,” Ashley quips with a pout.

  “Oh shut your face. Cliff and that girl just bounced off one another and she dropped her drink. She bent down and he just stared at her as if she was about to unzip his pants and pull out his . . .” I pause for a brief moment, my hand flying to my mouth.

  A burst of laughter comes from Jo, tears falling down her cheeks.

  “Woman, you are a mess. Let me finish for you. Seriously though, it was as if the skies opened up over those two. I’ve never seen her in here before, but from the look on Cliff’s face, he’s got something going on in that head of his. Poor thing doesn’t even know what she’s got coming. There’s no way in hell he’ll let her in for more than a quick lay. Cliff Benjamin does not do relationships,” she finishes her thought shaking her head before taking a sip of her drink.