by KT Fisher
K T Fisher
Scorch
Black Inferno #4
By KT Fisher
Copyright 2016 KT Fisher
This book is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.
This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this eBook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this eBook and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Book design and formatting by Swish Design & Editing
Editing by Swish Design & Editing
Cover design by Francessca’s Romance Reviews
Copyright 2016
When your ex is an abusive man, and nobody knows he even exists, what do you do when he starts to threaten your life? That’s the situation Crystal found herself in. She kept Troy a secret when she ran to her brother, but now he’s found where she is and isn’t prepared to let her go. He believes she belongs to him, but he doesn’t know the history Crystal shares with Booker, the drummer for Black Inferno and what he will do to protect her. Booker cares for Crystal and wants to finally come clear about their relationship, but can Crystal face the hard truths and be able to finally get rid of her troublesome ex, or will he finally catch her and destroy her future for good?
Either way, she has to come clean about her harsh past to be able to save herself from Troy.
*Warning: Not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.
To my patient family, who have to deal with me on a daily basis working on some sort of book related project. They are used to my bookish ways and I love them so much more for it.
To anyone who has ever shared, tagged or told someone to pick up one of my books, I thank you.
My editor and formatter has worked wonders getting this book to its high standard.
To those who have been there when I needed advice and when I’m stuck, you all know who you are, and I really thank you!
And to you, for picking this book up and reading it. You are making my dream, a reality.
Blurb
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Epilogue
Connect with Me Online
About the Author
I stare at the piece of paper in my hand as if I’m looking right at him. Glaring at the words, hoping he can see how much I detest him for what he’s doing to me. I thought I’d left him and all the shit he brings into my life behind me. I drop the blackmail letter on my bed because the thought of my fingers touching what Troy had sends chills over me.
It’s another blackmail letter from my ex, Troy. His words don’t scare me as much as the fact that he knows where I’m now living. Yes, he had found out I was here in San Diego, but at least, he didn’t know where. He didn’t even know Tate was my brother. I’d kept Tate a secret—my cherished secret—because even when I thought Troy was a good man, something told me to keep some things back. Boy, am I fucking glad I did, because when he landed that last punch and broke my ribs, I ran to the only place he didn’t know about—Tate’s tour bus. I’ve always kept tabs on where Tate was around the world, and admittedly not just for my big brother. Ever since I met Booker, I knew there was something there, so knowing where he was brought a smile to my face.
Unfortunately, Troy just wouldn’t let me out of his life. Each time I had the chance to leave him, he’d find me and charm me right back into his life, and I’d stupidly let him, but I never forgot Booker. He was my rock, and the funny thing is, he really doesn’t know how much he’s helped me. I believe he’s saved my life. You see, each time Booker paid me a compliment, flirted with me or looked at me appreciatively, it told me what I so desperately needed to see. Booker taught me that I am beautiful and that Troy was wrong because other men do find me attractive. Booker was a gift, and when we started having sex, I found out that men did pleasure the woman, and that it wasn’t just for the man. I lost my virginity to Troy and was informed by him that sex was just for the man. Booker, on the other hand, showed me exactly how a man should treat a woman intimately.
Eventually, I’d had enough of Troy, and I ran to my brother for the last time. I met Roxie and Lacey and never turned back. So it’s weird that Troy now knows about Tate. Maybe the whole thing with Joe stalking Roxie, and nearly killing us all, caught his attention? I might have been snapped on a photo or two because that story was huge across the world. Even if Black Inferno weren’t such a hugely successful band, the events that took place would have been televised.
The letter says the same as the others, pretty much. Troy wants me back, nobody else would want me, and he will teach me a lesson when he gets his hands on me.
What did I ever see in that man?
Now all I can do is hope that the guys are right about the new security surrounding this place, and I’ll be safe from Troy. After Joe, they added more security measures to the estate to make sure nothing like that happened again. If Troy ever does get hold of me, I know exactly what’s in store—a brutal and bloody punishment. Troy’s an extremely violent and abusive man. Along with his manipulative words, he was able to control me for so long. He doesn’t like that I now see him for what he is, and I owe that to Booker.
Suddenly, the front door slams shut loudly, and it makes me jump.
“Come through, baby.” I hear Tate’s deep voice. It’s thick with charm, and I roll my eyes, no doubt he has a woman with him.
Grabbing the letter quickly, I hide it under my bed. He’s quite the protective brother and didn’t want me anywhere else, so I have my own room. Another reason I don’t want to tell Tate about Troy. Tate will want to kill him, and I will not let my brother serve time for that piece of shit.
As I near my bedroom door, I hear an irritating high-pitched giggle, and I pause. I’m not in the mood for this and hate having to deal with his girls. Before they realize that I’m Tate’s sister they hate me, and when they find out that I am his sister, they act like they want to be my best friend. I try my best to stay out of the way, wishing he’d give me a heads up that he’s bringing someone back.
Standing at the top of the stairs, I listen to them as they walk toward the back of the house. After grabbing my bag and jacket, I make a run for it down the stairs and straight for the front door. After entering Tate’s exclusive passcode, I’m out and on my way. I don’t know what exactly I’m going to do, but my best bet is to go to Roxie’s. I’ll just say I wanted to have some more cuddles with baby Quin.
Looking down at my feet, I walk toward Roxie and Mason’s place. Hearing a car approaching after parking mine, I turn, and my heart does a little flip at the sight of Booker’s car. Making out I don’t see him, I quickly turn back around, but he obviously doesn’t buy it because I hear him shouting my name.
“Crystal?” he shouts, but I carry on walking. “Crystal…”
A car door slams shut and before I know it, I’m being spun around. Booker frowns down at
me as my head spins a little.
“Why did you ignore me?” he asks.
“I didn’t hear you,” I lie.
Booker looks me over, not liking what he’s seeing and his frown deepens. “Why are you out here at night, alone?”
I look around and weirdly enough, I notice for the first time that it is, in fact, dark outside. Between having a panic about the latest letter from Troy, and then wanting to get out of the house quickly so I don’t have to hear Tate and his latest piece of ass having some fun, I guess I just didn’t care.
“Tate has a girl at home…” is all I want to say. There’s no way I’m going to tell him about Troy.
“So what? You were going to wander around at night?” he asks. “No, you’re coming to my place.”
“What?” I ask, shocked.
Is this a good idea?
“I’m going to get pizza. Come with me and then we can watch a film. Just like old times.” He nudges me.
“Not exactly like the… old times,” I remind him, but he wiggles his eyebrows at me. “Book, I’m serious!”
He holds his hands up in surrender. “Okay, minus the sex.”
We walk together to his car, and I can’t help but feel a little excited as I stroll beside him. I know he’s going to add another cheeky remark from the smirk he flashes me.
“But we can still get naked, right?”
With a slap on the back, he laughs as we slide into his car. Same old Booker, he’s so flirtatious and along with his sense of humor and good looks, it’s hard saying no to his advances toward me. I still find it difficult to stay clear of him because I find myself so attracted to him.
“You sure this won’t be weird?” I ask as we make our way toward the pizza place.
“No,” he answers firmly.
Because Booker offers to buy, I decide to order the largest pizza they offer on the menu. Yes, I’m a girl who has a huge appetite, and I’ll go running in the morning so who cares? Not that I’ll eat it all anyway, my eyes are always way too big for my belly.
“The large?” Booker asks when I order.
“Yes, why not?” I laugh, daring him to judge me.
“If you were paying, what would you order?” he asks me.
“I wouldn’t because you would still offer.” My laughter continuing.
Booker begins to laugh now as well. “You know me too well.”
We sing along to songs in the car on the way home, and I even begin to eat my pizza.
“That’s not fair.” Booker pouts. “I’m driving, and I can’t eat.”
“Boo hoo.” I laugh, faking a pout of my own.
“Feed me,” he orders, opening his mouth.
“No.” I laugh, taking a huge bite from my own slice, loving to tease him.
“You owe me, Crys,” he shouts. “Now feed me.”
Sighing, I open up his box and hold up a slice to his mouth. Booker, with his eyes still on the road, bites a huge mouthful and groans in delight. Is it weird that the sight of his mouth around the greasy slice turned me on slightly?
“That’s my girl.” He smiles, and my heart drops. It’s a reminder of what Troy would always say whenever I did what he preferred.
We quickly reach Booker’s house. Honestly, it’s my favorite house out of all the four men. I don’t know why, it’s more rugged and homely, I think. Booker didn’t design it with the intention of making it look modern and spotless, he wanted it more rustic and I really like it.
We take our pizzas to the sofa, and I gaze around as I follow Booker. It’s been a while since I was here, and if I remember correctly, I didn’t have any clothes on last time I was here. The rug I’m walking across right now was what I was lying on as Booker had his head between my thighs. My cheeks burn as I try to put my memories behind me. We can’t be together, I don’t want to come between Booker and my brother.
Booker sits down on the sofa, and I follow making sure there’s a safe distance between us. While the television is on, it’s a good distraction as we’re eating.
“So why did you storm out the house?” Booker asks.
“I didn’t storm, I ran.” I laugh.
“Okay, so why did you run out of the house?” he repeats.
“I’m sick of overhearing…” trailing off, it’s all I say before taking another delicious bite of my pizza.
Booker laughs. “I don’t think Tate means to make you uncomfortable.”
“I don’t think he actually gives me much thought where girls are concerned. It’s weird living there.” I drop the pizza into the box, finally full, even though there’s still half of the pizza left.
“Well, you’re always welcome here,” he offers.
“Thank you.” I smile. “But what if you want to have someone over?”
It was meant as a joke, but now that I’ve said it I not only regret it, but I also feel a little hurt. The thought of Booker being with someone else makes me jealous, and I have no right to be.
“I’ll kick them out.” Booker grins.
I place a hand over my heart in sarcasm, even though my heart flutters at the thought of Booker kicking a girl out of his house just because I showed up.
“Why thank you, Book.” I pretend to wipe away some tears.
“Don’t get it twisted, babe. Next time pizza is on you, and I’ll be ordering sides when you’re paying.” He nudges me, and we both start to laugh.
It’s so easy being with Booker, it’s trying to stay away from him that’s the hard part.
When both of us are done with our food, Booker leans back into the sofa and flicks through some channels until he finds reruns of The Walking Dead.
“Love this show.” I high five Booker.
“Yeah?” he asks, and I nod in return. “I don’t think I’ve watched the latest series because of the tour.”
“I have all of them on DVD. I’ll bring them around, and we can have a Walking Dead marathon,” I offer.
“It’s a date.” He winks at me and my heart flutters again.
As we watch the episode, Booker lifts his arm to the back of the sofa and inclines his head toward himself. “Come on in for a cuddle, babe.”
I hesitate for a couple of seconds. “A cuddle?”
“What? You’re not allowed to cuddle me now?” he asks.
“Okay.” I sigh. “Just behave.”
He laughs as I settle in beside him, but Booker isn’t happy with that, his arm comes down, and he pulls me toward him. Now that I’m right up to his side and nestled under his arm, I have no choice but to drape my arm over his chest, being careful not to touch his crotch area with my arm. That would be a disaster. I’m shocked to find out, that while I’m snuggled into Booker’s arms and watching television that I finally feel safe. With the threat of Troy, I’ve had trouble sleeping and simply relaxing, but now with Booker next to me I don’t have that problem.
Not even ten minutes later, my eyes begin to feel heavy until I can’t fight with them any longer.
Opening my eyes, I find myself still lying on Booker’s sofa as the morning sunshine beams through the windows. I have a blanket over me, which I think is sweet, but I can’t see Booker.
“Good morning.” I hear his deep voice from above me.
I look up to see him standing over me with a steaming mug. Eagerly sitting up, I take it from him and gently blow. The smell of coffee wafting through my nose is making me smile. “Thank you.”
“No problem,” Booker replies.
His voice sounds so deep in the morning, and I love it. Trying not to get a little ahead of myself, I look back down to my coffee and tilt my neck to the side then wince a little.
“Stiff neck,” I moan.
“Yeah, I also have something like that,” Booker replies from the other sofa.
It takes me a few seconds to realize what he’s said, and when I do, I throw a cushion over at him. Booker laughs and dodges out the way.
“Sorry about the neck,” Booker adds. “I didn’t want to wake you, and I
thought it might be weird if I carried you to a bed.”
Smiling, I shake my head. “No, I wouldn’t have found that weird.”
“Can I ask you something?” Booker asks after a couple of minutes sitting in comfortable silence.
“Sure.”
“Who is Troy?”
His question makes me freeze.
How the fuck does he know that?
I continue to sit still, wondering how the hell he knows that name.
“Crys?” Booker breaks me from my thoughts. “Who is Troy?”
Booker has a slight frown now, he knows something’s up. I was happy and relaxed up until he brought up Troy’s name, and I know that he’s noticed.
“Why?” I ask carefully, not wanting Booker to become suspicious of how afraid I really am.
He looks me over. I know that look of his, he’s not happy. Booker knows me quite well, and he’s very good at reading people. I know that he can see right through me, but I’m not going to tell him about Troy.
Nobody needs to know about Troy.
“You said his name in your sleep,” Booker grumbles.
I begin to think that maybe he’s not happy because he might be a bit jealous that I was saying another man’s name in my sleep.
“I have no idea,” I say before taking another sip and removing my eyes from Booker’s intense stare.
“You telling me the truth?” he asks.
“Why would I lie?” I ask, honestly starting to become a little pissed.
“I can tell you’re lying,” he points out.
“You’re wrong.” I finish my coffee and place the mug on the table in front of me.
“Why won’t you tell me?” Booker asks, and when I look back at him, he no longer looks angry, more annoyed or let down that I won’t tell him the truth.
I know that I’m lying to him, and he knows that I’m lying to him, but I still carry on. “Booker, I don’t know anyone called Troy.” I stand from my seat and Booker quickly follows.
