Deranged: Twisted Myths Book One

by Monica Corwin

  Deranged

  Twisted Myths Book One

  Monica Corwin

  Copyright © 2020 by Monica Corwin

  Cover Art by Covers by Combs

  Editing by Leona Cunningham

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  For JH.

  Contents

  Introduction

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  About the Author

  Also by Monica Corwin

  Introduction

  Like my Twisted Classics and Twisted Shakespeare books, this is my homage to my favorite Greek myths. In so many ways, I want to thank those tales for inspiring me, and so many wonderful story tellers before me.

  I hope you stick around for the wild ride to come. Five books, all stand alone, but there will be some interweaving parts.

  Enjoy!

  XOXO

  MC

  Chapter One

  Kory

  How many ways can a person break? Physically, mentally, emotionally? I didn’t know how many there were, but I’d learn them all eventually. The worn wood stool I’d been occupying for the last hour reminded me physically might come sooner than the rest.

  I shifted on the hard surface and checked my watch, the second-hand spinning as it always did. Except today, it counted down, a death knell so soft and unassuming.

  Heat poured in the room from somewhere, swirling the scent of cigarette smoke, stale-beer, and sweat. Ah…the scents of a dirty hole in the wall. My favorite kind of place to fall.

  When life rushes me, I shove back. I always go down, but I get a couple knocks in before my ass hits the pavement.

  I signal the bartender, George, and the saint of a man slid two more shots of vodka across the counter. Two lemon wedges and a shaker of sugar followed.

  For a shitty dive bar, George’s place had good service. Better still, no one asked questions. So the adult fuck up daughter of the esteemed representative from Missouri could drink herself stupid without cameras shoved in her face.

  Maybe even charm a man into taking her home. I snorted at the idea and let it slip away in a haze of lemon drops and shame. The shitty jukebox music pounded around me, and I clutched my empty shot glass a little tighter. In twelve hours, it would end. I’d be shoved into a box, locked out of sight so my mother had six more months of not bailing me out, not sending her security to pick me up, not answering awkward questions from tabloid reporters.

  Twelve more hours of freedom. I intended to drink, eat, and fuck my way through every last second. George brought me another shot while I brooded. I squashed a fifty into his already overfull tip cup.

  “Big spender,” a dark deep voice said from beside me. A bellow of cigarette smoke followed his statement.

  I flapped away the pungent scent. “Do people still smoke cigarettes?”

  He took a drag and spoke through the smoke trapped in his lungs. “Only assholes.”

  His forearms were sexy. Strong, outlined in solid muscle as he flexed. Hello, Doctor. The cuffs of his white shirt had been shoved, not folded, up to his elbows. His face sported a two-day stubble and bags lined his eyes. He worked hard. Did he play hard too? No coat in sight, but summer still held tight against the oncoming Autumn. The days remained warm enough to go without, the nights just the good side of chilly.

  I’d peg him as a doctor. He tossed two amber-hued shots back, smooth and practiced. Definitely a doctor. I’d seen enough in my lifetime to be able to pick them out of a crowd. And chances are I’d met them before. But not this one. Tall, lithe, beautiful in a masculine way, plush and soft lips, deep rumbly voice. Oh yes, this one was for me.

  “Long night, Doc?”

  He turned to face me. “Do I know you?”

  I shook my head and held my shot up in salute. He waited for me to finish swallowing, a gentleman then. Gentlemen always waited for a girl to finish swallowing.

  “No, but I recognize your type.”

  “My type?”

  Explaining would tell him more about me than I preferred a stranger to know. I motioned at him from knees to crotch. “Doctors.”

  His eyebrows drew together as he studied me. “Do you have something against doctors?”

  The alcohol spoke for me. “Not ones I want to take to the bathroom and fuck stupid.”

  His survey morphed to surprise, and I waited. Yes, there was the intrigue chasing it. Not a hard no or a wedding ring. I could work with that. “Can I buy you a drink?”

  More raised brows accompanied by a soft grin on his lips. Lips I wanted to bite just to learn what sort of sounds he might make. I shoved my short, dark hair away from my face and licked my lips. His eyes locked on the motion.

  Gotcha.

  I motioned at George again. He brought more shots over, and I scooted closer to my next bedpost notch.

  I extended my hand and lied. “I’m Percy. You are?”

  “Ash.” He shook my hand. Strong grip, but not the shake of a surgeon. What kind of doctor was he? I entertained the idea of asking, but knowing would ruin things for me.

  “So, getting down to business. What do you say? How about a little trip to the bathroom?”

  He snorted. “In this place? Seems like an unsanitary proposal.”

  Disappointment clogged my throat. A brush off, of course. Why would he take the disheveled, no makeup wearing, mess of a woman home when the bar was packed with silicone-laced options. “Oh yeah, the restrooms here are one step away from condemnation.”

  I scooted on my stool, about to attempt a lady like exit. Which would probably not happen considering how much I’d already drunk tonight.

  He snatched his hand out and dragged me closer by the belt loop. I was proud I didn’t stumble into him. “But I have a pretty spacious back seat without the risk of hepatitis.” He tilted his head to scan my face.

  I threw back the last shot, tossed my money on the counter, and gestured toward the door. “Let’s go.”

  He didn’t pay his tab, only waved at George. His being a regular put me at ease. Despite that, I still got a lovely thrill walking out of the bar with a complete stranger knowing he’d be inside me in mere minutes.

  He steered me by the elbows, like a man who led people around often but didn’t want to risk touching them inappropriately.

  I grabbed one of his hands and slapped it across my tit.

  He sputtered but let me trap him there, caged under my palm. “You like getting reactions out of people.”

  I shrugged. “It’s my thing. I’m pretty good at reading people. I just wanted to see if you’ll be able to handle what I’m about to do to you.”

  “And the verdict?” he asked, his question releasing steam into the chilled air.

  I smiled and dragged him to me by his charcoal tie. No words necessary for that message. He backed me toward an SUV until my bare skin hit ice cold steel. Wow, up close he stunned me.
High, sculpted cheekbones, deep gray eyes, a couple freckles, and an unruly mop of dirty blond hair which needed a good cut. I tousled it and then trailed my finger down the straight jut of his nose.

  He pressed into me, aligning his warm body along mine. Well-muscled, tall. It didn’t matter anymore what kind of medicine he practiced.

  He tucked his fingers under my chin, tilted my face up, and descended.

  I let him take control and melted into him. The shots had washed away the spicy tang of the cigarettes, and I fell into the whiskey drunk feeling he elicited from me.

  After too few seconds of his plush lips on mine, he leaned back. “You’re not too drunk for this, are you?”

  Even if I were, I wasn’t about to tell him the truth and deprive myself of what happened next. “Nope, I was just getting started when you showed up.”

  He ducked his head again, this time giving more of himself, nipping, kissing, sucking, and generally driving me crazy with his mouth.

  I gave as good as I got, threading my fingers into the short hair at the nape of his neck. I pulled gently, which earned me a little moan. It rocked through me, a soft ripple preceding the wave I knew would follow.

  I dragged my hand to his belt buckle, and he stopped me, clutching my fingers between his own. “Stop.”

  He released me and dug in his pockets, pulled out his key, and hit the unlock button. I stepped away and let him open the door. No dead bodies inside—that boded well.

  “After you.” He motioned for me to climb in.

  I had to use the door to hike myself up into the tall vehicle. The leather was still warm from the day’s heat as I scooted to the far side.

  After climbing in and closing the door, he reached out for me. I caught his hands and guided them to my waist. It was all the encouragement he needed.

  I licked my lips in anticipation. He didn’t kiss my face, but trailed warm wet lips down my neck. Every few centimeters, he planted a bite to bloom, a trail of pain to the curve of my breast he could access at the opening of my V-neck shirt.

  “Clothes off,” he said huskily into my cleavage. I pulled away enough to drag my shirt over my head. He’d already unhooked my bra. I threw it away, and my hands were free.

  Even with nothing but streetlights barely illuminating the back seat, I watched the hunger cross his features as he gazed down my body. Too thin, breasts too small, scars from IV’s and operations dotted my torso. All of my insecurities fell away under the look he gave me. He’d eat me alive, and I’d enjoy every second. I dragged him back and dug his shirt out of his pants so I could run my hands up his taut belly and pecs. He sighed when my fingers met bare flesh.

  “You feel so good,” he said against my belly now. A talker, huh. I didn’t mind as long as he didn’t get weird.

  I sat back so he could get better access. He unbuttoned my jeans, wiggled them down my legs and tossed them somewhere. My panties followed.

  “Fuck,” he whispered, staring down at my now completely naked body.

  “Your turn.” I pointed at his pants.

  His face clearly showed his disappointment of having to wait the two seconds it took to get him naked.

  Once his pants, shoes, and socks joined mine, he draped himself over my lower half. His face at my pussy, his arms braced across my thighs and bent so he could run his hands over my breasts.

  I kept my thighs open wide so he could get access exactly where I wanted. “Are you done teasing me yet?” I complained.

  He slid the flat of his tongue from my opening to my clit in answer. Fuck me. “Haha, very funny.”

  He lifted his head, wiped his face, and gazed up the line of my body. He was beautiful, disheveled, bruised lips, and pink cheeks.

  “Please,” I whispered. I couldn’t wait anymore.

  He twisted on his knees, drew his pants into the light, and fished out a shiny wrapped condom from their depths.

  I watched him best I could. Soon, too soon, I’d be locked away. A memory like this might sustain me until I see daylight again.

  “What is it?” he said, above me now. His cock butting against my pubic bone.

  “Nothing.” I forced a smile.

  “You looked sad for a second. Are you sure you want to do this?”

  I rolled my eyes, reached between us, and guided him to my opening. Why the hell did doctors always want to talk talk talk? Would yelling ‘get inside me’ be enough of a hint?

  “I take that as a yes,” he murmured. He gave me one long, lingering look and drove into me. I’d seen and held the girth of him, but stretching, filling me, it took me a moment to acclimate.

  Must be routine since he didn’t move, waiting, scanning my features. “I’m good,” I whispered, trying to reassure him.

  He ducked his head, dragging my bottom lip between his teeth and bit down. At the same time, he arched his hips back and forward again. The leather under us creaked, and my body slid easily, already pooling with sweat.

  I anchored my hands on his shoulders and held on. He seemed to unleash his restraints and took me hard and fast, just how I liked it.

  He kissed, licked, sucked on my chin, my neck, my collarbone. He left no part of my chest untouched by his mouth. As his tempo picked up, my orgasm loomed, and I dug my nails into his skin, urging him on.

  “Are you close?” he asked.

  “Keep going.”

  He obeyed and didn’t miss a beat. My end sparked inside me, once, and I let it go, holding tight to him. He continued harder and faster now. And when I dropped to the slick seat, uncoiling my tight muscles, he whispered, “Good.” and unleashed. He pounded into me, and I reached out to the seats, seeking an anchor until he groaned loud and long then stopped.

  The world stopped with him. Time stopped with him. I couldn’t help but think if I stayed right here with him, nothing could reach us. Then his knee slid off the seat, and he cracked his head against the window.

  I surged up and reached out to him without thinking. I cradled his head against my belly and inspected it. Nothing. Not a hard hit, thankfully.

  He chuckled and wrapped his arms around me. “I’d let you nurse me anytime.”

  I groaned at his mention of nurses and released him. With my phone light, I located my scattered clothing. The layer of condensation on the windows obscured the minimal light from the outside.

  Attuned to my change in mood, no doubt, he started piling my clothes on the seat by my hip. I dressed quickly.

  “It’s like that, is it,” he said, his pants only up to his knees.

  “It’s not like anything. I have somewhere to be early. Besides, we both knew this was a quick fuck. Fun. Nothing more.”

  His jaw tightened as he finished dressing, faster now.

  I stalled his hand on the door handle. “Look, I’m not saying I didn’t have a good time. But it’s not like you’re going to take someone like me home to meet the parents. You don’t even know anything about me.”

  He opened the door and stepped out. A burst of cool air hit me as I climbed out and wobbled on the concrete sidewalk.

  He shut the door and met my eyes. “You’re right. But I’d have liked to decide that for myself.”

  He walked to the bar, and I didn’t bother calling him back. But damn, I’d dream about those lips and that voice whispering promises in the dark for a long time.

  Chapter Two

  Ash

  I could smell what we did in my car when I left for work. I should have been angry, but it only made me uncomfortably aroused.

  I’d been stupid. I’d never gone off with a woman like that. A stranger. I shut my eyes and rolled down the window. The cold blasted me, and I let it soothe some of my irritation away.

  Starting a new job today meant I needed to push her out of my mind, focus on the task at hand. Six months serving at this hospital meant I could go to any post in the country afterward. And it wasn’t something I’d usually consider if a friend hadn’t begged me to help him out and take the job. The pay didn’
t hurt the prospect either.

  I took a sip of my rapidly chilling coffee to wash away the memory of the taste of her. She’d been on my mind all morning. I wished I’d gotten her number, or real name. She hesitated when she introduced herself. Understandable, as a woman. She had more to risk going off with a stranger. Maybe George knew her or how to find her. They seemed chummy last night.

  I pulled into a staff labeled parking spot, gathered my things, and headed into the hospital for my first day. Nurse Styx met me at registration and led me back through the staff areas. Hospital didn’t exactly describe the place well. More like rehab clinic for the too-rich. Styx was an imposing woman with steel gray hair gathered severely at the nape of her neck. More warden than nurse. We passed through a break room, several hard copy record rooms, and the nurse’s station. She explained medications and the nurse’s duties before showing me to my office.

  The familiar scent of cleanser and latex met me as the door swung inward. My new office was sparse. A desk, a couple chairs, some filing cabinets. All highlighted by a wall of windows on the opposite side.

  “I’ll leave you here to get settled,” she said.

  I turned to ask about coffee, but the woman had already disappeared. I’d have been creeped out if this place didn’t have the feel of brand new med spa.

  I deposited my messenger bag on the desk and surveyed the space further. Clean, serviceable, and for the first time, all mine. I’d never had my own office before.

  The filing cabinet against the wall caught my curiosity, and I crossed the room and opened the top drawer. It slid out with an ear-splitting screech. Above everything else, the patients came first. I’d do what I could for them while I was here.