Bully Me Then (Bully Me #3): A Best Friend's Brother Bully Romance

by Lacey Heart

  She’s not happy, but thankfully Tiffanie knows me well enough to know that I’m not the type of guy to fuck around with compromises once I’ve made my mind up about something.

  Around thirty minutes or so later, I’m storming into Sinners with Tiffanie hot on my heels. I haven’t said so much as a word to her since her little unwanted confession back in the car, and I don’t plan on changing that any time soon.

  I knew I should have worked harder to cut all ties with her. Sure, I’m not blind. I could see the dumb bitch had feelings for me—most chicks do. I guess it’s just been a way of life for me. But how was I to know she’d be foolish enough to get in too deep? I’ve never given her false hope. I’ve always made sure I’ve been up front with her and made her aware of where she stands. But what did she go and do? She still had to go and try to prove everyone wrong. It didn’t matter what I’d already told her, or how many times I tried to warn her; she still thought she’d be the one who could finally tame the beast.

  That ain’t ever gonna happen. There’s not a chick on this planet who could ever hold the power to do that. I’m no one’s man, and believe me, that’s how things will always stay because a pussy is for fucking, not dedicating your life to it.

  I don’t have much time to think about Tiffanie and her dilemmas or her feelings. I have much bigger issues to deal with—and the main one being her father.

  I hear Ryder holla over to me across the crowded bar and I nod my head in Tiffanie’s direction, signaling for him to come over and deal with the baggage.

  “Colby, baby…” she purrs down my ear, but I’m quick to shrug her off and shoot her down.

  “Why don’t you go and entertain yourself at the bar while I deal with business?” I tell her sternly and she knows it’s not a request. We both know when I have to deal with business, she needs to be off radar, and growing up with a father like Deano fortunately she knows the rules and this time she doesn’t try to argue with me.

  I approach the office and I see the door is slightly ajar, and that can only mean one thing. Deano must be in the building. Looks like he’s trying to play the big man and make his unwanted presence known. He’s always tried to intimidate me, but he’s never succeeded. And it doesn’t look like that’s about to change any time soon.

  I’m surprised Deano managed to get here so fast because Tiffanie only called him about fifteen minutes ago to tell him where I was headed. Obviously, he’s not here to play games, which is in stark contrast to his daughter.

  He means business, and I guess that makes two of us, because I haven’t forgotten that son of a bitch failed to tell me my parents had died.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  COLBY

  “Colby. Just the man I wanted to see.”

  Deano’s voice booms around the office as soon as I open the door and I find the son of a bitch sitting all comfortable at my desk—in my fucking chair.

  Who the hell does he think he is?

  “Deano.” I reply flatly, already tired of his bullshit. “So, what do I owe the pleasure?”

  Deano stretches out his stubby hands and laughs. “Oh, no. I can assure you, the pleasure is all mine.” His eyes grow darker and he beckons me to come closer with a wave of his hand. “Come. Take a seat. I imagine there’s lots to discuss.”

  He isn’t fucking wrong. This motherfucker has been lying to me and playing me for years. But I’m sure we’ll get to that eventually. What I really want to know is what he’s really doing here. What’s his motive, because with Deano there is always some crazy-ass motive behind his actions.

  “What can I tell you?” I reluctantly pull out the chair in front of me. The one that people sit in when they come to see me—not the other way around. “Things have been a little slow on the business side of things.”

  Deano is quick to raise a suspicious brow at me and I know I have his full attention. “Slow, how?”

  “Well, I’m back home so as you can imagine there’s been a few set-backs along the way. Family. Old acquaintances. Nothing major, but you know how it is.”

  “I do. I do.” He nods his understanding at me, but the suspicion doesn’t leave his face. “That’s why I was a little concerned when you hadn’t checked in. An update every now and then would be much appreciated.”

  Now it’s my turn to laugh, and I bore my eyes into his. Deano may have held the upper hand before, but not now. Not anymore, and its high time I started to pull this back. “Communication goes a long way, huh? I remember you taught me that.”

  Deano slams his hand down on the table while taking a long drag on his cigar with the other. I swear this guy really thinks he’s something. He thinks he’s the motherfucking God Father or some shit, and there was a period of time where I thought that too. “Too fucking right, it does. Communication is the key to respect, but you already know that, kid.”

  I nod and drag a finger across my lips, remembering when Deano used to always hammer home the importance of loyalty and respect to his boys. Neither of which he ever showed to me. Sure, the son of a bitch always expected it, but he never once returned it. “I remember.”

  Now, while we’re on such an important subject I would have every right to bring up my mom and dad and the fact he forgot to show me loyalty and respect by failing to tell me they’d died. But I think that’s a card I’ll keep close to my chest for a while. There’s not much point in adding motion to the ocean so early on.

  “How’s that daughter of mine been treating you?”

  “Oh, like a fucking dream as always. You know how she is…” I try to hold back on the sarcasm, but it rolls thick and heavy on my tongue.

  I know Deano doesn’t miss it, which might be why he feels inclined to add, “You’re lucky to have her, kid. Just make sure you remember that.” There’s a hint of warning too but I choose to ignore it.

  Fucking lucky?

  Is he crazy? More like I’ve been fucking cursed and now I can’t get rid of her. But then Tiffanie is only a child a parent could love.

  “Enough of the bullshit. Let’s discuss business.” Deano’s quick to change the subject and for what feels like the first time in forever I can actually agree with him on something.

  “Sure thing. What do you want to know?” I’ve got a crazy-ass feeling this little impromptu catch-up could take some time. Time that I really don’t want to be wasting on the likes of Deano. I guess the sooner I focus and tell him what he wants to know, the sooner he’ll be out of here.

  “Did you get the shipment as planned?”

  “We did.” I confirm, but the scowl on Deano’s face tells me he isn’t best pleased with my answer.

  “We?” He points a stubby finger into the air and swirls it around as though he’s trying to pull the words right out of my head.

  “Yeah, me and Ryder. You remember him, right?” I really hope he does because it was Ryder who got me caught up in all this bullshit to begin with, and that’s something I’ll never let him forget. That motherfucker owes me—he owes me more than he’ll ever know.

  “Ryder? The dumb fuck from the trailer park?” A small chuckle emanates from his throat. “Sure I do. Though I’ve gotta admit, I’m surprised he’s still in town. I thought he would have moved out of this town years ago. He was never really built for this lifestyle and you know it. Now, you. You were fucking born for it. It runs through your veins.” He slaps his wrists to emphasize his point and he’s fucking crazy. “Speaking of family ties, how is Bryson?”

  “All good as far as I know.”

  “Real shame he isn’t around. But fortunately for you you’ve got that trailer trash on hand to help you out, right?”

  “Right.” I clench my jaw, biting down hard to stop myself from saying something I really shouldn’t.

  “He sounds like a real good kid who knows what he’s doing.”

  Now it’s Deano’s turn to ramp up the sarcasm, and the two of us could go at each other like this all through the night, but that won’t get either of us anywhere fast.


  “I guess so…”

  “You guess? Tell me, kid. Have you managed to get rid of any yet?”

  I knew this was coming. Deano loves three things: pussy, coke and money, and he isn’t fazed by the order so long as he gets his daily dose, and in large quantities. “I’m not sure. I’d have to check in with Ryder. But don’t worry. He’s all over it.” I confess, hoping it will be enough to pacify him.

  “I’m happy to wait…”

  “Look, Deano. It’s real good to see you and all, but why are you really here? You and I both know you didn’t come all this way for a stock-check.”

  Something isn’t sitting right with me and the longer he’s here the more uneasy I feel. Deano has an ulterior motive, I’m sure of it. I just need to figure out what it is.

  “I tried calling you heaps of times with no such luck. I was left with no other option to call my girl. You know I wouldn’t usually do that, but it was out of my hands, Colby. I needed to make sure you hadn’t fucked up or ended up on a slab. You know me, kid. I like to be told that my plan is still in place and it’s business as usual. But you know what surprised me the most?”

  “What?” I shrug my shoulder, ready to up and leave at a moments notice. I’m done with Deano trying to waste my time.

  “My girl. She seemed a little down, and lonely… like she’s not getting the right amount of attention she deserves.” Deano’s eyes darken again and he burns them into mine. A sure sign this motherfucker isn’t a happy bunny.

  “Are you shitting me? Tiffanie’s a social bee if ever I saw one. She’ll talk to anyone, and for hours at a time. You don’t need to worry about her. I’ve got her covered.”

  Deano continues to watch me and I’d love to know what’s running through his mind, right now. I’d love to know what he’s really thinking, but he’s always been a closed book. You only know what he wants you to know.

  “So long as you’re treating my girl right, I don’t have any concerns.”

  “Of course.” I lie through my teeth. “I’m Colby Carter, the perfect fucking gentleman. And I always aim to please.”

  “Uh-huh.” He nods and leans closer. “That’s what worries me, kid.”

  “I’m a man of my word, if nothing else.”

  “Good to hear. But tell me, if you’re so true to your word, that couldn’t possibly be Doria’s daughter out in the bar could it? Willow, I think she said her name was.”

  My heart stops at the sound of Willow’s name leaving Deano’s mouth and it feels like all the air has been knocked out of my lungs.

  It’s been five fucking years.

  Five fucking long ass years. How the fuck would Deano still remember Willow?

  Maybe because her mom almost resulted in Deano’s downfall, and the son of a bitch chose me to deal with it. To deal with her—with Doria and her family. Only now he knows I lied to him.

  Shit. This isn’t good. This isn’t good at all.

  “I thought all that bullshit was done with and long forgotten?” I keep my voice as calm and light as possible, and I hope he doesn’t pick up on the fear hiding behind my cold eyes. “That was the deal, no?”

  “The deal…” he barks, “was for you to get rid of Doria and any loose fucking ends. I’d call the daughter a major loose end, no?”

  “Willow isn’t a threat. She doesn’t even know what happened back then.” I confess and it’s nothing but the truth. I know this because I made fucking sure of it. I made sure she would never know anything about her mom, or that everything would come back to me. It was a toss-up between my happiness or Willow’s and for the first time in my life I finally chose someone other than myself.

  I wanted to… no, I needed to make sure Willow was protected at all costs. So, I went ahead and pretended the deed was done. I made sure Willow would hate me for the rest of her days, packed a bag and turned my back on the few people I cared about. I did all this—I sacrificed everything for Willow—to keep her safe. To keep her alive. Because a life without Willow in it isn’t a life worth living at all.

  “Well, now. I guess that all depends what you see as a threat. Rumor has it that Willow could be a massive threat to my daughter’s future and happiness.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  WILLOW

  The house is quiet and empty when I arrive back home and relief floods through my body, slowly removing and cleansing my soul from all the bullshit and negative vibes from recent events.

  I already knew Colby wouldn’t be home because I saw his brooding figure storming through the clouds at Sinners and he didn’t look all too happy to be there. Tiffanie was also hot on his heels, waltzing through the joint like she owned the place and I knew that was my time to leave. Not because I’m scared of barbie, but because believe it or not, I actually have a conscience, and I’m the one who’s been fucking her man. And it doesn’t matter if I lack the willpower to resist Colby, I still know it’s all kinds of wrong.

  I thought Hadley might have been home, but I guess it’s safe to say she’s avoiding me. I haven’t seen or heard from her since our little showdown back in the office. I guess is pointless dwelling on it. I’m sure I’ll see her when I see her. After all, we can’t avoid each other forever—not when we live in the same house.

  Right now, I think I’m going to enjoy some much-needed peace and quiet. I might draw a bath, soak in it for as long as possible and then crash for the night. I sigh heavily. That sounds like my idea of heaven. Hopefully Colby will be too occupied with dramatic barbie to find any time to disturb me, and lord knows I could do with some sleep.

  “Willow.”

  I almost jump out of my skin when I hear my name echo down the hall.

  “Willow, are you home?” Colby’s voice is urgent and laced with panic and as soon as he rounds the corner to the living area, he looks deathly white, as though he’s just seen a ghost. He’s super quick to compose himself again as he comes to a stop in front of me. He stands tall, his legs a shoulders width apart, and his big strong arms cross over his chest.

  “Um… hey…” I say while his eyes narrow and a menacing scowl plays on his face. Jeez, what could I have possibly done wrong this time? I made sure I kept my distance from Tiffanie, even if that was more for my own benefit than his. I haven’t gone crazy over his bullshit way, which any other chick would have probably torn him a new one by now. I’m coming up empty. I have zero clue what I could have done to piss him off.

  When the silence finally grows too much to bear, I finally say, “What’s wrong?” I want to move closer to him, but something in my gut tells me to keep a safe distance from him.

  Colby’s eyes continue to grow cold and hard when he looks at me again and he resembles a deadly demon lurking his prey. A sharp pain shoots in my chest and it feels like he’s just physically stabbed me in the heart. It’s be a long time since he last looked at me with so much hate.

  Fuck.

  I should have known this happy Colby was too good to be true. I should have known he’s be back acting like a Grade A asshole soon enough. Nothing good can last forever, right?

  I stand, frozen to the spot as he slowly takes a small step closer to me and a sense of unease takes over my body. “Hey, you know no one’s home, right?” I try my best to stay strong and in control, but my voice betrays me as it cracks. I know Colby doesn’t miss it either. He’s always preyed on the fear of others, yet his face remains unchanged. Impassive and totally void of any emotions—right back to the Colby Carter he likes people to see—to fear.

  “You need to leave.” Colby’s voice is stern and hard, and it slices through me like a knife. “Go pack a bag and get the fuck out of here.”

  “Colby?” What is this? Is this some kind of sick and twisted joke? Has he suddenly decided to ramp up his games by a few levels? Is this supposed to be some kind of test to see how I’ll react?

  My heart beats a little faster when the realization of what he’s telling me to do starts to sink into my frazzled mind and I can tell this
isn’t a joke. Colby definitely isn’t messing around.

  “It’s not a request, princess.” I flinch when he snarls, and it feels like I’m back living the nightmare of my teenage years. “I want you out of here and I want you out now.”

  “But I live here.” I exclaim and I can feel the adrenaline beginning to pump through my veins. “Plus, you don’t get to tell me what to do. In case you forgot, you don’t make the rules around here anymore.”

  Colby looks around the room before turning his attention back to me. “Do you see Hadley putting up a fight? Why do you think she hasn’t been around? She’s avoiding you.” The conviction in his voice is strong and I have to admit he sounds very convincing. “She’s not stupid. She knows what’s been happening between us, and she’s too disgusted to talk to you. I guess she expected more respect from her best friend. Bottom line is, she wants you gone, and now I’ve had time to think about it, so do I.”

  “Bullshit.” I bite back with a hell of a lot more conviction than I really feel, while trying to fight the huge lump forming in my throat. Nausea consumes me as I say, “more like you want me out of the picture.”

  I flinch again as Colby snarls and an evil laugh rumbles from his throat. “Please, like you’d ever be that relevant.” His words whip across my face as though he’s just slapped me, and it stings like a bitch. “I wouldn’t think too highly of yourself. I’m a guy, princess. A hot-blooded male who has needs, and between you and Tiffanie, well it turns out your pussy was the best out of a bad situation.”

  “You son of a bitch.” I hurl back at him before I can stop myself, and I know I should be trying a whole lot harder to hide my feelings and how much this is affecting me. He doesn’t need to see this, and I can’t help feeling like we’ve gone back in time.

  “Oh, come on. Don’t start playing the victim. I thought you were better than that? After all these years, did you really think you could ever mean anything to me? You’ve always been a weak and willing plaything, just there, ready for the taking. If you seriously thought you were worth anymore then you must be trippin’.”