BULLY ME NOW (Bully Me #4): A Best Friend's Brother Bully Romance

by Lacey Heart

  I’ve hurt her.

  I’ve lied to her and put her in direct line of danger more times than I’d ever like to admit, but still, no matter what I did, something always kept pulling us back together, and for what?

  For me to fuck up and force her out of her home. To send her far away from everything and everyone she’s ever known and loved? I know why I did it, but it still doesn’t make it right.

  I did it because I had to and more importantly, I did it so I could keep her safe. Not that anyone would ever believe me. Why would Colby Carter sacrifice everything just to keep Willow safe?

  “Trouble in paradise?”

  Deano’s voice bellows out behind me. For fucks sake. What does he want with me now?

  “Nothing to shout home about.” I reply, yet there is zero conviction is my tone. “Are you leaving now?” I ask, and hope swims through my body at the thought of finally getting shut of the prick.

  He glances down at his phone, scowls as his brow furrows and then brings his attention back to me. “I’m afraid so, kid. Look, I’d love to stick around but it looks like something’s come up and it can’t wait. You know how it is.”

  “Sure,” I can’t help but nod my head a little too enthusiastically and I feel my muscles relax finally at the thought of his disappearing. Damn, how I would love for him to disappear forever, but we all know that isn’t about to happen any time soon. “Everything okay?”

  I really couldn’t give a damn if his plans are running smoothly or not. Whatever he’s got going down is his problem and his alone. I’m so done with his bullshit, and I want no part in it. I’m out, and the sooner Bryson comes back the better. I never thought I’d be uttering those words so early on in the game, but things have changed at a dramatic pace since I arrived back here.

  I watch on as Deano turns to leave, but he must change his mind as he turns back on me and says. “how about I make it up to you? Let me shout you and Tiffanie to dinner tomorrow night?” He offers me a small smile. “We should do some more son and lather-in-law bonding, and I know my girl would love seeing her two favorite guys together.”

  I feel my own brow furrow as I try to avoid the disaster that’s just waiting to happen. “I’m not sure, man. I hate to admit it but I’ve kind of been forced to neglect Tiff since I’ve been back, and I really think some time alone is what we need right now.” Maybe using Tiffanie as an excuse is all kinds of wrong, but I’m going to hell anyway, but it looks like Deano doesn’t want to hear it.

  “Bullshit. Tiffanie could never say no to me and you sure as hell know it to, kid. I mean, two of her favorite guys together, what else could she ask for?” A lot of materialistic things simmer in my mind, but I keep my mouth shut knowing that they won’t help me win this argument. “Oh and be sure to bring that beautiful sister of yours too.” I open my mouth again to argue but he raised a hand to silence me. “I won’t take no for an answer. I’ll pick you guys up from here tomorrow night at say, seven?”

  And just like that he turns around and he’s gone.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  WILLOW

  The bright light burns my eyes as I struggle to focus.

  It’s hard to keep them open. They’ve been used to the dark for only god knows how long. I know it’s a survival instinct and my eyes are only trying to protect themselves from any potential harm, but I need to open them. I need to see what and who is in front of me.

  I’ve been shrouded in darkness for so long, but now it’s time for me to come to terms with what has happened. Actually, to what is happening to me.

  “Come now, sugar. Open those eyes. There’s no need to be shy.” The unfamiliar voice comes to life again and now I know I wasn’t imagining it; my eyes dart open when this strangers’ lips kiss my ear. “That’s better.”

  I breathe in deep, but I still struggle to make a sound due to the tape on my mouth. Slowly, my eyes being to focus, and my surroundings become a little clearer, and I can make out the dark figure standing in front of me.

  Relief floods through me when I see that Colby is nowhere in sight. I know I shouldn’t get ahead of myself. Just because he doesn’t seem to be here at this moment in time doesn’t mean he isn’t involved in my kidnap.

  My eyes focus some more and zone in on my captor, but I’m deflated when I don’t recognize him. I have zero recollection and I know instantly that I have never met this guy before in my life. His accent has a southern twang too, so I’m guessing he isn’t from this area either.

  I try my damned hardest to stay calm but that’s so much harder to do now I can actually see my surroundings. I still have no idea where I am or why I’m here. The walls around me are dark. A strong smell of mold lingers in the air. All I can see is four brick walls and there’s not an ounce of natural light anywhere in the room. Is it day or is it night? I wouldn’t even be able to guess.

  And unsurprisingly my captor doesn’t give me anything to ease my puzzled mind. But then why would he, when I’m the one who’s at his mercy.

  He finally inches closer to me and I can get a real good look at him. Probably not his best move if I manage to get out of here alive. He is tall, and of slim build. His eyes are a seep shade of brown, framed by black lashes. He doesn’t look friendly at all, but then isn’t that the whole point. Whoever set this up has made sure my capture would fill me with the creeps.

  A shiver runs through me as he steps even closer, and when he smiles sadistically at me, he displays a crooked set of yellow, tobacco stained teeth.

  “Uh-huh. You are definitely something.” He leers at me while licking his thin cracked lips. His eyes glaze over, making him look even more dangerous and psychotic than he did just a couple of seconds ago.

  I try to move away from him when he presses his body flush against my torso and I can feel my panicked heart beating like a drum in my chest, desperate for some kind of escape. He doesn’t stop at my discomfort. If anything, I think this eggs him on further, as he places one hand on my hip before slowly gliding it up my past my stomach and bringing it to rest on my breast. He pauses, snickers and then brings his hand further up my body before coming to a stop on my jawbone. My heart stops when I quickly realize it’s not his hand at all, but a gun.

  Fuck. I really hope that isn’t loaded.

  I could actually laugh at my own stupidity. Of course, it’s fucking loaded. This psycho doesn’t look the type to play around with fake models.

  Another small tear rolls down my cheek and I have no way to catch it, but my captor sees and brings his mouth to my cheek before licking it off. “Oh, you taste so good too.”

  I’m totally defenseless.

  It doesn’t matter what this jerk decides to do with me because I’m at his mercy. I’m helpless, tied up and there is no way in hell I’d ever be able to fight him off.

  “Are you hungry?” He asks after a few moments and I just about manage to shake my head while my stomach growls out in protest. I can’t even remember the last time I had something to eat. I can’t even remember the last time I had a drink.

  “Not hungry, huh? How about a drink? I bet your throat’s drier than a nun’s pussy.” I don’t like his tone nor his attitude, but damn, he isn’t wrong. I’ve never known my throat to be so dry. Even coming round from having surgery on my tonsils wasn’t this bad. I’m so thirsty, it hurts just thinking about it.

  The weirdo must realize I can’t answer him when he suddenly leans in closer and rips the industrial tape from my mouth and I cry out from the sharp sting, making my dry lips burn. Without thinking I instinctively open my mouth and take in a deep lungful of air, but the sudden violation hurts like a bitch too, like I’ve just been sucker punched in the throat.

  “Do you want some water? Help lubricate that delicious mouth of yours and then you can suck my dick to say thank you.”

  Bile begins to work its way up my throat, and I struggle to swallow it back down. I can’t think of anything worse than having his rancid, riddled cock in my mouth, or anywhere near me
for that matter.

  “Step away from the girl, Greg.” A loud bellowing voice alerts me to someone else in the room, and it sounds like the voice came from behind my captor, and for the first time since he switched on the light I watch as all the color leaves his tanned faced.

  “I’m just playing, boss.” He stutters before throwing me a quick wink, and nervous energy consumes me. Fucking boss? This guy is the reason for my kidnap? What the hell is going on here? What kind of trap have I fallen into now?

  “She isn’t here for your entertainment. You need to remember that.” Boss man warns.

  Something suddenly sparks within me. The longer I am forced to watch this car-crash play out in front of me, the more I’m certain that this set up wasn’t Colby’s doing. If Colby wanted me dead or tortured there is no way he would have someone else do the job. No, if this was Colby’s doing, he would be the one standing in front of me, loud and proud that my downfall would be done at his hands.

  My mind is frazzled, working overtime as I try to figure out who would do this to me, and why.

  “I said step the fuck away you dumb fuck.” Boss man snaps. “The poor broad is probably scared out of her pretty little mind. She doesn’t need your ugly mug causing her more stress.”

  “Hey, I don’t know, boss. I think she likes me.” Greg quips and he seriously couldn’t be any further from the truth. As he steps back, I catch the new arrival, boss man, in my peripheral. I blink a couple of times because when I get a good look at him, I know what I’m seeing can’t be right.

  “You.” I call out, my voice hoarse and raspy, and I’m not sure if I was loud enough for him to hear me.

  Wow. This is crazy. Everything is so fucked up.

  I knew as soon as I laid eyes on this guy that he was nothing but bad news. Obviously, some kind of wise guy who lives his life thinking is balls are a whole lot bigger than they truly are. I guess I was right to be cautious, but a fat lot of good that did me because look at me now. The only problem right now is, no matter how hard I try, I just can’t put my finger on his name. It’s there, just on the tip of my tongue, but it’s still so far out of reach too.

  A wicked smile creeps onto his disgusting round face as he steps closer to me, and when he’s as close as he wants to be, he crouches so that he’s at perfect eye level with me on the floor.

  “So, you remember me, huh?” he asks, and I know I need to tread carefully with this one.

  I nod, although it’s not the compliment he thinks it is. I remember this guy for all the wrong reasons. “Deano,” I breathe out and I struggle for breath afterwards as though just his name alone has the power to strip me of my lungs. He notices but he doesn’t do anything to help me. Instead, he watches me closely with nothing more than an evil, sadistic smile plastered across his face.

  “I’m truly sorry it had to be this way, Willow. But you see, as soon as I saw you, I knew you would play an integral part of my plan. But first, we need to get you cleaned up. Greg,” he snaps his fingers and my captor’s quick to come running, leading me to believe that somewhere around these parts Deano must hold some kind of authority.

  It’s clear to see through my tear-filled eyes that Deano is definitely the captain of this ship. The leader of this operation, and now he’s here Greg doesn’t seem or act as dominating or superior as he did when he first came into view.

  “Get the girl some water and something to eat. She’s gonna need her energy.”

  CHAPTER NINE

  COLBY

  I allow the amber liquid to slide down my throat and I relish in the burn as it intensifies more and more. I don’t know what the hell Deano is playing at or what he’s plotting, but it’s high time he quit fucking around. We all know he’s getting to old for this kind of shit. He’s passed it, and the sooner he realized that the better.

  The guy is deluded.

  The best thing he can do for himself is to get the fuck out of Redlake and take his materialistic whore of a daughter with him. There’s nothing for either of them in this town. There never has been and there never will be.

  There’s no way Bryson will ever stand for him sniffing around his empire, but Deano―the dumb fuck―he just isn’t seeing that at all. Well, more fool him, that’s all I can say. This will be his downfall and I’m not stupid enough to jump in and risk my own life trying to save him.

  I’ve done a lot for Deano over the years. And more than most, too.

  I have sacrificed everything I ever had, and I was the one who put my life on the line for him constantly. And what the fuck has ‘Deano the fucking great’ ever done for me?

  Absolutely jack shit. Fuck all. Nada, Zilch. And now I think it’s high time the tables turned. Over the years it’s me who’s been lumbered with his waste of a daughter, but I’m also hopeful that won’t be for much longer.

  “What do you think?” Tiffanie asks as she walks into the kitchen, her eyes wide and her bright red lips slightly apart as she waits for some kind of answer or reaction from me.

  “About what?” I reply, and I know straight away it’s not the kind of response she wanted to hear because her face scrunches up into a scowl―or at least she tries her damned hardest to fight against the endless amounts of filler and Botox in her face. It’s so not a look. She looks more constipated than flawless, but who the hell am I to judge?

  “My dress. Jeez, Colby. You seriously don’t pay any attention to anything anymore. Your head’s always stuck somewhere else. What happened to the fun?” She huffs back at me and I can’t help but laugh. Who would have though Tiffanie Melrose would ever become so disappointed in me, I don’t know if I should class it as an achievement?

  Fucking fun. What the hell would she know about that, anyway? Being around Tiffanie isn’t fun anymore and it hasn’t been for a long ass time, but I decide to keep that piece of information to myself for now. All I need to do is ride this bullshit out for a while longer and then I won’t need to think about Tiffanie or Deano ever again. And that sounds like sweet music to my ears.

  “Is it too much?” she asks again when I don’t answer her. Her hands fumble with the red silk dress and for the first time since I’ve had the sheer displeasure of knowing her, she looks thoroughly nervous.

  “Nah, I’m just surprised you’re actually wearing something more than lace.” I quip back. It’s no secret that Tiffanie isn’t afraid to flash the flesh. She’s one of those chicks who take the ‘less is more’ approach to a whole new level. And she certainly isn’t afraid to let her enhancements hang out, loud and proud.

  “Well, I was going to wear something else, but then daddy had this sent over today.” She beams so bright. Of course, he fucking did. Whatever Deano wants, Deano manages to get. Like fucking father like daughter, no end.

  “What’s the occasion?” I’m sure Deano said he was just shouting us all to dinner, so I don’t know why she’s getting all dressed up.

  “Didn’t daddy tell you?” Tiffanie walks over to me and lowers herself down into my lap, seduction heavy in her eyes. I run my thumb over my lips and wonder for a split second if Deano is plotting something and using this little get together as a distraction. Of course he is. That motherfucker is always plotting and scheming about something. But then would he really trust Tiffanie with that kind of information. Would he really want to lower his walls and allow his only daughter to see that side of him?

  Also, I know Tiffanie is loyal to me. Yes, her daddy dearest may shower her with money and lavish gifts, but I’m still the dick which fucks her time and time again.

  “You know your father; he doesn’t tell me shit unless he feels like he has to.”

  “Oh, don’t lie. I think this time it’s because he wants it to be a surprise. I have no idea what he’s planning but I know he has something for you. He told me so himself. Maybe he’ll finally give you a chunk of the business.”

  I’m not so sure. Deano would never part with his business. “He told me to invite Hads along, but I can’t get hold of her.” T
iffanie’s face drops at the sound of my sister’s name but she’s quick to compose herself. It’s not overly unusual for Tiffanie to go AWOL from time to time, but she’s usually pretty good at returning my calls. I know how she worries about me and the feeling is mutual.

  “Well, if she decides to get in touch, she can meet us there.” Tiffanie declares and there seems to be a hint of urgency in her tone. “Come on, let’s go.”

  Sinner’s is lively when we arrive, which is always good to see. Tiffanie holds onto my arm and holds her head high while eyes from multiple women look me up and down. It’s laughable because I’m used to the attention, but Tiffanie doesn’t like it one bit.

  I spy Deano waiting for us in the booth closest to the bar and I’m shocked when I see the motherfucker is all suited and booted. What the fuck is going on with these people? I look down at my battered black boots and jeans and suddenly wonder if I missed the memo.

  “Daddy.” Tiffanie shouts over the music and I feel myself cringing on the inside. This chick is fucking unreal. I feel the burn of heated stares around us, but I choose to ignore them. Hopefully the three of us will be out of here soon.

  “Ah, my favorite girl.” He smiles down at her as she climbs into his outstretched arms.

  “Does anyone want a drink?” I offer, and I can’t help but feel out of place stood between these two weirdos currently dressed up to the nines.

  Deano tears his attention away from Tiffanie and his cold, his narrow eyes burn into mine. “How about we save the drinks for after the big revel?” He snickers and a sense of unease washes over me. But this is Deano, and everything about him fills me with unease. But Tiffanie is totally oblivious and claps her hands in delight.

  “What big reveal is this?” I ask, feigning interest. I know Deano and I know he’s a man of many things, but surprises aren’t one of them. “Have U missed something?”