Cure For Pain

by NM Facile

  “Sure you are. Just keep telling yourself that. Until you do, you should stay away from her.”

  “I can’t. She’s under my skin. I can’t stay away from her.” Ty could see the pity on Jack’s face as he sadly shook his head.

  He didn’t say any more, just walked to his car and drove away. Ty drove home, thinking about everything Jack had said. He’d had a similar conversation with Dom a week or so ago, although that exchange had included threats and counter-threats. Dom and Ty were still not on speaking terms, other than the insults they threw at each other when Dom was at Dee’s. Even Dylan had been eerily quiet about the whole thing. He had started to ask Ty about Mary, but Ty had told him to leave it the fuck alone and, surprisingly, the kid had.

  His self-doubt overtook him as he drove. The constant ache he had when he was away from Mary couldn’t be normal. Maybe he was obsessed. Of course he was. How could he not be? The promise she held in her eyes was intoxicating, and he wanted nothing more than to indulge in it. No one had ever made him feel the way she did. It was better than any drug he’d ever tried. Mary Flynn was one hundred percent purely addictive, and he was hopelessly and completely hooked on her.

  Thursday came with sunshine, promising to be a good day. He looked into the cave and its club and confirmed the six pm tour. He still had his reservations about that. It did seem kind of touristy to take her on a cave tour, but the music made up for that. He had seen the band that was going to be playing that night at the Waterfront Music Festival the summer before. They were known for turning modern songs into swing covers as well as playing classic songs. He hoped Mary liked swing music.

  He was nervous as he waited outside her door. Fuck, he was nervous all day. He even went out and bought new clothes because he wanted to impress her. Mary came to the door with a smile on her face and her jacket in her hand. His attention was drawn immediately to her tight black t-shirt and the way it hugged the swell of her breasts. The shirt was printed with a sparkly pink unicorn that was marked like a butcher’s chart, divided into sections named Rainbows, Happiness and Superglue. Mary’s was definitely a mind he wanted to unravel.

  “Hey,” she said simply, but her smile told him everything. She was as happy to see him as he was to see her.

  He led her to his car, opening the door for her as she got in. The drive to the cave was lively. Mary spoke excitedly about her day; her passion for teaching was amazing. She clearly loved her job. It made him wish that someday he would be able to say the same.

  Her eyes lit up when she saw the castle facade. His fingers were crossed that the cave would live up to expectations. He got out and hurried over to open her door, and she stepped out gracefully. She reached for his hand as they walked to the door and he felt like he was back in middle school, when holding a girl’s hand had been daring. He grinned down at her and gripped her hand tighter in his.

  They barely made it on time. Ty paid for the tour just as it was starting, and they slipped in with the back of the group. He didn’t pay much attention to the sandstone walls around him or the tour guide’s forced enthusiasm for something she’d probably talked about a thousand times. His attention was solely focused on the little hand in his, sending sparks through his system. He watched as Mary listened intently to the guide, looking around in curiosity and awe. That little thing she did with her lips, opening them in a silent “oh” when something caught her attention, inspired wicked thoughts of ways that he might make that expression appear.

  Ty watched each of Mary’s expressions as they passed through the cave. As they continued deeper and deeper, the air around them became cool and damp. He wondered if Mary was warm enough; she wore only a denim jacket over her t-shirt. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her against him, just in case. She glanced up in surprise but didn’t pull away. The scent of her was almost ethereal. It was a combination of sweetness, vanilla, and something warm and comforting that conjured up childhood memories, completely overtaking his senses.

  He was lost in her until she elbowed him in the ribs and whispered, “Your kind of people, huh?”

  He glanced at Mary quizzically before turning his attention to the guide. She was talking about the legends of gangsters frequenting the place and the shootings that took place inside the club in the 1930s.

  “The Raylyanu family was the main source of illicit alcohol to the city during Prohibition…” the guide stated.

  Ty had told Mary over the phone one night about his first job, working for the Raylyanu brothers in one of their restaurants.

  “…Costin Raylyanu brought the alcohol down the river from Canada and stored it in these caverns.” The guide pointed to a room that had once been used to hold the contraband, and everyone ahead of them craned their necks to look in.

  “Raylyanu had ties to the mob from here to Chicago, even down to New Orleans. When Prohibition was repealed, he retired from bootlegging. After his death, his son used his inheritance to open a restaurant. Today the Raylyanu brothers, Alexander and Vasile, have expanded the restaurant business and have several in the area. Ashamed of their grandfather’s legacy, the brothers are very active in the community, supporting many nonprofit organizations.”

  Ty thought briefly about Vasile, and how different his life might be if he had continued working for him. Vasile had been so generous and supportive of him; no doubt he would be disappointed if he could see Ty today. Mary nudged him, drawing his attention back to her. He remembered the question she’d asked before he tuned into the guide. Is that how she saw him? As a mobster?

  “I’m not a mobster!” He smirked at her. “Not even close.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Of course you’re not! I was kidding.”

  She gave him a gentle shove and they continued on, falling a few paces back from the group. At one point, the tour group turned down one channel of the tunnels before they did, briefly leaving them alone. He contemplated pressing Mary up against the sandstone wall, and biting that bottom lip of hers that was all but calling his name. He shifted uncomfortably as his jeans tightened at the thought, but he kept walking.

  The tour ended in the cavernous dining area and adjoining dance floor. The room was huge, much bigger than Ty expected it to be. At the far end was a large stage where the band was already set up and playing an upbeat swing number. Some people were out dancing, and others were seated at the tables. Some were dressed in costumes, the women in beaded dresses or flared skirts. A few of the men were in suits with fedoras, others in multi-colored button-up shirts. Most were dressed much like Mary and Ty, in t-shirts or button-ups with jeans. It was a strange mix.

  Mary was looking around at everything. “It’s like we stepped off the TARDIS or something.”

  “The what?”

  “TARDIS. Doctor Who? David Tennant?” Ty was puzzled, not really sure what she was talking about.

  “Never mind,” she mumbled, before narrowing her eyes skeptically. “Wait a minute. You took me for dinner and dancing? I thought this was supposed to be a non-date?” He shrugged and smirked back at her. Mary broke into a grin and shook her head. “Just so you know, I don’t dance like that.”

  “A challenge, huh?” After that, he was determined to get her out there, just so he could feel her in his arms.

  “One you’ll regret.” She added dryly.

  He motioned to the room with his arm. “Choose your table, my lady.”

  She chose a table in the back, well away from the colored lights of the dance floor. The atmosphere of the place made it feel as if they were in a secret lair. Other than the dance floor, the place was lit exclusively with candles, casting everything in long shadows over the tiled walls and the deep red, arched ceiling. The bar along the back wall was intricately carved and highly polished and, from the looks of the shelves behind it, well stocked. Ty remembered Mary’s schnapps with a smile.

  Mary was taking in their surroundings, too. “I feel like someone is going to call out ‘raid’ and everyone will scatter into the tunnels,�
�� she whispered in awe.

  “Don’t worry, babe. If it gets raided, I’ve got connections.” Ty winked at her.

  “Well then, I’m going to order myself a drink,” she answered playfully in return.

  She picked up the menu and Ty watched the candlelight flickering in her eyes as they moved over the page. The pink sequins on her t-shirt caught the light, as well, drawing his attention downward. She glanced up at him and caught him watching her. Her cheeks darkened and she looked quickly back down. He grinned to himself and picked up his menu.

  “What do you think of the band?” The band was as good as Ty remembered.

  “It’s pretty good actually. I’ve never really listened to this music.”

  “What do you listen too?” Ty wanted to know everything about her.

  “Mostly the poppy stuff, bands from when I was young, a little country,” she shrugged at his questioning look when she said country. “When you’re from a small town in Minnesota you learn to listen to country too. We should trade iPods sometime.” Mary thought about their conversation on music the night he drove her from the hospital. His musical tastes were so different than hers.

  Ty liked this idea. He wanted to see what she listened to, what influenced her. It would be a small glimpse into her mind.

  “I’m sure your music is way different than my radio friendly music or the seventies and eighties music my mom used to play.”

  “How is your mom doing?” Ty knew she had been worried about her lately.

  Mary smiled sadly. “Her cold isn’t doing a whole lot better. I’m thinking of going down to see her sometime over summer break if she doesn’t start to feel better soon.”

  She was worried and Ty had no answers for her. He hated seeing her eyes so troubled. He couldn’t do anything but distract her for the time being.

  The plates were cleared away and the band began playing a slow song, which he hoped would be the perfect diversion. He stood up and Mary eyed him suspiciously. He grinned down at her and reached for her hand.

  “I’m not dancing.”

  “One dance, that’s all. We can even leave after that if you want.” She crossed her arms and shook her head.

  Ty leaned down and whispered in her ear, reveling in her scent. “Come on, dance with me. They’re playing our song…”

  “We have a song?” Mary asked.

  Ty nodded.

  “And it’s this one?”

  “It could be.”

  He held his hand out to her again, and this time she took it.

  Ty led her across the glossy wood floor, around the tables and out to the edge of the dance floor. He felt her reluctance as her grip tightened and her steps faltered.

  “Ty, seriously, I don’t know how to dance like that.” Her eyes were on the couples moving gracefully across the floor. She couldn’t really be that opposed to dancing, could she? He chuckled. It wasn’t like he was an exceptional dancer. He just thought it was a good excuse to get closer to her.

  “Don’t worry. We don’t have to dance like that.” She stared at him doubtfully. “Come on, Mary; I’ll hold onto you.” He held his arms out to her.

  Mary hesitated briefly before stepping into his arms. He pulled her close, and they moved in time with the haunting melody. Piano, drums and light strings weaved an eerie background. A dark, smoky voice lead them into a downward spiral of seduction and madness.

  Mary’s body was flush against his. She rested her head on his chest, allowing him to nuzzle into her hair. Ty was lost in the heat of her body despite the chill that ran through him when he heard the words to the song. He pulled Mary tighter, placing a kiss on the top of her head as he contemplated the questions that now echoed through his mind.

  All too soon, the slow song was over and the drums picked up the lively, unmistakable beat of Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing.” Mary looked up at Ty with eyes that were heavy lidded and all too enticing. He was still trapped in the spell with her, and slowly started to bring his lips to hers. The flourish of horns snapped him back before he reached her mouth. Her tongue darting out over her lips had Ty feeling a raw ache of need coursing through his body. He stepped back before she could feel it too.

  “Was that so bad?” He asked her teasingly.

  “No, but I believe we have a very interesting song.”

  “Well, we could change that. Maybe this could be our song.” He wiggled his brow at her and motioned for them to dance again.

  She rolled her eyes. “I’ve had enough dancing for one night, and a move like that with me would just be lethal.” Mary pointed out a man pulling a woman through his legs and back up before she spun smoothly back into step.

  “Fine. No more dancing. Do you want to leave now?” She nodded and they walked back to the table to collect her jacket.

  They made their way through the dining room to the exit, which took them back to the main entrance where they’d started the tour. The big wooden double doors loomed before them. Ty didn’t want to go through them. Once they did, it would be the beginning of the end of their non-date. He wasn’t ready to let Mary go yet.

  “Do you want to go somewhere else?” He was hopeful that she wouldn’t want to end the night, either.

  Her brow creased. She pulled her phone out of her pocket to check the time. She sighed.

  “I’d better not. I have to be in early for a staff meeting tomorrow.”

  “Well, then I’d better get you home.” He smiled and opened the heavy wooden door for her.

  They were alone as they walked through the poorly lit parking lot, hearing only the whoosh of the passing traffic and the gentle wash of the lake across the street. Mary grabbed his hand and held it until they reached the car. Ty unlocked her door and opened it for her, but she didn’t move. Their gazes locked and the pull was irresistible. He moved in slowly, unsure of her reaction. Ty felt her breath grow shallow as his lips were almost to hers. He hesitated, and Mary closed the distance.

  Her lips were soft, with the slightest bit of pressure slowly deepening. Her lips parted, and the effect was both hot and maddening. He wanted more of her, but couldn’t seem to get close enough. He shifted her around until her back was pressed against the side of the car. Her tongue was insistent, coaxing his out to play. He slid his hands up from her hips, connecting with the smooth, soft skin under her shirt. She moaned as he tasted the sweet skin from her lips to her ear. Ty bit down gently on her earlobe, causing her to take in a deep breath and press harder against him.

  “Ty.” Just hearing his name from her lips had him groaning. It wasn’t until he realized that she was pushing against him and giggling nervously that he noticed the light from another car’s headlights all around them.

  “Fuck.” Ty blew out a breath and threw his head back.

  Mary let out an equally frustrated breath, “My thoughts exactly.”

  The beam of light picked up the flush of her cheeks and her swollen lips. She was breathtaking.

  “Maybe we should take this somewhere else?” She looked up at him from under her long lashes.

  “I think we should.” He stepped back and motioned to the open car door. Ty enjoyed the brief view of her from behind as she turned to slide into the car. He threw an angry glare over his shoulder at the offending vehicle and headed over to the driver’s seat.

  When they were on the main road, he asked Mary about her aversion to dancing.

  “A horrible accident in sixth grade gym class that involved dance lessons.” She shook her head slowly. “Took out eight kids and one teacher. Sent four of them to the ER. From then on, they duct taped me to the wall until gym was over.” He grinned and she flashed a smile back at him.

  “Duct tape, huh? I can work with that.” He smirked, she laughed, and just like that they fell back into easy conversation all the way to her place.

  When they were out of the car, their pace slowed in an attempt to stave off the impending goodbye.

  When they arrived at her door, she asked him in, but h
e declined. He knew that if he went inside, he wouldn’t want to leave.

  “I had a good time tonight,” she offered.

  “Yeah, me too.” Neither of them made any move to part. The pull was back in full force.

  Ty had been looking into her eyes, and then his lips were on her. It was a fierce, heated kiss. Mary had one hand clutching his shirt at the shoulder, and the other tangled in his hair. She pulled him closer as their tongues and lips frantically explored. Ty’s heart pumped wildly, sending a rush of blood straight to his dick. He thrust up against Mary and she dropped her hand to his hip, pulling him even closer.

  He wrapped his fingers in her hair and pulled her head back, exposing her throat. His lips moved down as his hand moved up, until he was palming her breast. He circled his thumb around her nipple, earning a deep husky groan from her. Damn, he wanted her. He trailed a string of nips and licks back up to her lips. He bit down on that bottom lip he’d been craving all night. Her mouth met his again with intensity and fire.

  They gradually slowed, coming up for a breath. Ty knew they needed to stop. Any more like that and he would have her against the door right out here in the hallway. That wasn’t the way it should be.

  “Mary, we have to stop.” The words came out of his mouth, yet he captured her lips.

  “I know.” She murmured the words against his mouth but made no move to stop.

  “Mary, you’re fucking killing me.” He groaned, breaking away from her lips, but going back in for quick, soft kisses.

  Slowly they moved apart. Her eyes were heavy with need, and that enchanting pink color rose up from under her t-shirt and over her cheeks. He loved that he could make her come undone like that.

  Ty sighed, knowing that the night was at an end. He ran his fingers through her hair where it hung over her shoulder. “I’ll call you tomorrow?” It was more of a question.

  She smiled shyly and nodded. Her eyes were filled with something powerful that seized his heart before sending it into an erratic rhythm. He caught the small movement of her hand reaching back for the doorknob.