Cassie (The Mitchell/Healy Family #6)

by Jennifer Foor

  He cupped my face and stared into my eyes. “Don’t tell anyone about what I told you. Nothing bad will happen if I stick to the plan and get the job done. This is for us, or else I wouldn’t be doing it.”

  I felt annoyed. “Let me guess, he’s got other people doing the dirty work just in case you were to get caught? Do you have any idea what you’re risking by getting involved with these people?”

  “It’s not as bad as you’re making it. It’s smart business. Rocky has been doing this for a long time. People would jump on the opportunity he’s given me.”

  “He’s a joke. I hate him. He’s creepy, and he stares at me all the time. What’s with the two of them? Are they a couple? Tammy seems to screw whoever she can find to drop their pants.”

  “Obviously they’re swingers. They don’t talk to me about it.”

  “Why would someone want to share the person they love? I guess I’m too jealous.”

  “Don’t worry, baby. I’d never share you. Stop thinking about them. Imagine it like we’re sharing a house with strangers. We don’t have to be their friends. Just be cordial and the time will go by quick. If you need to take the edge off just tell me and I’ll get you something.”

  “Something, like drugs?”

  He shrugged. “Whatever it takes. I won’t let you get hooked. It’s important you’re comfortable. I know you’re not happy.”

  “I feel stuck in a situation I don’t want to be in. Put yourself in my shoes.”

  “It’s for our future. How many times do I have to say it?”

  His defensive attitude annoyed me. “Forget it. While you’re dabbling in danger every day, I’m going to go out and get a real job. I’m tired of staying in this house.”

  “Maybe that’s a good idea.”

  I was shocked he’d agreed, but didn’t question it. The less I had to be in the house the better. “Then it’s settled. If we’re staying for a while I’m getting a job. I promise to keep my mouth shut about your business venture, if you promise as soon as it’s over we’re out of here. I’m not screwing around either. One time is enough, Brant.”

  The idea of him stealing for our future still didn’t sit right with me, and I knew my parents would never be able to understand. Brant may not have been forthcoming about our future, but I believed he had our best interest at heart.

  One of us needed to forge toward an honest living, before we both got carried away in evil acts we couldn’t be saved from.

  Chapter 8

  Cassie

  It took me eight days to be called in for an interview at a casino. My hours would vary, but at least I’d be making honest money to put away. The job requirements were simple. I had to be twenty-one, without a criminal record, and able to wear a slutty little outfit around while serving drinks to gamblers. I could be friendly all the day long if I needed to, plus meeting new faces seemed like a good side of it.

  Brant didn’t like the idea, especially after he saw the uniform. After two days of arguing, he was dropping me off at the back employee entrance, warning me to let him know if men tried to grope all over me.

  I snickered as I walked inside the establishment, getting off on the fact that he’d be jealous. A part of me wanted him to be overprotective, because it was reassuring. Another part wished he’d let me breathe. Since we’d been away from home I felt like he was watching me constantly. I liked freedom.

  My boss was an older woman in her fifties. She still had a nice body for having six kids. She took me under her wing and showed me the ropes, introducing me to employees and going over my job duties. Carol Tanner had worked in Vegas since she was sixteen years old. Her husband, Joe was a party planner for major clubs in the area. He’d met her while he was a guest at the casino, and they’d been together for thirty years. Her story was sweet, and to hear her talk about her children made me want to be a mother of my own.

  I didn’t divulge the story, which led us to Vegas, except for the part where love was involved. She seemed like a hopeless romantic, and I appreciated her caddy way of bringing out the best in people. Standing a good foot taller than me, with legs to kill for, was a co-worker named Chloe. We hit it off fast, especially since she was from Virginia. It was nice having another east coast person to chat with while on the clock.

  After my first week I’d met a ton of new people. My life didn’t seem to suck as much, but more than anything I knew I had to reach out to my family, so one day during my lunch hour I used one of my co-workers phones to call home.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi, Mom. Before you say anything I want you to know I’m calling to tell you I’m okay. I have a roof over my head and Brant is being good to me.”

  I could hear her getting choked up. “Cassie. It’s good to hear your voice. We’ve been worried sick. I’m glad to hear you’re doing okay, but you need to know we want you to come home. Your dad has calmed down. I know you don’t understand, but the things he said were because he loves you. We don’t want to see you with a criminal when we know you can do so much better.”

  Rage filled me once again as she gave her honest opinion about my boyfriend. I think what made it worse was the truth in it. I was more worried about the things I’d said to her, not that I could admit it. It was better if I kept my distance and didn’t give her false hope. Criminals or not, I wasn’t living under my parent’s roof and they would never be able to tell me what I could and couldn’t do again.

  “I’m not calling because I’m coming home, Mom. I’m calling to let you know I’m doing fine. I’m happy,” I lied. “Maybe if you could have given Brant a chance things could be different. We’re starting a life out west, and I’m sorry you won’t be a part of it.”

  “Please, you need to know our door is always open.”

  “Actually it’s not. I made my choice, and it’s obvious you’ll never understand.”

  I hung up the phone before I could say or do something I’d regret worse. I’d already shattered her soul, but at least she knew I was alive and well, at least to her knowledge.

  I spent the rest of my break bawling my eyes out. Chloe came outside to fetch her phone and light up a cigarette. Briefly I explained how I’d left home to run away with my boyfriend. Right in front of me she lit up a bowl and inhaled some type of strange smelling drugs. Then she passed it over to me. “Take a couple hits. It will relax you and keep you focused.”

  “What is it?”

  “Weed. I get a strain from this guy I know. It’s potent.”

  Feeling overwhelmed by depression, I sucked in the mystery herb, letting my lungs fill with the substance. After a coughing spell, I could feel it taking affect. Chloe took another hit and slipped it back into her purse. “You’re not the first person to run away from her life, Cass. If you ever need to talk to someone I’m your girl. My apartment is small, but I always have room for a friend, especially if you bring the alcohol.” She walked away while laughing at her own response.

  I remained standing in the same position, realizing immediately that I hadn’t just smoked marijuana, but something else laced with it. Everything around me was starting to spin, but if I started walking it straightened out. My heart was beating faster than normal, at least that’s how it felt, and I wanted to smile at everyone for no apparent reason. Chloe spotted me once I was back on the casino floor. She shot me a wink while taking someone’s drink order. Thankfully, I made it through the rest of my shift with ease. In fact, it went by so quick I wondered how dangerous the substance could actually be. It had made my performance better and lightened my mood.

  The next day I struggled to stay on my feet. I was tired from lack of sleep, and kicking myself for calling my mother and getting her upset all over again.

  I waited for Chloe to get off and asked her if she could get a little more in case I had another bad day. She let me take another hit of her bowl while we sat in her car, and gave me a Xanax to hold me over. I hadn’t realized how pathetic I was until she’d given me something to fix me. Now I
felt devastatingly alone and in need of a fix to keep me on my toes.

  Figuring it was easy to stop whenever I wanted, I agreed to the amount she said it would cost, and believed when she said it was only a strong strain of weed, not laced with any other drug. Being naïve had never been a problem for me, but in this instance it would come back and bite me in the ass later.

  Like after every shift, Brant showed up when I called him for a ride. I found it funny how he didn’t notice anything different about me. I suppose I was super paranoid from taking a couple hits of Chloe’s bowl, and assumed everyone would be able to tell I was high. Instead he acted like everything was normal.

  Once home, we sat out at the pool by ourselves while drinking a few mixed beverages. The drugs made me extremely adventurous, and in no time at all we were in the hot tub with nothing on. Music played in the background from inside the house, and the only light was from the pool under the water.

  The air was cool with a slight breeze. We stayed close, letting the warmth from our bodies keep us comfortable. Brant’s kisses were both hungry and passionate. His hands cupped my ass while my legs wrapped completely around his back. He leaned me against the seat, slipping inside of me with ease. I was fully aware of what we were doing outside, on display for anyone to walk up and see, though I didn’t care. We were in love and free to do whatever our hearts desired. Everything was fine until I heard voices radiating from inside the house. I could make out three figures from afar, and sat up straight with alarming speed. “Oh my god. We’re not alone.”

  He kissed me again, this time ignoring what I’d said. I pulled back, shielding my breasts with my arms as the figures came walking outside. Tammy got an eyeful before a wicked grin flashed across her face. “Well, well, well, it looks like the princess has finally come out of her shell.”

  I growled at her assumption and looked to discover my towel was out of reach. “Don’t flatter yourself, Tammy. We were just finishing up.”

  She began pulling the straps of her sundress off her shoulders, while the two men, of which I’d never seen before, stood behind her. “Don’t leave on my account. There’s enough room for all of us.”

  “All of us?” I questioned. Brant gave me a quick look of worry. I knew I needed to keep the peace, but being exposed in front of other people wasn’t my idea of a fun time. It didn’t stop Tammy from stripping down and slipping inside next to us.

  “Don’t worry, Cassie, I’m sure Brant will be just as gentlemanly as he was the last time we were in here together.”

  She made me want to scratch her eyes out. Before I could respond I noticed the other two guys removing their clothes with hopes of joining us.

  Dicks, it’s all I could see. I tried to unsee them, to look in another direction, but my head wouldn’t respond to my order. With my boyfriend clung to me, I stared as the men got closer, wedging themselves inside the hot tub with us. Right away Tammy floated over and began to tend to them, while I was left speechless and vulnerable.

  Against my better judgment, I turned back around and attempted to ignore them, focusing all my energy on being with Brant. I was surprised when he tapped me on the shoulder, halting me from doing anything further. “What?” I whispered.

  “I think your boyfriend wants to know if you’d like to watch? From what I can tell, he’s into that kind of thing.” Her words were like fingernails scratching a chalkboard. Maybe if I were clothed I would have been able to attack her and rip out her eyes. Instead I remained straddled over my boyfriend, hoping he would have the nerve to tell her where to go.

  When he said nothing I feared what would come next. Then Tammy, in all her naked glory, sweetened the deal. She leaned over the edge and pulled a small box up on the ledge. I watched her open it and reveal a pocket mirror. She opened it slowly, keeping it’s contents dry. That’s when I saw the soft white glow of what was inside. “Who wants to party? Let’s get fucked up and have some fun.” She turned to my direction again. “Come on. Don’t be such a prude, Cassie. Take the first hit and let go. What do you have to lose? Are you afraid you might like it?”

  I was irate that she’d have the nerve to put me in this position, while making it known I felt uncomfortable being in this situation. I closed my eyes for a second and thought about Brant. He’d made me promise to keep the peace, yet here I was prepared to murder this chick in her own pool of water. I felt Brant’s hold loosening, and his gentle words vibrating in my ear. “You don’t have to do this, baby. Let’s just get out and head to bed.”

  “No!” I replied loud enough everyone could hear, then, while turning my attention back to Tammy I smiled and took the compact, leaning down and snorting the white powder into my nostril. There was no time to hate myself for what I’d done. The high was almost instant and I accepted how fast I began to forget about my fears. I was overcome with excitement while watching each person in the hot tub doing their own line. Brant kissed on my neck, twisting me around until my back was against his chest. My breast floated above the bubbling water, exposed to our neighbors. Tammy looked pleased as she turned to face me, doing the same with her position against one of the men. The other started rubbing over her tits, then kissing her roughly before pulling away. Her eyes never left mine, and in doing so my body became hot. I felt like I was sweating while in the water, and needed something to cool me down. Tammy’s hands were on my legs, dragging upwards to my thighs. I threw my head back until it was sitting comfortably in the arch of Brant’s neck, allowing her to explore me further without borders. In the meantime, my boyfriend started moving around, making his erection known as it pressed over the opening to my pussy. I kept my eyes closed on account of feeling ashamed. As much as I didn’t want this, I couldn’t make them stop.

  Then it happened.

  He entered me, while three people sat across watching. My lids cracked open and I saw their eyes drawn on my most precious of areas. Tammy kept touching me, finally dragging her hands up to my breasts. I cried out and focused harder, watching the guy behind her lifting her to be in position. The other one brought his ass up to sit on the edge of the hot tub, exposing himself to everyone. Tammy let go of me and spun around. Her face lowered and before I knew what was happening I watched her sucking on his dick. She came back up and kissed the other man, taking his cock in her hand and began stroking him.

  Brant kept moving, lifting me up and then letting me fall back down on his full erection. My tiny moans were nothing compared to the three people across from me, who become completely engrossed in each other. Brant’s hand came up and pinched both of my nipples. I tried to close my eyes, but found myself curious as to what was happening across from me.

  In a matter of seconds Tammy had climbed on one of the guy’s laps. They were deep in the water, obviously doing the same as Brant and I were. The other guy wasn’t ignored for long. Tammy leaned over and played with his dick, sucking it and then jerking him off again.

  Watching it play out, seeing her in the act, that perfect body, and two men obviously willing to go to extremes to be with her, turned me on. I felt things I’d never experienced before, and perhaps it was the coke, but maybe it was something deep inside me I never wanted to admit. Maybe I wasn’t the innocent woman my boyfriend claimed me to be. We were both guilty of getting involved in this. No one had held a gun to our heads.

  I came, screaming out for anyone within a half mile to hear. Beneath me I felt Brant going still, holding me until he was able to grasp what had transpired. Then we sat quickly, still connected, while watching Tammy pleasure two men at once.

  I was too high to care about what would happen when I saw her the next day, or if it would somehow change my relationship with Brant. All I cared about was finally feeling completely satiated.

  Chapter 9

  Cassie

  I was losing myself, caught up in the act of sex, and the sweet sensation of being high. For several days since the hot tub encounter we’d been binging on alcohol and cocaine. When we ran out, Rocky would go a
nd get us more. Time was irrelevant. I called out of work, and ignored my responsibilities.

  Tammy had been helping us explore our sexuality. She was teaching me to let go and accept the beauty of a gentle caress, the brush of a pair of soft lips, and the euphoria that could be brought when a person was willing to try new things.

  The effervescent glow of her skin left me flushed, confused, and overwhelmed. I never thought I’d partake in something so risqué, so taboo and forbidden. Her actions were practiced and seductive, her touch hot enough to ignite a flame. My eyes were open, scanning the room for Brant. This was all for him; something he’d fantasized about for as long as I’d known him. Much like every other man on the planet, Brant wanted to be with two women. I’d been against it for far too long, letting jealousy stand in the way of exploring my sexuality.

  This however, was like walking a tightrope of good and bad. I knew there would be consequences for my actions. We were both aware this would change the dynamic of our relationship. We’d either be stronger than ever, or fall apart into a million irreparable pieces.

  With our lives spinning in a whirlwind of disarray already, I found solace in new discovery – the feelings and thrills it gave me. His hazed over eyes were focused on her touch, while my body trembled beneath her fingers. Parts of me reacted immediately to the way her hand coursed over my pussy. She glanced up at me to make sure I wasn’t going to stop her. Tammy wasn’t just skilled physically. She knew exactly how to act to make her partners feel comfortable. I suppose that’s what kept them coming back. She was popular, and she had every right to be. Instead of accepting what society believed to be forbidden, she basked in the unthinkable, all the while knowing it would bring her the utmost fulfillment.

  Her blonde hair slicked back in a ponytail swung around as she dipped down to kiss over my kneecap. Her slow motions were soothing. She took her time converging around my thighs, dragging her nails over the inside of them.