I snickered. By the time she’d tell Aubrey, I’d be long gone. Whether she told Aub or not, it wouldn’t change a thing. “Beverly…”
“I’m inviting you to my son’s sixth birthday, Micah. The least you can do is show up and see how well he’s doing.” She was furious with me, and had every reason to be. “And next year, when you knock on my door, I want you to tell me how saving Jason’s life was a mistake.”
I sighed.
“For fuck sakes, Micah,” Aaryn urged. “Just agree to the stupid plan. Promise her you’ll show up and let’s get a move on.”
My friend didn’t get it. I didn’t make promises I knew I couldn’t uphold.
“Beverly, I’m sorry, but I can’t. I apologize for my words––I just––I can’t make that promise. I’m grateful Jason is going to pull through, but you need to let this go.”
Her eyes lowered and without adding anymore words, she backed away.
“Dude,” Aaryn laughed. “What the hell was that about?”
“Nothing,” I replied, and as I pulled up my leather chaps, I felt my phone vibrate in my back pocket.
Aubrey: Micah, he’s awake. Vince is awake.
My lips curled into a relieved smile.
Micah: Good.
Aubrey: Can you come up? He wants to see you.
My fingers twitched on the keypad. I didn’t know how to respond.
Aubrey: Micah?
“What’s wrong?” Aaryn asked.
***
Twenty-one years old
“We’re not leaving.” I struggled to find the right way to tell her, but being blunt and honest was the best way for the both of us. We took a seat on the tailgate of Ethan’s old beat up Chevy and chugged our beers. Silence filled the warm air after Aaryn’s unsurprised snicker. She rested her head on the rusty metal to peer up at the stars, and I studied my disappointed friend. “Aaryn, I’m s––”
“Don’t,” she cut me off. “Seriously, it’s not worth it. But for the hell of it, tell me: what was it that convinced you to stay? Ethan’s wishful dreams or the little princess?
“Stop talking shit about him, Walker. If you’d let him, he’d be more than happy to help you out too.”
“Except he’d expect something in return.”
My jaw ticked. “No. He wouldn’t. Not everyone is like the rest of your fucking family, Walker. I mean yeah he has loads of shit he dips into, but he also makes sure I stay away from it. He’s a good guy.”
She shrugged. She was either unconvinced or too afraid to take the small leap of faith she had left in her. Aaryn’s life was just as fucked up as mine…probably worse. Her brother was a dealer, her mom was dead, and although she’d never confirm it, I was convinced her father had some sort of sex extortion business. Basically she was the only sane person in her household and the term was used loosely. Aaryn Walker was a sexually driven bisexual addicted to anything or anyone who could help her lose control. She trusted no one aside from me, and she decided I was trustworthy because no matter how hard she’d try, I refused to fuck her. I had bitten my own fists about my stubbornness more than once. Aaryn was hot and my dick enjoyed women just as much as any other guy, but aside from Ethan, the girl was also the closest thing I had to family.
“So the princess...”
I knitted my brows. “You don’t even know her.”
“Neither do you,” she scorned.
“I know her brother…”
“Oh my fucking god, Micah, you met her for like ten minutes…I mean, come on!”
“I’m not going to sleep with her.” I defended.
“Yeah right!” she mocked, but I was serious…sort of. I just needed to figure out the whole Vincent issue first. Maybe I could do her once and convince her not to tell him…
“Dude, if you don’t have sex with her, I will,” my friend enticed. “Shit…if she lets me I’ll lick her sweet pussy and make her come so hard, she’ll forget your name.”
“Good luck with that.” I stifled a groan and she licked her lips, wagging her eyebrows at my inner thoughts. Laughing at our dirty minds, I was relieved to see that she wasn’t as angry as I had presumed she would be. “So are we good?”
“Yes we’re good,” she snorted. “Lambert, I love you. You’re like the best thing that’s ever happened to me. But I need to remind you that you’re a walking, ticking time bomb. You’ve just fucked up your father’s face because he came to wish you a happy birthday.”
“He also apologized for his mistakes and told me he loved me.”
“Hey, I’m not saying he didn’t deserve it. I’m just saying you’re lucky if he doesn’t press charges.”
“Ethan assured me he wouldn’t,” I asserted.
“Of course he did. He probably paid him off too just so he can keep you around. He had to pull you off your own dad before you killed him with your bare hands, Micah. You think that makes sense?”
“Nope. But you know what? I don’t care. Listen Aaryn, I can’t explain it, but I need to stay. And deep down you have to admit that Ethan’s right about this mechanic shit. I’m doing good right now. I’ve cut down on the drugs, I don’t drink as much…I’m even planning to open my shop with Vince.”
“And all of this sudden epiphany is because once upon a time a little princess walked through The Devil’s Gate.” She giggled at her own very lame joke. “You’re going to ruin her.”
I looked over my shoulder and spotted my group of friends through the window of the bar, talking and drinking amongst each other. Leah was cozying up with Aubrey, and appeared to be nervous as hell for the first time in her life.
As if she could feel my eyes on her, Vincent’s sister searched through the glass until she found me. My heart jolted which was the weirdest thing I’d ever experienced.
“If anything, the firefly will ruin me,” I muttered.
Aaryn choked on her drink. “You gave her a fucking nickname?”
“So did you.”
“Except mine is because she’s flawless and gorgeous,” she defended. “What’s your excuse?”
I sipped on my beer. “She reminds me of home.”
Blinking, I scanned the sky to glimpse at the stars, and then peered down searching the field in hopes of seeing miniscule bouncing lightening bulbs.
Following my gaze, Aaryn grabbed my hand. “She’s out somewhere there looking out for you.”
“It’s supposed to be the other way around,” I whispered.
My friend hopped off the truck, but before walking towards her Honda CBR she wrapped her arms around me. “Maybe…but I think we both know things don’t always happen the way they’re supposed to. I mean who the hell knows, she might even be the one who sent those two amazing people to you.”
I snickered.
“Whatever happens, Micah…you call me okay?”
“You’re talking as if you’re about to bail on me, Walker. Should I be worried?”
“Nope. I’m that habit you can’t get rid of. Call me if you need anything.”
“I will.”
She started her ride. “Happy birthday, Micah Lambert.”
My lips curled. “See you around, crazy chick.”
After she left, I didn’t see Aaryn for over a year. In between her other jobs and failed relationships, she started working at The Devil’s Gate every other weekend, and when she found out I enrolled to be a fireman, she lost her shit. She boasted Ethan about helping me take the stupidest decision I could ever make for myself.
Turned out she was right.
***
Present
“I know that face,” Aaryn pointed out. “What does the little princess want?”
I shot her an annoyed glare. “Vince is awake.”
“So?”
Aubrey: Where are you?
“Don’t be a bitch, Walker. My best friend just woke up from a fucking coma. Could you at least pretend to be happy just for a minute?”
Micah: Is Vincent’s room facing the parking lot?
Aubrey: Yes…? We’re in room 206 if you want to come up.
I hesitated, just for a brief second. If I went up, I wouldn’t come back down. I’d be selfish and stay, even though I knew I shouldn’t.
You promised her you’d leave…you can’t stay.
Micah: Aub…can you look out the window for me?
I could just imagine her frown while I reached for the little piece of jewelry I had hidden inside my pants, and chuckled under my breath while I patiently waited for her. Even from outside with the sun shining brightly, when Aubrey appeared in the window of the second floor, I could see the light in her eyes.
So fucking beautiful.
I sat on my bike and turned the ignition key.
Her eyebrows puckered, leaving deep creases on her forehead. I tried to smile to reassure her. But she knew…
Fear.
It’s the only thing I could see when her gaze crossed mine. While I felt the soothing vibration of the motor, I took once last glimpse. Aubrey hit the window repetitively with huge tears pouring out of her, and grabbed her phone while she walked away from the glass.
I wasn’t supposed to pick-up. I just needed to hear her voice…just one last time. “Aub––”
“NO! No, Micah. No, don’t you fucking dare!” Footsteps echoed in the stairwell as she ran down the stairs and I hung up on her.
Droplets of rain fell over my fingers and I frowned because I knew that barely seconds before the sun was still shinning. My heart ached. Pain ripped through me and I realized that the rain was me.
Tears. Fucking tears?
They hurt…I hated them as I felt them roll down my cheeks and touch my lips.
My jaw clenched.
This is the right thing to do.
I grabbed my phone and texted Aubrey one last time before shattering it to the ground.
Micah: I fucking love you Aubrey. I love you more than anything and everything in this world. But this time I need hold onto my promise. Your light’s fading, Firefly, and it’s time for me to set you free.
Peering up at the covered sky, I soaked in the rays of sunlight that tried to pierce through the dark clouds. “Time to go,” I called out to Aaryn.
My friend looked at me with concern. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
I didn’t. I just had to rely on my faith and the knowledge that it was the best decision to make for the both of us.
While pulling my helmet over my head, I saw Mrs. Phoenix standing in my peripheral vision, pretending she wasn’t still watching me. “Beverly!”
She turned around mid-step and I tossed the firefly into her hands. Her eyebrows knitted together as she admired the jewel.
“If I promise to come back in a year, will you give that back to Aubrey for me?”
Mrs. Phoenix lips thinned, but she nodded. “Anything else?”
“Yeah…tell her that I’ll be watching her when she dances in the meadow.”
Chapter 12
Aubrey
Present
I drove. I drove as fast as I could, but deep down, I knew.
He told you…he fucking warned you and you didn’t listen.
Strangled by the thundering pain, I crushed the firefly charm in my hand.
He was right all along…he was the predator and you were his prey.
Tears ran down my cheeks, I closed my eyes.
He’s fucking gone…
Fast––loud noise.
You gave him your heart…And he set it free.
Thank you for reading.
I hope you’ll keep in touch to find out what happens with Aubrey and Micah.
For more by Aimee Noalane
No Regrets
Living with Regrets
Transcending Regrets
Power Play (coming soon)
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When Sparks Collide
By Kaylee Ryan
Chapter 1
Brantley
When Captain Spears told me we had to do rounds at The Country Manor today, it took everything I had not to grin. It’s routine for our department to go to local business and check their fire systems, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and the emergency box. It’s a little waterproof locked box on the side of the building. Inside, there are contact numbers for the owners and management staff. Should there be a fire emergency, the thought is that we get to the box and contact the necessary personnel. The Country Manor, well, that’s my favorite. That’s where Kinsley works; she’s been the manager there for about a year now. Kinsley Spears has been playing in my nightly dreams ever since she returned home from college. She’s a fucking wet dream. Oh, and did I mention she’s the captain’s daughter? Just my luck, she wants nothing to do with me. Not me specifically, at least I don’t think so. Her excuse for refusing me is that she vowed to never date a firefighter.
I’m still trying to change her mind.
Pulling the fire truck into the parking lot, I drive around to the back of the building. This thing is huge, and the front lot is too small. I can just see Kinsley, with her hand on her hip, and those big brown eyes full of fury giving me hell because I’m blocking the lot for her guests. Better yet, the guests freaking out thinking there’s a true emergency. As much as the fire in her eyes hardens my cock, I’m trying to stay on her good side. I’m not giving up. Normally, I’m a patient man, keeping my head straight, staying calm in emergency situations, but with Kinsley, my patience is wearing thin.
I want her.
“What’s your big hurry?” Derek Dotson, my best friend and fellow crew member at the fire department, asks.
He knows. He just wants to make me say it. “The sooner we get through this, the sooner we can get back to the station.”
“Uh-huh,” he says.
Ignoring him, I walk toward the front of the building and enter through the double glass doors. My plan is to ask for her, but she’s already there waiting.
“Brantley. Derek.” She greets us with pure professionalism. Not that I expect anything less from her.
“Hey, Kinsley,” Derek says. “You know the drill.”
“That I do. Dad told me you were on your way.” She steps out and around the counter. “I guess we’ll start with the extinguisher, and emergency lights. This way,” she says, turning to lead us down a long hallway.
“Son of a bitch,” Derek comments.
I smack the back of his head. “Mine,” I growl, low enough that he can hear me, but Kinsley doesn’t. No need to give her another reason to push me away.
“Since when?” he goads.
“Fuck off.” I walk ahead of him. My eyes immediately follow the sway of her hips as she walks. She’s in a tight black skirt and red high heels. Her long blonde hair is flowing down her back. She’s a fucking knockout.
I’m too busy staring at her ass to realize she’s stopped walking. I catch myself, my hands on her hips just before I plow into her. “Sorry, babe. Your ass distracted me,” I whisper in her ear.
I can see the effect I have on her by the sudden rapid rise and fall of her chest. Her red silk shirt is unbuttoned, just to show a hint of cleavage, and from my height, she’s giving me a show. “Brantley, we’ve talked about this.” She sighs.
“You’ve talked, but I haven’t. Go out with me.”
She places her soft hand on mine; it’s still resting on her hip. “I can’t.” Gripping my hand, she removes it from her waist and steps away. “The alarm system panel is in here.” She opens the door at the end of the hall we’ve been standin
g in front of.
“Struck out again, Price,” Derek says with a laugh, his hand on my shoulder.
“Fuck off,” I grumble, and step into the room. Derek and I go through the routine of testing the alarms in each part of the building. Kinsley disappears, I assume to remind her staff that we’re just testing the system and that there’s not a fire or any other type of emergency.
“Extinguishers next. Let’s split up. I’ll take the top three floors. You take the bottom three?” Derek asks.
I fight my smile. I assume Kinsley’s office is on the first floor. “Damn good plan, my man.” I clap him on the shoulder just as he did to me earlier, and head off down the hall. I decide to go ahead and get the top two floors crossed off the list. I can’t guarantee that when I find her, especially if she’s alone in her office, that I’ll be able to leave her to do the rest of my job. Fuck me, but she could easily be my addiction.
Finishing on the second floor, I’m not surprised that everything’s in order. Kinsley’s not going to let something slip through the cracks, not on her watch. When the elevator slides open, she’s standing there. I need to finish the first floor, but the pull to ride to whatever floor she’s going to is too strong. “Kins,” I say, leaning against the wall of the elevator.
“Are you not getting off?” she asks.
My cock throbs. “I don’t know, am I?”
Her cheeks color the slightest shade of pink. “Brantley,” she says with a sigh, as the elevator doors close.
Immediately, I reach over and hit the Stop button. “Kinsley,” I say her name just as she did mine.
“W-what are you doing?”
“Testing the elevator.” I step toward her. She’s standing in the opposite corner, her back against the wall. I place my hands on the elevator wall above her head. “You’re beautiful,” I say softly.
Burn Me Anthology Page 57