by C. Michelle
PRAISE FOR
Pinned up
I absolutely love a book that has a perfect mixture of everything! Pinned Up was funny, sad, edgy, witty, stressful, happy, sexy, exciting, etc...I really had a great time reading it!
—Julienne from The Bookaholix Club
C. Michelle weaves in witty lines and heart stopping moments with her more than sizzling romance to bring in a novel that is completely full of entertainment. And while this book was fun and flirty, it was not without darkness, betrayal, twists, and shocking revelations.
—Jessirae from Words, Pages, and Books
So, we have a great setting, a diverse and interesting cast of characters, a bit of romance paired with a side of angst, and then come some surprising twists and turns that really bring this plot to life, providing intrigue and intensity. Overall, this is a quirky, romantic, exciting, and enjoyable read.
—Gillian from Tattooed Book Review
All in all if you don’t read this book you are missing out. If the idea of having this gorgeous cover on your bookshelf doesn’t persuade you then let it be known that this book had me ugly cry, twice. But I also ugly laughed and chewed my nails down to mere stumps. If that doesn’t interest you nothing will.
—Jade Goodmore (Author of Forget Me Not and Winter Blues)
I will say that if you liked Beautiful Bastard, Bared to You, Pieces of Lies, Tangled and Dark Light you’ll like Pinned up! Why? Because Nina reminds me of the females in each of those books. Strong, smart, independent, beautiful and feisty! I love that about a female character And oh my God that mouth of hers, I LOVE IT! She speaks her mind and has no filter!
—Akilah from the SMI Book Club
This book was funny, a lot of dark and witty humor (right up my alley), characters I absolutely loved, and a twist I wasn’t expecting. I needed this book in my life. A MUST READ get on it when this book comes out.
—Anjuli from Chi Chi’s Corner – Books & Stuff
Pinned Down
Copyright © 2014 C. Michelle
All rights reserved.
Cover Design by Michele Catalano Creative, Copyright © 2014
www.michelecatalanocreative.com
Book Design by Maureen Cutajar from Go Published
www.gopublished.com
Beta Reader/Editing by Jennifer Finch from Corset Book Services
(website coming soon)
Author’s photograph by Monroy Custom Photography
www.monroycustomphotography.com
Copyrighted Material or Trademarked
Sons of Anarchy, I Love Lucy, Real Husbands of Hollywood, Love and Hip Hop, Scandal, New Girl, the Mindy Project, Friends, Archer, Sixteen Candles, HGTV, House Hunters International, Nick Jr., Team Umizoomi, Goodreads, Wild Berry Skittles, Gran Patrón Platinum tequila, Grey Goose Vodka, Four Lokos, Insanity, Channing Tatum, Twilight, Breaking Dawn, Blood In Blood Out, Target, Doritos, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream, Taco Bell, Yukon Denali, Dodge Charger, VIVA Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend Convention, Chevy Fleetline, Kindle, FaceTiming, iPad, BMW X5, Mustang GT, Chinese New Year Parade, Big Gulp Coke, Rose’s Cocktail Infusions, Blondie’s Pizza, Cliff House, Interstate Compact Division, AK-47, DEA, Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Fort Baker, Alcatraz, SFO
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locations is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author.
ISBN: 978-0615966007 (pbk)
Acknowledgements
A special thanks to my family for your support.
Thank you, Jennifer Finch for being a beta reader for me and assisting me with the editing process. Even though you were sick and I failed to give you my manuscript in a timely manner, you still came through for me. You provided your opinion of the book and also assisted with the editing process all while feeling ill. You, my dear, are a trooper and I appreciate you greatly. A million thanks!
The readers who enjoyed Pinned Up and asked for more Nina, Josh, and Kade…you’re simply AH-MAZING!!! I wrote Pinned Up for fun. When I started to receive positive feedback, there were several times I became choked up from overwhelming gratitude. Having someone read my work feels like I’m providing a naked picture of myself waiting for others to point out the problem areas. How nerve wrecking is that? Despite the flaws, you still welcomed the characters and story into your heart. ***Thank you***
Now, for those who posted negative reviews of the first Pinned Up edition (luckily, there weren’t many), I analyzed your comments, reflected on them, and learned valuable insight. I revised my book taking into account “some” of your input. I’m sure you won’t be seeing this, but nonetheless, I wanted to thank you for your opinion and honesty.
Playlist of Songs
1) “Arms” by Christina Perri
2) “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman” by Bryan Adams
3) “Come Here” by Talib Kweli and Miguel
4) “Danse” by Mia Martina
5) “Wheel in the Sky” by Journey
6) “Ribbon in the Sky” by Stevie Wonder
7) “For the Love of You” by the Isley Brothers
8) “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt
9) “Wishing on a Star” by Rose Royce
10) “Tell Me This is a Dream” by the Delfonics
11) “Pass That Bottle” by the Devil’s Daughters
12) “Higher” by Jhene Aiko
13) “One in a Million” by Aaliyah
14) “Vuelvo a Nacer” by Frankie Ruiz
15) “I Need Your Love” by Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding
Dedication
To those of you struggling to accomplish your goals…
hang in there, stay strong, don’t let anyone
rain on your parade…you’ve got this!
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1 Missing You
Chapter 2 Tattoo
Chapter 3 Wild Beast
Chapter 4 Jelly
Chapter 5 Magic Mike
Chapter 6 Alcatraz
Chapter 7 Breakfast
Chapter 8 Rotten Kids
Chapter 9 Muscles
Chapter 10 Sancho
Chapter 11 Liar, Liar
Chapter 12 Kamikazes & Long Islands
Chapter 13 Remorse
Prologue
The eerie sound of silence is all I hear, yet chaos rapidly unfolds in front of me as the sound of gun shots surround me. Why is there no scent of gunpowder? Why has my mouth gone dry leaving nothing to spare for my parched lips and quenching thirst? Why do I feel too weak to support myself, but somehow feel a contradiction of numbness and weightlessness? My mind is definitely playing tricks on me.
Familiar, dark predatory eyes menacingly stare at me. An array of mixed emotions isn’t allowing me to speak or concentrate. Due to panic, I choke on my desperate scream for help. The tension in the air feels like a thick cloud of smoke refusing to dissipate. Fight or flight…those are my only options, but my body is paralyzed, unable to make the slightest attempt to save myself or loved ones. It’s too late for them. They’re in gun battle and are highly outnumbered. I notice their lifeless bodies drop to the ground, first my mom then Kade. I know I should be running to their aid or searching for my man, Josh, but I can’t. I remain in place…unable to move and staring at the man before me, Mateo Blanco. Vaguely, I wonder how he can still be alive. I wonder how this man, my boyfriend’s father is gazing at me, savoring every second of torment that he causes me to feel. He should be dead, but he’s not. Instead, he’s gloriously standing before me with a demonic grin enjoying the pain he inflicts upon me. Slowly, I realize
that I cannot move from the shock of seeing him alive and well.
How can this be?
“You’re next, you stupid cunt.” Mateo Blanco spits through gritted teeth. “I’m going to take my time with you.” He says with malevolence radiating off him, but with excitement to begin the physical torture he has in stored for me.
Doesn’t he know no physical pain can be greater than that of losing loved ones? Why does he hate me so much? Why does he want to cause me harm? The realization of his revenge slowly registers.
He wants to hurt my father through me.
Mateo Blanco moves towards me at a fast and determined pace with a lascivious sneer.
I need to move. I have to get away.
My body betrays me. It refuses to cooperate and remains paralyzed. Panic quickly consumes my entire being. I feel my hopes and dreams shatter. This man is here for me and has eliminated my loved ones without mercy. All that’s left of me are uncontrollable tears, excruciating pain, and a broken spirit.
My eyes swell up from tears of death, tears of paralyzation, and tears of consuming rage. He nears me and clasps my face with force. The strong pressure of his hand is agonizing. He restrains himself slightly ensuring not to break my jaw...just yet. As he stands hovering over me, I notice his eyes spiraling into a malignant mind frame, more so now that he violently invades my personal space. As I stare at Mateo Blanco’s face up close, I see Josh...a much older and sadistic version of Josh, but nonetheless...there’s no denying this disgusting brute is my man’s father.
“I’m going to have a delicious time with you. When your daddy gets the autopsy report, he’ll know I fucked his little girl in every way possible before dismembering your body.” He belches an evil laugh right by my ear. His hot breath smells of tobacco while his expensive, overpowering cologne intoxicates my senses. A scent that will forever be engraved in memory.
He sardonically laughs at my sheepish yet desperate attempts to escape his grasp. He adds more pressure to my face then lewdly licks my lips with his stiff tongue. A vile substance instantly rises up my throat. I try getting away from him once again to vomit the horrid liquid, but my efforts of escape are futile. He continues to clasp my face with his mighty grip. Almost immediately, I begin to choke on my own vomit.
Chapter 1 (Nina)
Missing You
“Baby, wake up. Come on, love. Wake up.” I hazily recognize the whispered voice. My eyes sluggishly open, feeling too weak to raise my heavy lids. Gradually, he comes to view. My man. My Josh. His gorgeous hazel eyes scan my face with concern penetrated in them.
Why is he so worried?
“Baby, you were having a nightmare. Are you okay?” Josh asks cautiously.
I’m slightly confused. “I was?” I’m relieved to see him, but the anguish in my chest refuses to perish. I notice then that my face is wet and that I’m still weeping uncontrollably. It takes a moment to register my last few thoughts. Bit by bit, I recall the determination and loathing behind Mateo Blanco’s eyes.
“Your dad…he was after me, but first, he hurt the people I love. He still wants to see me suffer. He won’t rest until he gets me.” I say in between faint sobs.
“Baby, he’s dead. He’ll never touch you or anyone else again. I made sure of it. As long as I’m alive, I’ll never let anyone harm you.” Josh cradles me tightly to his bare chest. He seals his promise with a resolute kiss on top of my head. I eagerly return his embrace. I heave a long sigh. I want to remain like this forever.
I believe him. Josh has shown me that he’s a man of his word. “Thanks, babe. You make me feel so much better. I’m sorry. It’s just that my nightmare felt so real. I’m glad you’re here. You give me a sense of security. I feel protected when I’m with you.” I smile as the side of my face is now resting on his firm, sculpted chest and our legs are entwined with each other. Right now, I only want to be held. I’m thankful Josh gives me exactly what I need...his comfort. I feel the burden of my heavy lids and quickly fall into a deep slumber once again. This time, Mateo Blanco doesn’t invade my dreams.
I wake up feeling groggy. Sunlight is creeping in my room through the blinds on my window. While stretching my arms, I realize I’m alone. I get out of bed at a snail’s pace due to my hangover. Last night’s drinking fest was imperative. Initially, the pity party was for me to drown my sorrows while watching a movie, but once Josh arrived to my house unexpectedly, my reasons for drinking changed. I had a beer to ease my nerves as I discussed my father, Diego’s confessions. Later, additional drinks were necessary as I heard Josh’s own admissions to the past week’s dreadful turn of events. Despite the revelation of our disturbing truths, our open communication and renewed commitment provide me with the relief I desperately crave.
I make a pit stop at the bathroom then head over to the living room and find Josh drinking a cup of coffee while standing by the window looking outside. I remain in the hallway and observe him from a short distance. His stance is tall and domineering, his shoulders broad with a narrow waist. He has a serious expression that lets me know his mind is running a mile a minute. He’s wearing dark grey slacks and a black button up dress shirt with a matching tie. Josh finally senses me and turns around, locking his honey colored eyes with mine. Immediately, he gives me his lazy, boyish grin that automatically sets my soul on fire. “Hey, pretty lady…come here and give daddy some sugar.” He raises his right eyebrow twice and places the coffee mug on the end table.
“Good morning, babe. You look mighty tasty. What are you up to today?” I ask as I quickly make my way into his open arms.
“Baby, it’s way past noon. You’ve been knocked out most of the morning.” He brushes a few strands of my hair away from my face. “Unfortunately, I’m waiting for my cab. I’m flying back to Arkansas right now. I have a business meeting this evening over dinner with top management from the retailer who just contracted my company. I tried rescheduling, but couldn’t. I’ll be returning towards the end of next week.” Josh says as he holds me tighter allowing me to feel the dread that consumes him for leaving me behind.
“What? Why? I just got you back last night. I’m not ready to let you go again and for so many days.” The news of his departure tugs at my heart.
“I know, baby. Trust me…leaving you is the last thing I want to do, but this meeting is very important and can’t be rescheduled. I’ll work my ass off the next few days to ensure I don’t have any more business trips in the near future. Deal?” He lifts up my chin with his index finger and stares into my eyes, confirming the truth behind his words.
“Deal.” I grudgingly agree. “You haven’t even left, yet I miss you already.” I whine. Since when do I fuckin’ whine? Stop acting so damn needy, Nina! I shove a sock down my inner voice’s mouth because right now, I don’t give a rat’s ass if I’m being clingy. I’ve been without Josh for too long and to be apart from him again after we just reconciled simply sucks balls…hairy, saggy balls at that. “But you’re my boy toy, what will I do without you in the meantime?”
“Your boy toy?” Josh laughs. “You can play with all of me, except my heart.” He glides his lips gently across my cheek. “How about you think about me? Miss me. Figure out ways to devour me when I return. I would love for you to come, but right now I need you to look after my mom and keep me posted with her recovery.” He places both hands on either side of my face and gently leans his forehead against mine. “I love you, baby. Know that I’ll be thinking of you every moment that I’m away. I can’t wait to fuck you like crazy again.”
Our private moment gets interrupted.
“What’s up, you crazy love birds?” Kade yells as he barges into the house wearing sweats and a t-shirt. “Damn, it’s a beautiful day! Hey, there’s a cab out front. Is it yours?”
“Yeah, it’s Josh’s. He’s leaving me.” I pout. “He’s going back to Arkansas today and won’t be returning until next week.”
“That sucks! Oh well, look at the bright side. At least you two can practice sextin
g and doing weird kinky shit on Skype. Besides, as hard as you two were fucking at the crack of dawn, I’m surprised you’re still standing, Cheesecake.” Kade laughs. “All right then, Josh…we’ll see you soon.” Kade heads to the kitchen allowing us some privacy to say goodbye.
Immediately, I rush his lips. I want to savor every bit of his delicious mouth as our tongues dance gracefully with each other. Reluctantly, Josh backs away from me. “I have to go, baby.” His voice and stare portray sadness, but he tries to lighten the mood. “Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to bring back some toys for both our pleasure.” He winks giving me that devilishly handsome grin that always makes my insides melt.
“Sounds good to me. You know I’m always game.” I wink back. “I love you with all my heart, Tree Hugger. I miss you already” I frown.
Josh closes his eyes and allows my words to sink into his memory. “I love you with all my might, baby. I’ll call you when I land.” He quickly gives me a kiss and heads to the door. Before he leaves, he yells, “Kade! Be sure to take good care of my lady! I’m trusting you with her life!”
Kade rushes out of the kitchen. “What? I’m on Cheesecake duty? Fuck yeah! Don’t worry, Josh…I’m gonna be the best sitter EVER!” Kade turns to me and says, “You heard that Cheesecake? I’m your sitter until further notice. You have to do everything I say or else Josh isn’t gonna dick you down when he returns. Mmm hmm. I got you, Josh…don’t trip.”
Josh remains standing by the door, he pinches the bridge of his nose trying his best to contain the laugh that threatens to escape. Once he composes himself, he leaves with a hint of a smile. He’ll be gone for what seems like forever…and ever. Instantly, I feel blue. A long sigh escapes me. I’m so dramatic.
Kade startles me. “Hey! Turn that frown upside down. You can’t go around sulking all weekend. Would a Sons of Anarchy marathon make you feel better? I walked longer than I was supposed to, now my shitty wound is hurting like a bitch. How about we stay in and rest?”