Drowning (Tears of Sin Series)

by Rachel Firasek

  As soon as Gabe pulls the door closed behind him, Molly starts in. “What does he look like?”

  “Gabe?”

  “Yeah. He sounds handsome and he's big.” She clears her throat and a soft pink tints her cheeks. “I can tell from his hands.”

  “He's cute. Think UFC champion mixed with a marine.”

  “Oh. Does he fight?”

  I laugh. “I think he's really just a big baby.”

  “How old is he?”

  “I'm not sure. Maybe a year older than me.” Molly deserved someone like Gabe. It would be nice if the two of them became friends…and maybe more.

  “Oh.” She takes a few minutes to spit out her next question. “Will you fix me up?”

  “Like make-up? “Molly hadn't let me do her make up since she'd come home from rehab. Granted, she is stunning without it. “Sure, come on.”

  The guys are in full swing with Lilith at the ready, blasting her high-pitched soprano to their notes. The sounds are all mixed up and hurt my ears. I lead Molly to the couch and help her settle. Gabe abandons his post at the piano and comes over. Without him to keep the music covering Lilith's voice, the other guys stop.

  I wave. “Hey, everyone. Sorry we interrupted.” I lead Molly along which gives me the perfect excuse not to make eye contact with any of them. I don’t know how much they know, but I also don’t want to know. “Gabe told us to come on over, and the door was unlocked.”

  Seth hurries around the drum set and kisses me on the lips. Right there in front of everyone. “You never have to knock, baby.”

  He just called me baby and not in the middle of sex. I can feel the heat rise in my cheeks. That light is back in his eyes, and his hands are roaming over my back. My nipples tighten, and I want to double at the waist. Damn, he’s so fucking beautiful. No matter how many times I look at him, it never eases the shock of how beautiful he is.

  He’s looking at me all dreamy in his gaze, and I’m overwhelmed by the attention all focused on us. I didn’t think of the friends being a package deal with him, but they were all close, so why wouldn’t they be curious?

  I smile and try to turn the focus on Molly. “Everyone, this is Molly, my big sis.” Gabe is eyeballing the rest of the crew like they better not dare touch her, and I'm secretly thrilled that he likes her. Gabe's a good guy. I think Molly could find happiness with someone like him. He's light and fun. And she's serious, and well, serious.

  Molly fiddles with the ends of her hair. I think she's very nervous about being out with a group of people she doesn’t know.

  I sit and take her hand, and she relaxes a bit. “Evan plays bass guitar and sometimes the keyboard. He's to the far right, and he wears liquid eyeliner and has more piercings than me.” Evan smiles and winks at me. Molly nods and withdraws again. “Deacon is closer to you but still to the left. He reminds me of a fifties sitcom. He wears slacks and button-down shirts a lot. And glasses with dark frames, but he's still hot, so he pulls it off. He plays lead guitar.” She nods in his general direction, and I can see that his interest is peaked. “And well, you've met Seth and Gabe. And their singer is Lilith.”

  “Yes, I heard her when we walked in.” Molly raises her hand to wave at them all. “You'll have to bear with me. I haven't been blind long, and it's still hard to meet new people.”

  Gabe crouches down. “Honey, you are at home here. No one will fuck with you while you're with us. And, just so you know, we're all crazy about your sister, so I'm sure we'll love you soon too.”

  She laughs, and I mouth the words “thank you” to him. I could hug that big brute right now.

  Lilith steps forward, completely pissed that we're stealing the show. “Are we going to rehearse or not. We have like three days until the concert.”

  Seth squeezes my shoulder, but I duck away from his grip. I’m not all that into the PDA now that we’ve had sex. It doesn’t make any sense, other than I’ve never had a boyfriend. Usually after I play my games, they want nothing more to do with me.

  He gives me a tight smile and makes his way back to the drums. “Let's do this.”

  They begin playing, and Lilith sings. Molly leans over to me and tugs me close. “She sucks.”

  Lilith alternates singing to Seth and twisting to watch us. I laugh because Molly is not normally this blunt.

  “You are far better than her.”

  “Shhh...” I don't know why I want to keep this secret. I want Seth to like me for me, and not for what I can do for him.

  “It's true.”

  “I know that, but I don't want him to know that.”

  Molly’s frown says it all. She hates that I don’t put my talents out into the world. But sometimes, special gifts are better kept hidden.

  We listen for several hours of practice, and after Lilith leaves, everyone heads into the living room. Seth passes a round of beers out, and Molly surprises me when she takes one. I refuse as usual and Seth sweet talks me into checking out his new drumsticks for the show. Of course, they are in his room.

  I pat Molly’s hand. “I'll be right back.”

  Molly startles and begins to rise. “I can just go home.”

  Gabe grabs her by the waist and pulls her back down to the couch with him. “I think my bro wants some alone time with your sister. Stay here with me, finish your beer, and we'll get to know each other better.”

  Deacon and Evan glance at each other and then back at me and Seth. Whatever is going through their minds, I don’t care anymore. “Hey, we know when we’re not loved.”

  Evan winks at me and grabs Deacon around the neck. “Ah dude, I love you.” He plants a big fat peck on Deacon’s cheek. “See?”

  Deacon swats him in the back of the head, and they burst into laughter.

  “Let’s go.” Seth grabs my hand and tugs me to his bedroom. He shuts the door and draws me toward his bed.

  I’m breathing harder from him dragging me across the living room. And possibly from the excitement of being alone with him again. I’ve missed him. “What are you doing?”

  He’s not grinning, but there’s definitely mischief behind his heated glare. “I'm going to show you my stick.”

  I laugh. “Is that what you call it?”

  He leans down and pulls a box from beneath the bed. Inside are two black drumsticks with green stripes swirled to the bottom. “The green is great with a black light.”

  I finger the wood and hand them back to him. “That's cool.”

  Seth sits on the edge of his bed and puts the sticks away. He glances up at me. “Gabe told me.”

  I knew he would. “He did?”

  “Yeah, baby, you got to talk to me. I told you we were going to fight. But I'd rather be fighting with you than against you. Got it?” I nod and he leans forward, catching the hem of my shirt and tugs me to stand between his thighs. “Can you stay?”

  I glance back at the door and for the first time since Molly’s accident, I regret my role as her caretaker. Seth is offering me fun-loving, and I want nothing more than to say yes. “I have to get Molly handled for the night.”

  “I'm pretty sure Molly will be just fine.”

  I start to say something else, but he kisses me and that wicked tongue makes me forget everything but him. He traces the line of my teeth, the roof of my mouth, and then withdraws. “Don't run from me again.”

  “I won't. I'll try to fight.” My breathing is ragged, and I’ll pretty much do anything he asks for another kiss.

  “Good.” He pulls my T-shirt up and unsnaps my bra. I undo my buttons, and he yanks my shorts from my hips. I'm wearing a thong, and he spins me around. A low grumble passes through his lips before his teeth sink into my ass cheek, taking me to just this side of pain, and my knees buckle. “Oh, baby. This ass will drive a man insane.”

  He spins me back around again and lifts me to the bed. I watch him undress quickly and crawl over me. “Spread your legs.”

  I do what he says. My heart beats faster at the possession burning in his gaze.<
br />
  He grips the thong in his fist and shreds it.

  Play with yourself.” He sits back on his heels and runs his hands over my thighs. I lower my hand down my chest, across my stomach and stop at my mound. I'm spreading my fingers across my pubic bone when Seth goes still. “I wanted to make this last, but I'm going to take you now. Okay? I've been missing you too much to wait. Get yours fast, baby.” He plunges into me and captures my mouth again. His lips steal all of my moans as he pumps in and out of me. We fit together perfectly, his big body absorbing my much smaller one. I’m at peace when we’re like this. His arms and legs and lips still the ever constant turmoil in my mind.

  When I come, I scream until his hand covers my mouth. He rides out my orgasm and finds his own.

  “Seth, I’m not so sure about this.” He grabs my hand and yanks me out of his truck. “Really? Maybe we can do this next weekend.”

  I’m meeting Seth’s dad today. He kind of tricked me into this Sunday lunch. Well, he’d asked me to lunch and waited until we were half way across town before he told me where we were having lunch.

  “Come on, baby. It’ll be fine. I want him to meet you. I want everyone to meet you.” He wraps his arms around my waist and lifts me until our mouths are pressed together. “Do this for me. Please.”

  It means so much to him. I can’t say no. “Okay. But if he doesn’t like me, I’m not staying.”

  “Fair enough.” He walks backward with me still in his arms. “Just remember that he’s a little stiff.”

  “Ha, you’re a little stiff yourself.”

  He nuzzles my neck. “You think so?”

  I nudge his erection with my knee. “I know so.”

  He drops me and grabs my hand. “Let’s get this over with so I can get you back to the apartment.”

  For days, we’ve done nothing other than have sex, eat, and have his practices. Molly and I’ve been at the James brother’s apartment nearly day and night. It’s been the best time of my life. I’ve never had more fun or been more carefree. I just hope it’s not ruined by lunch today. Seth had assured me his father would be fine, but the James family had money. They were old money Austin, and I’m just the illegitimate child of a crooked politician.

  “Stop.”

  I glanced up at him. “What?”

  “Stop the worrying. It’s going to be fine. And if you get uncomfortable, we’ll go.” He rang the doorbell and stole a kiss while we waited. “Have I told you how beautiful you look today?”

  He’d told me to dress nice for lunch, so I had on a red A-line skirt and a white cami under a black summer cardigan. I didn’t own many nice outfits. “I think I look like a school teacher.”

  “Hmm… That gives me some ideas.” He tickles my waist and traces a finger up and over the peak of my breast. “Definite possibilities.”

  “Seth.” The front door stops me from finishing my thought, and I’m faced with a much older version of Gabe. The resemblance is unreal.

  “Seth?” Mr. James sticks out his hand in a formal greeting and glances back and forth between us. “I didn’t know you were bringing company?”

  “Dad, this is Alice. She lives next door to us.” Seth wraps his arm around my shoulders and pulls me into his side. “We’re seeing each other, and I thought you might like to meet her.”

  Whoa. He just claimed me to his dad. I’m going to make a fool of myself in a minute. Not in a giddy girl way, but I’m likely to hurl across his gold-plated threshold.

  “Mr. James, it’s nice to meet you.” I reach across to shake hands with him, and he looks at my fingers like they are dirty worms that he’d rather chop off than have to hold. “Er…if this is an inconvenience, I can go.”

  Seth’s fingers tighten around my shoulder. “No, you’re staying. Dad?”

  Mr. James finally had the grace to snap out of his rude gaze. “I’m sorry. Please, Alice, you’re welcome here. Come inside.” He ushers us in and takes my elbow, leading me away from Seth. “I’ve just never had one of the boys bring a girl home before.”

  I glance back at Seth, and he shrugs. This is a big deal to him. I smile and turn back to his father. “It’s fine. I’m sure I’d be shocked if I had to entertain strangers without any warning too.”

  He glances down at me and smirks. “Well, it’s rude. I’m sorry.”

  “Apology accepted.” I give him my flirty smile. The one that usually had boys doing whatever I wanted, and it works.

  He laughs at me. “I sense a backbone in you. I think we’ll get along famously.”

  “Good. Because I kind of like your son.” Seth follows behind us, but I swear I can hear his smile.

  The rest of lunch goes off without a hitch, and I’m welcomed back into the house whenever I’d like to come. Seth is grinning from ear to ear and has hardly let me away from his side. The only problem to the whole day has been the absent Gabe.

  “If you see your brother today, would you tell him to give this old man a call?”

  We’re near the front door on our way out and Seth stops. “Dad, Gabe is okay. I promise. I’m watching out for him. He’s been at the house most nights. Don’t worry so much.”

  Mr. James smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. He leans down and gives me a chaste kiss upon the cheek. “Watch out for my boys, Alice. I think you have more sense than the lot of them.”

  I smile, but take Seth’s hand. His dad wasn’t bad, just really sad, and I think more overprotective than what even Seth realizes. “I got this, Mr. James. Don’t worry.”

  On the ride home, I kick off my heels and rub my arches. “So…your dad seemed nice.”

  “Nice? Do you know that today I watched him smile at least five times? That’s the most cordial he’s been to me in five years at least. It’s you, Alice. You bring out the happiness in people.” He reaches across the bench seat and grabs my hand. “I’ve never met anyone like you.”

  “Ah, I’m sure it was just your dad happy to see you happy.”

  “Maybe. But, I still say it’s you. Thank you for coming today.”

  I smile at him. “Sure, that’s what friends are for.”

  He grimaces and turns back toward the wheel. “I’d like to think we’re more than that.”

  We were. I knew it. This was just one more attempt to slow down the train wreck I feel coming on. Nothing in my life that’s good ever lasts this long.

  It's the night of their big show, and we're back stage, watching the crowd become animated before the first act. Seth comes up to me, and he's decked out all in black and there's even a hint of eyeliner beneath his eyes. I like it.

  “That look is so fucking sexy. I'm going to show you how much later.”

  He laughs and swoops down on me. “Later, I'm going to be soaking wet with sweat.”

  “Eww...I might take a rain check.” I smack his ass, and he nips a path along my neck.

  Gabe is holding Molly's hand and is unbelievably quiet. I nudge him. “What's wrong with you?”

  “I have stage fright.”

  “Stage fright? You?”

  His mouth tightens even more. I think he’s holding back vomit. “Yeah.”

  “Come on, you big baby.” The crowd is riled up, cheering and screaming for their first bit of music. Every time someone whistles Gabe flinches.

  He’s petting Molly’s hair like it’s his life line. “No. I mean it. I don't know if I can do this.”

  Lilith comes scurrying up and throws her arms around Seth's neck and kisses him squarely on the mouth. I'm actually more amused than jealous because I know how much Seth hates her.

  She squeals. “This is going to be so much fun.”

  He pushes her away from him, and she pouts. Seth looks and me and does that thing with his lips that always makes me hot. I laugh because the timing is absurd. Deacon and Evan wander up, and they are both covered in red lipstick.

  Lilith growls, “That is so gross. Get that shit off your face before we go on stage.”

  “Shut it, Lilith. You
're just mad because no one is dicking you,” Evan says. Deacon high five’s him, and I watch a catastrophe unfold.

  Lilith screams and hurls her water bottle at Evan. He only laughs harder. She flips him off. “I don't have to take your bullshit anymore. You all think you're so damn great, but without me all you are is music. It's not a band without a singer.”

  Seth takes his arms from around my shoulders. “What are you saying?”

  Lilith cocks her arms across her chest and taps a stiletto covered toe. “I'm saying, how would it look if your first gig is your last?”

  “You better watch it, Lil. Everyone can be replaced.” Gabe steps up beside Seth, and I worry that with the James’ anger they are about to fuck up.

  “Guys.” They both ignore me and take on the barracuda together.

  The stage director comes over. “You're on in thirty seconds.”

  The three hot heads start to fight, and the clock is ticking. Lilith is screeching, and Seth is almost as loud. I try to grab his arm and pull him back, but he pulls away. And he's even further in her face. That boy loves his music, and she just fucked with the wrong thing. The stage director is pointing to me to get them. I can't control them.

  Molly leans over. “You have to get their attention, or they are going to really screw this up.”

  I shake my head.

  “Now, Alice.”

  I glance at her. This is going to change everything. I’ve enjoyed having Seth like me for just me. But he needs me now. He’s certainly been there for me. I think it’s time I play the hero. “Okay.”

  “You know what to do.”

  I nod. I knew exactly what to do, and I’m not lacking the balls to do it, I just didn't plan on letting all my secrets spill out this quickly. I pat the stage manager on the shoulder and shrug out of my jacket. The lights heat the stage, and the crowd quiets down as I walk onto the wooden platform. I glance back, and the band is still in a heated argument and hasn't noticed that I'm either about to save their asses or really fuck the band over.

  I pick up the lead guitar and fit the strap over my shoulder. I step up the mic, but I can't do it facing the crowd, so I spin around. Unlike Lilith-skank-snatch, I’ll turn around after the opening lines, but I always have trouble until I get into the song.