I Need You (Meant For Me Book 1)

by N. Natishna

  “I had Jon do a background check on Deklan,” he told me. I gaped at him, surprised but at the same time not. “His father is in prison?”

  I opened my mouth, but no response came out.

  “For murder?”

  Still nothing.

  “And he’s been arrested for assault?”

  “Daddy…” I tried to explain, but he cut me off.

  “He assaulted two men outside a bar!”

  “Daddy, please!”

  “Did you know all of this before you agreed to date him?”

  I set my bag and purse on the floor by my feet and clasped my hands together, eyeing both my parents. There was panic in my dad’s eyes, and apprehension in my mom’s. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly as I looked between the two. This is something I needed to do, and I wouldn’t back down.

  “I found out from Aria the first day of school. It freaked me out a little, but it was easy to get over his past when I spent more time with him.” My dad rolled his eyes. “I’m serious, Daddy. He’s nothing like his father – he would never hurt me. I know that and I trust him more than anything.”

  “Emma,” my mom said and sighed. “Darling, you know how we worry about you. All we want is for you to be happy and safe.”

  “And Deklan makes me more than happy, mom. And he protects me. I love him.”

  My dad groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Emma, listen to me.”

  “No Daddy,” I said strongly and gripped my hands together tighter. “Did you know that Cody has been harassing me since the first day of school?”

  My mom gasped and leaned forward. “He what?!”

  “Yes, he has. He’s put his hands on me, and the night of my party he wouldn’t take his disgusting hand off me.” I looked squarely between them and smiled at the memory of my guy coming to my rescue. “Deklan saved me that night. He warned Cody off me and kicked him out of the party.” My eyes watered and my hands trembled. “I love him, and I know that he loves me, as well.”

  My dad sighed and covered his face with his hands. I wiped away the tears and got up to squeeze in between my parents, hooking an arm through theirs. My mom reached around us in a big hug, squeezing tightly.

  “I love you both, but I know what my heart needs.” I rested my head on my dad’s broad shoulder. “I’ll always be your little girl, Daddy.”

  He reached over and pat my shoulder, kissing the top of my head. “Love you, too, Princess.”

  “Now,” I said and got to my feet. “I’m glad we got that cleared up. Please don’t let his past interfere with how you feel about Deklan. He cares about me and looks out for me.”

  I grabbed up my stuff and turned to leave. I breathed out a sigh of relief when I made it to the top of the stairs without them calling me back. My dogs weren’t in my room so I figured they were out back or in the kitchen. I threw my book bag and purse on the bed. Snow was lying on my desk chair and Twinkle was ambling out of my bathroom.

  “Uh oh,” I said wryly and scooped up Twinkle. “Are we not getting along today?” I asked her and went to pick up Snow, putting them down on the bed. “You’re sisters. You love each other.” I scratched under their chins and listened to them purr. “Kiss and make up, you two.”

  I went off to get ready for work.

  Me: My parents asked me about your dad. I texted Deklan when I was finished.

  I was tying my converses when I got a message back.

  Deklan:) They pissed?

  Me: No worries. I set them straight.

  Deklan:) Oh no, now I’m worried.

  I chuckled and raced out to Miracle.

  Me: Heading to work now. See ya there, love you.

  I started the engine and pulled away from the house. My phone buzzed and I checked it as I pulled out of the driveway.

  Deklan:) Drive safe, babe. Love you.

  I turned on my radio and blasted it the whole way there. When I pulled in the parking lot I parked next to Deklan’s car. Liam was outside talking on his phone. He ran a frustrated hand through his hair and leaned back against the brick building.

  “It’s fine, baby. Yeah, I’ll call you when I get off work.” He disconnected the call and looked over at me.

  “Rosie not working tonight?”

  “No, she got the day off today and tomorrow.” He sounded so grumpy.

  “Trouble in paradise?” I asked.

  He shook his head. “Nah, nothing like that. My parents want me to go with them out of town this weekend. Rosie thinks I should go, but I don’t want to.”

  I laughed and slipped my phone and car keys into my purse.

  “Liam, listen to Rosie and spend some time with your parents. Rosie will still be here when you get back, you know.”

  He groaned. “I know,” he whined. “But sometimes I feel like this is too good to be true and I’ll wake up to find Rosie’s just a fantasy.”

  “You’re such a drama king, Liam.” I snorted and rolled my eyes. “Trust me, she’s real, and you guys are completely meant for each other.”

  “You know I love you, don’t you, Slim?” He gave me a one-arm hug and squeezed before letting go and running his hand through his hair again. “I’ve been wanting to tell you this, but I’m happy for you and Deklan.”

  “He’s the best thing that’s happened to me.”

  “I know how you feel, completely.”

  We walked into the restaurant and I tied my apron around my waist and went into the office. Mr. Alvarez was sorting through old timecards and smiled up at us.

  “Emma, Liam, how’s it going?”

  “Good, Mr. A,” Liam said and checked his phone. “Any chance we can close early tonight?”

  Al stacked the timecards and put them in a manila envelope. “Well, it’s been pretty slow today. How about we see how we are doing in the next couple of hours first.”

  “Sure.”

  We walked out of the office and through the kitchen.

  “Emma, Niña!” Eddie bellowed like usual.

  “Hey, Ed, how’s things going back here?”

  He checked the timer on the oven and shifted out of Luke’s way. “It’s heating up like a sauna in here. I told Pops that he’d better get a move on fixing the air conditioner, or else there’s gonna be a new ingredient to these pizzas called ‘Eddie’s Manly Sweat’.”

  I chuckled and waved as I left, picking up a tray on my way out. Bianca was at the cash register and Aria was setting drinks on her tray. The place was steady in the dining room, and I could see a small crowd in the game area.

  “You know,” Bianca said as she passed me to fill a couple cups with soda. “Molly should be working here. I don’t see why she hasn’t asked for a job.”

  I shrugged and went to seat a group of four. The next time I passed Bianca again was when I was putting in the group of four’s order.

  “I think Deklan could ask Molly if she wants a job.” I waited for the ticket to print out. Bianca nodded.

  “It was just a thought. She’d be a nice addition to this place. That girl is something else.”

  “You have no idea,” I mumbled as I went to seat another table.

  Two and a half hours later I finally clocked out for break. I scarfed down two slices of pizza and some mozzarella cheese sticks and then made my way to the game room. It wasn’t as dead as it was when I’d first arrived. Jeff and Reggie were leaning on the counter with their forearms. They flashed me a grin as I walked up, resting my hip against the counter.

  “Hey Slim, how’s it hangin’?” Reggie asked.

  “Eh, it’s okay.” I scanned the room until I spotted my boyfriend next to the air hockey table. He was with Zane and they were talking to a couple other guys from school. He looked up and saw me, holding up a finger to say he’d be a minute. I nodded and blew him a kiss.

  “Aw, that’s so sweet,” Reggie crooned in a high pitch girl voice. “Isn’t that just so adorable Jeffery?”

  “Sooo romantic,” Jeff retorted.

&nb
sp; I scoffed. “You guys are jealous that you haven’t found that special someone.”

  They looked at each other with a look of horror.

  “Did you hear what she just said?” Jeff asked Reggie.

  He shuddered. “The girl is whacked outta her mind, Jeff. Clearly, she needs help.”

  “A psychiatrist, definitely.”

  “We get plenty of chicks, don’t we?”

  “Tons, bro.” Jeff looked back at me. “We practically have to beat them off with our guitars.”

  “I’m talking about a real relationship, guys. Passing fannies don’t count.”

  Reggie clutched his chest. “Oh God, I can’t deal with her.” He picked up a half full tub of assorted candy and walked towards the storage closet. “Talk to our girl, Jeff. A nice piece of ass doesn’t count…she’s delusional!”

  Jeff shook his head and tsked. “Now see what you’ve done, Slim. You’re breakin’ our hearts.”

  I just laughed at them and turned around to wait for Deklan. “You guys are freaking messed up in the head.”

  “Deklan, what up, brah?”

  Deklan lowered his head to kiss me and nodded at Jeff.

  “It’s not bad out there. I’ll be back in thirty, man.”

  He grabbed my hand and pulled me away.

  “You guys make me sick!” Reggie hollered from the back of the storage. I just laughed and followed Deklan out back. As soon as we were far enough away, he leaned me back against his car and gazed down at me.

  “Have I told you how much I love this outfit on you?”

  “You say that about everything I wear.”

  “Mm, I know, but I think this one is definitely a good second favorite.”

  “Yeah? What’s the first?”

  He winked at me. “Your cheerleading uniform.”

  “Hmm, I’ll remember that for later.”

  “You’d better.”

  And then he kissed the crap out of me.

  ✽✽✽

  Deklan

  The sound of a violin hit me as I got out of the car. I looked up at Molly’s closed window and blinked a couple times. The last time she’d even gotten one of her instruments out was three years ago. I’d tried my hardest for a year to get her to play, but she was always adamant. Eager to hear more, I jogged up the porch and into the house. I went up the stairs, stopping to throw my jacket and keys on my bed before going to Molly’s room. I knocked a couple times on her door and then walked in.

  She was sitting on her bed, her Yamaha portable keyboard on the mattress in front of her, her flute and clarinet put together next to their cases. Her black hair was pulled up into a bun, and her eyes were closed as she held the violin. I leaned against the doorframe and listened to the beautiful music my sister made.

  After a while Molly stopped and opened her eyes. She smiled shyly and shrugged. “I missed it.”

  I pushed away from the door and sat down at the end of the bed. “You don’t have to explain to me, Moll.” I smiled. “I take it Mom’s out?”

  She nodded grimly. “Yeah, she called to say she was going out with a couple ‘office friends’ and won’t be home ‘til late.”

  I scoffed and checked my phone when it vibrated.

  Babe: Hey sexy

  Me: Hey babe. Get home okay?

  Molly smiled slightly and set her violin down. “So you and Emma are on the ups?”

  “Yeah, we’re good.” I picked up her keyboard and handed it to her when she motioned to it. “So, the girls were talking tonight about you getting a job at Al’s.”

  She looked up from tuning her keyboard. “You said you didn’t want me working.”

  That was true, I didn’t. I’d told her that she needed to concentrate more on school so she could get into a bombass college. But when I saw how much more trusting she’d become with our friends, I decided I should relent some. I didn’t want to shelter her anymore. She wouldn’t experience any part of life if I didn’t treat her like the young woman she was fast becoming.

  I sighed and stretched my legs out in front of me. “I think I should start letting you grow up.” I looked at her sternly. “But you have to remember to be careful and think things through before doing something. Guys are a big factor, too. They’ll –”

  “Seriously?!” Molly interrupted with an angry grunt. I rubbed the bridge of my nose in agitation.

  “I’m just trying to guide you, or whatever,” I growled.

  She narrowed her eyes at me. “Deklan, you’re a great brother. You’ve done so much for me and I love you for that.” She set her keyboard off her lap. “I’ll always listen to your advice, you know that. But don’t talk to me about sex.”

  I winced and glared at her. “All teenage girls need to talk about it at least once.”

  She leaned forward and looked at me seriously. “Do you really think I need to have the talk, Dek?”

  I stared hard at her, clenching and unclenching my jaw as I tried to hold back my sudden anger. With what happened to her three years ago, she didn’t need me telling her how guys can be. She was always cautious now, especially when it came to men. Still, it was my job to watch out for her and make sure she’s careful. I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to her again.

  I sighed roughly and nodded, glad our mother wasn’t home right now. Our mom worked from nine to five, and now that Dad’s in the slammer, she likes to stay out with ‘friends’. Molly and I weren’t stupid; we both know what our mom was out doing with her so called new ‘friends’.

  But I didn’t mind one damn bit.

  If Mom was out, that just meant she wasn’t bothering Molly while I was at work. Now, just thinking about it, gave me more reason to let Molly work at Al’s. Mom’s paychecks went to bills and she kept the rest to herself, while I saved up mine so I could get into a good college. Molly working could give her more responsibility and she’d have more money for herself, other than the fifty bucks I gave her each week.

  Molly picked up her violin again and her bow.

  “Listen, big brother,” she said softly before starting up a song piece that I haven’t heard her play in years. It was my favorite one of hers, and she still played it beautifully. I closed my eyes as I let the music flow around me. Molly had graceful fingers that worked magic when on an instrument.

  The music drifted around me, filling me with peace. I could feel the emotion that emanated from Molly. When she played, she did it with her heart. You knew what she was feeling as soon as you heard the first note.

  When she came to a stop, I opened my eyes and smiled.

  “That was beautiful, Sis.” I reached out and ruffled her hair. “You’ve still got it.”

  She returned the smile and swatted my hand away.

  My phone buzzed and I looked down to check it.

  Babe: Yeah. Gonna take a shower & get homework done. Love you.

  Me: Send me a pic after ur shower? Or maybe during?

  Babe: Yeah right, boy-o.

  I smirked and pictured her rolling her eyes and laughing.

  Me: Love you, too.

  “So, you’re really gonna let me get a job?” Molly asked.

  “Yeah, I think it’ll be good for you.”

  She set her violin aside and started disassembling her clarinet. After a moment of silence she cleared her throat.

  “You know, I think Emma is good for you.”

  I smiled softly. “Yeah, I think so, too.”

  “I worry about you too, you know.”

  I sighed and reached over to gently squeeze her arm. “I know you do. But it’s not just us anymore. We’ve got friends who care about us.”

  I shook my head and stood up. “They’re a pretty weird bunch of people, but they’re awesome. I’d bet they’d think it was cool to have a genius as a friend.”

  She sighed. “I’m just not comfortable with that yet. I need some time, I guess.”

  I nodded and bent to kiss her forehead. “Love you, Moll.”

  “Love you, t
oo, bro.”

  I headed back to my room and grabbed my sweats. After I took a shower and brushed my teeth I finished off my homework.

  I went to bed that night with the sound of Molly’s violin playing softly down the hall.

  CHAPTER 15.

  Emma

  Two months later.

  “Deklan, you need to stop!” I whisper yelled. I giggled behind his hand when he covered my mouth. We were lying on my bed, his big body covering mine. We were supposed to be finishing our English homework, but we kept getting distracted.

  “Why? Your parents aren’t even home.” He nibbled on my neck and I started to writhe under him. He pulled back to take his shirt off and I shook my head as I took in the amazing sight.

  “We have to work on this assignment. If we keep getting distracted, we’ll never finish.”

  “Hmm,” was his only response as he bent to kiss my exposed collar bone. His hands slid under my skirt and he touched me through my panties. My eyes almost rolled back into my head, it felt so good.

  “It can wait another half hour,” I said and tugged his neck until his lips crushed mine. I didn’t wait to let my tongue tangle with his just as Deklan pushed my panties aside and pressed a finger inside me. Pulling back, I yanked my top off and unhooked my bra, sending them flying over his shoulder. He didn’t stop his ministrations below as he lowered to tease my nipple with the most skillful tongue God ever created. My body arched into him and all I could hear was my heart pounding in my ears. My skin felt like it was on fire and my body tensed up as I got closer to the edge.

  “Deklan, I’m so close.” I pulled at his shoulders and he took the hint, pulling back to divest himself of his jeans and boxers. I hurried to strip away the rest of my clothes as he slid on a condom. Then he came back to me, pulling me into his arms again.

  He rested his sweaty forehead against mine and pushed in slowly. I opened my mouth in a silent scream and fisted my hands in his hair. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of feeling him inside me. My whole body wound tight and my nails dug into his back as he slid out, pushing back in more forcefully.

  “Deklan, I –” I was cut off by his lips. I wrapped my legs around his waist and held him tighter as I got lost in his kiss. I was teetering on the edge and I wanted him with me when I fell into pleasurable bliss.