Love, Lies, & Crime: Anthology

by Kimberly Blalock

  “This is her. Take her,” I hear a man calling out over the ruckus.

  “You sure, boss?” another voice says.

  “This is the asset.”

  A pair of hands take hold of my body, while another wrestles the handgun away from me.

  “Why are you doing this? On whose command are you taking me prisoner?” I scream with pure hatred.

  “Gag her.” A rag is shoved deep into my mouth while another covers my stinging eyes. I writhe in pain and scream in agony, feeling impotent at not being able to defend myself. “Shhh, Natalia, or should I call you Nat?” I shake my head angrily, small whimpers leaving my throat. “This can go real easy, or not. The choice is up to you.”

  My hands are tied with what feels like rope, and my ankles quickly follow. I grunt when two strong hands take hold of my waist. I shake my body like a maraca—there’s no way I’m going down without a fight.

  “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  I curl into myself when I feel a punch landing on my head. My teeth clamp onto the rag, and I scream as loud as I possibly can.

  “Yeah…that hurt, didn’t it?”

  Despite the searing pan coursing through me, I rattle my body again and again.

  “Okay, that’s it.”

  Punch.

  Jab.

  Thwack.

  The room goes dark and just like that I’m down for the count.

  TO BE CONTINUED…

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  CHAPTER ONE

  Rain pelted down in fat, heavy drops, drenching every inch of my skin. The black tarp slipped from my grip as I tugged the bulky mass toward me. I cursed under my breath as a burning sensation crawled up the muscles in my arms. The damn tarp was filling with water and becoming heavier by the second. If I didn’t get it over the edge soon, I wouldn’t have enough strength to do so. Bearing down and wedging my feet in the mud, I used every ounce of energy in my legs and arms to drag the hefty bulk to the precipice. A river filled with alligators waited at the end of the trail. Once there, I kicked and saluted as it rolled down the face of the rock. Sounds of the mass breaking tree limbs and rocks tumbling down reached my ears and I knew it was time to go. One last glance around for signs of life after covering my tracks, and I dragged my tired legs to the waiting car. A warm bath was waiting for me. No need to keep it waiting longer than necessary.

  Later in my home, my mind grew hazy as the scent of cinnamon and vanilla rose from the water surrounding me. My rain-soaked clothes had chilled me and caused my skin to shrivel on the drive home so I desperately needed a warm bath. I closed my eyes and rested my head against the rim of the tub as the sound of violins reverberated in the small space.

  The water shifted as fingers brushed over my body. The feel of skin gliding over skin in water catches my breath every time it happens. The strokes produced a sensory orgasm and a hiss slipped from between my lips. Pleasure rippled through me as the water lapped against my breasts. The fingers danced from my navel to my thighs, swirling down to the sweet junction. Sticky lips suctioned kisses along my neck to my jaw. Teeth nipped my chin as the fingers worked me below the water line. A wet, hot tongue traced my open mouth until I caught it between my teeth, sucking it in.

  A soft groan had me releasing the sweet thing from my hold and my hips ground against the hand pleasuring me. “Come on, baby. Let go for me,” a soft, husky voice breathed into my ear. I came apart. Tremors swept through me and my back arched sharply as a stream of inarticulate sounds flowed from my lips. The fingers pleasuring me slowed then subsided as I rode the last wave back down to earth.

  “You looked like you needed that,” the honeyed voice whispered in my ear.

  “Mmhmm,” I hummed. My eyelids felt too heavy to lift, but the urge to look into those hazel eyes had me prying them open. Long, full lashes fanned around the perfect blend of brown and green that followed me into my dreams most nights. High cheekbones gave off an exotic look and tanned, smooth skin completed it. A delicate nose with a slight bend from being broken in youth led a path to lips made for sinful fantasies. My fingers released the edge of the tub and grazed over the smooth skin in front of me. “I did, and I thank you, my Rosa.”

  Her fingers caught mine and she pressed a kiss to my palm. “The pleasure is all mine, my Gabriella. Your skin will tear if you don’t get out soon.” With another kiss, she stood and reached for the towel on the wall. “Feet first.”

  I pulled the plug and wrapped the chain around the faucet, then stood. I lifted one foot from the warmth of the water which she dried with caring hands, followed by the next. Rosa dabbed and rubbed the plush towel over my skin, some places more thoroughly than others, until my body was free of water. My arms were wrapped around her small waist as she squeezed water from my hair with the towel. I trailed kisses along her neck and collarbone until she was satisfied with her handiwork. “Can we go to bed yet? I’m so depleted.”

  Her chuckle vibrated my lips pressed to the skin peeking through the undone buttons of her shirt, just between her breasts. She murmured in agreement and tossed the towel into the hamper. Leading me into our bedroom, she pulled back the sheets and snuggled in next to me once I was settled.

  “Goodnight, my sweet. We start again in the morning,” she whispered in my ear as we drifted off to sleep.

  “Another shot?”

  The man had sat down at the bar an hour ago and had yet to order another round. Something felt off about him, pricking my senses into alert.

  “No, thank you.” His eyes never met mine the entire time he’d been sitting there.

  “I’m sorry, but if you’re not gonna drink you need to let someone else sit there. This place is packed and I’m sure someone would appreciate this spot,” I said as I leaned forward. I didn’t want anyone else to hear me, but he needed to move the hell on.

  His lips lifted on one side in a lazy smirk. He set down a twenty and kept staring off into the crowd.

  I rolled my eyes and grabbed the bill. This guy just doesn’t know when to quit. I poured another shot, made change, and set both in front of him. “Have a nice night.” I turned and pointed to other patrons to hear their order.

  The non-stop chattering increased and overcame the throbbing bass of the music bleeding through the speakers. It was a much needed and welcomed distraction. The thrum brought me into a slight trance, calming the awkward, alert vibes of the man still sitting at the end of the bar. A few minutes later, the tranquility of chaos soothed me enough to ready my mind for the next task. The Choosing.

  I checked my watch and counted down the seconds for the next bartender to clock in so I could prowl. Five shots of tequila and four mixed drinks served later, Patricia strutted behind the bar to me. “Hey there, G. Love the top,” she whispered as she skimmed the lace of my halter with her manicured finger.

  “Thanks, doll. I’m gonna count out then the bar is all yours.” I discretely shifted from under her touch. She flaunted her goods toward me constantly, but I only had eyes for one woman. Nice to look at, though. Men’s jaws tightened with desire when they saw me, but dropped when she swayed her hips.

  Rosa knew my schedule and would arrive soon to narrow down my potential targets. I stalked from behind the bar after counting my till and relished the predator emerging from my soul. The dance floor was packed with swaying, grinding bodies moving to the pulsing beat flowing through the speakers. Sweat glistened on everyone’s skin as I brushed by, my body undulating to the rhythm.

  Fingers grazed my back, testing the water. My breath hitched as the bea
t switched to one matching a heartbeat, Chains by Nick Jonas. Heat from the swirling bodies on the dance floor and the thick, humid air surrounded me, melting into me. The same fingers brushed against my back again, this time lingering longer. I closed my eyes and absorbed the sensation, leaning back into the touch. The fingers traveled up my back and over my shoulder, resting over my arm.

  My body moved in time with the beat as the person now used their hand to explore my body. The fingers were long and thick, strong but gentle. The song changed, but the same pulsing bass rhythm continued. The flame within me grew brighter and hotter when the stranger gripped my hips and pulled my body closer. A rigid length rested against my butt, causing a smile to play at my lips. Perfect.

  I opened my eyes to search for my Rosa, when I caught sight of dark, almost black eyes boring right into mine with a fire I’d never seen before. Passion and heat ignited from the stare across a sea of bodies, its flames licking my skin. I recognized the look of a predator when I saw one, and this one had me in its sights. Wrong broad, lover.

  The hard body behind me pressed into my back, bringing my attention to him and my purpose for being out on the dance floor. My heart hammered in my chest as I leaned back flush against the man caressing my body. Looks didn’t matter to me, as long as my prey was willing to play our games. I turned my head to peek at his features from the corner of my eye. His strong jawline was covered by a closely trimmed beard. Full lips were outlined by his facial hair and his pointed nose led to striking blue eyes. They were the color of sapphire, standing out brightly against his dark brows.

  An unknown attraction tugged my gaze back in front of me. The man with black flames for eyes was closer to me than before. A petite blonde was in his arms, swaying provocatively. Her hands ran over every inch of him accessible from her position. My stranger’s hands rubbed over my ribs and down to my exposed navel. I wrapped my arms around the man’s neck, pulling him fully against me. I ground my hips into his and felt him suck in a breath.

  My fingers lightly feathered over my nipples as I stared into the dangerous eyes. I’m not sure why I felt the need to tease the man, but playing with fire was my weakness. Moth to flame. The length pressing against my ass grew harder, thicker. My movements quickened as I felt his wet, hot tongue tasting my flesh. His teeth grazed my skin as his facial hair tickled my shoulder.

  The man across from me inclined his head enough to run his tongue over the blonde’s pulse, showing me his profile. The man from the bar. He’s the man that wouldn’t leave the bar! What the hell is his game?

  The flames inside me flickered with caution, warning me to proceed slowly. Be leery, don’t poke a beast on the prowl. My sultry dance never faltered with the hard body grinding behind me on the dance floor, so I shifted focus.

  Soft, sweet fingers tangled in my hair as my angel’s perfect face blocked the view of the mystery man and his blonde. Grateful of the reprieve, I nipped her jaw and whispered in her ear, “This one has potential, but I’m not sure.”

  Her hands reached for my hips as she adjusted to our pace and sank into the rhythm. I watched her eyes absorb everything they could about the selected target. Once her scan was complete, she’d give either permission to continue or terminate this encounter before it reached risky levels.

  While I waited on her decision, the need to glance in the direction of the other stranger flared. My gaze broke from her eyes, over her shoulder, and straight into the chin of the mystery man. He was so close, I could’ve extended my arm and felt the material of his shirt or the stubble on his chin.

  My heart hammered in my chest. The basic instinct to run filled my veins enough to stop the movement of my hips and legs. Rosa immediately noticed the stillness and searched my face. “G?”

  “Let’s go,” I said as I wrapped my arm protectively around her waist and urged her to exit the dance floor. She did so without question and didn’t speak until a breeze filled with traffic sounds met us outside.

  Her hands cradled my face. “What’s wrong?”

  I covered her hands with mine. “I’m not sure yet. I just had a bad feeling and wanted to get out of there fast. Come on, let’s go home. I’m not feeling it tonight.”

  Her eyes narrowed and lips opened as if she wanted to retort, but she nodded and led the way to the car.

  “Push it to the side for now, but tell me later, please,” she said as her thumb stroked my chin. We stared at each other in the car for a long pause.

  “Later.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  I woke up tangled in bed sheets and Rosa’s arms, with a sliver of sunlight heating the skin on my cheek. I grinned and snuggled into the warmth of my lover’s arms for a few more peaceful minutes, knowing the alarm clock would soon blare obnoxiously, breaking the precious serenity between wakefulness and sleep.

  I flipped onto my side, further tangling my legs in the sheets, and planted soft kisses on her beautiful skin. Her breasts lifted to graze my chin as she sucked in a breath, then sighed contentedly. My fingers stroked across her jaw and traced her voluptuous lips that were tilted up at the sides. “Buenos días, mi corazón,” I whispered. She loved when I spoke to her in Spanish. She’d taught me a few phrases and I used them when I could.

  “Bonjour, mon amour,” she replied. My heart instantly melted at her words. I loved when she spoke my language. Her arm found my waist and pulled me closer, but the sheets acted as a barrier between us. She idly rubbed my back and arm while we laid there, waiting for the signal to begin our day.

  “Comment vous sentez-vous aujourd’hui?”

  I sighed because I knew the questions would come, just didn’t expect them as soon as our eyes opened the next morning. “I feel a lot better today, amour. I know it was odd last night and I wish I could explain why I freaked, but I don’t really know why. I felt fear and it consumed me.” Trying to explain it was awkward and unproductive.

  “I’m behind you a hundred percent, no matter what. If you felt off, calling it was for the best. Our safety is top priority, not our pleasures,” she replied with a smile. “Don’t ever feel like you can’t come to me about anything and everything. You’re my other half.”

  I leaned forward and melded our lips with a warm kiss, then rolled my eyes as the alarm clock screamed at us. “Time to start our day,” she said, beaming as she rolled from the bed.

  I, on the other hand, kicked at the sheets until they were a pile at the end of the bed. I hate mornings. Rosa hummed as she flitted through her morning routine, leaving me pouting in bed. Waking up was never a good thing for me, much less getting out of bed and being any kind of productive.

  I counted the good things waiting for me if I got out of bed, and coffee won. I rolled off the bed and reached up to stretch out my limbs. Yawning, I took in the faint smell of coffee. The aroma filled me with energy and a sense of urgency to drink the heavenly liquid. It was a race to see how fast I could cover the most private areas on my person then run to the kitchen to ensure there was enough coffee left for me. Rosa wasn’t selfish on most aspects of our lives, but it was a no-holds-barred scuffle if you put a hand on her pot of coffee first. Sadly, she didn’t leave much if I wasn’t right there by her side with an empty cup and my best impression of puppy eyes in her face.

  I skidded into the room and swiped my favorite coffee mug from the wash rack by the sink. In one step, I was next to her with my bottom lip quivering, eyes big and round, while she filled her cup to the rim. Thankfully for me, she didn’t have her normal cup that could hold the entire pot. She smirked and tapped her cheek. I leaned forward and pressed my lips where she indicated, “Thank you, baby.”

  “You’re lucky I couldn’t find my cup before you got in here. Please make another pot when you empty this one.” She kissed me then made her way to the table.

  “Meh, I’ll think about it,” I called over my shoulder as I poured the rest of the liquid energy into my cup. She mumbled something about pinning me to the wall with sharp objects as she clicked throu
gh the cable menu to find the news. After I started another pot of coffee, I grabbed the egg whites, potatoes, veggies, and turkey bacon from the fridge and set about cooking breakfast. “We’re low on potatoes and bell peppers.”

  “I’ll go check the garden later to see if we have any out there,” she replied as she opened the bacon while I chopped the veggies. We moved around the kitchen in sync, knowing what the other needed without words.

  Once we finished with breakfast, she cleaned the kitchen while I straightened the room and hopped in the shower. Tainted Love by Marilyn Manson echoed on the walls, causing a shiver to roll down my spine. When she put that song on, it meant one thing: Rosa was on the prowl. The shower stall door opened and my tigress stalked inside into my arms.

  The off night followed by the amazingly blissful morning opened my eyes to what life had the potential to be. We didn’t have to continue on our path of destruction and regeneration, no matter how much fun it seemed. Every time she asked why I hadn’t found anyone to play with the night before, I changed the subject or made her brain short circuit with pleasure. My evasive charms wouldn’t last long, but I only needed a few more days of rest and peace.

  A few days later, I awoke to the sound of metal banging against metal coming from the kitchen. I rolled my eyes and rubbed a hand over my face. Lately, Rosa’s temper flared at the slightest things and sometimes at nothing. I knew what I needed to do to release the explosive aggression and temper in her, but I battled with the impending choices every day. Knowing my relationship, and sanity, needed the reprieve, I gave myself a pep talk to prepare my mind for the night to come.

  Rolling out of bed, I slipped into some loose clothes and swooped my hair into a bun atop my head. I padded to the kitchen and stepped behind her, pressing my front to her back. My hands gripped her waist firmly before moving toward her stomach and up to her breasts. I kissed her neck lightly before fluttering up to her soft lobe, slipping it between my teeth. “Je sais ce que vous avez besoin.”

  “If you know what I need, you wouldn’t be teasing me right now,” she uttered.