Love Me Deadly

by Linda Verji

  Relieved at the turn in conversation, Reggie nodded. “Yup! She’s been placing brochures for St. Augustus Military Academy For Girls all over the house.”

  “Your aunt is crazy.” Erica laughed. “That’s only going make Lea behave worse.”

  “I know.” He sighed. “But what can I do? I can’t be there all the time. Especially not while we’re in the middle of trials!”

  Erica’s brow wrinkled with concern. “That’s not done with yet? I thought you’d sorted out all the approvals and paperwork.”

  “We did but some of the parents got cold feet because of that article on The Globe,” he explained, “and we had to find other test subjects.”

  “Oh, yeah! I saw that,” Erica said. “That lady really did a hatchet job on you guys. But I liked your interview with Medicine Today. It answered all the questions she raised.”

  “You read it?”

  “Of course.” She shrugged as if he didn’t need to ask. Reggie smiled. As a biochemist, he was part of a team of specialists working on a drug to help manage Asperger’s Syndrome in children. It wasn’t the sexiest job in the world but it paid the bills and he liked it. Most girls never showed much interest in what he did beyond asking if it paid well, which it did. He’d been pleasantly surprised to see Erica taking time to learn more about what he did, even though she’d confessed to not being science-y. It only gave his crash more fodder to feed on.

  He asked, “Did your stock finally get here?”

  Erica groaned. “Ugh! Don’t even ask…”

  Their conversation revolved around work for a couple of minutes. By the time, they got to dessert, they’d exhausted it and they got personal. Responding to his silence at her announcement that she’d kicked Brooklyn out, Erica said, “You think I shouldn’t have kicked her out, don’t you?”

  Careful not to tread on her toes, Reggie said, “I hate to see the two of you fighting.” He didn’t add ‘over Quin’. In his book the guy wasn’t worth all that fuss. Pointing to the pink streak running across Erica’s cheek, he asked, “Is she the one who gave you that?”

  Her hand flew to her cheek and her eyes widened. “No.”

  There was a story there. His interest peaked, he asked, “Come on, tell me.”

  Biting her nail in obvious anxiety, she said, “You won’t like it.” He raised his eyebrow in question and she said, “Kendra and Quin were fighting and…”

  He stopped listening at Kendra and Quin were fighting. Kendra and Quin were fighting? No man touched his sister. His movements were deliberate as he picked his napkin wiped his mouth then set it aside, belying the anger razing his reason. Erica was still speaking when he raised his hand for the check. He interrupted her with a, “We’re leaving.”

  “Reggie,” she reached for his raised hand, weaving her fingers between his and lowering their linked hands to the table. “It wasn’t a big fight.”

  Reggie’s voice was thick with anger as he asked, “Did he touch her?”

  Her silence was answer enough. Neither of them spoke as they waited for the check. When it came, Reggie paid it then rose. Erica followed suit but when they stepped out of Kandi Soul, she strode ahead then stopped in front of the driver’s side of his truck.

  “Erica, move.”

  She didn’t. Instead she snaked her arms under his jacket and around her waist, tucked her head in his chest and pressed her body to his. Her warm breath washed over his neck as she said, “I don’t want you to go fight with him.” Her embrace caught him by surprise. His arms hung by his side as hers tightened around his torso. She pleaded, “Please.”

  Her pleading irritated him because she was doing it to protect Quin, but it also needled at the balloon that was his anger, deflating it. No matter what damage he was planning to do to Quin he didn’t want Erica there to witness it. 100, 99, 98… he counted internally as he willed himself to calm down. It helped that she was stroking her palms over his back and he eased his arms around her.

  Holding her was like taking in a deep gulp of calming air. Her sweet flowery scent tickled his senses as did her soothing warmth. Her curves were the perfect fit to his more solid length and despite the clothes separating them, her body teased his. He wanted nothing more than to gather her closer and dip his head for a taste of her. Only a vague comprehension of their tenuous relationship kept him from doing it.

  They stayed in the innocent embrace for quite a while. Until a group of young people walked out of Kandi Soul and interrupted the quiet night with their boisterous laughs and loud talking. Releasing her and forcing a smile, he said, “Our date isn’t over.”

  She returned his smile. “It isn’t?”

  He shook his head. “This was just phase one.”

  By the time they pulled up at the indoor kart track, he’d calmed. Erica’s obvious glee at his choice of date venue pushed thoughts of Quin further to the back of his mind.

  “Five dollars I can beat you to the finish line,” she dared him with a cocky smile once they’d put on their gear. He had to admit that even swaddled in the black shapeless driving suit, full-face helmet, gloves and driving boots, Erica was still the sexiest woman he knew. Resisting the urge to pull her closer and have a taste of that smile, he harrumphed, “Hmph. Five dollars is chump change. Twenty and I might think about it.”

  “All right Money Bags Coleman! Twenty it is.” Erica climbed into a steel blue go-kart. “Your ass is mine.”

  It was the most fun he’d had in a while, and it had everything to do with the company. He had a feeling whatever activity he’d chosen for the date he would’ve enjoyed it just because Erica was with him. He loved that she was so easy with her laughs and that she didn’t feel the need to act coy with her skills. She beat him two of the three times they chased each other around the circuit.

  He defended himself, “You’re light, so it’s easy for you to turn the corners.”

  “Cough it up, buster.” She waggled her fingers.

  Holding his wallet high, he offered, “Double or nothing.”

  “Boy, you’re gon be broke when I’m done with you,” she taunted before getting into the kart again then proceeding to beat him. By the end of the night, he paid her one hundred and twenty dollars and she treated him with a sundae.

  He would’ve done much better if she wasn’t there to distract him or if he didn’t enjoy her victory dance so much. The spell she’d cast over him had an irrevocable hold on his senses. Even as he walked to the door of their apartment later that evening, he couldn’t help wishing that their date wouldn’t end.

  At the door, she pressed her keys to the door opening it before turning to him. “Do you want to come in?”

  He turned his arm, glancing at his wrist watch before shaking his head. “No. It’s late and I’ve got work tomorrow. I’d better get going.”

  “Oh, okay.” Was that disappointment in her voice?

  Unbidden, the side of Reggie mouth rose in pleasure. He said, “But I’ll call you tonight and we can talk.”

  Playing with her keys, she nodded. “Well sir, thank you for the dinner. It was amazing.”

  “You’re welcome.” He smiled as he reached for her hand and tugged her closer. “Good night.”

  She came into his arms easily and with a soft, “Good night.”

  He had no idea who went for it first but somehow they met halfway and their lips connected while the tongues sought each other. He slid one hand behind her nape as he angled his head and pressed deeper. The last time they’d done this he’d been half asleep, but relearning her taste was like riding a bike – unforgettable. The sweetness of it sent him tumbling headlong into arousal and he gathered her even closer.

  With only a little urging, she strained towards him. Her tummy brushed against his rampant erection, her heavy breasts taunted the flat planes of his chest and her thighs pressed against his sinewy ones. Her tongue stroked his, tangling and mating with unrestrained fire as she clutched onto the lapel of his jacket.

  Her unhesitant respo
nse was as gratifying as it was breathtaking. It set the flames of desire in his blood dancing. But somewhere deep inside him, his conscience pricked. She wasn’t ready for this. It was hard to end the kiss, but somehow he managed it. After one last peck to swallow her soft whimper of protest, he raised his head.

  She looked well-kissed; her lips were plump while her eyes were shadowed with unrestrained desire. When she spoke her voice was a husky murmur. “Kendra’s spending the night at Nico’s.”

  Though she didn’t say the words, he understood what she was asking. He was beyond tempted. He would’ve given anything to be able to carry her into that house and show her how much he wanted her. But she wasn’t ready for this. Any bed-action at this point would put him firmly in the rebound, mistake or one-night stand category; neither of which appealed to him.

  His gaze traced her lush lips and her heaving breasts before his gaze slipped to the hand clutching onto his lapel. The diamond in her engagement ring winked at him and confident in his decision, he shook his head. “No. I’d better get going.”

  Disappointment hooded her expression as she stepped away from him. The smile that creased her face didn’t quite reach her eyes as she stepped away from him. “I guess it’s good night then.”

  “Goodnight,” he repeated quietly, watching as without another word she entered the house then closed the door behind her.

  Erica was embarrassed. She’d practically offered herself on a platter to Reggie and he’d refused her. Twice now she’d thrown herself at him. What was wrong with her? The poor guy was just being a good friend by buying her dinner and there she’d attacked him like a nymphomaniac.

  Unlacing her high-tops and kicking them off, she strode through the dark house and to her room where she switched on the light. She threw her purse on the carpeted floor and collapsed on the bed before sighing deeply.

  Reggie probably thought of her as some desperate clinger. What was wrong with her?

  Quin, that’s who was wrong with her.

  He’d been on her mind the whole night tonight. She couldn’t forget Kendra’s assertion that he and Brooklyn and Quin had been sleeping together for the last two years. It wasn’t possible. It wasn’t. She refused to believe it. Brooklyn was lying.

  She’d thought of calling him so he could reassure her that Brooklyn was lying. However, every time she thought of making the call, her fingers would freeze up and refuse to dial. Questioning him now would open the can of worms they’d closed today. She replayed what it’d felt like to be back in Quin’s arms; his familiar scent, his familiar taste. No, no way. It wasn’t true.

  But even as she tried to deny it, another part of her wasn’t so cozy with ignoring Kendra’s words. That part of her had spent the whole night juggling the what if’s.

  What if he was lying?

  What if Brooklyn wasn’t lying?

  What if they’d messing around for two years right under Erica’s nose?

  What if?

  She’d tried to erase the questions, but they were stuck on replay; like a scratched video incessantly pounding on her psyche. God, she needed to sort the mess that was her brain out. Erica rose to remove her jeans, t-shirt and bra before slipping under the covers. She tried to go to sleep but her thoughts refused to let her.

  Ask him.

  She threw the covers off her head before reaching for her bag. Rifling within it she came up with her phone. Quin picked up on the first ring. “Hey baby,”

  “Quinton,” her voice was measured as she asked, “Have you been sleeping with Brooklyn for the last two years?”

  “Look, Ri, I can exp-”

  She ended the call even as her heart shattered into pieces like glass thrown against a wall. The sound of her phone ringing pierced the catastrophic silence that had engulfed both her and the room. With unseeing eyes, Erica stared at the gadget as it went on and on egging her heartbreak on. She folded her legs and pulled her thighs to her chest as she let the sadness engulf. This time there were no tears – she’d cried enough for him.

  When the phone finally stopped ringing, she rose up and walked to the bathroom. Slipping off her ring was easy as was throwing it into the toilet. With no hesitation, she flushed. The diamond winked one last time before the rolling water sucked it into the annals of time.

  “Bye.” Erica walked away without even one last look.

  “Pick up. Pick up.” Quin mumbled as he dialed Erica’s number again and again. “Pick up. Pick up.”

  Brooklyn, who was seated on the loveseat, watched him expressionlessly but inside she was churning with anger. Why was he calling Erica when he had her? What did he see in Erica that he didn’t see in her? She was better than Erica was; thinner, more light-skinned, more loving. Why wasn’t he satisfied with her?

  “Ri, Baby,” Quin pleaded as she sent him voicemail again. “Please pick up so I can explain. I swear it’s not what you think.”

  With a frustrated sigh, he ended the call then tossed the phone onto the coffee table. He paced the living room floor with his hands shoved in his pocket as he kept mumbling, “Shit, she’ll never forgive me.”

  Brooklyn scoffed internally. Of course Erica would forgive him. Who could resist a man like Quin? He was tall, had the sexiest smile this side of the Pacific and those eyes… perfect. That’s why she and Erica had both fallen for him. Erica would forgive him. That didn’t mean that Brooklyn was just going to stand by and watch it happen. He was hers now. No one would take him away from her.

  Quin swiveled midstride, turning to face Brooklyn.

  “This is your fault.” Anger poured from his deep voice and his glare. “This is your fault.” With two strides, he was upon her. His fingers digging painfully into her arm, he lifted her to her feet. His hot breath washed over her face as he growled, “I told you I didn’t want you.”

  Brooklyn said nothing. If he didn’t want her, why had he fallen so easily into her web? All she’d done was go to the station on the pretext of bringing him lunch. A closed door, a seductive prowl towards him, a quick turn of his chair, her going to her knees… and he’d been hers. Of course he’d wanted her. Even more than he wanted Erica!

  Her silence seemed to agitate him more because before she knew it he slammed her against the wall. Pain rocketed through her skull as the back of her head came into contact with the hard wall and stars splinted behind her eyes. Even then, she didn’t make a sound.

  “If I lose her, I’ll kill you,” Quin threatened as his hand closed around her throat. So close, he looked maniacal, like a wild animal unleashed. His eyes were cold ice blue slits and his teeth bared as he repeated, “I’ll kill you.”

  “Why the hell would I want you?” Even as he spoke, his rough hand clawed up her thigh. With a loud tear, he ripped her panties. His zipper hissed as he repeated, “You’re worth nothing.”

  They were the same words she’d heard from her step-father say as he’d hurt her too. Brooklyn closed her eyes and went to that place where no one could touch her. It didn’t matter what Quin did to her when she was in that place. Because there he loved her

  “Nothing,” his words hissed in her mind with each painful entrance and retreat. She blocked the words out, telling herself that it didn’t matter as long as long as he loved her more than he loved Erica.

  CHAPTER 8

  “Cup,” Kendra shouted.

  “World Cup.” Nico added.

  “Stop cheating off me.” Kendra shoved him with her shoulder, almost sending him off their shared couch.

  Nico glared at her. “You’re the one cheating off me.”

  “World Cup isn’t a movie,” Reggie interrupted calling the feuding couple’s attention back to him and Erica. They were standing in front of identical flip-charts on stands and scribbling on the white paper.

  “Kendra, focus,” Erica called out as she drew a stick figure next to the cup on her flip-chart. Throwing a saucy grin at Reggie, she said, “They’re just getting desperate.”

  Instead of returning the gri
n, Reggie cocked an eyebrow at her. To say he was salty would be an understatement. For three weeks, they hadn’t talked, and not because he hadn’t tried. She just wasn’t picking up his calls anymore.

  He could guess the reason she was angry with him. A couple of days ago he and Quin had gotten into it because of the Kendra incident. She should be glad he’d only given her ‘fiancé’ a broken nose. And it was not his fault that Nico had thrown Quin in jail for the weekend on dubious charges to get his own. Quin had it coming!

  If Erica was angry about it, then he preferred she confront him about it rather than this childish silent-treatment.

  Tired of waiting for her to woman up, he’d set Kendra as his watch dog. Her task was to let him know the moment Erica came back into town. Today morning, she’d jetted in and Reggie had turned up tonight to talk to her. Instead, she’d roped him, Kendra and Nico into a game of charades.

  Throwing a furtive glance at Erica’s drawing, Reggie mimicked her. He made sure that his figure was better drawn giving a clear picture that it was a boy rather than a man.

  If Nico couldn’t figure this one out, he was dumber than a flask. Proving that he was dumber than a flask, Nico shouted, “Bruce Willis In A Cup.”

  Reggie’s head whipped towards him. “What?”

  Erica drew spectacles on her stick-man and Kendra immediately erupted. “Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.” The girls burst into victorious celebration.

  “What the hell was that?” Nico threw Reggie a disgusted look when he joined him on the couch. “You let them beat us.”

  “You’re the one who couldn’t guess,” Reggie defended himself.

  “How was I supposed to guess? You drew a guy in a muscle shirt.”

  “And you went to Bruce Willis In A Cup?” Reggie guffawed. “There is no such movie.”

  “Aw, is Reggiekins pissed off for losing?” Erica taunted as she flopped on the seat next to Reggie. She slipped her arm around his waist and cuddled against him, confounding his senses with the soft warmth of her body and her sweet scent. Eyes twinkling wickedly and waving the felt-pen, she suggested, “Maybe another game would help?”