“Alisa. You need to walk very carefully here, Mick. That’s my baby sister. She can date who she wants, but I don’t want her in the line of fire when you snap again. She’s not the kind of girl you guys run with.”
I held up my hands. “Whoa. I’m not my brother, Alex. We met her at a bar last weekend with Monica. That chick did what she wanted. I put Alisa in a cab.”
“Are you sure that’s all you did?” he asked, while giving me a stern glare.
“Nope. But I’ll be honest and tell you I’ve tried to stay away from her. Heads up, your sister is a grown woman. It doesn’t matter what you or I tell her. She’s going to do exactly what she wants.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of, Mick,” he sighed. “You and I both know she isn’t the type of girl that needs a bunch of shit in her life. And frankly, seeing her with you scares the fuck out of me. I don’t want to pick up the pieces if you break her.”
My jaw clenched at the thought of what he was saying, but I couldn’t deny having the same thoughts.
“It’s not there yet. She’ll figure out I’m not the guy she wants.”
“And in the meantime?” he asked.
“In the meantime, I plan on being me. I’m not going to guarantee anything. Right now, I’m not sure if I could give her up either way and that’s why I'm exactly the kind of shitty guy you think I am. She’s…”
“What?” he asked, when I didn’t continue.
“Fuck, I don’t know. She has me in knots half the time. I can’t figure out what to do with her.”
Alex’s smirk turned into a smile, then laughter. “Oh, you’re fucked. Alright, I’ll say this then. You touch her, look at her, think about her in any way other than what she deserves, I’ll beat the fuck out of you and bury your body. And, Mick, I’ve lived here for a lot longer and know of a lot of places where they won’t find you.”
“That sounds like a pretty serious threat from someone who says he upholds the law, Alex.”
He clenched his jaw as he glared at me. “None of us are saints, Mick. The things we do in life may not always align with what we know we should do. It’s a tricky, moving line that we draw for ourselves every morning when we wake up. Sometimes, the results of taking actions that we’d normally find abhorrent, garner faster results than normal methods.”
“You forget, Alex, I know lawyer language like the back of my hand. That’s a bunch of bullshit, wrapped in pretty words to justify criminal intent.”
“None of us are completely clean. I know your story, I did my homework. And having the mentality that I do, I can see why you had to leave the FBI.”
“That was a closed case, fucker.”
He smiled. “Everything can be bought for a price. Don’t fuck around with my sister. She’s the marrying type, and you don’t have it in you.”
“Funny you mention price,” I said sarcastically. “Weren’t we just discussing that?”
“You don’t know me when it comes to what I’d do for Alisa. You want the family to pay, we’ll make them pay by any means necessary if it comes to that. But you know you’re not good for her and she’s already burrowing a hole into that fucked up part of you. You’re fucked. Either way someone loses in the end. You or her. Make sure it’s you.”
Message received, I turned on my heel and departed the office with a slam of the door. Pissed off, I stalked through the corridor and down the sidewalk to the car.
Fucker had threatened me which didn’t sit well at all. The worst part was that I agreed with him. I was fucked when it came to Alisa.
Chapter Ten
Alisa
I felt a bit out of place in the Galloway house even after two weeks of spending time with the overly stubborn brothers. I wondered if their relationship would fall apart if they ever stopped bickering.
From what I gathered before they immediately stopped talking every time I entered the room, it had a lot to do with privacy. Something to do with me, something with Mick and a lot with Mason’s derailed nightly routine.
After our visit to my brother’s office, Mick had taken me shopping while Mason dealt with the car and bag full of cash. I’d never seen so much cash in my life, had no idea where it came from and didn’t ask. I’d refused Mick’s insistence that we spend his money for a few essentials, arguing that I had my own money. The argument got me absolutely nowhere with him. He bought far more clothing than I really needed, and by the time our shopping experience was over, I honestly felt like choking him more than thanking him.
It was sweet, but wasn’t necessary by any means. I’d have my own clothes back soon enough according to my brother, who had enlisted Melanie in clearing my things out of the house while my father was away on a business trip. They were being delivered to my apartment by the end of the weekend.
And then, I’d be there too, I assumed. Even unfurnished it was still mine and the freedom that I needed.
For the most part I’d been given some space at the house. I was sleeping in a guest bedroom rather than in Mick’s bed. Which was somewhat strange and extremely confusing. Ever since our meeting with Alex, he’d put some distance between us. It wasn’t that he didn’t talk to me, he just wasn’t as overtly flirtatious and that stung somewhat.
After the things we’d shared, I thought that there might be something deeper developing between us. Everything seemed good before we went to visit my brother, but as soon as we left, I’d been moved to the other bedroom. Perhaps in retrospect, he’d decided that involving himself with a King wasn’t something he was interested in, even after his show of bravado in my brother’s office.
Alex insisted on having me at the office during the day, which I didn’t mind since I needed to be working. Mick delivered me to the office very early in the morning every day, making sure to park in the back. He’d walk me to the door, kiss me on the forehead and leave after I locked the door. Again, sweet, but not exactly what I’d expected given our initial interactions.
He was just as moody as he’d ever been, possibly more. His sour mood every morning seemed to be just as bad when he picked me up from work. Whatever was on his mind, it felt like he was biding his time until I left. I wasn’t sure how he and Alex were going to get along over time, if Mick decided to work with my brother. But I doubted at this point, I’d be around to witness much of it.
I put the last of my makeup on and gave myself a look in the mirror. Not too bad considering I wore very little of it most of the time. I’d put on quite a bit more than normal for once and felt like I’d possibly overdone it. I adjusted my dress wondering if it was too tight again. It had a skew neckline where one sleeve hung off my shoulder. The front had tiny black beading that sparkled in the light. The hem was a little short, but I liked the ruched design, that seemed to hide some of my curves. It was simple, feminine and considering where I was going, I knew that there would be far more racy dresses than mine.
The art gallery opening was something I’d insisted on going to when I mentioned it to Alex earlier in the week. It wasn’t so much that I really wanted to go, but it was better than reading in my room while Mick did whatever he did in Mason’s study every night. He’d been very busy doing some research, but had been tight lipped on what it was about every time I asked. He’d sometimes venture out of his self-created cave to watch a movie with me, or ask me questions, but was once again hesitant to answer my inquiries about himself.
When I walked into the living room, I picked up my phone to dial Alex. He’d promised to pick me up, since my car was still parked at his house.
“Wow. Where are you going?” Mason asked from the kitchen table, giving me the once over.
“Oh, well, Alex is picking me up to take me to this art gallery opening near his office. I’m probably underdressed, but it’ll do I guess.”
Mason’s eyebrows shot up. “I think it’ll be fine. Has Mick seen that dress?”
I shook my head a little, trying to slip one of my earrings in and juggle my cell at the same time.
; “Maybe. I picked it up when he took me shopping.”
“Does he know you bought it?”
“What does that matter?” I asked while rolling my eyes. “He gave me a credit card and ordered me to buy clothing. I came out with only a couple of things and he marched me right back in the store. I got this and a few shirts.”
“Hmm,” he replied. “Does he know you’re going out?”
“It didn’t come up. He’s been busy and honestly, we’re all doing our own thing, right? I’m sure both of you will be happy to have me out of your hair on Sunday.”
“Wait, what?” Mason’s eyebrows shot up another inch, then glared down the hall toward his study. “Motherfucker. Alisa, hold up.”
I shrugged as he stalked toward the back of the house. I set my phone on the table and slipped my other earring in.
Hearing Mick bark something and Mason’s muffled reply, I wondered what the hell was going on now.
“Oh, fuck no,” Mick growled behind me as I reached for my phone. The sound made me jump and the cell clattered to the wood floor.
Bending down to retrieve it, I glanced over my shoulder and found Mick staring down at me. He looked angry about something. He was wearing his usual t-shirt and jeans that I was becoming accustomed to seeing him in every day.
Turning away from him, I tried to ignore the clench in my stomach that happened every time I saw him. He was a very sexy, handsome man, whether he was dressed casually or not, and it always hurt a little to look at him.
“Where are you going?” he demanded.
“To an art gallery, as I explained to your brother,” I said as I started scrolling through my phone for Alex’s number. “Just need to call Alex and let him know I'm ready. He's taking me.”
“The fuck he will,” Mick replied.
My head snapped around to look at him. “Excuse me?”
“You’re not going out like that,” he barked as his eyes swept over me.
I looked down at my clothing and heels, then back at him. “Like what? It’s not fancy, but it’s just an art gallery so it’ll do. I guess I could have worn different shoes.”
Mason appeared over Mick’s shoulder and gave me a huge smile with a slightly diabolical look. My eyes darted back to Mick who was still grimacing, but was now rubbing a hand down his chest while he took in my attire from head to toe.
He heaved a huge sigh as Mason walked past him to stand by the table.
“I can take her, bro. No big deal. Just need to change really quick.”
Mason headed in the direction of his bedroom and Mick growled.
“Fuck off, Mason,” he said as he stared at me and blinked. “She’s not going.”
My chin lifted at his tone. “I’m going, Mick. I’m tired of being cooped up here. I heard about this a couple of weeks ago and it sounds like fun.”
“Heard where? At the office?”
“No, at the deli down the street from the office.”
He stepped closer to me and crossed his arms over his chest. “So, people go to deli’s now and talk about art galleries? Tell me this doesn’t have anything to do with Monica and some drinking adventure.”
I blanched. “No, I haven’t even talked to her, you know that. I went to high school with someone that works there, and he said it was opening tonight. Supposed to be some big…”
“He who?” he asked as his eyes narrowed at me.
I shrugged. “Heath. He works at the deli with his family. I go in there for a sandwich sometimes for lunch.”
Mason’s laughter carried from the living room and I glanced in that direction.
“Fuck,” Mick muttered. He was running a hand down his face and now openly glaring at me.
“What’s wrong with you?” I asked, irritated at the conversation. “I don’t understand why you’re freaking out. Don’t you have some computer thing to do like every other night? Or am I missing something? Maybe you wanted to wander out of that cave and watch a movie while ignoring me?”
His jaw clenched, and I felt a wave of anger roll off him. The room in the kitchen suddenly shrunk by half with its presence. It almost felt like the day in Alex’s office for a moment when he’d tried to storm out the door to hurt my father. I took a small step back from him, not in fear, but from the sheer force of his emotion.
He turned and stalked back to his bedroom, leaving me scowling after him. Half hoping he’d turn around and at the very least talk to me before I left, but as he retreated to his bedroom and slammed the door, I felt like he was once again shutting me down.
Mason re-entered the kitchen, peering down the hallway after Mick. He turned to me with a smile on his face.
“You look beautiful, Alisa, that’s what’s wrong. Stubborn bastard needed a kick in the nuts.”
“What? I’m not trying to kick anyone or irritate him. It’s just a stupid dress.”
He grinned at me and grabbed a bottled water from the fridge, motioning one at me.
I shook my head.
“Just hold off on calling Alex for a minute,” he said.
“Whatever,” I mumbled, as I stalked to my room for my small purse.
By the time I found it, I was ready to call Alex anyway. Stuffing my lipstick and money into the clutch I walked back into the kitchen to the sounds of Mason chuckling.
Mick stood to the side of the table glaring at him, wearing a black suit with a white collared dress shirt. No tie tonight, I noticed, and the top button was undone, giving just a peek at the top of his sculpted chest.
“What are you doing?” I asked him.
He glanced at me and shrugged. “Taking you to an art gallery, apparently.”
I rolled my eyes. “I didn’t ask you to.”
“Too bad,” he replied, motioning to the door. “Let’s go.”
“This is ridiculous,” I said as I followed him to the car. He opened the passenger door and I slid into the leather seat.
He stalked around the front wearing a frown on his face like this was the very last thing he wanted to do tonight. I felt a headache coming on and started rubbing my temple as he got in.
The ride downtown was relatively quiet, other than the classical music that Mick turned on as soon as we left. I eyed him several times during the trip. He was usually one to listen to some random station as he drove, but this was different.
He said nothing as we pulled into a parking space along the street. I watched as he stalked around the front, making his way to my side of the vehicle. When he opened my door, he took my hand and helped me stand.
I was turning away from him when his hand landed on the car beside me, blocking me from leaving. Raising my eyes to his, I frowned.
His face was a mixture of frustration and confusion when he spoke. “Alisa, I need you to stick by me tonight.”
“Mick, it’s just a stupid art gallery.”
His eyes shifted toward the street as several couples made their way along the sidewalk.
“You’re with me,” he said as his eyes bore into mine.
I swatted at his arm to let me leave. “You’re just here because I made you mad.”
His body suddenly pressed me against the car while his arm snaked around my waist. I could feel the heat of him through his suit and his arousal against my stomach. His head dipped to brush a kiss against my lips.
“You’re always with me, beautiful. No matter where you are, you’re mine.”
My confusion mixed with doubt at his statement. It made my heart clench from wanting to believe him, but his behavior indicated that it wasn’t true.
“Why are you doing this?” I whispered against his mouth as he teased my bottom lip with his tongue. “You’ve been pushing me away for two weeks. You can’t say that stuff, and then do the complete opposite.”
His mouth slid around my neck, and fire shot through my belly as he kissed me gently.
“I’m trying to be nice to you, Alisa. Every fucking day, I’ve tried to just let you get to know me the right way. Simple conversa
tions, being around me. I don’t want to hurt you.”
I let out a small growl of my own. “I like you just the way you are, idiot. You don’t have to push me away. And the only hurt you’re causing is making me feel like you don’t like me back.”
He lifted up and rested his forehead against mine as he sighed.
“If you think I don't like you, then you don’t know me very well. And I’m trying not to scare you.”
“You don’t frighten me, Mick.”
He leaned back and gave me a pained look before kissing me softly. I opened my mouth to him as he ran his tongue along the seam of my lips.
“I’m trying to be gentle with you,” he whispered. “You’re so damn beautiful and sweet. I’m not the kind of man that’s used to those things and I don’t know what to do with you.”
“Is that why I got kicked out of your room?” I asked in a small voice.
He leaned back, his eyebrows lifting in shock. “What? No. I didn’t kick you out.”
“Then why am I in the guest bedroom? And why do you not sound like you anymore when you talk to me?”
He chuckled. “Baby, two things. I have a problem sleeping some nights. I wanted to let you get some rest. Second, if you spend one more night in my bed, I’m going to be between those gorgeous thighs of yours and you’ll never be able to leave again. You’ll be mine without a choice. I’ll never give you up.”
“Oh,” I replied, then started chewing on my lip.
“Yeah. Oh. So, I’m trying my fucking hardest to give you some space. I feel like a lecherous bastard every time I watch your ass when you walk down the hallway. The way your t-shirts cling to those gorgeous tits of yours makes me hard all the damn time. But I’m a little fucked up right now, and I don’t want that to touch you.”
I glanced away for a moment. “I don’t mind that you’re fucked up.”
“Alisa,” he whispered. “Please don’t say that. You don’t know.”
My hands slid up to his face. “Then tell me. Let me in, Mick.”
His eyes were gentle when they landed on mine. The stubble on his chin rubbed against my fingers. Turning his head, he placed a kiss in my palm before he grabbed it and eased me away from the car.
Mick: Kingston Corruption, Book One Page 11