Malik (Carter Brother Series Book 1)

by Lisa Helen Gray

  “What do you think they’re arguing over?’’ I ask out loud.

  “It looks like Malik is saying, ‘don’t fuck with my bike’, while the other dude is saying, ‘I want to fuck with your bike’, but I can’t be certain,’’ Mason says behind us making me jump. Denny’s body goes visibly tense beside me, her whole body straight and rigid. Turning around, I’m not a little surprised to find a slut hanging off his arm. It seems he only ever has one on his arm when he’s around Denny or he thinks she’ll be with us. The other week we were at McDonalds when Mason called Malik to ask where we were. He let us know he won’t be long and turned up twenty minutes later with some chick that wouldn’t let go of his arm. As soon as he found out Denny wasn’t with us he ditched her, and he did it poorly. It’s how I got the whole he only brings them with Denny around theory.

  “Go away,’’ I mumble once I see her, but keep my eyes locked with Mason when I say it. All I need right now is this bitch to start a fight I have no chance in hell of winning. Denny hasn’t been in a good mood all week and for some reason I can feel her getting closer and closer to the point she’s going to break. I’ve tried everything to get her to talk but she brushes me off.

  “Don’t be like that sis,’’ he groans and a snort comes from Denny beside me. I watch his eyes go to her, pain flickering in them before he masks it, putting on his cocky guise.

  “Fucking assholes,’’ Max says joining us with a frown on his face.

  “What’s up with you?’’ Mav asks him.

  “Fucking police,’’ he grumbles.

  “What the fuck have you done now?’’ Mav growls, stepping into the ‘big brother mode.’

  “Hey, for once I’m not the one to blame. The fucking cashier at Star Point is to fucking blame,’’ he all but yells.

  “What are you talking about?’’ Mav asks running his hands down his face. He looks to Max with a worn out and tired facial expression. Far from the lively funny guy he was five minutes ago. It makes me wonder if this is a regular occurrence with Max, and if Mav is sick and tired with dealing with him.

  “I went in to buy fucking condoms…’’

  “And?’’ Mav snaps.

  “And when I went to pay for them the cashier asked me if I wanted a bag to go with them. When I told him I didn’t need one, I don’t fuck ugly chicks he burst out laughing like I was lying or some shit,’’ he fumes.

  All of us erupt in laughter. Max’s face turns bright red as he looks at us with an angry expression.

  “What the fuck?’’ he shouts throwing his arms up in the air.

  “Dude, he works in a shop. He was asking if you wanted a bag,’’ Mason laughs.

  “I know that you fucking idiot.’’

  “No bro, I don’t think you do. He wasn’t asking if you wanted one to put over your missus head, he asked in case you wanted to put the fucking condoms in it,’’ Mav says laughing still.

  “Shit. Now I know why the police let me go once I explained. They just laughed it off and I thought they understood me. Shit!’’ he groans before walking away from us all still laughing at him.

  “He got dropped a lot as a kid; I swear he did,’’ Mason laughs.

  Denny, oblivious to Mason being near her is now laughing her ass off, even more after Mason says about Max getting dropped on the head. Mason’s head snaps to hers, watching her throw her head back and laugh in complete awe. For a minute I watch him watching her with a soft expression and he doesn’t look like someone that doesn’t care.

  Mason really confuses me. One minute he looks at Denny like she’s the only girl in the world and then the next, he’s hurting her by throwing every other woman in her face. He’s a dick. But the way he sometimes looks at her is kind of cute too.

  “What the hell?’’ Mav says suddenly, his tone pissed off and angry.

  My eyes follow the direction he’s looking in, and see Malik face to face with Davis.

  “Oh shit!’’ I whisper.

  This is bad. It has to be for Malik to lose his shit like this. I watch as Davis pushes Malik, but Malik doesn’t move, instead he throws his head back and laughs.

  The two men I saw earlier guarding the pit gate rush over to them. One of the men talks to Davis while the other one talks to Malik. Davis is throwing his hands around obviously pissed off.

  Whatever he says next has Malik rushing around the guard and furiously towards Davis. Luckily for Davis the other guard intervenes and holds Malik back, pushing him away by the chest.

  “What is going on over there?’’ Denny asks out loud.

  “Girls, stay here while I go over there and check that everything’s alright,’’ Mav says and Mason follows, the bimbo clearly forgotten, but still, she follows like a good little doggie behind him. You’d think after him walking off and not saying anything to her that she’d get the picture. She’s obviously dumber than I first thought.

  I’ll never understand why girls do that to themselves. Why go with someone you know will never change and who will ditch you like the nights trash so easily. If they were going to change they would change from the start, show you that they’re a better person. And clearly in this scenario, Mason isn’t going to change, not for blondie or any other chick he brings along with him.

  “Want me to go get us a drink?’’ Denny asks.

  Not wanting to stand around by myself I look over to where Malik is. All his brothers are there surrounding him along with a few other men.

  “I’ll come with you, we won’t be long,’’ I smile.

  Later that night Malik and Davis and two other boys are announced into the final. Whoever scores the most points in the next round wins.

  I’m outside the old Gunners house with Denny waiting for Malik to arrive. It’s the first time I’ve been to the place and I’ll be honest, I’m none too happy about it either. Eddie, one of Max’s friends from school walked with me, Denny, Max and Myles to the party and told us about the old scary stories on the old worn down home. Denny assured me that they’re just stories, but I don’t wish to find out if it’s true or not. I told them as much to which only made them laugh.

  The brick wall outside the house is only half standing, most of it has rotted and fallen to the ground. I’ve managed to sting myself on stinging nettles twice now thanks to the waist length weeds that has overgrown in the front garden.

  “This house looks like it was once beautiful,’’ I tell Denny looking at the old house. The windows are caked with dirt, water stains, and whatever else is growing on it. I’d be shocked if any of the windows actually let any light through in the daytime. The door is a basic old wooden door that looks to have seen better days and probably needs one of those old fashioned keys to open it. I’ve yet to see the inside, but I can wait.

  Like really wait.

  I may even just enjoy the moonlight outside all night. It’s not like I’d be alone. There are a few party goers hanging out around the building.

  “I don’t know why they never built it up to what it should be,’’ Denny says after a couple of minutes of staring at the house. “I mean, look at those flower beds outside the windows. No one ever has those now-a-days. I swear I’ve always felt like I was born in the wrong century, or the wrong country. Have you seen the views and homes in America? The way they’re brought up in schools and stuff? I like that. Also, my life would be so much easier if I could drive,’’ she chuckles.

  “Oh I know what you mean chick. I’d love to go travelling. I want to see Paris, Rome, Disney World, L.A., I want to go to Egypt, see the Brooklyn Bridge. Instead, we get stuck looking at subways, spaghetti junctions, and London Bridge.’’

  “We’re so sisters from another mother,’’ she giggles.

  “Who is?’’ Malik’s sexy voice comes from behind me. Immediately my skin tingles and butterflies flutter in my belly.

  “We are,’’ I chirp.

  “Is that so?’’

  “Yeah. We’re like this,’’ I tell him crossing my two fingers together
making him chuckle.

  “Okay lovebirds, I’m going to get a bottle of water,’’ Denny announces before bouncing off into the house.

  “She not drinking?’’ he asks and I shake my head no. “Blooming hell, I’m surprised. That girl can drink… okay, she can only drink herself under the table, but she’s usually drinking. What’s up with her lately?’’

  “I dunno if I’m honest. I plan on finding out though,’’ I tell him, reaching up and twining my arms around his neck. He presses his body against mine, his hands on my hips with his thumb moving lightly over my skin making me shiver.

  “You not been inside yet?’’ he whispers, leaning in to kiss my neck. I move my head to the side to give him more access and moan when I feel his warm, wet tongue on my neck.

  “I’m okay out here,’’ I say breathlessly, my chest panting.

  “Good,’’ he says before picking me up at the waist and throwing me over his shoulder and then carries me around the back of the house and into the trees.

  “Where are we going?’’ I giggle, smacking his tight ass. He’s put some jeans on which I love him wearing. They were made for his firm ass.

  He smacks my ass lightly telling me to be quiet before we draw attention from other people.

  “Who else is out here?’’ I whisper yell, all the blood rushing to my head.

  He takes a few more steps before he slides me down his body, letting my feet dangle before he shoves my back against the tree.

  “Just us, I just didn’t want anyone thinking I was attacking you,’’ he chuckles huskily.

  “Is that so?’’ I ask.

  “Nuh-huh,’’ he grins before resuming his kissing along my neck. Soon, I’ve forgotten what we were talking about and instead I find my hands roaming the hard planes of his chest under his t-shirt.

  Our kiss turns hungry, both of us touching and groping at each other. Malik reaches for the button on my jeans when a voice laughs next to us startling the both of us. Malik nearly drops me on my ass when Davis moves away from the tree he was leaning against.

  “Go the fuck away now,’’ Malik snaps, keeping his back to Davis to make sure I’m covered. When I’ve straightened up my top and done my button back up, Malik turns around to face Davis who is standing there wearing a sinister smirk.

  “Now, now, Malik. If I knew the bitch could moan like that then I’d have had her sooner,’’ he taunts. The hairs on my back stand on end, a bad feeling creeping over me.

  “Fuck off now,’’ Malik says getting in Davis’s face.

  “Come on; let’s go to the party,’’ I beg grabbing Malik’s hard bicep. He shrugs me off lightly, ignoring my pleas to leave and instead he takes another step forward into Davis’s face.

  “Awe babe, I’m not going to hurt him… too much.’’

  “Like you could,’’ Malik snarls.

  “Oh, I beg to differ,’’ Davis laughs looking right at me.

  Malik getting his meaning grabs Davis by the shirt, shoving him up against the tree with a loud smack, before wrapping one hand around his throat.

  “Stay the fuck away from her,’’ he growls, tightening his hold on Davis.

  “Why, I’m… having… so much… fun?’’ Davis wheezes.

  “Leave now before I kick your ass,’’ Malik tries again.

  “I’ll be watching you.’’ Davis says when Malik releases the pressure on his neck.

  Malik turns around towards me ignoring Davis completely. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding in, that is until I notice Davis running towards Malik with his fist raised.

  “Malik,’’ I scream, already knowing I’m too late.

  Malik dives on the ground, Davis landing on top of him before sending a punch to his head. I scream out loudly, hoping someone will hear me.

  Both roll around on the ground kicking and punching until Malik gets on top, throwing punch after to punch Davis’s jaw.

  “Babe, stop!’’ I shout louder, trying to grab his arm. I don’t get close enough to Malik, but close enough for Davis to kick my legs out in front of me, sending me ass first to the floor.

  Thankfully Malik doesn’t see it and carries on fighting around on the dirt and grass with Davis. All I need right now is him to get angrier and end up killing him.

  “Help! Stop! Someone help!’’ I shout louder just when I feel my back pocket vibrating. Getting the phone I’m glad when I see Denny’s number flashing on the front of my screen.

  “Denny, get Mav or Mason or someone, Davis and Malik are fighting at the back of the house,’’ I cry down the phone. I don’t hear her say anything before I get up off the floor and run over to where they are now fighting.

  “Malik watch out!’’ I scream louder than possible when I see Davis pick up a tree branch swinging it in Malik’s direction. Malik ducks easily missing the branch, but only by a few inches.

  “Give it up Davis; you aren’t going to win,’’ Malik snaps.

  “Who said anything about winning? I’ll get my revenge,’’ he smirks, sending me a wink giving Malik the second he needed to knock the stick out of his hand.

  Davis roars in anger, running at Malik at full speed knocking both of them back to the ground again.

  “Please STOP!’’ I scream and cry, tears running down my face.

  Crunching of breaking twigs snaps my attention from them fighting. When I turn Maverick and Mason are both running towards where we are. Denny is following behind at a slower pace looking pale.

  “Are you okay?’’ Mav asks quickly, sounding out of breath.

  “Yeah, but help him,’’ I cry pointing to where Davis is trying to get in some more sucker punches.

  Maverick doesn’t say anything else as he helps Mason break up the fight. Maverick is holding Malik back with all his strength, the muscles in his arms bulging in his tight t-shirt.

  “Bro, cool it. You need to go home,’’ Mav yells in his ear.

  Malik stops fighting, his stormy black eyes reaching mine and as soon as they do they soften, his whole body relaxing.

  “Davis go home now,’’ Mason growls pissed off looking at Davis.

  Spitting blood out on the floor Davis hisses at Mason before looking over at me, “This isn’t over bitch.’’

  “It fucking is Davis,’’ Mav snaps.

  “Are you okay?’’ Denny whispers to me, looking rather pale.

  “Yeah are you? You don’t look so good,’’ I tell her, looking at her with concern.

  “I’m actually feeling a little off. Are you going to be okay if I leave?’’

  “We’re going to go home too I think, so you can come stay at mine, if you like?’’

  “I can’t. My mom’s expecting me back soon anyway.’’

  “How are you getting home?’’

  “I’m going to call a taxi.’’

  “I’m sorry babe, you okay?’’ Malik says sliding his arms around me.

  “Yeah, but I think I’m ready to go home if that’s okay? Denny said she’s going to order a taxi home, so want to wait until it comes, then go home?’’

  “Sounds like a plan,’’ He winces, wiping blood off his bottom lip.

  “Come on Rocky, let’s get you cleaned up,’’ I giggle.

  Walking up to the house I turn to Malik, “Go sit down in the front room. I’ll go get the first aid kit to clean you up.’’

  He nods his head, letting me walk in first. I’m near the kitchen when Malik lets out the most horrific girly scream I’ve ever heard. Rushing back down the hall I stop dead in my tracks, a scream leaving my own throat.

  “Grandma,’’ I gasp horrified covering my eyes, but I can still see Mark on top of her, thankfully fully clothed, but still.

  “Sorry?’’ she snickers.

  “Mark, I think it’s time you go. It’s nearly eleven, it’s late. And Grandma, I think it’s best you go to bed,’’ I scold.

  “Sorry,’’ Mark says straightening his buttoned up shirt looking embarrassed. Grandma doesn’t even have the
decency to look ashamed by her actions. She knew we would be back soon and if they had carried on like a couple of school kids, I dread to think what we would have walked in on.

  “I’m so disappointed in you Grandma,’’ I tell her. “You’re old enough to know better.’’

  “We were just having a bit of fun weren’t we Mark,’’ she smiles over at him. His face softens when she addresses him.

  “We were,’’ he smiles looking adorably at my Gram’s.

  “Seriously Granddad, I can’t look at this,’’ Malik yells before storming off to my room no doubt.

  “What happened to his face?’’ Mark asks concerned, only just noticing Malik’s banged up face.

  “He and Davis had a run in. Maverick and Mason broke it up.’’

  “That bloody boy. I tell you, I knew his Grandfather Thomas back in the day and he was just as miserable, jealous, and violent as this Davis kid. It must run through their blood. I remember Thomas being arrested for beating up his wife. Davis’s dad’s mom. He only got six months before he got released again.’’

  “Must run in the family then because Davis is no saint,’’ I mumble before turning to Gram’s. “Say goodnight then get to bed. If I don’t hear the door shut with Mark on the other side I won’t be pleased Gram’s.’’

  “Shush child. It’s not like you haven’t got Malik upstairs,’’ she says having a point.

  “Yes, but we’re kids. You’re adults. You shouldn’t be fondling on the sofa at your age,’’ I scold. “Say goodnight then go to sleep.’’

  Walking up the stairs I can’t help but grimace when I hear Gram’s asking when they can fondle again.

  Jesus, pass me a bucket…..

  Chapter Twenty

  Finally after two weeks of exams, I’ve finally finished my last one. I’ve been so stressed out with all the revision I’ve had to catch up on that I’ve hardly gotten any sleep for the past two weeks.

  I couldn’t even use Malik to relieve some stress because Aunt Flow came to visit at the beginning of the week.

  My period had finally stopped this morning, but Malik has his final race tonight, so we won’t have any alone time until later on tonight, or tomorrow, depending on how much celebrating he wants to do tonight after the race.