by Kerri Ann
Fuck no.
Stepping out of the elevator, I walk toward the private security that awaits outside. “Miss Katana,” the first sentry says in greeting me. He’s a fresh recruit, and as green as they come. I’d break him. He’d be crying in the corner within twenty minutes.
Sweet and adorable, the big lug is not my type. “Charlie,” I say, smiling at him.
“Miss,” the second says. Gregor is ex-Marine, and he scares me a little. I might just pee a tiny bit if he ever talked to me harshly. Yes, he’s sexy in a rugged, damaged way, but the scars on his face gives me nightmares. The skin that puckers around his left eye and runs down his cheek has me wondering what happened. I might be forward and inquisitive, but I’d never ask that particular question of a veteran. Passing him with head nod, I continue on to Circe’s room.
Walking in, I find China and Circe deep in conversation. Hurt feelings still? You betcha. As Circe’s gaze meets mine, that sweet, innocent grin courses across her face. My sweet, lovely friend as always. Turning, China attempts a smile, but it’s so fake, it’s like a newly minted forty-five-dollar bill.
Pulling in my ‘poor me’ attitude and advancing on her with my ‘fuck you, I have bigger balls’ demeanor, my tightly contained resting bitch face is in attendance. No way will you get the better of me, Miss Crown.
“China. Lovely, as always.”
“Always a pleasure, Candi.”
Are you fucking kidding me?
Injecting as much sugar as I can, I grit my teeth and correct her. “Carli. It’s Carli.”
“Right.” She quirks her head sideways, as if she’s amiss with the correction. “Carli.”
Ignoring the need to stab her sweet green eyes out, I advance to the bed and raise the bag. “Fab’s was busy, but I got you the triple cheese deluxe veggie pressed.”
“With a pickle, right?”
Shaking my head, I hand her the bag. “Of course. I know you.” I glare at young China Crown. “Better than most.”
Stealing the bag at the speed of light, Circe has it opened and is shaking out the sandwich into her lap. Watching her do things one-handed is still hilarious, but I’m glad she’s doing better now. It’s like she had to see her racer before her body would allow itself to repair.
Wyatt and her were in a horrific car wreck that took the life of his mother, and nearly cost him his own. The two of them have only been reunited for a few days, but it’s been crucial to them both. I wish it could have happened earlier. The way that China wanted the information held back from Circe, keeping them separated, was cruel. The non-disclosure paperwork that made me stay silent and not tell Circe what state Casper was in made it hard to keep it from her.
Every time I visited, Circe would use everything in her arsenal to worm answers from me. Answers I couldn’t give. China kept Circe in the dark. Did I agree? No. But with the legal means she took to keep it a secret, what choice did I have? With the money the Crowns’ have, I knew that legally she could crush me to smithereens, leaving me penniless. So yeah, I did as I was instructed and kept my best friend in the dark.
Circe now knows the truth, the real truth. Not only did Wyatt tell her what happened in the car, but she knows that China is the one who kept her from knowing Wyatt’s condition.
Biting into the sandwich, Circe mouths a few indescribable words. “Mmm. So, was nu tod?”
Laughing, I taunt her. “Pardon? I couldn’t understand you around the cheese spilling from your open yap.”
Finishing her bite and swallowing the morsel, she tries again. “What’s new today?”
Other than another one of these Crowns twisting someone in knots? Nada. “Nothing. Why?”
“Well, you have that ‘kiss my arse and bite it while you’re at it’ look.”
“I wonder why,” I mutter, pulling up a chair.
“You going to tell me what’s eating you up?” Eating another small bite while I attempt comfort in these wobbly death trap chairs, she trains her eyes on me. “Tell me, Car.”
“Nothing new. Just family drama, boy troubles, shopping regrets, and I lack in the required power to get through the rest of this week unscathed shit.” None of it’s a lie. Everything I say is true.
“Carli,” she says in that tone that tells me she expects more of an explanation. I’m not in the mood for circle share time, though, especially with China evil Crown looking on.
“Well I’m sure you’ll come through just fine, Carrie.” China grins cynically.
“Thanks.”
“No problem.” She rises off the bed. “Circe, we’ll finish that conversation later,” she says, turning for the door. “Always a pleasure, Cammi.”
Okay, that’s it. My bitch switch has flipped.
“China, I thought you were the smart one?”
“What’s your problem?” Spinning on her last year Choo’s, moving in my space, I stand up. Toe-to-toe, we’re almost the same height, and I’m wanting to flatten her out on her perfect ass.
“I’m not sure I’m the one with the attitude issue, Mrs. Crown.”
Seeing that it visibly stings her, I want to take it back. No, I don’t want to.
“I’m not Mrs. anything, and you’d be good to remember that I can stop your visits to this hospital with a flick of my wrist.”
Pushing closer to her, we’re nose to nose. “Oh? You didn’t get enough of blocking people with Circe? Need more attention, Princess?”
“Guys.” Circe tries to interject, but we’re both frazzled and spoiling for a fight. She can’t stop this.
“Don’t think I didn’t have investigators look into your past, Ms. Katana. Trust me, I don’t have any issues with stopping you from coming here. My family name still holds sway with the UCLAs Board of Directors.”
I poke her chest. “What family, Crown?” Realizing I’d probably gone one too far was around the same point the words spilled forth. There’s no taking them back, even if I could.
Without a further word, biting back the retort, China nips her lip and steps back.
Fuck, I’m an asshole.
“Circe, I’ll let Casper know you have a visitor. When you want to move rooms, we’ll get the orderlies to do the transfer.” Watching China leave, I feel horrid. Even in my worst moments, I’ve never wanted someone else feeling like shit for something I said.
As the door closes, I’m totally afraid to turn toward my friend. “Carli.” Her tone is menacing. “That was evil.”
“Yeah, I know. Problem is, I can’t take it back.”
“Maybe you should go.” Not that I don’t deserve that, but I’d hoped she’d understand I didn’t mean it.
“Cir—”
“No. I think you should go, Car.” Looking over, I think it’s the most pissed I’ve ever seen her. Even when I kept things from her, she was never this mad.
Fuck.
“Yeah…okay.” Picking up my bag, I slowly walk across the room, trying to think of what I can say to fix this. There’s nothing.
I open the door. “I’m sorry.” Then I close it behind me.
Yeah. This day just went to hell in a handbasket.
Why can’t shit go right?
Jamieson
“Yeah, got it. Thanks, Mack.” Hanging up the call after talking to the contractor, I feel a bit better. He’s confident we’re not looking at much more than ten grand to fix the roof and re-tar the whole surface. Better than I’d hoped for, for sure. Now I can concentrate on the bigger problems I have to tackle. China namely, and her court case. My mandatory appearance with the lawyer to deal with the will and Dad’s positions for each of us has kept my mind reeling with why the lawyers want to meet with me alone. Wyatt’s health and keeping him in the dark about all of it will be the real trick until I have the details. He’s only just woken up from the coma, and even yesterday, they had to sedate him to deal with his manic depression. China and Circe are handling him well enough, but he’s still a mess.
“How the fuck am I going to keep him out of this
shit?” I say aloud. Yeah, I’m muttering to myself again, but with good cause. I thought the worst part about coming to Cali was the heat and Marca a close second, but neither are even close to what I’m dealing with now. I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, and I’m being pulled in too many directions. Something’s going to crack soon, I know it. I feel it.
Yesterday, after seeing Carli rubbing one out alone in her car, it had me wanting to do the same. Dealing with the shop had me in further knots. To boot, the women I’ve been knocking off stress with are nothing like her. So that meant I was in my hotel room, stroking my cock single-handedly. Well, not really single-handedly, but unassisted for sure.
Did I think I’d never see Carli again? No. More like, I hoped I would, but I hated the idea of it as well. Her silky skin. That contained frame with curves in all the right places. Sass that I’d love to spank out of her. And that fucking hair? I’d love nothing more than to wrap it around my hand a few times and pull it like a fucking tether.
Bending her will, and her back, is enough to haunt me. Carli is dangerous and exotic, and she’s a mystery. Pulling up to the hospital today, I actively searched out her rental. Mainly because I’m intrigued by her, and I’d love nothing more than a confrontation. Her smart wit, her sassy attitude, and that ‘give no fucks’ air about her raises my competitive streak. I want her to give in, but I’d rather her fight me for it.
Wandering to the visitor entrance, I’m hating the heat. Every step I take causes my soul to burn up a little bit more. This hellish environment makes my skin crawl and my body itch to hit the hills. Yeah, it’s summer in Colorado, but I could always take off to New Zealand. A few hours in the air would get me cleared out, and after the first trail was blazed I’d be breathing much better. But I can’t yet. I have to make sure Wyatt’s good, that Doll isn’t incarcerated, and that I get Wyatt firmly secured in Crown Industries before I’m forced into the position of president. That’s the very last fucking thing I need.
“Whoa. Watch where you’re going, little lady.”
Almost running headlong into a petite brunette, I wind my hands around her body, making sure she doesn’t fall. Last thing I need is a lawsuit for knocking someone unconscious in a public place. Pressing her hands tight into my chest, she looks up at my face and smiles wide.
“Tall glass of water! You really are a mountain, aren’t ya.” Not the first time I’ve heard that.
“Sorry, head was elsewhere. My mistake,” I tell her, still holding her close. Her perfume is overly sweet, like she’s masking something. Pushing back and stepping away, I try not to seem affronted by it.
“Join me for lunch, and we’ll call it even.”
Before I respond, I hear, “He’s busy with me, sweetie.” Pushing herself in between me and the tiny brunette, Carli reaches for my hand before spinning to the other woman with a sweet smile. “Sorry I’m late, Dear.” She turns back to me and kisses my cheek. “I didn’t mean to take so long. I hope you weren’t bored.”
Hoping the surprise isn’t written all over my face, I try to smile, accepting her unnecessary save. “Yeah, it’s good, love. I just ran into this lady and was about to apologize.” I turn to the brunette that’s now been pushed out of the way. “Sorry ’bout that.”
Clearing her throat, she shoulders her bag with pure disappointment written all over her face. “No harm, no foul. Enjoy your date,” she says before walking off.
Genuinely surprised, yet pleasantly thrilled, I lift Carli’s hand that’s attached to mine and kiss the back of it. “Where are we going?”
She pulls her hand back with a devious look. “Oh, I’m not going out with you, Crown. I just wanted to cock block you with that little piece of ass.”
Turning to leave me, she pulls her hand away, and I decide to take control. Stepping quick, I grab her, bringing her close. “You’re eating with me. That’s final.”
“Really, Crown? Is that so?” Narrowing her gaze, Carli tries to look evil. She’s about as evil as a caterpillar.
“Yes, really, Katana.” I pull her body up against mine, taking in her heat and ire. It’s nice. “Now,” I say, breathing down on her, looking her in the eye as I dare her to look away. “Where would you like to go? Your choice, Katana, but I’m driving.”
She laughs. “You wish you had control over who drives, Jamieson.”
Not many can get away with calling me that, but I like it when she does.
Bringing her even closer so that her chest is pressed tightly up against mine, she sucks in a little breath and I love it. It doesn’t take much to bother her; getting her to crack is where the challenge will be. “Tell ya what. I’ll drive us there, you eat, and then after, you can show me your skills.”
“I have mad skills, Jamieson. I don’t think you have what it takes to rival mine,” she scolds, grasping my cock tightly. Carli knows she’s playing with fire, but she’s more than content to see if she’ll win.
Reaching down, I place my hand over hers and squeeze, egging her to hold it tighter. I growl at the feel of it. “Carli, show me your mad skills after I feed you.”
“And what if I’m not hungry for food?” Twisting her hand around, she grasps lower, pushing on my frayed resolve. “What if my needs are more than what food can give me right now? Maybe I need something else.”
Peeling her hand off is definitely not what I want to do right now, but doing this twice in as many days will not help me get her out of my head. Backing away, out of her reach, I say, “No more games.” I’m honestly surprised by my own reaction, but even more, I’m surprised to see the start of a pout crossing her features.
“The games have only just begun, Crown. Buckle your seatbelt, it’s going to be a hard ride.”
Laughing, I start toward the car. “Then show me your worst, Katana.”
Carli
Great. Now I go looking to torture myself.
Following Jamieson to his car, he’s already started it with the air conditioning cranked. Like I’d expect less. The man has probably been melting bit by bit in this hot weather. Steam rises off him in thick tendrils when he even considers being outside, I’m sure. But hot is what I wanted, right? I wanted him to be bothered and turned on. Otherwise, I shouldn’t have grabbed his dick.
Pulling even my resolve to the edge of insanity, I finally relented. Following him and agreeing to lunch, I’ll have a hard time concentrating on food, but only because I want to see him try to impress me. Am I being evil choosing the restaurant I have? Yeah, sure I am. But I guess my goal of the day is to piss off all the Crown family members.
For sure, there’s no way Casper doesn’t know about the nasty things I said to China, so I doubt that I’ll be welcomed up to his room anytime soon. And now that Circe is being moved in with him—at least that’s how it sounded—then I bet the guards will have a kill order in place.
Memo. Next time I visit, best to wear pants and a top that’s not uber loose. Last thing I need is to be naked while being escorted out on the shoulder of a guard.
As we drive down from the hospital, I direct James toward this little hole-in-the-wall vegan joint. The food’s good, the atmosphere is somewhere between jammed and overcrowded, and there’s not an ounce of animal within. Well, present company excluded. This is gonna be fun for sure. I bet he’s never eaten vegan in his life. More than likely, Jamieson Crown has three large steaks for dinner with a side of chicken, two pounds of bacon, and three small pigeons for dessert. My vision of him pouring over a plate of wheatgrass and chickpeas is something I can’t wait to see.
On the drive over, I try to act aloof as I take in the man behind the wheel. He’s concentrating fully on the road, doesn’t venture a gaze at his cell once, and he’s kept his hands to himself. But everything about the man astounds me. His quietness, without the need to converse, screams of a different person altogether. Not what I’d expected.
“Pull up next to that blue car,” I tell him as we’re fast approaching the shop. Doing as instructed, Jamies
on pulls up.
The spot I offered is going to be tight with his rental SUV, but I bet he can pull it off, just to prove to me that it can be done. Signaling, waiting for a car to pass, Jamieson folds the massive beast in as if he’s moving a Mini.
Call me pleasantly surprised.
As suspected, there’s at least ten people milling around outside the restaurant, and the sidewalk patio is full. If it looks like this down here, then there’s no way the rooftop isn’t over capacity.
He pulls the keys from the ignition. “Where to next, boss?” he asks.
“We’re here! Buck up, buddy.” Opening my door, I don’t give him a second to question the store. Wandering in, I bully my way to the counter, not looking to see if he followed behind. It doesn’t take long for the lady behind the counter to request my order, just as Jamieson tucks himself in behind me.
“What will you have?” she asks, taking in the gargantuan, gruff man. I bet she’s thinking the same thing I am. ‘What the fuck can we offer him? There’s no meat here, Mister.’
Without missing a beat, Jamieson says, “I’ll have the chickpea couscous, the tofu red apple salad as a side, and…a spring mountain smoothie, please.”
With her mouth agape and a look of shock, she pauses for a moment. ‘What the fuck’ is written all over her face. I bet my jaw is bouncing off the floor, too. Jamieson isn’t amiss here. In fact, he looks right at home ordering froufrou drinks and strictly off the new age menu with nuts and berries.
“What do you want, Carli?” Looking at me, there’s not an ounce of cynicism in his stare.
Picking my jaw up off the floor, I say, “I’m having a quinoa, cranberry, and wheatberry salad.” My favorite thing on the menu.
As the woman behind the counter stands stunned for a moment more, looking at the odd placement of someone so big, she slowly moves off to work on our lunches.