by Black, T. E.
I twist the lid off the bottle, taking my time to fill three double sized shot glasses before turning up to look at my guys.
“THE twins?” Mac raises a brow.
“Are you serious? You fucking slept with the twins! What the hell is wrong with you!” Evan laughs.
They're both smiling ear to ear, their troubles out the fucking window at my expense. Fuckers. I have to admit it's a little bit fucking funny, though. Given my reputation as a player, I finally find a woman, and I screw it up by fucking the notorious double-mint twins.
The laugh erupting from me is one filled with remorse but also irony. This is just my fucking luck. The guys join in my laughter. I pass them each a shot, to which we hold up in cheers.
"Here's to always being wrong. Here's to always being the ones who fuck shit up with our women. Here's to saying we're wrong when we're always fucking right. And here's to sitting at this shitty ass bar drinking to it."
"Cheers!" Mac and Evan say in unison.
We clink our glasses together and toss that shit back.
WHAT THE FUCK? Everything is fucking spinning.
I force my eyes to crack open the slightest bit, but the light causes them to snap shut again.
"Fuck," I mumble, rolling over on my side.
"You gonna get up anytime soon?"
I open my eyes toward the sound, only to see Shay standing in the doorway with her arms folded across her chest. The way the light hits her long black and red hair makes her look like an angel in the depths of hell. She’s beautiful. If I could wake up every day of my life to the sight of her, I’d die a happy man.
"Where the fuck am I?" I ask, still trying to gather myself.
"My apartment."
I groan, pulling myself up and running my hands through my hair. My head pounds, and I reek of a bar.
"I thought ya hated me."
My head is still thumping like the bass in a nightclub when she comes to sit in front of me on her bed. I try to remember anything at all, but I come up short. I used to think if I couldn’t remember the night before then it was a good one. Lately, it isn’t the case.
"I don't hate you that much," she states with a small smile on her lips.
"Huh?"
"Well, yesterday when I came to pick you up at the bar, I happened to walk into the twins.”
“With your fist again?”
A small sparkle pulls at her eyes. “I wish,” she quirks.
I grimace, my eyes shutting and my face morphing into something of pain. I wouldn't be surprised if she broke my nose after what I did. That shit was uncalled for. I still have no idea what I was thinking when I did it.
"You didn't sleep with them," she continues, stifling a laugh.
My head snaps up, and my eyes lock with hers. "What do ya mean I didn't sleep with them?"
"Well. Apparently, you couldn't sleep with them because you’re wifed up." A small smile appears on her plump lips. “And also, because, according to the twins, you couldn’t seem to get it working.” She chuckles smugly. And I can't stop the laugh erupting from me.
That's rich.
"Ya know, they say ya can't tell a lie when you’re at the bottom of the barrel. Guess it means I’m indeed wifed up." I add, “And believe me, kitten. It works, but only for you.”
Shay closes in on me, stalking me as if I'm her prey. It makes the hairs on my arms stand up. She’s the sexiest thing I've ever seen.
"You’ll have to show me then," she whispers, our lips pressing together in a kiss.
My hands slip around her waist as I pull her on top of me. God, I missed her. I need to stop fucking us up. It’s that simple. How could I ever be so dumb to walk out on her? I’m a fucking fool. I’m blessed to have this woman by my side.
Shay grinds her hips, and I groan out in sexual frustration. My hands find the edges of her shirt and I drag it over her head with little effort. Her jet-black waves hang over her shoulder while she stares down at me with love. I take the moment to rake my eyes over her torso. Her flat tattooed stomach draws me in while I trace over the lines of her ink with my eyes. My finger follows, placing feather-light touches on her ribs. Shay sucks in a sharp breath, her lips parting.
“Fuck, kitten. Ya can’t get any more beautiful. You’re truly flawless,” I whisper.
My fingers trace the line running up her side until they reach the strap of her bra. I move her hair to the side, leaning my body up to meet hers. Our chests press together, the feeling of skin on skin breaking down another stone wall in my heart.
“Trent,” she whispers.
“It’s okay, kitten. I won’t fuck up anymore. I swear. I’ll never hurt you again.”
I kiss the swell of her breasts, my fingers digging into her lower back. I keep moving, kissing a path up her chest, where I land on her neck. Shay squirms on my lap, but I use my hands to keep her still. I suck her skin into my mouth, a hand moving from her back to wrap around the nape of her neck. I rock to meet her movement, the friction causing me to moan. My teeth graze her throat, placing a small bite on it.
“Ouch!” she gasps.
I pull away quickly, the thought of hurting her tormenting.
“Fuck, Shay! Are ya okay?”
Shay shuffles off my lap, scooting to the edge of the bed. She turns her back to me, staring off into space.
“I'm all right,” she whispers, unconvincing.
I can tell she’s lying. Fuck. I hope to God I didn’t just fuck up again.
I move to her, wrapping my arms around her waist and settling my chin on her shoulder.
“Talk to me, babe. What’s going on?”
“Nothing’s wrong. This was just a bad idea.”
“Shay, you’re making me fucking nervous. What’s going on?”
I reach around her, tugging her chin so she looks at me. With her head cocked over her shoulder, I study her for some kind of emotion.
“It’s me, Shay. Talk to me, dammit! This isn’t you. Ya never close up like this,” I growl.
She lets out a deep sigh, bringing her fingers up to trace her neck. My eyes trail behind, slightly confused as to what she’s doing. My line of sight lands on a dark mark on her already tan skin. My breath hitches, my hands moving her so she faces me again.
“Fuck, baby. Did I do that to ya? How the fuck did that happen? Are ya okay?”
Shay keeps eye contact nonexistent. She keeps her chin tucked while I trace the bruise with my fingers.
“Fuck, baby. I’m so sorry.”
She sniffles, and I internally freak the fuck out. How did I do that by biting her? I trace my thumb over the mark again, my finger lining up with it perfectly. What the fuck?
I grip her chin, pushing it up, and my mouth fucking drops. How did I not see this before? Holy shit. Five fucking bruises are stretching across her throat. Five fucking bruises in the shape of fingertips.
“Who the fuck did this to ya, Shay!” I shout, and she cringes.
She sobs now, the motion shaking the bed with it. I pace the room, my hands flying to my hair where I twist and tug. What the fuck happened to her? I’ll kill the motherfucker who did this.
“Tell me what happened, dammit!” I snap. “Tell me who the fuck did that to you, Shay!”
My heart constricts on point when she looks up at me through watery eyes.
“I can’t tell you, Trent! Don’t you think I want to! I can’t fucking tell you!” she screams back.
I drop to my knees in front of her, inspecting the damage to her throat again. I trace my fingers across the prints lightly, careful not to hurt her anymore.
“Kitten, please tell me who did this. Did Abby’s dad do this to ya? Is that what happened? Did the two of you get in a fight? Did he put his hands on ya?”
Tears drip on my hands, and I move to grasp both sides of her face. I look into her eyes, pleading for her to tell me the truth.
“Did Bruce do this to ya, Shay?” I plead again.
With a single nod from her, I pull her into m
e, holding her body while she sobs into my shoulder. I rub small circles on her back.
“I’m gonna kill that motherfucker, Shay,” I promise. “He’ll never hurt ya again. I won’t give him the fucking chance.”
She nods into my shoulder, her tears slowing for a moment. I take a deep breath, holding the love of my life and praying to God I don’t go to jail the next time I see her ex.
Death Cab For Cutie – “I Will Follow You Into The Dark”
"ABBY’S A NATURAL," Trent whispers in my ear.
I give a genuine smile, nodding my head in agreement before looking back at my baby girl. "She really is."
Abby started her ballet class, and after only a few weeks’ time, she's taken over the class. I can't help but feel a sense of pride at how quickly my daughter has picked up the routines. The teacher has even pointed out to me, in private, that she’s the best out of the class. Her teacher says she has a real shot at making something out of dance one day.
Trent’s hand finds mine, and he intertwines our fingers. I look down at our joined hands and can't help but smile. We have to stick out like sore thumbs in this fancy ballet studio. Our tattoos cover from shoulder to wrist and neck to toes. Both of our artwork is colorful but different at the same time. I possess designs of horror movies while Trent carries a palette of skulls on his skin. We complement each other beautifully.
Trent lets go of my hand, his phone vibrating in the pocket of his jeans. He looks down at it, mouthing "Mac" before heading outside the studio to take his call.
I give him a small nod, watching Abby's class finish up for the day.
While the teacher dismisses, Abby runs right over to me, her smile almost contagious.
"Did you see me, Mom!" she squeaks excitedly.
I reach down to lift her up while her little arms wrap around my neck. I bring a finger from my free hand down to wiggle her nose with it. I smile proudly.
"I did. You looked beautiful out there, baby girl. You looked like a real ballerina."
She beams up at me, her smile now from ear to ear. "Really? You think so?"
"Yes, I do. Should I get your autograph now before you become famous? They say when you’re famous, you forget about the little people," I tease.
She lets out a small scoff, wrapping her arms around my neck tighter. "I won't ever forget about you, Mommy. I love you."
"I love you too, sweetie."
I close my eyes, only to feel Abby get snatched from my arms. Out of instinct, my eyes fly open, my heart pounding in my chest. I search for Abby, only to see Trent is the thief. He has her sitting up on his shoulders, and I can't help but laugh at the look of it.
A heavily tattooed man, wearing tight jeans and a black Ramone's T-shirt, and Abby dressed in her pink leotard and white tutu sitting on him. It's the cutest thing I've ever seen.
"Are my girls all ready to head to the hospital? We have to go see Aunt Sierra."
My smile fades, and nausea stirs in the pit of my stomach. "What? Why? Is everything okay? Why is she there? Is the baby okay?"
"Shay, relax. Everything is fine. She just had the baby. That was Mac calling to tell me to get our asses to the hospital. You're going to meet the newest addition."
I'm running out of the door to Trent's truck before he can say any more. My nervousness has transformed into excitement now. All I can think about is how cute the baby is going to be. I love babies, always have, always will. Sierra and Evan's child will be no exception.
"AIDEN MICHAEL, MEET Aunt Shay and Uncle Trent," Evan coos at the infant tightly wrapped in his arms.
I try to reach out to him, but Evan leans down to eye level with Abby. With one knee on the ground, he introduces them both. Abby's eyes go wide, and she takes a nervous step back while she speaks.
"He's really small."
Evan lets out a soft laugh, careful not to scare Aiden. "He’s small, but he'll get bigger. Do you want to hold him?"
Abby shakes her head. I can't help but laugh at her. I'm dying to hold him, and my daughter is refusing.
"Any takers on holding the little man for a minute? I have to meet Mac and Callie to bring their asses up here."
Before Trent can claim Aiden, I do. The moment I get him in my arms, I melt. His tiny fingers grip my one finger, and the aww leaving my throat is audible. Aiden Michael Hadley is perfect. He’s the perfect combination of Sierra and Evan while holding some of his own traits, like an adorable little nose, which makes him even more perfect than he could’ve ever been.
"Everyone keeps saying he looks like me. I think it's pissing Evan off." Sierra laughs from her hospital bed.
“He looks like both of you,” I add.
"Nice save, bitch." She huffs out with a smirk on her lips.
"Sierra!" I scold.
"What? Please tell me you’re not yelling at me for cursing in front of my son. I’ll cut you right here. He can't even hear. Now, hand him over to his mom."
I laugh under my breath, knowing Evan was already bitching at her about it. I walk toward her, the small bundle of joy in my arms, fighting with my need to hold him for a little while longer. I’d keep him, but Sierra is giving me a death stare right now. The last thing I want her to do is to cut me for keeping her son hostage.
"I think I did a pretty good job with him. Don't you think?"
"You did." I laugh out loud this time.
"You still wanna be my son's aunt?" she asks, giving me an odd look.
"Uh ... yeah. I thought I was since Evan introduced me that way?" I state, raising my eyebrow.
"Well, you know what a good aunt does, right?"
"I can only imagine where this is going."
"A good aunt goes over to the liquor store across the street and gets the new mommy, who hasn't had a drink in over nine months I might add, a bottle of the best damn top shelf booze they have."
I let out a laugh but keep a serious tone. "Sierra."
"Ugh! You're as bad as Evan is! You two should just go marry each other! You’re both incorrigible!”
“Those are some pretty big words, new mommy. Motherhood seems to be doing you good.”
“Hush, Aunt Shay, or I’ll remove the Aunt part.”
“Sierra!”
We both look over at the door where Callie comes rushing in, and Mac already has Abby scooped up in his arms.
“Hey, bitch!” Sierra calls.
“Sierra! I told ya about that shit! He’s gonna have your sailor’s mouth before he’s even a day old!” Evan scolds her.
Sierra rolls her eyes while Callie goes to sit on the hospital bed. Her first look at Aiden is priceless. Her face pales a moment before she gasps and her hands fly to her mouth. Tears well in the corner of her eyes, inadvertently rolling down her cheeks.
“Sierra, he’s beautiful. Oh, my God. He’s so tiny,” she sobs.
Mac comes up behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. He places a soft kiss on the crown of her head, comforting her.
“Stop crying, Cal! You’re gonna make me cry, too!” Sierra replies.
“I can’t help it! I’m just so proud of you! I’ve known you my whole life, and now, you’re a mother.”
“Do you want to hold him?” Sierra offers.
“How do I hold him without breaking him?”
Mac cuts in, taking Aiden from Sierra. He looks so handsome holding a baby. I don’t know if it’s the tattoos, but I can’t help my mind wandering to what Trent would look like holding an infant one day.
“Put your arms like this, babe,” he instructs Callie.
Callie mirrors Mac’s position, holding out her hand to support Aiden’s tiny head. Mac places a small kiss on Aiden’s head before gently placing him in Callie’s arms. Callie’s eyes soften, her tears coming back in buckets. She puts her head down to Aiden’s, sobs wracking her body.
“Hi, Aiden. I’m Aunt Callie.” She manages to get out.
Mac moves to kneel in front of Callie, his hands massaging her thighs supportively. He smiles wi
de at her while she cracks a smile through her sobs.
“Mac, look at him. He’s so tiny. I love him.”
“I love you, baby,” he whispers.
“I love you too, Mac. Should we do it now?”
Mac nods his head, removing the baby from Callie’s arms. “Go ahead, baby.”
Callie wipes her palms on her jeans, turning to face Sierra again. She grabs Sierra’s hands and looks at her best friend compassionately.
“Aiden is going to have someone to play with when he gets older.”
The whole room gasps. I flick my eyes to Mac, who’s smiling as proud as he could be. He touches Aiden’s nose, placing a soft kiss on it.
“We’re going to have a baby,” Mac adds.
The whole room rolls with congratulations. Trent wraps his arms around me from behind, mimicking Mac by placing a kiss on the crown of my head.
X Ambassadors – “Unsteady”
"LOOK, MOTHERFUCKER. I told ya once already. You’re not using my fucking business to launder ya dirty ass money through and I don’t owe ya a damn dime."
I listen to Tony babble about how he'll ruin my name, my life, and my shop if I don't agree, but I call bullshit. He has nothing on me. We both know this is his game plan. He threatens me with empty lies, and I don't give the fuck in.
Besides my drug habit, I'm clean as a damn whistle. I'll never let him know about Shay and Abby. I won’t let him use them against me during his scheming. If he knew about the two of them in my life, fuck knows what would happen. The guy is fucking nuts, and in his world, anything goes. He would feel no remorse for killing any of them, including me. Tony does what he wants when he wants.
Tony hangs up before I get to tell him to go fuck himself, and it pisses me off even more. I know Tony is a bad guy. I knew it from day one, but it didn't stop me from getting high on his product.
The past few weeks have been an eye-opener. Shay and I spend more nights together than not, despite the ones when she conveniently disappears. I've asked her a million fucking times where she's going, but all she does is get short with me and give me vague answers. We are new, and I want to give her the benefit of the doubt about what the hell she's doing, but it's pretty fucking hard when she acts like it’s a booty call two nights a week. A million questions have run through my head, hitting my heart full fucking force. Does she have a boyfriend? Is she still with Abby's dad? Is she just getting plain sick of me? I may act as if it's no big deal where she goes, but it really is. I don't yell or show her how much it really pisses me off because I have a secret too.