Cursed Love: Cursed Love (Cursed, #1)

by t. h. snyder

  I’ve tried too many times to break him free of the fears that lie dormant in his mind, but I was never able to get through to him.

  Maybe if I had tried harder I would have been able to help him and in return he would have loved me.

  Chapter 15

  After I shut the door on Linc, I decide to look around the house for a few minutes, trying to get accustomed to my new surroundings. I still can’t believe things have come so easily for me since I got here.

  I don’t know if it’s a sign of good things to come or what, but I’ll take it.

  Spending the afternoon with Linc was fun. I feel like the little time we spent with each other gave us a chance to know one another a little better.

  We both seem to have a past we are sheltering others from; I just don’t know how deep his secrets really go.

  The things I’ve dealt with over the past few years will never be erased from my memory, but I can still try to move on and push them further away.

  I like the guy I met today. He’s quirky, fun, and knows what he wants for himself.

  The passion he feels for Cursed Magic is sincere. It makes me happy to know that I’ll be a part of that world, even if it is for a short time.

  I want to feel that passion for something in my life—to be proud of something that’s all mine. I don’t know what direction I’ll find myself going or even what will interest me enough to take that plunge. I just need to find something that speaks to me like Linc found with his art and his shop.

  Who knows? I may even learn a thing or two from Linc and Daulton.

  I can already see it now—Linc being the protective big brother and Daulton…well, that’s a fantasy for another time.

  Spending the night getting to know the guys from the shop should be fun. If nothing else, it will help me keep my mind busy and temporarily forget the fears that are stuck in the back of my mind.

  Walking through the kitchen, I make my way into the living room. I grab my small suitcase and carry it up to the second floor.

  Once at the top of the stairs, I stand and look around, trying to figure out which room I want to claim as mine. Should I pick the one to the left or the one to the right? They look exactly the same, so it’s not like one of the two choices jumps out at me.

  I’ve never had to make a decision like this before. It may seem small and simple to some, but for me it means a lot to have my own place to call home. The house isn’t massive or anything, but it’s still a lot more room than I’ve been used to over the past few years.

  It sure as hell beats the dump of a studio apartment Rick and I were living in back in Oregon.

  Turning my body to the right, I decide to take this bedroom. It has a window that overlooks the front of the house, so it wins the toss up.

  I set my suitcase down on the dresser and begin to open the zipper. There aren’t too many things that I brought with me for this trip, but I figure I may as well unload the clothing and bathroom products I grabbed from the hotel.

  I remove the dirty clothing that I’ve worn the past few days and set them down on the bed. A few pieces of clothing that remain have been bunched up toward the bottom of the suitcase.

  Laying them all out on the bed, I try to remove any wrinkles with my hands. Once I feel that they look good enough to wear, I fold them and place them into the dresser drawers.

  I grab for the toiletries and make my way to the bathroom. Walking past the vanity, I stop to look at my reflection.

  My blue hair is twisted in a messy bun on top of my head and strands that have fallen out are now hanging around my face. My eyes aren’t as bright as they usually are and there are dark black circles surrounding them.

  The past few years have really taken a toll on my mind, body, and spirit. I used to be the girl that was smiling, happy, and wanting to bring life into everyone I was near. I’ve lost a lot of weight, too. My appetite was something I lost early on. When food was put in front of me, I’d rather throw up than eat.

  I was living a life that killed me from the inside out. The only nutrients that were absorbed by my body were the pills and the whiskey Rick would make me drink to numb my senses. It was no way to live, but at the time it was the only way I knew how to survive.

  Since I no longer had a say in anything I did, I went along with anything he asked of me. I was too afraid to stick up for myself or speak my mind. Hell, if I even looked at him the wrong way I got a slap across my face.

  I was stuck in a life I had no way to get out of until I was brave enough to make a run for it. I thought about it a million times, but never had the courage to really do it. He threatened me that if I ever told anyone or left him, he’d kill me. That promise alone was enough for me to stay put and do as he said.

  Now I’m free and I couldn’t be happier. I want to be that girl that I once was, and in time I think I can find her and bring her back to life.

  I need to sort through some things in order to start over, starting with much needed rest.

  Sleep is something that I desperately need, but first I want to take a hot shower and get changed into something a bit more comfortable.

  As I place the shampoo and shower gel in the tub, I decide it’s a good idea to rinse away the stress of the past few days. I strip my clothes off and turn the water all the way to hot.

  Again, I glance in the mirror to see the bones starting to poke through my skin. Realizing I haven’t eaten anything since breakfast, I make a mental note to stock up on some food while I’m running errands later today.

  Stepping into the tiled shower, I let the water run over my body. The feel of the steam and hot water eases my muscles, and I slowly begin to feel the knots of my stress melt away.

  I make quick work of washing my long hair and running my hands over my body with the shower gel. It feels so good and refreshing to stand here and clean my body from head to toe.

  As I touch myself in my most intimate area, a chill rushes through me and my mind goes into sex deprived overdrive. I’ve been so used to having sex—rather, being forced to have sex—with Rick and his boys that my subconscious is craving a release.

  I reach for the shower gel and squirt a little extra onto my fingers. Rubbing my thumb and index finger together, I create a slick lather that will hopeful help me get the pleasure I’m searching for. Resting my back against the shower wall, I begin to touch myself beneath my mound.

  Rubbing ever so gently, I massage the gel lather onto my clit, urging my fingers to find the right amount of friction to give me satisfaction.

  I take a nipple in between my fingers and pinch it ever so slightly. Exhilaration begins to rush through my body as I clamp down harder on my nipple, imagining someone’s teeth biting my taut, pink flesh.

  My heart starts to race as I remove my hand from my tit and slip a finger into my pussy. The gratification I’m longing to find is not coming quick enough and my head begins to spin. I need this—I want feel my body quiver from the release.

  I finger my wet pussy while my thumb slides over my swollen nub.

  Frustration overrides my senses the faster I move my hand in and out of my warmth.

  Fucking hell, I want this…I need this. There has to be a way for me to urge myself to climax faster. The blood running through my veins is on fire.

  I look up and my eyes land on the removable showerhead. Excitement courses through my core as I remove my hand from my now aching pussy.

  I remove the showerhead from the wall and turn the dial to a full single stream. Positioning myself back up against the shower wall, I lift my leg and sit it down on the ledge of the tub.

  The water is still hot as I move the detachable head lower. I spread my sensitive lips with my two fingers and position the water pressure to hit my clit in just the right spot.

  My body jumps with the sheer delight, the feel of the water massaging me in my most intimate spot.

  The sensation of ecstasy begins to take over and my legs start to shake.

  A moan escapes
my lips as I bite down to muffle any sounds that can be heard through the walls. An image comes to mind as I slip two fingers into my throbbing sex. As I move them in and out, a quiver runs through me from head to toe.

  I lick my lips as the thought of him runs through my mind. This is an intimate moment and his face is the one I see walking toward me.

  My imagination goes into hyper drive as I see him kneel down in front of me. He moves his head between my legs, and his brilliant blue eyes watch mine as his tongue laps up my sweet juices.

  The scruff along his face scratches at my legs as I pull him in deeper to me. I dig my nails into his shoulders as I ride his face with my pussy. He lets out a moan and the vibration shoots right into my core. I shout his name in my head until I feel I can’t take it anymore.

  My ass muscles begin to tighten as I feel my release getting closer.

  I begin to pant the faster I bring my fingers in and out…in and out.

  I want to scream, I want to shout the dirty thoughts that are circling through my mind, but I resist.

  Over and over through my thoughts, I repeat….

  Yes!!

  Fuck me with your mouth!

  Yes!

  Please don’t stop!

  Yes!

  Eat my pussy!

  Yes!

  Dear god, please don’t stop!

  An orgasm hits me hard as my eyes roll to the back of my head. My heart is racing and my cunt is pulsating from the sheer enjoyment it just received. Both legs are now shaking uncontrollably and I begin to slide down the cold tile wall. I move my foot from the ledge to catch myself from falling.

  That was honestly one of the best orgasms I’ve ever given myself. Was it the vision in my head or just the fact that I was finally able to find a way to grant myself the release I was longing for? Either way, the feeling was delightful and I now have a smile plastered across my face.

  Chapter 16

  The piercing sounds thunder through my nightmare and pull me out of my sleep. I wish I could erase that noise—the loud bang that echoes through my ears. Will my fears of that night ever go away?

  As I begin to wake, my body is curled into a fetal position and I’m covered in sweat. The rapid beating of my heart signals me to take in deep breaths and try to calm down.

  These terrors are haunting me and there’s nothing I can do to stop them.

  My only comfort is gone; she’s left me alone to deal with my pain, my agony, and my fears on my own.

  Fucking hell!

  I glance toward the front bay window to see that the sun is just about to set. It’s getting dark in here and the only light shining into the room is from the brightness of the television screen.

  Daulton should be getting home soon and in no time the guys will be here, too. I situate myself with my legs stretched and raise my arms above my head.

  I let out a heavy sigh as I release the pent up frustrations of my restless sleep.

  As I sit up on the couch, I can feel that the back of my shirt is soaked.

  I need a drink—something to numb the thoughts of my losses.

  The front door swings open and the guys start to pile into the living room.

  They follow one another through the house carrying a case of beer, two large pizzas, and a container of wings. The smell of the food heightens my senses and I decide to follow them.

  I flip the switch in the kitchen and they all turn around to see me standing in the door way.

  “Hey, man, how’s it going?” Cliff asks.

  “It’s going,” I reply, rubbing my hand over my tired eyes.

  “Looks like princess was taking a nap. Where the hell did you come from?” Steve asks.

  “I was sitting on the couch when you dickheads walked into the house. Not my problem you’re not observant enough to notice me.”

  “Shit, you’re cranky, man. Go back to bed and come back down when you’re in a better mood.” Daulton says, grabbing a slice of pizza from the box.

  “I wasn’t in any kind of mood ‘til you fuckers showed up.”

  “Okay, ladies, chill out. We’re here to unwind, play cards, and have fun. Fight your shit out when we’re not here,” Steve says, flipping the cap off of a bottle of beer.

  I let out a subtle laugh and rake my fingers through my hair while turning toward the stairs.

  “I’m gonna head upstairs and take a shower. I’ll be down in ten minutes to get things started.”

  “Hurry up, man, we don’t have all night. I’m feeling lucky,” Cliff replies.

  I turn back around when I suddenly remember I should let them know about Etty.

  “Hey, Etty will be over tonight to hang out with us. Be nice and don’t treat her like one of your minions.”

  “We’d never do that,” Dault says, looking toward the ceiling and rolling his eyes.

  “Yeah right, just be cool.”

  “Sounds like someone is a bit protective of the new girl next door,” Cliff says with a laugh.

  “No, not at all. I just know how you clowns are, and I don’t want our new tenant to fly the coop because one of you fucked her over.”

  Steve salutes me and laughs.

  “No worries, bro, my hands will stay in my lap the entire night. I’ll be on my best behavior.”

  “Whatever, I’m heading upstairs. Don’t eat all the food before I come back down.”

  I run up the stairs and head straight for the bathroom. Taking a quick shower, I change into a pair of faded jeans and throw on a t-shirt and my black Ominous hoodie. I reach into the top dresser drawer for a pair of socks when my eyes fall on Jo’s red dress.

  My hands rest above the fabric of her dress as I try to decide what I should do with it.

  I don’t need a constant reminder of her lying around my room, but I also don’t want to toss it out. Pulling my hand back, I grab the pair of socks and sit on my bed.

  The thought of her being gone hurts like hell; I didn’t know how I really felt about her till now.

  It’s too late.

  I reach for the dress and carry it over to my closet. Setting it on the top shelf, I know that a small piece of her is still here with me. It’s all I have for now until I find a way to get her to come back to me.

  Looking down to the floor, I bend down to slip my Chucks on and head back downstairs.

  When I reach the kitchen, the sight before me takes me by storm.

  Etty is sitting next to the table shuffling the cards as she laughs at something one of the guys just said.

  She looks different than she did earlier today—more carefree and less stressed. Maybe it was the nap she took earlier or maybe she’s getting used to her new surroundings. Regardless of what it is, she looks happy.

  “Hey, man, just in time. Our girl is about to deal us the first hand, you in?” Daulton asks just as he’s about to take a long swig of his beer.

  “Yeah, I’m in. Just let me grab some food and a beer.”

  “Hey, Linc, did you finally get your nap?” Etty asks.

  The guys start to laugh and I just shake my head.

  “Yeah, I laid down for a bit, but didn’t get much sleep. You?”

  “Nah, I took a shower and headed into town to grab a few things. Slowly but surely I’ll find my way around.”

  “Did you get a cell phone?”

  “Yes, Dad, it’s over at my place charging right now,” she replies with a cute smirk.

  “Good girl.”

  I grab myself a slice of pizza and a few wings. Etty gets up from the table and walks behind me to the fridge.

  “I’m getting a beer, you want one?”

  “Sure, thanks.”

  She grabs a few beers and heads to the table. I follow her with my plate of food and sit in my seat.

  The next few hours fly by, and I have to say that Etty knows her way around a poker table. She cleaned us all out with the best bluff known to man. The girl has a mean poker face and there’s no way I would have pegged her for a card shark. I don’t kn
ow if she’s that good or if she has a hidden talent to count cards.

  Either way, she played very well and we were all quite impressed.

  I get up from the table to clear the empty boxes and bottles. I watch as she scoops up all the bottle caps and places them in a cup.

  “What are you doing?” I ask. “You planning on saving those?”

  She looks up at me with her bright eyes and smiles.

  “Yep. I have a little game that I want you guys to play next time we all get together.”

  “Oh yeah, what’s that?”

  “Promise you won’t laugh?” she asks, hiding her face in her hands.

  I reach to pull her hands away from her face and she’s smiling.

  “I promise, what is it?”

  “It’s bottle cap bingo. Don’t let the name fool you, it’s actually pretty fun when you make it into a drinking game.”

  “I’ll take your word for it, little lady.”

  Dault comes up between us and wraps his arms around our shoulders.

  “Who would’ve thought this chick would be so good at cards? Next time I’m going to screen you before we hand over our money. Nicely played, Etty,” he says while giving her a kiss on her forehead.

  He let’s go of us and walks the guys out to the front door.

  “Thanks for letting me come over tonight, I had fun.”

  “Good, I’m glad. We’re not much for entertainment, but when you get us all together we have a pretty good time.”

  “The four of you seem pretty close.”

  “Yeah, you could say that.”

  She rests her back against the counter and crosses her arms in front of her chest.

  “Have you known them all long? It seems like you guys have been friends forever.”

  I finish putting the last of the trash in the garbage and hop up onto the counter across from Etty.

  “Dault and I have known each other our whole lives. We’ve been through a lot together. As for Steve and Cliff, they kind of came with the shop.”

  “Oh, so it was like a package deal,” she says with a smirk.

  “In a way, I guess you could say that. When I took over Cursed Magic, they were the most experienced artists. I gave them the choice to stay or go and they chose to stay. Without them, I don’t know if I could’ve made it through our first year of business. Between the four of us, we’ve restored that place. Soon it’ll be finished and I’m sure Cricket will be proud.”