by Jenika Snow
It was settled. Kash would move in that weekend and everything would be fine, although she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going to happen. She couldn’t place if it was bad or good. She just knew that whatever it was would be monumental.
* * * *
Tristan was certainly lovely, that much was true, but beneath her beauty Kash could sense a sadness and desperation that filled her. He would know that kind of sadness and desperation because it mirrored his own. The pain that she tried so hard to mask could not be hid from someone like him, someone who knew firsthand what it felt like. Maybe that was why he knew the instant he saw her that things might get hairy between them. Maybe that hardness she tried to portray, that façade, was what had his heart beating fast and his palms sweating. He hadn’t been this affected by anything in a long time, not even in his line of work.
It was pure luck that Jayson had informed him that Kylie’s friend needed a roommate. Although he didn’t believe in things just falling into a person’s lap out of sheer luck, he couldn’t deny that the timing had been perfect. Maybe too perfect. He had always been leery of things falling into place.
He didn’t know much about her and that was exactly how he would like to keep it. Sure, she was beautiful, but he wasn’t here looking for a woman. He was here to make his money and then when the time arose he would move on to the next thing. That was his life now and he was content. As long as they both knew that this arrangement was exactly how it appeared. He didn’t need the extra drama nor want it. He needed a place to sleep, that was all. Although as he thought this he couldn’t help but watch her lick her bottom lip. Her little pink tongue peeked out from her lush lips, sliding along her slightly fuller bottom lip, and causing a spike of lust to shoot straight to his crotch. His pants started to become increasingly tight and uncomfortable and he shifted in his seat. He might want to keep some distance but he wasn’t blind to how attracted to her he was. This might be harder than he thought.
* * * *
Jayson held one end of the mattress while Kash held the other. Tristan couldn’t help smiling as she watched the two of them try and maneuver it up the stairs. They all had worked diligently that day moving Kash in, and as the sun was starting to set the exhaustion started to settle in.
“Want to order in or something?” Kylie sat beside her at the kitchen table and nudged her with her shoulder.
“No thanks, I’m beat.” Tristan kept her eyes on the boys, and couldn’t help but stare at the way Kash’s muscles flexed and bunched under the white tee that stretched across his chest. “I think I’m just going to take a shower and head to bed.”
Kylie sighed. “He’s gotten bigger since the last time I saw him.”
Tristan looked over at Kylie and then back at Kash. Tristan smiled. “Did you forget Jayson is right there?” Tristan teased Kylie and leaned her shoulder into hers.
“I love Jayson, don’t get me wrong, but holy damn, Tristan. You can’t tell me that isn’t one fine piece of ass right there.”
Tristan felt Kylie’s eyes on her and turned her gaze away from the boys. “What?”
“Don’t act like you don’t like what you see, especially since I’ve seen you watching the way his muscles move under his shirt.”
Tristan wasn’t about to lie to Kylie. Kash was gorgeous. That was for sure. With his olive-toned skin a stark contrast to the white T-shirt he wore, the sweat glistening on his exposed flesh, and the muscle upon muscle straining with every move he made, Kash was handsome as much as he was mysterious.
“What did you say he did again for work?”
Kylie shrugged. “I’m not really sure. I thought it had to do with security or something like that, but when I asked Jayson he was very evasive.” Kylie’s eyes lit up and she spoke in a hushed whisper. “Tristan, maybe he is like, Secret Service or something.”
Tristan rolled her eyes. “I doubt if he was Secret Service he would be living with a roommate in a cramped house in this rinky-dink town.”
“I don’t mean the Secret Service. I mean like, a personal bodyguard or something.”
Tristan mulled that over. It was feasible, especially with a build like that. “Oh well, I guess it’ll just be another mystery.”
Once everything of Kash’s was where it should be and Jayson and Kylie left, Tristan flopped on the couch and laid her head against the back of it. She closed her eyes and heard the shower upstairs turn on. Despite the fact she needed to keep her thoughts out of the gutter, a lone one strayed forward. He was naked right above her, in her house. She shook her head and opened her eyes, staring at the white stucco ceiling above her. The floorboards creaked with each step he took. She closed her eyes again and felt the heavy weight of sleep trying to drag her into oblivion. She didn’t fight it.
“Tristan?”
She felt herself getting pulled from sleep and opened her eyes, blinking a few times. The TV was on and nothing else. She didn’t remember turning it on. The glow from the screen cast a blue haze in the living room.
“Tristan?”
She turned her head and blinked a few more times, trying to decipher if what she was seeing was correct. Kash stood at the end of the couch in nothing but a pair of low-hanging sweats. Despite the lack of light in the room, she could see every dip, hollow, and bulge of muscle in his chest.
Oh my fucking God.
Intricate scrollwork and tribal designs covered his arms, snaked over his shoulders, and disappeared behind his back. Was the wide, hard expanse of his back covered as well? She had always been a sucker for tats.
“It’s pretty late. You should probably get to bed.”
She looked at the clock and was surprised to see it was after midnight. Had he been watching her sleep for that long?
“Yeah, I guess it is pretty late.” She suppressed her yawn. She headed for the stairs and turned back to see Kash turn toward the TV. Yes, his back was completely covered with tattoos. She couldn’t help letting out a sigh. He sat on the couch and propped his feet on the coffee table. She should have just kept moving, but like a fool, she opened her mouth.
“Aren’t you coming to bed, too?” Oh my fucking God, Tristan. She mentally slapped herself at how that came out. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for it to sound like that.”
He turned around and looked over his shoulder, a smile shaping his perfectly formed mouth. “I know what you meant, but no, I’m not tired. I work nights so I’m used to staying up. Thanks for the concern, though.” He didn’t sound sarcastic or like a smart-ass. He sounded like he was sincerely appreciative of her wondering.
Tristan nodded and headed up the stairs. The eye candy was nice, but, damn, it was going to be hard to concentrate.
* * * *
Kash watched Tristan all but race up the stairs. He let his head fall back on the couch and breathed out. Although she wasn’t what he normally went after in a woman, she was beautiful nonetheless. He tended to stick with females that only wanted one thing, and that was what he could give them between the sheets. Tristan seemed to invoke things inside of him that he didn’t want to identify with. Even during his short time staying with her, he felt those feelings slowly growing. It took every ounce of strength he possessed to push them down, bury them in the darkest recess of his body. He could never give her what she deserved.
Hell, what was he even thinking? He had seen her attraction to him in the reflection of her face, but she was far too good for him. He was a broken and scarred man, a shell of a decent human. He had long been beaten and broke, long ago lost the ability to show gentleness and caring. He only knew pain and hatred. On the outside it was easy enough to mask who he truly was, but on the inside he was festering with the need to deliver as much pain as had been delivered to him. It was a fact of his life and he had grown to accept it. So, despite the arousal he saw in her for him, it was in everyone’s best interest if he kept aloof and distant.
He was known for his self-control, for his ability to keep all emotions void when it
came to all aspects of his life. He didn’t need the extra baggage that came along with caring for someone. Maybe he just needed to fuck her? Maybe being between her legs would help ease this ache that seemed to settle within him every time she was near? Even thinking such vile things regarding her left him feeling like a piece of shit. He truly was a bastard, and the more he kept reminding himself of that the better everyone would be.
Chapter Three
The next several weeks weren’t anything spectacular. Kash slept most of the day and was gone at night. Tristan barely saw him, but when she did see him in passing there wasn’t that awkwardness she feared. It was strange because he wouldn’t wear a uniform or name badge, or anything else that might tip her off as to what his profession was. Tristan was curious, of course, but she couldn’t find it in her to ask what he did for a living, seeing as he never volunteered the information. She was just happy he paid his rent in advance.
Her cell vibrated in her pocket and she fished it out, seeing Kylie’s smiling face on the screen. “Hello?”
“Hey, girl, you got plans this weekend?” The sound of Kylie chewing gum was overly loud on the other end.
“Even though I’m not standing right next to you I know you probably have a big wad of gum in your mouth and you’re chewing it like a damn horse.” Kylie’s chuckle on the other end told Tristan she was right.
“Do you have plans or what?”
“You know damn well I don’t. The only people I hang out with are you and Jayson.”
More chewing and a few pops and Kylie sighed. “Yeah, you need to work on that.”
“What did you need?” Irritation grew inside of her.
“Jayson is having a few friends over Saturday. A little poker, pool, and liquor. You should come. Kash will be there.”
Kash would be there? She didn’t know why she was surprised he hadn’t mentioned it to her. Hell, she hardly saw him.
“Well?” Kylie’s impatient voice rang through the receiver.
“You know I’ll be there. Should I bring anything?”
“Just your sweet little ass. Oh, and wear something skimpy since there are going to be quite a few bachelors here.”
Before Tristan could respond Kylie had said good-bye and hung up. She looked at the blank screen. “You bitch.” She couldn’t help but shake her head.
* * * *
Tristan hopped on one foot as she fixed the strap on her shoe. Saturday was finally here, which meant no more harassing phone calls from Kylie about whether or not she was coming over. She righted herself and walked over to the mirror. Kylie had said skimpy, and although Tristan didn’t really own anything that would be considered such, she had managed to find something that was a little on the revealing side.
Tristan wasn’t all about being hooked up, but she couldn’t lie and say she wasn’t lonely. Maybe that was why she had put up with Zac’s bullshit for so long. Lip gloss in hand, she slathered on a thin layer.
Not too bad.
She had only seen Kash a handful of times during the week and not once Friday or today. A small voice inside of her whispered about hoping he was at the party. Why she even wanted to see him was beyond her. Maybe it was the whole mystery of him, the mystery of what he was and what he could bring?
She grabbed her purse, a bottle of vodka, not the good shit obviously, and headed out the door. Despite her not-so-deep pockets, she wouldn’t be caught dead going to a party without bringing something, even if said party was at her best friend’s. Besides, she told herself, once everyone got good and drunk they wouldn’t care if they were drinking the cheap shit.
Kylie and Jayson’s house was only a ten-minute drive, so once in the car she triple-checked to make sure she had everything and headed over. The sun was already starting to set when she pulled into their driveway, which was already packed with cars. Even though the front door was shut, Tristan could hear the music blasting from their house. A few people loitered on the front deck, beers in hand, loud laughter surrounding them.
“Oh boy.” Tristan already knew this was going to be one of those parties.
She grabbed her stuff and got out of the car. When she slammed her door shut the few guys standing on the porch turned to watch her approach. She could tell they were good and drunk already by the way they tried to keep their balance as they took a step toward her.
“Hey, baby, you the entertainment for tonight?” The one closest to her lifted his hand.
“Back off or I’ll sic Jayson on your ass.” He dropped his hand just as Kylie peeked her head out the front door. “’Bout time.” Kylie’s smile widened and she pushed the door open the rest of the way.
Tristan gave one last look over her shoulder at the drunken guys and headed inside.
“Don’t mind them. You know there are always a few dumbasses at the party.”
Tristan followed Kylie into the kitchen. The house was packed with people. Some stood around, sat on the couch, or danced to the blaring music. She handed the vodka over to Kylie, shrugged when Kylie stared at it uneasily, and then finally smiled.
“I doubt half these people will know that is bottom shelf.”
“I’m not looking at the vodka, Tristan. I’m looking at your outfit.”
Tristan glanced down at herself and then back at Kylie. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”
“I told you to wear something skimpy.”
Tristan looked down at herself again. “I am.”
Kylie raised an eyebrow before turning and putting the vodka in the freezer. “Follow me.” Kylie grabbed her hand and led her through the throng of people and into her bedroom.
“I thought you said it was only going to be a few people?” Tristan ducked her head as Kylie all but pushed her way through.
Kylie snorted. “Tell me about it. They just keep coming, too. The majority of them are friends of friends.” She shut the door, muting out a small percentage of the noise. She gave Tristan a long once-over and shook her head. “You look like you’re going to church.”
Kylie grabbed her shoulders and turned her around to face the mirror that hung on the back of the door. The woman that stared back at her certainly didn’t look like she was going to church. Tristan’s reflection showed that she wore a denim miniskirt, a tank, and a cardigan. Her midriff showed slightly, which Tristan thought was pushing the skimpy envelope.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Look at how much leg I’m showing.” She pointed to her thigh to make her point clear. “Not to mention my midriff.” She could see Kylie rolling her eyes.
“First things first. The cardigan has to go.” Kylie slid the material off her shoulders. The next thing Kylie did was remove the bobby pin that had secured the hair out of her eyes. She gripped the edge of her skirt and wiggled it down just a bit, which in turn showed a good inch of Tristan’s flesh. Kylie ran her fingers through Tristan’s newly freed hair and smiled.
“There, now you look like you’re ready to have a good time.”
Chapter Four
Several hours into the party and three beers down, Tristan was starting to let her guard down. She had never been much of a social butterfly, but when she got a little liquid courage inside of her she opened right up. A beer was handed to her and she looked at who was offering it. The guy who stood beside her was strikingly handsome, especially with his styled dirty-blond hair and deep-brown eyes. He smiled down at her and pushed the beer toward her again. Tristan smiled and shook her head.
“No thanks, I think I’ve reached my limit. I do have to drive home later.”
He leaned in close and spoke directly into her ear. “I’m Max.” He pulled away and offered her the beer again. “It’s still early. Just one more so I don’t have to drink alone? Please?”
Tristan looked at Kylie who stood a few feet away. Her best friend looked at Max for several moments, like she was deep in thought, then turned back to her and shrugged. “How can you be drinking alone when there are all these people around getting l
oaded?” He laughed and tilted his head in acknowledgment.
“True, but I’m not interested in drinking with those other people.” He winked. “Come on, just one more, please.”
Oh.
It wasn’t that Tristan was drunk, but she knew herself. One more beer would lead to another, and another, until she was curled around the toilet. Only one more, Tristan. She took the beer and smiled in thanks.
He leaned forward again and spoke into her ear. “Would you like to step outside?”
It was starting to get warm, so Tristan nodded and followed him onto the back deck. He led them to a corner where there was no one passed out or in the middle of almost having sex.
“I’m Max.” He held out his hand in greeting.
Tristan didn’t point out that she already knew this from when he introduced himself inside. She took his offered hand. “I’m Tristan. Nice to meet you.” She tipped the bottle to her mouth and took a long swallow. He did the same, never taking his eyes off of her.
He watched her with a slight tilt of his lips. Tristan cleared her throat. “I’ve never seen you around. Are you friends with Jayson or Kylie?”
He took another drink of his beer. “I’m the friend of a friend.”
She nodded and leaned against the deck railing, watching the others around him. She had never been very good at talking to guys, and she felt a spike of nervousness assault her. She took another drink of beer and sliced her eyes back to him. He was watching her and she felt herself grow dizzy. He looked at her like she was the only woman at the party. No one had ever looked at her that way, not even the asshole Zac.
“You’re very beautiful.”
Tristan felt her cheeks heat with embarrassment. She ducked her head. “I’m sorry. I’ve never been any good with compliments.”
“You don’t have to apologize. The fact that you don’t know how good-looking you are is endearing.”