by T. L Smith
“Jesus, Brock! You know exactly what I mean.”
“Anyway...” he says, eager to change the conversation, “... the rat pack is here. They just called.”
He was referring to my two other brothers. Slate being the youngest, Brock the oldest, then the other two. Both were close to Hawk, and the moment we start walking down the stairs I heard their calls and cheers. The rat pack converged in the middle of the room where Slate met them. Hawk arrived just as I did, his eyes giving me the once-over. I felt a delightful and bone-chilling thrill. He exhilarated and terrified me all at once. The boys now all together grew loud and huddled like they were teenagers again trying to come up with a game plan.
They’re drunk.
Well, maybe not Hawk.
He seldom got drunk, and I figured it was because he never wanted to relinquish control. I always wondered how he could handle all four of my brothers when they were like this, seeing as he was basically sober. Did he ever get sick of their shit or was he humored by their stupidity?
Ricky spied me over Slate’s shoulder and pulled away from the pack, but not before I’d already turned away myself. Unlike them, I wasn’t loud and boisterous. Unfortunately, I didn’t get away quick enough.
“And there she goes,” I heard Brock joking, knowing exactly why I was leaving.
“Britta!” Ricky yelled above the music.
“Britta, wait,” Harry, the third eldest shouted, this time as the song faded to an end.
Everyone who’d been lost in conversation turned to face me, curious over the spectacle. I stopped dead, not knowing where to go next.
“Jesus Chr—”
“Where are you going?” Ricky asked, my cheeks turning beet red at the unwanted attention.
“For some fresh air.” I smiled weakly.
Ricky’s hands wrapped around my waist and he lifted me up into a bear hug. “I’ve missed you, Britta. How come you’ve avoided us for so long?” He placed me down and patted the top of my head like I was a child. I wanted to kick him in the shins.
“As always, I’ve been working.”
He rolled his eyes, expecting the answer, and pulled Hawk until he was standing next to us.
“Is he working you too hard?” Ricky asked.
Jesus!
Hawk smirked at the insinuation.
Fuck.
A blush heated my cheeks, and there was a pulse between my legs.
“You need to make friends, Britta,” Ricky continued with the brutal truth. “When was the last time you went out on a girl’s date?”
“Now is not the time to bring up that sort of stuff,” I scolded. “I’m busy, I don’t have—”
“You were a loner at school, and now you’re a loner as an adult.” He turned to Hawk. “Don’t you have some girlfriends who Britta might get along with?”
“Ricky!” I gaped. “Would you shut—”
“I do have plenty of girlfriends,” Hawk confirmed.
Asshole.
He clapped Ricky on the back and winked at me. “But none that would give her the stimulation she needs.”
Son of a...
My eyes locked with Hawk’s and I felt the earth shift beneath me.
Ricky cleared his throat. “You missed family dinner this month, sis,” he said, waiting for me to return to reality.
“I know. We had a late photoshoot that day, and I had to be there.”
Ricky turned to Hawk. “Ah... so you are the asshole keeping her away from family.”
Hawk raised his brows, but he wore an amused smirk. “That’s right, I’m the asshole who keeps your little sister employed, so she can loan your sorry ass money whenever you come begging.”
Ricky saw the humor, knowing there was no truth in what Hawk was saying. All my brothers were wealthy in their own right and independent. It was the Valentino way. While I didn’t own my own business, Hawk paid me well, and I could safely invest much of what I earned.
“You’re a funny fuck,” Ricky said before turning his attention back to me. “When are you gonna come around, Brit? Mom and Dad are always asking about you.”
“I’ll be there for the next one... promise.”
Brock appeared at Ricky’s side and together they started chatting. I stood awkwardly wishing I could be anywhere else but where I was. And then I found myself doing something I tended to do often, tracing Hawk’s tattoos with my eyes. He had many, how many I wasn’t sure, but a lot. They peeked out from his suit, covering his hands, and when his shirt was unbuttoned, I was lucky to catch a glimpse before my eyes trailed up his neck, which exposed more beautiful ink. Even though I was observing him, I hadn’t noticed he was watching me. I assumed he too was engaged with what Brock was saying. But he wasn’t. His eyes met mine, all dark, stormy and intense. I swallowed hard, my chest and cheeks blushing. Hawk always had a way of making me feel like he was undressing me with his eyes. Perhaps he was. That thought alone only caused me to clench my thighs tight in hopes it was true.
“Am I interrupting something?”
Slate’s voice brought me back to the present, but Hawk remained unperturbed.
“No, we’re just talking to Ricky.”
“Yeah... looks like it,” he said, his unconvinced suspicious eyes darting between Hawk and me.
“I’m leaving in ten,” I said to change the topic.
He scoffed. “Not so fast.” Slate handed me a red cup filled with something I wasn’t sure of. “Drink.”
When I hesitated, he continued, “Come on, we haven’t had a drink together yet.”
Shrugging my shoulders and giving in like I usually did when it came to my brothers, I tipped my head back and swallowed. It wasn’t delicious, but it wasn’t terrible either.
“Britta!” A high-pitched voice startled me. “Oh gosh, is that you?”
Looking over the rim of my cup, I spotted a familiar face.
Sabrina.
She approached with a group of girls behind her and wrapped her arm around Slate’s waist, shiny white teeth gleaming at me. Sabrina and I went to the same high school and were in the same year. With honey, caramel hair, she used to be on the quiet side while at school. A bit like me. But now it seemed she’d come out of her shell. In an enthusiastic gesture, she leaned in and hugged me with one arm. When I pulled back, I felt my empty cup replaced with a full one. I looked urgently for Hawk, who had moved to join Ricky, Brock, and Slate at the side. He stood where he could see me, and oddly enough I found that comforting.
“I haven’t seen you in so long...” she started, “... and you’re still as beautiful as ever.” While she may have been sincere, the posse she had behind her wasn’t nice, and they looked me up and down with unwarranted disdain. In fact, the only time they spoke to me, Sabrina included, was if my one of my brothers was around. Always eager to show off and get in with a Valentino boy. In fact, there was reason for their hope. I was pretty sure Slate had been with two out of five of them, who were currently staring me down.
“Thanks.” I nodded my head with a small smile on my face, uncomfortable with their attention.
“You don’t usually come to these things,” she continued. “I mean... I always ask Slate where you are, but he doesn’t like to give your information out.”
Swallowing more of Slate’s concoction, I realized I was almost finished. Nerves seemed to get the better of me at these parties. I needed to pee, so I shifted my weight in order to alleviate the pain.
“No,” I admitted. “I’ve never liked the parties.” I thought it too rude to say I actually hated them. Maybe it was because I had a pack of wolves watching my every move, so it was easier not to attend when I was younger, and now I just didn’t have the desire nor the energy.
“I heard about Roman,” she said, almost whiny, and pulling a face. “I’m so sorry.”
Yeah, there was not one ounce of sincerity it that.
Bitch almost seemed elated.
Tramp.
Slate sensed my inner turmoil, replaced
my empty with another full. The mere mention of Roman’s name had me gulping.
“She can have him. He’s a shit... fuck... ing ass, anyway,” I stumbled to find the right words to describe my ex but said the string of insults loud enough so that those around me heard. But it didn’t matter, Rebekah no-moral-compass, could have him.
A throaty chuckle came from behind me, and I spun around to see Hawk. And much to my displeasure, he was standing with a smiling sultry redhead from earlier. She was attached to his side like she owned him, and I felt my blood boil the way it had when I saw her kiss him.
“What?” I said to him. “You think you’re any better? Fucking and... shit...” I laughed in annoyance, shaking my head before turning back to Slate and accepting another drink. My brother’s eyes flicked from mine to something behind me, an evil smirk on his face. Before I could question, a hand landed on my arm, yanking me backward. In one swift motion, I was slammed into what felt like a brick wall. The drink I was holding now dripping down my legs, cold and sticky.
“Fuck!”
“That’s right, little Britta,” a gravelly voice rumbled against my ear. This time my sticky legs actually quaked at the sound. My eyes closed slightly, enjoying the sound. “I do fuck. It’s what I’m good at.”
Oh... holy shit!
My stomach butterflied and I couldn’t meet Hawk’s eyes because I was blushing too hard. He was still clutching my arm, holding me firm against his hard chest. My legs automatically clenched together. And then I said something I never thought would come out of my mouth, primarily directed at Hawk.
“Then how about you show me?”
Hawk pulled me closer still, his stubble grazing my ear, my skin goosebumping in the most pleasurable way.
“Given the chance, I will.”
Jesus... fuck me!
I dared to look around and see curious eyes intently observing our interaction, watching me practically orgasm on the spot. Clearing my throat and head, I stepped forward out of his hold, but not before he affectionately, yet possessively squeezed my hip. Needing to sit and gather my composure, I pushed Slate off the stool and took his place. Before I could take my next breath, Sabrina once again appeared.
“Wow!” she started. “That was quite a display.”
I was too embarrassed to respond, so I don’t.
“You were always so quiet in school,” she continued. “I see a lot has changed since we graduated.” This time her accusatory tone made me turn to her.
“If I remember correctly, so were you. See you around, Sabrina.”
Before she could lift her bony hand to wave goodbye, I was back on my feet and tapping Slate on the shoulder.
“You good?” he asked, smiling.
“Fine,” I lied. I could hardly reveal I needed a good roll in the sack with my boss. “But I’m gonna catch an Uber home.”
“No way. I’ll get someone to take you.”
“I’m good,” I assured, but he was having none of it.
“Stay here, I’ll get—”
“I’ll take her,” Hawk’s rough voice interrupted, and suddenly the pang between my legs was back.
Damn him for having that effect on me.
I met Hawk’s gaze and the intensity I felt earlier was still there, and he was making no effort to hide it from the others. They, however, seemed too intoxicated to truly catch on to what was happening between us.
“Thanks, bro,” Slate said, holding his hand out to shake. After I hugged all my brothers goodbye, Hawk led me through the crowd with his large hand on the small of my back.
Hawk... motherfucking Carnage.
Sex on a stick.
Chapter 6
Hawk
“What stick?” I asked Britta as we left the house, and she looked at me horrified. I laughed. “Yes, you said it out loud.”
She turned away, heat blushing her cheeks for the millionth time that night. I fucking loved that I had that effect on her. I wanted to see if her tits blush that much. I noticed she was walking a little... bow-legged down the drive to the Valet.
“Why are you walking like that?”
She turned to me accusatory. “My legs are sticky!”
I took a moment to hide my smile and rub my rough face. “But I haven’t even touched you yet.”
Britta stopped in her tracks, mouth agape, eyes wide.
If I wasn’t mistaken, she quivered at my words.
She shook her head. “From the alcohol. I’m sticky... from the alcohol.”
“Well... since it was my fault, I’ll help you clean it up.”
“Do you have your ticket, sir?” the valet asked, interrupting just in time.
Britta remained somewhat caught in the moment, lingering on my words. I handed the valet the number, and he quickly jogged off to retrieve my car. Approaching Britta’s left, I wrapped my arm around her right hip and murmured into her ear, “Everything okay?”
She swallowed hard and then nodded quickly.
I heard the rumbling engine of my Lamborghini as it turned into the drive. “Come,” I ordered, and again she shivered. Leading Britta to the car, she climbed in under the door, and I went to the driver’s side.
“I’m going to get alcohol all over your seat,” Britta said as I pulled out of the drive.
“They’re leather, and it’s due for a detail tomorrow.”
We hit the city streets in no time, colorful lights flickering off the clean glass.
When we hit traffic in the city center, Britta broke the silence.
“I didn’t do anything, you know.”
“When?”
“With Jarod.”
“Okay.”
“He wanted to, but... well, it’s Jarod.”
“Mmhmm...”
“I wonder if he knows how transparent he is.”
Silence fell between us while I mulled over my thoughts.
“You have nothing to say about it?”
I turned to her while I slowed the Lambo to the lights. “Britta, I know you can look after yourself.”
“You seemed pretty pissed about it. Your vein was twitching.”
This made me laugh. “My vein was twitching?”
“Yes, it twitches when you’re mad. And tonight, I thought it was going to explode.”
I nodded at her assessment, surprised at how much she paid attention. Rubbing my jaw, I considered my words carefully before deciding to say my piece. The truth was, my blood was boiling at the mention of Jarod and his intentions, but she didn’t need to know that.
“With friends, Jarod can sometimes be a good guy. He knows how to throw a party and looks after his guests. But for the most part, the guy is an outright fuckwit, narcissist, who cares nothing for the people he hurts. He doesn’t give a flying fuck who he fucks... no offense...”
She replies with, “None taken.”
“... and he clearly didn’t care about the beating he would have received if he laid a finger on you.”
“Well...” she heaved a sigh. “I didn’t hesitate to put him in his place.”
I smiled while watching the road. Britta has four older brothers who taught her how to deliver a good left hook over the years. In fact, seeing Britta slug one at Jarod certainly would have made my night.
“And what about the redhead?”
“What about her?”
“I’ve never seen her around before.”
“Neither have I.”
“Really? You two seemed to be pretty cozy for strangers.”
I stroked my chin hiding my smile. “You sound like you have a problem with her.”
Britta did her best to appear indifferent. “There was just something about her, I guess.”
“Ms. Valentino, are you jealous?”
She scoffed, unconvincingly. “I’m far from jealous, Hawk. Like I said, there was just something about her. She appeared... snide. Like she owned you.” A silence settled between us before she continued, “And you appeared to like it.”
“I pre
fer brunettes.”
“Not blondes? Not redheads?”
“Nope.”
“Hmmm...”
I let Britta mull over those words. She would no doubt be pulling apart each letter because that was what she was like.
“You smell too good,” she finally said.
I smiled. “I do?”
“You do.”
I watched for a moment, my eyes traveling the length of Britta’s body. She bit her lip, and I wanted to suck it into my mouth. “I’m happy you approve of how I smell.”
Her lips tried to form a smile. She was embarrassed, but somehow, I couldn’t stop the banter.
“You’re so cocky.”
“What are you saying about my cock?”
She burst out laughing in her usual beautiful and contagious giggle.
“And that there is a prime example. Your ego is huge.”
“You’re a dirty girl, Britta Valentino. Talking about my huge cock. I thought you were a lady.”
She laughed again, this time so hard she snorted and playfully slapped my arm.
“Behave yourself! You’re corrupting my innocent mind.”
I eyed her delicious body, hugged possessively by her red dress. “Ohh... Britta. Corrupting you would be quite the thrill.”
My eyes moved between the road and her chest which was rising and falling heavily, practically panting. There was raw tension that hung thickly between us, and I could see from Britta’s eyes, she was starting to get lost in my world. I wanted her lost. I wanted her stumbling and feeling her way. And I wanted to be the one who pulled her through it.
MONDAY COULDN’T HAVE come around any slower.
After dropping Britta off Friday night and ensuring she got through her door safely, I realized we hadn’t even spoken about the ‘fake engagement.’ The night of the party she’d consumed too much alcohol, and had let her hair down. But at the same time, she’d also dropped her guard. All three things were very much unlike her, and I had to wonder just how much Roman’s upcoming nuptials were messing with her head.
Britta was a strong and independent woman, but when it came to love, she became putty in someone’s hands, allowing them to take full control, and it was always to her detriment. That someone had been Roman. The fucking scumbag who’d cheated on Britta with Britta’s best friend, and then seemingly had the nerve to ask her to the wedding. That’s gotta fuck with a girl’s head.