My eyes dart to the owner of the voice, and for a moment, I forget to scowl. I’ve seen him with the group a couple of times, but never up close before. Damn, he’s hot. The other guys pale in comparison to him. He’s much taller than the others, with dark brown hair that’s begging to have my fingers tangled in the thick strands. Our eyes lock, and I almost forget to breathe. His eyes are dark pools that would make any girl forget her own name. His jaw’s covered with a few days’ old stubble, and it only makes him so much more attractive. His shirt’s tightly wrapped over a muscled chest. I’d love to find out if it feels as hard as it looks.
Suddenly, Rhett says, “Carter, you’re just in time. We have a bet going. Four hundred dollars to whoever gets her to spread them first.” The jerk points at me with a thumb. I have a sudden urge to grab it and twist it right off his hand.
For some reason, the stupid bet really bothers me now that Carter is here.
To make things worse, three more guys walk in and come to stand at the table.
“You guys want in?” Marcus adds oil to the fire.
“In on what?” one of them asks.
“Betting pool. Whoever screws her first, wins.”
My eyes drift over all the faces around me. Evie mouths ‘sorry’ to me. Jaxson and Logan are too busy eating to pay attention. Marcus winks at me, and it makes my anger flare back to life.
Before this really gets out of hand, I turn around and walk back into the kitchen. I wait until they leave before I go back out to clear the remainder of my tables. I’ve worked at Rameses for almost three years. You would think I’d be used to dealing with idiots like the Screw Crew.
∞∞∞
The walk home feels much longer tonight. I should’ve taken my truck. It’s old and leaves a huge ball of smoke whenever I pull away, but at least it still runs.
When I get home, the apartment’s empty. That’s what I like most about sharing with the other girls. When I’m here, I always have the apartment to myself. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to go out with them, to have close friends I can laugh and chill with. But then I remind myself that I’m not here to make friends. I’m here for Jamie. My sister is all that matters. A month after I finish here, Jamie will be eleven. I need to find a good job and get us a place of our own before she’s twelve.
I throw my bag on the single bed. I don’t have much in my room, just the second-hand bed and nightstand. I first shower, then make myself some coffee before settling down on my bed. I need to finish the assignment I’m working on even if it takes all night. Luckily it’s Sunday tomorrow, and I only have to be at work at twelve, which means I can sleep in.
I get lost in my work until I’m finally happy with it. Grabbing the cup with some cold coffee still left in it, I walk to the kitchen. I’m busy rinsing the cup when I hear the door open. I dry my hands and go to see which of the girls are home. When I see Carter coming in with his arm around Evie, I feel a slight sting of disappointment. I brush the unwelcome feeling away.
“… fucking bitch,” he finishes whatever he was busy saying as his eyes land on me.
Damn, those eyes of his have the power to turn my mind to slush.
Then Evie looks up and my lips part with shock when I see her swollen cheek. Mascara is streaked over her cheeks, with red blotches around her eyes. I rush forward and grab Evie away from him.
“Get your hands off her,” I hiss.
Was he busy cursing Evie as they came in?
I bring her to the couch and let her sit down. I lift her face up, and with worried eyes, I take in the bruise on her cheek. Her tears make my insides quiver with anger. Evie is one of the nicest people I know. Why would he hurt her?
I turn back to Carter, my body shaking with rage. “Get out!”
He takes a step towards me, and it makes me tense. I’m nothing like my friends. I won’t hesitate to introduce my knee to his balls.
“Let me-” he starts to talk, but I cut him off. He can keep his explanation for those air-headed bimbos he likes to screw.
“Nothing you say will make this okay. You’re nothing but a spineless piece of shit. Is it a turn-on?” I sneer as I walk towards him. “Does it make you feel like a man?”
“Della,” Evie calls from behind me. I need to get back to her. I shove him as hard as I can, and I’m pleased when he takes a step back.
He tilts his head, and there’s an expression on his face I can’t read. Maybe anger? Who cares anyway? I hate the Screw Crew. They’re nothing but a bunch of bullies. I hope they aren’t close friends of Evie. She needs to stay away from guys like them. They’re nothing but trouble.
I didn’t see it earlier, but the brand of shirt he’s wearing is of the expensive kind. He reeks of money. That explains it all.
“You should use some of that money and buy yourself some morals,” I snap.
To my surprise he laughs, shaking his head at me. His eyes drop to my legs, and it’s only then I remember that I’m only wearing a shirt.
∞∞∞
CARTER
White cotton panties. Fuck. She yanks the shirt down and scowls at me.
“Careful, babe. Looking at me like that will get you in trouble,” I taunt her just because it’s so fucking easy to get her all riled up.
Earlier at the diner, I actually thought she was hot. I admired her for standing up to the guys. I don’t have to like her to admit that she’s got killer legs, and don’t even get me started on her mouth. I’d love to see her on her knees with her lips wrapped around my cock. Then I’ll live up to the what she thinks of me as I add her name to the screwed list. She’s just another judgemental bitch. I regret standing up for her to my friends, telling them to back off and to drop the bet. I’m going to win that bet just so I can see the look on her face when she realizes that she’s nothing but a four hundred dollar fuck.
I watch as her scowl turns to a death glare, but I don’t miss the blush creeping over her cheeks. What do you know? Little Miss high and mighty may hate me, but those blushing cheeks are a clear sign that she’s attracted to me. That will work perfectly to my advantage.
I grin at her and whisper, “Game on.”
She takes another step closer to me, and I get a whiff of her scent. She smells edible, like crushed apples.
There’s a slight frown on her forehead when she says, “I have no idea what you’re talking about, and I’m not one of your friends.” She wiggles a finger between us. “Whatever you think is going on here, it’s not. Get out of our apartment before I call the cops. “
“You’re quick to judge others, aren’t you?” I say as I start to plan all the different ways I’m going to have fun with her. “You’re one of those who loves to sit on your high fucking pedestal while passing judgment on anyone who’s different from you. Quite fucked up if you ask me.”
“I didn’t ask you,” she snaps, her blue eyes sparkling with anger. It makes them look electric.
“No, you didn’t,” I whisper. “A word of advice, next time make sure of your facts before you jump to conclusions. It will save you from having to crawl back to me with your tail between your legs to apologize. Then again, I’d love to see you on your knees.”
I see the moment doubt washes over her face. She’s finally second-guessing her actions. That makes me smirk as I lean into her. I watch her eyes widen, and the blush deepens on her cheeks.
“Just remember I didn’t start this little game, you did.” I lean in more until our cheeks brush, and whisper in her ear, “But I’m sure as hell going to finish it, babe.”
She pulls away, her breaths coming fast. “I didn’t start anything, and I’m not playing some pathetic game.”
She still doesn’t understand what she did. “Sweetheart, you were so fucking quick to label me as just some asshole who has too much money and not a lick of decency. Who am I to disappoint you? I’ll just have to live up to the image you have of me. I wouldn’t want to let a clever little thing like you down.”
She glan
ces back at Evie who’s been watching us with huge eyes. Before Della can look back at me, I turn around and leave. I’m not going to make it easy for her to apologize. She’s going to learn the hard way that I don’t let people fuck with me and get away with it.
I’m not sure whether I’m pissed off at her for accusing me being some fucked up rich kid who would hit Evie, or whether I’m turned-on by her killer body. I’ve never felt so confused over a woman before. Why the fuck do I even care what she thinks? It’s clear she doesn’t think much of me.
I was helping Evie. She and Rhett got into an argument when that psycho blonde that was hanging around Rhett attacked her. I told Rhett to fucking man up and admit that he cares about Evie. I also told him to get rid of the trash. I swear he’s fucking everything in sight, so he doesn’t have to face the fact that he’s fallen for Evie. He keeps denying it but loses his shit whenever another guy just looks at her.
I don’t understand why they don’t just get together. A blind man can see that they have the hots for each other.
After the psycho blonde slapped Evie, I brought her home to make sure she was okay. I did it because she’s a decent person and didn’t deserve what happened. I also did it because Rhett is one of my best friends and I know he’s going to feel like shit about what happened.
But mostly I did it in the hopes of seeing Della again. Earlier at the diner, there was tension between us and I was curious to see if it was real. When I’d first walked into the apartment, the tension was there in full force, until she saw Evie’s face.
I had every intention of making sure the guys forgot about the damn bet until she got on her judgmental high horse. I’ve been judged wrongly before, and it never bothered me. Marcus and Rhett are the ones with the screw lists. They’re the manwhores responsible for our nickname, Screw Crew. I’m no saint, but I have nothing on those two. As for the twins, Jaxson and Logan, they’re not huge on dating. Jaxson keeps busy between college and being a personal trainer, where Logan is the quiet one in the group.
As for me, all my focus is on finishing my degree. Once I’ve graduated, I’ll start working at Indie Ink Publishers. Dad said I have to start at the bottom. I understand why. That’s the best way for me to learn everything about the company and the people working there. When I take over from Dad, I want it to be because I deserve it.
On the drive back to the house I share with the guys, my mind goes back to the little spitfire. Even dressed in just a shirt and panties, she handled me like a boss. I have to admire her for standing up for Evie. But fuck, I’ll never hurt a woman.
I’m sure as hell going to have some fun with Della.
Chapter 2
DELLA
“You’ve got it all wrong,” Evie says. “Carter only brought me home. He’s not the one that hit me. Carter will never hurt me.”
Oh shit!
What the hell have I done?
I swing back to the door, and when I see that Carter has already left, an awful feeling settles in the pit of my stomach.
“That blonde bitch slapped me because I got into to a fight with Rhett,” she explains. “I really don’t understand why he likes those types of girls.”
I close the door and walk to the kitchen. I open the fridge and look for something cold. There’s not much, so I grab a bottle of water. I wrap a dishcloth around it as I walk back to the living room.
I press it lightly to Evie’s cheek. “Just hold it there. It will help with the swelling.”
I sit down next to her and sigh. I drop my head back and let out another miserable sigh.
“I accused Carter of hitting you,” I whisper. “Dammit, I’m going to have to apologize.”
Evie gives my hand a squeeze. “Thank you for looking out for me.”
I worry my bottom lip between my teeth. When I make eye contact with Evie, there’s only pity.
“Damn, I’ve screwed up badly, haven’t I?”
She nods, dropping the water bottle to her lap.
“Carter’s not the kind of guy you insult and get away with it. He’s the heartless one in the group.”
“Heartless?” I ask. “He made sure you got home safe.”
“Only because I have this love-hate thing going with Rhett. Those four guys are Carter’s family. He’ll do anything for them. I’ve known him for three years, and he still keeps me at a safe distance.”
“So you’re telling me not to apologize? I’m not afraid of admitting when I’m wrong.”
Evie turns her body towards mine and looks me right in the eye.
“You’re only going to waste your time and make things worse. There was this girl who cheated on Jaxson. Carter got her to strip down to her underwear, thinking they were going to have sex. He made her do the walk of shame out of their house in her underwear. Carter doesn’t forgive he gets even. It would be better if you just ignore it all. It’s not like you see him a lot anyway.”
I take the bottle of water from her and open it. I take a few sips, thinking about what she just said. I didn’t take him for the cruel kind. Maybe Evie’s right? It’s not like I see him often. Besides, it’s only a few more months before I have my degree. We’re from different worlds. Once we leave here, I’ll never see Carter again.
Curiosity gets the better of me, and I ask, “Why do you hang out with them? They look like trouble.”
She looks deep in thought when she says, “They’re not trouble, Della. They’re my family. Few people know this, but I had nothing. I was one meal away from starving and living on the street when Rhett found me.” She looks around the apartment. “All of this is because of them. They are paying for my studies, for everything I need.”
Shock ripples through me. Never in a million years would I have guessed that Evie once lived on the streets.
“What do they want in return?” I ask. No one does anything unless they stand to gain something in return.
She shakes her head. “Nothing. At first, I thought there was a catch. I mean, people just aren’t that good, you know? But they have never asked for anything, Della. That’s why I love them. They are far from perfect, but they’re mine.”
I take another sip of water, absorbing everything Evie has told me.
“Who came up with their name, Screw Crew?”
Evie chuckles as she relaxes back against the couch. This is the most we’ve ever talked. I have to admit it’s nice.
“That’s Marcus. He was the first to start with it. If you’ve slept with one of the guys, then you’re a Screw Crew babe.”
“Are you?” I drop my eyes from hers. “Sorry, that’s a personal question.”
She gives me a sad smile and shakes her head. “No, I’m not. They have this rule that sisters are off limits.”
I frown, not following. “But you’re not related to any of them.”
“They see me as one, so I’m off limits. It’s a stupid rule if you ask me. There’s only me and Mia, Rhett’s sister. Rhett made the rule when Mia turned eighteen. I think Logan is in love with her. If Rhett just looks in my direction, then Logan reminds him of the rule. I think he’s trying to force Rhett to break it so he can have a relationship with Mia.”
“Logan is the nice one that was on his phone?”
She nods. “He’s always on his phone. He thinks no one knows that he’s constantly texting with Mia, but I’ve had a glimpse at the screen.”
“Why doesn’t Rhett break the rule?”
A sad look shadows Evie’s green eyes. “Mia is his world. He’ll give up everything to protect her, and no one is worthy of dating his little sister.”
“She’s going to date with or without his permission,” I state the obvious. “He can’t expect her not to date while he screws everything in sight.” There’s a flicker of pain on her face, and it makes me regret my words. “Sorry, Evie.”
“You’re right,” she says, shrugging away the pain. “Where Carter is heartless, Rhett is shameless. At first, I used to think that he slept with so many girls to avoid com
mitting to one. With time, I realized that’s just a lie I’m telling myself to lessen the pain. He takes care of Mia and me. He’s committed to us. I’m just a little sister to him.”
“Men are idiots,” I grumble.
Continue Carter and Della’s story ~
Heartless.
Read on for an excerpt from the first book in Michelle’s exciting Men Of Honor series: PREDATOR, Book 1
PROLOGUE
Cara
“Cara,” Dad calls out to me, “do you have the blanket?”
“Yes, Daddy.” I pull the blanket out of the car and set off after my parents. Unlike most teens, I love being with mine. We have a great relationship. I know I can talk to them about anything. It’s just always been that way with us.
Dad starts the boat motor and then he steers us down the river. It’s a sunny day with a light breeze to cool the worst of the heat. We always come out here after lunch. This is our family time together. Once we get to the wide open space of the dam, dad starts to slow the boat down.
I spread the blanket open and laugh happily as Mom, and I lie down, trying to get comfy. Dad kills the motor when he’s satisfied with the spot we’re in, and then he comes to lie down on my other side.
“Look at that one,” Dad says, pointing to a cloud. “It looks like a car.”
I laugh. “Everything looks like a car to you.”
“No, seriously,” he laughs, too, but carries on, “look, those are the wheels, that there is the roof.”
We talk about the silliest of things, and then we grow quiet and just listen to the birds chirping all around us. I’m going to miss doing this with my parents, once I’m away at college. I only have a few precious weeks left with them. I drift off like I always do.
There is a loud crash that yanks me out of my peaceful sleep. I hear my parents scream and my whole body goes instantly cold from shock.
The boat tilts sharply, and it tosses my body to the side. I try to claw at the floor, searching for something to grab onto. I slam hard into one of the chairs, and it jars my body making a sharp pain shoot through me.
Ruthless (An Enemies To Lovers Novel Book 4) Page 15