by Lauren Wood
The beast hissed and spat in Kit’s direction. “You do not know what a great king is!” he laughed a sickening laugh.
“I may not know what it takes to be as great as King Laurence Bataran or King Erroll Nord, this is true. What I do know is that killing kings is not the best starting strategy.” At that the beast launched himself at Kit with his jagged teeth glaring in the darkness. Kit expected this reaction and managed to shift himself just in time and knocked Brother against a tree. He held him there with extreme force. “We could have been brothers, King Montgomery. But now it seems as though you will never even meet your nephew.” with a quick swipe, the beast fell to the forest floor. His breathing labored and eventually seized.
The townsmen gathered themselves and headed back to the town to share the news that the beast had been eliminated. They made sure to bring back the body of their fallen king for a proper royal burial. Before they reached the town, they heard a rustling in the bushes. Out came Mr. Toil Germaine, trembling and begging for forgiveness.
“I’m so sorry but what is a starving man to do?” He pleaded.
“Mr. Germaine?” Kit began. He walked over to the bush and placed his hand over Toil’s shoulder “What a pleasure to see you again.” He taunted.
Toil’s body shook in fear that he would be executed for high treason. “P-Please sir. I mean, King Kit. I will do anything you desire of me, just please do not kill me.”
Kit thought to himself what pleasure it would bring to him and the people of Soundsforth to eliminate the man who plotted with King Montgomery to kill two great men. He decided that it would bring him much more pleasure to see Mr. Toil Germaine carry out his days slaving away as a servant to all of the townspeople. So that is what he did.
When King Kit Bataran returned to the castle, I felt a wave of relief wash over my entire being. I didn’t care to know what had happened in the forest. All that mattered in this exact moment was that my husband, the king, was home safe. He reached over and placed his strong hand against my cheek, pulling me in for a kiss. When he let go he said, “I promise to love you.”
The baby cooed in the corner awaking in his father’s presence. Kit smiled over to me before gently picking him up. “Say hello to Erroll.” I told him.
“My son. Prince Erroll Bataran.” He pulled me closer with baby Erroll in his arms and I breathed them in. These were the two men in my life that I would do anything to protect. For them my heart raised its guard, to protect the radiating love inside of me.
THE END
DIRTY NEIGHBOR
Chapter 1
I snuggled deep into the comfort of my bed, embracing the warmth it gave me. It was barely ten in the evening and I was already in bed. I was excited for my first day of senior year tomorrow.
My parents were medical doctors and I plan to follow in their footsteps. I’ve got the grades, the drive, and the handwriting. I was what you call a goody-two-shoes with a slight bit obsession of being a perfectionist. I thrive to be a perfect daughter, perfect student, and the perfect doctor. I won’t settle for less. And being perfect means no parties and especially no boyfriends.
Tonight my parents had night shifts at the hospital and I had all the evening to myself. I enjoyed a quiet night to myself but that quiet was soon disturbed.
“Oh yeah, harder! Harder baby!”
My eyes snapped open as my lips curled in disgust. Damn, that man whore! Of course, my perfect night had to be ruin by the one and only enemy.
Eros Carmichael.
He’s the town’s notorious bad boy. It has been years since he’s been home. Word has it that he was sent to rehab, others say he became a secret assassin, and then there’s one where he went to jail. Just today I heard word of his return and I knew that one way or another he would annoy me.
You see, Eros is five-years-older than me. But I remember when I was little he would disturb the neighborhood with his parties and his fights. It was outrageous! He is the worst neighbor of all time. This time he’s gone too far. He’s an adult now, he should be more responsible.
The moaning only seemed to get louder. I stormed to my window and right as I opened my window I shouted “Hey! Can you keep it down?” as I was waiting for a reply I was only met with more moaning.
“Faster baby! Faster!”
I think I’m going to be sick. “Knock it off!” I yelled but still the moaning continued. Usually, when Eros would be too noisy he had my parents to deal with but with my parents at work, I guess I have to deal with him myself.
Determined and driven by anger I shoved my fuzzy slippers on and walked over to his house. I knocked on the door but was met with nothing. I groaned in annoyance as I made my way to stand underneath his window. “Stupid pervert,” I mumbled to myself, talking about Eros.
I grabbed a pebble from the ground and threw it at his window in hopes I could grab their attention. The moaning was much louder and I could hear the bed squeak from their movements. I should be enjoying my night’s sleep instead of taming the noisy neighbor.
The woman with Eros gave out a shrill moan making me cringe in disgust. I looked around for more pebbles but then saw a rock as big as my palm. I couldn’t help myself as I threw the rock at his window, hoping this time it would grab their attention. What I didn’t plan on was for the rock to break his window. Both my hands flew to my mouth in shock.
“Fuck,”
I heard a male cuss. Within seconds I saw a silhouette in front of the window and I could feel their intense gaze upon me. Instant regret filled my every being as I heard the front door open and slam shut. A brooding man stood in front of me. This man couldn’t be Eros.
His body towered over me as his electric blue eyes stared at me with such intensity making my knees weaken. He has dark eyebrows that sloped downwards into a serious expression. Upon his strong and defined face was plumped lips drawn into a straight line. He also had high cheekbones and a crooked nose that seemed like he got into too many fights.
Muscles rippled across his sun-kissed body and my cheeks heated up when I noticed that he was shirtless and his shorts hung low on his hips that I saw his abdominal V. He had scars littered across his body making my heart reach out to him.
“Like what you see?” his husky voice spoke that you could tell that he was smirking. I shook my head out of my trance as I glared at him. “Excuse me! Do you know what time it is?” I asked angrily. He looked clueless as he stared at the sky and said “Midnight I guess,”
“Exactly! You’re making such a racket with your hooker that I can’t get a wink of sleep,” I patted myself mentally for standing up to the Adonis. What? I might be a goody-two-shoes but that doesn’t mean I’m not attracted to good looking men.
I was expecting an apology but instead, he asked “Why? Want to join?” the nerve on this guy!
I gasped at him as I poked him in the chest “I’d rather die than join the likes of you,” I hissed. “Besides what are you doing in Carmichael residence?” I wanted nothing more than to smack the smirk off his face. “Baby, don’t you know? I’m Eros Carmichael.” this made my body freeze as my traitorous heart packed its bags and left my body.
“Carmichael,” I spat his name. “I was much happier when you were in jail.” I remember the times he used to pull on my pigtails and called me names. He was the bad boy of this town—now I should say, bad man. He was my personal bully and for five years that he’s gone I was at my happiest, now with him back I’m not positive anymore.
His eyes widen as if he just realized who I am. “Grace Hawthorn or should I say little Grace,” I glared at the nickname he’s always given me. But something stops me from glaring even more, the smile upon his face. It’s that kind of smile that leaves you breathless but before I could tattoo his smile in my brain, his smile turned into perverted grin.
He folded his arms in front of his chest making his muscles bulge and flex. “Wow, you’ve grown into a woman,” he said as his eyes roamed up and down my body but then stopped at my chest.
; Just realizing I came out here wearing just my matching pink pajamas, I wrapped my hands around my chest and said “My eyes are up here jerk,” his eyes then met mine. “You broke my window little Grace--” I cut him off by saying “I’ll pay for it.” not making eye contact with him.
I felt his hand under my chin as he lifted my head to look at him. “You see little Grace, I don’t want money.” I frowned and asked, “Then what do you want?” He lowered his head until his breath was upon my neck sending goose bumps on my skin. His voice was raspy as he whispered “You.”
He pulled away and smirked in triumph. But I wasn’t having any of it tonight, I was sleepy and at the same time irritated by this man whore. I pulled back my fist and punched his chest but it didn’t do any damage which made him chuckle. My fist started throbbing in pain so I did the first thing that came to mind, I kneed him where the sun doesn’t shine. He cupped his groin and fell to the ground. I smiled sweetly and said “I’m not an object Carmichael.” As I walked away.
Chapter 2
My eyelids felt heavy as I tried my best to stay awake in class. Thanks to Eros, I barely had any sleep. I mentally congratulate myself after our confrontation last night because I think I handled it maturely, except for breaking his window and kneeing him in the groin but it did stop them from their physical activity.
The bell rung signaling that school has ended for the day. I tiredly put away my books and slowly walked towards the exit. My best friend, Melissa caught up with me as she asked shyly “Did you get any sleep last night?”
I groaned as I leaned on her making her gasp. Melissa wasn’t like all the other girls here, she was sweet and shy which is why I love her. “Carmichael is back and he kept me up most of the night.” Melissa’s eyes widen at my words which made me laugh and say “Silly! Not in that way. Never in my life would I give Carmichael the time of day." as I slung my arm over her shoulders and continued walking out of the school.
"Just stay away from him Grace. You know how dangerous he is. Word has it that he's been doing illegal stuff." Melissa said timidly. I agreed with her. Even though Eros has suddenly become a Greek God of some sort still he is a man whore, bad influence, and most of all dangerous.
"Hey, I got a new joke. What's the difference between a cat and a comma?" Melissa asked. I looked towards her with a grin and ask her what. "One has claws at the end of its paws, and the other is a pause at the ends of a clause." this made me laugh. It's called Grace and Melissa humor. We were in the middle of laughing but it came to a complete halt when we walked outside the school. Parked in the parking lot was a nice Audi sports car but that's not the source that killed our joyous moment, it was the man leaning against it.
Eros.
Melissa's eyes widen as she trembled beside me while I glared at him like I was burning holes right through that thick skull of his. Everyone's eyes were on Eros, I mean he is the notorious bad boy and wherever he goes trouble follows, and not to mention his new looks. Whispers filled the air as people wondered why he was at the school when he graduated years ago. Once Eros' eyes met mine a grin made its way on his face, and pushed off his car and started making his way towards me.
My heart started beating ferociously since I didn't want people to see him anywhere near me. People's eyes started widening as they looked between Eros and I. "Hello little Grace." he greeted me. "What are you doing here?" I said with a frown. "I've come to settle your payment," he said casually. I rolled my eyes as I started taking my wallet out from my bag but then his hands pushed my wallet away as he said "I told you I don't want money. I want you."
"Want me to remind you what my answer was?" I growled. Melissa stayed quiet behind me as she observed the both of us. "I remember very well what you answered but I'm talking about dinner. Just have dinner with me and you can forget all about the window," he said.
"I'm sorry but Melissa and I have a chemistry project." I lied. "No we do--" but I shut Melissa up as I glared at her. Unfortunately, Eros caught on and smirked. Next thing I knew Eros dragged me to his car and it didn't help that his tough long fingers left a scorching trail behind. I looked back at Melissa, she's terrified that she looked like she was about to call 911. People scattered around the school either glared at me or looked at me like it was the last time they'll ever see me.
When we got to the restaurant I rested my chin in my hands trying to seem like I wasn't impressed. The restaurant was absolutely beautiful and the food smells delicious. How can he even afford this place? I bet it had to do something with his illegal business.
"Alright Carmichael, why me?" I suddenly ask wondering why he wanted me "Is this some sick joke? Or am I some kind of project to you just so you can get into my panties?" I asked with a sweet smile on my face. "Honestly little Grace," I was seriously getting irritated with the nickname he gave me. "I've always been interested in you especially now that you've grown into one hell of a woman."
"Wish I could say the same thing... Roses are red, violets are blue, God made me pretty. What happened to you?" I told him with a smirk filled with pride on my face. He chuckled and said, "That's not what happened last night when you were checking me out." I instantly frowned but couldn't help when my cheeks turned red. "You're adorable when you blush," he added which made me turn even redder.
How can someone like Eros look like that? I can't deny that he's good looking. It's almost as if it was illegal to be that good looking. Once again Eros caught me checking him out, and he had that annoying smirk on his face. "Seriously Grace," this was the first time he used my name without little in it. He grabbed my hands across the table and I tried yanking my hands out of his but he had a strong hold on me. "I wanted to take you out to dinner because I wanted to go out with you," he said but I was more focused on his calloused hands that sent shivers up and down my hand but at the same time kept my hands warm.
"I... I..." I stuttered for a moment but when I looked into his mesmerizing eyes I remember what happened last night and my face tightened into a frown. "No Carmichael," I sternly said as I yanked my hands out from his strong hold. His eyes shut for a moment as he said, "Please my little Grace, call me Eros."
There was no way in hell I was going out with the notorious Eros Carmichael. The warning signs were everywhere from Melissa's warnings all the way to the worried stares of my fellow schoolmates. And remembering all of Eros' girlfriends back in the day, they were more bed buddies rather than actual girlfriends. But I was in no position to jump into a relationship. I had my studies and not to mention I'm applying for a scholarship in medical school.
I cannot have distractions but even Eros was not worthy of a distraction. I demanded Eros to take me home and I can't help but feel guilty because he had a certain look in his eyes, like he lost all hope. It was a quiet drive back to my home. Before I could even open the door to his car he pulled me by the arm and yanked me close to him. So close that I could feel the heat coming from his body.
"I will never give up on you, my little Grace," he whispered in my ear sending shivers down my spine. As I exited the car I felt pale because I believed in his words. For some reason, I believed that Eros would never give up on me.
Chapter 3
I've come up with millions of ways to kill Eros Carmichael. The bane of my existence. I was the talk of the school, and I wouldn't be surprised if I was even the talk of the town. Some say that Eros has kidnapped me and tortured me, others say that I was part of Eros' mafia group, but the last one is worse. People are saying that Eros and I have eloped.
The nerve of some people. Melissa, on the other hand, cried her heart out when she saw me the day after. She truly believed something bad had happened to me, and to me, going to dinner with Eros was already considered bad.
Melissa and I were placing fliers around town to advertise our school's Welcome back fair. "He really asked you out?" Melissa couldn't believe that the Eros asked me out. I gave her a simple nod and said "It doesn't matter anyways. Even if he bought me gifts or treats me like a
queen, as long as he's Eros Carmichael I'll never agree."
"It's kind of scary to think how a guy like him is interested in a girl like you. No offense Grace, but we're both just plain Janes. It makes you wonder what he's really after." Melissa's words kept repeating in my mind the whole night even during the welcome back fair. Music and laughter filled the grounds of the fair but all I could focus on were Melissa's words.
I have good grades, great family, and a mind of a medical doctor. I had no riches, curves of a model, nor am I a great lover. So what is Eros really after?
I was walking aimlessly until I bumped into something solid. I then noticed that it was someone. "Oh, my apolog--" I cut myself off as I saw who it was. "Oh, it's just you."
"Come on, I deserve a better greeting than that from you little Grace." it's not a surprise that he said that while smirking. He then looped my arm with his and entwined our fingers together.
"The only thing you deserve is a knuckle sandwich." I growled which made him laugh, "That's so old school of you," he commented. "Too bad I don't have enough middle fingers to express how I feel about you." This time I'm the one who's smirking. "And what are you doing?"
"Taking you on a date," he said as if it was the most obvious thing. "I'd rather stab myself than go out on a date with you," I spat out and this made his smile widen. "Feisty little thing aren't you?" I wanted nothing more than to execute one of the ways I thought of killing him. He turned his head to look at me and smiled. I was taken back for a bit because this smile was different from his others. They didn't have the hint of mischievousness or a perverted grin nor was it a scheme behind a smile. This was a genuine Eros smile and it had my heart feel all sorts of wonderful. The last time he showed this smile was when he saw me on the night I broke his window. Little did I know that my heart was secretly yearning for this smile.