Crown and Anchor Series: Book 1-4

by Kerri Ann

  We’ve spoken about this before. I’m locked down inside the mansion. I’m stuck. Without speaking directly to China, and not having any balls to contact her, even though she just so happens to be in the next hallway, I’m causing my own silent sequestering.

  “Give her a chance. Miss China might surprise you.”

  “Maybe. I’d have to find her first.” I peel back another slice of the sweet, juicy fruit.

  “Check the deck. She’s always out there.”

  “I’d hate to impose. I’ve invaded her world enough as it is.” Shaking her head with disappointment, Cassidy turns and works on the dishes she’s left behind without a further word. I’m quickly learning that if she has a comment that would be nasty, mean to me, or construed as inappropriate against one of the Crown’s, she won’t say it. She purses her lips, shakes her head, then turns away.

  Placing my fork down, I push away from the counter and thank Cassidy before I exit the kitchen. “Risen? You didn’t finish.”

  “I’m no longer hungry. Thanks, Cassidy.” Walking away, I feel like shit. I feel bad that I haven’t manned up about this whole situation, I have no reason to feel awkward about being here. As I’m musing about the predicament, my phone vibrates. Pulling it out, the strange cocksucker’s face beams across the screen with a vibrant fucking smile.

  “Dickwad,” he greets before I have a moment to answer.

  “Hey. Nice to speak to you too. What are you doin’?”

  “Not much,” Trevor says, quite matter of fact, which means something is up.

  “Me neither. You on shift today with fucknuckles?”

  “No. And why are you not doing much? You’re at the Crown mansion, and you—”

  “Are doing what I normally do, just with less fire and panache.”

  “I need to understand this. You, Risen, are bored to death, sitting at a mansion that has one of the sexiest single women on the planet? And all you’ve done is mope, work out, and eat?”

  Fucker.

  “Yep. That about sums it up.” Bastard is making me feel like a chickenshit.

  “You’re a pussy.”

  And there it is.

  “Why couldn’t it have been me that was stuck there? You must be the most unluckiest fucker on the planet to have to endure such pain and torture.” In a way, yes. It’s not something he’ll understand, and it’s too hard to explain, especially because I can’t even explain it to myself.

  “You’re a prick. You know that, right?”

  “Yeah. No change there.”

  “Listen, it’s bad enough I’m holed up here, I don’t need your patronizing bullshit.”

  “I think you’re a dumb shit. Why not just buck up and go talk to her? Stop being a wet freakin’ blankie and do what I think you should. Or you could invite me over and I’ll break the ice.” Cocky bastard.

  “I have to run into town to pick up a few things. Maybe after, you can come over for drinks. We’ll watch ball, burp, and eat some wicked wings. Cassidy makes a mean set of hot wings.”

  “I’m up for that, but you don’t have the balls to go to town. That means you’ve have to talk to the scary girl.”

  “Fuck you, Trevor. It’s not like I need permission.” As I round the corner, toward the spare room I found the other day. I think it was King’s office. It had some partially packed boxes filled with trophies, mangled pistons, ribbons, pictures of past legends, and various other knickknacks.

  “Sounds to me like you do.”

  Closing the door behind me, I blast past that subject. “How about a subject change. How’s work? Am I missing anything out of the ordinary?”

  “Nah, same shit. The same asshole’s creating it.”

  Great. “Let me guess, Riggs is causing a majority of it?”

  “Not a fucking chance. He’s been the goddamn poster child of good behavior. It’s fucking scary.” He pauses, and it takes a bit before restarting. “Look, Risen, he’s been sucking up to the chief and Captain John. They’ve been giving him cushy butthole jobs that anyone could excel at. He looks like a freakin’ champ.”

  “Pardon? It sounds like you said Riggs is looking like a good guy?” I’m absolutely flabbergasted. The guy is a dickwad. He has about three whole brain cells that aren’t used for his dick, and he sucks at his job.

  “Yeah, man, sorry he is.”

  Shit, I need a fucking drink. “You really wanna come by?” I ask.

  “Really? Yeah, of course. I don’t have shift today, and tomorrow I’m on late night. Wanna get shit-faced?”

  “You just took the words right out of my mouth, brother. I’ll get the shit done in town I need to, and I’ll text you when we’re back.” Moments later, I’ve texted him the directions, the code for the gate, and told him where to park. I also told him what to pick up for liquor because regardless of eating here, I won’t drink their booze. That’s just rude.

  Now to find China.

  Damn, this is going to be a long fucking night.

  RISEN

  Anticipating Trevor’s company tonight, and getting to speak with someone other than Cassidy and Ciccero, everything is pretty damn tantalizing if you ask me. Plus, the joy of scarfing down a bowl full of those wings. Not to mention, pouring copious amounts of beer down my throat. I’m looking forward to it.

  Getting off the phone, I wander off toward the beachfront where Cassidy tells me China’s been hiding out. Finding the winding trail of stone that meanders gently toward the cliff, I walk for what feels like forever across the property. I’ve never been a surfer, a beach bum, or anything of the likes, but I do enjoy the water. Spending a large time of my life in the interior of crap ass Montana, I’d never seen the ocean or played in the sea. Small lakes, rivers, and streams were the extent of my water enjoyment. I never knew how nice it could be until the first time I breathed it in, walked in it, and swallowed my first mouthful of saltiness.

  Choosing where to plant my feet on each step down the steep slope, I find there’s selected spots that are worn more than others. Assuming they’re the safest spots to step, I venture further down, until I’m on a wide balcony that’s mounted on the cliff face. Lying facedown on a lounger with an umbrella and a book, China is a sight to behold. The tiny G-string white bikini bottom leaves nothing to the imagination. And she’s not wearing a top. Laid out on a table beside her, there’s a towel and flip flops, but no top to be seen. She’s fucking top naked. I’ll have a stiff member to contend with in seconds if she flips over.

  Finding it hard to announce myself, as I don’t want to interrupt this moment, I stay still and quiet as I take it all in. She’s fucking gorgeous. There’s nothing about her that I would change. She’s a goddamn nightmare and a dream, all rolled in to one.

  Against my better judgement, I softly say her name. “China.”

  Jumping up so fast, she hits her head on the umbrella, and gives me a full frontal naked view.

  “Holy shit, Officer!” As she rubs the top of her head, her tits bounce gently in the sun, and I can’t help but to smile.

  “Getting a good view, sir?” Standing still, she doesn’t turn, doesn’t put on a top, and doesn’t make a move to cover herself. It’s a bit of a Mexican standoff, as I don’t want to look away, and she doesn’t want to let me know it affects her, even as the color is rising in her cheeks.

  “Hey, perv. Wanna turn the fuck around?” I don’t act like her nakedness shocks me, because it doesn’t. To be honest, I’m stunned by her beauty.

  “As a matter of fact, I don’t. You’re gorgeous. Do you know that? Fuck, of course you know that. From the age of two, you’ve probably been told you’re beautiful.”

  “Well, I am a bit shocked that you haven’t rushed to assist as the blood pours down my hair, but by all means, keep looking at my tits, please.” Pulling my gaze away, I see that indeed blood is dripping from her hair.

  “Shit.” Rushing to grab up the towel, I knock her drink over, soaking her book. I feel like a disaster.

  �
�Fuck, you’re a mess, aren’t you?” Cussing, she picks up the book. Shaking it a few times before wiping away the liquid as best she can, her naked skin is hard to ignore.

  “Here, let me help,” I say, picking up the towel. Pouring a bit of water onto the cloth, I pat it just above her temple where the blood mars her dark hair. I’m a total fucking clod.

  I tried to act chivalrous, but instead, I screwed up. “Fuck. I’m sorry,” I say quietly. “I’m not a natural disaster normally. I’m actually a pretty decent guy.”

  “Well, my head and my book happen to disagree with you at the moment.” Pulling the towel away from her head, she bends down. Scooping up her bandeau top, she clips it into place, essentially covering those scrumptious tits. I have a hard time pulling my gaze away. “Are you going to tell me why you came looking for me? I mean, not that a bit of excitement isn’t needed in the latest round of monotony, but it’s been ten days of us clearly avoiding each other.”

  “I need to go to the city for a few things, and of course, you are my plus one everywhere I go. So I kind of need you.”

  After putting the chair away, she gathers her sodden book and the now empty cup, as I gather up the towel and umbrella. “And where, pre-tell, will we be going on this grand adventure?”

  “Somewhere you’ll probably be very disenchanted with, but nonetheless, I’ve been wanting to go for a few days.”

  “Do I have enough time to shower? Or should I just toss something on?” She asks almost sweetly.

  “I’m sure a girly shower would be a bit long. The place closes in a few hours. I have doubts about you being a five-minute girl.”

  “Oh, I’m definitely not a five-minute girl, but that’s a different story altogether.”

  “Fuck me,” I mutter.

  “Not right now, but maybe later if you ask nicely,” she quips off, throwing me for a loop once more. Resigning myself to the fact that she’s going to always have a quick comment to put me on my toes, I ignore her and motion for her to lead the way back up.

  It’s a slow plod along at a comfortable pace in flip flops up the winding trail. She doesn’t turn to ask further questions, and I’m having the hardest time not looking directly at those sweet as fuck ass cheeks that are right in my line of sight. I’m doing my best to concentrate on the path ahead. The last thing I need to do now is trip, fall forward, and land on my face, right into her posterior.

  CHINA

  I switch from staring out the window at the traffic, to stealing quick glances at his profile. He’s fucking gorgeous, but fucking clueless about it. He’s pretty, but in a rugged way. He’s a damn train wreck of destruction every time we’re in each other’s vicinity, and I find myself being a sarcastic and snappy witch as I try to garner a rise out of him, but it’s entertaining.

  Every time he’s on edge and wishing to say something, I poke the bear a bit further, hoping to see his true colors shine through. I’m expecting a temper, an asshole comment, or just a smarmy remark that deters me. But nope. He’s perfect. He’s nice, and it makes me laugh inside every time he mutters a curse about how I’m killing him, or fuck me, or even a, you’ll be the death of me.

  “So, you gonna tell me where we’re going, big guy, or what?” I ask.

  “Well first, we have to pick up my other car, then we’re going to a place in the Valley, a place called Creaper’s Gear. I doubt you’ve stepped foot in that part of town, so this should be a culture shock, sweetie.”

  He figures I’m a true princess, living in my ivory tower where I have money, and everything I could want. He’ll be the surprised one. The culture shock will be his, not mine.

  “You’re right, I don’t venture to the Valley much.” I raise my voice, sounding like a scared, silly girl. “I’ll be screaming in terror by the dirty homeless and offal hanging out. How will I live without you, Officer.” He huffs at me. I’m guessing because I call him officer and not by his first name. More and more, I find I’m enjoying getting a rise out of him.

  As we turn toward Hollywood proper and into the hills, I wonder where he lives.

  “So, Officer Mason, tell me about yourself. Likes, dislikes, and stanky fetishes.”

  It earns me a deep laugh that I’m pleasantly surprised by.

  “Risen or Ri, China. Take your pick, but please stop calling me Officer Mason.”

  “Fine. RiRi—”

  “Ri or Risen, China.”

  “Fine. Let’s play twenty questions. I’ll go first because I thought it up, and you’ll answer truthfully because I said so. Ready, RiRi?”

  “China,” he says with caution.

  “Okay. Risen, I’ll be good.”

  “Give it a go then, China, ask away.” He waves me on with a nonchalant movement before signalling and switching lanes. We’re heading onto Laurel Canyon Blvd., heading to where I definitely don’t expect to be with him as my chaperone.

  “Where’d you grow up?”

  “Little spit of a place in the mountains of Montana.”

  “Montana?”

  “The one and only ma’am. My turn. What’s your favorite flower?”

  Hmm. Easy questions. “Purple poppies. When was the first time you had sex?”

  “Ten. You?”

  “Pass.” I pause, blush a bit, and say, “Next question. Was it worth it?”

  “Pass,” he says, blushing. “Have you ever had a long-term boyfriend? No one sees you with anyone.”

  “That’s because they had to pass through the gates of hell, past my overprotective brother first. Only after being anointed by him could they reach my mother. So, same question for you. Any long-term relationships? Am I interrupting a standing bumpy friend because you’ve been saddled with me?” Pursing his lips, he shakes his head as we venture further into the rolling hills of Hollywood Hills mansions.

  “Okay, my question. Favorite bike.”

  “Easy. My KRGT-1. The one you had peeled apart on the side of Crenshaw.”

  “About that, I’m sorry. I had no choice in the matter.”

  I’m curious, and my curiosity has finally killed the cat. “So why is it you didn’t have a choice, Officer?”

  “You may not have a boss, but I did. His instructions were implicit. “Arrest her, and put the paperwork on my desk in an hour or else.” Not much of a choice, China.”

  “So, you really didn’t want to.” Seeing our fun conversation going sideways, I try to pull it back to the sillier side of things. “Pets?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Do you have any pets? I always wanted one, and it was expressly forbidden in the house of Crown. Mom was allergic, and my Dad felt it was unfair for the pet. We’re never around. So, pet?”

  “You’ll see soon enough.”

  “I’m guessing it takes up the front seat?”

  “You could say that.” Pulling the car up to a gate, Risen hits a button on his dash and the gates open silently. Turning down a lane longer than mine, we pull up to a sprawling white and glass, modern piece of industrial art. I think my jaw hits the dash. I’ll clean up the drool later.

  “Nice place you have here. Rent out the back bedroom?”

  “No. Like you, I’m the product of wealthy parents.” Looking out the window as we pull up, I take in the neatly manicured front and very minimalistic look, which is not unlike so many other homes of the area, and the clean lines of it.

  “Warning,” Risen cautions. “The dog isn’t an attack dog, but he’s an overly trained idiot.”

  Smiling, I pat his hand before taking it back quickly, shocked at my own movement. “Thanks, Risen. I consider myself forewarned.”

  As we pull up, park, and disembark from the car, Risen opens the front door. Stepping inside, we’re immediately greeted by a horse. His legs flail as his gangly gait seems out of step. He stumbles, trips, and saunters up to Risen with his nub of a tail wagging back and forth furiously.

  “Moron, meet China. China, meet the moron.” With a tongue lolling out the side of his mouth, the large c
urly fro’d animal swings its back end in joy.

  “Tell me his name isn’t moron.”

  “No, it’s just what I call the disastrous idiot. It’s Harvey, but he’ll come to anything. Won’t you, you blundering idiot.” Risen pats the top of his head and strokes behind its ears a few times before telling it to be on its way. “I’ll be right back. I just need to get my other keys and open the garage. You okay here with Harvey?”

  I nod, grin, and kneel down to scratch the oversized fluff ball. “All good. Get what you need. We’ll be making friends.”

  Watching Risen head off two stairs at a time, he disappears down the hall, out of sight. Harvey stays with me until Risen disappears, scampering off in his shadow.

  Not two seconds later, Risen shouts out, “Fucking maniac! Get off the bed!” I laugh as I imagine the hulking beast taking over any space.

  While I wait for his return, I inspect the space. The house is light and airy, with tons of windows and glass. There’s modern art in every corner, first edition pictures on the walls, but no family pictures. Nothing is personalized, and nothing that denotes love and care. I’m used to this. A few of the pictures I recognize. There’s a Jackobi Mislow and a Priscot Wane. His parents really have an eye for prestigious up-and-coming artists. Those two were only introduced a few months ago at an unveiling in the MOCA.

  “My mother really has an eye for the new artists.” Sneaking up, standing so close, I feel Risen’s breath on my neck.

  “It’s beautiful. She has taste.”

  “I’d hope so. She owns the MOCA.” Tapping my shoulder, he motions for me to join him. “Come on, the shop closes soon. We need to get a move on.”

  CHINA

  The rumbling of a well-tuned muscle car is music to my ears. Leaving the Hollywood Hills in a car that’s outward attire is less fantastic than what we rode up in, I find comical. What with its peeling and chipped paint, dingy and faded black vinyl top, and obviously distressed leather seating, I feel like I’ll gain a disease from the previous inhabitants. But I’m more than excited to find out what this will become. These seats have seen years of abuse, love, sex on occasion for sure, and have come to the end of their reign. But, I can see the beauty that lies beneath, ready to be fixed up and made pretty again.