Walk of Shame Series (Books 1-6)

by Victoria Ashley

I’VE BARELY BEEN ASLEEP FOR four hours, when the alarm on my phone goes off, causing me to roll over and blindly slap at the bedside table for it.

  By the time I get my phone in my hand, I hear Colt throwing things at his bedroom wall, yelling at me to shut the damn thing up before he chokes me.

  I get pleasure in his misery, so I lay back and smirk, allowing my alarm to go off in my hand a few more times, before finally shutting it off.

  He’s part of the reason I couldn’t fall asleep last night, thanks to him coming home drunk and horny, fucking Harper against every surface in this damn house.

  The other reason was that I couldn’t stop thinking about tonight and seeing Eden, but shit, Colt made it worse.

  He knows more than anyone that I have a schedule in the morning I’ve been keeping up with for the last six months. Every Monday and sometimes on Friday.

  I haven’t broken it yet and I don’t plan to now, not even if I didn’t sleep for dick and my whole body aches from my performance last night.

  “You have no idea how much I hate your ass right now.” Colt appears in my doorway, half-naked, running a hand over his sleepy face. “It’s like seven. Don’t you ever sleep? Shit.”

  I jump up and reach for the closest pair of jeans and slip them on with a smile. “Nah, I have somewhere to be. Someone’s depending on me. Sleep can wait.”

  Colt closes his eyes and falls against the wall with a grunt. “I don’t know how the fuck you do it, man,” he says through a yawn. “I’m going back to bed. I don’t plan on waking up before seven tonight so have fun doing whatever the fuck it is you do this early.”

  “Good. You’re going to need the energy tonight because I’m getting off early. It’ll just be you and Myles for the last half of the night.”

  “Whatever. More money for my ass. Myles can’t keep up for shit.”

  “Better teach his ass to then. He needs to prove himself before Cale replaces him.”

  “Yeah. Yeah. I’ll work with him.”

  “Better work hard because if he has to bring Styx back, he’ll be enough to replace you both. I don’t think you want that.”

  “Hell no I don’t. I’m not losing my job over Myles. I got him in so I’ll do what I have to do to keep him in.”

  After Colt disappears, I throw on a t-shirt and my favorite hoodie, before rushing out the door and jumping into my truck.

  I’m already five minutes behind schedule at this point, so I take the fastest route to the diner and place my usual order, before rushing out the door.

  A satisfied smile takes over as I pull into my sister’s driveway five minutes before eight and throw my truck into park.

  “Shit, I’m getting good at this little routine.”

  Jogging up to the front door, I hold the plastic bags with one hand and reach for my sister’s key, pushing the door open.

  It’s quiet, so I walk in and set the bags down on the counter, pulling out the Styrofoam containers and letting the smell of breakfast wake them up.

  Just as expected, Alec comes rushing into the kitchen jumping with excitement when he sees me fixing him a plate of blueberry pancakes and fruit. “You brought me pancakes again! I must be good. I know I been. Hannah and my mommy says so.”

  “Good job.” I laugh and walk over to the fridge to pour him a glass of milk. “I can’t miss bringing you pancakes, lil man? Plus, I heard you have a new video game to show me so I got here as quickly as I could. Didn’t want to wait until Monday.”

  He nods his head with excitement and quickly pulls out a chair at the table, pumped up as he bounces in his seat. “I do! I’ll eat really fast so we can play. It’s so cool!”

  His eagerness to show me has me lighting up as I set his food down in front of him and start the pot of coffee for my little sister.

  “Where’s Hannah? Is she still being a sleepyhead?”

  Alec throws his head back and laughs. “Yes. She’s a big sleepyhead. Sleepyhead Hannah.”

  “She always has been but you know what?” I say softly, bending down close to him.

  “What,” he questions in a loud whisper, while sitting up straight.

  “I bet if I ate her pancakes that she’d wake right up and tackle me.”

  Making as much noise as possible, I dig into the second plastic bag and pull out my sister’s food.

  Alec’s laughter only makes it that much louder. I have no doubt, she’ll appear in the kitchen in three, two . . .

  “Don’t you dare touch my food, Hunter Kash Knight.” Hannah grumbles, while making her way over to get some coffee. “I only just fell back asleep after Alec getting dropped off. I’m not sure if I should hug you or strangle you on this lovely Friday morning.”

  “If I told you I brought you corned beef hash, would you settle for hugging me? I’m still a little sore. You might be able to take me right now.”

  Her eyes get wide with excitement as she rushes over to the table and reaches to open her food. “You brought me corned beef hash? Oh how I love my big brother.”

  I shake my head. “Nah, they were out.”

  “Jerk.” She opens the Styrofoam and looks around before pushing my shoulder. “Not cool.”

  “I’m the only jerk that’ll bring you pancakes every week though. Remember that, little sister.”

  She rolls her eyes. “And I suppose I love you for it. Still tired and annoyed but I guess you’re pretty awesome.”

  “I know,” I say with a smirk, before looking over to see Alec’s plate almost completely empty. “Whoa, little guy. Take it easy before you give yourself a stomach ache like last week.”

  He shoves the last bite of pancake into his mouth and jumps up with a quickness, his face a sticky mess. “I’m done! I’m done, Hunter! Come on so we can play! Hurry . . .”

  Before I can respond, he’s grabbing my hand and dragging me into the living room to play his new video game.

  Although Alec usually plays on his DS, Hannah told me she bought a Wii U to make it easier for them to play together.

  “Whoa, LEGO Star Wars. I’ve been wanting to try this game, buddy. You any good?”

  He nods his head and jumps down in front of the couch, gripping the controller.

  The excitement in his little green eyes has me smiling so big that it hurts. I’m not gonna lie, this little guy can make any shit day seem better. Makes me wish I could stop in and hang out with him every morning.

  Since my sister’s been babysitting him, I’ve watched myself change a lot. Alec makes me want a family of my own and that’s something that hadn’t crossed my mind until he started coming around.

  Makes my life seem so damn incomplete.

  After an hour of playing with Alec, I set the controller down and stand up, knowing I need to hurry and get to the warehouse to meet the guys. “It’s time for me to go, lil’ man. I have work to do this morning and I’m already late.”

  “Do you have to?”

  “Yeah, it’s part of being a grownup. Adulting isn’t any fun, so stay a kid as long as you can. Okay?”

  He nods his head and laughs. “Okay. I’ll do my best.”

  “Sounds like a plan, lil’ man.” I nod my head toward the door. “Come on. I can be a few more minutes late. Only for my best little bud though so don’t go telling Hannah.”

  “I won’t! I promise.”

  Just like every visit, Alec rushes past me to get outside and to my truck. He loves sitting in it, so I always let him pretend to drive me around for a few minutes before I leave.

  Once I get outside, he’s already standing by my huge truck, waiting on me. I boost him up into the driver seat and close the door, before jogging over to the passenger side and getting in.

  “Don’t drive too fast, bud.” I laugh as he turns the wheel to the left, making really loud sound effects. “Whoa! Watch out.”

  “Don’t worry,” he says. “I turned just in time.”

  I almost lose track of time, until Hannah comes out and opens the driver side door. “Alright,
buddy. Let’s get you cleaned up and dressed.”

  “Oh man . . .” He throws out his bottom lip. “I want to drive some more. Can I?”

  “Sorry.” I rub his little head, messing up his hair, before jumping out of the truck to lift him out. “I’ve gotta get going.” Kneeling down in front of him, I pull a baseball out of my hoodie and hand it to him. “How about next week we play a little ball? It’s been a while.”

  “You got me a new baseball?” He smiles, while looking it over with big eyes. “I like it!”

  “I knew you would. Now why don’t you run in and get cleaned up for Hannah. You gotta do that first before you play your game again. Okay?”

  He nods. “Okay! I’ll get nice and cleaned up for Hannah.”

  Hannah smiles as Alec rushes off into the house in a hurry to get cleaned up. “One day, you’re going to make a good as shit dad.”

  I smile, while jumping into my truck, and closing the door behind me. “That’s my goal, Hannah Lou Knight.”

  “Ugh! Don’t ever call me by my full name again. I still have no idea what our parents were thinking when they named us.”

  “Hey, speak for yourself. My name is pretty badass.”

  “Yeah, alright Kash.” She rolls her eyes. “Don’t you have someplace to be?” A small cocky smile forms on her lips. “Tell Abe hi for me.”

  I shift the truck into reverse and laugh. “His ass still whines and cries over you dumping him last year. Maybe you should stop having me say hi for you. Yeah?”

  “That’s what he gets for being a dumbass. So no, I won’t stop saying hi. I’ll say hi every single day just to remind him what he lost. Let him suffer. Keeps me sane.”

  I shake my head, amused by my little sister as usual. “I’m out of here. Call me if you need anything.”

  “Yup! Will do, big brother.”

  By the time I make it to the warehouse for training, Abe and Calvin are sitting outside the door, looking wide awake and ready to work.

  I can’t help but to smile at the fact that the guys are taking this shit more seriously now.

  Too bad I have to ruin poor Abe’s day with this . . .

  “Hannah says hi.”

  “Oh come on,” Abe whines, while tossing down his cigarette and stomping it out. “Why does your sister insist on ripping my heart out every damn day? It’s been like seven months now and that shit still kills me.”

  Calvin laughs and slaps his back. “Because you were the dumbass that forced her to break up with you because you weren’t ready for a commitment. Sucks being an immature guy that doesn’t know what he wants, until it’s gone doesn’t it?”

  “Hell yeah, it does.”

  We all laugh at Abe’s misfortune as we make our way inside and begin setting up for the day.

  There’s no denying the fact that it’s going to be a long ass day and night, between training and dancing, but luckily, it’s starting out good so far.

  I just hope like hell it can stay this way until my time with Eden is over tonight.

  We’re here for about two hours when my phone goes off in my pocket, distracting me.

  Closing my eyes, I take a few deep breaths and release them before swinging at the heavy bag in front of me one last time, then walking away to grab for my water.

  After I catch my breath, I lean against the wall and pull out my phone, happy as hell when I see Eden’s name across the screen.

  Eden: I don’t know what it is but ever since you came into my room that night, no one has been showing me their balls. Do I have you to thank?

  I find myself laughing at our conversation that night. One of the first things she did was thank me for not showing her my balls. You won’t get that from many women.

  Kash: I might’ve asked Riley to pass on a message to anyone working the front desk. There’s now a ‘no balls’ rule. Any guy that comes in has to sign a form.

  Eden: I guess I should admit how great you are? Thanks for making my day. My eyes have never been happier.

  Kash: Admitting how great I am would make my day. Then we can be even . . .

  Eden: You’re amazing! Gotta go.

  I stand here and stare at my phone, smiling like a dumbass, until Abe pulls me out of it.

  “Stop daydreaming little a girl and let’s train.”

  I barely know this woman and she’s already got me all wrapped up in her. Now, I need to work on getting her all wrapped up in me . . .

  Eden

  MY DAD PICKED UP ALEC thirty minutes ago, and I’ve been running around the house like a crazy person in attempt to clean it up ever since.

  Not that I intend to invite Kash in–it’s definitely too soon for that–but it’s the first time in weeks that I’ve had a few moments to get some work done, without Alec zooming around the house like a madman, wanting me to play with him.

  I love that kid with everything in me, he’s the very reason I breathe, but I’ve never met a messier or more energetic child in my life.

  He definitely takes after his father when it comes to both of those qualities and needless to say, it’s exhausting sometimes.

  I have to admit that the idea of Kash taking me out tonight–and wanting to take care of me–sounds like a dream come true right now.

  I’m so used to taking care of everyone in my life, and putting myself last, that maybe he’s right. I deserve just one night to have someone else take care of me for once.

  Maybe I just want a chance to know what that feels like and I have a feeling that Kash is the perfect guy for just that.

  I’m lost in my thoughts, just getting ready to bend down and pick up a stray sock, when the living room door opens to someone letting themselves inside.

  My chest immediately tightens with stress, because I know without a doubt that it’s Knight letting himself inside, without permission, as usual.

  Out of all the nights he chooses to randomly stop in and most likely cause trouble, why tonight?

  Damn you, Knight for ruining everything.

  “Alec,” he yells, while walking through the living room. “Come here, buddy. I got you something.”

  Shaking my head, I step into the living room and watch as he drops his jacket on the couch. “He’s not here. And can you please start knocking? You don’t live here anymore. Remember?”

  Just as I think he’s about to yell at me for Alec not being here, he tosses a small package onto the couch and pulls some flowers out from behind his back.

  My stomach instantly twists into knots as his sad eyes meet mine. I automatically know where this is headed. He’s good at playing people and making them feel bad for him.

  Well not me. Not anymore.

  “What are you doing?” Not wanting to deal with the little breakdown that I know is coming, I back up and run my hands over my face. “I can’t do this again. Not tonight, Knight. Please don’t.”

  He flashes me that smile that I once found charming and holds the flower arrangement out to me. “Come on, Eden. Don’t you stand there and fucking tell me you don’t miss me, baby? We both know that’s a big lie.”

  When I still refuse to grab for the flowers, he finally sets them down on the counter himself, before walking over to stand behind me.

  My body stiffens from the feel of his arms wrapping around me from behind. Nothing about this feels right or good. “I didn’t like seeing you with another man, Eden,” he whispers against my ear. “You’ve been mine since high school. You’re still mine. Never forget that.”

  “No . . . No, I’m not.” With force, I break my way out of his arms and point at the door. “I’m not doing this with you. Leave. Please, just leave.”

  “Come on . . .” Not giving up, he comes back at me, pulling me into his huge arms again. The feel of his lips against my neck has me feeling sick. Who knows how many women those lips have been on. “Alec isn’t here. It’s just the two of us so stop putting on that tough show and pretending you don’t still think about me.”

  “Knight . . .” I grip his a
rm and pull it down as he reaches up to grip my breasts. I hate the feeling of him touching me sexually. Makes me want to throw up. “It’s not a damn show, asshole. I don’t want you anymore so stop.”

  “What the fuck!” he screams, while pushing me away from him. “Who was that guy at the club then? Are you fucking him? Don’t fucking lie to me either because you know I’ll find out the truth.”

  “He hasn’t been around Alec and that’s all you need to know. The rest isn’t your damn business.” I point at the door again, making it as clearly as I can that I want him gone. “Now go. Now.”

  “Have you fucked him?” he questions again. “I’m not leaving until you answer my damn question and we both know it.”

  “No! I’m not sleeping with anyone. Now go.”

  “Fine.” He smirks, going back to the cocky asshole I’ve learned to hate so much. “I have shit to do anyway, but don’t think for one second that I won’t be back for you and Alec. You’re still my family. This new guy has another thing coming if he thinks he can steal you guys from me.”

  “Just go,” I growl out. “Right now. Get out.”

  Relief washes through me as he turns around and leaves, without further argument.

  With him, you never know what to expect.

  If he’s in a certain mood, then nothing you can say or do can get him to go away, but luckily, he probably has one of his sluts waiting on him.

  I mean, what is Knight without his group of desperate women up his ass, looking to get laid by a somewhat known fighter?

  This is not the night to deal with this mess.

  Knight is the last person I want around tonight, before seeing Kash. Not to mention that he should be here any second now for our date and they could’ve bumped into each other.

  Having them here at the same time would’ve been bad news for sure.

  After seeing what they’re both capable of, with no one here to stop them, who knows what could’ve went down.

  Just as I get a second to catch my breath and recover from Knight’s little unexpected visit, the sound of Kash pulling into the driveway has my stomach filling up with butterflies.

  I need this date more than ever now. Anything to get the bad taste of Knight out of my mouth and to forget about him touching me.