by BL Mute
“I know you’re up, Monkshood.”
His voice startles me from my perpetual stare. I step further into the bathroom and walk in front of him. Blood drips from his hair, down his forehead and neck.
I raise my hand carefully and run my fingers through his hair, coating them in blood. “Are you hurt?” I feel around gently, seeing if there is a cause.
He grabs my wrist and lowers it from his face. “It isn’t mine.”
I nod and look into his eyes. “What happened?”
“I didn’t kill him” is all he says, before unbuttoning his jeans and sliding them down, letting them fall into the pile with his bloody shirt and gloves.
“What did you do?” I whisper, looking at his naked body.
He stands tall in front of me with confidence painted all over his face. “I did what had to be done.”
I give him a weak nod, then walk to the shower and turn the knobs, letting the steam thicken and engulf the silence. If he doesn’t want to talk about it, I won’t push him.
Teddy comes behind me and wraps his arms around my stomach, resting his head on my back. I can feel dampness seep through my shirt, and immediately, wetness starts to pool between my legs. I shouldn’t want him this way—this isn’t my Teddy, but who am I kidding? He is mine. All of the perfect, sweet, and beautiful parts, along with all of the dark, vicious, and ugly parts.
I turn in his hold and look into his eyes. With hesitation, he pushes his lips to mine, almost like he’s testing the waters to see if I pull away. I inhale deeply with my lips locked to his and bring my hands to his head, pushing them through his hair and gripping him tightly.
With my actions, the ravenous beast is released. His hands find my hips, and he hoists me up, twirling so my back is to the doorway again. He takes a few steps while still kissing me, and sets me in front of the counter, then, in a quick movement, he breaks from me and rips my shirt from my body. I fidget with the button of my jeans, failing to get them off with shaky hands.
As much as I want this, Teddy covered in blood is a sight I’ve never seen. It sends my heart almost beating out of my chest and my body shivering. I’m not sure if it’s from fear or lust.
Teddy takes over and grabs each side of my jeans and pulls them hard. My button goes flying as he continues to tear my jeans until they’re completely open. I step out of them. He runs his hands up my hips, to my ribs, until his hands cup each of my breasts. My nipples pebble at his touch, sending small jolts of electricity through me, and I realize this is most definitely lust.
I move my hands and trace the path his hands followed up my body, leaving a trail of blood, until they meet. I rest them on top of his. He squeezes me and I moan, letting my head fall back and my back arch with anticipation.
“You’ve never been so beautiful,” he muses before turning my body to face the mirror.
His hands run up and down my sides, his thumbs hooking into the waist of my panties. Slowly he pulls them down as I look at myself in the mirror. Blood stains my entire midsection and lingers on his hands.
I can feel his hard, throbbing dick press into my ass as he stands back behind me. He dives his hand into my hair, pulling all of it, and jerks my head back, exposing my throat. “You’re going to watch me fuck you,” he says, leaning his head to my neck, tracing his teeth over the sensitive skin. “And you’re going to like it.”
I shudder with his words and prepare myself for what’s to come. I grip the counter and moan softly, inviting him into me, using my body to tell him I’m ready.
He thrusts into me with abandon, and I scream. Over and over he slices through me, rougher than the times before. “Fuck,” I hiss, finding my release, and it only fuels him.
He pulls out of me and flips me again, placing his hands on my shoulders and pushing me to my knees. “Open,” he demands.
I do as he says and take his entire length into my mouth. I massage my tongue over his dick, smiling when he shakes. I grab his thighs and pull him into me further, gagging and drooling every time he flexes. His eyes stay locked onto mine as he fucks my face.
Once my throat is sore and my body shakes from the small fragments left of my orgasm leaving me, he cums in my mouth. Before I can make any move, he tears out of me and squats in front of me. He grips my chin softly with his thumb and pointer, then lays a soft kiss on the corner of my mouth. “Swallow,” he grunts.
And I do. His sweet release coats the inside of my mouth and all the way down my throat. Once every drop is gone, I lick my lips and look back to him.
“Good girl.” He pets my hair and wipes the tears from under my eyes before standing me up, walking me to the shower, and cleansing my body.
Teddy places soft kisses over my face. “Good morning, my love.” I stir under his touch. “I have clothes in the bathroom for you. Get dressed. My brother is coming for the key.”
I wipe the sleep from my eyes, then look to him. “Do you really think we can trust him?”
He smiles. “For now.”
I nod and stand from the bed, stretching my body before pulling the dress and heels on. We both exit the room and start toward the front door. Halfway down the hall, I hear a door behind us open. I stop and turn. Dr. Kelly emerges from the room I was first put in on my arrival here. He has his old leather bag clutched to his chest as he quietly closes the door behind him.
“What are you doing here?” I question.
He smiles at me and wipes the sweat beading on his forehead away. “Hello, Charlotte.”
“Is he alive?” Teddy asks, never giving the doctor time to answer me.
Dr. Kelly nods. “He’s stable. You did a number on his hands, and his knees will need to be replaced. I don’t see him walking anytime in his future.”
I catch Teddy’s smile from the corner of my eye.
“He’s as patched up as I can get him here without my major equipment. I’m not sure how long he’ll last being moved, but if you wish, it should be done soon. Between the blood loss and pain, I’m surprised he hasn’t slipped into a coma.”
“Who?” I ask, turning to Teddy.
“Hugo. He’s basically a Moreno and works for the cartel. He’s the one who was sneaking into the warehouse last night.”
I remember hearing his name from Emil the night at the club, but I never thought to ask who he was. If he’s working for the cartel, then maybe he has information on my dad’s murder. “Did you ask him about my dad?”
Teddy shakes his head. “He’s useless, Monkshood. He won’t talk, but don’t worry. I’m sending him back with a message.”
“How are you supposed to send him with a message if he’s in such bad shape?”
Teddy chuckles. “That’s the message. They will know who fucked him up, and hopefully try and retaliate. I want to lure their leader out and end this fucked-up game of back-and-forth.”
I nod, then turn back to Dr. Kelly. “It was nice seeing you again, Doctor.”
He smiles and pulls me into a side hug. “You too, kid. Stay out of trouble.” I return his smile as he walks to the front door and exits, passing Emil as he goes.
Emil glides across the floor and meets Teddy and me in the hallway. “My locksmith is ready. Do you have the key?”
Teddy stuffs his hand into his pocket, then pulls it out. “I want you to get the information to Charlie as soon as possible.”
He gives Teddy a curt nod. “Great. I’ll give you a call when I know something.”
He turns to walk away, but Teddy stops him with a hand on his shoulder. “No, you will call her. This is her key along with whatever answers come with it. Understand?”
He shrugs out of Teddy’s hold. “Si, misma sangre.” Same blood.
It’s odd the way he worded his reply. Most people would have said brother. It’s like he has no regard for Teddy other than the fact they share the same blood but nothing else. I can tell in the way he looks at him that something is off, that he doesn’t like him.
Teddy’s lip curls into a wicked
smile as he nods. I think he’s picking up the same things I am.
Emil exits quickly, letting the door close loudly behind him. I turn to Teddy. “He doesn’t like you.”
He shakes his head. “No, he doesn’t. He was raised to hate anyone other than his own family, the Garcia family, but because we share a mother, he feels obligated to help me. Honestly, I feel it’s only a matter of time before he turns on me. He only keeps me around because I’m better to have as a friend than an enemy.”
“So, what happens when he turns on you?”
He lets out a low, slow chuckle and kisses the top of my head. “I kill him.”
It’s been over two weeks since we went and saw Omar, and still nothing has come of it other than Hugo trying to break into the warehouse. Teddy sent him on his way with more broken bones than he had before, and a few less fingers, hoping it would get a rise out of the cartel, but it didn’t—not yet at least.
“I need you to do the bank run alone, Monkshood.”
I roll and look to the bathroom doorway. Teddy is sliding his belt through their loops, while his naked chest glistens with sweat. It’s hard to look away, but all we’ve done is lie in bed and fuck for weeks, it seems.
I roll my eyes. “Fine. I’ll take Luke and you can have Jules.”
He nods, slipping his arms into a crisp black button-up. “Everything is already in the car.”
“What are you doing that you can’t come with me?” I feel like a broken record at this point because that’s the same question I’ve asked a million times. Either I’ve been sent to do small errands alone or sat inside while Teddy disappears with some bullshit explanation. I feel he’s hiding something from me, but I don’t want to keep scratching until he explodes. I know shit is tense right now.
Teddy’s face morphs into stone, and I know he’s about to feed me another lie. “We are trying to keep the supply moving so no one has a chance to take it. Ever since Hugo, I don’t want to take any chances. That was too close.”
“Bring it all here, then. Why waste so much time moving it around when it can come here and always be watched? Someone is always here.”
He tips his head to the side like he’s thinking about it for a second. “I never do that kind of business in my home.”
“Well—” I raise from the bed and slip on yesterday’s dress and heels. “—maybe it’s time to break some of your own rules.” I walk to the dresser and snatch his keys, then leave the room without another word.
Walking into the hallway, I yell for Lucas. “Come on, Luke!”
Lucas steps out of his door and comes to my side. “What’s up?”
“We have to do a bank run. You’re with me today.”
He nods and steps in front of me, making his way to the front of the house. I follow behind him, stepping out the door as he opens it. He looks around, then back to me. “Where’s Carl?”
I flash him a smile before tossing him the keys to Teddy’s Challenger. “You’re driving today. Just don’t kill me.”
After getting into the car, I notice the same black duffle bag that always sits in the passenger seat. As Lucas starts down the driveway, I open it and look through the contents. Stacks of cash, which is normal, stare back at me, but the corner of a white envelope peeking from under them catches my attention.
I pull it out and hold it up to the sun. “What is this?”
Lucas bounces his eyes from the road to me. “Just a normal expense report for Eden. She handles all of our taxes so everything stays legit, or at least looks that way.”
Not on one of the many bank runs I’ve done has there ever been anything but cash and the occasional disassembled rifle, but I don’t question any further. I know something is up, and I tend to get to the bottom of it alone since everyone is clearly pushing me out of the loop.
We ride the rest of the way in silence, never breathing another word. When we pull up to the bank, I grab the bag and open the door, not waiting for Lucas to follow.
As soon as I push through the big glass doors, Eden is by my side. “Hello, Mrs. Hale. Another drop?”
Before I can answer her, I see a man walking out of the door tucked into the corner where the safety deposit boxes hide. Something about the way he moves puts me on high alert. His dark hair stands slightly spiked on top of his head, while his arms stay locked to his sides with balled fists. He walks with the grace of a snake getting ready to attack its next meal. As he glides over the shiny floor, another man exits the door and my jaw drops.
Cameron sprints to catch up to the man, then leans in close, whispering in his ear. I turn to leave the same way I came in, but I’m met with a hard chest. I drop the duffle bag, letting it send out a thud into the lobby. Trying to steady myself, I grab the person in front of me and look up.
Lucas stares down on me with question in his eyes. “What are you doing?”
I turn quickly and pick up the bag. “We can’t be here. Do you see who that is?” As I point to where the man and Cameron were standing, I lock eyes with him.
He tilts his head and looks at me with big eyes like he’s surprised to see me. I know Sloan has been working with the Hales, but Cameron hasn’t. If word gets out I’m with them and making moves, everything I’ve worked so hard to figure out up until this point, even if it’s not a lot, may be for nothing.
Cameron is, and always will be, one of the nosiest people in Northridge Heights. I know it comes with his job, but he’s always taken shit to another level. If he figures out what I’m doing, I fear he will stomp over all the leads before I can even get them. One thing about this town is most people don’t want to associate with cops or their families, but if you have something to offer them, they’ll speak. I have nothing to offer, while Cameron has a lot. He has a pull no one else does. He has the law enforcement behind him one hundred percent. Threats to be locked up always get people talking.
I break my eyes from him and scream in my head. It’s too late. He saw me, and he saw me with Lucas. There is no denying I’m running around with the Hales.
I plaster on the fake smile I’m so used to using with him and hike the bag’s strap back over my shoulder as he approaches.
“Charlie.” He grins and leans in, pecking my cheek.
Before I can make a smart-ass comment, Lucas squeezes his body in front of mine. “Can I help you, pig?”
Cameron backs away holding his hands up. “Chill, dude. She’s a friend.”
When he says friend, my skin crawls. Cameron is no friend of mine. Being forced to hang out with him when I was younger and put up with his arrogant, self-entitled, perverted ways did nothing but make me hate him. I only play nice for the sake of my dad, but he isn’t here now, and we are grown. Cameron can go to hell for all I care.
Lucas chuckles and pulls me by my arm before wrapping his around my shoulder. “Not anymore.”
He leads me away from Cameron and to the door I’ve walked through a million times while Eden follows.
Once the door closes behind us, Eden hands me the key. I open the lock box and step in. Grabbing all the stacks of cash, I arrange them along the wall. Once everything is in its place, I take the envelope and hand it to Eden.
She takes it and flips it in her hand. “What’s this?”
“The expense reports. I’m assuming everything for the club and all the details about the money we loan out.”
I wait for her to give me any sign that she has no clue what I’m talking about, but I have to admit, she’s good. One look to Lucas and she knows to play along.
“Oh, of course! I’ll handle this.”
We all step out of the room, and I lock it. Handing the key back to Eden, she hurries away and out the door. I look to Lucas and raise a brow, waiting for him to tell me anything about what’s going on. He just shrugs and walks in front of me.
He opens the door leading back to the lobby and peeks his head out, I’m assuming looking for Cameron. When the coast is clear, he waves me forward. As I step out of the door, he gl
ues himself to my side and leans down to my ear. “Boss isn’t going to like that he touched you.”
I roll my eyes and push through the exit. “Yeah? Well, maybe he should have been the one coming with me instead, then.”
I leave Lucas behind me and rush to the car. I’ve tried not to let Teddy being so absent get to me, but it has. I can feel in my bones something is going on, and I don’t like it. If everyone wants to keep playing games, then I can play them too.
I slip into the car and slam the door, letting my mind wander all of the possibilities of what the fuck is going on. If they won’t give me answers, I’ll find them on my own.
Charlie busts through the door with Lucas strolling slowly behind her. Her face is a shade redder than normal, and I can see steam practically shooting from her ears.
She goes to walk past me, but I reach out and catch her arm. “What’s wrong?”
She jerks away from me and stomps up the stairs. I look to Lucas, who is standing motionless by the door with his hands in his pockets. “What happened?”
He shrugs. “We ran into that cop at the bank. He was with some guy I’ve never seen.”
My heart skips a beat. “What did he look like?”
Lucas laughs. “Like a fucking beanpole. Tall and skinny.”
I don’t need any more of an explanation because I already know who he is. The past few weeks I’ve had Emil watching his side of town closer than normal, and I’ve been doing the same. Every time I’ve gone to move our supply, or he has been out doing any sort of business, we’ve seen him. Maybe not every time, but a good fifty percent of the time. Sometimes he’s walking a dog down the street or pumping gas at a station we pass, but regardless, seeing him so much isn’t a coincidence.