Slade Read online

  I wrinkle my forehead in shock and anger at him being so outspoken and straight forward.

  Seriously!

  Taking the only thing I can think of in my outburst of anger, I toss my phone at his head; better that than my favorite heels. He dodges just in time and leans against the couch. The muscles in his arms and stomach flex as he holds the bottle up and takes another swig. “You’re a real piece of fucking work. Do you know that?”

  “So I’ve been told,” he says stiffly. “You haven’t seen anything yet. The next time you’re ready to inflict pain, you better be ready to follow through. I’ll show you what a real fucking piece of work I am, then.”

  “You asshole! I will . . .” Bending over, I reach for my high heel and almost fall over. Cale reaches for my arm and steadies me. We’ll see what he says when I stab him with my stiletto.

  “Whoa, whoa.” He turns to Slade and gives him the nastiest look I’ve ever seen on Cale’s pretty face. “Dude, I fucking told you to leave her alone. If she kicks your ass, that’s on you. Then, I’ll kick your ass just for pissing her off.”

  I feel my nostrils flare in anger as I find myself checking out Slade’s sexy body. His faded jeans are fitted and hanging low on his slender waist. I swear I could kill him just for being so sexy. That asshole.

  “All right. Your loss, Pen.”

  Without glancing back, he heads for the stairs and I watch in utter shock as he holds my phone up, smiles and tosses it to me. “You’re going to make hating you easy,” I growl. “And don’t call me Pen, man whore.”

  “I’ve heard worse,” he says calmly. “Oh and I texted your friend Kayla and asked her to join me tonight.”

  That prick!

  Pulling my eyes from his muscular back, I turn to Cale and growl. Yes, I fucking growled. I am so pissed, I could scream at poor Cale.

  “I’m sorry. I’ll get his ass in check by the morning.” Leading me toward the back of the house, he rubs my shoulders and kisses the top of my head. “You can take my room. I cleaned the sheets for you last night. I’ll sleep on the couch so you don’t get mauled like a bear in your sleep.”

  Thankful, I exhale and give his muscular frame a hug. I would kiss him if it wouldn’t be so weird. “Thanks. I appreciate that. I hope there’s a lock on the door now.” I look at him with a raised eyebrow, remembering the image of me walking in on him getting sucked off by some girl once. That was awkward.

  Laughing, he pushes me into the room and starts closing the door as he takes a step back. “Don’t worry, he won’t come into my room. He’s just being an ass because he’s used to all the girls wanting him. I’ll keep my eye on him.” He rubs his chest and yawns. “I’m crashing.”

  “Goodnight,” I mumble.

  As soon as Cale is out of the room, I clutch my phone in my hand and scroll through my text messages. I take a deep breath and exhale when I see that he was lying about texting Kayla. For some reason that pissed me off. The thought of him having sex with her is not something I want to picture.

  I strip down to my panties and bra and make a quick phone call while hopping into Cale’s bed.

  The phone rings a few times and just when I think it’s about to go to voicemail, he picks up.

  “Hello,” Jay yells into the phone. I can barely hear him over the loud music. My heart sinks just knowing what he’s up to.

  “Jay, are you busy?” I ask with a sigh.

  It takes a second before he answers and all I can make out is a female giggling. “Yeah, Aspen. I’m a little busy right now.”

  I don’t say anything for a few seconds. I just listen to his heavy breathing and the sound of her whispering and then giggling. I feel like puking.

  “All right. I just wanted to say goodnight.” I grind my jaw, trying my best not to cry.

  “Okay, goodnight. I’ll try to talk to you tomorrow night. Right now is just bad timing. You should really be sleeping by now.”

  “Yeah.” I sigh. “You’re right. I am pretty tired. Talk to you later.”

  Pulling the phone away from my ear, I hit the end button and curl myself into Cale’s nice warm blankets. What I wouldn’t give to be wrapped up in someone’s arms right now. I make myself sick just for wanting it. I just really need an escape from myself right now.

  What a shitty night.

  Chapter Five

  Slade

  Sitting on the edge of my bed, I run my hands over my face and close my eyes. I didn’t sleep for shit as usual and I have a headache from hell. I’ve been sitting here, awake for the last two hours, but I can’t seem to bring myself to move from this spot. It’s eating at me deep today. The pain; it’s fucking killing me. Some days are harder than others and I really need to work to get my shit in check.

  I let out a deep breath and slip on a pair of my boxer briefs before making my way down the hallway and downstairs. The house is still dark and I can hear Cale snoring from the couch. I’m not surprised, because I’m always the first one up. Like I said, I’m not much of a sleeper. It’s the one thing that comes difficult for me.

  After slamming back a glass of water, I slip into the bathroom and close the door behind me. I stand there, staring at my reflection in the small, darkened room. The only light shining through is from the small beam coming from the slightly parted shades. It’s just enough lighting to let my eyes fall on the scar across my cheekbone. It’s not very big.

  Fuck, it should be bigger.

  Placing my hands in front of me, I grip the sink and lean over it. I feel my breathing pick up as the emotions swarm through me; awakening the madness that I keep buried deep. I have an urge to put my fist through this mirror to stop the pain, but I won’t. My hands are already scarred up enough. Anger and rage only douse the pain, but doesn’t stop it.

  I get distracted when I hear a noise coming from the hallway and then the bathroom door is pushed open. I slowly tilt my head to the side to see Aspen standing there in only a T-shirt.

  Shit. She is fucking sexy.

  She takes a step back when she notices the look on my face. I would too. I’m a monster. The concern in her eyes makes my heart skip a beat and I have no idea why. She doesn’t even know me, but she’s looking at me as if I’m transparent; seeing straight through to my damaged soul. I don’t like it one bit.

  “I’m sorry.” She pulls her eyes away from mine and tugs on the hem of her T-shirt, causing my eyes to trail down her legs and my grip on the sink tightens. “I didn’t realize anyone was in here. It was dark and the door wasn’t shut all the way.”

  Pushing away from the sink, I get my emotions in check and walk toward the door. If I wasn’t feeling like shit, I would hit on her right now and tell her all the things I want to do to that beautiful body. I should, but I can’t. I’ve let my inner thoughts take over and pull me down; remind me of the piece of shit that I really am. I know it, everyone else knows it and I’ve accepted it.

  “It’s cool. I was just going to take a shower, but I’ll let you have it first.” I wait for a response. When she doesn’t say anything, I stand and turn, now standing in front of her. I grip onto the top of the doorframe and look her in the eyes. I can’t tell which one I like more; the blue one or the deep green one. They’re stunning. “It’s all yours if you want it.”

  Her eyes dart down to my chest and she swallows before shaking her head and turning away. “It’s fine. I can wait. I was just going to take a quick shower and see if Cale would run me to Kayla’s. It’s not a big deal. He’s still sleeping anyways. I’ll just go and let you-”

  “I’ll take you,” I say, stopping her mid-sentence while gripping the doorframe tighter. “I have to go to the club here in a bit anyways. I’m filling in for Sarah behind the bar for a few hours.”

  She looks a bit surprised and not sure if she wants to take me up on the offer. That bothers me for some reason yet I don’t know why. “It’s fine. You don’t have to. I’ll just wait. You were already in here anyways.”

  Releasing the doorfra
me, I take a step closer and slowly run my hands down her sides, tracing every curve through the thin material. Fuck, she feels so good. My hands stop amidst her hips and I squeeze, pulling her body to press against mine. My cock hardens against her stomach and she sucks in a deep breath, but doesn’t pull away. A part of her wants this and the more I look at her, the more I fucking want her; a distraction. Fucked up or not, I can’t deny that I need this fucking distraction, addiction, necessity or whatever else you may want to call it. I’ve gotten used to the harsh judgments of my lifestyle.

  “We can take a shower together.” I brush my lips over her neck and whisper, “I can dirty you with my body and then clean you with my tongue.”

  She tilts her neck and allows me to run my tongue up it as if that’s the pass code to her arousal. She likes it. I can tell by her soft moans. “Have you thought about what my cock will feel like inside you?” I suck in her earlobe and bring my hands down to cup her ass. It’s the perfect fit. “I want to fuck you. I want you to know what it feels like to have me deep.” I lick my lips and breathe into her ear. “Inside you.”

  Her chest pushes out as she takes a deep breath. “I don’t even know you.” She places her hands on my chest and backs away. “Plus, I don’t like you. Now, if you don’t mind. One of us has to take a shower first. You or me? Pick one.”

  She presses her legs together and I can tell she’s trying to hide that I have her pussy aching for my touch. She’s wet and ready for me. I don’t have to check; I just know. That’s okay ‘cause my cock wants it just as much.

  Enjoying watching her squirm, I smile and lean into the doorframe. “I’m going to take care of that for you.”

  Her eyes watch mine as I look down at her black panties that are barely peeking out from under what I assume is one of Cale’s old shirts. For some reason, the thought of stripping her out of another man’s shirt turns me on; gives me a rush knowing I can.

  She watches me intently, but doesn’t say a word as I grab the bottom of the T-shirt and slowly lift it over her head and toss it behind me. She’s standing there in just her thong and bra. Her breasts are plump and firm, squeezed into a tiny black bra to match her panties; her cleavage playing peek-a-boo. My cock instantly strains to break free from the material as I imagine dropping to my knees in front of her and devouring her fucking pussy; the perfect breakfast.

  Running my hand up her tight little stomach, I press her up against the wall with my hand above her head. “Touch yourself for me.”

  She’s hesitant at first, but nervously licks her lips as she slides her hand down the front of her panties, her eyes never leaving mine.

  “That’s it. I bet it feels so fucking good.” I press into her with my body as I squeeze her hip. She takes her eyes away from mine, so I grab her chin and pull her face to meet mine. “Don’t turn away. Look at me while you touch yourself.” I lick my lips in satisfaction as she does what I say. “Does your pussy feel good, baby?”

  She nods her head and places her bottom lip between her teeth as she starts moving her hand up and down.

  “I bet. Now imagine it were my fingers fucking your tight little pussy and rubbing your swollen clit. So thick and firm, filling you up as I pleasure you.” Her hand quickens as she closes her eyes and moans. “That’s it. You like the thought of me pleasuring you, don’t you? Fuck yourself harder. I want to fucking hear your pussy wet for me.”

  Her breathing picks up and she begins shaking as if she’s about to have an orgasm. She stops abruptly and opens her eyes, staring into mine. “What the hell am I doing?” Pulling her hand out of her panties, she places her hands against the wall behind her and looks down at my hard cock with longing. I can see the want in her eyes, but she’s fighting it for some reason. “I’m not doing this. This is fucked up.”

  Grabbing her hand, I lift it and slowly suck her wet fingers into my mouth, tasting her. I suck her fingers clean while looking her directly in the eyes. Oh fuck. My cock just got harder. “Damn, baby. You taste so good. I can fucking taste your frustration and need. Why not let me ease that frustration; show you what it’s like to have me taste you, suck you, and fuck you.”

  I smile against her fingers before placing my hand in the back of her hair and pulling her mouth towards mine. Just as I’m about to kiss her, she turns her head away and sidesteps around me. “Don’t call me baby and I shouldn’t have done that. Now get out so I can take a shower.”

  She looks away embarrassed as I lick my lips one last time, tasting her on my mouth. Without saying a word, I turn around and walk out of the bathroom.

  I could tell by the nervous look on her face that even she can’t believe she just did that in front of me. I could also tell by the look in her eyes that she wanted me to stay. She wants me and I’m going to show her it’s okay to have me.

  * * *

  Two hours later and here I am, leaning against my motorcycle, watching with satisfaction as Aspen exits the house with a look of frustration. She looks so tense and . . . unpleased. Sickly enough, this pleases me.

  Judging from her hour long shower, I would say she definitely couldn’t please herself without my help. That only gives me more reason to want to please her. To show her how I can make her feel.

  Crossing my legs in front of me I smile as she approaches and gives me a look so dirty, I might just need another shower. I don’t think she understands what that look does to me. It’s so fucking sexy. “Did you have a good shower?” Tossing my helmet up, I catch it and hold it out for her to grab. “I would’ve finished you off; gave you the best orgasm of your life.”

  “Shut up,” she growls. Rolling her eyes she exhales while looking at the helmet in my hand. “Seriously? You want me to get on that? Why not take the truck?”

  Since she refuses to take the helmet, I slide it on her head and rev the engine. “Just get on. I don’t have all day.”

  She shakes her head once before throwing her leg over the motorcycle and hopping on behind me. “You think this shit is funny, don’t you? What you did back there.”

  I look over my shoulder at her sullen face and smirk. “What?”

  “You know what I’m talking about. Don’t play stupid, Slade,” she growls. “You did that on purpose.”

  “What did I do? I want to fucking hear it.”

  She gives me a dirty look and runs her tongue over her teeth in frustration. “Nothing. Nothing at all, okay.”

  “All right. Then, I apologize for doing nothing at all. Happy?”

  She lets out an exasperated huff before grabbing my shoulder with her left hand and placing her other hand behind her, keeping her distance. “Let’s just go. Kayla is waiting on me.”

  “Grab my waist,” I say firmly. When she doesn’t make a move to grab me, I reach for both of her arms and wrap them around my waist. She stiffens as if she doesn’t know what to do. “Keep your arms around me. Got it.”

  If she’s not worried about her safety then she can fucking walk. It’s as simple as that.

  “Fine. Let’s just get this over with.” Locking her fingers around my waist, she tilts her head to the left. “Go down to the light and make a left. Then go ten blocks and make a right. All right. Be careful too. I want to actually make it there before she has to go to work.”

  Swallowing back my remark, I take off causing her to squeeze her arms around me for safety. I smile to myself, feeling the awkwardness in her touch. She definitely needs to loosen the fuck up and give into her needs.

  After a few minutes of riding in silence her arms finally start to relax and I can feel them inching higher, getting closer to my chest.

  Every time I make a turn or pass someone, I can hear a little gasp from her as my muscles tighten from below her hands. She’s trying hard to hide it, but I can tell she wants to explore. It gives me a fucking rush.

  About five minutes later, we pull up to a little white house to see her friend outside waiting on her. The red car from the other night is sitting in the driveway and it make
s me wonder why she didn’t just ask her friend to pick her up if she hates me so much.

  As soon as I stop the bike, she jumps off and takes my helmet off as fast as her fingers will allow her. She tosses it in my lap and scowls. “Thanks for the ride, jerk.”

  Smiling at her and her hot little friend, I slide the helmet on my head. “Anytime.” I look down toward her pussy. “And thanks for the show.” I wink and she looks away embarrassed. I can feel her eyes burning into me as I take off. Hell, I don’t mind. She can undress me with her eyes anytime she wants.

  * * *

  When I pull up at the bar, it’s completely empty. I toss my cigarette and jump off my motorcycle while looking around, preparing myself. This is a shit shift and you don’t make crap at this time. The bar opens at eleven, but really the business doesn’t take off until late at night when the entertainment comes in.

  I don’t mind doing Sarah favors, though, because she has a young child and I want her to be able to be there for him when it’s needed. That shit is very important. If anyone else asked me to cover this crap shift, my answer would be hell to the mother fucking no.

  Now, I’ll be stuck here for the next few hours practically talking to myself and hoping for someone to stop in and entertain me. Not my idea of a good day. It gives you too much time to think.

  Hilary has already been here and has left. I can tell as soon as I unlock the back door and walk in. The lights are all turned on and the bar is set up and ready to go.

  Hilary is the owner. She’s an older woman, maybe in her early fifties. She only stops in once a day and usually it’s when no one is here. She’s good at what she does, though, and helps out whenever she can. I really like her as a person and a manager. She treats us well.

  A couple hours into my shift, a woman around my age, mid-twenties, finally comes into the bar and takes a seat in front of me.