“Linc mentioned they had a falling out,” I admit.

  “It was more like an all out brawl, but it didn’t happen until a few months later. We never called the woman from the bar. We kept working and assumed everything was fine.”

  “When was the big fight?”

  “It was brewing for a while, but it happened around the first of November. He’d filed the taxes, but never paid the money. Apparently Tuck told him he’d sent the check, when in fact he hadn’t. The dumb ass didn’t even try to hide the evidence of his spending. They beat the living shit out of each other, and when it was all said and done Linc was gone. He told Tuck he wanted nothing to do with him or the company.”

  “Then what happened?”

  “Well, first my dad got sick, and I took some time off to be with him and my mom. I happened to stop by one day and saw that woman from the bar coming down the stairs from the apartment. She walked by me, said something sarcastic about the way I smelled, and climbed into one of the tow trucks.

  I storm into the apartment to find Tuck and Hath playing a video game. Since Tuck had a family, I asked why he wasn’t at home with them, and he told me they had something to do later on. So, naturally I asked about the woman.”

  “Del comes out of the bedroom and pulls me aside. He doesn’t explain until we’re alone. He tells me that the woman isn’t a stranger. He told me her name was Paula Tanner and that she was the biological mother of the guys. When I asked why she was so vague he told me she was a shady bitch, but she had a way for them to get out of a tax lien.”

  “Great. Let me guess. It was illegal, right?”

  Crane nods. “Yep. She was friends with some goon who ran a chop shop. They’d scope out the cars at the casinos and get their locations. She just needed a couple of stupid fools to be the ones to steal them.”

  “Del and Hath?” I shake my head. “Tuck told me this was your operation. He said you got the boys locked up.”

  “Of course he did. He didn’t want you knowing he’d gotten involved with Paula. That was only the beginning. It wasn’t the first job that got the boys locked up. I know, because I went to that one. I couldn’t leave them behind. If they were going to do it, I needed to make sure they didn’t get caught. Those rental cars are insured. We weren’t hurting anyone and we needed fast cash. Each job promised fifty grand. Tuck became the guy who scoped out the cars. He left the dirty work for the rest of us. After the first gig I was out. One police siren and I knew it wasn’t worth going to jail. Del and Hath said the same thing. I believed them.”

  “What happened?”

  “They went behind my back and did another job. This time the car wasn’t out on a road or in a lot. It was locked in someone’s secured garage.”

  “That explains how they got caught, but not what’s going on with Tuck.”

  “Tuck lost it when your brothers got locked up. My dad died and I needed space to deal with shit. At the same time he was struggling to get paid, and find the means to help with attorney fees. I did what I could, after he and Linc put their houses up for retainers. It didn’t matter. They were caught in the building, and then the assault happened on top of it. The whole time we knew they were guilty.”

  “Let me guess, Paula was nowhere to be found.”

  “Right. Not only that, she didn’t return until after the trials.”

  “Figures. She’s great at abandonment.”

  “Tuck tried to fix things, Raims. He worked his ass off, but the company was already in a deficit and without the extra employees he couldn’t keep up. The shit was on the news, so people stopped calling them for service. Starting my company wasn’t my first choice, but I wanted to get my life together, and he needed a job. I didn’t steal shit. He can call it what he wants, but I’ve kept things going. When the boys get out they’ll have a legitimate job without being discriminated for their crimes.”

  I’m starting to be sympathetic to his charm again. It’s ridiculous how easily he’s able to manipulate my mood.

  Crane gets down on the floor and picks up the papers. He hands me a few from the bottom of the pile. “There’s articles about the arrests and Paula’s possible involvement. The next year it was quiet. Tuck was struggling. His wife up and left with the kids. He couldn’t pay the bills, and felt responsible for what happened to the guys. I guess that’s why he started looking for her. Paula came out of the woodwork a couple months later. They would binge on booze and drugs. He’d miss days of work and not even notice. Linc tried to help, but it was a lost cause. Tuck didn’t want to be fixed. Twice the ambulance came and had to resuscitate him, all while Paula did nothing.”

  “Jesus. At least that explains why he’s so rude.”

  “Something is up, Raims. I called him today to tell him to stay away from you. I didn’t want you getting involved with Paula. She has this way of getting people to trust her, and it’s all bullshit. Having you back is the best thing that’s happened since you left. I wasn’t going to let her drag you down further, so I told him to keep her the fuck away from you. I told him I wanted you to know your mother was in town, and that you had a right to find out who your real father was. He said if you came looking, he couldn’t protect you, so in order to keep you safe he threatened me. He said I should have kept you from showing up at his doorstep and that something was about to go down. I have no idea what he’s involved in, but if your mother was there with him, it can’t be good.”

  I could feel my heart racing even before it became impossible to catch my breath. Palpitations became overwhelming and the next thing I know I’m fighting to keep from passing out. One look at my face and Crane is coming to my aid. “You’re having an anxiety attack. Breathe, babe. Come on. It’s all in your head.”

  But I didn’t think it was. I feel like I’m dying. My body is shaking and I’m sweating up a storm. It’s all too much to take. My mother is an evil criminal, who was selfish enough to involve her own children in illegal actions. Now she’s brought Tuck down with her.

  I can’t breathe. I’m trying, but I’m unable to inhale and exhale. Everything is getting fuzzy.

  Chapter 22

  Muffication: Death by Cunninligus.

  Crane rushes over and plants himself between my legs, spreading them wide. “What are you doing? Get away!" I try to kick, but he fastens his hands on my knees.

  "Close your eyes and try to breathe, Raims. You're going to be okay."

  He starts removing my pants, and I’m too flustered to understand why. Naked from the waist down, I’m even more upset and desperate. I’ve never had one this bad before. It’s making me feel like we should call an ambulance and prepare to say our goodbyes.

  He kneels down between my legs and gives me this serious look. “Don’t kick me. I’m going to do something, because you need a distraction and I know you’re tired of hearing me talk. You can hate me when this is over.” I don’t know why he needs my pants off. Before I can begin to realize what he’s doing, I feel him kissing his way up my thighs, his tongue between my legs, licking his way up and then down again. I know I shouldn’t want him touching me, but I do. I want to feel connected to something so badly that I don’t even care what it means. I bring my gaze to what he’s doing and try to focus as he’s flicking my needy clit. My head falls back and a new sensation builds. It’s working. This stupid fucking plan of his is actually distracting me. I loathe this man. Damn him! “Don’t stop. Please keep going.”

  I try to moan around the hand that's being placed over my mouth to ask him to stop. He drags it down my chin and over the fabric where my breasts sit.

  “Crane, please...”

  In response he sticks a finger inside of me and I cry out even louder, thrilled to have this distraction. I'm still struggling, pains in my chest increasing my concern. The only thing keeping me from panicking is his skilled tongue working it's magic on both my pussy and soul. What does this mean? I can't forgive him.

  Crane flicks it again, sucking my entire clit, and the lips in his mouth. His tongue begins providing waves of intense passion up to where my body fights to calm. A second finger enters and penetrates me, pushing the whole extent. He forces them in and out while his tongue performs a symphonic masterpiece to my engorged clit. I'm at his mercy, my eyes fluttering open to watch his skill. He's so practiced, his face shining with my delicious juices. I slouch down on the cushions and spread further for him, my hands gently lifting the fabric of my shirt to reveal my breasts. They're popping at the seams of my bra, begging to be played with. I shove the cup down and lick my finger, dragging my dropping saliva in a circle motion around my areola. Crane moans against my pussy, sloshing sounds proving his progress. He's dutiful and diligent, his determination to bring me relief reminds me of his promises. Perhaps this man does love me. It's possible he would do anything for forgiveness, even if it's to pleasure me until I crumble.

  I lay pinned down by his hungry mouth, my desire increasing with each stroke of his tongue. I shudder and scream, my back coming up off the sofa as an orgasm rips through me. My breathing increases, but not from hyperventilating.

  I’m so turned on I want to taste myself. Yanking him by the hair, I pull him into a crashing kiss, licking the remnants of my first release off his chin. Our tongues clash and tease, all while he thrusts those two fingers inside of me, fucking me through another bout of euphoria.

  I feel more exploration against my inner lips and a third finger joined the other two inside me, stretching me even wider. Crane holds me still and continues sucking my clit while simultaneously rolling his skilled tongue over it. My pussy feels stretched and amazing all at the same time. I groan and watch him focus on the task. He presses harder with his large hand, moving deeper. I haven't had my pussy pleasured like this in forever. This is fucking amazing. Crane sucks me so hard I quake. I cry out and moan his name, begging him to continue. A rush of warmth floods out of me, covering Crane's face as he backs away smiling. He brings his lips to mine but stops before he kisses me. "Just like magic, no more panic attack."

  Damn it, he's right. "You fucking fool. There was never an attack. I just wanted you to do that one last time." I shove his face away and get up off the couch.

  He can’t change my mind so easily. I refuse to let him.

  Before my shirt is over my head he’s pulling me back into his arms. I can feel his erection beneath his underwear as he presses it against my ass. “Don’t fucking walk away from this. Play tough all you want, but you’re not leaving out of this apartment until I know you’ll come back.”

  I close my eyes and think about what he’s saying. “Why should I? You’ve been lying to me since day one.”

  “I lied to keep you safe. You don’t need to know that woman, or get involved with Tuck when he’s so fucked he’s out of his mind.”

  “I don’t care about what you want, Crane. He’s my brother.”

  “Yes you do. You do care,” he says against my hair. “I know you love me.”

  My eyes remain shut. “How?”

  “Because it wouldn’t hurt so much if you didn’t. Raims, I’ve made mistakes. I’ve done bad things and hurt people, mostly you, but I didn’t lie to be a bastard. I lied because I love you enough.”

  “Do you know who my father is?”

  “No, and honestly, I had no idea about that. You look like your dad. Are you sure it’s not a lie?”

  I toss up my hands. “I have no idea anymore. It doesn’t matter. He was a shit father regardless.”

  We’re finally facing one another. Crane drags his thumb over my lips. Our little sexual altercation is over, yet in this moment, me kissing him, it’s all I can think about. “I want to hate you. I should run away and never come back.”

  “I’ll never stop looking this time.”

  “Are you threatening me into staying? Crane, there’s literally nothing here for me.”

  “I’m here. My mom is here. Your brothers are here. Yeah, there’s a lot of shit to work through, but even if you run again, it’s still going to be here waiting. Stay. Hate me. Refuse to talk to me, but don’t leave.”

  I sigh and let my head fall against his chest. “What did I ever do to deserve this mess?”

  “You say it’s a mess, but I think you came back because you’re the only one strong enough to fix everything that’s broken.”

  I back away and stare into his eyes. “Why would you say that? There’s nothing special about me.”

  “You are the strongest person I’ve ever met. You’re driven. You have a terrible temper which only makes you vicious to take on. You refuse to take no for an answer, and you’ll stop at nothing to get what you want.”

  I nod and manage a half-cocked smile. “You think I’m tough?”

  “Damn right I do.”

  “You want me to stay?”

  “Duh.”

  “Then help me get rid of that bitch so we can bring my family back together.”

  He extends his hand, only to grab mine and pull me back into his arms. “Then will you forgive me?”

  “I’ll think about it,” I admit.

  He kisses me anyway, and I don’t stop him. I can taste my orgasm on his lips as I lick them. He devours my mouth, offering a lot more than just a friendly seduction. When we part I’m panting and wondering if it will lead to the bedroom, but it doesn’t. Crane simply raises my hand to his lips and kisses it. “I swear to God that you can trust me, Raimey Tanner.”

  I know without a doubt that he means it this time.

  I look up at him from below my lashes, studying his face. His gaze of concern shifts to something else, something naughty and provocative. He reaches forward to push my hair back, then brushes his fingers down my cheek, over my mouth, along my jawline then to my neck. I’m holding my breath, his serious stare. It’s so intense you couldn’t cut it with a knife. He’s so close, those lips parted and ready to devour mine. Crane tilts his head toward my face and I can feel his breathing against my face, but he pulls away at the last minute like he’s taunting me, testing the waters.

  He reaches down and lifts me up by the waist, positioning me in front of him. A gasp escapes me when I notice his hard cock against my back. I instinctively grind my ass against it to get a rise out of him. Crane groans and caresses my shoulders. His fingers delve down my arms until he reaches the tips of my fingers. He laces ours together and pulls us into a backward hug. It’s an endearing moment that reminds me we can be more than sexual partners if I’d stop being stubborn. He’s explained his part in all of this. If he’s telling the truth I can hold him accountable for the result.

  While I contemplate my options, Crane is busy seducing my body.

  This is when he loses control, reaching around and pulling my thighs apart. He’s stroking my pussy, while nibbling on my neck.

  The next thing I know he’s shoving my head down on the back of the sofa and entering me, his thick cock filling the void between my legs. He rubs my clit as he fucks me from behind. We’re crashing together, remnants of my earlier release making it slippery. Crane kisses me with slow anticipation. He thrusts as deep as physically possible before pulling out and repeating the process again. His balls slap against my pussy with each pound. I’m crying out, my legs feeling like wet noodles as I fight to stay in position. It feels too good. This connection between us signifies everything I’ve kept buried deep within.

  Crane slams into my body, knocking the wind out of me every time we hit. He moves his lips to my neck and bites me. I feel like he’s on a mission to fuck me so hard I forget my problems. It’s deep and fast, his pace vigorous and unhinged. He’s aggressive, to a point where I think he will probably collapse at any given moment. I don’t know how he’s able to continue at the rate he’s banging into me. Beads of sweat trickle down my body. I’m gripping onto the back of the couch, as if it can keep me from losing control. It’s both painful and euphoric all at once. I think to myself that maybe, just maybe I’ve gotten through the worst betrayal yet. And as we both come undone simultaneously I thank my lucky stars I have Crane around to keep me from doing things that could ruin my life. In the past few days I’ve thought long and hard about murder. I know it’s wrong. It’s a crime that would put me away for possibly the rest of my life, but it’s still appealing. Paula Tanner ruins lives. I’m not going to let her take Tuck. Someway or another, we’ll figure this out. I just need to make sure I keep it together long enough for it to happen.

  Chapter 23

  Fuckyoumentary: When your entire life story is a fucking lie.

  The selfless person in me actually feels bad for Crane and Tuck, and everyone else involved in this web of lies. This whole time it hasn’t been about me. It’s so much more than that. It’s more than a broken family in need of fixing. This goes back to childhood, abandonment, a lifetime of lies and deceit. I’ve convinced myself my tough façade would fool anyone, until Crane proved me wrong.

  We’ve spent the night waiting for a call that’s never come. Tuck hasn’t reached out to us, or my brother Linc. It makes no sense. I saw them being taken into custody. Surely they’ve had time to book them and offer a phone call. The last I saw of my brother he wasn’t strung out like Paula. In fact, he seemed to be in control of his thoughts.

  Crane and I are still in the living room. He’s been too quiet, probably reeling at his latest win where my heart is concerned. The more I try to hate him, the harder it is to keep from falling back in love. Gah, I sound like a broken record.

  “Maybe they’re still interrogating him. I mean, you said you saw drugs there. Maybe the cops are trying to nab the supplier.”

  “I’ve thought of that, but even if it was a simple bust, the measly amount I saw was nothing to warrant a five to six hour pat down.”