“So what did you get? Still trying to buy me all my favorites?”

  “I don’t have to try. I’ve known you long enough to remember all your favorite things, including the ones you’d rather I forget.”

  I almost disregard my plan and tell him where to go, but instead bite my tongue and smile. “Maybe I shouldn’t be such a bitch. It’s been years. Now that I’m back, maybe it would be better for us if we could be friends.”

  This pleases him. He smiles and meets my gaze. “I thought I’d have to work harder. You fucking with me?”

  “No. I’m just tired of being pissed off. My brothers piss me off. People in Vegas pissed me off. If I keep going at this rate I won’t have one damn person I can call a friend, and like you said before, you know me. It means a lot that you remember my favorite things. We may have parted on bad terms, but enough time has passed to start over with a clean slate.”

  “Who are you, and what the hell happened to Raimey?”

  I shoo him with my hands. “Don’t make a big deal about it. You’re my last choice in the friend pool, but it’s not as full as I once thought it to be.”

  “You might not agree, but I can be the guy you need.”

  “Whatever.” I start to open the sub. “Why did you call me before the sun came up?”

  “I was afraid you’d make other plans for the day, and I wanted you all to myself.”

  I giggle. “For real? You’re not even going to lie?”

  “Why? Should I lie? Is that what you look for in a man, because if that’s the case it’s probably the reason you haven’t had luck finding Mr. Right.”

  “Everyone out there is Mr. Wrong. I’ve given up the pursuit.”

  “That’s a shame. I’ve learned a lot of things since you left.”

  I shouldn’t want to know details, but curiosity is getting the best of me, besides, forcing Crane to talk about himself keeps the awkward questions at bay, at least temporarily.

  Crane smirks while opening one of the Chinese boxes to reveal lo mein noodles. He’s fully aware he’s yet again surprised me with more of my favorite foods. I shouldn’t want food this much, especially after my earlier binge. “Tell me the real reason why you asked me here.”

  “Eat first,” he suggests.

  “I’ve never been one to like surprises or have patience. Spit it out.”

  “I spoke to Tuck late last night. He told me he’s still going to rent out the apartment, even if you come up with the money.”

  “Yeah, whatever. I figured as much. He hasn’t been welcoming since I showed up. Shit, he didn’t even offer for me to stay with him. What’s up with that? When I left he practically begged me to stay, and now he acts like I’m the last person he wants to see.”

  “I don’t know, Raims. Tuck hasn’t really had much luck in the last few years. He blames all his problems on other people.”

  I figured he would say this. Of course Crane would say it’s Tuck’s problem, just like my brother insists Crane is the enemy. One way or another, I’ll figure out who is telling the truth. “I offered to pay the rent and he acted like I had five heads. He even acted shady as shit about the amount, like he couldn’t give me a solid answer.”

  “Rent the apartment here. I’m sure it’ll be half of what your brother wants.”

  “Yeah, but it’s not the space I thought I was coming home to.” It’s impossible to hide my disappointment. I expected more, albeit I know staying away didn’t make my relationship with my family any better. We’re estranged. I feel like I don’t even know them anymore, not to mention two of them are in prison. After two days I’m no closer to answers, and as bad as it seems, Crane is the only guy who is willing to welcome me back and want to spend time with me. “I guess I’m going to have to find a place to work. Know any tat shops you’d recommend trying?”

  “With your experience, I figured you’d want to open your own shop.”

  “I don’t have much saved. I’d have to find a place, get a license, and insurance. It’s a lot of stress, and I’m already pretty messed up. It would be easier to rent a space from a veteran artist.”

  “Or you could use some of the space downstairs. We only use half of the garage. You could set up a little studio and work by appointments.”

  The sandwich I’m holding almost drops to my feet. The whole reason I showed up for this lunch date was to manipulate him, but he’s making it almost impossible to want to screw him over. After taking a few seconds to retain my composure, I manage a half-smile. “I appreciate the offer, but I can’t. I don’t need handouts.”

  “Weren’t you the person barging in here saying I owed you? Didn’t you call me a thief?”

  The sub is placed back on the wrapper so I’m able to cover my face and think. He’s calling me out, and he’s right to do it. I accused him of taking the company from my family, but now I’m not sure what I think. “I may have been a bit harsh.”

  “A bit harsh,” he questions. “You told my girlfriend I had STD’s and said I was a terrible person. No offense, Raims, but I’m not the same guy you left, and if you’re back for good, you’re about to figure it out.” Even though I don’t require more explanation, he continues. “Maybe I shouldn’t keep pushing myself on you. It’s just, well, ever since you walked through that door you’re all I can think about. Hell, my girlfriend walked out on me and I didn’t even bat an eye. It’s like nothing else matters to me except making sure you remember enough good to make you want to stay.”

  It’s honestly the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me, which probably makes me the most pathetic woman ever. I’m fighting back a lot of confusion, because he’s the last man I ever wanted to see again, but I know I have to play into this if I want answers. Using Crane will be easier than breaking my brothers. All I have to do is flash a little ass.

  Chapter 10

  Animalistic Interslam: When two people have rough, but quite pleasurable sex. Hard penetration. The lovey dovey shit doesn’t matter. A pure animalistic need To FUCK...

  Lunch has left me bloated. If I look at anything edible I may puke for days. A belch exudes. Since I'm with Crane it's not embarrassing. He knows I don't hold back.

  A smile forms, while his eyes meet mine. "You know you're one of a kind?"

  "Stop," I request. My cheeks are hot and I'm feeling uneasy. He gets to me. It's important to tread lightly, but be somewhat stealth at the same time, if it's at all possible. "You can't say shit like that to me."

  "Why?" His eyes refuse to blink. He's so focused on me I can feel my whole body becoming vulnerable. Fighting all the memories, I try to tell myself this is wrong, that I'll be the one hurt in the end, that the answers I seek aren't worth the lifetime of pain, but I can't help it. I want to feel something good. I selfishly need this; to be with someone I know and control it. I need to do this so I know I can walk away from it.

  "Where is your office help?"

  "Off on Mondays. She comes in for half a day on Saturdays, so I give her Mondays off."

  I'm amused he cares. "How good of you."

  "Raims, I know you don't think I'm a good person. Let me change that."

  I drag my teeth against my bottom lip and contemplate refusing. The more I sit in his presence I know this won't be easy. My emotions need to get tucked where they won't come out. I can't feel anything for Crane. Reminding myself of the destruction his betrayal did to me, I focus on my plan, hoping to at least make it worthwhile.

  In all honesty, I've dreamed of being intimate with Crane again, feeling the power of the connection I've only ever felt with him.

  "How do I know you didn't send your employee home so we could be alone?"

  Crane finally blinks. He abruptly stands and stiffens. With a heavy sigh, he saunters around the desk and toward the door to the office. "Come with me. I want to show you something."

  Hesitant, I march behind, curious as to what might keep me from furthering this little escapade. Crane leads me down a long hallway. He’s decorated the walls in large pictures of custom cars, much like the ones Jeffery rented out to tourists in Vegas. I almost laugh when I think about their similar preferences for the finer things, even though both men came from nothing extravagant.

  At the end of the hall is a metal door. He sticks a key into the lock and opens it, revealing another hallway. This one isn’t decorated like the office. The walls have a more homey feel. They’re lined with a wallpaper that’s clean lined in gray and white tones. At the far end of the hall is an opening. We pass by several doors first before coming into a kitchen and living room combination. The black granite countertops give the white cabinets a high end feel, and the dark wood floors that run throughout the space make it feel less like it’s sitting overtop an automotive business. There’s a gray sectional with velour fabric and white and black pillows broadcasted around the cushions and a chaise at one end. A flat screen television is hung on a wall, and underneath is a few equipment boxes, probably for cable and videos, or possibly the surround sound when I notice speakers hung around the corners of the room. “This place is nice.”

  “It’s where I live.”

  I point to him. “You live here?”

  “Well, not all the time. Mom’s getting old, and since Dad passed away...”

  I cut him off. “Your dad died?”

  He nods. “A few years ago. It was sudden. He got a blood clot in his leg that traveled to his heart. One minute he was sitting at the table bitching, and the next he was on the floor unresponsive. Mom took it hard. Thirty years with that man. She refused to eat or take care of herself. It got so bad I was afraid to leave her alone. I started spending a couple nights in my old room to keep her company. I’d take her out to dinner, or we’d stay at home and cook.”

  I bring my hand to my lips and feel like I’m going to cry. Remember I said it only happens when someone dies. This particular someone was like a father figure to me, a lot better than the one I was handed. Frank was a hard working accountant. He spent most of his days cramped into his home office running through numbers. I remember him drilling lessons into Crane’s head about his future and where his money should go. They were by no means rich, but lived comfortably with what they had. They’d vacation on the shore, and have family dinners as often as possible. One thing I truly respected was that they made a point to love each other. I’ve never once heard Crane disrespect either of them. Thinking about his mother being alone breaks my heart. “I’m sorry, Crane.”

  “Thanks.” His face scrunches. “I thought about calling you, Raims. So many times I needed to hear your voice.” His body straightens, and in an instant the moment is over.

  Crane points to the hallway we came from. “There’s two bedrooms and two bathrooms. I figured if I ever had a roommate they’d want their privacy. Del stayed here a lot. The closet still has most of his shit in it.”

  Missing out on the last four years of my brother’s lives, I start walking down the hall and open the first door I come to. Suddenly realizing I’m in the wrong room, I turn to exit, yet am pinned by two very strong arms. “This is my room.”

  “I should have asked first.” Avoiding eye contact is impossible when he’s close enough to kiss. I can feel his breath as he talks and the way his tongue moves when he pronounces his next words. My senses are heightened, and as much as I try to focus on other things, my body won’t let me slip away.

  “I don’t mind you looking around. That’s why I brought you here.” He draws one hand away and traces my bottom lip. It’s hard to keep my breathing even when he’s touching me the way he used to.

  This is my chance. I can almost play it out as we stand here. I’ll let him kiss me, then we’ll back into his room and onto the large king-sized bed. From there I’ll let him have his way with me, because let’s face it, I need to blow off some steam, and he wants what he thinks he can’t have. When it’s over I’ll have the upper hand. I’ll be control, because he’s made it obvious he wants me back. It’s unfortunate to hear of his mother’s struggles, she’s a great lady, but this is about my family. If Crane set this domino effect into motion, if he was the reason my brothers are in jail, if he caused Tuck to want nothing to do with me, I have to know.

  “I need to ask you something,” he says against my lips.

  “Spit it out then.”

  “I need to make sure you’re not going to kick me in the balls or smack the shit out of me.”

  “Why? Is your question something I won’t like?”

  “Oh,” he assures me. “I know for a fact you’ll like the outcome, at least for a time. It’s the convincing part.”

  I raise my free hand and run it up his chest. When I reach his bare skin my fingers graze over the edge of a tattoo. I look up into his eyes and lick my lips. “Do you want to fuck me, Crane?”

  My sudden question results the way I anticipate. His lips crash over mine, those strong familiar hands coming down around my ass. He pulls me closer, at this point our tongues playing chase.

  As we part I take a step back, my nails dragging across his shirt until they dig between the closed buttons. As my adrenaline goes awry, I yank the fabric away until he's bare chested. Tugging the shirt over his arms is a joint effort. He captures my lips as it falls, sucking hard before he pulls away. We spin around and he shoves me against the closest wall. My palms flatten on the white painted wall, Crane wasting no time shoving my shirt upward from the back. It raises over my head and gets tossed into the growing heap on the floor.

  While he's there, my bra is unfastened and carefully removed from my arms. He spins me around, roughly, like he's running out of precious time to have his way with me. Perhaps he’s afraid I’ll change my mind. Both shirtless, his next kiss is intentionally turbulent. I'm lifted into his arms and pressed against the wall again, this time wrapping my legs around his waist. I can already feel his hunger to have me as it begs to be released from his pants. In this position he's in total control. When my feet touch the ground I watch him sink to his knees. He starts jerking my pants off my hips, taking my thong with them. He's staring at my pussy, almost as if he's never seen one before. I remember the day I let him pierce my clit. It was so fucking hot. I know he’s thinking about it too, but he’s smiling. Maybe he’s re-familiarizing himself with me, but it turns me on nonetheless. I take him by the hair and shove him against it, forcing him to get to work without having to make the order.

  His wet tongue flicks the ring on my clit for the first time and I’m already writhing. With his focus on bringing me pleasure, I close my eyes and promise I won't allow myself to get lost in this. With each lap of his tongue it becomes a difficult situation.

  I want these hands on me. I need to feel that tongue bringing my pussy pleasure. Even if I wanted to, I can't stop. I won't punish myself from things I long for. I bite down on my lip as he circles over my now swollen clit. He sucks it in between his teeth until I'm screaming, my nails digging deeper into his scalp. My knees buckle, and the only thing keeping me on my feet are his hands pressing my hips against the wall. My orgasm is like a long awaited explosion; it rips through every limb until I'm left trembling. I can smell my excitement as he pulls away and peers up into my eyes. His mouth is soaked with my juices, and when he stands I grab his head and pull him into a hungry kiss. This excites me more. A hot rush seeps between my legs when I consider we've only just begun. Leaving him with another sex-driven kiss, I drop down to my knees and work on his belt. His swollen limb is pressed against the slacks he wears, begging to be set free. I pull and push until they fall to his ankles, leaving me face to face with what was once all mine. Taking him into my grasp, I lick the tip of his rock hard cock. He pushes me down further until I'm at his balls. Dragging my free hand over them, I lick a trail from the base of his shaft all the way up. A line of saliva soaks his tip, and I use my hand to spread it around. Suddenly realizing I'm jerking him off, I take the head into my mouth and suck. My rhythm is unhinged and sporadic. He's holding onto my shoulders, saying words that have no English meaning. His hips start working against my mouth. The friction remains tight as I manage to keep at it, fighting the pain it brings to my cheeks. Minutes pass and he's still back against the wall, saying my name with low groans in between. I’m good at this. I get off on doing this. It’s not some punishment I’m forced to do to keep a man. I know this gives me the power over him, so I refuse to hold back, making sure this action is carried out in a way he’ll never forget. When he’s on the verge of finishing in my mouth, he shoves me away. I lose my balance and fall to the floor, only to be joined by his eager kisses. It’s like he can’t be satiated. He needs more and I’m prepared to let him have it. My legs spread apart to allow him entrance. He sinks between them and caresses one of my breasts, while using the other hand to steady himself above me. I keep catching him closing his eyes, as if the sight of me is too much for him to handle. I use it as another tool to provoke the encounter to continue. My legs wrap around his back and I pull him down until we’re tumbling around the floor, both fighting to have control. We’re a few feet from the bed before he ducks back down between my legs, teasing me there for a few seconds before coming back and spreading his lips over mine. I lick off my juices and reach down to take him into my hand again. Crane flips me over and rests his chest against my back, while my knees lift my ass off the floor. He shoves my head onto a shaggy area rug and slaps the cheek of my ass until I cry out in pain. He repeats the process, this time making sure the palm of his hand strikes my soaked pussy. Sudden jolts of electricity spark through my limbs as he continues to repeat the pleasing process. I have my limits, but Crane knows what buttons to push to bring me pleasure. He drags his dick between the lower lips, coating the shaft with my natural lubrication. He teases my ass then commits to my pussy where he knows he’s welcome. He penetrates me, for a second rendering me speechless. He fills me and then pulls out. He does it again, this time going in further. The third time I attempt to reach back and hold him in place without success.