“You fought?”

  Crane shakes his head and starts walking away, leaving me more curious. “I’ll meet you downstairs. We’ll talk later.”

  Zeus is slumped in his plush new bed, chowing down on an extra large rawhide bone. His new skull and bones collar matches the black in his coat. His little nub of a tail shakes at such a rapid pace it’s tiring.

  Crane has been on a phone call for several minutes, while I’m lounging on the sofa enjoying the new space. He finishes his call and clears his throat. “I know you want an explanation, Raims.”

  I turn and read his expression. “But you’re not going to tell me are you?”

  “I know you don’t believe me, but...”

  “Not tonight, Crane. Just not tonight.”

  He taps the counter top in a rhythm. “Probably time for me to go then, seeing as you’re conjuring ways to kill me while I sleep.”

  “Crane,” I close my eyes when I say his name, because like it or not he’s been great to me since I’ve returned. “Thanks for your help. I never expected to come home to this. It’s a fucking disaster, and even though no one wants to tell me anything, I appreciate you taking up for me.”

  “Wow. Coming from you that’s surprising.”

  “Look, about earlier...”

  He puts up his hand. “We fucked. We’ve always been good at it. I’ve never denied wanting you. It’s not going to change.”

  Just thinking about being with him gets me hot. I adjust the way I’m sitting and stare at his body in the tight shirt he has on. I imagine those muscles lifting me up in the air, and ramming me so hard I thought I was going to go through a wall. My breathing struggles as recall the way his tongue knew exactly how to pleasure me, and the way he came undone with my every touch. Crane senses my distraction. His grin makes the reaction obvious.

  “Help yourself to anything in the kitchen. Make yourself at home, Raims. I’m going to head out.”

  When he says it I instantly imagine him going to see another woman. I have no right, but it’s instinct from what happened in the past. No matter how much I say I don’t care I know I do, especially because it’s Crane.

  Since I’m nosey, I go through all of his drawers. I read through his mail, and check his nightstands. Aside from a box of extra large condoms, he has nothing that would lead me to think a woman has ever been here. I’m not getting the answers I want, but it’s too soon to break into the office. I’m going to bide my time until one of my brothers realize I’m not the damn enemy. Hopefully before I get in over my head and can’t get out. Crane is like a drug. Once I have a taste I want more. Just thinking about it makes my pussy ignite with heat.

  Shit!

  It’s nearly midnight when I wake to the sound of someone entering the house. I no sooner sit up when Zeus goes crazy. I chase him out into the main living space and flip on the light to discover the blonde bimbo curled up against the door shaking in fear. I grab Zeus by the collar and calm him down, at the same time realizing how this looks, me being in Crane’s apartment a day after I told her those nasty lies about him.

  Tears fill her eyes before she even begins to lash out at me. “I knew it. I knew it was someone else.”

  I’m not really paying attention to what she’s saying. “Look, I’m sorry about what I said the other day. Crane and I have history, and I was only trying to pay him back for something he did to me.”

  She’s shaking her head. “You’re that girl; the one he talked about. The sister. You’re the reason.”

  “Reason for what?”

  “You’re the reason he broke things off the other day.”

  This is news to me. “What do you mean broke things off? I thought you broke up with him because of what I said to you?”

  She’s still shaking her head while sniffling. Her sad voice makes me feel bad for being such a bitch. She’s not to blame for this situation. If anything she’s innocent. Her only guilt is wanting Crane. “After I saw you at the office I waited for you to leave. I wanted to give Crane a piece of my mind. He said not to come around him anymore. When I didn’t understand, and basically pleaded for an explanation, he said he had a second chance to make things right and he wouldn’t fuck it up, not even for a piece of ass like me.”

  What am I supposed to say to her? Furthermore, how in the hell am I going to handle this? Crane saw me for ten minutes and ended his relationship. “How long were you together?”

  “A couple months. We weren’t serious. He told me he didn’t get serious.”

  “I’m not here because I’m with Crane. He’s a friend of the family. He’s letting me crash here. In fact, Del’s my brother.”

  “He has pictures of you in his wallet. You can say you’re just friends, but he obviously has a different opinion.”

  “I’m sorry.” I honestly am. For a second I consider telling her that in a couple weeks she can have him back. I don’t plan on sticking around once the truth comes out. In fact, I’m pretty certain I’ll never want to see him again.

  “Did you fuck him? I need to know. I have to know if I still have a chance.”

  I don’t lie. Lying is what makes life miserable. It’s time someone tells the truth around here. “Yeah. We fucked.”

  She nods like she already knows it. “Friend of the family, my ass.”

  “Shit happens!” I toss up my hands like I couldn’t help myself. “I tell it like it is. Trust me, you’d rather know now than later.”

  “You deserve each other.” She flings a key on the kitchen counter and ambles out the door from where she came.

  Chapter 13

  Failgasm: When a fail feels so good.

  It’s not until the next morning when I see Crane. By that time I’ve spent too many hours contemplating what the hell I’m supposed to say to him. Of course, I’ve never been one to hold back, so as soon as the opportunity arises, I give him hell.

  He comes over and carelessly plants a kiss on my forehead while I’m watching television. I jump up and shove him backward. “How dare you?”

  “What?” He smiles like he’s done nothing wrong. “It was a friendly gesture. I figured...”

  “No!” I’m shaking my head. “No, nothing you do is friendly. There’s always some ulterior motive.”

  “I’m not following.” He’s scratching his head, standing there all confused. “What the hell did I miss?”

  “Hmm, I don’t know, maybe a petite blonde, who may or may not have provided me information that changed my perspective on some things.” I point to the key that’s still on the countertop. “She said she won’t be needing that anymore.”

  He smirks. “What else did she say?”

  “Basically everything, and she said I’m a bitch, which I totally am. She may or may not think I’m the reason you told her things were done.”

  He doesn’t hesitate. “When you walked into my office it was so unexpected. You don’t know how many times I wished it would happen; how many times I wished I could go back and keep you from ever leaving.”

  I fidget with my fingers, because the comment makes me uncomfortable. I promised I wouldn’t let this get personal, but every second I’m with him it’s undeniable. “Once I saw what I saw, there was no going back for me. I don’t trust men, and clearly I have good reason to feel this way. Every man I’ve ever known is a liar.”

  “Sometimes people lie to protect the people they care about.”

  “That’s you’re fucking excuse?” Standing up, I start to head back to the bedroom, where I can close the door and be away from him. It’s funny, I’ve spent hours imagining what I’d say, and now that’s he’s here I just want to leave.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Wherever you aren’t.”

  I can hear his feet stomping behind me. He won’t let up, so I turn around, refusing to allow him to get the best of me. “Don’t you get it? I’m here because I don’t have any other place to stay. This isn’t permanent. It’s a bump in the road. Once I’m back on my feet, I’m out of here. This thing between us, whatever you think it can be, it won’t.”

  “You fucked me. You and I were both in that bed. You can’t tell me there’s nothing going on between us.”

  “Are you serious? It was sex. I like sex and you were there. It was convenience and nothing else.” I wave my hands around, motioning his body. “You think you’re something special to me? You’re not. I refuse to be friends with someone who continues to lie to me.”

  He takes me by the wrist and forces me close to him. His pupils are dilated as he stares intently at me, anger in those dark eyes which only terrifies me. “You know I love it when you’re a bitch. You like it too.” He drags his hand between my legs and cups my pussy. “I bet you’re wet down here.”

  His face ducks down against my earlobe. “You’re probably thinking about me using my tongue on that little clit ring right now.”

  I bring my knee up and force him to back away. “Stop, asshole! You’re not funny.”

  “Oh, I’m not being funny.”

  I try to open my bedroom door, but he pushes me against it. My wrists are subdued, and his strong body prevents me from adjustment. With my hands above my head, and my cheek against the wooden door, Crane brings his lips close to my ear again, his words sending butterflies through every limb. “You think I don’t know you? You’re jealous. Admit it. When you saw her sucking my dick you wished it was you.”

  I close my eyes, the agitation rising to a level of intensity, all while I struggle to resist this temptation.

  Before I can come up with a response to fend him off, he’s lowering one hand and shoving the back of my yoga pants down over my ass. When the skin is revealed, he slaps me there, so hard I cry out. His teeth nibble on the top of my lobe, tugging until my head arches back. He’s growling as he speaks, almost like it’s animalistic. “It’s the fight you crave, Raims. That’s what gets you so hot. You know it’s true.” Now he’s rubbing the cheek of my ass, dipping his thumb near the crack, then further, until he’s petting my bare, sensitive pussy. He spreads me and slides his finger in between to test his theory. I’m ashamed to admit he’s right. He’s so fucking right I can’t deny it any longer. I don’t know why I try. The more I fight, the more I want him to take me, right here and now.

  Crane shoves his finger in and out of me as he speaks. My face scrunches up. I’m fighting a losing battle. My mind and body are divided. I keep telling myself I don’t want this, but I know it’s going to happen, because I can’t resist.

  His finger is removed. The sound of sucking tells me he’s tasting where he’s been. I keep my eyes closed and imagine him doing it again, but with his mouth. I’m beginning to shake, so I fight to free my restrained wrist. He allows it, but only so he can spin me around to face him. Now, staring at my enemy, I’m forced to admit I desire more.

  He crashes his lips against mine, lifting me up into his arms, only to release me and watch for a reaction.

  I stand before him, lowering my pants until everything falls to the floor. He’s pulling off his shirt, and then mine. My bra comes next, followed by his jeans. Standing naked in the hallway, he spins me around and raises my feet off the hardwood. I bend my knees, my hands pressed against the wall as he positions himself. “Tell me, Raims. Fucking tell me what you want.”

  “Mmm,” I moan. “I...fuck me. I want it hard. Make me come.”

  He’s forceful, his dick filling my walls. Every time he makes a sound I mimic it. The harder he pounds, the more I like it. He’s slapping against my ass, squeezing on of the cheeks until it brings me pain.

  When he tires, he pulls out and lifts me into his arms, carrying me back to the living room. Crane tosses me down on the couch and spreads my knees. For a few seconds he just stares at my pussy, his eyes so focused I swear he’s mapping his next move. “Touch yourself,” he orders.

  I drag my fingers, first over my lips, wetting them with my tongue, then glide them between my breasts, past my abdomen, then finally my pussy. I’m wet and he’s staring. Two fingers trace my clit ring, the slightest touch causing my muscles to tighten. “Like this? Is this what you want from me, Crane? You like bad girls, don’t you?”

  He spreads my legs further apart, never taking his eyes off of my task. I see him grip his cock and begin stroking it. As I focus on what he’s doing, I’m almost don’t notice my fingers moving on their own. He’s doing it hard, his face tightening, but gaze never leaving my soaked, trained fingers. I know my body and how to bring myself to orgasm. I’ve never needed a man to get off, but I’m not going to deny how much I need this. It’s always been a competition. I have to be the best, and lately I feel inadequate. Maybe that’s why I want to mess around with Crane. I need to know I haven’t lost my touch.

  Three fingers coast over my pussy, forging between the lips until I’m teasing my own hole. “That’s it,” I manage. “Harder. Make that shit explode all over me.”

  “Finger fuck yourself, Raims. Pretend it’s my dick. How hard do you want it?”

  I’m knuckles deep, thrusting my fingers until my fist hits the bone. In a punching motion, I’m totally vested, watching Crane watch me. His free hand reaches out to caress my left breast. He pinches at my nipple, only heightening the experience for me. I love to be watched, but don’t want this to be fast. Removing my hand, I drag it up my skin, then lift it to his lips. “Taste me.”

  He sucks my wet fingers into his mouth and closes his eyes. For a few seconds he stops stroking his cock. He needs to stop and gather himself, or this will be the end. When I pull my hand down I massage my right breast, lifting it until I’m able to lick to tip. “Fuck, do it again,” he requests.

  I shake my head, refusing. He’s stroking faster. Trekking downward, I circle my fingers around my wet pussy, purposely avoiding it to get a rise out of him. “Is this what you want?”

  He can’t even nod. Crane Lord is completely unresponsive as he’s struck with the urge to erupt. Adjusting, I lift my palms until they’re cupping my knees, holding my legs as far apart as they’ll go. Then I take two fingers and flick my clit ring, causing my body to jolt. I keep doing it, biting down on my lip while fighting the urge to come. But it’s too late. I’m already losing it, and Crane reacts. I feel his hot cum splashing over my chest. He squirts it around, his head falling back as a loud groan echoes off the walls. His hand rests on my leg as it sits on his shoulder and leans over to kiss it. When our eyes meet we both share a wicked grin. “I hate you,” I remind him.

  “Yeah right.”

  And just like that, he dresses and leaves.

  There’s no sulking on my part. I’m too stubborn to admit defeat. Instead I pretend it didn’t happen, because admitting he’s right only makes my life more screwed.

  It’s been three days and I’ve barely seen or heard from Crane. During the day he peeks his head in and sometimes grabs a change of clothes, but not one conversation has taken place between us.

  He’s doing this on purpose, and while he gives me the cold shoulder, I’m forced to face the hard facts of still having a lot of unresolved feelings for a person I should despise.

  I’m caught off guard when he messages me to check out the shop downstairs. I discover he’s made me a station, equipped with new ink, chairs and even a tattoo table. I look around the space and feel overwhelmed. Finally, after looking over every detail, Crane steps into the room. His arms are crossed, and he’s wearing a button up business shirt, that hides all of his arm tattoos. “Is there anything else you’ll need?”

  I shrug. “Why? We’re not even talking.”

  “Why not? The space was being wasted. You’re going to start making dents in the couch if you don’t get off your ass and do something other than binge watching television.”

  “Screw you. I haven’t even been back for a week.”

  “You don’t have to remind me, Raims. I’m fully aware of the moment you came back.”

  “You’re not going to give up, are you?”

  “Quitters never win,” he comments with a smirk.

  I don’t know what to say. I shouldn’t want this. Gifts from Crane come back to bite me in the ass, yet I know it won’t be his last. Crane knows the more he does, the less I’ll look for other options. He wants me to stay, but I’m determined to go. He can’t keep me here, not now, not ever.

  Chapter 14

  Crowbar Motel Pop Round: To visit someone in jail or prison.

  His fancy Corvette still smells new. The seatbelt chokes me into place, while the close proximity to Crane makes me feel claustrophobic. As eager as I am to see my brother, I’m hating the idea of an hour drive upstate with someone I have trouble resisting a mere inches from where I sit.

  “How long has it been since you talked to Del?”

  I shrug, not even knowing if he’s looking in my direction. “Four years.”

  “Raims, you could have called home at any time, you know that, right?”

  “Why? I left in a bad way. Calling home would mean I missed them.”

  “But you did.”

  “They would see it as weakness. Link told me to spread my wings and never look back. Life got busy, and before I knew it, it was too late to reach out. I didn’t know how to apologize, or where to begin. Does that make sense?”

  “It does. Trust me, it does.”

  I know he’s referring to me. “Why did you lie to me?”

  For a second he seems to be confused. “About what?”

  “You know what. The chick you were seeing. Why not just tell me you broke things off?”

  “Oh that. It was easier to let you assume it was your fault.”

  I cackle. “Why? Because the truth made you look weak?”

  “I’m not weak, Raims. It’s just, when it comes to you I’m willing to play dirty. We’re good together.”

  “No we’re not.”

  “Deny it all you want. We both know it’s true.”

  “You and I are good at playing head games. We both enjoy sex, and it’s easy to fuck around, because we’ve been down that road before.”