Текст книги "Fear me"

Автор книги: B. B. Reid

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Текущая страница: 21 (всего у книги 25 страниц)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

“Where were you all of Sunday? I called you a hundred times.” I listened to Sheldon fuss as we walked down the hallway. It was lunch period and I’d just got out of volleyball, which wasn’t as fun without Willow. She texted this morning to say she was sick and skipping school.

“Sorry, I just had a lot on my mind and needed time to think.”

“Bummers. I wanted you to come with me to my audition. Felix is looking for a face for his new clothing line.”

“I’m really sorry, Sheldon. How did you do?” I asked, feeling like shit because I forgot about her audition.

“Canceled. I was too nervous. Dash had offered to go with me but he disappeared too.”

“Are you sure modeling is what you want to do?”

“It’s been my dream since I saw my first show. Dad says I have to go to college first but after that my dreams are my own.”

“Are you okay with that?”

“I guess so. Going to college isn’t so bad.” I shook my head and started putting my bags in my locker.

“Sheldon you have to think –”

“Is that a bite mark?” she asked, interrupting what I was about to say.

Shit. I’d become so used to Keiran leaving bite marks on me that I stopped noticing. I looked down to see my oversized sweater had fallen off my shoulder exposing the red patch and indentations where my neck met my shoulders. I quickly pulled it back over my shoulders and finished stuffing my books into my locker. I avoided her gaze and heard her laugh.

“Kinky. I like it,” she chuckled. “Dash told me you guys went to see your grandmother. I’m shocked.”

“Why are you shocked?’

“Because of Keiran’s obvious disdain for anything resembling a parent.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. Maybe because he didn’t know his father and his mother dropped him off on a stranger’s doorstep?”

But bad parents don’t cause someone to become this troubled without something much worse happening. There were so many holes that only he could fill. “I wish I could get him to talk to me.”

“If anyone can get him to open up it would be you.”

“Why do you say that?”

“You’re the only one who affects Keiran in any way. He would talk…for you. You just need to know the right words to say.”

“Sup beautiful ladies?” Keenan came and hooked his arms around our shoulders with a cute grin on his face. “Do you know just by standing there together you’ve already fulfilled one of my fantasies? Now I just have to figure out how to get you two naked…with me in between.”

“Before or after Keiran and I take turns killing you?” Sheldon quipped.

“Semantics. What are you two whispering about?” he cast suspicious glances between us and attempted to look intimidating. I’m pretty sure he could if he wasn’t such a goof.

“Our periods,” Sheldon answered gleefully.

“Eww, babe.”

“You asked.”

“But you didn’t have to tell me that!”

Aaaaand they’re arguing again. I listened to them bicker back and forth. Sometimes I think they argued on purpose. Sheldon told me that makeup sex was out of this world but I’ve had Keiran’s angry sex so I don’t think it would be wise to pick fights with him.

“Guys I’m hungry,” I said interrupting their argument. “Anyone know where Keiran is?”

“He’s with coach. He told me to take you to lunch if he’s running late.”

“So I guess that means you’re still my body guard?” I asked, slightly annoyed. Did he still not trust me?

“In a way,” he smirked.

“Because I can’t be trusted. I get it.” I really don’t.

“No, because Keiran doesn’t trust anyone. Especially with you.”

“What happened to his parents?” I blurted. I was planning to ask that question in a crowded hallway during the middle of the school day but hey…shit happens. I was done skating around the issue.

Keenan froze and then glared at Sheldon who actually looked contrite for once. “What makes you think something happened?”

“Keenan…”

“I don’t know, okay? He doesn’t talk about it. He probably doesn’t even remember.” He looked away and I could tell he was either lying or holding back something. Just then Dash walked up to our circle with a scowl on his face.

“Where’s your girl?”

“You tell me…you were with her last.” He thumbed his chin and eyed me before rolling his eyes and fishing out his phone. He punched in some numbers, mumbling. After dialing into his phone three times he muttered, “this is bullshit” and walked off.

“Willow still won’t talk to him?” Sheldon asked.

“Would you?” I asked.

“I’d cut his dick off and hang it over my mantle.”

Keenan gave Sheldon a crazy look. “So you’d touch your brother’s dick?”

“Of course not. I’d make you do it, pumpkin.” She planted a loud kiss on his cheek.

“Oh no. I’m not doing that again.”

“Again?” We both asked at the same time.

Keenan scratched the back of his neck. “I uhh…lost a bet last year so I had to hold his dick for two minutes.”

My mouth fell open and Sheldon was bent over laughing. “Oh honey, you’re such a pussy,” she chortled.

“Hey, he had pants on!” Keenan said defensively. He looked at me pleadingly and said, “Don’t tell Keiran alright?”

“Why?”

“Because then he’d make me hold his dick.”

We burst out laughing and I fell to me knees clutching my stomach. Keenan’s face was surely a Kodak moment. “What’s so funny?” Keiran’s voice suddenly came from behind us. I was still on the floor laughing as he approached. “Why she is on the floor?” he asked, mean mugging Keenan.

“Whatever, you guys are lame,” Keenan muttered walking off. Sheldon followed after him, still laughing.

“Lake, get off the floor, baby.” Oh so now I’m ‘baby’ again? I rolled my eyes and ignored the butterflies that erupted in my stomach each time he said it. It always sounded so sexy and sensual and intimate. Now, he only used my last name when he was being a dick or I was being punished. He scooped me up when I took too long to move but kept his hands on my hips, tugging me into him.

“How was volleyball?” he asked pecking me on my lips. I stared at him in surprise considering what happened the last time we talked. It was becoming really hard to keep up with his moods. Or maybe I was the only one who carried grudges over an entire weekend.

“Oh you know…someone hits the ball over the net so I hit the ball back over. It’s sort of like playing hot potato but with a volleyball that’s not hot.”  He ignored my sarcasm and used the opportunity to feel me up instead. Thankfully, everyone had either gone to lunch or class so no one was left in the hallway but us. “What did you have to see Coach about?” It wasn’t important for me to know but I needed a distraction from the feeling of his hands on me.

“He wanted to talk to me about our next win.” I smiled at his assumption that the team would win their first game.

“Cocky much?” He gave me a lopsided grin that I thought made him look adorably human and started kissing on my neck.  “Are you trying to go pro?”

“That’s the plan,” he mumbled against my neck.

“Are scouts still considering you for college ball?”

“Coach said they’re eager to see me perform this year.” He lifted his head from my neck and look down at me with a serious expression. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.”

“Okay.”

“I need to bring my game stronger than I have before considering the year I missed and the circumstances. I’m not blaming you so fix your face,” he added when I sent him withering look. “That year was justified for the shit that I have done.” Like murder a little girl? I masked the nauseous feeling that overcame me but realized I missed part of what he was saying. “…I’m going to be practicing a lot and won’t have a lot of spare time.”

The bell rang just as I caught on to what he was telling me. “I understand.”

“Do you?”

“We aren’t dating, Keiran. No worries.” He narrowed his eyes before he took my lips with his in a possessive kiss that said otherwise. We ended up spending the entire lunch period making out against the lockers and thankfully weren’t caught. I had to end it when he tried to stick his hand down my pants. He didn’t put up too much of a stink even though his face said he wanted to because the bell rang. He wordlessly led me to class and when we arrived he slapped me on the ass and walked off.

I watched him swagger down the hall and couldn’t help but admit how much I loved his walk…and every other girl in the vicinity. Some even stopped to stare or reach out to touch him.

Horny hoebags.

I wanted to yell that he was mine even though he never would be. I still took evil pleasure in how he ignored and shook them off and before he turned the corner he looked back at me as if sensing I was still there. He winked and disappeared around the corner.

* * *

It wasn’t even five minutes into class when a couple of uniforms walked in flashing badges. For some reason my heart dropped to the pit of my stomach. I didn’t know why until I looked over a few rows and noticed an empty seat.

Anya’s empty seat.

The fair and everything that happened rushed back. Dash and Keenan drove off with them and Keiran hasn’t said a word but I knew they had to have taken them to him. Whatever I was expecting them to do in retaliation didn’t end with them, or rather, Anya not showing up to school. Maybe she’s out sick.

The other students started to get riled as the two officers spoke to our teacher.

“Class settle down. The police are looking for Anya Risdell and Trevor Reynolds and are asking for our full cooperation. Every student will be scheduled for an individual interview with your parents over the next few days. They ask if you have any information on their disappearance you come forth with it as soon as possible.

Just then one of the officer’s eyes connected with mine and I recognized him as the partner of Trevor’s dad and the one who cuffed Keiran the night of the break-in. Shit. His was grilling me with his eyes and I fidgeted in my seat, nervously. My phone buzzed in my pocket so I pulled it out, thankful for the distraction from the officer.

K: R u ok?

 

Lake: No…

 

K: I’ll take care of it.

 

Lake: Like you took care of them?

 

K: Jeez, Lake. Don’t say that shit over the phone.

 

Lake: Sorry. I don’t know what to do.

 

K: Be there in two.

No matter how much I tried I couldn’t tamp down the nervous feelings or the bile that steadily rose. Keiran appeared in the doorway and walked right in. He ignored the officers who were talking to the class and my teacher who looked pretty pissed off but didn’t say anything. He walked up to my desk, grabbed my hand, and pulled me up from the seat. I hurriedly grabbed my bag just in case I didn’t or couldn’t come back.

“You are quickly putting me on every teacher’s shit list you know.”

“At least we’ll be together,” he smirked.

“Keiran what did you do?” I asked once we were out of earshot. He backed me into the lockers and rested his forearm above my head.

“I was caring,” he answered sarcastically. “The less you know the better. This is my shit.”

“Someone could have saw them being taken.”

“Let me worry about that. You don’t know anything. That’s what you tell them when they ask.”

“But I do know something!” He narrowed his eyes and I felt that familiar chill that I mistakenly thought was long gone.

“So what do you plan to tell them?”

“Don’t do that. You don’t get to look at me as if I already betrayed you. I don’t owe you anything.”

Instead of responding he took my lips with his, opening me up for his tongue, which I took greedily. The stress and fear of our current situation had me needy and trying to climb his body right there in the hallway. “Do you want to get out of here?” he asked, lifting his lips from mine.

“I would like that very much but I can’t. I have a test coming up and a project due in Art next period. Are you leaving?”

He shook his head. “I’m not leaving you here alone.”

“My hero,” I whispered, smiling teasingly up at him. When he flinched and his gaze became murderous, I remembered his feelings about heroes. His reaction made me think it was more than just an opinion.

The police officers came out the room and cast us hard glances. I looked back at them nervously. I was probably giving everything away with my face. Keiran’s back was turned so he didn’t see them come out. I was distracted from their scrutiny when Keiran used his thumb to rub small circles over my lower stomach, just as I was about to warn him.

“I should get back,” I whispered.

“You should. The pervs are watching,” he said indicating the cops at the other end of the hall. I looked back at the cops and notice them saying something to each other but they were too far away for us to hear.

“You’re way too calm about this,” I remarked. It was actually making me nervous rather than assuring me. The cops were watching us too hard and standing around as they were waiting for something. He shrugged, dropped his arm from over my head and backed away from me.

I missed the safety his closeness created. It felt like my personal hideaway from the world. Funny when he used to be the only thing I needed to hide from not so long ago. Maybe he still was, I thought, thinking about Anya, Trevor, and what he said about my grandmother.

He nudged me to the door but this time waited from me to go inside before heading in the direction of the officers. I couldn’t resist so I peeked my head outside the door, fully aware that the entire class along with my teacher’s attention was on me. When Keiran was in hearing distance the officer said something to him and I tensed even though I couldn’t hear. Keiran didn’t stop to talk to them, though. His only acknowledgment was to flip them off. I watched him climb the stairs, taking two at time, until he disappeared.

“Ms. Monroe, if it’s alright with you, please take your seat so that I may resume class,” Mrs. Bisette, barked. Definitely on her shit list.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

I leaned my head against the wall and closed my eyes drawing out the sound of Keiran’s practice. My head felt like it was spinning and all I wanted to do was go home and hide under my covers. I’d fully expected to go straight home after school but like always, Keiran had different ideas and like always, I followed.

“Is it Friday yet?” Sheldon griped from her seat next to me.

“Nope.”

“Fuck. I don’t think I can tolerate going to practice today. I’m too stressed.”

“Can you skip that now? With Anya missing, aren’t you captain now?”

“Oh my gosh. What if people think I did it?”

“Why would they think that?”

“So I could take her spot as Captain?”

“You watch too much TV.”

“Trevor did it to Keiran,” she pointed out.

“Point taken.”

“Ugh, what do you think they are going to do about the investigation?” she asked.

“What makes you think they are going to do anything?” I asked while keeping my eyes shut.

“Because they are too calm and quiet about it.”

“What do you think they did to them? You know them better than I do. What would they do?” She paused from tying up her sneakers and hesitated before answering. “If Keiran is behind it, I don’t think I want to know. Dash says he has connections that money can’t buy.” I watched her carefully for any sign that she was holding back but her answers sounded genuine.

I remembered the conversation I overheard him having last Friday but none of it put me closer to figuring out what may have happened to Trevor and Anya. Keiran was dead set on making me leave his past alone but his past didn’t seem to be much of a past at all.

“They don’t say much around me anyway,” Sheldon continued, breaking me out of my thoughts. “Keiran said I had a big mouth. Can you believe that?” she yelled drawing the attention of a few players and cheerleaders.

I raised my eyebrows and pursed my lips. “No…I couldn’t imagine.” I said sarcastically. She gave me an indignant look and went back to fixing her shoes. “Are you guys practicing in here today?”

She nodded, “It’s raining outside. You didn’t notice?” she gestured to the double doors leading outside. She left with a quick “see you later” and headed to the other part of the gym. Our gym was unique in that it multiple sections so it wouldn’t impede on the basketball practice and other events.

I looked over to the court in time to Keiran make an effortless shot at the halfway line. Keenan began to gloat as if he had just taken the shot and I shook my head. Keiran made eye contact with me and called for a break.

“What’s wrong?” he asked approaching me.

“Besides my raging headache and impending jail sentence?”

“Sure,” he said rolling his eyes.

“Then nothing. I think I’m going to head home.” I stood up on my tiptoes and pecked his lips. He wore a scowl and looked as if he was going to protest as I picked up my messenger bag.

“Go to my place.”

“I’ll be fine at home.”

“What did I say?”

“You’re not my father, Keiran.” He gripped my chin hard and stared down at me without saying anything. “How am I supposed to get in?” I rolled my eyes him. He bent and dug into his gym bag and produced his key ring. He popped one of the three keys and handed it to me. “Straight there.”

“Well I’m kind of hungry so I was thinking about grabbing a burger on the way,” I said just to piss him off.

“Monroe,” he warned over his shoulder as he walked away. Mission accomplished.

* * *

I pulled into Keiran’s place and noticed a large black pick-up truck parked in the driveway. Keiran didn’t mention anyone being over at his place and I contemplated calling him before going inside but I knew he wouldn’t get my call until practice was over.

I got out with my bag…and my burger and entered with the key he gave me. I didn’t hear anything or anyone when I walked in. I walked deeper into the house with slow steps. Just as I reached the edge of the stairs, the backdoor opened down the hall and a tall, imposing man entered. We both froze as we stared at each other in surprise.

After a couple minutes of staring each other down he closed the door and moved closer. I gripped the banister and battled between the choice to fight or flight.

“Who are you?” he finally asked. His voice was smooth and husky and as I looked closer I decided he was quite handsome in his faded jeans and white, collared shirt. He also looked amazingly like my enigmatic boyfriend and his volatile cousin. I suddenly realized that this must be their uncle. John Masters. I continued to gape at him, his question hanging between us.

“You must be here for Keenan. I assume he is cheating again.” He sounded more resigned than angry.

“Actually, I’m a friend of Keiran’s,” I said, finding my voice. I caught the look of surprise as his eyebrows rose.

“Is that so?” I nodded and he continued to stare. “Where is Keiran?”

“He has practice.”

“Ah yes. Basketball. So why are you here?”

“He asked me to meet him here.”

“What is your name girl?”

“Lake Mo—Monroe.”

He rubbed his chin and continued to stare me down. “Why is it that I’ve never heard of you before?” Maybe because you’re never around? “I’ve never known Keiran to bring girls home. Much less entrust them with a key.”

“I – I should go.”

“But then Keiran wouldn’t like that would he?” My feet were rooted to the spot and I mentally shook off my nervousness. “Don’t worry, girl. I’m not going to hurt you. I am never home and my nephew barely spares me a glance.” He looked at me curiously before he asked, “How old are you?”

“Eighteen,” I answered while wondering why my age mattered.

“I don’t believe I know your parents,” he said but it was more of a question.

You wouldn’t. I don’t know them either. I thought I did. “Carissa Anderson is my aunt and guardian.” A look of pity crossed his faced and I hated that. I hated when someone pitied my parents or me. They didn’t deserve it…neither did I because sometimes I did hate them.

“I see. Well that’s something you and Keiran have in common.” He walked off towards the kitchen, leaving me confused.

The encounter was strange, making me feel nervous and awkward. I practically ran up the stairs and quickly locked myself in Keiran’s room. Pulling out my phone I sent a quick text to Keiran letting him know his uncle was here. My headache had only worsened since leaving the gym so I slipped under Keiran’s covers and let sleep overcome me. I’d worry about the rest later.

 

* * *

I heard the first light thud followed by a second and I automatically wiggled my now free toes still covered by socks. My eyes refused to open as I came awake but when I felt the familiar scent I’ve come to love my eyes finally flew open. Keiran was standing over me, still dressed in his practice uniform. He usually showered before he left practice so I figured he rushed here. Most likely to see if I obeyed him and came to his house.

“What did he say to you?” I blinked a few times before I fully comprehended what he was asking me. John was here earlier and our conversation rushed back to me

“Well, he was a lot more pleasant than you were when we first met.”

“Lake…”

“No, Keiran. He didn’t. We talked for a little while but that was it.”

“What did he say?” he gritted.

“Nothing much. He just wanted to know who the strange girl was walking into his house with a key. Why didn’t you tell me he was here?”

He ran a hand over his head. “I didn’t know. Apparently they called him to schedule an interview since Keenan is still seventeen.”

“Oh. Right.” Sometimes I forget that I was a few months older than Keenan. I sat up in his bed and ran a self-conscious hand over my hair. I didn’t get the sexy bed hair that Keiran did. I was thankful my voice wasn’t as croaky as usual when I woke up. “Is he still here?”

He nodded and opened a dresser drawer. His back was turned to me so I didn’t see his face when I asked him but I did notice his back muscles tense. “He is talking with Keenan right now about school and all the other fatherly shit I have no interest in.” The bitterness in his tone did not escape me.

“Why aren’t you and John close?”

“Why would we be?”

“He’s your uncle.”

He shrugged and lifted a fresh shirt out of the drawer. “Not my problem.”

“I don’t think it’s good for you to be so distant.”

“Why do you care?”

“Because I care about you.” My voiced was now raised from the frustration I felt.

He blew out an annoyed breath. “You shouldn’t. Why would you?”

“You have to let people care about you. You can’t just keep your emotions bottled up and ignore them. Sooner or later they will come out.”

“I told you that I do feel emotion. I feel anger and I feel hatred. Isn’t that enough?”

“No. You have to stop punishing yourself.”

He shook his head. “You wouldn’t say that if you knew why I punished myself, as you put it.”

“Try me,” I challenged. Sheldon thought I could get him talk. I wanted to test that theory.

“I’ll pass.” He picked up my forgotten burger and walked to the door. I was totally busted, I thought as I watched his retreating form.

“Keiran?” He stopped at the door but kept his back turned, his head turned to the side. “How is anyone supposed to love you if you can’t even love yourself?”

His jaw clenched and his hand fisted around the knob before he answered. “I don’t want anyone to” he said coldly. He walked out and slammed the bedroom door and I felt like he just slammed the one keeping my heart as well.

For once his words didn’t make me cry but that doesn’t mean it didn’t piss me off. I sulked on his bed with my arms crossed, tapping my foot on the mattress. That’s how he found me when he returned from his shower wearing only a towel. I could see his bulge pressing against the material. Oh God, stay focused.

“What do you mean you don’t want anyone to love you?” I asked as soon as he cleared the doorway.

“Do you?” He asked dryly.

“I – what?”

“Are you planning to fall in love with me?” His voice was harsh as he glared at me from across the bedroom.

“I’m not sure that’s possible for us,” I answered truthfully.

“Then what are we talking about?” he asked and turned away, letting me know he wasn’t interested in an answer. Nonetheless, I struggled over what to say and most importantly why I cared so much that he didn’t believe in love. Keiran wasn’t a forever person and neither was I because neither of us believed in happy ever after.

When he dropped his towel my attention shifted at the sight of his strong body, still damp from his shower, out on display. Suddenly, I wanted him in the worst way despite the danger of it all. He must have felt the same because when he turned back to face me, his erection was prominent and the look in his eyes was dark and promising.

“We may not have love but we have this. This is all it will ever be,” he said as he undressed me.

“Do I have a say?” I asked with bitterness heavy in my mind and making its way down to my heart. Soon it could very well take over my soul and then it would be too late.

“No, baby. It’s already done,” he said as he laid his body over mine and entered me slowly. He closed his eyes briefly before opening them again. “I’m addicted to you.”