BULLY ME #1

A Best Friend's Brother Bully Romance Series

By
Lacey Heart
 COPYRIGHT

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electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of
the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to actual persons,

living or dead, is purely coincidental. Lacey Heart holds exclusive rights to
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Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.

Copyright © 2019 by Lacey Heart

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 Books by Lacey Heart
Damaged & Destroyed
Reckless: A Damaged & Destroyed Novella #1
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Ruthless: A Damaged & Destroyed Novella #2

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Bully Me
One Night Only – A bully Me Companion Novella #0.5
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Bully Me This: Bully Me #1

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Bully Me That: Bully Me #2

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Dear Diary: Tales from Riverstone High
January:
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To the strongest woman I know.
Mum, this one's for you!
 I'll always remember his eyes.
Cold, calculating, and as gray as wet stone.
Beautiful, yet deadly.

He used to call me his princess.

A sign of endearment from an early age and that we’d get married one day.
I foolishly believed every word he said.

He was my best friend’s brother—totally off limits, and I loved him with
everything I had.

Then one day something changed.

He changed and my love quickly grew into something darker…
HATE.

I didn’t know much, but one thing was certain.

I hated Colby Carter almost as much as he hated me.
 PROLOGUE

“I hate you.”
Gritting my teeth, I ball my hands into fists and press them into my
sides. My breathing comes in short, fast bursts as I try to contain the
fountain of anger flowing inside me before it explodes.
I want to reach out and smack the smug look from his face.
I want to hurt him. I want him to suffer. I want to inflict as much
pain on him to reflect the agony he’s caused me—but it doesn’t matter how
hard I attacked him it wouldn’t even come close.
“Keep telling yourself that, princess.” He smirks back at me, which
only intensifies my anger. “Maybe one of these days you might start to
believe it.”
“Fuck you, Colby.” My teeth chatter as the cold wind penetrates my
lungs, but I barely feel the icy burn from the adrenaline pumping through
my veins. “If you don’t back the hell up out of my face, I’ll scream this park
down.” I keep my voice steady, and with every frantic beat of my heart as it
thuds in my chest, it does absolutely nothing to deter him. If anything, it
probably heightens his amusement. Nothing phases him. Colby’s like a
machine—indestructible and totally void of any emotions.
His gray eyes sparkle with danger, and I can see the bright lights of
the Ferris wheel reflecting back at me as he takes a step closer to me.
He’s cocky, sadistic, obnoxious and totally full of himself. Colby
isn’t short of friends, or his choice of girls but he still makes it his daily
mission to make my life hell.
“No you won’t.”
My breathing falters when his hands connect with my hips and a
gazillion vaults of electricity pulsate through my body as he slams me back
against a ‘doh-so-good’ booth, adding to the chill in the base of my spine.
Then the son of a bitch digs his fingers into my hips, and I gasp when his
warm lips fall on mine.
I hate him.
I hate myself too because even though I shouldn’t, I can’t help but
lose myself in all things Colby. I love the way he makes me feel. I love it
when he touches me, even when we both know it’s wrong, and I love it
when he pulls me aside and focuses all his attention on me—the way he
used to do before he turned all moody and evil. Before he sold his soul to
the devil.
When he pulls back, I feel empty, like he’s sucked a vital part from
me, and when I feel strong enough to open my eyes again, I see his are
hooded. Hazed over with a hunger I know only too well. His eyes pierce
into mine and I’m frozen to the spot, the heat of his crisp minty breath is
hypnotizing.
“Scream, princess. I dare you.” He snickers. “But we both know no
one will hear you.”
 Colby raises a brow, daring me to argue with him but I couldn’t
even if I wanted to. I’ve lost all ability to speak as I’m trapped under his
spell. I’ve totally lost all sense of reason and he sure as hell knows it too.
Once again, I’ve found myself at the hands of his mercy and he rewards me
with a sweet smile of victory.
Where the hell is Hadley when I need her? She’s supposed to be my
best friend, on hand to ninja warrior her savage brother’s ass and keep him
away from me. But instead she knows nothing about the silly games Colby
likes to play when no one is watching. No one does. Hadley’s far too busy,
probably embraced in Ryder’s arms somewhere deep in the park with zero
fucks to give.
Everything happens so fast that I don’t have time to act.
Colby moves closer to me, sneaky and hypnotizing like a python
luring in its prey. His hard, athletic body is flush against mine, our bodies
aligning perfectly together, and his lips come crashing down against mine
once more.
Soft delicate lips. Lips I don’t think I could ever tire of.
I don’t stop him or push him away even though I know I should. I
have zero control when he’s this close to me. Colby is all kinds of wrong,
but I don’t have the willpower to stop myself, and that scares me because I
need more of him. Always more.
My body goes lax as I allow him to taste me, his tongue searching
for mine, desperate, hungry—like I’m the air he breathes, and I foolishly do
the same. After a few moments I finally loosen my fists and allow them to
glide up his hard, defined stomach, over his shoulders until they find their
resting place; tangled in his hair as I pull him closer to me.
I savor every moment, carefully storing this feeling in the forbidden
box in my mind so I can come back to it and torture myself some more at a
later date.
A deep guttural groan rises in his throat as he rolls his hips into me,
and I breathe him in—all of him—knowing this will be the last and final
time.
I hate him with every fiber of my being, but I love him with a fierce
passion too. He’s the boy I shouldn’t want, but my heart chooses to believe
otherwise.
Either way, Colby Carter is no good for me. Mind, body or soul,
and this sick and twisted game we’re caught up in has to end before it’s too
late.
 CHAPTER ONE
WILLOW

“That’s everything.” I tell myself as I wipe my hands on my jeans

while taking in the sorry sight before me. A few brown boxes are scattered
at my feet and I finally take a moment to breathe. I pull myself up and relax
my shoulders and I can feel the tension release and start to melt away. For
the first time in forever they feel light and airy—a huge weight finally
lifted.
I’m surprised.
I really thought this whole process would have been a lot harder,
but it turned out to be far easier than I could have ever imagined. I think if
I’d have known just how easy it was going to be then I probably would
have made this move long ago.
The irony isn’t lost on me either. In fact, it speaks volumes, firmly
cementing in my mind that even through all the doubts, I definitely made
the right decision.
Consequences be damned.
 I shudder at the thought, a cold chill tingling the base of my spine
and I offer a quick prayer to all the God’s that there won’t be too many
consequences coming to bite me on the ass.
Confrontation has never been one of my strong points. I’ve always
been a run and hide kind of girl, and I’m at my most happiest when my
head is firmly buried deep in the sand. It’s not something I’ll apologize for
either.
But this time something had to give. Something within me switched
and no matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t shut it down.
I tried. I really did, but I couldn’t handle the bullshit anymore. Way
too much has happened for me to just sit back and play along like a ragdoll,
being tossed to the side over and over again.
I knew I needed to get away.
I needed to start again. Wipe the slate clean and erase the past three
years of my life, and what better way to do that than going back home—to
my roots.
Home is no longer a threat for me, and so long as I remember I’m
doing this for my own happiness and wellbeing, I’m sure I’ll be fine.
I have to be—and it’s not like I haven’t survived worse. The ghosts
of my past may haunt me, but it’s the living who have the power to inflict
the most pain.

“Wow. You sure travel light, or is the rest of it in the truck?”

I spin around as Hadley appears behind me and I manage a small
smile. Her voice is warm and welcoming, and it sounds just like home.
Something I didn’t realize how much I’d missed until now.
“Nope. This is it. This right here is what three years of bullshit
looks like.” I shrug not really knowing what else to do or say. I’m
embarrassed and ashamed to say these few boxes are all I have left to my
name. I know materialistic things can be replaced and if I’m going to wipe
the slate clean properly then I need to make sure I’ve erased all visible
reminders. “Just the basics, you know?” because I have a shit ton of
permanent reminders in my head. “Everything else can be replaced.”
“Hey, you can bring as much or as little as you need.” Hadley’s
eyes search mine and hers are filled with nothing but kindness and love.
I reach out and squeeze her hand affectionately and say, “thanks. I
know this is all last minute, but I really appreciate everything.” A hard lump
forms in my throat preventing me from expressing what I really want to say
to her. Instead, I nod my head to signal her humble abode, hoping she
understands my unspoken words.
“Don’t worry about it. That’s what best friends are for, right?”
Hadley smiles and my damn lump grows bigger. The last thing I wanted to
do was get all emotional, yet here I am fighting back the tears which are
threatening to spill over and fall down my cheeks. “Look, so long as you’re
happy, I’m happy.”
I’m so not prepared when she drags me forward and pulls me into a
hug. I’m caught off guard and lose my footing, almost sending us both
flying over my discarded boxes.
“I’ll get there.” I muffle into her hair as I continue to fight against
my sobs and breathe her in. Her familiar floral scent calms me and sets my
panic induced mind at ease. “I know I will.” I say, my voice full of
conviction because I don’t feel as bad as I should given recent events, and
that has to be a good sign, right?
“Sure, you will.” Hadley pulls back and cups my face with both of
her hands, her eyes searching mine, looking for some hidden clues. “But
first, you’re gonna need to move these boxes before one of us ends up
dead.”
Her words make me laugh, and it feels incredible. I almost forgot
what it felt like to laugh and to feel happy. But no matter what I can always
count on Hadley to make me smile. She’s always been the overdramatic
one, but I wouldn’t change her for a thing. Not even all the decent guys in
the world. Actually, that one’s pretty debatable right now.
Yes, she’s overdramatic but she’s also crazy, loving, fiercely loyal,
protective, and the best bit—she’s mine.
“Don’t worry, I’m already on it.” I tell her knowing it won’t take
me long to unpack the few items I’ve brought with me. The majority of my
boxes are filled with an endless supply of books and notepads, something I
never leave behind anywhere—no matter what.
And, I bet Hadley won’t even realize I’m here most of the time.
 CHAPTER TWO
WILLOW

I reach the end of the hall and lower the last box onto the floor. I
hesitate before I reach out and push the handle down and push the door
open. A wave of nostalgia hits me hard in the chest and knocks all the air
from my lungs.
I know this room.
I know this room far better than I should do too.
I guess I didn’t expect it to stay the same. I thought it would have
changed a little over the last five years, but it’s just how I remember, like I
was only here yesterday.
I try to regulate my breathing as I take in the sight before me: the
walls are still painted the same shade of light gray, and I know if I look in
the far right hand corner there will be a huge crack in the plaster. The old
oak bedroom furniture is still in the same position and the bed is still under
the window.
The only things missing are his belongings.
 I know I shouldn’t remember the small things the way I do, but it’s
hard not to, especially now it feels like I’ve never been away.
This room even smells the same. Fresh water with a hint of mint.
Manly—but fresh, and old hidden memories begin to swirl in my mind,
sending me dizzy with how clear they are.
Hadley and I have been best friends since kindergarten, and I spent
most of my childhood and teenage years hanging out at her place. I know
this house like the back of my hand, but this room—the one I tried so damn
hard to stay out of, has me feeling a mixture of emotions as they build and
ripple through my body like a goddamn tidal wave.
Happiness…
Pleasure…
Sadness…
Anger…
Regret…

The list could go on and on, but I’m quick to shut it down and slam
the door on that chapter of my life. I’ve moved on since then and I’ve come
way too far to allow those memories to flood back in.
I can’t allow myself to let him back in. There’s no way I can
crumble, let everything unravel and reveal the hidden demons I’ve tried so
hard to forget.
My time here wasn’t all too bad though. Not if I erase all thoughts
of him. Hadley and I had an incredible childhood here. Better than most in
our town and surrounding areas, and that was all thanks to her parents. God
rest their souls.
My parents aren’t worth a mention. My dad was nowhere to be
seen. He decided to up and leave town when I was only six weeks old, and
my mom? Well, the less said about her the better. She sure as hell didn’t
bring any happiness to my life, that’s for sure. But this house holds a ton of
happy memories for me—for the most part at least.
I’ve always been fine here, but I guess this room must be some kind
of trigger for me. I never thought I’d set foot in here again, let alone use it
as my own.
Willow stop. I scold myself. I can’t and won’t allow my mind to go
back there. It’s way too painful and it definitely isn’t worth the hassle.
I was young, stupid and naïve.
I’ve also had five years to break the habit of a lifetime. Five years
to try to find out who I truly am and move on from his torment. It hasn’t
been easy—not by a long mile, but I’m proud of myself for how far I’ve
come.
I’m a totally different person now.
I’m nothing like the girl I was back then—back when he stole my
heart, tore it out and shattered it into a million pieces just for shits and
giggles.
He made sure to leave me broken—damaged beyond repair. But
none of that matters now. I need to remember he isn’t here anymore. He
can’t hurt me anymore, just the memories, and without him I’m so much
stronger than I ever thought I could be.
There’s no way he can continue to hurt me, not if I refuse to let him
in.
“Hey, Willow. You down there?”
I snap out of my thoughts as Hadley’s voice filters down the hall
and before I know it, her tall, slender frame appears in the doorway.
“So, what do you say?”
 “About what?” I turn to face her only to find her watching me
expectantly, amusement dancing in her big brown eyes.
“I asked if you wanted takeout.”
My stomach grumbles in agreement before I have a chance to
answer. “You bet.” I’m starving and it’s only now at the mention of food I
realize I haven’t eaten anything since lunch yesterday. I guess that’s what
happens when you wake up at three in the morning ready to plan your
sudden and totally unexpected departure.
“Come on then because this chick is beyond hangry and I’m getting
worried for everyone’s safety.”
I force a smile at my best friend while trying to remove the
unwanted images of her brother from my mind, but I should know by now
that he’ll always be there, simmering in the background ready to materialize
at any given moment, ready to haunt my every move.
“What do you feel like eating?” Hadley throws me an obligatory
eye roll because she already knows what my answer will be. The same one I
always give her, yet she always takes the time to ask me. She’s probably
praying that one of these days I’ll venture onto the wild side and change my
mind, but we both know that isn’t going to happen.
“Taki’s.” I say on a pleading pout, hoping she’ll agree with me.
“Jeez, Will. Don’t you ever feel like trying something different?
You know just for a change? Mix it up a bit?” Hadley shakes her head, her
big blonde curls bouncing around her petite face.
“Why would I go and set myself up for disappointment? Taki’s is
the best takeout this side of the coast and you know it.”
“Babe, Taki’s will always be the best to you because you’re too
chickenshit to try anything else.” She quips, but there’s still a sparkle in her
eye and a faint smile on her lips so I know she’s not too pissed at me. Plus,
she’s the one who asked me what I wanted when she already knew what the
answer would be.
Hadley sighs dramatically before turning around and retreating
back down the hall, shaking her head as she goes.
Now that she’s out of view, I’m quick to step out of the room that
I’m now calling home and slam the door on my past—even if it’s only for a
couple of hours.
“That’s settled then?” I shout after my best friend while trying my
damned hardest to keep my voice light and steady, when in reality I feel
anything but.
“Taki’s for the win.” She calls back and I can feel every ounce of
sarcasm in Hadley’s voice bouncing from the walls, and I can’t help but
smile as a strong wave of sweet victory swims through my veins.

“I hope you don’t mind staying in Colby’s room?”

My body stiffens at the sound of his name but I’m quick to pull
myself together before Hadley notices something is off. Fortunately, when
my eyes fall on her I can see she’s far too occupied with her phone to bother
paying any attention to me and my internal struggle.
I sure hope she’s checking the menu for Taki’s and not sexting her
latest squeeze. That’s the only problem with Hadley, you can never be one-
hundred percent certain of what she’s up to. I guess that’s one similarity she
shares with her brother.
“Everything was kind of rushed and his room was ready to go. It
was the quickest option and it’s not like he’ll be needing it back anytime
soon.”
 I know she’s right but that doesn’t make me feel any easier about
this messed-up situation, and it’s not like I can just open up and discuss my
issues with her either.
That’s the hardest part. Holding something back from her—
something I’ve never done before, but this time I wasn’t left with any other
choice.
Everything was totally out of my control and even though it hurts,
tears me up on the inside, it also makes me realize how much of a bitch I
really am. I just need to keep reminding myself that this is for the best—it
has to be this way.
When I realize she isn’t in any hurry to look up from her phone, I
finally build up enough courage to put one foot in front of the other and
throw myself down onto the sofa.
“You won’t find any issues here.” I bite back on the lie and I can
taste the poison on my tongue, and I know one of these days it will be the
death of me. “I’m grateful you let me stay.” My breathing is labored and
I’m so relieved she isn’t looking at me because she’d know something
wasn’t right in a heartbeat.
Colby Carter isn’t someone I like to think about, let alone talk
about, but he’s my best friends brother and no matter how uneasy I feel
about it—about him—he comes up in conversation from time to time and
I’m left with no choice other to grin and bear it.
“This feels good, right? Being back together again.”
“Uh-huh. It’ll be just like old times.” I admit while pulling at the
hem of my sleeves—a nervous trait I acquired when I was younger—
something else Colby is accountable for. “It kind of feels like I’m back
home, you know?”
With one exception—the welcome absence of my tormentor.
 Yes, I’m anxious as hell about moving into Colby’s room, but
Hadley and I have always been inseparable, so this makes sense—it feels
right.
We come as a package and everyone knows it too. We’ve always
been together. We might have been blindsided by a few guys along the way,
but now the dream team are back together, and nothing and no one will get
in our way. I guess that’s one of the beautiful things about true friendship.
Life happens and people grow and change all the time, but with besties no
one and no amount of time can ever come between the bond you share.
That’s how it’s always been for the two if us. We cheer each other on and
pick each other back up when we fall.
No sooner had I called Hadley in the early hours of this morning
and asked for her help, she was there in a heartbeat ready and waiting to
welcome me back home with open arms.
No hesitation or questions asked.
When she finally looks up from her phone, she tosses it to the side
and shouts, “that’s because this is your home, baby. Always has been and
always will be, so don’t you go forgetting it.”

It doesn’t take long for our food to arrive and each mouth-watering
piece tastes just as good as I remember. Taki’s is without a doubt one thing I
will never tire of. Even if I had to eat it all day, every day. This is comfort
food at it’s best and I don’t give a damn what Hadley has to say about it.
“This is really good.” I mouth around a forkful of satay chicken and
it sets my taste buds alight. “It’s just what I needed too. Food for the soul.”
“It’s good,” Hadley confesses, “but you really need to start
broadening your horizons, Will.”
 “Oh, shush. Don’t you dare start with that bullshit again.” I warn
her playfully, but she’s quick to cut me off with a wave of her chopstick.
“Speaking of broadening your horizons, I meant to ask earlier.
What’s happening with Seb?”
I almost choke on my noodles and my raging appetite almost
vanishes at the sound of his name. “Seb?” I question, trying my best to play
dumb, pretending I don’t have a clue where this conversation is headed, but
we both know that’s a lie.
“Uh-huh… Seb… the guy you’ve been dating for the past three
years.” She says, emphasizing on his name. “How’s he holding up?” Hadley
waggles her eyebrows at me while she waits for me to enlighten her and
divulge all the details. Looks like she’ll be waiting for a hell of a long time
because I am so not ready to go there. It’s all still too raw and I haven’t
even managed to get my own head around the mess.
I decide to stay quiet and I push my food around my plate as I
avoid meeting her heated glare. But when it burns hotter and hotter, I’m
forced to look up and answer her.
“Honestly, Hads, I don’t know.” I tell her truthfully and my body’s
coiled tighter than a rusty spring. I wish she’d let this drop, but this is
Hadley we’re talking about and now that she’s brought him up that isn’t
going to happen. She’ll keep pressing and pressing until it gets too much
and I’m forced to tell her everything.
I know I need to talk to her; to let her in. A problem shared is a
problem halved and all that, but I’m just not ready. When I confess all, I
know I’ll need to tell her the whole truth and nothing but the truth because
if I don’t it will only come back around to bite me in the ass when she
figures out what happened. “I don’t really care how he’s holding up either.”
My voice is flat and totally void of any emotion, but it’s nothing but the
truth. I couldn’t give a damn how he is. Now, or ever, and I have zero
intentions of going out of my way to find out. Seb made his bed and now
it’s time he learned to lay in it—without me.
“You know what the first rule of friend code is, right?” Hadley
enquires as she leans in closer to me. I knew she wouldn’t let this drop.
She’s fucking relentless.
“How about you go ahead and enlighten me.” I decide it’s best to
play along because that’s the only thing I can do right now. Hadley’s in my
face and she’s going to tell me anyway, whether I want to hear it or not. I
discard my food, sigh heavily and lean back into the sofa while preparing
my poor ears for a bashing.
Hadley smiles and points a manicured finger in my face and
squeaks, “the first rule is you’re supposed to tell me everything as soon as
the shit hits the fan.”
Damn. Well I hate to disappoint, but it looks like I majorly failed
the friend code 101 many years ago. In fact, I failed it so epically that I’m
making sure I never go back there again.
I’ve survived this long without Hadley ever finding out what lies
hidden deep in the depths of my dark and tarnished soul, and I’m more than
happy for it to stay that way too.
Why drag up the past when it’s all done and buried? Nothing good
will ever come from it.
Actually, even though I’ll never bring myself to admit it out loud to
my best friend, nothing good can, or ever will come from her darling
brother Colby Carter—period.
 CHAPTER THREE
WILLOW

I think I slept for a grand total of forty minutes last night.

I spent most of it tossing and turning, desperately trying to shut
down all aspects of my past, only to fail on an epic scale.
It didn’t matter if I opened or closed my eyes, Colby’s cold gray
ones were staring back at me, haunting my every move, like he’s done
many times before. Only this time it felt more real—vivid as fuck.
I could smell him…
I could taste him as the air from his room filled my lungs.
I could feel him—his sheets sliding over my bare flesh as though it
was his hands caressing me.
It all got a little too much and I couldn’t stay in his room for a
second longer.
I needed space, and lots of it.
I needed air to stop his presence from suffocating me, and most
important of all, I needed him out of my head. Colby’s taken up way too
much space already. He’s not welcome anymore and it’s high time he
disappeared once and for all.
“Whoa… what the hell happened to you?”
I lift my tired eyes from my coffee as Hadley stalks into the kitchen
looking nothing less than perfect in her small shorts and tee combo. Her
hair hasn’t even been brushed yet it still flows elegantly around her face,
and I know I must look the total opposite when she steps closer to me to
take a better look.
“There’s coffee in the pot.” Hopefully I can distract her with the
promise of caffeine. “It should still be hot.” I try again but it does nothing to
deter her, not even for a second. Suddenly she’s all up in my face and her
eyes grow wide with worry.
“Oh, my, god. Are you sick?” she squeals, her hand flies to her
mouth to protect herself from anything contagious. “I sure hope that it isn’t
contagious because, damn, you look a hot mess right now.”
“Gee, thanks.” I shake my head while trying not to take offence to
her words. She’s blunt and brutal. Hadley’s never been one to beat around
the bush. She’s always felt the need to speak her mind whether people like
it or not. I’ve always loved and admired that about her, just not so much
when she’s directing it at me. “Sorry to break it to you, but I’m not sick.”
“Are you sure?” Her wide-eyed stare tells me she doesn’t believe a
word I’m saying.
“I’m fine, I swear. See…” I grab her hand and place it on my
forehead so she can feel my non-existent fever.
“Hmm, maybe you’re about to come down with something?”
“Seriously?” For fuck sake. She still doesn’t believe me at all.
“I’m not buying it, Will. Something’s off and I don’t want to be laid
up in bed with the lurgies. I’ve got a hot date coming up and I need to be on
top form.”
“Hads, honestly, I’m good. I just didn’t get much sleep last night,
that’s all.” I tell her truthfully while nursing the remainder of my coffee,
willing it to fuel my tired and weary soul.
I didn’t get much sleep last night because thoughts of her wild and
unruly brother were spinning frantically in my mind, getting stronger and
stronger until I felt like my head was about to explode. Everything just got
too much to handle so I decided to get out of bed and come to the kitchen
for a little peace and quiet—peace and quiet which didn’t last as long as I’d
hoped.
“Is it Seb?” Hadley’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts and once
again I’m forced to look at her. “You know you can talk to me about
anything, right?”
Fucking great. Here we go again.
I really wish she’d just drop it. I didn’t want to discuss Seb last
night and I sure as hell don’t want to discuss him right now. I know I can
talk to Hadley, and that’s great and all but I just don’t want to. I don’t feel
ready. It’s nothing personal. I just haven’t gotten my own head around this
mess yet. I know I’ll have to discuss all things Seb eventually. Sooner than
I’d like because I know Hadley, and I know how determined she is to get all
the juicy details, but I don’t want that to happen—not at my expense. But
she’ll keep chipping away at me until I crumble—laid bare and vulnerable
as I reveal every embarrassing detail.
“No.” I say a little more firmer than I intended and my voice is
coiled so tight I feel like I could snap at any given second and I don’t want
Hadley to feel the brunt of it.
I’m forced to watch as Hadley raises her eyebrows at me, concern
dancing in her big brown eyes and I know she doesn’t believe a word I’m
saying, but it’s nothing but the truth. Seb is the last person I’d lose any sleep
over. I’ve done way too much of that already over the past three years and
I’m so over it. From the moment I moved into Hadley’s place, Seb and I are
done.
I watch as Hadley backtracks toward the counter and pulls a mug
from the rack before turning back to me. “Look, Will. I know this can’t
have been easy on either of you, but you need to open up and talk about it.
Trust me, leaving it all inside and allowing it to fester will do nothing but
drive you crazy.”
She’s telling me.
I could actually laugh right now. I know better than anyone how
damaging thoughts and secrets can be, but she has this so, so wrong and I’m
the one who’s being the crappy friend because I can’t even bring myself to
tell her.
What the hell does that say about me? Hadley’s my best friend—
the family I chose—the family who chose me and I can’t even break down
my barriers—to confide in the one person who I trust the most in the whole
wide world.
As much as I want to, no matter how desperate I am to finally get it
off my chest, I can’t do it. The truth hurts and if I start to unravel and reveal
my issues then everything she’ll learn will shatter her into a thousand pieces
and I can’t do that to her. I love her far too much to lose her.
“I know, Hads.” I remain as calm as possible even though it’s a
struggle to keep my emotions bottled up. “but there isn’t really anything to
say. I promise you though, I’m totally fine over this whole Seb situation.
Actually, I’m better than fine.” I’m finally free. I smile and this time the
worry in her eyes fades a little. I know she cares, and I also know I’m super
lucky to have someone as loyal as Hadley in my life. I also know I don’t
deserve her kindness or friendship.
“Okay, well so long as you know I’m always here. Do you want
some more coffee?”
I shake my head, relief floods through me now she’s finally
dropped Seb from the conversation, and I glance at the clock above the
window. “Shit.” I scramble to my feet as the panic begins to set in. “Have
you seen the time? I can’t believe I’m going to be late.”
“Late for what?”
“I’m down for a double shift.”
I wasn’t originally down to work the day shift and I’d planned on
staying on the sofa all day binging on boxsets, but then Miley the fucking
liability decided now would be a great time to have a mental breakdown.
Guess who was the soft ass who agreed to cover? That would be yours
truly. I swear one of these fine days I might just grow some balls big
enough to tell them all to do one.
“Can’t you stay?”
Guilt floods through me, but I’ll be sure to see her later and tell her
all about my upcoming dramatic day, because there’s always something
going down at Sinner’s. “I’m really sorry, Hads, but I need to shoot. I’ll
catch you later?”
Even though work is the last place I want to be right now, at least it
will give me a few extra hours reprieve from Hadley’s Seb fueled
inquisition, and the relief burns through my tired and battered soul.
 CHAPTER FOUR
WILLOW

The sound of raised voices infiltrates my ears before I’ve even

walked through the closed doors of Sinner’s—a bar by day and an exclusive
strip joint by night.
Something is always going off here, but this sounds a little bit more
than your average bust up. Whatever it is, it sure doesn’t sound good and I
need to shut it down before Bryson makes an appearance. Jeez, when I
foolishly agreed to cover for Miley, I didn’t realize I’d be signing myself up
for added bullshit too. If I did then the deal would have been a hard and fast
no.
I step inside, inspecting where the commotion is coming from and I
shouldn’t be too surprised to find Ryder and Jett at loggerheads. I have no
idea what they’re arguing about this time but it sure doesn’t look pretty
from where I’m standing. I seriously don’t need this right now. I’ve got
enough going on in my head to last me a lifetime. Either the two of them
need to get a room and fuck their issues out of each other or stay the hell
away from each other.
“Hey, what’s going on with you two?” I shout out hoping to be
heard over their raised voices, but it’s to no avail. They’re tearing chunks
out of each other and the closer I get the more I see.
Jett steps closer to Ryder—a panther ready to strike. Beautiful, full
of grace and fierce as hell. Ryder isn’t holding back either. The vein in the
side of his neck is pulsating and trust me, from experience I know that’s
never a good sign.
Ryder is like a bull on speed, and Jett must be feeling super brave
to get all up in his face.
“I’m warning you. Get the fuck out of my face.” He hisses but Jett,
as stubborn as she is doesn’t back down. She doesn’t even flinch.
“Make me.” She demands, her body rigid while she grits her teeth.
What the hell have I walked in to? Why do I always end up getting dragged
into all the drama?
Enough is enough. If I don’t try to break this up, then things are
going to get ugly pretty fast. “All right you two, break it up already.” I fly
between the two of them, pushing my arms out wide to separate them but
I’m only small and it doesn’t have as much as an impact as I would have
liked.
“Willow, get the fuck out of my way. I really don’t want to hurt
you, but I will.” Jett barks down my ear but I ignore her. Instead I spread
my feet and stand firm.
“Back down, Jett.” My voice sounds calm but on the inside I’m
raging so bad. I can feel my blood beginning to simmer under my skin,
ready to boil and blow when I reach breaking point—and I can tell it’s
close.
 Ryder laughs, and when I look at him my fears come true. His eyes
are clouded, and intense heat simmering within them—dark pools of
destruction, and I know there’s no way he’ll be the one to back down. “Why
don’t you listen to little miss perfect here and walk the fuck away?”
I know Ryder’s worked up, but I really don’t appreciate the tone
he’s taking with me. I didn’t ask to walk into this goddamn shit storm, yet
here I am. Pissed or not, none of this is my fault. I don’t even know what
this is. All I’m doing is trying to avoid this from reaching a point of no
return. Also, the last thing I want is any bloodshed while Bryson is away.
“Enough!” I shout again and this time they both stop and look at
me. “I don’t know what’s going on here and I don’t really care. But you two
need to end whatever this is right now. You’re both grown ass adults, so
work your bullshit out and stop acting like a pair of immature kids.”
Jett’s the first one to stand down. Her black eyes are puffy and red
—a rare sight if ever I saw one. It’s also a clear indicator that whatever
Ryder has said or done has caused her enough upset to make her cry.
Anyone who knows Jett knows she doesn’t cry for anyone. Yet the fierce
scowl on her face tells me this issue between her and Ryder is far from over.
“We open in thirty minutes and instead of making sure everything’s
good to go, you’re too busy tearing chunks out of each other. You’re
fucking acting like a set of bitches. Bryson wouldn’t put up with this
bullshit and you both know it.” I hate being the one who has to deliver the
low blows and home truths, but if I don’t do it, who will? “Either sort your
acts out or get the hell out of here.”
“There’s nothing to sort. We’re done.” Ryder barks over my head,
all six-foot-two of him towering over my small five-foot frame. He mutters
something else, but I struggle to understand it before he turns around and
storms off, forcing both Jett and I to watch his retreating form disappearing
out the door to only god knows where.
“Asshole.” Jett calls after him but he’s already left the building and
to be fair, I don’t think he’d give a damn about anything she had to say
anyway.
I turn back around to face her, hoping for at least some kind of
explanation, but all she does is shrug her bare shoulders at me. Really? This
chick is something else. Sure, she might be Bryson’s kind of stepdaughter,
but she really needs to figure out what she wants from life instead of
moping around and causing problems.
“Are you being for real? Is that really all I’m getting?” I’ve just had
to break the two of them apart and she isn’t even willing to tell me what it
was about.
“What do you want?”
“I want to know what the hell just happened.” I demand, and I can
feel what little patience I have left begin to wear away. “I want to know
why I’ve been dragged in to cover Miley’s shift super last minute, and I also
want to know why you and Ryder were ripping each other to shreds?”
“Ask pretty boy. I’m sure he’s got all the answers.”
“Pretty boy isn’t here, is he? Which leaves me another man down
for today. Plus, I’m asking you, so you need to start talking.”
A small, barely visible tear falls and rolls down Jett’s cheek and I
suddenly realize something major must have happened between them. I just
hope she wasn’t stupid enough to sleep with him. Ryder’s the biggest man-
whore this side of the coast—always has been, and I’d like to think Ryder
wouldn’t be stupid enough to risk his life by sleeping with Bryson’s
stepdaughter. Sure, it may not be by blood, but he loves the bones of that
girl and everyone knows Bryson would kill for Jett.
 No. It must be something else. Something bad all the same because
Jett is our very own ice-queen. In all the years I’ve known her—way before
she started working at Sinner’s, I’ve never once witnessed her lose the
handle on her emotions. Those bad boys are locked up tighter than Fort-
Knox.
Maybe I shouldn’t be too hard on her? Maybe she’s going through
some major stuff right now, but damned aren’t we all?
“Do you want to talk about it?” I ask and I could kick myself. I’m
turning into Hadley. But then what else am I supposed to say to her? She
looks upset enough as it is and I’m the last person who should be
questioning anyone’s morals right now. I decide not to push her, and I wait
patiently for her reply. If she wants to talk then she will, if not I’ll leave her
be and give her some space.
I have no idea what to expect from Jett. On first glance it looks like
she’s thinking about opening up and letting me in, but then her trademark
blood red lips clamp shut, and she shakes her head.
Something crazy has definitely happened, that’s for sure. I just
don’t know what. One thing I do know is Ryder and Jett need to work out
their differences and fast. Preferably before Bryson makes his grand return.
Sinner’s is getting a new manager any day now. Bryson wants to
take on a more backseat position. I’m sure he’ll still play an active role, just
from behind the scenes. None of us know who this new guy is, but if these
two don’t quit bitching I’ll bet my life they’ll both be out of a job.

“Hey. How are you feeling?”

The bar has quietened down some after a chaotic lunch rush, and
Jett looks like she’s calmed some too. I wouldn’t approach her otherwise
because I know better than to approach storm Jett.
 “Not really, but what can you do?” Jett’s eyes are sad, framed by
her super long lashes, yet she still looks as beautiful and flawless as ever.
“But I will be. You can be sure of that.” Her head moves toward the door
and then she turns back to me. “I can’t believe that son of a bitch was all up
in my face. I mean, seriously. Who the fuck does he think he is?”
If I’m being honest, I can’t believe it either. But from where I was
standing, they both looked like they were doing a damn good job of holding
their own. The problem with Jett and Ryder is that they’re too similar.
Neither of them will ever admit it, but until they can see it for themselves, I
guess nothing will change between them.
“Do you want to talk about it yet?”
Jett sighs heavily and I know she’s still bubbling from her
showdown with Ryder, only now she seems to be handling it a whole lot
better.
“Not really.” She taps her fingers on the bar before suddenly
slamming her palm down. “Actually, yes I do.” I’m taken aback when she
reaches into the refrigerator and pulls out a beer. In one swift flick of her
wrist she knocks the cap off the side of the bar, then lifts the bottle to her
vibrant red lips. And it looks like the Jett I know is back. But I’ve got one
hell of a feeling this is going to be a long ass day. I’m regretting agreeing to
cover Miley’s shift more and more as the day goes on, and by the looks of
things it’s only me and Jett holding the fort until Rush arrives.
“He’ll calm down. You know what he’s like. Ryder’s a hot head,
but with time it will all blow over.” I tell her as calmly as I can, but even
I’m not convinced by my words of encouragement. I haven’t seen Ryder as
mad as he was in a long time. I’ve also witnessed Jett and Ryder argue
heaps of times but today felt different somehow. Final.
 “I don’t give a damn if he calms down. Ryder isn’t my problem
anymore and he’s only got himself to blame.”
“But you two…”
“Us two are nothing. Never have been and never will be. If we
were then he wouldn’t be balls deep in Miley, would he?” Acid whips off
her tongue, lethal and ready to strike anyone in her path.
“Wait, Miley?”
I was about to say that Jett and Ryder work together, but it looks
like her anger goes a whole lot deeper. Ryder and Miley, though? No, I try
but I just can’t see it. Jett must have this all wrong. There’s no way Ryder
would go anywhere near Miley—or would he?
Even if it is true, I don’t understand why Jett is so upset about it,
unless… “Oh, Jett. Please don’t tell me you gave in to Ryder’s charm?
Please tell me you didn’t sleep with him.”
“Oh, I did.” She laughs, her eyes shine bright with delight and then
once again her face drops, “but it mustn’t have done much for him because
it seems our very own whore-bag has been keeping him warm for some
time now.”
I know Jett’s trying her damned hardest to hold back the tears, and
she refuses to look at me. Instead she lifts her beer back up to her mouth,
takes a long pull and then slams it back down before wiping her lips on the
back of her hand.
“Do you know what? They’re a match made in hell and they’re
fucking welcome to each other. We’re done. Ryder is as good as dead to
me.”
Jett tells me this with so much conviction, but I know she doesn’t
really mean a word of what she’s saying right now. The cracks in her voice
are evidence enough. She’s angry and hurt but as soon as she’s had a chance
to calm down, she’ll feel better about this whole messed-up situation she’s
found herself in.
“You’re angry. I get that…”
“Angry…” Jett throws her head back on a howl and when she looks
at me again her eyes are the blackest of black, misting over, warning me
storm Jett is close by. Shit. She’s more than angry—she’s fucking
psychotic. “Believe me, Willow, angry doesn’t have shit on what I’m
feeling right now, and if Ryder and that bitch Miley know what’s good for
them then they’ll stay the fuck out of my way.”

I decided it was best to give Jett a wide berth for the remainder of
her shift. I’ve seen her mad before, plenty of times but this is something
else and it’s not something I really want to involve myself with. I have my
own issues to overcome without getting dragged into another domestic shit
storm.
The more I watched her, the more I realize Ryder has well and truly
crossed the line. Sure, he’s pulled some stunts in his time, but this one beats
them all. By fucking Jett, he’s just signed his death warrant. There’s no way
Bryson will let this slide when he finds out, and he will—because Bryson
finds out about everything.
I really hope they manage to work it out before he gets wind of it,
but right now it’s looking really unlikely. So long as they keep it
professional while they’re here, that’s all I’m asking right now because
there is no way in hell that I’m about to start playing go-between.
I wait until the bar is almost empty and settle my tired ass onto a
barstool. Man, what a day.
A small part of me thought Ryder would eventually come back
through the door to finish what he started, but thankfully that hasn’t
happened.
Instead, while Rush is busy downstairs I’ve been forced to watch
on in silence as storm Jett hurtled around the place, ready to take out
anyone in her way.
“Do you need me for anything before I leave?”
I hear Jett’s voice somewhere behind me and I struggle to find
enough energy to turn my head. I really need to start working on my sleep
before it catches up with me.
“I’m good.” I call back while feeling the early stages of a migraine
building. Great, just what I needed. I swear I can’t wait for this day to end,
then I can head home and climb into bed—Colby’s bed. Actually, the
prospect of staying here suddenly sounds much more appealing.
I’ve worked at Sinner’s for the best part of five years so I’m
technically part of the furniture now, so… “You get off.” I tell her and them
remember. “Oh, Jett…”
“Yeah?”
“I’ve took you off the next couple of nights. Hopefully with a bit of
space you and Ryder will be able to sort things out. Help things settle a bit.”
“What? But I need those shifts, Willow.” Jett comes closer and her
voice is laced with panic. “Why am I being punished just because he
couldn’t keep it in his pants?”
This time I turn to face her, and I find her watching me wide-eyed.
Any anger that was there previously has vanished, only to be replaced by
fear.
“No one is punishing you, Jett.” I tell her and I can’t help but feel
for the girl stood before me. I’ve seen that look before. It’s a look of
someone who will do whatever they need to do to survive, no matter the
cost. Maybe I shouldn’t have switched the shifts, but Ryder isn’t here so I
thought changing Jett’s was the best thing to do, only now I’m not so sure.
“I just thought this would make things a little easier for you. You’ll still get
paid. I’ll clear it with Bryson as soon as he’s back.”
Bryson is our boss man. He’s been in charge of Sinner’s way before
I stepped through the doors. He’s also Hadley’s uncle and Jett’s kind of
stepdad too. Even though her mom’s not around anymore he still likes to
make sure she’s okay and play and active role in her life. I think it’s really
sweet. I’ve never had that, except when Hadley’s parents were still alive.
Truthfully, I don’t think Jett realizes how lucky she is to have someone like
Bryson looking out for her, rooting for her no matter what.
That being said, you don’t tend to see Bryson a lot. He enjoys
hiding and lurking in the shadows, yet he still manages to see and hear
about everything. Trust me, there’s nothing going down at Sinner’s without
him knowing about it.
Damn, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s already in the know about
Ryder and Jett’s latest run in.
I sure hope not, for Ryder’s sake. This won’t end well for either of
them, least of all him. Bryson is well known for his intolerance to bullshit
and drama. I guess that’s where the two of us are alike, but any similarities
start and end there. If Bryson finds out that Ryder and Jett have been getting
down and dirty, heads will roll, that’s for sure.
Sinner’s is Bryson’s baby. This place is his legit business venture,
but everyone knows a lot of illegal activity takes up the majority of his
time, and I’m fairly certain that’s why he’s bringing someone else to
oversee the running of this place.
But hey, this is his business and what he does has nothing to do
with me. So long as he continues to provide me with a paycheck, I’ll
continue to turn an oblivious eye.
 “Thanks,” Jett whispers after a short while. “Please don’t tell him
why.”
I won’t. I don’t have a death wish, and I’m not stupid enough to
detonate that bomb. “Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me. But
remember, Ryder isn’t worth it. He never has been. Jett, you’re worth so
much more.”
 CHAPTER FIVE
COLBY

“It’s a done fucking deal so quit bitching about it.”

I reach out and grab my short from the floor and pull it over my
head. I can feel the heat of Tiffanie’s curious eyes burning into me, heating
my skin.
I fucking hate it when she tries to get all superior on my ass. Like I
actually give a damn about her opinion. She means nothing to me. Never
has and never will.
Tiffanie Melrose is nothing but a thorn in my side, burrowing
deeper and deeper, and there’s not a goddamn thing I can do about it.
Under different circumstances Tiffanie wouldn’t stand a chance
around me. She’d be nothing but dust as I watched her blow away with the
wind.
I’m Colby Carter and I make the rules.
I call the shots.
The world is my playground.
 If people have a problem with that then they can fuck off back to
wherever they came from.
Well, at least that’s how things used to be. If only it were that
fucking easy to dispose of her, my life would be a whole lot sweeter.
“I thought you hated it there?” Tiffanie snipes and I snap my head
toward her. Not as much as I hate it here, I want to say but I bite down hard
on my tongue—knowing what’s good for me.
“Remind me. What the fuck does any of this have to do with you?”
The answer to that question would be nothing. Zilch. Nada. Jack
fucking shit.
My eyes roam over Tiffanie’s body. She’s lay on the bed, her legs
wide open ready and willing for me to take her again, but my dick’s limp
and I don’t have it in me to think of anything exciting to get my juices
flowing.
The truth is, I fuck her because I have to, not because I want to.
“Baby,” she purrs, her blue hooded eyes warning me to tread very
carefully because whether I like it or not, Tiffanie holds all the ammunition.
“If you’re fucking this,” her hand slides up her pale thigh before stopping at
her pussy, and she licks her lips seductively, “then you better believe it has
everything to do with me.”
I struggle to fight back a laugh as it rumbles deep within my chest.
What a fucking chick.
She’s got some fucking balls, that’s for sure. I’ll always give credit
where credit is due, but she’d be nothing without her connections and she
sure as hell knows it too.
“You’d like to think so, huh?” I reach out for my joint on the
bedside table and pull it toward my lips. I light it up and inhale deeply
before turning back to her. I allow my lungs to soak it all up, welcoming the
feel of calm as it washes deep into my soul and then I exhale, the cloud of
smoke cutting her out of my vision for a period. “You’re good, Tiff, but
you’re not that good.”
My words must hit a nerve as she flinches and her body recoils as
though I’ve just slapped her hard in the face. Man, how I’d fucking love to
do that. I might be an ass at the best of times, but I’m not that guy. I’d never
hit a chick.
Tiff is quick to compose herself and she’s full of sass in no time.
“You keep telling yourself that, but you and I both know you’d be nothing
without me—period.”
Nothing without her?
Damn, is this chick shitting me? Tiffanie Melrose hasn’t the faintest
idea who I am or what I’m capable of. I’ve only ever allowed her to see
what I’ve wanted her to see. I’m a man of many faces and this dumb bitch
doesn’t even know the half of it. Trust me, she doesn’t want to know
because if she did then she’d run a fucking mile.
Fortunately for her, she’s lucky enough to be in a position where
she’ll never find out, but fuck if I haven’t come close. She’s infuriating as
hell and she grates on my last nerve. I need the mother of all rewards for
dealing with her bullshit every damn day. Not that I’ve been given any
other choice.
Daddy-fucking-dearest made damn sure of that little situation.
My jaw ticks at the memory and the less I think about it the better.
Instead, I focus on clearing my mind. I breathe in deep through my nose,
relax my shoulders and count to three.
One elephant… two elephant.. three elephant… stay calm Colby.
Tiffanie really isn’t worth the ball ache.
 When I feel calm enough to open my eyes, I find Tiffanie on her
knees before me, a look of hunger on her overly enhanced face.
“You’re stressed, baby. Let me help you unwind.”
Unwind? I’m coiled tighter than a fucking boa constrictor and I feel
like I could blow at any second. I know that won’t be my greatest move, so
I need to stay calm and keep my fucking mouth shut.
I decide it’s better not to answer her. Instead, I take another pull on
my joint before throwing my head back and allow Tiffanie to do her thing.
I guess she has some uses.
 CHAPTER SIX
WILLOW

“How was work?”

Hadley appears in the doorway as soon as I enter the living area.
My feet are aching, and my head feels like it’s throwing its own private
rave.
“Do you want the long story or short?” I kick off my shoes and
slide down on the sofa and my muscles ache from head to toe.
The lack of sleep is really starting to have an effect on me, but I’m
not about to bitch about it. Bitching leads to questions, and questions lead to
answers I don’t want to confess out loud.
“Oh, now that all depends on how juicy the details are.” Hadley
falls down next to me on the sofa and I throw my tired legs over hers.
“Spill.” Hadley claps her hands with glee and her brown eyes sparkle with
excitement.
“Nothing excites you more than drama, and sometimes that kind of
scares me.” I confess. Hadley’s always been the same. She’s always loved
being in the know—at all times. If shit was going down, then you could
guarantee she’d be there watching from the sidelines with a flag in one hand
and popcorn in the other.
“Because drama makes the world go around. It runs in my veins.
It’s the air that I breathe, and it feeds my needy soul.”
“Maybe we should think about changing jobs? There’s always
plenty of drama at Sinner’s.”
“What, and breathe the same polluted air as Ryder? No thanks. I
think I’ll pass. I’d much rather claw my eyes out.” Her eyes narrow and I
could kick myself for being so stupid. What the hell am I thinking? Ryder
and Hadley haven’t been in the same room for years, and for good reason
too. The last time she almost got arrested, and she only escaped a
conviction because Ryder was adamant that he wasn’t prepared to press
charges.
“I’m so sorry, Hads.” One of these days I might just learn to think
before my mouth starts vomiting verbal diarrhea. And I am sorry. More
than she will ever know because Hadley, still right up to this very day
blames Ryder for Colby’s sudden and unexpected departure. I know Ryder
isn’t to blame and he knows it too, but he plays along for Colby’s sake, and
to protect me.
I’m the real reason Colby skipped town, even if I don’t know why.
All I know is that he stole my heart and shattered it into a million pieces
purely for his own sick and twisted pleasure. But there’s no way I can tell
Hadley about any of it. If I do then a whole next level shit storm will open
up, unleashing its rage around us and this one won’t stop. These hidden
truths will rage around us, tearing everything apart, leaving no one
untarnished—this will destroy us all.
“It’s not your fault he’s such a jerk, Will.”
 “Have you tried to speak to him?”
“Are you fucking crazy?” Hadley looks at me like I’ve just grown
two heads. “If I see him, I’ll make sure I kill him this time around. Ryder
knows better than to come anywhere near me.”
Ryder. Of course she’s talking about Ryder. I guess Colby isn’t
always on everyone’s mind like he is with me. “I don’t mean Ryder.” I tell
her flatly and I wish I’d kept my big mouth shut. I should have headed
straight to bed like I’d planned. “I mean Colby.” I almost choke on his
name. It’s been a hell of a long time since I last said it out loud, but
thankfully Hadley seems far too busy with her own thoughts to notice my
secret hell.
When she finally brings herself to look at me, I see her brown eyes
are full of unshed tears. Fuck. What have I done? The last thing I wanted to
do was upset her. Me moving back here was supposed to be the start of
something new—something fun. Just like old times, but I guess that’s hard
to do when too much has happened along the way.
As much as I hate to admit it, I’m not the same person I was back
then. A part of me wishes I was, yet a bigger, stronger part of me is glad
I’m not.
“Of course I have. But Colby doesn’t return my calls. You know
what he’s like.” She sighs. “He’s a stubborn son of a bitch. When he doesn’t
want to speak to someone, he’ll cut them out like they meant nothing to
him. It hurts, you know. It hurts like nothing else. I’m his baby sister. We
should have been there for each other when things got bad. He should have
been here for mom and dad, but how could he when Ryder drove him out?”
I feel terrible as I watch my best friend break down before me and
it’s all my fault. Her breathing is labored and her fragile body judders as she
tries her damned hardest to control her emotions. It’s so hard to watch,
especially knowing this is all my fault, but I don’t know why and I sure as
hell don’t know how to fix it. For whatever reason, totally unbeknown to
me this is all my doing and I can’t make it right. And then just when I
thought she couldn’t break me anymore, she says, “It’s like when he left, he
took a huge part of me with him, but for what? He’s erased everything and
anything that ever mattered to him—like we didn’t exist.”
The truth is, I do know. I know exactly how she feels. Only I didn’t
mean anything to Colby, I never did. I was just someone he could play with
for his own sick and twisted games—to pass the time, but when he left, he
took a huge part of me too.
He took my trust.
He took my heart.
He also took my soul too, albeit unwillingly.
But after all this time, I never knew about Hadley and Colby. I’d
always assumed he would have done everything within his power to keep in
touch with her.
They were so close when we were growing up, even as we got
older too. Obviously, he decided to cut all ties with Hadley too. I shouldn’t
be too surprised, after all, if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that Colby
Carter is the master of destruction.
“Hey, he could still call.” I offer, but my voice is weak and lacks
any trace of conviction. “I’m sure he has his reasons. You know he would
never cut you off unless he felt like he didn’t have any other choice.”
I don’t know why I’m defending him and telling Hadley this. It
doesn’t make me feel any better. If anything, it makes me feel worse
because here I am, lying to her once again. It’s becoming a bad habit, one
that I need to get rid of and fast.
 I know Colby would have had his reasons, no matter how fucked-
up they are, because I was one of them—probably the main contributing
factor, but there’s no way I can tell Hadley that. No matter how much I want
to and ease the burden of my guilt. I just can’t do it.
Hadley hates Ryder as it is, and that poor guy. Yes, he has his faults
and made my life hell when we were kids, but he’s the innocent party in all
of this, so I dread to think what she’d do to me.
Hadley gently dabs her tears away before they can fall and she
turns to look at me, pushing a stray blonde curl behind her ear as she says,
“Willow, it’s been five years. If he was gonna call then he would have done
it already.”

I decided against telling Hadley what happened at Sinner’s. Why

add to her upset? I didn’t think she’d appreciate me discussing Ryder when
she still harbors so much hate for him. That would be selfish of me, but not
as selfish as I’ve been over the years.
I don’t even know what really happened between me and Colby.
We were best friends. All three of us, and then one day he just turned on
me, and over time his games would grow nastier. I soon realized the more I
let him affect me, the worse he became. He was evil and he didn’t care
about anyone’s feelings but his own. In time he grew to hate me—
absolutely despised everything about my being for something I had zero
control over. It didn’t matter what I tried to do or say, he made it perfectly
clear that our friendship was over.
I tried so hard to understand him. To figure out his sudden change
in mood, but if anything, that only made him hate me more.
Jeez, I really thought I’d moved passed all this, but being back in
this house, awakening old feelings, being back in his room—it’s done all
things kinds of crazy to my head.
 CHAPTER SEVEN
WILLOW

“Mom and Dad are going out tonight. Some fancy event at work or
something…”
A mega watt smile takes over my face. This can only mean one
thing. I love staying at Hadley’s place because it totally beats staying at
home. I stay at hers most nights, but when her mom and dad go out, they
always leave money behind so we can grab takeout. Taki’s is always the
takeout of choice. It feeds my soul and makes me feel safe.
“Is Colby going to be home?” I ask, my voice is weak, and my
stomach drops while I wait for her reply. Colby and Hadley were
inseparable and all three of us have always been super close. Their mom
and dad call us the three musketeers, but recently Colby hasn’t been his
usual friendly, carefree self. At least not towards me, anyway.
He started to act differently toward me, like I suddenly didn’t
deserve his time or the air he breathed which only heightened when his
friends came around—Ryder especially.
 Ryder doesn’t like me much and I have no idea why. As far as I
know I haven’t done anything to upset him. But he took an instant dislike to
me as soon as we met, and he’s never been afraid to make his feelings
towards me known.
I thought Colby might have stood up for me. After all, he’s known
me longer, but if anything, having Ryder around only feeds his darkness.
When the two of them are together Colby always plays up to Ryder and he
always takes his side. He loves to play along with his games—and it hurts.
It hurts a hell of a lot more than it did when I found out my dad had
abandoned me. It hurts a hell of a lot more than my mom’s ignorance of my
existence too. I always thought Colby was part of the family which I chose,
but he clearly doesn’t feel that way anymore.
Instead, I try to focus on me and Hadley. I try my best to block out
Colby and Ryder when they’re around, and no matter how much they taunt
me or hurt me, I’ll never tell Hadley because I don’t want either of them
knowing just how much their hurtful words and actions affect me. I won’t
give them that power. I’ll never allow either of them to claim a hold over
me.
“I don’t think so. I overheard mom telling dad he’s staying over at
Ryder’s tonight. Why, is Ryder hassling you again?”
“No,” I lie. The truth is Ryder is always hassling me, but I guess
it’s something I’m just going to have to learn to deal with. “I just thought
we could have a girly night. No boys allowed and all that.”
I laugh nervously as relief floods through me now I know Ryder and
Colby won’t be jumping out of any hidden corners. They get a real kick out
of tearing me down and recently while Ryder’s been around at Hadley’s
place, I’ve found myself wanting to be at home, all alone waiting for my
mom to surprise me with a rare appearance.
 “Oh, look who it isn’t.”
My back stiffens at the sound of his voice and an icy chill trickles
down my spine. I knew it would be too good to be true.
Hadley must sense my fear as she whispers, “Ignore him. They’ll be
gone soon.” She places her hand in mine and pulls, trying to edge me
toward the door, but I can’t move.
“I thought you said he wasn’t coming over?” I bite back, panic is
laced in my voice and I know Hadley picks up on it right away.
“I didn’t think they’d be here. Mom said they we’re out. Come on,
we’ll go inside and leave them to terrorize someone else.”
“Hey, Willow.” Ryder calls over to me. “Why are you running?”
He snarls when he looks at me and the momentarily hold he had on me
vanishes as I quickly spin on my heels to look at him. Colby is stood by his
side, complete with an evil smirk etched onto his beautiful face, and his
cold, gray eyes look deadly.
“I’m not running. I’m leaving—learn the difference.”
“Hey, Colby. Look like someone finally got their period.” Ryder
nudges Colby in the side and they both laugh. “She’s feeling brave. You’re a
feisty one, Willow. I like that a lot.”
“Well, we don’t like you so how about you turn around and go
annoy someone else?” Hadley shouts back and this time when she pulls on
my hand I almost fall flat on my face. Fortunately, I manage to find my
balance and compose myself just in time. The last thing I need is to give
them something else to laugh about.
“Wait. Don’t go.” Colby calls after us and there’s a tiny hint of
something in his voice. Sadness? Regret? “Why don’t you come hang out
with us?”
 “Because you’re friend’s a douche.” Hadley retorts and her face is
fierce. I don’t think I’ve ever loved her more than I have right in this very
moment.
“I hate him.” I tell her as we cross the threshold into her house—
my safe place and I know she thinks I mean Ryder. Sure, I hate Ryder too,
but not as much as Colby. Ryder and I didn’t have a friendship before, we
had nothing to lose, but Colby? We had everything to lose.
I don’t know what Ryder’s problem is, but he always seems to bring
out the worst in Colby, and I don’t have a good feeling about it at all.
 CHAPTER EIGHT
COLBY

Darkness encases me as I turn into the narrow alley.

The bitter wind tears through my jacket, but adrenaline pulsates
through my veins preventing me from feeling the full impact. A protection I
wear well.
I shouldn’t be here.
This was never part of my grand plan, but life happens and if I’ve
learned anything along the way, it’s easier to just roll with it. You need to
look out for number one in this life because the ones who claim to care for
you, where are they when you need them? Fucking nowhere. When you
need them the most, they’re nowhere to be fucking seen.
I’m living proof of that.
I had everything. I have everything I ever wanted or needed and so
much more. I had a family who loved me. I was the fucking golden boy to
them and my friends. I had a mom, a dad, and a little sister who I loved
more than anything. Nothing could ever tear me away from them—or so I
foolishly thought.
At the click of a finger everything can turn around on you and leave
you with nothing. But the only solace I can find in this crazy fucked-up
situation is that I did this for them. To keep them safe: mom, dad and
Hadley.
But just look at me now. Not a motherfucking person in sight.
Get it together, Colby. That’s all in the past. You made your choice
and now you have to live with the consequences.
When I reach the bottom of the alley, I pause and run a weary hand
down my face. “Game on.” I tell myself while plastering on my best poker-
face before pushing open the door. The same as I do every time I’m here—
like fucking clockwork.
Only this time it feels different. The silence is deadly, clinging to
my body, reminding me of what lays ahead in my not too distant future.
“Deano.” I call out into the darkness and my voice echoes out
around me. “Deano, are you in here?” I try again but once again I’m met
with nothing but the echo of my own voice. What the fuck’s happening?
Where is he? Deano told me to meet him here at eight, and that son of a
bitch knows I’m always on time.
The room is in total darkness—again, something else which is
unheard of. I reach out and press the switch and the room fills with light. I
focus my eyes, adjusting to the brightness and look around but there’s no
sign of life. Everything is empty. The chairs are vacant when they’d usually
be bursting at the seems this time of night. There’s always at least five or so
guys knocking around, kicking back with a beer, or playing pool while
waiting for a call, even when Deano isn’t around. There’s always someone
here to oversee business.
 This place is dead. There’s no sign of life anywhere, and Deano can
go fuck himself if he thinks I’m wasting my time sitting around waiting for
the motherfucker to show up. I do enough for him already. Even if it is
against my will, but I’ll draw the line at becoming anyone’s bitch.
Just as I’m about to turn and get the hell out of here, I hear a noise.
Nothing to shout home about, just a small groan coming from the far end of
the room behind the pool table. Obviously one of the guys is taking
advantage of Deano’s absence and enjoying some pussy. Man, it won’t be
worth his legs if Deano catches him. This place has always been a whore
free zone.
A part of me feels like walking away. This isn’t my problem, but
any decisions are taken out of my hands when I hear a familiar voice.
“Can’t a guy get a couple minutes privacy?”
“Deano?” I turn around and witness the sorry sight before me—
Deano with his shorts down his ankles—a sight which will forever be
burned into my mind.
“What do you want, Colby?” he demands like I’m suddenly an
inconvenience.
What’s up? Did he just have his memories fucked out of him? “You
said a time, it’s that time. I thought you were expecting me?”
A small, young brunette appears from behind Deano’s round frame.
Her body is completely bare, and she has no self-confidence issues about
letting it all hang out as she slides up to me and presses her fake, hard
breasts against my chest.
“Hey, handsome. Have you come to play?” Her small brown eyes
look up at me expectantly and I notice they’re hazed over, and not from her
little hook-up with Deano either. No, she looks cracked up, but then that’s
no fucking business of mine.
 “Like fuck I have.” I snap and push her sorry ass off me. I don’t
have time for dirty, riddled, desperate crack whores. Never have and never
will. They’re nothing but skanky little bitches.
Deano finally follows behind her, and thankfully the motherfucker
has put most of his clothes back on. I try to keep a straight face but it’s hard
as fuck to unsee the image of him stuffing his wrinkle dick back into his
slacks.
Maybe I should have brought Tiffanie along after all. The look on
her face when she realized daddy dearest is too busy fucking girls younger
than her would have been priceless. It’s a real shame little miss perfect
doesn’t know what daddy gets up to behind closed doors.
As far as Tiffanie’s concerned, she thinks her father is some shit hot
business mogul. Now, I’m not saying he isn’t because that wouldn’t be fair
of me, but it’s far from the legit business she seems to think he has.
In truth, Deano is a far cry from what she’d like to believe. If only
Tiffanie knew her healthy allowance was nothing but blood money. I’m not
going to enlighten her as it’s not my job but I’m sure she’ll find out soon
enough. I know better than anyone that secrets don’t stay secret for long.
“Get the fuck out of here.” Deano mouths to the brunette and for a
brief second she looks hurt, but in her drugged state she’s quick to scramble
around for her clothes. When she has them all in her hands, she saunters
past me and her hand grabs my cock while she mouths, “Call me, big boy.”
“Get the fuck away from me.” I hurl back at her, my patience
tinkering on the brink of no return. I don’t feel like catching a dose of the
nasties and I sure as hell wouldn’t stick my dick in her even if she paid me.
“Come, ignore the broad. Take a seat.” Deano demands as soon as
his dirty piece of ass is out of earshot. “I believe we have things to discuss.”
 “Where is everyone?” I ask, still feeling uncomfortable with how
empty this space feels.
“Don’t you worry yourself with things that aren’t of importance.”
He bats me off with a wave of his hand and I shut my mouth on the subject.
If Deano wanted me to know then he’d divulge. If not, I’ve learned not to
press him on the matter. “Now, tell me. How’s that beautiful daughter of
mine?”
Beautiful? Now that’s fucking debatable. Sure, Tiffanie’s good on
the eyes but her soul’s darker than mine and that’s saying a hell of a lot.
“Yeah, she’s good.”
Deano slams his hands down on the table and lets out a loud rumble
of a laugh. “Now that’s what I like to hear. It’s good to see you taking such
great care of her.” Yeah, like I have much of a choice in that. A soon as
Deano waded into my life all those years ago, it wasn’t long until Tiffanie
decided to stick her claws into me. And, what Tiffanie wants, Tiffanie gets
because daddy makes damn sure of it.
At first, I thought it was just a bit of fun. I won’t lie. I was up for it,
because who doesn’t say no to pussy on tap? Plus, I thought I could use her
as a decent leverage against her father, but then that backfired in my face
big time, and now I’m the one who’s left to pay the price.
I don’t answer Deano because there’s no point making pointless
conversation and Tiffanie is top of the pointless conversation chart. Instead,
I decide to get straight to the point so I can get the hell out of here. “What’s
happening Deano?” I pull a cigarette from my jacket pocket and light it up.
I inhale sharply and exhale, allowing the smoke to pour out and briefly
cover his stern face.
“Ah, yes.” He watches me closely, his eyes searching mine for only
god knows what. “I need to call you in for a favor.” Fuck. Another one?
Doesn’t he think I’m doing him enough favors as it is? As Deano taps his
fingers on the table I can already tell I’m not going to like what’s about to
fall from his mouth, but I’ll have to sit here and listen to it anyway. “I know
it’s a big ask, but I need you to take Tiffanie back to Redlake with you.”
I don’t even think about it before I tell him, “not happening.” Jeez,
it’s going to be hard enough for me to go back there after all these years and
now he wants me to drag his sorry excuse of a daughter along for the ride? I
wasn’t happy about going back but I thought I’d at least get some reprieve
from her demanding and needy ways.
“Hey, Colby. I’m sorry but you must have misunderstood what I
was saying. It’s non-negotiable. Tiffanie goes with you.”
 CHAPTER NINE
WILLOW

The sound of my alarm penetrates my brain and I pull the sheets up

over my head, desperately trying to block it out. There’s no way it’s time to
go off already. My head only just hit the pillow. I don’t know why I didn’t
turn it off last night. Oh, that’s right. I kept it on because I decided today
was going to be the day where I tried to get my life back on track. Like hell
that’s about to happen.
When it doesn’t stop and starts to grow louder, I reach out and hit
the snooze button. If I’m being realistic, I don’t really have much to climb
out of bed for today.
Hadley should be out at work, styling rich brats beautiful, so that
means I get the whole place to myself, and lord knows I’m in desperate
need of some self-love—but first, sleep.
A couple of more minutes pass and when I struggle to fall back to
sleep I finally decide to drag my sorry ass out of bed, and no sooner have
my feet touched the ground the door knocks.
Fuck my life.
I stand in the middle of the room and debate as to whether or not I
should even open the damn thing. Chances are it won’t be for me because
no one knows this is where I’ll be and that’s the way I want to keep it, at
least for now.
As I step out of the bedroom, the knocks grow louder, and more
urgent. It looks like whoever’s on the other side isn’t leaving until they get
what they came for.
I look down at my ripped pajamas and laugh. If whoever this is
wants to disturb the peace at this ungodly hour then you can bey your ass
I’m more than happy to give them a big fat dose of reality—morning breath
included.

I open the door and freeze.

Dread runs through my bones and I suddenly lose all cognitive
thought. What the hell is he doing here? More importantly, how the fuck did
he know this is where I’ll be? And I know he sure as hell isn’t here for
Hadley.
“Willow.” His voice is laced with so much bitterness and pain, and
a hard thud starts to build in my chest. I try to close the door as soon as I
can move again but he’s too fast for me. His hand pushes against the solid
wood with more force than I expected, and I struggle against the pressure.
“Not too fast.” He warns.
“Go away.” I plead with him as soon as I find my voice. “You
shouldn’t even be here.”
“We need to talk.” His blue eyes pierce into me and a ball of
nervous energy consumes me.
 “I have nothing to say to you. Please, for once in your life just do
the right thing—just go.”
What am I supposed to do now? I’m starting to regret opening the
door with each second that passes. I knew I should have ignored it and
stayed in bed. But I had no idea it would be him greeting me on the
doorstep. To be honest I didn’t even think he had it in him to bother to look
for me, least of all here. And now here he is, and now he’s found me there’s
no way he’s just going to turn around and walk away. As much as I wish he
were, he’s not programmed that way.
“Ouch.” With one final push of the door he shoves me back and
barges straight passed me.
“I’m not going anywhere until you start talking.” He doesn’t even
look back at me as he storms through Hadley’s house, lording it up and
acting like he fucking owns the place.
Quickly realizing I’m fast out of options; I slam the door in defeat
and follow him into the living area. He’s right. I know he is, and I’ve been
stupid to think otherwise. There’s no way he’ll leave here until he’s heard
what I have to say but that’s not to say he’s going to like what comes out of
my mouth. I know I need to get this over and done with sooner or later, but
he could have let me have my morning coffee first. Priorities.
“Seb,” his name leaves a horrible taste in my mouth, one I haven’t
remotely missed. “you know this isn’t going to change anything.” I tell him.
I try to sound strong and determined by my voice is tired and weak. It
doesn’t matter how much he kicks and screams, nothing will change my
mind. It’s set and it has been for way too long—it just took me longer to
find the courage to do something about it.
I’m over being exhausted all the time. Physically and emotionally.
Going over the same conversations time and time again is draining. No
matter what, everything I say just seems to go in one ear and straight out the
other. It doesn’t matter how I say it, or how loud, he just refuses to listen to
anything I have to say.
“How can you say that? How can you just give up on me—on us,
when you haven’t even given me a chance to explain?” He calls over to me
and I notice he’s already made himself at home on Hadley’s sofa. It also
sounds like he’s had a few to drink too judging from his slurs.
“How did you know I was here?” I demand. With Seb it’s best to
get straight to the point otherwise you’ll end up going over pointless crap
and I’m so done with that.
This time Seb laughs and he throws his head back like I’m the
world’s funniest comedian. “Come on. Do you really need to ask?”
“Yeah, actually, I do. I upped and left you in the middle of the
night. I thought that would have been enough for you to understand that
we’re over?” I sigh and press my back against the counter. He’s so fucking
naïve. “We’re done. I’m not coming back, so you need to get that out of
your head. This time I really mean it, Seb.”
There can be no going back from this. Surely, he has to see that.
Too much has happened for me to just roll over and forget.
Is it so bad that I want to be happy again instead of playing second
best to him all the damn time? I want to be first on someone’s agenda—just
once. I want someone to ask me if I’m okay. To see if I need anything, but
I’ll never get that from Seb. I can see that now. I’ve spent the best part of
three years walking on eggshells, making sure he’s the one who was always
happy. It may well have taken some time for me to realize it, but I’m so
done. Seb wasn’t making sure I was happy. Oh, no. He was far too busy
attending to his own wild and selfish needs.
 “Does it really matter how I found you?” Seb pulls himself up from
the sofa and makes his way towards me. I realize my error instantly.
I have nowhere to go. Fortunately, he stops at the island in the
middle of the kitchen and he leans down on his elbows while never taking
his icy glare off me, a sure ass grin etched onto his face.
“Seriously, Seb. I really don’t have time for your mind games.” I
warn him, but the two of us know I don’t hold much conviction. He’s
pushed me around for far too long, so why change the habit of a lifetime?
“Really, Will. I knew you’d be here. Where else would you run to?
It took me long enough to drag your ass out of Redlake, so it makes perfect
sense that this would be the first place you’d scurry back to when things got
tough.”
“Tough?” I shout, unable to hold back my anger. Is this guy having
a fucking joke. “Is that what you want to call it? You don’t know what
tough is.”
“Oh, Willow. How about you quit with the dramatics and save them
for someone who gives a damn.” He slurs around a laugh and it takes
everything I have not to launch a heavy object at his stupid head.
“I’m glad you find this funny.”
“I don’t find it funny. It’s just you, Will. You always manage to
blow things up into epic proportions. Me and you, it hasn’t all been bad, has
it? We’re good together, and you know it. This is just a slip in the road,
that’s all.”
“Arguing over who’s doing laundry is a slip in the road. Getting
under each other’s feet from time to time is a slip in the road, Seb.
Constantly sticking your dick in other chicks just because you feel like it is
not a slip in the fucking road. That’s just you being the true dirty dog
you’ve always been, and I refuse to put up with it anymore.”
 Seb’s blue eyes grow darker, almost black around the edges as his
eyes narrow and he chooses this moment to step close to me. His cocky
smirk is still etched onto his face. My god, he makes my skin crawl so bad.
I don’t know what I ever saw in him.
An escape. My inner voice reminds me. Well, that was then, and
this is now. The only escape I need is from him.
“Oh, that’s rich coming from the bitch who works in a strip joint.”
He snarls. “Having all those guys leering over you is just as bad. They’re
undressing you and fucking you with their eyes. How the fuck do you think
that makes me feel?”
“Are you shitting me? How many times do I have to explain? How
many times until it sinks into your thick skull that I don’t work the poles,
but what would it really matter if I did? You get to do what the hell you
want when you want, and I’m just expected to sit back and pick up the
pieces every time you struggle to keep it in your pants?”
“Whoa, see. There you go again, blowing things up so they sound
so much worse than they are. You take everything I say way out of context.
Do you know what your problem is?” he asks me, and all I can do is look at
his sorry form. “You’re too sensitive, Will. Sure, you’ve had a shit
childhood, who hasn’t? But you can’t keep using that and thinking people
are out to get you.”
“You don’t even know what the hell you’re talking about.”
“Maybe not, but all I’m saying is, people know where you work,
and obviously people are going to judge. Everyone thinks my chick sits on
cock for a living. How do you think that makes me feel?”
Wow. I actually cannot believe he’s trying to excuse his actions and
turn this around on me. He’s fucking crazy. Why can’t he just be a man and
own up to his mistakes instead of trying to pass the blame onto everyone
else? “No, Seb. How about you cut the bull. The only person judging is
you.”
“Baby, you’ve got this all wrong. How about you come back home
and we can work it out.” He pleads. He probably thinks a change in tactic
will have some kind of effect on me, but he couldn’t be more mistaken.
Sure, his face is relaxed, and he sounds genuine, but I know Seb too well to
fall for this fake persona.
For the first time I stand in front of him, full of determination and
I’ve never been more certain of the words as they flow freely from my
mouth. “This is my home. It always has been, you just wouldn’t let me see
it.” And it’s nothing but the damn truth. Ever since I was a little girl
Hadley’s place has always been my safe space—even if Colby did make life
hard for me at the best of times. It sure beat staying at home with my crack
whore of a mother, and even that will never change the fact that this house,
this small town in home for me, and it always will be. I know the life I want
is in Redlake, and I know it’s a life that Seb will never be able to give me.
It’s taken me a while, but I can finally see that now, and I’m starting to
come to peace with it.
“Your home is with me, Willow. You’ve had your fun so how about
you quit messing around. Go and grab your things and come home with
me.”
“No.” I tell him as firmly as possible, but I know there is no way
he’s going to up and leave without putting up a fight.
“All right.” Seb sneers and I can tell he’s almost at breaking point.
Here it is, the nasty side he’s been trying to hide, but I know it’s still in
there, festering under his skin, desperate to come out to play. “I’ve asked
you nicely, and now I’m fucking telling you. Stop being such a dumb bitch
and go and get your things.”
 Everything happens so fast.
One minute Seb is stood in front of me, jaw clenched and fists
balled at his sides, and then the next he’s knocked out of my vision as he’s
thrown across the room, landing face down on the floor.
“One more move, and I’ll make sure you won’t be talking again.”
I watch on in disbelief as Seb tries to pull himself to his feet, his
face a mess. Blood oozes from his broken nose and I don’t feel an ounce of
sympathy. When he struggles to pull himself up he decides to drag his sorry
ass across the floor instead.
“This isn’t over, Willow.” He threatens, but I’m too shocked to
register the meaning of his words.
Not only has Seb found me, but when I turn to look at my savior, I
find my tormentors cold, gray eyes looking back at me.
“Did you miss me, princess?”
 CHAPTER TEN
COLBY

Welcome fucking home.

I watch as the weasel drags himself across the floor and he’s lucky
he can still use his legs.
Fuck. The last thing I expected to find when I walked through the
door of my childhood home was Willow, let alone some low-life jerk
mouthing off to her.
It’s been a long time since I last saw her, and I’m unprepared for
the multitude of feelings as they creep up and consume me all at once.
I don’t have anything to say, and all I can do is watch her as I see
my own shock mirrored in her eyes.
“Colby, baby. Are you in here?”
The nagging sound of Tiffanie’s voice breaks me out of my trance
and the weird connection, as strong as it’s always been between Willow and
I, is broken.
 “Through here.” I shout back when I hear the click of her designer
heels out in the hall, but I never once take my eyes from Willow. She hasn’t
changed a bit. She looks exactly the same as she did when I left her. And I
can tell from the look on her face she still hates me just as much.
“I didn’t know…” she starts but I’m quick to cut her off. I’m not
here for small talk.
“Where’s Hadley?” I demand. I do a good job at keeping my voice
on an even level, but on the inside, I’m feeling all kinds of crazy.
Willow eyes me suspiciously before answering and if I’m being
honest, I can’t blame her for being on edge. “Erm… she’s at work, I think.”
She pulls on her sleeves, a nervous trait she’s always carried since we were
kids and I’m pleased to know I’m not the only one who’s affected here. But
I also don’t know how I’m supposed to feel about it either.
“You think?” I raise a suspicious brow at her. She thinks? Surely,
she’d know where Hadley was? Those two are inseparable. I hope she’s not
trying to bullshit me because if she was then that would really piss me off,
especially after I’ve just punched some low-life for her too.
“I’m not her keeper, Colby.” She bites back and I can see she’s still
as fierce as ever. Man, how I’ve missed toying with her. Willow’s always
been so pliable. Oh, yes. The Willow I love to hate is still in there, rooted
deep inside of her. I bet she’s tried her damned hardest to change over the
years too, but it’s clear to see that when I’m around she’ll always be weak.
I’m her drug of choice—her addiction that she can’t shift. “Maybe if you’d
stayed in touch with her, she’d be able to keep you informed of her
whereabouts from time to time.”
I can’t help but laugh as she stomps off. Obviously, that’s the best
welcome home I’m going to get, and coming from Willow, I’ll take it. I
guess I shouldn’t have expected anything different. But it’s no matter and
I’m sure she’ll be relieved to find out that Willow isn’t the reason I’m here.
“Colby, baby. You didn’t need to leave me in the truck.” Tiffanie
waltzes through the door to the kitchen, a pitiful pout on her over enhanced
lips, and I won’t lie. She looks a hot fucking mess.
I should have stood my ground and left her with daddy dearest, not
the damn truck, but I didn’t have much choice in the matter.
I was majorly pissed I had to drag her along with me, but Tiffanie
was fucking elated. She even gave me a celebratory suck on the drive over.
Don’t judge me—a man has needs and this whore has no shame in giving
me access to all areas.
“You survived, right, so where’s the fucking problem?” I’m in no
mood for her bullshit right now. Seeing Willow has taken me well and truly
out of the game. I need to get my act together and fast because I don’t have
time for distractions.
What the fuck was she even doing in my house? The sooner I find
Hadley the better.
“This is a nice place. Small, but cute.” Tiff wanders around
inspecting the walls and contents of my childhood home. Well, she can
inspect away so long as it keeps her off my back. “Is this really where you
grew up? Damn, no wonder you’re so angry all the time.”
Tiffanie slides over to me, her hands roaming freely on my chest
and I know she’s got one thing on her mind. She’s fucking sex mad, and for
a guy it would be like hitting the jackpot—the only downside is it’s
Tiffanie.
“Wanna show me around?” she licks her lips seductively. She’s
hungry and desperate for my cock, but I’m not in the right headspace to be
dealing with her bullshit demands.
 “Fuck off, Tiffanie.” I warn her, but my tone only seems to fuel her
more.
“Colby, baby. I thought this little trip was supposed to be fun and so
far you’ve been a right bore.”
“Don’t start. You’re here aren’t you, so quit bitching because I’m
getting fed up of hearing it.” Shaking my head in despair I run a hand over
my face. Why the fuck did I agree to bring her along? “And you should
know by now that I don’t do fun.” I say through gritted teeth and she smiles
sadistically, confirming what I already know—this is nothing but a fucked-
up game for her to play. This whole situation is one big fucked-up game.
One Tiffanie shouldn’t be a part of, but then I guess business is business for
Deano, and he doesn’t care who gets hurt along the way—so long as his end
goal is met.
“We’re not here for pleasure, Tiff, so quit messing around.”
Right now, the only thing on my mind is Hadley. I need to find her,
let her see that I’m okay and then it’s time to get down to business.
The real reason I’m back in Redlake.
 CHAPTER ELEVEN
COLBY

I won’t lie.
It feels downright crazy being back home. I didn’t know how I’d
feel on the drive over, but I’m don’t feel as bad as I thought I would, which
is a welcome surprise.
A small part of me thought this place would have changed a little
while I’ve been away, but everything is exactly how it was when I left it all
behind.
I guess it doesn’t matter how much time passes, the world just
keeps on moving. It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you’re from—the
world doesn’t stop for anyone.
I was only back at the house for ten minutes when I needed to get
the fuck out of there. Tiffanie was driving me insane. That girl doesn’t
know when to quit, and it’s really starting to grate on me. The more time I
spend with her, the more murderous I feel, and I know from experience
that’s never a good sign.
 I still had no idea where Hadley was or when she was coming back
home, but there was no way I was spending another second with Tiffanie.
Instead, I spun her some line about needing to sort some business and she
should make herself at home. All it took was a promise of some new shoes
and she was like putty in my hands. Stupid, materialistic bitch.

I knew my next stop had to be Sinner’s.

When I arrived it was fairly quiet, a couple of thirsty customers and
a blonde chick behind the bar who I don’t remember seeing in Redlake
before. I decided to keep a low profile for the time being. That way I could
focus on getting my head together before I headed to see Bryson. Not much
has changed as that motherfucker is still hidden away in his office.
“Colby. What the fuck man. Is it really you?”
I feel a strong slap on my shoulder, I turn around to see which sorry
ass has disturbed me and for the first time since I arrived back home a huge
genuine grin takes over my face, and my cheeks ache from muscles that
haven’t been used in years as they finally get some much-needed exercise.
“Ryder.” I slap my hand down on the table and I get a strong sense
of me—the old me. The Colby Carter who I was before all this bullshit
kicked off. “It’s good to see you, man.” I tell him truthfully as he slides
down into the booth and for a couple of minutes, I feel the heavy burden of
my sins evaporate. Right now, it’s just me and Ryder—just like it used to
be.
The way it should be, but life doesn’t work out how you want it
too, or how you believe it should. No, life likes to screw you in the balls,
over and over again.
“What are you doing back?” He asks and then stumbles, “not that I
ain’t pleased to see you because believe me, I am. It’s just five years is a
long time, man. I started to think you’d never return.”
I can’t help but laugh as his eyes grow wide, excitement on his face
and he looks like the big kid I remember. Damn, even I feel like a big ass
kid right now. “Ask no questions and be told no lies my friend. You know
how it goes.”
“Oh, come on.” Ryder reaches out and jabs me in the arm playfully
and I know he’s desperate for the gossip. “This is me you’re talking to. You
can tell me anything. You know that, right?”
“Right.” He’s so hungry for it. I guess somethings don’t change and
it’s nice to feel a sense of familiarity. “I got back around an hour ago and I
can tell you I’m already regretting it.”
“Fuck off. You and I both know it’s about time you came back.
What can I tell you, Redlake hasn’t been the same without you.”
“Of course it hasn’t. What the fuck did you expect?”
Laughter erupts around us and the chick over at the bar gives us a
couple of suspicious glances. She’s pretty easy on the eyes. Maybe I’ll have
to keep her in mind when I feel like a woman’s touch. I know I have
Tiffanie willing and waiting back at the house but fucking her feels like a
goddamn chore and after dealing with her for as long as I have, I think I
deserve the right to have some fun.
“Hey, have you seen the guys yet? Bryson’s in the back and I know
he will be happy to see you. Favorite nephew and all that.”
“Dude, I’m his only fucking nephew.” I remind him.
Ryder shrugs his shoulders and says, “same thing.”
I’ve got a funny feeling Bryson isn’t going to be all too happy to
see me. I haven’t seen my uncle in five years. He knew why I left—why I
had to leave. Actually, he was the only one I confided in throughout it all.
He did good too. Bry was more understanding than I thought he would be,
and he was the one who set things in place for when I’d gone. Without his
help I don’t think any of it would have been possible. We kept in touch
every so often while I was away, but he never reported anything major, so it
looks like he had it all under control on this side.
We used to be pretty close. Bryson was the cool uncle and I loved
to parade him in front of my friends. Everyone wanted him to be their
uncle, but only Hadley and I had that privilege.
Unfortunately, that all looks set to change when he figures out why
I’m really here.
“How’s Hadley?” I ask, unable to hold back the one question which
has been running through my mind since I left. “She good? Please tell me
she kept her head down and her dumb ass out of trouble.” If I can count on
anyone in this world to be straight up with me then it will always be Ryder,
hands down. He isn’t afraid of pissing me off, and he’ll always tell me
something he thinks I’ll need to know about. Only over the past five years I
kind of made that hard for him.
Ryder leans back in his seat and puffs out his cheeks. Fuck, I
already know this isn’t going to good. “You haven’t seen her? Man, she’s
gonna have your balls when she finds out you’re home.” Home. That word
coming from Ryder sounds right, and I like the warm feeling I get when he
says it, but this isn’t a fairytale and I can’t allow thoughts of non-existent
endings to penetrate my mind. But he’s right. No matter what happens—
whether I’m here or not, this will always be my home.
“She wasn’t at the house when I got back. I was hoping she might
be here?”
Ryder’s eyes fall down and rest on the table and I instantly know
he’s holding something back from me. “You won’t find Hadley anywhere
near this place.”
 “Really?” Ryder’s omission takes me by surprise. Hadley used to
always come down and hang at Sinner’s. She used to sneak in even before
she hit the legal age. One of the perks of having a well-respected uncle who
couldn’t give a damn about the law.
“Oh, man. When you left, things between Hadley and me, well,
they got a little heated.”
Ryder refuses to look me square in the eye and I feel like he’s just
knocked all the air out of my lungs with his words. Friend or not, this
motherfucker better not be messing me around. I swear if he’s so much as
touched a single hair on Hadley’s head he’ll wish he’d never been born.
“Back up.” I clench my fists as I try my damned hardest to think
the worst and get my temper under control, but the need to sucker punch
him square in the jaw is getting stronger by the second. “You’re telling me
you’ve been fucking my little sister?” My voice is calm but laced with a
severe warning—this son of a bitch better tread carefully because he’s
already walking on thin ice. Ryder has known me for years, and you’d like
to think he’d no better than to go sniffing around Hadley.
“Are you fucking crazy?” He shouts out before throwing his head
back and a loud laugh roars from his chest. “Jesus Christ, Colby. What the
fuck do you take me for? No offence, but I wouldn’t touch Hadley. She’s
like an annoying little sister to me, or at least she was.”
“Was?” Well, it seems the plot thickens. And why the hell is he
starting to talk in riddles. If he hasn’t fucked her then that’s great news for
the both of us. He doesn’t lose the function of his jaw and I don’t lose my
temper, or my best friend at the same time. I’d call that winning. But I need
to know he’s stuck to his word. I need to know he’s been looking out for her
while I’ve been away, and hearing his ‘was’ bullshit leads me to believe he
hasn’t been sticking to his side of the deal like he promised.
 “Well, you know what Hadley’s like. She’s a hot head. It must run
in the family.”
“Just fucking get to the point, Ryder.” I don’t want him to try and
make light of whatever has happened. I need him to be honest with me and
tell me what happened.
“She didn’t take the news of your sudden departure as well as you
thought she would. Actually, she went bat-shit crazy. She screwed me over,
man. But she wasn’t happy to leave it there. Oh, no. Hadley came back, dug
those crazy ass heels in my balls and fucking dragged them across the floor
for the whole damn world to see. I wouldn’t worry too much. That chick
can definitely look after herself—she’s fucking savage.”
The mood lightens again now I know his dick hasn’t been
anywhere near my sister, and I can’t help but laugh at his description of
Hads. I’m glad she’s protecting herself and standing up for what she
believes in—just like I always told her to do.
“Wanna tell me what you did to piss her off?”
“Who me?” Ryder looks taken aback, shocked that I’d think such a
thing. But I’m not buying it. I know Hadley, and I know he must have done
something to piss her off to get that kind f reaction from her.” I didn’t do
shit. But then that didn’t stop her from blaming me for your disappearing
act.” He sighs heavily and shakes his head like he’s reliving the moment
again for the first time. “You know, it didn’t matter what I said or did, her
mind was made up. Hadley was dead set I had some kind of involvement
with whatever you were doing.”
“And she was pissed at you for that?” What Ryder is saying doesn’t
make any sense. Had’s would never cut someone out of her life unless
they’d done her a major wrong. She loves hard, but she hates harder. No,
something else must have happened for her to cut him off like that.
 “She sure is. I’ve never seen anyone come for me the way she did,
and you know I’ve pissed a lot of people off in my time. But she got in her
mind that I was the one to drive you out of town and that in turn stopped
you from being there when she needed you the most—when you both
needed each other the most. I guess it didn’t help my corner when there was
zero contact from you either.”
“I had my reasons.” I snap. I don’t feel proud about what I’ve done
and who I had to leave behind but there was nothing I could do. It was well
and truly out of my hands. I drag a tired hand down my face and my chest
sinks as I stop to think how Hadley must have felt after I’d left. Surely, she
has to know I’d never willingly abandon her. Not unless I didn’t have any
other choice, and all my options were gone.
“I sure hope those reasons cut it, man. Hadley’s had it real tough
and I don’t think she’s going to give you an easy ride.”
He’s not wrong. “Knowing my little sister the way I do, I don’t
fucking doubt it, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from her.”
“Yo, Miley.” Ryder turns his attention away from me and shouts
over to the chick behind the bar. At least I know she has a name now. I store
it to memory in case I decide on taking myself up on the offer of having a
little fun while I’m here. “Do something useful and bring us two beers.”
“Do I look like your slave?” The small girl hollas back at him and
he laughs.
“Only in the bedroom, baby. In here you can be whatever the fuck
you want.” He throws her a wink and she blushes, red heat instantly rising
to her cheeks. Fuck, some people never change.
It doesn’t take her long to saunter over to our booth, two chilled
beers in her hands, and she pauses to give me the once over. I know she
likes what she sees as her eyes mist over with lust. When she turns to look
at Ryder she says, “who’s your friend?”
“Who this? This is Colby Carter. One of the greats who left this
little town, but he soon came to his senses and came running back.” He
laughs and then his face drops, and he turns serious. “He also just happens
to be Bryson’s nephew so if you know what’s good for you, you’ll pick
your jaw up from the floor and get your ass back behind that bar.” Ryder
growls back at her and I can’t help but laugh. Talk about marking his
fucking territory. His shitty attitude doesn’t seem to phase Miley as she
places our beers down on the table and she flips Ryder off before making
her way back toward the bar.
“Ex fuck-buddy?” I enquire, amusement running freely in my veins
and I feel fucking good.
“Nah, I wouldn’t go as far to say ex. We’re good at the casual thing,
every once in a while, you know. But she’s starting to get a little needy and
man, if there’s one turn off for me, it’s a needy chick.
“Fucking chicks. Can’t live with them and we definitely can’t live
without them.” I exclaim and thoughts of Tiffanie invade and weigh heavy
on my mind. I really wish I could get rid of her. I wish I could get her out of
my bed and out of my life for good, but until this job is done, that shit won’t
be possible.
Hopefully, when I finally get around to introducing her to Hadley,
maybe they’ll hit it off and I’ll be able to keep her off my back some more.
I think Hadley and Tiff could get on, but Willow is the one I need to look
out for.
“Hey, Colby.” Ryder pulls me out of my thoughts and I’m glad
because going down the thought process of Willow is never a good fucking
idea. She gets in my head and I can’t seem to shift her, no matter what I do.
When I look at him, he’s wearing a crazy ass expression. What the fuck
does he have to be sad about? His life looks pretty set to me. “Hey, look.
I’m sorry about your mom and dad. Hadley was real cut up so I can’t begin
to imagine how you were holding up too. I swear I tried to be there for her,
but she just wouldn’t let me in at all.”
My mom and dad? What the fuck is he talking about? “Jeez, don’t
tell me the king and queen of Redlake have parted ways and shown the
world that true love doesn’t exist?” I joke. Nothing could ever separate my
mom and dad. Damn, his face is set. Is he actually being for real? I knew
I’d miss things when I’ve been away as long as I have, but I never saw this
coming and I would have thought Bryson would have told me about this
life-changing event.
“You don’t know, do you?” Ryder’s face loses all color and he
looks like he’s just seen a ghost.
“Know what?” A huge ball of nervous energy drops into my
stomach and before he says another word, I already know I’m not gonna
like it.
“Wow. I don’t know how to tell you this, but…” he pauses for a
moment before taking a long pull on his beer, and then finally clears his
throat. “Your mom and dad haven’t separated, Colby. They’re dead.”
 CHAPTER TWELVE
WILLOW

“I don’t give a damn who you are. I’m telling you to take your
whore-ass out of my house.”
Hadley’s voice takes over my ears as I open the front door and my
initial thought is to panic. What the fuck is Seb doing now, but then I
quickly realize she wouldn’t be calling Seb a whore-ass. Not unless she’s
finally found out about his cheating ways.
As I cautiously continue to step closer to the living area my heart
starts to race in my chest at the mention of a familiar name.
“Colby told me you were a firecracker, but the similarities between
the two of you are crazy.”
“Colby?” Hadley questions as I walk through the doorway. “What
the hell do you know about Colby?”
At that the girl laughs a sadistic laugh and Hadley scrunches her
face up in distaste. “Honey, what don’t I know about him?”
 The whore-ass, as Hadley so kindly put it, has her back to me, but I
can still feel the smugness rolling off her in waves. I decide right here and
now that I don’t like her. I couldn’t give a damn about not judging someone
until they’ve had a fair trial—this smug bitch isn’t getting shit from me.
I clear my voice and say, “Is there a problem, here?” I finally ask,
coming to my best friend’s defense. Whore-ass spins around so fast to face
me I’m surprised she doesn’t fall over in her designer clad heels before
giving me a leisurely roam up and down with her eyes.
“That all depends. Do you have a problem?”
What a bitch. She’s confident, I’ll give her that. Confident, and
smug, and I’ve only just realized I’d completely forgotten to give Hadley
the heads up that Colby was back.
“Look, I don’t know who you are, and trust me, I really don’t care,
but I’d love to know why you’re in our house.” I try my best to be polite,
but I know I’m failing miserably.
“Don’t you mean Colby’s house?”
“Hold up.” Now it’s Hadley’s turn to speak and I have no idea
which direction this conversation is going to take. “If you’re someone he’s
knocked-up along the way then I’m sorry to tell you, he’s not here. Hasn’t
been for five years, so how about you turn around and go try to find him
elsewhere.”
The girl smiles a wicked smile and steps closer to Hadley. Oh god,
please don’t let her be some psychotic bitch on the path of revenge. “I’m
afraid I can’t do that.” She smiles some more, displaying a perfect set of
fake white teeth, and then she gracefully takes a seat on the sofa. “And just
so you know, I’m not someone Colby can fuck along the way.” She holds
her hand out to Hadley, offering peace. “The name’s Tiffanie, and I’m
Colby’s girlfriend.”
 Girlfriend?
Is this chick for real. Does she even know Colby at all? Colby has a
girlfriend. Jeez, those two words have never gone together and I never
thought they would.
“Well, Tiffanie,” Hadley says, smiling right back at her. “I hate to
break it to you, but Colby doesn’t do girlfriends, and if my brother was back
in town then I’d like to think I’d be the first to know.” Hadley looks pissed
and my heart sinks. Not only has she come home to find a stranger in her
house, said stranger is claiming to know Colby’s whereabouts, and even
though I don’t want to admit it out loud, I know this chick is right—about
him being back home, at least. I’m still a little skeptical about this whole
girlfriend business.
“Maybe he hasn’t had time to check in on you yet?” Tiffanie offers
and for the first time since I walked in, she sounds genuine.
But this doesn’t go down too well with Hadley. Her nostrils flare
and I can tell she’s trying so hard to stay calm. “Are you crazy? Of course
he’d have time. Colby would find the time—for me.” Her voice cracks with
defeat as she realizes Colby may be back. “He wouldn’t keep me in the dark
—not again.”
“He is back.” I call out before I can stop myself, and Hadley snaps
her head toward me. Her big brown eyes fix on mine and they glimmer with
disbelief.
“Wait. You knew Colby was back and you didn’t think to drop me a
message to let me know?”
“Had’s, it’s not like that.” I plead with her and I know she’s majorly
pissed at me. I’m her best friend and I know how much she struggled when
Colby left. I should have called her straight away, but my head wasn’t in the
right place. “Seb turned up, totally out of the blue. He wouldn’t listen to me
as usual and things got out of hand. The next thing I knew Colby was
hurling him off me, and truthfully I was too shook up to stick around.”
It’s not a lie. Seb turning up did set me on edge, but it was the
unexpected arrival of Colby which threw me well and truly off the cliff.
Jeez, when I saw Colby all I wanted to do was get the hell out of here as
fast as I could and not come back until he’d disappeared again. I was kind
of hoping all traces of him would have vanished by the time Hadley arrived
home, but obviously his whore-ass didn’t get the message.
 CHAPTER THIRTEEN
COLBY

I heard the words ‘they’re dead’ clear as day but my mind is

refusing to process them.
Dead?
How the fuck can my mom and dad be dead? They were two of the
healthiest people I knew and for them to both die at the same time is crazy.
How the hell did they wind up in the ground, and more importantly why
wasn’t I fucking told about it?
I need answers and I need them now. I don’t think as I push myself
out of the booth, almost knocking my beer as I go.
“Colby, wait.”
I can hear Ryder saying something, but I don’t process it. His voice
and everything around me sounds like white noise. I have one thing on my
mind, and I won’t rest until it’s done. Adrenaline courses through me,
spurring me on.
 As I make my wat through the bar, I don’t see anything. Everything
is hazed with a red hue as anger grows stronger. Everything except the door
to the right of the bar.
I don’t bother knocking and when I shove the door open, I find
Bryson at his desk, smoking a joint without a motherfucking care in the
world.
He looks up to see who dares enter his office without knocking and
his eyes grow wide with shock when he sees me, and that only intensifies
my rage.
“Colby, my boy.” He slams his hand down on the desk and smiles
at me, only I don’t return his excitement. If I hadn’t spoken to Ryder before
coming in, this would have been a totally different story. “When did you get
back?”
“Does it matter?” Venom laces my tongue and if he notices then he
doesn’t make a deal of it.
“Well, a heads up would have been nice, at least. We could have
sorted a welcome home party for you, or maybe got in one of our best girl’s
early.”
“You think so, huh? One thing I’ve learned while being away is that
not everything can be fixed by some titties and ass.”
“But it sure makes for a good distraction.” He laughs and I pull out
the seat opposite him. I keep my eyes locked on his—the same eyes as my
mother—while I spin the chair around and lower myself down, my chest
flush against the back. I’ll need to keep something between us and right
now this is the best I could come up with.
“How about I raise you, old man? Why didn’t you give me the
heads up about mom and dad?”
 Bryson drops his head into his hands and circles his temples with
his fingers. What the fuck does he have to be stressed about? I’m the one
who just found out my parents don’t fucking exist anymore and here he is
massaging his motherfucking worries away.
“Colby…”
“Quit with the bullshit, Bry because I seriously don’t want to hear
it.” I tell him, trying my damned hardest to keep the raw emotion out of my
voice. “I’ve been back five fucking minutes and after a brief encounter with
Ryder I’m suddenly finding out that my parents—both of them—are dead.”
I slam my own hand down on the table and he jumps. “Now, what I want to
know is, what the fuck happened and when. Also, why the fuck did no one
tell me about it?”
Bryson shakes his head and he looks at me with sadness in his eyes.
I don’t fucking want his pity. I don’t need it. “Colby, I thought you knew.”
When he looks at me again, he looks destroyed. Like his whole world has
just come crashing down around him.
“What, am I supposed to be psychic now? How the fuck would I
know if you didn’t pick up the phone to tell me?” I ask, my patience
growing thinner and thinner. “You were the only person who knew where I
was, and why. Why didn’t you pick up the damn phone?”
“Watch your fucking mouth, boy.” He warns me, but it’s a bit late
for him to start giving out his orders now. “I understand you’re upset, but
don’t you dare storm in here and start telling me what I did or didn’t do. I
fucking made that call, and you better believe it.”
“When?” I really hope he isn’t trying to cover his tracks and make
out he did the right thing.
“As soon as I’d heard.” He barks and his brow furrows telling me
that he’s also on the brink of no return with his temper. A family trait. Not
that I care much for that right now. “Do you really think I’d sit back and
keep you in the dark? What the fuck do you take me for? Alana might have
been your mom, but she was also my sister, so don’t you go forgetting that,
boy.”
He’s right. I know he is, but it does absolutely nothing to ease the
heat of the fire bubbling deep within me, building and building, ready to
come to blows at any given second. Fuck. If it’s true and he made the call,
then why did no one tell me?
“What happened?” I finally ask after a few minutes of awkward
silence, with the exception of my ragged breathing filling the room.
“Car crash.” No one can ever say that Bryson isn’t straight to the
point. His voice is void of any emotion and for once in my life I’m at a total
loss for words. “Two years ago. Halloween to be exact.” Bryson’s eyes
wander off as if he’s reliving it for the first time, and my chest aches. “Your
mom and dad were on their way back from some fancy event in the city.
The weather was bad. It was crazy. Weather warnings had been put in place
and people were told they shouldn’t travel unless absolutely necessary, but
you know what your dad was like. No one could tell him what to do and if
they did, he went ahead and did it anyway. He was as stubborn as they
come, and they travelled anyway. Everything was fine up until a freightliner
swerved at the intersection, tipping their car right over the edge of a drop.”
He sighs once before and then his eyes find mine again. “Both Alana and
Dustin died on impact.”
What the actual fuck. Is this supposed to be some kind of messed-
up joke? Did Deano send me all the way back to Redlake so they could play
some sick and twisted game? “Is this a joke?” I ask, refusing to believe
what he’s just told me. “Because if it is, you’re all fucking twisted in the
head.”
 He laughs a sad laugh, and my gut knows he isn’t lying. Why
would he? What would he possibly have to gain from making this up apart
from landing six foot in the ground himself? “I wish I was, kid. Really, I do,
but sadly it’s the truth.” He reaches down and opens the bottom drawer of
his desk. The one I know contains his best liquor, and then a bottle appears
in his hand.
“And Hadley?”
He shakes his head again and slides a glass full of amber liquid
over to me. “That girl’s as tough as they come. She’s made of strong stuff,
but I won’t lie, kid. It’s changed her.”
“Where was she?” Images of Hadley all alone flash across my
mind. How could I have been so far away doing stupid fucking jobs for
Deano when my sister was here all alone. Our whole family has been ripped
apart and I was playing the role of someone’s puppet.
“She was at home. Your mom wanted to take her along, get her out
of the house for a bit. She’d just split from some douche and your mom
wanted to help take her mind off it. Fortunately, Hadley put up a fight and
stayed home.”
Thank fuck for small mercies. It’s bad enough to hear I’ve lost both
my mom and dad, but I wouldn’t have had anything left to live for if I’d
have lost Hadley as well.
“I promise, son. I called Deano straight away. I was surprised when
you didn’t show for the funeral, but Hadley and I assumed it was your own
way of dealing with it.”
“Wait. You told Deano?” Why the hell didn’t that motherfucker tell
me? He’s had plenty of opportunities over the years too.
“Sure did, kid.”
 I pick up my glass and down it in one, and as the liquid burns my
throat, I make a promise. Deano is going to pay. I don’t know how just yet,
but as soon as I’m done in Redlake I’ll make him suffer. He’s going to be
my number one target.
He knew my parents were dead and he didn’t think for a second
that I’d need to know. Maybe he did, but he knew I would have been out of
there and he would have had to find someone else to do his dirty work.
Maybe now’s the time I finally stood my ground with him. As far
as I’m concerned, the deal is off. He can fight his own fucking battles from
now on. I’m not going to be his puppet anymore.
I swear, on my parents graves he will be sorry he ever messed with
me.
Consequences be damned.
 CHAPTER FOURTEEN
WILLOW

My eyes flutter open and the darkness consumes me.

It’s still early, and my eyes are heavy with sleep, but something has
disturbed me.
“It’s been a hell of a long time since I last saw you in my bed,
princess.” Colby’s rustic voice penetrates my ears and filters into my mind,
and I bolt up right in bed, my hand desperately reaching out for the switch
on the nightstand. I hear him chuckle as I struggle and when I find it and
turn the light on, I wish I hadn’t have bothered.
Colby’s cold, gray eyes lock onto mine and I can tell he’s slowly
undressing me as they lazily roam up and down my body. I instantly pull
the sheet up to my neck to protect my modestly as best I can from his
heated gaze, but it doesn’t do much to help me.
I feel my cheeks heat with embarrassment, because we both know
what’s hidden beneath these sheets. He’s seen me naked many times before
—more than what I’d like to remember, but there’s also been some changes
over the past five years. One’s I’m not proud of, but one’s I’ve been strong
enough to overcome.
“Why are you here, Colby?” I ask before I can stop myself, but he
doesn’t answer me, instead he watches me closely and a dangerous smirk
dances on his full lips, warning me of the destruction he’s caused me and
my fragile heart over the years. “It’s too early for your games, Colby.” I
yawn, my voice is tired and weak, and I hope he’ll get the hint and leave me
alone. But this is Colby, and I know he’s in no rush to leave. He’s made
himself comfortable on the edge of the bed, and now it looks like he’ll be
here for the foreseeable.
I don’t move as he leans in close to me, the smell of liquor heavy
on his breath and I instantly freeze when his soft, warm lips tickle my neck
as he whispers, “it’s never too early for my games, princess.” Butterflies
flutter in my stomach as his lips press against my jaw until they fall on my
lips. I breathe him in, relishing the feel of his hard body pressed against
mine, the softness of his lips on mine before I bite down, hard.
“Ah.” Colby pulls back and his eyes burn into mine. “Still a grade
A bitch, I see.” His words sting. I know they shouldn’t, but they do. It
doesn’t matter how much I hate every fiber of his being; my heart still beats
frantically for him—just like it always has. I guess I just need to be a hell of
a lot smarter this time around. There’s no way I can allow him to destroy
me again.
“Fuck off, Colby.” I’m please to see blood form on his lips and his
eyes burn into mine as he licks it away. “I’m sure your desperate girlfriend
is waiting for you.”
I wish I’d never said the words as soon as they leave my mouth as
Colby smiles and a soft laugh escapes him. “Jealous, princess?”
 “Are you crazy?” Jealous? Jealous of someone like Tiffanie? No,
I’m not jealous. I just don’t like sharing a house with strangers. Plus, she
looks like a spoilt little rich bitch and I haven’t got time to waste on people
like that.
“Crazy? I’ve been called worse. But I know you princess, and I also
know we have unfinished business.”
 CHAPTER FIFTEEN
COLBY

It feels crazy as hell being back home.

A home where my mom and dad no longer reside. I haven’t had a
chance to speak to Hadley yet. The whole house was masked in darkness
when I staggered into the house around four this morning, in a fully-fledged
drunken stupor.
I’d walked straight into my room, not realizing the sight waiting for
me. Willow, sprawled out half naked and fast asleep on my bed.
I didn’t even stop to wonder why she was there, but I knew it
wouldn’t be for me. I fucked that up long ago, but I did it for a reason, and
even though she hates me for it, it’s a reason I will always stand by and I
will keep treating her this way—no matter how much it upsets her.
I know I should have turned around and left her, but the magnetic
pull that’s always been there between us was still there, burning strong,
intensified by the bucket load of liquor swimming in my body.
 I’d wrongly assumed Willow would have moved out of Redlake by
now. At least that was supposed to be the plan, but clearly something went
wrong. I’d told Bryson to make sure he kept her on at Sinner’s so he could
keep a close eye on her. I didn’t tell him why, I just told him what he
needed to know. I needed Willow out of Redlake, but still close enough to
watch.
If I’d have known she’d still be here then I would have thought
twice about coming back here. Plus, with no contact from Bryson it was
hard to judge.
I can’t help it if she didn’t leave. I can only do so much—the rest is
out of my control and now it’s game on. Let’s see if I can get her to hate me
some more.
“Sweet baby Jesus. It’s true.”
I don’t have a chance to say anything when Hadley comes running
across the room and dives on me and I almost fall backwards on the stool.
“It’s good to see you too, sis.” I smile into her big bouncy curls and
they smell like home. She doesn’t move, instead she holds me tighter as
though she can’t believe I’m really here and if she lets go, I’ll magically
disappear into thin air. I guess I can’t blame her for thinking that way. I
have been out of her life for five years.
“My god, I’ve missed you so much, you crazy son of a bitch.” She
laughs when she pulls back, her hands cupping my face as she gives me a
once over and to check I’m really here. “Colby, you’ve changed.”
“No, I haven’t.” I reply and the love bubbling in my chest is out of
this world. I really didn’t know how much I’d missed her until right now.
“I’m still me.”
“Hmmm, that’s debatable.” She muses while walking over to the
coffee pot and pulling down an extra mug from the cupboard. “The Colby I
know wouldn’t have left me without so much as a goodbye for five years.
It’s been so long, Colbs. I was starting to think I wouldn’t see you again.”
Hadleys’ voice is playful, but it still cuts deep, like she’s taken a
knife to my heart. Even though Hadley is the master when it comes to game
faces, her eyes never lie. Neither did my mom’s. I know I’ve hurt her—
more than she’ll ever admit and that kills me more than anything. Hurting
Hadley, or causing her worry was never my intention. None of that was ever
part of the plan.
I’m her big brother—her protector and I’ve made a crap job of that
over the years, that’s for sure. But I’m back now and hopefully she’ll let me
try and make it up to her.
“And who’s the rich chick out in our guest house, or don’t I want to
know?”
Fuck. I’d totally forgotten about Tiff. My head had way too much
bullshit spinning around in it yesterday and I know the added liquor didn’t
help—Tiffanie had completely slipped my mind.
I’d love to tell Hadley I’d finally met a decent chick—one mom
and dad would be proud of. A chick who could hold me down, but then that
wouldn’t be me, and Hadley sure as hell knows it too.
“Trust me, the less you know about it, the better.” I sigh heavily
and decide against elaborating on the issue.
Right now, Tiffanie is for show, not tell, and the sooner I can get rid
of her, the better. A thought flashes in my mind and following on from that
dreaded conversation with Bryson yesterday Tiffanie could become the
perfect asset—perfect fucking leverage, and my mind goes into overdrive.
“Hey, Hads…”
“Yeah…”
 I don’t manage to finish what I was about to say as Willow chooses
that very moment to come walking into the kitchen, and my mouth clamps
shut. My jaw clenches as tight as fuck, preventing me from saying exactly
what I want to say, but this conversation I need to have with Hadley isn’t
one I want to have in front of anyone—let alone Willow.
If it wasn’t for Willow and our fucked-up games, I wouldn’t have
left Redlake in the first place. I would have had no reason to leave. I would
have stayed here, right where I belong. I would have never gotten caught up
with Deano, and I would never have met Tiffanie. No. I would have been
right here where I was needed. I would have been with my sister when she
needed me, and if I want to go really deep with this, maybe if I’d stayed
then my mom and dad would have still been here and not caught up in a
fucking car wreck.
I clench my fist around my mug, and I try to control my breathing
to calm myself: one elephant… two elephant… three…
My eyes narrow and lock onto Willow as she walks toward the
kitchen table without a goddamn care in the world, and when her eyes find
mine, she’s quick to look away. Here’s hoping she knows what’s good for
her. That’s when it hits me. As willow takes a seat opposite me, realization
hits me like a bullet.
Everything that’s happened over the past five years: Deano,
Tiffanie, my mom and dad, has all been down to her—it’s all happened
because of Willow.
She’s the root cause of all my evil—she always has been—I’ve just
been too blind to see it.
But I see it now. Clearer than anything.
Maybe coming back home wasn’t such a bad idea after all.
Revenge is sweet.
Revenge will be mine.
I want to ruin her.
I want to destroy her, then watch her suffer.
Maybe then I’ll start to feel like justice is being served.
 CHAPTER SIXTEEN
WILLOW

I feel super awkward around Colby, but I know I need to keep up

appearances around Hadley. No matter how hard it is being around him, I’m
just going to have to ride out this shitstorm until it passes, which will
hopefully be sooner rather than later.
Here’s to hoping he won’t be around for long and then he can
scurry off back to wherever he came from—right along with his two-bit
whore.
Hadley is so happy to have him home though, which is great, but
now I suddenly feel like and intruder, and I know Colby won’t be
welcoming me with open arms. But he’s the one who upped and left his
family behind without so much as a second thought, and now here he is
acting like he fucking owns the place—like the golden boy never even went
away.
Fortunately for me, he was quick to leave this morning telling
Hadley he had some important errands to run. Fucking errands my ass.
 I’ve never been more relieved to go to work.
Now that Colby is back the house suddenly feels too small, as
though the walls were caving in under the heat of his disapproving glare.
It’s weird because although he hasn’t changed one single bit since
the last time I saw him, he seems more serious, edgy and dangerous than I
remembered.
I don’t know why he’s back and if I’m being honest, I don’t really
care. But I know Colby better than most and I know there has to be a reason
for his sudden appearance and I’ll bet my life it won’t be a good one.
Sinner’s is quiet when I walk through the doors. I was kind of
hoping it would be busy so I could keep my mind focused and occupied
instead of overthinking about all things Colby.
“Hey, Ryder.” I spot him behind the bar and decide my next move.
If anyone’s going to have dirt on Colby the who else would know but his
best friend and partner in crime?
It’s no secret that Ryder and I had a sticky start to our friendship—
we physically hated each other, and everyone knew it, but when Colby left,
he started to grow up and we decided to put our differences aside and start
again. Apparently, Colby would have wanted that. Like I gave a damn about
what Colby wanted, but I was fed up of arguing with Ryder, so I agreed.
One thing I’m not is a fool, and I’m not stupid enough to believe
things will stay the same now Colby is home. The tables will definitely
turn, and everything will go back to how it was before—a fucking
nightmare.
“Hey.”
“Where’s everyone else at?” I ask. On closer inspection I see
there’s only Ryder out front and even on quiet days we always have at least
three people scheduled to work the bar.
Ryder walks over to me and offers me a weak smile, and a sense of
unease ripples through my body. “You haven’t heard?”
“Heard what?”
I notice a look of concern wash over his face and whatever’s going
down, I can tell he doesn’t want to be the one to enlighten me. “I thought
Bryson might have called.” His hand runs through his black hair and he
puffs his cheeks out. Fuck. This isn’t good. This is getting worse the longer
he stands in front of me. “All right, listen. Just promise you won’t go crazy,
okay.”
“Ryder, if you’re telling me not to go crazy then chances are that’s
exactly what I’m going to do.”
“Yeah, that’s what I’m worried about.”
“Just quit messing and tell me. I know it’s quiet but believe it or not
I don’t have all day to stand around and wait for you to tell me what’s going
on.”
“I guess you’ll find out soon enough. Just don’t shoot the
messenger.” Ryder sucks in a deep breath and then says, “Colby’s back.”
I can’t help but laugh and he looks at me like I’ve just grown two
heads. “I know.”
“You do?” He sounds shocked and I wish I was quick enough to
take a picture of the look of shock on his face. It’s priceless.
“Of course I do. He’s staying at Hadley’s. I left Seb the other day
and moved back in. The next thing I know, Colby’s turned up out of the
blue. I didn’t plan it well, did I? But hopefully he won’t be around for too
long. The only things he brought with him was his truck and a two-bit
whore who he must have picked up on the way.”
 “That two-bit whore would be me.” I spin around and sure enough
Tiffanie is looking back at me, smug as anything. God, she sure loves
herself. “I’ll have a wine soda when you’re done gossiping.” She snarls and
I have a strong sense to slap the arrogant look from her face. Either she was
born a bitch, or she’s spent far too much time in Colby’s company.
Ryder must sense the tension building between us as he’s quick to
step in front of me, a protective barrier between me and the blonde diva
stood before me. “The name’s Ryder,” he flashes his dazzling smile at her
before continuing, “how about you go take a seat over there and make
yourself comfortable and I’ll bring it over for you? This one’s on me.”
I can’t help but roll my eyes when I look at him. Ryder must want
an ass whooping. Bryson doesn’t give out free drinks for anyone, so he
better be digging deep in his pockets.
Tiffanie looks me up and down as I continue to give her the death
stare but she’s totally unfazed. What a bitch. Colby needs to hurry up and
leave, and he needs to take her with him. It’s bad enough I have to see her
face when I wake up in the morning but now I have to deal with her while
I’m working too?
I quickly look around the bar for Colby, because if Tiffanie’s
around then I’m sure he won’t be too far behind. Relief floods through me
when I don’t see him anywhere. “It’s a shame Colby isn’t here.” I spit out,
unable to hold my tongue just as she turns away.
“What can I say? He’s a busy man who likes to keep his woman
happy.” She’s so fucking up herself it’s unreal.
“Clearly.” I tell her, mirroring her confidence, “but not too busy to
stop by room last night.” I want to bottle up her expression and keep it for
all eternity. Obviously, she doesn’t know Colby as well as she likes to think.
 “Willow.” Ryder’s voice is stern and full of warning, but I don’t
care. Bryson isn’t going to say shit to me for standing my ground, and even
if he does then I’ll just tell him she made an aggressive pass at me. I know
Bryson won’t stand for that kind of behavior and he might bar her on sight.
“You really shouldn’t have done that,” Ryder continues as Tiffanie
saunters over to the table.
“Oh, yeah. Come on, what’s Bryson going to do? Fire me for
standing my ground with a difficult customer?” Ryder and I both know
Bryson always looks after his own first.
“Bryson wouldn’t, no, but it’s a whole different ball game with
Colby.” Ryder shrugs back at me, unapologetically.
“What? Colby can’t sack me. He doesn’t even work here.” I scoff,
but I don’t feel all that confident anymore.
“He does now.” Ryder tells me, and his face is void of any emotion.
“That new business partner he’s been banging on about—it’s Colby. He’s in
the office right now with the rest of the guys giving them their brief.”
Fuck.
At first I thought Ryder was winding me up, but then everything
started to fall into place like a goddamn jigsaw.
Sinner’s is the reason Colby came back. Not Hadley, not me—
fucking business.
 CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
COLBY

“Any problems—any bullshit, you go directly to Colby, and then

when he isn’t around you go to Ryder as usual.”
Bryson has been telling the troops about my new role and I already
feel like falling asleep. I wish he’d hurry the fuck up and get the hell out of
here already.
“I expect you to treat Colby with the same respect you’d give to
me. He’s the one who’ll be calling the shots while I’m away. And, don’t be
fooled—this guy also has the authority to fire all your asses.”
Jett, Miley and some scrawny dude nod their heads like a set of
obedient dogs before forming a line and heading back out to the bar. “And
the poles?”
“What about them?” Bryson turns to look at me, a look of
confusion etched onto his tired and worn face. If anything, I think this little
getaway will do him the world of good. Plus, I’d prefer him to be out of the
scene when the proverbial hits the fan. He is family after all, and I don’t
want him getting caught up in my new plan.
The game has changed. Colby Carter is back. These are my rules
and mine alone.
“I’ve been thinking about a little reshuffle.” I tell him.
“Hey, kid. Do what the fuck you want. Just make sure this place is
still standing when I get back.”
“All right.” I can’t make no promises, but I’ll sure try my best. “I
want Ryder to oversea the poles and I want Willow alongside me.” Now,
that gets his attention.
“You sure that’s a good idea?” Bryson isn’t stupid. He knows mine
and Willow’s history, and because of that I can swing this to my advantage.
“I’ve been thinking on it and it’s best I keep her close. Now she’s
staying at Hadley’s I can keep an eye on her at home and work, you know.”
I lie through my teeth, but I don’t give a damn. Honesty gets you nowhere
in life—I know that better than anyone. Although I still want to watch her,
but for my own personal gain.
“Does she know you’re back?” Bryson loves to get in on the drama.
He pretends he hates it, but I know him, and I know it fuels his needy soul.
I laugh and nod, and my dick twitches as the image of Willow laid in my
bed last night flashes through my mind. I try to shut it down, but she’s there
—always there, tattooed onto my eyelids for all eternity. “She doesn’t know
I’m in charge of this place, though why don’t you do me a favor and send
her through before you leave?”

I sit and wait not so patiently for almost thirty minutes before the
door to my new office opens. I know it’s Willow before I see her. That girl’s
never been one to use her manners, especially around me. But then with a
mother like hers I’m not surprised. But my mom and dad did a good job of
bringing her up, making her feel at home, and look how that turned out.
“What do you want, Colby?”
Willow doesn’t hide the fact she isn’t all too pleased to see me and
her eyes burn into mine as she tries to stare me down. I know she’s not
happy about my return and she shouldn’t be either. But twisted or not, I
can’t help the excitement which pulsates through my veins at her
displeasure.
Our wicked games are about to get a whole lot sicker, and she
doesn’t even know it yet. Another twitch in my cock tells me I’m going to
enjoy this new game of ours a whole lot more than I could have ever
imagined.
“You, princess.” I tell her flatly, and I mean every word. My tone is
void of any emotion and I watch her intently, my eyes fixed on hers as I
watch the heat rush to her cheeks, and she bites down nervously on her
bottom lip.
“I’m not here to play your games.” She warns me but I know
Willow, and I know her threat is as empty as my soul. Willow couldn’t hurt
me even if she tried.
But I could hurt her.
If I gave the right access to the right people, I could turn her whole
world and everything she knows upside down.
“No, you’re here to do as you’re told, so for once in your life why
don’t you give it a try?”
“Fuck you.” She hurls back at me. I knew she’d take the bait.
“It’s good to see you haven’t lost your spark. I have to admit, I kind
of missed it while I was away.”
 I step around the desk and close the space between us, and I don’t
miss her breathing catching when I press my body flush against hers. It’s
crazy, I know, but it’s always turned me on when I tower over her small
five-foot frame—it’s empowering and adrenaline bursts through my veins.
Actually, I’m a little surprised by how much I missed her.
Sure, Tiffanie has been on hand to fulfil my basic needs, but there
lies the problem—Tiffanie is a basic bitch, no matter how much she likes to
think she’s all that. Trust me, Tiffanie Melrose is all nothing.
“Cut to the chase, Colby. In case you didn’t notice, I have a job to
do.”
“Ah, yeah. Now that’s what I wanted to discuss with you.” I feel
her body judder against me and when I look down, her pert breasts rise and
fall with each shallow breath and it takes everything I have to hold myself
back.
“Wait. Let me take a wild guess. You’re the big bad boss-man now
so you’ll cut me out of a job if I don’t do as you say? You’ve come back
and you’ll continue where you left off—making my life a living misery?”
I look down and my nose almost presses against hers. I can feel the
heat of her breath on my face and I’m struggling to keep my head together.
“That all depends, princess. Do you want me to make your life more
miserable than it already is?”
 CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
WILLOW

I don’t know what fucked-up game he’s trying to play, but I can
feel myself caving just like I knew I would. Just like I always do. It’s not
safe for me to be this close to Colby. I have zero control over my actions
when it’s just the two of us. That’s always been our problem.
He’s not stupid and he knows it too, and he isn’t afraid to use it to
his own advantage either.
“Let me go, Colby.” I ask, but it comes out more of a desperate
plea. “I haven’t got time for these messed up games.” I thought I’d escaped
all of this. Colby had disappeared for the best part of five years—half a
decade, and I’d finally found the courage to up and leave Seb. But now,
standing right here, seeing Colby like this as he pushes me back into the
door, it has me feeling like I’m right back at square one.
“That’s a shame.” I struggle to catch my breath as his finger trails
along my jaw line and I want to push him off me, but I can’t. I can’t do it
because I secretly enjoy this messed-up game between us, and I’ve missed
it too. I’ve missed it more than I like to admit. I’ve missed feeling alive.
“You know how much I love our games.”
When I finally regulate my breathing so it’s steady enough for me
to speak, I say, “I’m sure Tiffanie would love to hear all about them.”
Maybe if I remind him about his girlfriend on the other side of this door, he
might rethink this and back up.
Colby’s face turns serious, his smile vanishes and danger riots in
his eyes. “Fuck Tiffanie.” He barks and the venom in his voice startles me.
My heart beats faster, thudding louder in my chest. Beating for him—
always for him.
“I thought…”
“Don’t think, Willow. That’s always been your biggest downfall.
You think way too much which stops you from feeling.”
A gasp escapes my lips as Colby presses his hips against mine and I
can feel every inch of him—his solid cock heating up under the thin fabric
of his sweats.
I knew I was setting myself up for a fall as soon as I willingly set
foot in this office. Anything involving Colby is a fucking bad idea. You’d
think I would have learned that and saved it to memory over the years.
I don’t move when his lips press against my neck, and I close my
eyes and throw my head back with zero shame, granting him better access,
and I go lax in his arms.
“This is wrong.” I try to call out, but my voice is barely a whisper
as sensations I haven’t felt in years assault my body and I never want the
feeling of him pressed up against me to end.
A rasp knock sounds at the door and it pulls me back to my senses.
When I realize how stupid I’ve been I try my best to push Colby off me. He
doesn’t move. Instead, he ignores the knocks and rolls his hips into me
some more and a wicked smile, one only the devil himself would wear
dances on his lips.
“You scared, princess?”
I swallow hard as the door knocks again. Yes, I’m scared. I’m
scared that Colby Carter is going to break me again and even though I know
it’s inevitable, there’s not a goddamn thing I can do about it.
“Colby, baby.” Tiffanie’s voice grates through from the other side
of the door—like nails being dragged down a chalkboard, and I see a look
in Colby’s eyes that I haven’t seen in a long while—disgust.
“Give me a minute.” He booms back at her and if I were to take a
wild guess, I’d say there was more than trouble in paradise—but then that’s
his business, not mine. Colby places a finger under my chin and lifts my
head so I’m forced to look into his cold, gray eyes, and no matter how hard
I try to look away, I can’t do it. Once again, I’m trapped under his spell, just
like I was when we were kids.
“This isn’t over, princess.” He warns me. “But I want you to know
when I’m with Tiffanie, it’s you I’ll be thinking of. I want you to know
when I fuck her, the sound of her scream will be yours. I’ll be fucking her
until I get to fuck you and believe me, I will. I want you Willow, and you
should know by now that I always get what I want.”
“You’re sick.” I spit back and this time when I push him back, he
staggers backwards, but his cocky, arrogant smile is still plastered all over
his face.
“Don’t pretend you don’t enjoy it, princess. Don’t forget. I know
you. I know you better than anyone else.”
 In need of more Colby Carter?
Don’t worry. He’ll be back in ‘BULLY ME THAT’—releasing
December 13th.

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Look out for a brand-new High School Bully Romance series coming from
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 Start Jett and Ryder’s story here in One Night Only—A Bully Me
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reckless
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lacey Heart is a book and latte lover.

Both reading and writing are her passions, latte’s are her life source.
Offer her either of the above and you'll be friends for life.

Lacey was born and raised in Manchester, U.K and she still resides there
today with her amazing friends and beautiful family.

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