Hide: Part One (The Black Letters Series Book 1) (8 page)

His breath was hot on my neck, his lips dangerously close to tasting my skin. “What’s going on, Jay? I thought you liked to be in charge?”

The fire burned deep inside of me at his cockiness.

Taking hold of his neck with one arm and wrapping my other around his waist, I began to move to the rhythm of the latest Iggy song. Our eyes locked again, and the smug gleam in his eyes wasn’t one I wanted to stare back at. I wanted to see one emotion within those green demons: pure, unadulterated lust.

Snaking my hand into his back pocket was my first move, urging his groin as close to me as possible. I wanted him to feel my heat and understand that I knew what I wanted. I moved the hand that was around his neck slowly down his shoulders and across his firm pecs. He was solid and strong,
and fuck
if I wasn’t turned on by the dips of muscle my fingers found the lower down his front I went. Once I reached his belt, my fingers boldly slid under his shirt, feeling his damp skin. They followed the V of his abdomen, something I knew he’d be rocking. If I ever wanted to rip a man’s shirt off, this was the time, and I was damn tempted. As my thumbs brushed gently over the line, Mitch’s grasp grew firmer on my waist, his other hand traveling lower on my back. Every inch of me wanted him to reach down and grab my ass, but I had a point to prove, and my hormones weren’t going to get in the way.

Thrusting my hands to his wrists, I grabbed them and pulled them to our sides, looking up at him and tutting my lips while shaking my head disapprovingly. At first his eyes were stormy, but then that same mischievous gleam shined through. Not wanting my frustration to show, I whipped my body so my back was to his front, grinding roughly yet still in control over our body’s movements. His hands found my hips again, but I reached for them, putting each large hand exactly where I wanted.

Mitch’s breath was hot on my neck, his nose running along my pulse point and back to my ear. “That a girl, show me how you like it,” he murmured in my ear as though he were the devil himself. Pleasurable shivers ran through me as I moved his hand lower on my hip, wanting those calloused fingers touching every dip of my body. He squeezed his hand, grinding his hip in perfect simulation with my own movements. The man had moves, and I wanted to explore them more than anything.

Just as my senses were going into overload, his mouth made contact with my neck, taking a forceful suck on my heated flesh. The moan that escaped my mouth was louder than I could control, and I was thankful for the thumping music all around us to help drown it. Mitch’s tongue escaped his mouth, exploring my bare shoulder. It felt amazing, causing me to lean back into him. My hands reached behind my head to grab him, anything that could help reach the need that was building deep in my core.

Mitch wrapped his arm around my waist, finding the rhythm for us to flow along with the music. His other hand worked its way up my chest and to the front of my neck. His caress was gentle yet firm, but it triggered a deep and dark demon inside of me. My breathing came to a quick halt, feeling as though I was going to suffocate. I reached for his wrist, tearing it from my neck. My hands trembled as I threw myself from his grasp, not bothering to look back at him. I couldn’t even if I wanted to. Fear blurred my vision as I stormed through the many dancers on the floor, bumping into them as I clawed my way through the crowd.

I had to get out of the space. It felt too small and caging.

Finding an exit sign, I plowed through it, falling to my knees as the fresh summer air filled my lungs slowly. I softly massaged the tense skin on the front of my neck. Standing to my feet was easier once I found my breath again, my hand still clutching my neck. My pulse was racing while my chest still rose rapidly.
Stupid. I was being stupid.
I never should have danced with the devil, and more importantly, I never should have let him take control.

Gaining my composure needed to happen fast. I’d forgotten why I was here in the first place and I was sure Becca was wondering where I was. My face fell. I was being a shitty friend by putting a man before her. Thank God she understood my need for independence. She was the same way, which is probably why we were such good friends to begin with. Running my hands over my face one last time, I took a deep breath and entered the club to search for Becca.

“Where the hell have you been?” Nathan asked suspiciously as I approached our section. I brushed him off as I searched the space, frowning when I didn’t see Becca.

“Ladies room. Where’s Becca?” I noticed everyone was gone except Nathan and, of course, Mitch. He was sitting on the couch with that same blonde he’d danced with before. My eyes narrowed as I saw him lean into her ear, making her giggle like he was the funniest person in the world.

“They left. We ran into Chino, the drug dealer from Grand Rapids. Tyler took a swing at him. Hopefully, Becca can calm him down some.” Nathan grabbed my arm, pulling me toward him and taking my focus from Mitch and his previous dance partner. “Want to go?” he asked irritably.

My eyes closed briefly, then turned to Mitch again. Our eyes locked, and he gave me a fucking wink. I wanted to slap him, but he didn’t deserve the energy. Leaving with Nathan would cut him like it had in the past.

I always fought dirty like that.

“Yes,” I said calmly, my fingers moving methodically along my neck. “I want to go.”

“Are you all right?”

I nodded, even though I was anything but all right. Nathan held his arm out for me to take, and I did instantly, needing his comfort.

Chapter Eight

Jamie, age 17.

Tuesdays and Thursdays were the only days I looked forward to. For that one hour when Deputy Garetti took his dinner break, Rod enlightened my life, forming me from a teenager to a woman. A man’s touch was always something I’d dreamed about, but now it was real and at my fingertips for the taking. He knew all the right places and when to move his hands at the right moment. I was falling hard for a man who was nearly six years older than me, but age didn’t matter, not for that one hour.

“Where are your stockings?” Rod muttered the second I drew the blinds and locked the door.

“They caught on my nail when I was putting them on after school. I thought the tear would be trashy,” I said casually as I began to unbutton my shirt.

He stood from his seat, his blue eyes bright yet stormy as he paced toward me. “Thursdays are stocking days, Jamie. You should have more than one pair.”

His hands found my waist, walking me backward until I was against the cool brick wall. Air gasped from my mouth as he lifted me, forcefully slamming my back with his body flush with the wall. He nipped at my bottom lip.

“I like pretending you’re a naughty little secretary.”

His nips turned into a rough kiss, opening my lips with his tongue, taking over my mouth like he needed it to survive. My legs instantly wrapped around him, my pelvis pressed against his erection. His head pulled away, and I whimpered from the loss of contact.

“I want to see you this weekend. Let’s go somewhere.”

His mouth found its way to my neck, humming back to my ear. My heart sped faster. We’d never seen each other outside of this small office.

“Really?” I gasped as he gently tugged on my ear with his teeth. “What if someone sees us?”

He pulled his mouth from my ear, his eyes burning with passion. “I don’t fucking care who sees us.”

My insides fluttered at his want to expose us, but the slight fear in the back of my mind wasn’t far away. “It could ruin your career, and my parents could find out…”

Rod looked at me intently, then unhooked his hands from my hips, setting me flat on the ground. His arms found the brick wall on either side of me, caging me to him. “I don’t care about my career right now. I’m in love with you, Jamie.”

“You are?” I squeaked. He loved me? I grinned like the seventeen-year-old I was.
He loved me.

“Yes. Madly. Now tell me you love me, too,” he demanded.

Wrapping my arms around his neck I nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, I love you, too.”

His smile was wicked the moment the words came off my lips. The chaste kiss filled with excitement was exhilarating. His hands quickly rose to my shoulders and pressed to my neck. “You're mine now, Jamie. Always.” His words were strong and possessed, promising danger. A commitment no one should make after only a month's time of being purely physical, but he made me feel wanted and loved.

“Tell me,” he demanded.

“I’m yours,” I whispered with starry eyes.

The pressure of his hands on my neck increased as his brows furrowed. I was confused now, not sure why he was unhappy with my proclamation.

“I’m yours…” His hand tightened, waiting for me to add the most crucial part of his statement.

My lip trembled as I finished his sentence. “I’m yours, always.”

He claimed my mouth with more lust than ever before. His hands stayed firmly planted on my neck, uncomfortable on my throat.

***

“What’s got you all cheery?” Landon asked as I hopped into the car.

“Something interesting happen with Garreti?”

I couldn’t contain the snort that escaped my mouth. “Most definitely not.”

Landon tapped the steering wheel as he turned out of the parking lot of the station. “Yeah, something to do with that chummy-looking cadet who was grabbing your ass on the way out?”

My eyes bugged out as my head whipped in his direction. “He did not!”

Landon laughed. “You’re right, he didn’t, but he sure looked like he wanted to.”

“What can I say? I have a nice ass.”

“Now we both know I have the best ass,” Landon teased.

“Whatever!” I smacked him on the shoulder. “How was Lucy at the Country Club?” Turning the tables had always been more fun.

Landon sighed dramatically. “I think I’m in love.”

“That good, huh?”

“She almost gave me her number tonight.” His brown eyes left the road for a moment to look at me. “You’re changing the subject.”

“No, I’m not,” I lied.

“Then tell me about that dude. Otherwise, I’m going to go interrogate him while Dad’s working.”

“You wouldn’t.”

“Oh, I would.” The devious look in his eyes was unmistakable. He’d totally do it, and it’d blow my cover and piss a whole bunch of people off. Warmth filled me when I thought about Rod being happy we’d be out in the open, but I knew it would be an uphill battle even more so if word got out he was involved with the sheriff’s daughter who happened to be underage.

“All right, we may be interested in each other.”

“Go on…” Landon encouraged.

“I love him,” I whispered. Landon slammed on his breaks, causing me to lurch forward and feel the sting of the seat belt. “What was that about?”

“We’re at a stop light. You’re not in love with him. You can’t be,” Landon scoffed, speeding off once the light turned green again. “You haven’t even introduced him to me.” Landon sounded  offended. He was my brother, and he normally was a big part of my life. I didn’t mean to hurt his feelings.

“He’s a lot older than me.”

“No shit. How much older?” His voice was stern now, his protectiveness shining through.

“Well, not that much older. Only six years.”

“Jamie, that’s illegal!” he shouted at me, causing me to flinch. “Have you even hung out with him outside of the few hours at the station?”

I shook my head, realizing how silly I was for thinking I could be in love with someone I hardly knew.

But wasn’t that how love worked? It would hit you hard and out of left field, completely blindsiding your heart and dissolving your perspective on what’s right and what’s wrong.

“You need to be careful,” he said gently. “Older guys only want one thing.”

I looked out the window, not wanting to meet his eyes. I know he was just being protective of me, but him figuring out I’d given away that part of me felt awkward.

“I know, but Rod’s not like that. I promise.”

Chapter Nine

Jamie. Age 17.

“Are you sure the beach will be a safe spot?” I asked skeptically as I squirted suntan lotion into my palms. “I know we’re forty-five minutes away from home, but Boynton Beach is pretty popular.”

Rod pulled a cooler from his trunk along with a bag loaded with beach supplies. “It’s not as popular as Palm Beach, where I originally wanted to go,” he muttered, setting the cooler down by our feet.

He crossed his arms as he stared down at me. His floppy blond hair was waving in the wind, and I couldn’t tell if he was frustrated with me or not. This was our first outing in public.

“You wanted to come here, so this is where we are. I’d appreciate it if you’d quit being so nervous and relax.” His teeth were clenched at first, but a slow grin formed on his mouth. “Besides, I’ve been anxious to see you in the bathing suit I bought you.”

A flush formed on my cheeks as my head dipped down at my feet. Rod chuckled, his hands finding my sides underneath my tank top. “You sure are cute when you’re embarrassed. Come on, let’s go find a place to sit.”

“How’d you get today off anyway?” I asked while following him to the sand. My feet flinched at first from the heat, but with a few steps I got used to it.

“I have my ways,” he said slyly, looking over his shoulder and giving me a wink. I couldn’t help but grin back at him. He gave my stomach the best butterflies.

The beach was packed, from families with teenagers to college kids. I felt uneasy with so many people around. I was bound to run into someone I knew.

“Let me get your back.” Rod dug through the beach bag for the sunscreen as I took off my tank top and skirt. The bathing suit he’d gifted me the previous night at work was bright white with rhinestones throughout the hip and a triangle shaped top. There wasn’t much to the suit, when I’d first observed it in the mirror, I was embarrassed by how much skin was showing, but I wanted to please him.

When I faced him, his eyes went wide with excitement, causing me to grin. His hands massaged the sunscreen deeply into my shoulders and back, then underneath my bottoms.

“Rod,” I scolded, swatting his hands while wiggling from his reach. He chuckled, then slapped my ass, causing my face to turn bright red from the mother of three who was watching us intently.

“There are people everywhere. Can you not?” I grumbled, finding my place on the blanket.

The wiggle of his eyebrows irritated me. “Who cares? You don’t know who they are. Do me now,” he demanded, sitting down next to me and handing me the sunscreen.

I snatched it from him, loading my hands so I could rub it across his broad shoulders and back. My annoyance faded as my hands caressed his bare skin. He’d always kept the majority of his clothing on while we were together. Having his flesh under the pads of my fingers was arousing. The dips in his back where his muscles flexed were hot, allowing my mind to ease about the crowdedness of the beach.

“So where are you from?” I asked, clearing my throat and attempting to change the path of my thoughts.

He casually laid back on the blanket, making himself a pillow with his forearms. “I’m from Miami originally. I grew up with my grandparents. My dad died when I was seven, and my mother isn’t really around.”

The awkward silence filled the space between us, causing my legs to draw to my chest, wrapping my arms protectively around them. “I’m sorry. Do you ever see your mom?”

He sighed, moving so he was on his side. “Sometimes. She’s in an institution. My grandfather encourages me to visit but, it’s… hard.”

My eyes scrunched. “Hard?”

Rod pulled his glasses from his head, his blue eyes dull as they looked into mine. “Let’s just say she’s lived in a padded room most of her life.”

I cocked my head, pity filling me for a boy who lost his family at such a young age.

“Don’t look at me like that.” His voice was low and defensive.

My eyes darted to my fidgety toes. “I can’t imagine not having my family. They mean everything to me.”

“I thought I meant everything to you?”

“I care about you a lot, you know that,” I whispered, feeling a flush run up my neck. “But I’m sure you’d feel lost if something happened to your grandfather. What about your grandmother?”

“She died a few years back.” His arm reached for my wrist, pulling my attention from my feet to his stormy eyes. “I do care for my grandfather, but you’re my world, Jamie.”

I gulped, feeling exposed by his stare. His words made me feel like a sappy teenage girl in love, but deep down they were frightening as well. My hand moved to his cheek, cradling his firm jaw as he clenched his teeth.

“You’re intense.” I smiled, trying to lighten the mood with a joke.

Rod sat up, both his hands reaching for my jaw, his thumbs brushing down my chin to my neck. It was uncomfortable, especially the way his eyes burned into mine. “I love you as much as the air we breathe. Don’t ever forget that.”

His hands moved down my jaw to my neck, possessively massaging. I didn’t like it, so my hands found his wrists, gripping them so he’d release me.

“I love you too, Rod. I just want to know more about you. We never talk … Please don’t be angry.” His eyes closed briefly, then his hands softened on my neck. I guided his hands into the sand, my nostrils inhaling a breath of ease.

“Let’s go for a swim.”

I watched him stand, all emotion dropping from his face in his movements. Hesitantly, I followed, hoping his mood would lift after the swim.

By the time I caught up with him, I was waist deep, the cool water, startling me with each step I took. Rod turned with a smirk, his hand scooping the water and tossing it at me. I squealed from the sudden sting of the salty ocean water.

“Rod!” I giggled, holding my hands over my face.

His arms were around me now. “It’s best to just go under.”

We dipped low, water taking over my senses and consuming me. I gasped when he brought us back above water, wiping my eyes and smiling at his playfulness.

“Thanks for coming with me today,” he said softly, kissing my nose.

My heart fluttered as my smile broadened from his gentleness, happy his mood had shifted.

***

“I’m going to use the restroom before we leave.”

Rod nodded as he watched me. “Put your tank top and skirt on before you go,” he commanded while packing our things.

I squinted at him, unsure why it mattered. Quickly putting on my skirt, I grabbed my tank, carrying it with me as I walked toward the bathhouse.

“Jamie Rae!”

I froze, realizing someone recognized me when I didn’t want to be seen. The voice belonged to Kevin, my older brother’s friend. My eyes searched the group he was with, and thankfully Landon was nowhere to be seen.

“Hey there, cutie pie, what are you doing at this beach?” he questioned, his eyes hazy from drinking, and most likely other substances. His arm moved around my neck, pulling me to his side as we walked to the bathhouse.

“Just soaking up the sun,” I said as nonchalantly as I could.

“You by yourself? Come hang with us. You need to stop being such a downer, Jay,” he teased, hugging me closer.

“She’s not alone,” Rod’s low voice muttered from behind us.

Shivers ran up my spine from his tone. He wasn’t happy.

Kevin turned, keeping his arm around my shoulders. “Hey, how’s it going, bro?” Kevin greeted in his stereotypical Floridian surfer accent.

“It’d be going wonderfully if you’d get your hands off my girl.” Rod’s eyes were on fire, his fists balled at his side.

I gently nudged Kevin with my elbow. “This is Kevin, my brother’s best friend.”

“Um, yeah… Who the hell are you?” Kevin said protectively, the hint of my elbow nudge not enough for him to let go of me.

“I’m her boyfriend.” Rod reached for me, yanking me from Kevin.

Kevin crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Does Lando know about this guy?”

I was dying inside now. “Of course he does. See you later, Kevin.” I quickly darted under Rod’s arm, walking quickly toward the parking lot.

This wasn’t going to be good. I didn’t feel him following me right away, but by the time I’d found the car, he pressed his body into mine, forcing my back against the car.

“I told you to put your fucking clothes back on,” he growled, his eyes murderous.

“I was.” My voice was small, taken back by his anger. “Kevin stopped me before I could—”

“You’re not allowed to see him again. I don’t even want you to look at him.” His voice was like venom as his eyes bore into mine.

I was stunned, shocked by his anger at the situation. “He doesn’t mean anything to me—”

Rod’s hands found my neck again, his thumbs pressing against my throat. “You will not associate with him. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” I gasped, fighting the uncomfortableness of his hands.

He dropped his arms, stomping to his side of the car. “Let’s go.”

My hands found my knees as oxygen filled my lungs. The look in his eyes was terrifying.

I never wanted to disobey him again.