Hooked (TKO #2) (15 page)

Chapter 25

Lance

I have wondered every day since the first day I met Hilary what it would be like to be inside of her. Hearing her moan and whimper almost made me come earlier than I wanted to.

She follows me into the shower, and we kiss as the water cascades over us. I pick her up, wrapping her legs around my waist and gently slide my cock inside of her again. Being inside of her without the condom feels a thousand times better. I thrust in and out, gritting my teeth as I listen to her moaning again.

“Fuck, I’m about to come,” I warn her.

“Come in my mouth,” she whispers against my ear.

I gently let go of her legs and lower her to her feet. She kneels down with the water hitting her back and brings my cock into her mouth. She only has to suck a little before I moan, and it all comes pouring into her. I press a hand against the shower wall to steady myself. She pulls away and brings her lips to mine and I kiss her good and hard.

She pulls away, laughing, and grabs a bar of soap to help wash me off. This is fucking hot as hell. She even tries to wash my hair. No woman has ever helped me wash my hair. Mainly because I’ve never gotten this close emotionally to anyone. I take the soap from her and try to keep my mind out of the gutter. After our shower, I hand her a towel and she wraps it around her body. I grab the other towel and follow her to the bed. I wasn’t joking when I told her we’d order pizza. I’m starving now.

“What do you like on your pizza?” I ask her.

“I like whatever you like.”

“Pepperoni, beef, and jalapenos?” I ask with a raised eyebrow.

She licks her lips, and nods.

“You’ve got to stop licking your lips, babe.”

“Sorry.” She giggles.

I grab my phone and order the pizza, then collect her clothes and hand them to her. They’re a little crumpled up from being on the floor.

“If I had known this is what I’d be getting, I wouldn’t have let you walk out of that closet at the bar,” she jokes.

“Hil, you deserve way better than a closet. Hell, you deserve better than this hotel but—”

“But nothing, this was perfect. I know this evening started out bad, but you seem to make everything better.”

“I make everything better? You make me better, I know that for a fact. I love you, Hil, and I mean that with every beat of my heart.”

She tries to hide the tears forming in her eyes but she’s terrible at it. I can read her a mile away. “I love you too. I didn’t know I could ever feel this way about anyone, but I feel it with you. I’ve been drawn to you since the beginning but I couldn’t figure out what it was. I didn’t know why you kept popping up everywhere, but it makes sense now. Everything finally makes sense. I went through hell to find you, and I swear I am not letting you go.”

“You better not, because I’ll keep fighting for you. Shit, I know I told Raegan her real fight was coming, and I never realized my real fight is now. It began when I met you.”

“I lost all faith in fairytales long ago, but you’ve made me believe again. Thank you for that, Lance.”

“Anything for you, Hilary. I mean that.”

When the pizza arrives, I grab a few bucks out of my wallet and open the door for the pizza delivery guy. He hands me our large pizza, and two twenty ounce drinks. I pay him, give him his tip, and shut the door.

“Dinner is served,” I announce, placing the pizza on the bed between us. I grab the remote for the television and turn it on. Reruns of The Walking Dead are playing, so we snuggle up with our box of pizza and watch zombies roam the city of Atlanta.

The smell of the pizza makes my stomach growl, but I offer her the first piece. We sit there and eat until there’s nothing left. I didn’t realize just how hungry we were. Two episodes into The Walking Dead, I hear light, steady breathing. I look over to discover Hilary is sleeping. I chuckle, then kiss her gently, before grabbing the covers and tugging them over us both. I’m not sleepy yet, so I keep watching the show.

I wrap my arm around her and close my eyes. Her breathing remains even, and she snores a little. I listen to her until I finally succumb to my dreams, and she’s in every single one of them.

Morning comes and I open my eyes. Hilary gives me a lazy grin and leans in to kiss me. “What do you want to do today?” she asks.

“Well, anything and everything with you, of course. I was thinking I could introduce you to my dad.”

“That sounds good to me.” She yawns as she sits up. “Let me get ready, and we can go whenever you’re ready.”

“What kind of
go
are you talking about?” I joke, raising my eyebrow.

“To your dad’s house, silly.”

I clench my heart, pretending to be hurt, when I’m really anything but. She disappears into the bathroom, and when she returns, she looks just as beautiful as always. I step into the bathroom after her, and I’m out within a matter of seconds.

On the way to my house, I stop at a gas station and get us each a cup of coffee. I’m still tired from last night so this caffeine is just what I need. Dad’s home. His truck is in the driveway, and the blinds in the front are open, letting the sunlight in. I park the truck and get out. Hilary is right beside me with her hand in mine. Inside, Dad is sitting at the table reading the morning paper.

“Hey, Dad.” I pull out the chair beside him.

“Hey, son, feels like it’s been forever.”

“Yeah, I’ve been back at the gym and I’m totally forgetting my manners. Dad, this is Hilary.”

Dad’s eyes light up. Maybe, just maybe, he remembers the girl I talked about the night I almost gave up fighting. “Nice to meet you, Hilary.” They shake hands, and she smiles.

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

Dad glances at me and winks. Yep, he knows. If I were a teenager I’d probably die of embarrassment. “I wanted you to finally meet her now that I’ve managed to lure her in,” I joke.

“This is the girl, huh? The one you told me about. I see she escaped the…what did you call him? The douchebag?”

“I’m, uh…in the room.” Hilary sounds a little uneasy.

I clear my throat and remember the other reason we’re here. “Dad, I’ve made a decision and hopefully you will respect it. You and Mom raised me right, and instilled in me the morals I need. I’m going to quit babbling and just come out and say this. Hilary is pregnant but the father is the douchebag. He’s the guy I quit the gym over a while back. I’m going to step up and take responsibility for this baby because I love her.”

Dad’s eyes widen and I’m not sure if he’s getting ready to have a heart attack or actually say something. He glances between Hilary and me several times before he taps his hand on the table. “I’m sure you already know this is a huge responsibility, and the fact that you want to step up and do this speaks for the kind of man you’ve become. I know you probably already know this won’t be easy, but I do respect your decision, son. How does the, uh…
douchebag
actually feel about you stepping into this role?”

“He doesn’t give a shit, Dad. He doesn’t even want the baby.” I pause, replaying his words in my mind. “You really respect my decision?”

“I do. You know what’s right for you, and if this is it, you’ve made the right decision. Plus, having a baby around here to spoil will bring some happiness back into this house.”

Hilary lets out a sigh, and we both turn to face her. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m just relieved, I guess.”

“Sweetheart, if my boy is serious about you, then I know this is real. I know he wouldn’t say something like this unless he intends to follow through. I’m glad you found him.”

I grab her hand and gently squeeze it. I want to tell her I knew everything would work out, but instead we sit there and talk to my dad. I keep wishing Mom were there. She would have absolutely loved this.

Chapter 26

Lance

We spend the rest of the day visiting with my dad. Hilary bonds quickly with him, and the two of them chat the afternoon away as if they’re old buddies. He takes on the role of the embarrassing parent and brings out photo albums. I cringe when I see myself as a toddler in nothing but a diaper. Then there were the awkward haircut days, and I pretty much want to die, but she’s loving every minute of it.

Photos of Mom are everywhere. Sadness overtakes me. I know she never wanted us to be upset, but it’s so damn hard sometimes. She was never supposed to go the way she did. She was supposed to live a long happy life with Dad, and spoil the hell out of my future kids. Now Dad gets to do all of that, and I know he doesn’t mind. Like he said, it’ll give him some sort of happiness around here. He needs that, and I believe we all do.

It’s getting late and I really need to get Hilary home. Staying on the good side of her parents is for the best, especially since I’m going to be around for a long time. She hugs my dad, and he gives me a thumbs up. I have to shake my head and close my eyes to keep from laughing. He approves.

Sitting in my truck, I stare at my house. This place is my solitude. I know I’ll have to eventually leave it and get a place for Hilary and myself if we’re going to raise this baby together. That means I’ll be fighting for real survival like my mom and dad did when they first started out. If they could make it twenty-five years, Hilary and I will be able to.

“Hey, Hil, you trust me, right?”

Her eyes glimmer with a hint of hope. “Yeah, I trust you. Why are you asking me this?”

“I just need to know that you believe me. I won’t go anywhere.”

“Of course I believe you, Lance.”

She leaves it at that, and silence falls between us.

“I’m kind of glad Raegan is pregnant at the same time,” I say, unable to handle the quiet. “This way, our…um, I mean, the babies can grow up together.”

“It’s okay to say
our
baby.” She grabs my hand. “He gave up every right. Not like I was going to give him rights anyway. In my eyes, you are the father.”

“You mean it’ll call me
daddy
?” I don’t think I’ve ever been happier.

“It?” She scrunches her nose.

“Well, we don’t know if the baby is a boy or girl yet, so that’s why I said
it
. What did you think I was talking about, the clown?”

She bursts into a fit of laughter, and snorts. “Seriously? That clown is creepy as hell!”

“Well, I was thinking we could decorate the nursery in full
IT
form. Clowns everywhere, sort of like a circus.”

“I’ve never seen a clown like that at a circus. What kind of circus did you go to?” she asks, with a hint of sarcasm.

“I love you. I know you’ve got to be tired. Let’s get you home.”

I finally start the truck and start the drive to her house.

“I’m going to miss you tonight.” She sighs, twirling her hair around her finger. I haven’t seen her do that in a long time.

“I’m going to miss you too. I like waking up next to you.”

“You liked way more than that. I know I did.” She smirks.

“Are you trying to talk dirty to me, Hilary?”

“N-no.” She stammers. She’s so cute when she’s been caught. I can’t help but laugh, and it frustrates her. Her arms are crossed over her chest and her ears are red.

“Don’t be embarrassed. I think it’s cute.”

“Maybe I don’t want to be cute. Cute is for little girls.”

“You are all grown up. I learned that last night.”

She slaps my arm, leaving a red mark. “Lance!”

“I’m just saying…” When we approach a red light, I unbuckle my seatbelt for just a moment. I lean over and kiss her cheek. “I love you, Hilary.”

“I love you too, you crazy man.”

The light turns green. I hurriedly put my seatbelt back on, and drive before everyone starts honking at me. I still can’t wipe this grin off my face. I think it may be permanent, which means I’ll walk around looking like the goddamn village idiot.

Hilary asks if I want to come inside for a few minutes when we arrive at her house. Her parents are more than hospitable. I stay for dinner, and watch as Hilary gets sleepy. She’s sitting on the couch, curled up on the corner with her head on my shoulder. Light snoring feels my ears, and I know she’s out for the night. I gently move, allowing her to stretch out on the couch. I reach for a blanket and cover her up, then place a kiss on her forehead before excusing myself. I help her mom finish cleaning up the kitchen, and her dad offers me a drink but I politely decline. I really need to be getting home too. It’s been a long few days.

Chapter 27

Hilary

I wake to a dark living room. I’m on the couch, alone. Lance must have left a few hours ago. I’m disappointed I didn’t get to say goodnight. I’m exhausted. Everything around me seems to be catching up. I’ve been through so much stress due to Travis, and I’m hoping it’s finally at an end. I can’t continue to stress while I’m carrying an innocent child.

I sigh, pulling myself off the couch. I want a shower and my nice comfortable bed. I check the time on my phone. It’s barely after midnight. I can’t believe Mom or Dad didn’t wake me. I shuffle toward my bedroom, deciding the shower can wait until morning. I don’t even bother turning my light on.

I quickly unbutton my pants and shimmy out of them, leaving them on the bedroom floor. Just a few feet ahead of me is the cushiony mattress I can’t wait to touch. I close my eyes with a smile on my face as I crawl onto the bed. My comforter is silky soft, and I can’t wait to cuddle beneath it. I know I’m going to have trouble falling asleep without Lance here to hold me, but I’ll be okay. I really want to text him and tell him I miss him. He may not get it until morning, but I don’t care, and I know he won’t either.

I touch the home button on my phone and the screen lights up, illuminating part of the room. My heart leaps into my chest and my breathing becomes restricted.

No, this can’t be happening.
This is all a figment of my imagination. This isn’t real.
How the hell did he get in my room?

I don’t want to cry. I want to be strong and stand my ground, but the tears slip rapidly down my cheeks. I wonder if I’d even have a chance to scream. Mom and Dad sleep in a room on the other side of the house. Would they even hear me?

“Don’t scream or you will regret it,” he warns. His sinister glare shows he means business. He has already intimidated me into silence.

I nod. I don’t want to upset him. He reaches out to touch my leg, and I cringe, trying to move away from him. “What are you doing here, Travis? How did you get in my house?”

“Quit it with all the questions, Hilary. I think you know why I’m here.”

He’s watching me closely, so there’s no way I could use my phone.
Think, Hilary.

“I…I don’t know why you’re here.” I can barely get the sounds out of my throat.

“Get the fuck up. He thinks he can take what’s mine? Well, I’m taking what’s his.”

“I’m sorry…what?” My heart rate increases and I’m trembling.

“I said get up.
Now
.” His words are calm as he pulls a gun from behind his back.

Terror thrums through me. The tears that fell earlier fall harder as I stumble to get up. Like a fugitive, I put my hands in the air praying he won’t do anything rash. I knew he could get angry. I’ve seen it before. But he’s never, ever done anything this stupid. When he’d get aggravated, he’d just go call one of his other women and leave me alone.

He grabs me by my hair and yanks me closer to him. Cries of pain fill the air and my knees try to give out from under me but I won’t let them. “Please, Travis, you don’t have to do this. What do you want me to do to make this right? I’ll do whatever you want.”

“It’s too late for that, Hilary. It’s time for both of you to pay. Just so you know, there is no happy ending.” His eyes are dark and cold, much like the barrel of the gun that is pressed against my temple.

“Wh-what are you going to do?” I ask quietly through my tears. I suddenly wish I had stayed on the couch.

“What I should have done long ago. If I can’t have you, do you think I’m going to let him take you? I don’t fucking think so. You think you can run off and have a happily ever after? Those don’t exist, Hilary. This isn’t a Disney movie, this is real fucking life. I control your fate, and your time just ran out.”

I hear him cock the gun and the tears increase again. I don’t want to die. I finally found happiness in my life, and I don’t want to lose it. What will happen to my parents if I die? Will they be able to continue to live their lives the way they always have? Will they know just how much I love them?

Oh God, Lance
. Will he know how much I love him for everything he’s done for me? I couldn’t bear to cause him any more pain. I close my eyes, praying I will be remembered for all the good things I’ve done in my life.

When I reopen my eyes, Travis is just staring blankly at me. “You made me do this, Hilary.”

I lift my knee harshly into his crotch. He yells as he drops to his knees. The gun falls to the floor along with my body. My head aches from him pulling my hair, but I know if I’m going to survive, I need to get my act together and move fast. I reach for the gun and do my best to steady it in my hands. I’ve never held a gun before, and I wasn’t counting on ever having to hold one.

“You really think you’re going to shoot me? That’s not how it works. Give me the gun and maybe I’ll let you live.”

“No.” My voice is still shaky. He tries to come closer. I can see the venom in his eyes. He’s not going to try to make anything better. If I give him this gun, he’s going to kill me. I can’t let that happen. “Come closer and I’ll shoot you, Travis.”

“So says the worst lay I’ve ever had. You really think you can shoot me? You can’t do anything right. Just give me the gun.”

“I said no!” I shriek. I hoped the noise might wake someone, but I’m still alone.

“Give me the fucking gun, you bitch.” He lunges forward.

Without thinking, I close my eyes and pull hard on the trigger. The gunshot scares the hell out of me and the kick from the pistol shoves me back a little. I drop the gun when I see Travis hit the ground.

I shot him, and he’s not moving. I can’t tell where he was hit, and I’m not even sure if he’s alive. My hands and legs are shaking as I back away. I want to puke. I want to move so much faster than this. I need to call the cops. I make it to my bed at the same time my bedroom light turns on. I turn to see my dad standing there, staring at Travis.

“Hilary, what happened?” He wraps his arms around me, and his tight grasp is both comforting and suffocating at the same time.

“Daddy.” I burst into tears. “H-he was in my room. He was going to kill me but I-I got the gun from him.”

“Have you called the cops?”

I shake my head, and pass him the phone. I can’t right now. I listen as Dad calls and explains what happened. I can’t take my eyes off Travis. As curious as I am, I don’t want to get anywhere near him. Dad hands the phone back to me, telling me the cops are on their way. He grabs my pants for me and sets them on the bed. He holds me steady while I dress, and then I glance back toward Travis. Dad leans toward him, then steps away.

“He can’t hurt you anymore, baby girl.”

“Is he…?”

“He’s dead,” Dad answers solemnly.

A sob escapes the back of my throat.
I killed him.
“I’m sorry, Dad.”

“You did what you had to do, Hilary. Don’t be sorry for that.”

I grab my phone and shakily tap Lance’s name. Since it’s so late, I don’t want to call him. Instead, I text him to see if he’s awake. Not even a minute later, he replies. I’m getting ready to call him when blue lights light up the windows.

The cops are here. Numbly, I pass the phone to Dad and ask if he’ll call Lance for me. I’m the one who needs to talk to the cops. I’m the one Travis was after. I’m the one who pulled the trigger.

I’m the one who murdered him.