Rising (9 page)

“You wanted my attention. You got it.” Riley leaned on the fender.

“I was wondering how long it would take you to get out of the truck.” Isaac twisted around. “I see that sorry-ass Bobby Jack gave you my message. That boy is soft, too much like his mama.” He reached in his pocket and produced a pack of cigarettes. “Come to think of it, you’re a lot like my Lizzie, too.”

“If that’s all you wanted to talk about, I’ll be going.” Riley straightened.

“Did you know I knew your aunt long before she knew of me?” Isaac placed a cigarette between thin lips.

“Has meth made your mind mush, too,
Uncle Isaac
?” Riley motioned toward the gas terminals behind them.

“Shut up, boy.” Isaac glanced over his shoulder. “I know they’re there, but don’t interrupt a man when he’s thinking. As I was saying, your aunt was a beautiful girl, all that shiny dark hair and she had legs for days. The way she wore those saddle oxfords.” He sighed. “I had many a dream about that girl. I used to watch her walk home every day.”

“I’m getting older by the minute, Isaac. If you got a point, make it.” Riley crossed his arms over his chest.

“Funny thing, Bobby Jack favors his mama but you really act like my Lizzie.” Isaac shook his head. “I can close my eyes and some of the things you say…anyway. One day I just couldn’t hold back anymore. She was alone, walking down the road, and I waited and watched like I always did. But for some reason that I couldn’t give you to this day, in that moment I had to have her. I took something from her then that no other man could ever possess, and I was proud.”

His laugh was harsh. “I took her from behind so she never saw my face, but I always wondered if she knew it was me. A few months later, her parents sent her away to stay with her older sister, your mama. She came back, and her curves were a little rounder. She’d thickened up, actually, while she’d gone and transformed from a girl into a woman.”

Riley kept quiet. He thought back to the brief time he spent in the hospital when Aunt Elizabeth was sick. She left him with her sister.

Was it even possible? No fucking way
. Riley exhaled. The harsh grit of vomit roiled up his throat. He swallowed. “You getting long-winded in your old age.”

“I claimed Lizzie a few years later, but I never felt guilty for what I’d done. She was mine from the moment I saw her, to do with what I pleased. Karma the bitch is making me pay, though. The son Lizzie gave me is a sambo-loving sorry ass.” Isaac gazed at Riley long and hard. A half smirk lifted the side of his face. “Sometimes I wonder… I have to work with what I got.”

The pump clicked and Isaac twisted to remove the handle from the gas tank. He shoved it into the terminal before returning his attention to Riley. “The point is, I’m a son of a bitch and I accept that. I have no problem doing what I do, so keep fucking with my boys, son, and you won’t like the way I retaliate.” Isaac pulled the unlit cigarette from his mouth. “Leave Andy and Clay alone.”

“What about Jessie?” Curiosity kept him in place. Isaac called the meeting, so the old fucker wanted something and he was in no mood to figure out the clues that bastard was dropping.

“Andy cared enough about the meth whore to marry her. He actually went against my wishes and grew a little backbone, but the bitch ain’t worth my time.” Isaac ambled up to him.

Riley lifted his hands, palms side up. “What the fuck? A warning? Ol’ son, you know better than that. Not that I give a shit about your boys or their skanks, but this fight is between you and me. If they keep interfering with me and mine, then they become collateral damage.”

“You’re still an obnoxious shit. Listen up closely, fuck with my operation and I will bring the Klan down on your ass.” Isaac growled stepping into Riley’s personal space.

“Try. I run the NWW now. We’re no longer your lap dogs to attack at your whim.” Riley shook his head. “Since you are family, I’m giving you a last chance. Leave Bobby Jack alone and stop trying to claim NWW as your own. After all, Isaac, even beasts turn on their masters. Keep on, and I will fucking end you. We both know I have no problem killing.”

Isaac smiled, exposing partial black nubs where his teeth had once been. “I wonder how your brethren would feel if they knew about your secret. A curious thing, some of my men have spotted you, always late at night, eating with a pretty little pet. I wonder why you’re hiding her. Do you keep her locked away for your pleasure?” He sighed. “There is just something about black pussy. It’s better than any drug.”

His uncle’s fetid breath washed over him. Riley kept his features blank. To show Isaac any emotion would be an epic mistake. “If that’s all you got, I’ll be going.” He swiveled around to leave.

“Murder has no statute of limitations.”

Riley stopped in place.

He gazed over at his truck. Bubba and Setter knew about Bobby Jack, but Sweetness truly was his secret and his friends might not handle the knowledge so well.

Isaac was reaching, though; if Riley didn’t react to one thing, his uncle threw something else out there. He would play along for a little while longer, just to see where all the bullshit landed.

“I thought that would get your attention.” Isaac strolled up behind Riley. “I want Little Isaac. Deliver the child to my trailer.” He scratched at a sore on his face. “Lydia is all excited about having a little boy at the house. Woman went and bought all kinds of shit for him to play with. Anyway, you and Bobby Jack need to disappear. I don’t give a shit where you go, but you can’t stay in Mobile. Since you’re family, that is the only warning you’ll get.”

No way was that going to happen. Riley made a fist. Isaac wanted his brother’s son and the NWW. To hell with that. Plans formed and were quickly discarded in his mind. “No. If that’s the best you got, I would suggest you collect your relations and get ready.”

“Boy,” Isaac growled.

Riley stepped up to Isaac, nose to nose, but not quite touching. He cocked his head. “You think you got crazy cornered. You ain’t ready for me. Since you already know where the bodies are, then what’s a few more? I have nothing to lose.”

Chapter Eight

His secret—his Sweetness—that’s what she was.

He took a deep swig of the beer before slamming it down on the scarred wooden surface and picking up the shot glass, he tossed the brown liquor back into his mouth. The fiery burn sliding down his throat was comforting. He pounded the table with his fist, and the glass shattered in his palm.

He shook the shards free. Blood seeped from the tiny cuts crisscrossing his fingers. He picked up the rag he'd discarded earlier and patted his hand, flexing it. No damage done. He dropped the cloth and grabbed the whiskey bottle by the neck and poured a shot directly into his remainder of his beer.

He’d tried—God knew he tried—to stay away from her, but every night for the last week and a half he wasn’t satisfied until he could see her, touch her. Hell, even that floral perfume that she wore had him seeing double. He shouldn’t have kissed her. That was the beginning of his end. Now he couldn’t get enough of her. A deep growl rose up from his chest at the thought.

Why her? Why now?

He glanced at the legal pad spotted with blood and alcohol. It was his plan for expansion into Louisiana. He shoved the pad away. How could he expand? “Urgh!” He was the worst kind of hypocrite.

The phone vibrated on the table. Riley leaned forward and glanced at the screen.
What the hell now?
He snatched up the cell, swiping the screen as he lifted it to his ear. “What?”

“Isaac is leading a rally at an old farmhouse outside Mobile tonight.”

Riley leaned back in his seat and chuckled. “He’s leading it himself, not dumb and dumber?” His uncle was making himself very visible lately. What was the old man up to? “Make sure some of our guys go. I want to know where that fucking meth lab is.” He’d get to Isaac, one way or another.

“Done.” Setter paused. “Bubba and I are heading to the bar tonight. You interested?”

“No, I got plans. The quicker I get info on Isaac, the easier it will be to deal with him. I need it before I have to go back to the rig. I want this shit settled yesterday.” Riley ended the call. Setter knew what to do.

He stared at the phone and scrolled through the contacts. Settling on a number he tapped the message icon.

I want to see you now.

He checked the clock above the back door. Savannah should be getting off work soon.

I can be at your office in twenty minutes.

Sneaking around to see her didn’t make a difference anymore. Isaac knew about Savannah, and it was only a matter of time before he spread the word through the brotherhood. There would be repercussions for his decision. He glanced at his cell, impatiently waiting for her response. He’d never had to chase a woman before; usually, it was the other way around. The role reversal annoyed him.

Can’t, There are several cases due in court tomorrow. I want to give everything one last look over.
Savannah added some sad faces after her sentences.

She
was disappointed? He was slowly losing his damn mind.

I've given this a lot of thought, Savannah, and we seem to be pussyfooting around. I consider myself a fair man so consider this a promise. I plan to fuck you like you are the last woman on Earth.

He laughed out loud. “I wonder how you will respond to that.”

****

Riley’s new text dinged as she responded to his last message. Savannah read it twice and covered her mouth like a school girl. She glanced at her office door.

Are you sure you texted the right person?
She teased.

Does a pig lie in slop?

I don’t know. I’ve never see the animal close up.
She thought about her response.
What exactly would you do if I was to meet you tonight?

It took a moment, but his answer flashed on the screen.
To start, get you naked, get you against the wall and trace your spine with my tongue straight down to that luscious ass.

She swallowed. A familiar tingling started in her pussy.
I’m going back to work. If we keep this up I’ll never leave the office.

Self-doubt banged through her mind;
get ahold of yourself. He is probably playing with you.

She hadn’t had sex since the breakup with Dwayne, and even then, they hadn’t have sex often. She could count on her fingers the time they actually made love during their relationship. At least she now knew why he wasn’t interested. He was fucking Charlotte.

She clutched the back of her neck and massaged the tension forming there. Her vibrator had become her battery-operated-boyfriend, and she put old Bob to work. Savannah rolled her head around. Her phone dinged and a message icon appeared on the screen. She tapped it.

I’m gonna have to vote ‘hell no’ to that.

If certain people would let me work, I might be able to squeeze you in tonight.
For the first time in her life, she was enjoying herself. She finally had someone to talk to, someone that actually listened to her without judgment.

I’d rather see you sooner than later. Pack up; I’ll pick you up from work in an hour. We’ll have dinner and you can work from my house. I’ll even carry your briefcase.

Her heart beat a little faster. Every night they went out to eat and he returned her to her hotel room. If she went to his house…would he act on his words?

She responded quickly before she lost her nerve.
All right. See you later.

She was probably overreacting. They had only shared a few hot kisses, and he didn’t press her for more. His attention made her feel cherished. At least that was what she thought it was, since she’d never experienced anything like this before. He listened to her, let her tell him about her day, and offer little touches. His affection was like a balm over deep wounds. She’d even opened up and touched on her family issues.

Her phone buzzed before chimes filled the space. She didn’t check caller ID and skimmed her finger across the screen. “Are you cooking me dinner or are we ordering out?”

“Is that why you can’t answer your phone because you let some man turn your head?” Della’s acerbic tone poured through the earpiece. “Savannah Joy, I cannot believe you are being so petty.” Her mother admonished her. “It’s your sister’s turn for the fabulous wedding. You had your chance and blew it. You should be happy for Charlotte, instead of holding a grudge. I have tried to let you and your sister settle your differences, but your refusal to help her is absolutely ridiculous.”

Savannah picked up her pencil and gripped the wood between her fingers until it cracked in two. Her mother’s words were cutting, but they were just that—words. She was hundreds of miles away, they all were.

“Della…” She needed to end this conversation. In the background, her stepfather yelled for her mother to give him the phone.

Brad appeared in her doorway. “I’m getting out of here. Be careful when you lock up.” He wiggled his fingers in a little wave.

She nodded in response before her mother claimed her attention. “How exactly did I screw up? And why the hell should I pay for her shit?” Savannah closed her mouth with an audible snap. She’d never spoken up like that before. Laughter bubbled up through her. The never ending tension that coalesced between her shoulder blades whenever she heard her mom’s voice dissipated. Arguing with her family was draining, and yet speaking up was exhilarating.

“Dwayne left you, didn’t h— What did you just say to me?”

There was a lull in her mother’s words. Savannah’s heart sank. She could feel Della gathering steam for a tirade.
Did they truly hate her so much? Was she that different?

Her mama continued. “You will watch your mouth when speaking with me. I’m your mother, not some wench in the street, and you will respect me as such. Sometimes I swear you try the patience of a saint. The truth hurts. I’m sure it was something, but if you didn’t do anything wrong, why would Ronald have had to pay the man to stay with you…”

Just like that, her mother sliced into her, using only words. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Tears she thought had dried up for her family rolled from the corner of her eyes. Thank goodness no one was in her office to witness her meltdown.

“You’ve been hiding from me, Savannah.” Trenton’s cool, dulcet voice floated from the darkness surrounding her office.

Unease skittered through her. She should have been alone. “’Bye, Della.” She disconnected the call and peered into the hallway beyond her doorway. “Trenton?”

“Why do I have to chase you down?” Trenton stepped over the threshold. “No wonder you have so many problems. You don’t follow directions very well.”

“How did you get in here?” Savannah picked up her phone. She could dial nine, one, one, if her old friend caught the crazy train again.

“Do you like to make me worry? I told you to be ready for dinner at seven, and I waited for you at your apartment until ten. What excuse do you have for standing me up this time?” He inched closer.

She tapped the screen. Riley’s text conversation appeared.
Help
—her fingers flew across the tiny keyboard.

“What are you doing?” Trenton reached across her desk.

She jumped back to stay out of his reach. “You didn’t answer me. How the hell did you get in here?”

“Brad worked in the DA’s office with me before starting Community Law.” He shrugged. “Are you ready?”

“For what?” She eased toward the corner. From there, she could squeeze past her desk. “I’m not going anywhere with you, Trenton.”

“You can walk, or I will drag your ass out by your hair if I have to. We need to have a long talk. Doesn’t really matter to me where we have it, but you need to understand your place.” He slowly turned his body, following her. “I didn’t waste my time and energy helping you get here to be ignored by you.”

A melody of bells erupted from her phone. She lifted the cell to answer it.

Trenton rushed her, slapping the device from her hand and wrapping his fingers around her neck. He slammed her into the wall. “Pay attention to me when I am talking to you.”

She stared into his eyes and found cold disdain. His lips thinned and a slight layer of sweat beaded his head. Whispers floated around the room as if someone was calling her name but they were the only two in there. “Okay, Trenton talk to me.” She patted her fingers across his hand.

“It’s not like anyone wants you. Like you said, you’re nothing special. You should be flattered that I’m interested. I had everything planned out. You would move here, we would date for a year before we married. Then you could take the Alabama bar and we could start our own firm. Have three kids and life would be good.” He leaned in close, brushing his lips across her cheek. “Or it will be, once I give you a lesson in obedience.”

The scent of his spicy cologne filled her nostrils. “You’re one of the few friends I have.” She swallowed the bile rising in her throat. “You couldn’t clue me in on your plans? A relationship goes both ways, so how am I supposed to respond to situations I wasn’t aware of?” Maybe a little common sense would strike a chord with him.

He pressed his body against hers. The outline of his cock rubbed her thigh. “You’ll just have to learn your place with me.” Trenton slid his palm down her side. “I can be nice.”

“Don’t do this, Trenton.” She shook her head.

“Shut up. You sound like my mother. She was always trying to manipulate me.” He tightened his grasp on her throat. “She found out, just like you will. Answer me when I ask you something; otherwise, shut the hell up.” He popped the button on the waistband of her slacks and slid the zipper down.

“Please…” Pain radiated through her chest. It was getting harder to breathe. She closed he eyes and warm tears overflowed her lashes

“I knew you would see reason.” He nuzzled the spot behind her ear. “Don’t worry, I will make it feel good.

“Don’t.” She choked out a whisper.

“You should have listened, dumb ass.”

Savannah opened her eyes to find Riley standing behind Trenton. He grabbed her attacker by the collar and snatched him back, dragging him across her desk and over the edge. Papers flew up before drifting to the floor. Her desk lamp, office phone, and file baskets hit the carpet with dull thuds. Trenton slammed into the floor, headfirst.

“Never, ever touch what’s mine.” Riley grabbed the lapels of Trenton’s suit jacket and hauled him up.

Trenton narrowed his eyes. He tilted his head and plowed a fist into Riley’s side. “I thought it might be you who cold-cocked me.” He threw another punch and connected with Riley’s jaw. “Not so easy to win when I fight back?”

Riley’s baseball cap fell from his head. He shook his head and straightened. “You going to learn today, ol’ son.”

“I’m going to enjoy kicking your ass.” Trenton threw another fist.

Riley blocked the attack and landed a punch on the side of Trenton’s head. He stepped in close, barreling his fists into Trenton’s mid-section. The man she once consider her buddy wrapped his arms around Riley in a bear hug, holding his arms down. Riley reared back and rammed his head against Trenton’s.

Trenton released him and staggered back into the desk. Riley leaned over and grabbed the desk lamp. He ripped the electrical cable from it and swung up. The base slammed into Trenton’s chin. His head whipped to the side and she would swear teeth flew from his mouth. Trenton dropped to one knee and leaned heavily on the desk. Riley wrapped the lamp cord around his hands and took the few steps to stand in front of him. Circling the cord around Trenton’s neck, Riley heaved up. His biceps bulged and his palms flushed crimson as the cable tightened around his hands.