The Straight Crimes (2 page)

“Yeah, right…”

"I don’t like your attitude.” Ricky violently shoved Nik into the wall, causing the back of his head to slam into the coarse brick.

Then the tormentor clenched his fist, cranked his arm back, and held his hand away from Nik’s body, prepared to swing.

"Leave him alone!”

Ricky scowled, seeing Harper standing behind them. "Dead girl talking…she don’t know I run this shit around here. Get lost."

Harper bravely placed her hands on her tiny hips. She took two steps closer and stared him directly in the eye. "Y’all don't know me or what I’m capable of.”

“Ooh, I’m real scared,” he teased.

“Like I said, y’all don’t know me. Just let this guy go.”

Ricky turned his attention back to Nik. "Who’s this, your little 
girl
friend?" He socked Nik in the stomach. Then he looked back at Harper. “You want this little Queer don't ya?"

"I’m warnin’ you to knock it off.”

His nostrils flared as he growled, "I'd shut your mouth, girl, before I take both of you out."

"This is your last chance to do the right thing, or I’ll have to get crazy.”

"I’d like to see you try."

Before Ricky could blink, Harper lunged for his back. Then she wrapped her arms around his massive neck, grabbed onto his shaved head, and pushed herself off the wall. As she fell, she dragged him
to the ground with her.

Ricky’s heavy body landed on top of Harper. They rolled around in the dirt and violently swung at each other. Fighting Harper was more challenging than he’d estimated.

Nik slid down against the building. He was nauseous and unable to move from the brutal attack. However, he watched in shock as the petite underdog fended off the gigantic bully.

Harper eventually gained control over Ricky, jabbing her knee into his groin and pressing her thumbs against his throat. “You done actin’ like a tough guy?”

“It ain’t gonna be that easy, bitch.”

Ricky pulled Harper's hands away from his neck and pushed them down.

As he tried to stand, Harper dug her claws into his back fat and tore his faded black t-shirt.

Ms. Glore came hobbling from the building. She saw the scuffle and sprinted with every ounce of energy left in her ancient body. "Ricky, let go of that girl this instant!"

He tried taking another swing before the teacher amazingly mustered the strength to tear them apart.

"For God's sake, what's going on here, Miss Jones?"

"I was tryin’ to keep this punk off that boy.”

Ms. Glore looked at Harper as if she were insane. Then her eyes trailed to Nik. "Is this true?"

"Yes ma’am."

She knelt to the ground. “Mr. Roberts, are you all right?"

"That moron knocked his head into the wall and punched him in the stomach,” Harper interjected.

"Oh, dear, you may have a concussion."

“No, I’m fine,” Nik assured her.

"You need to see the nurse right away.”

"It's no big deal. Trust me." He’d taken enough blows from his violent dad to understand his pain tolerance.

"Poor baby can’t fight for himself,” Ricky mocked.

"That's enough out of you, Mr. Wiley. We’re heading for the principal’s office.”

"That’s bullshit.”

Ms. Glore ignored him and looked back to Nik and Harper. “Before I take care of Mr. Wiley, I’ll get the nurse. Then I’ll come back to check on you.”

As he was escorted away, Ricky yelled, "This ain't over. Next time, it's both your asses!"

Harper stood up and brushed the dirt off her jean shorts. Her tangerine tank top was torn down the side where Ricky tried to pull her down, exposing the side of her bra. She fixed her hair and offered her hand to Nik. "You ain’t lookin’ so good.”

“I’ll be fine.” he looked down at her and smiled.

“My goodness, how tall are you?"

“Six-two.”

“Pretty big,” she noted. “It looks like you’re bleedin’ a little.” Harper wiped the blood off his lip and gently brushed his face, admiring his striking good looks. Momentarily, it was as if time stood still and everything around them faded into the bright sun.

She was inexplicably captivated by Nik’s masculine beauty. Between his dark features, bedroom eyes, and gentle manner, she couldn’t control her thoughts. The delicious scent of his cologne made her heartbeat steadily climb. It was beyond obsession.

Harper ran her fingers down his arms and rested them on his incredible biceps. She’d hoped he hadn’t notice her lingering touch. Then she made the mistake of looking into his eyes, taken aback by his calling stare. Her heart skipped a beat. As soon as she recognized it, the damn thing did it again.

There was an unspoken attraction laced with forbidden desire. She wanted a taste—hell, she wanted an entire pitcher, and even that wouldn’t have been enough to quench her thirst.

For a moment, she saw everything she ever wanted. All of the questions she’d ever sought could be answered. It was surreal—and scared her to death. And nothing 
ever
 frightened Harper Jones.

“You all right?” Nik asked.

“Whatever you want,” she babbled.

“What?”

Harper shook her head and regained her senses. “What’d you say?”

“I asked if you were all right. You’re spacing out.”

"Sorry, I’m fine, really.” She cleared her throat, feeling embarrassed. “You know, you’re big enough to take on that dumb bully.”

"You think so?"

"Are you kiddin’ me? Look at those guns. Do you work out?”

“Not really. My dad just makes me do a lot of chores.”

“You’re real strong, so why didn’t you just knock the tar outta that moron?”

"’Cause no one stands up to Ricky Wiley. He’ll beat anyone’s ass for no good reason.”

“No, that ain’t it.”

“What do you mean?”

"You’re different. You didn't wanna fight him, did you?”

Nik bit his lip. It was enough that he couldn’t match wits with Ricky, but having it pointed out by someone much smaller, especially someone he was attracted to, was embarrassing. "Not really. I guess I should say thank you. No one’s ever done something like that for me.”

"You’re welcome, um, I’m sorry, what’s your name?”

“Nik Roberts.”

“Hey Nik, I’m Harper.”

“Yeah, I remember from class.”

"That’s right.” She nervously nodded her head.

“So how come you’re not scared? Ricky could crush you.”

"Mama says I don’t always think about the consequences of my actions, but I don't like seein’ people gettin’ pushed around. I’m the type of person that’s gotta do somethin’ about it. I stopped puttin’ up with that crap a long time ago.”

“Wait, someone actually bullied you?”

“Yeah, many times.”

“Why? You’re so pretty.” Nik’s eyed widened. He hadn’t realized the astute observation fell out of his mouth until it was too late.

Harper’s heart raced while she blushed. “The kids back home didn’t think so. Guess they didn’t like me ‘cause of the clothes I wore or the way I looked. I’ve always been different.”

“I don’t believe any of that. You’re just trying to make me feel better.”

“No, I ain’t.”

“But I saw the way you handled yourself with Ricky. You were fearless. I find it hard to believe you’d let anyone pick on you.”

“I can handle a moron like that today, but I ain’t always been so brave.”

“I could never be that strong.”

“You know, maybe you’re right…you couldn’t.”

“Yeah—wait, what?”

“I was just agreein’. You couldn’t.”

“Ouch.”

“It’s all about your attitude—and yours sucks.”

“Wow, don’t spare my feelings or anything,” he said sarcastically.

“I’m usually pretty blunt, but if you don’t believe you can do somethin’, then you’ll never be able to. You’ve gotta shake that guy off and show him who’s boss.”

“I wish it were that easy. It goes a little deeper than a school yard bully, and for a lot longer.”

“Has someone else been hittin’ you?”

“Yeah.”

“Your daddy?” she asked.

Nik agreed.

“How long?”

“My whole life. He still does.”

Harper’s heart sank. As crazy as her drug-addicted mom was, the pill-popping mess would never have laid a hand on her. “I’m sorry you’ve been hit.”

Nik managed to crack a smile and ignored the thoughts of his violent dad. "I appreciate what you did for me today, Harper. I'd like a chance to repay the favor."

"No, don’t worry about it. I was just doin’ the right thing."

"But I’d like to. How about we grab a couple pops and go for a walk along the pier?”

Harper desperately wanted to accept his invitation, but knew she couldn’t. “You should probably get your head checked out instead.”

“No, I’m fine. C’mon, what do you say?”

She made the mistake of looking into his eyes again. They seemed to impale her soul and make her body tremble. "Thanks, but I need to get home. Mama told me I’ve gotta finish unpackin’, otherwise Auntie's gonna have a fit and kick my butt.”

"I understand." Nik sighed, disappointed. “How about this Saturday, do you have any plans?”

"Not sure. Why?”

"There's a carnival that night, down at the boardwalk. It could be fun, I mean, not all the rides and junk, that's for kids, but they’ve got music and fireworks. I'd really like to take you.”

The invitation was enticing, especially since her mom was a horribly selfish woman who never took Harper anywhere. Inside, she really wanted to spend time with Nik, but that meant they’d be in the spotlight for everyone to see. People would look and think it was wrong. They’d make the same snide remarks as Ricky had.

Most insults didn’t bother Harper. Very seldom did anything intimidate her. However, dealing with her sexuality was another story. She’d struggled with it her entire adolescence, ever since she first realized she liked men. No one, not even her family, knew she was straight. Nik was the type of guy she’d always fantasized about, but it couldn’t happen. It was something she wasn’t ready to face.

“How about it?” Nik asked.

“I’d like to, but I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“C’mon. It’s the most fun you’ll have all summer in Silver Shores.”

“What if people get the wrong idea?”

“What do you mean?”

“They might think,” Harper stuttered. “I mean, what if someone says—”

“You don’t have to read so deeply into my invitation. I’m trying to show my gratitude, that’s all.”

“I know that.” Harper tried shrugging it off. “I might be able to go.”

“Might?”

“Maybe I’ll stop by for a while, if I can.”

“All right.” Nik felt discouraged by her reluctance. “I’ll probably get there around eight.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“I really hope you’ll come.”

“I’ll try. Look, I’ll see you around, Nik.”

During his lonely walk home, Nik replayed the conversation with Harper over in his mind several times. If he was more assertive, he would’ve come right out and admitted his feelings for her, especially after Harper checked him out. For the first time in his life, he felt desirable.

Although he normally ran from such truth, Nik couldn’t run from this. He wanted her. It was the most certain he’d ever been of anything. However, he just hoped that the forbidden attraction was something other than dangerous—he hoped that it was mutual.

TWO

N
ik looked around and all he saw was crap. Cleaning the vile chicken coop was undoubtedly a chore far worse than any prison sentence ever served. Every time he stepped near those squawking birds, he loathed his dad even more. However, it was the night of the carnival and he had a million tasks to do before he could leave.

Nik spent much of the day running between the house and the barn, crossing chores off his list. Under the scorching sun, he worked feverishly in hopes of getting to see Harper—that is, if she were to actually accept his invitation. They hadn’t spoken since the day she rescued him from Ricky Wiley.

Every time Nik thought of her, his stomach twisted in knots. Each passing minute seemed like an hour. His entire existence was devoured by fantasies of Harper, wanting her so badly it hurt.

Each night she came to him in his dreams…

Harper, in her alluring beauty, sauntered across the room and offered her petite fragility to Nik’s waiting arms. Their hearts raced wildly as they admired each other in the sudden heat. Desire burned in their eyes as they searched each other’s souls for resolve. And just before their lips would actually meet or their hands would touch
…he woke up.

Although the fantasies left Nik hoping for someone he may never actually be with, he was relieved to dream about something other than dying.

Beginning to feel bothered, he tore the soiled t-shirt from his chiseled body and wiped the sweat from his forehead and underarms. He continued running the dusty push broom across the wooden floor boards and fought to finish as fast as he could.

Later that evening, after Nik finished getting ready, he began to leave when he realized he’d forgotten to clean the kitchen. He thought about skipping the task until he remembered back to the last time he made such a grave mistake. It was summer time, only one year earlier…

The night air was incredibly humid and dry thunder cracked in the distance.

Nik had just walked into the house shortly after ten. The moment he had opened the door, he knew he was in trouble.

Jett, Nik’s erratic dad, flew out of his chair like a steel bullet and pinned him against the wall. “Where were you?” he howled.

“Out.”

“Thought you’d just take off without doing your chores?”

“What’s the big deal?”

“What the hell’s the matter with you?”

“Nothing.”

“You’ve lost your God damn mind.” Jett’s chapped hand pelted Nik across the face, leaving a burning sting.

He winced. “Stop, Dad. I didn’t do anything.”

“Quit running your mouth!” Jett clenched Nik by the jaw and dug his soiled fingers into his flesh “I swear, Boy, ever since your father ran away last month, you’ve gone stupid. I already said that without Pat, you’re in charge of cleaning this shit hole.”

Jett bent down and wrapped his massive arms around the heavy coffee table. The veins bulged up down his muscular back as he hoisted it over his head and tossed it through the front window. It was not
hing for the construction worker, who was accustomed to heavy lifting.

Nik stepped back and shielded himself from the shattered glass.

Jett pushed his wavy black hair out of his mossy eyes. He glared at Nik like a bull chasing a matador’s scarlet cape and stomped across the living room floor. Then he took a big swig of whiskey and kicked up his own mess of trash and beer cans.

“You like living in a pig sty?”

“No, sir.”

“Jack’s litter box is a frickin’ mess. I can smell his piss all the way down here. I know damn well you ain’t been out in that chicken coop today neither. And did you see the yard? The grass ain’t been mowed in two weeks. Not to mention you were supposed to have dinner ready when I got home over five hours ago.” He slapped Nik’s ear. “What’s it gonna take to get through to you?”

“Dad, I’m sorry.” Nik slowly slid down the wall and cowered in fear. When he was younger it would stop the madness. Over the years, its magic dissipated.

“Your ass is grounded for three weeks.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You ain’t having dinner or going to bed tonight ‘til all your chores are done. That includes the coop and the yard.”

“But Dad, its dark outside and those awful birds—”

“I don’t give a shit. We got flood lights out back. All I know is I better wake up in the morning to a clean house and mowed yard, or I’m gonna wear your ass out so bad that you won’t be able to sit again. Am I clear?”

“Yes,” he whimpered.

“You ain’t crying, are you?”

“No, sir.”

“What’d I tell you about that? Man up. Stop whimpering before I really make you cry.”

Nik raced to the top of the stairs. As soon as he got into his room, he knelt down beside the window seat and wept into his folded arms. It was the only place in his house he felt safe. It was the same spot he’d sobbed after his father, Patrick, left their family just weeks earlier.

There were times Nik was bitter about the abandonment and the affair, but his broken heart understood. It was a matter of life and death, and his father had a difficult choice to make.

It just hurt to know that Patrick would never be back…and that he left Nik behind.

Nik shuddered, fighting to suppress the memories of that horrific exchange with his dad.
 
While it’d only been a year, it wasn’t something he liked to remember. Besides, he had more important thoughts on his mind.

Along the way to the fair, Nik stopped to
 
straighten his polo t-shirt and push down the pockets of his cargo shorts. It’d been ages since he’d gotten new clothes. They were a little snug for his muscular legs, but it was the nicest outfit he owned. Besides, he wanted to look good in case Harper showed up.

Under the moon and carnival lights, carefree laughter filled the cool summer sky. Residents walked shoulder to shoulder in pure amusement. For Nik, it meant summer had officially arrived.

Shoving through strangers, he continued until reaching the Blushing Beauty Salon on the corner of Main Street and Oceana Drive. He stood alone, patiently waiting for Harper.

Every second felt like an hour. Eventually, Nik looked down at his watch and realized it was after eight-thirty.

As people passed by, Nik scoured the boisterous crowd, peering over heads and pushing people to the side, tirelessly searching for Harper.

Eventually the effort began to seem futile. With his eyes closed, he let out a nervous sigh. His long fingers smoothed back his midnight-black hair and he paced back and forth.

By that time, it was almost nine o’clock. Although he wasn’t willing to admit defeat, it’d become apparent she wasn’t coming. However, Nik couldn’t focus on his disappointment. Instead, he continued towards the entrance. After all, she never agreed to come. He just hoped so desperately that she would.

Unbeknownst to Nik, Harper had every intention to meet him. Annoyed at her setback, she pushed her way through the masses in a fervent effort to redeem herself for the tardiness. By the time she’d caught her breath, they were mere feet apart.

“Nik!” she cried.

He hadn’t heard her.

“Nik, wait!” She raced through the townspeople until she caught up. Then she tapped his shoulder. "Boy, you sure clean up nicely.”

“Harper…” His face lit up.

She was more ravishing than he remembered, flawless in every conceivable way. The pastel-blue baby doll dress she wore hugged her figure perfectly, causing his imagination to run wild.

“You look incredible.”

“Thanks. No one’s ever told me that before. You look real nice yourself.” Her eyes scanned his stunning form. Although his muscular upper-body was impressive, it was his full lips, striking eyes, and firm, bubble-butt that made her heart race.

There was no denying it, he was hot as hell.

“Thanks. I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”

“I feel awful. I’m sorry for runnin’ so damn late. Mama was havin’ another one of her crazy spells.”

“I can relate. My dad’s the same way.” Nik nervously buried his hands in his front pockets.

As they explored each other’s expressions, their eyes locked in budding heat. The spark was undeniable. However, they were both inexplicably tongue tied…not just because of their mutual attraction, but the unspoken boundaries that existed between them.

Still—Nik tried to play it cool. “Did you have any trouble finding your way here?”

“Not at all. We’ve been up this way a few times to stay with my Aunt Faye since movin’ to Fire Brush.”

“Doesn’t change much around here, does it?”

“Never. I think this place is in a time warp or somethin’, but even in this small town, y’all have a lot more goin’ on than Louisiana ever did.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“It’s true. I was bored senseless down there.”

“Oh c’mon, you guys have all those swamps to explore and alligators to wrestle with,” he teased. “I’d never be bored.”

“That’s about all we have, smart ass.” She chuckled. “No really, there’s a lot more to do here.”

“That’s true, like catching some rays. By the way, I see you found the beach.”

Harper reluctantly lifted her sun burnt arm. “Yeah, I sort of fileted myself.”

“But it’s a lovely shade of red. It brings out your fiery hair.”

She punched him in the arm. “Aren’t you just the sweetest thing? We can’t all be lucky enough to have 
your
 perfect Hollywood tan.”

“Oh please, I forgot to take my shirt off while mowing today. It looks more like a farmer’s tan.”

“I’m sure it ain’t that bad.”

Nik un-tucked his polo and revealed his sculpted stomach for her critique.

Harper almost had a heart attack. His smooth, defined chest and perfect cuts were enticing. She had to hold herself back from running her curious hands over their perfection. “I was right, it ain’t bad. You just gotta get to the beach and even it out a lil’.” Undeniably distracted, she blinked her eyes several times and swallowed, hard.

“You okay?” he asked.

“I’m kinda thirsty, actually. We should go get somethin’ to drink.”

Nik flashed a precocious smile as he lowered his shirt. “That sounds good. I’m getting hungry too.”

“Perfect.” She patted him on the shoulder and followed his lead, trying to leverage herself from fainting. He was so sexy she couldn’t stand it.

While they walked towards the boardwalk, Harper shamelessly stared at Nik and tormented herself. His developed arms were nearly ripping through his sleeves and his pecks were too distracting to mention. More than anything, Harper wondered how it would feel to be cradled in his embrace. It took several breaths to suppress her urges.

Suddenly, a kid ran by and shouted, “Queers!”

It startled her. She quickly turned around to see who had insulted them, but no one was there. By the time her eyes spotted him, she realized he was joking with his friends. While it was a relief, she felt uneasy.

After Nik paid for pizza and drinks, he led Harper to a vacant bench overlooking the lake.

“Do you come to the boardwalk a lot?" she asked.

"Yeah, I pretty much spend all my time on the beach. It’s my favorite pastime, especially at night.”

"I can see why," Harper noted, admiring the immense lake crashing against the shore. "It’s so beautiful I could sit here forever.”

"I know what you mean. Anytime I wanna clear my mind, I walk down the coast and let the waves crash on my feet. It’s a nice escape, especially when my family pisses me off.”

“Y’all don’t get along?”

“Well, it’s just me and my dad. My father ran off with someone last summer.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

“It’s okay, just sucks I got stuck with the parent I hate.”

“What’s your dad’s problem? I remember you sayin’ he hits you.”

“Yeah, he’s got a very bad temper, but he’s also an alcoholic.”

Harper could tell that sharing such information made him uncomfortable. “I know what it’s like, Nik. Don’t feel bad. Mama’s a junkie. She’s been usin’ her whole life, takin’ whatever she can get her hands on.”

“It’s hard as hell living with an addict.”

“No kiddin’. I’ve had to go hungry many times ‘cause Mama took our grocery money to buy drugs. When she’s on a binge, she’s a total mess.”

“I can relate. So has it always been just the two of you?”

“Pretty much. Never knew my mother, but Mama’s had a few loser girlfriends in and out over the years. ‘Course now we’re here, livin’ with Auntie—” she corrected herself, “excuse me, Aunt Faye.”

“Why’d you come back?”