Screams Of Deception: Screams, #2

By Heather Lovelace-Gilpin

We needed a change. A chance to breathe without the ex-husband breathing down my neck, the constant arguments regarding our daughter's needs, and the whore who tore our marriage apart. I took the plunge. Put in my transfer to the Portland Police Department and once it became final, my daughter and I joined my twin brother in Portland, Oregon. A start to a new beginning. 

So where did it go wrong? Was it the Special Victim's Unit I was assigned to when I asked for homicide? Was it when I was partnered up with Matt Wilson and Nicci Sparks? Two detectives who have their own issues. Wilson's mourning the kidnapping of his son, Sparks, a recovering alcoholic who can't take anything serious. Was it when I dropped my guard and let him in? A man women lust over and he's sleeping in my bed. Or was it the case I was thrown into? A predator tormenting women, taking souvenirs, flaunting he is always one step ahead of us. 

I lost sight of what's important. Lost sight of what the real objective is. Coming from a military driven family, I know better. I have two options here. Lay down and take it or fix it.

One thing you need to know about me. I lay down for no one.

 

Authors Note:  This story contains explicit scenes and adult language and may be offensive to some readers. Intended for Mature Audiences.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heather Lovelace-Gilpin
• Release date: Jun 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393951384

Heather Lovelace-Gilpin

A creator of all things fun, thrilling, and horrifying. 

Book preview

Chapter 1

Davey

She doesn’t stray far from her routine. Chat with her friends for a few minutes, laughing at something one of the boys says on his way out. She’s beautiful in her short plaid skirt, white button up top, knee-high socks, and those shiny black shoes. Dress code states all buttons must be buttoned, but I see she’s unhooked a couple, revealing the perfect skin underneath. Only a matter of time before I will be suckling on those perky tits, spying the peak of her nipple. She’s responding to me. Which means she knows I’m here.  

So what the fuck is she doing?

I reached over for a cigarette, tapping it on the steering wheel before tucking it between my teeth. I lit the tip, inhaling deep, feeling the burn. I exhaled, my eyes not straying from her. Another boy, the typical jock, only she hugged this one. 

She tossed her long blonde hair over her shoulder, eyes searching the parking lot. She’s looking for me. She wanted me to see that. Wanted to see what I’d do. Wanted to see if I meant it. 

Be careful with what you wish for, Little Girl. 

I inhaled the harsh smoke of the cigarette, listening to some new band on the local radio station. Normally, I’d be streaming some shit these kids listen to nowadays, something that will deter her from asking questions, but I’m just not in the mood. Truth be told, I’m bored. It’s about time I move on. 

I finished my cigarette, tossing it out the window. I readjusted the baseball cap and started the car. I’ve been patient enough.

I pulled the car up to the tree, her eyes immediately resting on me through the windshield. She can’t hide her excitement, her eyes brightening, her mouth moving a million miles a minute before spinning on her heels, and swaying her hips towards me. For someone so innocent, she knows how to drive a guy mad. 

Hi. She greeted once she’s sitting beside me. 

Her cheeks are flushed a soft pink, tucking her hair behind her ear.

Um, how long have you been here?

Long enough.

Oh.

She’s now twirling her hair around her index finger.

Did you see—

Do you fuck him?

I threw a nod towards the jock she hugged moments ago. 

No. Of course not. She stammered. You know I haven’t... That I’m... 

You suck his dick in the locker room then.

Her eyes widened and now I see the flush of embarrassment. She opened her mouth to speak, my eyes honing in on it because her sucking my dick doesn’t sound like such a bad idea. 

No. 

So you hugged him to make me jealous?

She adverted her eyes forward, crossing her arms over her chest. 

No you don’t. Look at me and answer the question. 

She shook her head, her chest deflating, releasing her silent sigh. I let the silence fill the space between us before my hand rested on her thigh.  

Look at me. 

She turned her head and I leaned towards her to press my lips to hers. She let out a gasp, I took advantage, shoving my tongue into her mouth. She might be innocent, but she has skills. Kissing isn’t the only one either. I pulled back, my eyes resting on the group she hangs with. Jock is shooting glares. I pushed the cap up to make sure he saw the smile.

Wave to your friends, Sweet Angel.

She turned to look, the flush creeping across her chest. 

I turned to look over my left shoulder before pulling away from the curb. I glanced at her from my peripheral vision to find her staring at me.  

What?

She dropped her eyes, scooting closer towards me to rest her head on my shoulder. I got hard when I caught her smell. Strawberries, vanilla, innocence. I prefer the latter over anything else. 

Nervous.

I got nothing to say other than she should be. Right now, she’s a girl. Once I’m through with her, she’ll be a woman. 

We made one stop. We took a piss, shoved her up against a brick wall to kiss her hard, my hand up under her short skirt, rubbing her until she shook, muffling her sigh into my shoulder. 

Trust me, Sweet Angel. I’ll have you screaming in no time. 

Smoked a joint, the only thing I’ve been able to get her to experiment with, a couple lines for me, we’re back on the road. 

It took an hour to get to the cabin. Five minutes to get her on her knees, my hands gripping her head, shoving my throbbing cock into her mouth. She gagged every time I hit the back of her throat and that’s where I stayed. I shot my load, watching her eyes water as they stared lovingly up at me. 

Ready for some more fun? I asked, helping her to her feet. 

She sucked in a deep breath, keeping her eyes off me. I gripped her chin and forced her head up. 

What?

It’s going to hurt. Teresa said it will.

You trust me?

She studied my face for a moment before she gave me that bashful smile of hers. 

What’s the only rule here?

She took another deep breath. 

I can’t say no. 

Good girl.

I pressed a kiss to her forehead. She wrapped her arms around my waist, head on my chest.

I love you, Davey.

I stared out the picture window, the darkness swallowing the last of daylight. 

Love you, sweet Angel.

I pushed at her shoulders to break her hold. 

Get your ass naked. Now.

Annabel

T ake a right.

She took it. A little sharp, a little faster than she needed, but when it comes to her driving, I expect it. Which is why I’m holding onto the oh shit handle while still giving her directions from my maps app. She hit her brakes, lurching me forward, thrusting my hand out to keep my face from hitting the dashboard. 

Vic is dead, Sparks. No reason to kill us.

My attempt at a joke fell on deaf ears. When she’s dead set on something, it consumes her. And right now, she’s determined to beat him. A game her and Wilson play often. One I will suffer the consequences if one of them makes a serious traffic mistake. 

Left. 

I waited, tightening my grip on the handle. 

Other left. I called out when she started to move in the wrong direction. 

Sparks barely made the corner and I shot her a glare. My phone shook in my hand and I read Wilson’s message. 

Thank god. 

Right at the light. Third house on the left.

What? Why are we backtracking?

We aren’t.

Yes we are. You had me take a left and now I’m taking a right.

Damn. Can’t get anything past her. Will have to keep that in mind.

Just following the map. I stated, holding up my phone. 

She swerved into the other lane since the car in front of us has never seen police lights and refuses to get out of our way. I’ll never admit it out loud, but I peed a little when the large truck whose lane we’re momentarily borrowing blasted his horn at us. She slammed on the brakes, her right hand grabbed the emergency brake between us, and jerked it up. Back tires locked up, sending us into a spin. I let out a soft yelp and for the life of me, I’m not sure how she did it. Not that I plan on asking her to recreate it anytime, but she pulled out of it. We’re facing the opposite direction, the annoying voice of Siri you’ve reached your destination drowning the sound of my heart beating rapidly. I turned to shoot her a hateful look. Only she’s not paying me any attention. 

I fucking hate your driving. I stated once my heart rate settled and my legs no longer feel like jello. 

She didn’t even bat an eyelash, running up the steps, holding up her badge to the uniform watching the door. 

This is how you found her? Wilson asked, biting into an apple. 

How the fuck did you beat us?

Wilson lifted his right eyebrow. 

Nice of you to join me.

Wilson held out his hand. Sparks slapped a five-dollar bill into his palm and she didn’t do it gently either. I stepped up when she moved further into the house. Wilson handed me the bill, I tucked it into the pocket of my jeans.

Never again. I said softly. She damn near made my ex-husband’s dream come true. And trust me. I’m done giving in to that son of a bitch.

Wilson laughed. 

What the fuck, Byrd? Sparks narrowed her eyes. 

My turn not to pay her any attention. I’m here to work, moving towards the latest victim. My theory we have a serial rapist/killer is looking more like a probability rather than a possibility. Even if my co-workers are resistant to the idea. No one wants this shit in their city. I get it, but there are too many similarities. Especially since our perp is all over the map. Young, old, there’s no victimology. The only positive thing about this case is our perp isn’t always active. It’s been two months since we’ve seen his signature on anything. Which gave me hope he moved on. Not that I wish this upon another city, but it’s frustrating when you can’t protect the people you took an oath to protect. 

Her name? 

Wilson glanced at the officer standing beside him. 

Janet Smith.

I pulled on the black nitrile gloves I removed from my pocket, crouching down beside Ms. Smith. She’s on her knees, hands tied behind her back, a noose around her neck. Sparks is still bitching about the betrayal. Can’t say I blame her. Wilson and Sparks go way back. Helped each other during some hard times. Only now is not the time or the place. 

Can we give Ms. Smith our undivided attention or should I ask her to just chill out and we’ll get to her some other time?

And there she goes. Throwing my comment right back at me. 

Vic is already dead, Byrd. Pretty sure any plans she had are cancelled.

I flashed her a smile, but if she knows anything about me, she knows it’s a warning. Sparks snapped on her own set of gloves. 

I’m pissed at you.

Take a number. You’re not the only one.

Husband?

Another hateful glare from me. I’ve told her time and time again. 

Ex.

Sparks pulled her notepad from her back pocket. 

I know.

Bitch. I muttered under my breath, returning my attention back to Ms. Smith. 

She’s heavily made up, her bright red lipstick smeared. Almost like she spent the evening kissing someone. Which explains her attire. Sexy red negligee, matching thong lying on the floor. 

Consensual.

You know this how?

Come on, Nic. Two wine glasses, the way she’s dressed— 

Wilson stopped and I’m guessing it has something to do with me removing a dildo. From her ass, holding it out behind me. When no one took it, I shot a look over my right shoulder. 

Today please.

Wilson and Sparks exchanged eye contact. 

Taking notes. Sparks said, holding up the notepad. 

Wilson sighed, stepping forward to hold open a large evidence bag. I dropped it in and resumed my study on Ms. Smith.

Long thin marks across tops of her shoulders, traveling down her back. Not bad enough to call it domestic abuse. More like she was playing. The nipple clamp confirms it, the rubber teeth making an indent in her skin. Since they usually come in a pair, I searched for the other.  It’s either lodged in another cavity of hers or he took it as a souvenir.

Erotic asphyxiation. I finally said.  

I now have their undivided attention. 

People stop doing it the old fashion way?

Some couples enjoy adding some spice in the bedroom. Are you telling me you and that beautiful wife of yours doesn’t like to experiment?

His right eyebrow shot up. As much as I think he’s a prick sometimes, the guy is good-looking. And I’m surprised they allow me this much freedom to get up close and personal with the vics. Unless getting up close and personal isn’t their thing, but given their reputation, they’ll do what they need to get the job done. So I’m guessing they’re making the new girl do the shitty work. Thing is, this is why I became a detective.

We play with condiments. Whip cream, chocolate syrup, maraschino cherries. This...

He waved at Ms. Smith.

Not my thing. 

Not to mention Beth would have his balls if he tried to hang a rope around her neck. 

Sparks grinned when his eyes rested on her. 

You know she would.

He ignored her. 

You think this is his work? Wilson asked, moving in now he’s finished with his breakfast. 

If I have to give an answer now, yes.

I motioned at her breasts.

Unless it’s shoved in a crevice somewhere or on the floor, that’s his souvenir, but I would like to see what forensics says.

She’s a kinky little bitch.

Wilson and I turned around to see Sparks had opened the oak cabinet I spotted when we first arrived. After assessing the scene, I had a feeling we would find the rest of her toys. A vast array of whips, chains, floggers, and other bondage items. 

See anything that could have made these marks?

I straightened to my feet, moving out of the way to let forensics in. I see the coroner’s here, waiting his turn. Wilson opened the drawers, making sure he didn’t disturb the butt plugs, personal massagers, and other sex toys I have yet to lay eyes on. 

This one?

It will work.

Work for what?

Now I’m ready to have a little fun. Ms. Smith told us all she can at the moment. The rest is up to us. 

Me whipping that cute ass of yours into shape.

Sparks took a couple steps back, bumping into Wilson. I stripped off the gloves, doing my best not to laugh, but their expressions our priceless. 

Never mind. I think you would enjoy it entirely too much. 

Chapter 2

Annabel

Iwalked in through the garage door, smiling at Kat when I spotted her at the breakfast nook, Adam sitting across from her. There is something about seeing your daughter’s face light up, her smile that makes even the worst day seem trivial.

Hi, Momma.

Hey, Baby Girl.

I pressed my lips to the top of her head.

You about ready?

Almost.

Hit the hay, Sis. I’ll wait with her at the bus stop.

Oh, thank god. I seriously feel like dropping right here, I’m that fucking tired. 

You sure?

Go. You look like hell.

I kissed my daughter one last time, mumbling the usual. Be good, have a great day, and after kissing Adam’s cheek, I headed off to my bedroom. 

I showered, going over what I know about Ms. Smith. We talked to the parents, interviewed the boyfriend, her friends. She had sex recently, no DNA thanks to the use of a condom, no signs of forced entry. The boyfriend said they were together the night before, confirmed she liked her sex rough, and although we can’t rule him out, we had nothing to hold him on, and he claims when he left her place, she was alive and well. And he’s not too happy to hear she’s seeing someone else behind his back. 

Momma?

I lifted my head when I stepped back into my bedroom to see Kat standing in the doorway.

Yeah, Baby?

Daddy called me last night. 

I resisted the sigh. I try to be civil for Kat’s sake, but it’s hard to forget what he put me through.

What did he have to say? 

He says I’m coming to visit soon. 

Of course he did. He likes to play the cool dad when it suits him. Since he’s hardly around, rarely takes an interest in our daughter, he makes up for it by taking her a couple of weeks a year, spoils her rotten, and then Kat comes home telling me how wonderful he is. Wished he was that wonderful when we were married. 

I will call him later and work out the details.

I gave her a smile and brushed strands of hair from her face. 

K. Love you.

Love you. 

She ran from the room. I dropped the towel, pulled on my boxers, tank top, and fell into bed. I can hear them chattering outside, listening to my daughter’s uncontrollable laughter because Adam tickled her funny bone. I closed my eyes, heard the bus pull up, heard Adam’s truck a few minutes later, and silence. I had my doubts I’d be able to turn off my thoughts long enough to sleep, but I did. Waking to someone sliding open the glass door to my room. 

Long night? Dylan asked, slipping in beside me, naked and warm, smelling divine. 

Erotic asphyxiation. I murmured, feeling his hands rub my shoulders since I’m lying on my stomach. 

And it feels amazing. Especially when he moved down, kneading knuckles into my tense muscles.

Not really my thing, but I’ll try anything once. 

My eyes opened to see his dimpled smile. 

Go get the rope then.  

Dylan chuckled, working his way further down until his hands caressed my ass.

Damn... I breathed. Kind of glad I forgot to lock the door.

My CD release party is Saturday. He said in my ear. I want you to go with me as my date. 

My eyes snapped open. We discussed this. We discussed it in great detail. Sex. Nothing more.

I’m asking for one date. His breath tickled my ear, and I closed my eyes, feeling my heart rate pick up ever so slightly. What are you afraid of? 

I own a gun, Dylan. Several in fact. I’m not afraid of anything. 

Kat thinks we would be cute together. 

Kat is eight years old. She thinks women should have Prince Charming by their side. 

I agree. 

I’m terminating her lessons. You’re supposed to be teaching her guitar, not discussing whether I would be better off with a boyfriend. 

There’s the dimpled smile and damn him, I really need to get rid of him. For good. 

One date, Anna. And then I’ll drop it. 

I let out a sigh, watching the time as it ticked forward. 

Fine. Now let me sleep. 

He pressed his lips to my forehead, holding me in strong arms. Not really my thing. I’m used to sprawling out across my bed. Even married I preferred to sleep on my side, Max kept to his. Being Marines, it’s just what you know. 

Taking off. Dylan whispered in my ear before kissing my cheek. Pick you up tomorrow night for our date.

K. I murmured sleepily, bringing my lips up to kiss his jaw. 

I drifted back, feeling his lips on me again, and then nothing. 

I reached for my phone, hearing it skate across the side table. I slid my finger across the screen, holding it to my ear. 

If this is you, Nic, I’ll kill you.

Nice of you to take my call.

I groaned, rolled onto my back to glance at the clock. I slept the entire day.

What do you want? 

I’m calling to find out when I can have our daughter. 

I swung my legs around until they hit the floor. 

She’s not even out of school yet.

It’s always something, isn’t it? 

He’s right. I come up with a lot of excuses. Lucky for me, he’s been taking on assignments that has been keeping him busy. Unfortunately, our daughter suffers for it. 

I’m tossing the idea of taking some time off this upcoming year. I would like Katherine to do a school year here. 

We discussed this. 

And we have. Tirelessly. 

We agreed not to keep uprooting her.

No, you did. And since you moved to Oregon, making it even more difficult to see her, you need to bend a little. 

I’m not getting into this with you.

Then I will contact my attorney. I’m sure the judge would love to hear how you’re not abiding by the court order. 

Fuck. Off. I slid my finger across the screen, catching the surprise expressions from my daughter and a very sexy guitar player perched beside her. 

Daddy? Kat whispered. 

I forced a smile. 

No, Baby. Nicci. 

And now she’s pursing her lips at me.

Not nice, Momma. 

I nodded, moving towards the kitchen. There’s pizza sitting on the counter, Dylan’s made it a habit to bring dinner. 

You okay?

Ex is a dick. 

Dylan took a seat on one of the bar stools and bounced his legs up and down. My eyes glanced down and he quickly stopped. 

Habit.

He gave me a smile when I lifted my eyes.

She said something about visiting him.

I nodded. 

Now he’s starting in on she should spend a school year with him.

Dylan said nothing. I think he knows this goes beyond his expertise and frankly, it goes beyond what his role is here. 

I didn’t see nor hear him stand to his feet. I’m breaking the rules when I rested my head on his chest, feeling him behind me. He’s tall, taller than most guys I know, and because I’m short as fuck, my head hit mid-chest. 

I’m paying you to give Kat guitar lessons. Not to comfort me.

And there’s the dimpled smile, sending my heart reeling, reminding me I missed my golden opportunity this morning. 

You haven’t paid me yet. He leaned over to brush his lips over mine. 

I sighed. I’ve been a real slacker lately. 

I will. Along with the food you’ve been providing.

Another smile, the scruff of his fine, muscular jaw brushing against mine. 

Let’s say we’re even. You provide a service, I provide one in return. 

I groaned. I mean seriously groaned since it sounds so bad, narrowing my eyes at him. But as always, he’s taking it in stride, snagging another piece of pizza. 

I want to hear you play one of these days. You can’t keep avoiding it. 

No way in hell will I ever play in front of guitar god. A man I idolized back when he was on top, the lead singer/guitar player for Disorderly Conduct. The one I drooled over, and you would think he would be fat and ugly since he’s a little older, but I swear, the asshole is better looking. And a hell of a lot cockier. 

I’ll pick you up tomorrow night at 7. 

Pick me up for what?

My CD release party. You’re going as my date. 

My mouth dropped open. I don’t remember... Until I did...

Not smart taking advantage of a sleep-deprived detective. Especially when she owns a gun. 

She owns several.

He moved towards the living room.

And I’m not worried about it.

The door swung shut when I called after him. 

You should be! 

Annabel

T his one. 

It screams hooker. 

I turned away, rummaging through my closet. 

It does not! Kat argued.

She held it up, admiring it, setting it down on the bed.

I think it’s pretty. 

I don’t know why I agreed to this. Sex. Nothing more. And for the life of me, I don’t know why I haven’t cancelled. Or better yet, end our arrangement. It was fun, the man is amazing, but time to move on. My life is complicated enough raising an eight-year-old, being a detective, and dealing with an asshole ex-husband. Adding a boyfriend, especially one who’s goal is to reach the top again, not in my best interest.

Hand it over. 

It’s red. And yes, it screams hooker, but it’s also elegant. I think I bought it for my parents’ anniversary. The sales lady told me with my black hair and tan skin, it would look stunning. I suppose it did. I received enough catcalls from the parking lot to the restaurant, but wearing it to a bar for a CD release party?  

It’s a bar, Kat. A pair of jeans... 

Mom, it’s a date. You can say it’s not all you want to, but it’s a date.

She stood to her feet, her cheeks burning from frustration.

Wear the damn dress! 

I lifted my eyes at her. 

Watch it! 

Kat looked away, crossing her arms over her chest.  

I think you will look pretty in it. 

I turned to look through my closet, grabbing the first garment I came across. 

What about this one? 

Kat wrinkled up her nose, staring at the black turtleneck that fell to the floor. 

Didn’t you wear that the last time you and dad were together? 

If I wasn’t so nervous, I would have copped an attitude, but thing is, my daughter is being pretty fucking adorable. And stubborn. Just like me. I took the dress from her and held it in front of me. The short sleeves hung off my shoulders, dipped down low in the front, clung to my waist, and fell just above the knee. At least it did when I wore it the one and only time.

It might not fit me anymore. 

We won’t know until you put it on. 

I sighed and headed for the bathroom. I hope it doesn’t fit. 

God-damn it. 

Does it fit? 

I adjusted my breasts, staring in the mirror. It doesn’t look like me. I’m not even sure I know how to walk or sit in a dress it’s been that long. 

Does it fit? Kat called out again. 

I took a deep breath and opened the bathroom door. She’s jumping on my bed, even though she knows better, stopping to stare at me. 

Wow, Mom. You look so pretty. 

I still don’t know about this dress. 

She shook her head. 

You’re wearing it. She held up a pair of pumps she found in my closet. They’re red too and I’m sure I purchased them at the same time I bought this dress. Are you going to wear pantyhose? 

It’s a bar. Can’t I wear my boots?  

Kat gave me the look. The one telling me I’ve lost my fucking mind. 

Combat boots and a red dress is not okay unless you’re fighting zombies. 

She held the shoes out, I took them, and sat down to stick them on my feet. 

How do you know about zombies? 

Dad let me watch a movie with zombies the last time I was with him. 

I took a deep breath, cursing loudly in my head. Something else we will need to discuss. 

I found these in your jewelry box. 

I turned my head to see her holding up a pair of diamond drop earrings. 

No.

Why not?

Your father gave those to me on our first anniversary. 

Oh.

She dropped them back into the box. She stared at me, her smile widening.

You really look pretty. 

I caught her gaze in the mirror, returning her smile. 

You have everything ready to go to Pamela’s? 

Yeah. 

I grabbed my small gun holster and strapped it to my right thigh. My 45 is too big to pack around, but I have my secondary piece, a 9 mil, and it’s perfect for times like now. I tucked it into the holster, readjusted the straps, and clipped my badge beside it. 

Can you go anywhere without a gun? 

Yes. But I don’t want to. 

Kat ran for the living room while I stared at myself one last time. This is it. Last chance to back out. 

Wow, Ms. Byrd. You look pretty. 

Thank you, Pamela. You two behave. 

We will. She headed out towards the car. 

Have fun, Momma. And tell Dylan I said hi. Oh and don’t forget my CD. He said he would get them to autograph it. 

I laughed. 

Okay. Okay. 

I watched my daughter run for the car, her backpack bouncing around on her shoulder. No sooner did they pull out when a shiny black pickup pulled into the driveway. The butterflies returned, and it took every ounce of control not to slam the door and hide somewhere in the house until he goes away.

What? I demanded, placing hands on my hips.

He cleared his throat, holding out the red rose before giving me his dimpled smile. 

You look beautiful. 

Thank you. 

I scanned him over. Dressed exactly like he did back in the Disorderly Conduct days. Tight jeans, a black t-shirt hugging his muscular chest, tucked in to show off the spiked belt. 

Have I ever seen you with clothes on? 

And there’s his laugh.

Once. When you came barreling out of your bedroom to tell me to shut the fuck up.

I held the rose to my nose, smiling from the memory.

For Kat. 

Dylan set the CD down on the table. I deal with a lot of shit day in and day out. It’s what happens when you’re a Marine and later become a cop. But nothing will ever get me used to the way he stares at me. And his eyes. They aren’t amber brown, but dark. Like chocolate. Exactly the way they look every morning when he’s putting on a condom... 

His head dipped down. My god, the man can kiss. Gentle and demanding, the stubble on his jaw scraping across my cheek, his strong arms drawing me in close to deepen it. It’s taking everything I know not to strip his ass naked and have my way with him. 

My beautiful Annabel Lee. 

You recite the poem...

I pulled the door shut, twisting the knob to make sure it’s locked.

You’re on your own this evening. 

Another sexy smile, tugging me into his side as he walked me towards the truck. He helped me in since it’s lifted and I’m about as short as they can get. I say 5’5, but my doctor would say 5’4. 

Dylan stepped between my legs, his nose tracing the curve of my cheek. 

I would much rather stay here and peel you out of this dress. 

My arms rested on his shoulders, squeezing my thighs, forgetting for a moment he’s standing between them. 

Let’s go, Mr. Rockstar. I have yet to see what the big hoopla is with this new band of yours. 

Chapter 3

Annabel

Iknew he’s playing at my brother’s bar. Just like Adam knows Dylan and I are on a date since my eight-year-old has a big mouth. What I didn’t expect and wish now I would have backed the fuck out before they caught sight of me, is Wilson and Sparks with their significant others sitting in the front booth. 

I didn’t know they were going to be here. 

You know them? 

Well, yeah.

He shifted his weight.

Nic and I were in AA together. We still see each other at meetings occasionally. Matt and his wife are part owners at Steve’s Sports Bar. Another place we play. 

My infamous go to word flew from my mouth. On repeat. 

And there’s Sparks, leaning back in her seat to grin from ear to ear. Her mouth moved and there’s Wilson, spinning around, and I swear my cheeks are on fucking fire. 

Okay. They saw you. Big deal. So what if you’re fucking a hot rockstar. So what if you’re wearing a red dress that screams hooker and shoes you have no business being in. Go with it. Hold your head up high. 

When we’re done here, I said under my breath. I’m going to kill you, Dylan. 

The little rumble I’ve grown fond of erupted from his throat and I swear to god, my knees are shaking. 

I’ll die a happy man, Anna, if you’re the last woman I ever lay eyes on. 

My head turned towards his and since he’s leaning over, we’re eye to eye. He rewarded me with another dimpled smile and since the secret’s out, I kissed him. I’m a walking fucking hormone when he says shit like that.

I tried ignoring Sparks is waving at me, but no such luck when she called my name, causing several heads to look in my direction.

You look so beautiful. Jen commented when I slid in beside her. 

Thanks. 

I looked around for a waitress. Fucking figures there isn’t one in sight. 

Dylan Crowe, huh? Wilson leaned forward to drop his arms on the table, my eyes snapping to his. 

Drop it. 

Bullshit. 

Sparks moved her head to look around her stunning wife. 

You can’t walk in here with him and expect us not to say anything.

Beth’s eyes shot towards me. I don’t know her well, not like the other three, but I’ve seen her a time or two and all I have to say, what the hell did Wilson ever do to get a woman like her?

We’re friends. I finally said, lifting my hand when I caught sight of Adam and motioned for him to bring me a beer or two.

As soon as I got a nod from him, my eyes travelled around the place. It’s crowded, I see no open tables, people choosing to stand near the walls, it’s loud, and when my eyes reached the stage, Dylan’s bent over, his finely chiseled ass I have seen naked plenty of times in plain view. And I’m not the only one checking it out. 

Sparks opened her mouth, Jen’s head shooting towards her. 

For god’s sakes, Nic. Don’t... She can see whoever she pleases. 

Wilson held his beer bottle up to his mouth to hide his smile.

Just never took her for a groupie is all. 

It’s taking everything for me not to let my head fall to the table and if it requires me to, smack it against it a couple of times. 

No one pictured me with you either. Beth said nonchalantly. Low and behold... Here we are. 

Wilson isn’t one to take offense, tugging her closer into his side.

Best thing that ever happened to you. 

Whatever... 

But I can see she’s fighting off a smile, Wilson’s hand dropping to her stomach. They’re expecting baby number two. I know they lost their son two years ago, kidnapped on their wedding day by the men she was investigating. I don’t know the specifics, no one talks about it, but it only took a Google search to find out what happened. My heart hurts for them. I can’t imagine losing my Kat. She’s my life and I will kill anyone who even thinks about hurting a hair on her head. And even though I know this child won’t take away the pain of losing the first one, I hope it eases it a little. 

Dysfunctional Rage started up and I’m so fucking grateful. And let me tell you, I think he’s better than he was back in the day. Confident, so at ease when his fingers flew across the fretboard, making beautiful sounds by the way he’s bending the strings, and his voice... Yup, goosebumps broke out all over my skin, the slight quiver to my thighs, and I don’t really give a shit if I’m staring. He hasn’t lost it. Hell, he’s better than he ever was and so is the rest of his band. To say they’re tight is putting it lightly and I know it will only be a matter of time before these guys make it big. And I can’t believe I’ve been screwing this guy three months, and this is the first time I’ve seen him play. 

Patrons hit the dance floor, a twenty something year old with long blonde hair in clothes that makes my dress that screams hooker appropriate, stood in front of him, grabbing his