Caught Up: It Was Never a Game

By Rick Brim

Teddy Johnson’s promising life is about to take a turn for the worst. After one night at an innocent party, he quickly finds himself caught up in a deadly game that he cannot stop, even if his life depended on it. As the sinister game progresses, the stakes become much greater than he ever imagined as he’s pushed to the edge. However, Teddy must be very careful when he goes searching for the enemy. They may be closer than he thinks. Prepare yourself for a roller-coaster ride full of astonishing entertainment and heart-stopping suspense.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781984583536

Rick Brim

Rick Brim is an entrepreneur and a freelance novel writer of erotic romance. Currently, he is the CEO of his own business consulting company. He possesses a Doctorate and Master’s Degree and continues to pursue further education. His desire is to provide not only entertaining but inspirational reading for women to help them in commandeering their lives and to never fall victim of a man’s broken promises. He is single and resides in San Antonio, TX.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

A lready very dark outside, it was a gloomy evening with pouring down rain as Peter drove fast and recklessly through the winding countryside roads while his best friend, Teddy, sat nervously in the passenger seat mumbling to himself.

Whatchu over there whispering about? asked Peter with glassy eyes.

I’m praying! Do you mind?

Whatchu praying for? It’s not Sunday yet! Peter laughed.

Fool, I pray every day! said Teddy with conviction as he stared at Peter. Right now, I’m praying for you to slow this car down so we get to the Casino Bar in one piece.

Peter continued to laugh while looking at Teddy.

Look out!! Oh my God! You almost hit that oncoming car, you freakin idiot! said Teddy in a very panicky voice as he witnessed Peter swerving across the yellow line barely missing the car. Teddy’s eyes widened as his forehead began to sweat while tightly grasping the passenger door handle. Dude—are you high again? asked Teddy in a frantic voice with piercing eyes as he looked directly at Peter driving.

Relax man! said Peter as he looked straight ahead. Nooo, I’m not high—this time—well, maybe just a little. Giggled. Just chill man. It’s my birthday! I’m trying to break this new Maserati in tonight that my dad got for me.

Ohh! This is your car? Excuuuse me! I thought it was one of your rich dad’s many cars, said Teddy sarcastically.

Nope! This baby is all mine!

Well if you don’t slow down there isn’t gonna be anything to break in if the stupid car is wrapped around a telephone pole and we’re dead, ya crackhead!

Will you stop worrying? I got this all under control, said Peter as he shifted gears, gripped the steering wheel, and continued to speed down the winding two-lane road better than 80 miles per hour.

Yeah you better have control, said Teddy nervously but grinning.

My wife might be just a little perturbed if I come home tonight carrying one of my arms and eyeballs in a tote bag. She would literally break her leg off up in my ass.

No, she wouldn’t! said Peter assuredly. She would just look down to make sure your dick was still intact and tell you to put that bag down and get your ass in bed cuz she was horny. Both began laughing. C’mon now, am I right? Am I right?

Nooo, you ain’t right. Donna’s not like that at all, said Teddy as he grinned with confidence. She happens to love me—very much so. But I have to tell ya dude—what she didn’t like one little bit was me coming out with your crazy ass tonight. But as long as I’m home by midnight, she’ll get over it.

That’s what I wanted to hear from my boy, said Peter as he smiled and took his eyes off the road momentarily to give a fist pound to Teddy.

All of a sudden, as Peter attempted to focus back on the road, he saw a huge deer jump out into the middle of the road as he entered a curve, catching him totally off guard. Peter quickly swerved the car to the right shoulder of the road to avoid hitting the deer. However, as the road had already become very slippery from the heavy downpour, Peter lost control of the car as he hit the brakes and began to hydroplane throughout the curve. Peter used both hands to tightly grip the steering wheel, yelling please God help us while Teddy was witnessing his life flash before his eyes as he clinched the passenger door handle again. As the car continued to slide uncontrollably through the slippery curve, Peter saw bright lights coming directly at him. They were the headlights of a fifty-two-foot tractor trailer as the trucker honked the horn and flashed his lights, attempting to swerve away from Peter’s car. When the vehicles got closer, the tractor trailer jack-knifed, which allowed Peter’s car to barely skate by without colliding. Moments later, as the hydroplaning seemed to never end, the terror miraculously came to a halt at the end of the curve, with the car facing in the direction in which they were driving and between the yellow lines. Both Peter and Teddy sat very quietly in their seat, not saying a word at all as they stared straight ahead, attempting to catch their breath and put their heart back in their chest. A minute later, Peter cranked the car up and slowly pulled off to the side of the road and began to pray.

Thank you, God for not letting us die tonight! as he looked up to the ceiling.

Teddy looked over at Peter with a firm look.

Whatchu praying for? It’s not Sunday yet? asked Teddy sarcastically.

Whatever, smart-ass! I’m going to church this Sunday!

Ohh, now you wanna go to church, cuz you almost lost your life tonight, huh?

Hey man—I may be a sinner now, but that doesn’t mean I have to stay a sinner!

Amen brotha! Now get your dumb ass over here in the passenger seat. I’m driving the rest of the way! said Teddy as him and Peter got out of the car and quickly switched positions.

By the way—why aren’t you with your girl this evening anyway, rather than hanging with me? asked Teddy.

Which one? asked Peter in a serious voice.

What do you mean—which one? asked Teddy with a frown.

The last chick you introduced to me few days ago at your house stupid! The one with the huge ass!

Peter sounded surprised and began to laugh.

Ohhh—that chick! I had to kick her butt to the curb! I couldn’t believe that someone that fine could have five kids—all under the age of ten—and with three different dudes! Peter exclaimed while shaking his head.

How did you meet her anyway?

I met her on a chatline, said Peter as he got hyped up. Check this out—we talked on the phone for bout a week and then she started sending me naked pics of herself. She said she was a true nudist. I guess she thought that was gonna blow my mind or something. Looking at Teddy laughing. Anyway—I asked her when are we gonna meet since we lived a few hours from each other. She said it’s up to me, so I said let’s meet halfway and I’ll pay for the hotel. She said cool. So, couple days prior to meeting, I wanted to check to see if everything was still cool between us and make sure that she just wasn’t trying to get with me, cuz my dad had money.

I know you didn’t tell her your old man was rich?

Yeah, it kinda slipped out during one of our conversations.

Sure, it did! said Teddy shaking his head.

Let me finish dude! I haven’t told you the best part yet! said Peter anxiously. So, couple days prior to meeting I asked her, hey—since I’m paying for the hotel, could she pay for dinner? She tells me—no, she wasn’t paying for dinner! She said she don’t do the 50/50 thing cuz she had old-fashioned values and she was raised better than that.

No, she didn’t say that? asked Teddy giggling.

Yes, she did! I asked her where was her old-fashion value ass when she had her legs high in the air gett’n knocked up with five kids by three different men that left her after they screwed her only one time?

Ooohhh, you busted her! What did she say to that?

Not a damn thing! She was speechless and too busy looking like a donkey’s ass after I asked her that. Peter and Teddy busted out laughing.

Moments later they arrived at the Casino Bar parking lot and took a moment to sit in the car.

Thank God we made it here safe, said Teddy, sighing with relief.

Whatever dude. We gonna get fucked up tonight!

No—you’re gonna get fucked up tonight, said Teddy as he stared at Peter. I’m just having a few drinks to celebrate your birthday. I gotta be sober for my meeting with the bank tomorrow morning. I just know they’re gonna give me the loan this time to start my own construction company. I’m so tired of being just another construction employee.

Hey—that’s right! Tomorrow is your big day! said Peter. You’re gonna get the loan, don’t worry.

I hope so man! This has been my dream!

You got it man, you got it! Now let’s get fucked up!

Hopefully, I won’t have to carry you out of here tonight, said Teddy grinning.

I hope so! Let’s go party baby!

As it continued to rain, both of them got out of the car and quickly ran inside. As soon as they entered the Bar, and Peter checked his jacket in the lobby, a beautiful Persian hostess, Klarissa, wearing a tight black mini-skirt, fitted long-sleeve white blouse with cleavage peeking, along with five-inch black heels, greeted Peter with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Happy birthday lucky boy, said the hostess enticingly. You’re a little wet. You want me to dry you off?

Mmm—maybe with your tongue, said Peter smiling.

That’s what I had in mind, she said seductively as she licked her plumped lips. Don’t keep me waiting.

Peter growled at her while tapping her bubble butt as him and Teddy walked away laughing.

Playboy! said Teddy jokingly.

Don’t hate the playa!

Immediately, Michael, who was the owner of the Casino Bar, and a friend of Peter, recognized him and began to sing Happy Birthday as everyone in the establishment chimed in. Peter and Teddy were surprised, but they began laughing and singing as well. While singing, Michael, and a few other friends made their way through the crowd to shake Peters hand and gave him a hug. Once the song was over, Michael escorted both Peter and Teddy over to one of the VIP tables and seated them.

Happy birthday ya crazy fool! said Michael as he was glad to see his friend Peter. I know you thought I forgot about your birthday, but that’s why I told you to come by here tonight.

Thanks Michael! said Peter. You’re the greatest man! Ohh—by the way, this is my boy, Teddy.

What’s up dawg? said Michael as he reached over to shake hands with Teddy.

I’m good man. Just hanging with this crazy nut tonight.

Don’t pay him no attention, said Peter as he laughed. He’s just jealous cuz my old man got me a Maserati for my birthday.

Fuck you—spoiled punk! said Teddy as all three laughed.

How did you two become acquainted? asked Michael with slight curiosity.

Ohh, we go waaay back since the third grade! said Peter excitedly. I was the wild one back then and Teddy was the ladies’ man. Can you believe my boy Teddy ended up marrying his fourth-grade sweetheart right after high school—and they still together ten years later? I could never see myself being with someone that long!

Peter shook his head.

Hey—true love has no boundaries, said Teddy with confidence.

Sounds like a strong bond to me brotha, said Michael. Happy for ya!

Thanks man!

Well hey fellows, I gotta go do some work, said Michael as he smiled. Pleasure to meet you Teddy. Both of you order whatever you want tonight. Everything is on the house. Pointing at Peter as he walked away. Happy Birthday dawg!

Yeahhhh baby!

Moments later, a beautiful waitress gracefully walked over to Peter and Teddy’s table bringing a few bottles of wine and liquor to start them off.

Compliments from Michael, she said with a smile as she sat the open bottles down then walked away.

Whoaa! said Peter with excitement. There are some gorgeous queens in here tonight brotha! as he began drinking.

Yeah, but I already got my queen bee at home, said Teddy with a smile.

You need to chill the fuck out with that queen bee shit! said Peter while looking around. Tonight, the queen bee ain’t here! Just a bunch of bees wait’n to land in my honeycomb.

Yeah, okay playa! said Teddy sarcastically. Let’s make a toast! Teddy held his glass up to Peter. To my best friend since the third grade, who could never keep a girl unless he had her tied up and gagged in his closet. Both laughed. No, but seriously man! To my best friend since the third grade—we always had each other’s back through it all—I wouldn’t change a day in time. Happy birthday dude, and I hope you’re blessed with many more. I love ya man. Tapping each other’s glass.

Thanks man. I didn’t know you cared! said Peter in a joking manner.

I don’t! said Teddy as he laughed.

But seriously dude, said Peter, I still can’t believe it myself that you been with the same woman for all this time—since the fourth grade! I mean normally people don’t fall in love til at least their high school years. But you—you fell in love when you were still wearing spider-man drawers.

Both laughed as Peter began to get tipsy.

Ya know—I can’t explain it, said Teddy with a smile. There was just something about Donna that made me to never wanna take my eyes off of her.

Yeah—and that something was called booty control that she had over you, said Peter laughing.

Nooo, it wasn’t her booty—well kinda, cuz she did have a great booty, said Teddy as he smiled and began to reminisce. You remember when we were kids and we used to buy those box of sparkles—we would light’em and they would stay sparkling for about sixty seconds then fizz out? Peter nodded. Well, Donna was my sparkle. She had this sparkle circling her face that never fizzed out. You used to ask me why I was always running to school in the morning and I’d tell you I was trying to get some ice-cream from the cafeteria before it was all gone, but really I just wanted to get a seat next to Donna before someone beat me to it. You know me—I used to miss a lot of school til I met her. But I tell you what—after I met her, I didn’t miss another day!

Yeah—you got booty whipped in the fourth-grade! said Peter laughing.

Hey, you can make fun of me all you want. All I know is, Donna’s been my whole life since then, and plus she’s blessed me with a great son, Alex.

Yeah, yeah, whatever. I’m gonna go roll up on some hunnies, said Peter as he got up from his seat, staring at a girl wearing a red catsuit walking towards him.

You care to dance with me birthday boy? said the girl with a coy expression.

You read my mind cat woman, said Peter with a serious look as they went to go dance. Later Teddy.

Ten minutes later, as Teddy remained sitting down in VIP, a couple of beautiful females, one black and one white, both wearing short dresses, approached him very closely.

I know a handsome well-built man like you is not sitting here all alone, said the black female in a professional voice.

Well, I’m not really alone, said Teddy with a smile. I’m here with one of my boys.

Yeah we saw him go on the dance floor, said the white female as she and her friend sat down closely beside Teddy. One was on each side of him. You don’t mind us sitting here, do you? asked the white female as she slid her hand over Teddy’s thigh and squeezed it.

Teddy quickly became uncomfortable and politely removed her hand from his thigh.

I don’t mind you just sitting here—and talking, said Teddy slightly nervous.

So, are you enjoying yourself tonight? asked the white female with a smile as she attempted to rest her hand again on Teddy’s thigh. Again, Teddy politely removed her hand.

Yeah—I’m just enjoying the music, said Teddy becoming irritated.

Would you like to enjoy these instead? asked the black female as she leaned over and forced her shiny double D’s in his face.

Teddy was caught off guard by her doing such.

Uhhh—I gotta go to the restroom! said Teddy as he jumped up from his seat. He almost tripped walking as the white female grabbed his leg.

Teddy made it to the restroom and began thinking.

I’ll just wait in here for about twenty minutes. I know those girls will get tired waiting for me and go somewhere else. I hope to God they leave!

Twenty minutes later as Teddy began to exit the restroom, the same two females were waiting for him as they stood together blocking the door. Teddy was very surprised.

We thought you were making camp in there, said the black female as she smiled and rubbed his mustache.

Uhhh—I had to do a number two! said Teddy nervously.

Well, now that you’re done with your number two—care to do a threesome with us? asked the black female seductively as she drew her lips close to his while rubbing his chest. Mmm, you just a six-foot candy bar wait’n to be gobbled up.

Teddy was shocked as his eyes lit up, but kept his composure and began to smile.

Ladies, ladies—I truly appreciate all the attention, but the one you should be looking for is the birthday boy, Peter, on the dance floor.

Okay—fine! said the black female with a disappointing stare.

We can take a hint. Both females quickly hugged, gripping each other’s butt and French kissed in front of Teddy. You could’ve had all of this—and more, said the white female in a sexy voice.

Tempting, but I’ll pass, said Teddy as he grinned. Enjoy your evening ladies, as he made his way back to his table and sat down, giving a huge sigh of relief.

Over the next hour or so, Peter continued to enjoy his birthday as he danced with almost every female in the Casino. Meanwhile, Teddy tried his hand at the Blackjack table. He had played the game before but wasn’t that good at it. He just wanted to play a little bit to take his mind off of the two thirsty females. Surprisingly, he won numerous hands. As he continued to play and win, he drew a wondering crowd around his chair to cheer him on. His eyes became red like the devil from the cigarette smoke that pondered across the table from the other players. He was on a roll as if he couldn’t lose. However, Teddy being the practical guy that he was, knew that his luck would not last forever, so he decided to quit while he was ahead. He cashed out at over $2000. As he made his way back to his VIP table, crowd members patted him on the back for his huge winnings. After he sat down and caught his breath from the excitement of winning, one of the waitresses brought over two boxes of cigars and sat them down on the table in front of Teddy. The waitress raised the lid on one of the boxes.

Wow! The owner certainly is generous to me and Peter, sending over these expensive cigars.

Oh, these aren’t from the owner, said the waitress. They’re from the gentleman sitting over there at the other VIP table. Both of them looked over in his direction as the gentleman was accompanied by five beautiful women sitting with him. The gentleman dressed business like and had a bad burn mark on the right side of his face.

He wanted me to invite you to his table.

For real? Do you know who the guy is?

Not really. I’ve seen him in here once or twice. However, I’ve heard he’s got money to burn.

Obviously! These Dominican cigars are like $30,000 a box.

Can’t hurt to go over and talk to him. I’ll watch the cigars for you sweetie.

Hesitatingly, Teddy stood up and slowly walked over to the unknown gentleman’s table.

Excuse me, I’m Teddy. You sent the cigars to my table.

Yes, yes, please have a seat! said the gentleman as he motioned for the women to leave his table. I’m honored that you would come over and talk with me even though you don’t know who I am.

Hey, it’s the least I could do after you were kind enough to send over those OpusX cigars, even though you don’t know me, as he smiled.

Hmmm, I see you know your cigars!

Of course. I like to puff a good one here and there.

Well, I sent them to you as a little gift for winning at the Blackjack table. I like playing games myself. I loved the way you maintained a cool head and knew when to quit the game when you were ahead. That truly impressed me. Most people get greedy by going for the gold and end up with not a pot to piss in—and let’s not forget how you got rid of those two hungry females by using polite choice of words as not to sound arrogant but rather just not interested. Smiling. So, you see, I do know you somewhat.

You’ve seen a lot tonight. But what I don’t get is how those cigars are some of the most expensive and rarest in the world, yet somehow you have boxes of them to give away, said Teddy curiously.

The gentleman laughed as he puffed on his cigar.

And that deserves an explanation, said the gentleman, but first, let me properly introduce myself before we go any further. Just call me Luther.

Pleasure to meet you Luther. Shook hands.

Nooo, the pleasure is all mine, believe me. As far as what I do for a living—well, I acquire things from all over the world, such as real estate, companies, exotic animals, whatever. You name it—it probably has my stamp on it somewhere. Here’s one of my cards if I can ever be of any service. To make a long story short—I’m a very wealthy man with more money than I know what to do with, and I like making people’s dreams come true. Teddy quickly looked at the card and put it in his wallet. Regarding the cigars—you know how when you want something bad enough, you’ll do anything to get it—I mean anything, no matter what the price is or the consequence? as he stared deeply at Teddy. Well I happen to love expensive cigars, so I do whatever I have to do to get them or whatever else I desire—by any means. Don’t you?

Yeah, but I do have my limitations.

Awwh, a man with limitations, said Luther smiling. Just like at the Blackjack table.

Yeah, just like at the Blackjack table. I work hard to get what I want in life and I believe everything comes in due time. But quite obviously, I’m not gonna sell my soul to get what I want.

"You won’t sell your soul or you haven’t yet?" asked Luther.

You’re joking, right?

No, I’m dead serious, said Luther with a grave expression.

No! I will never sell my soul today, tomorrow, for anything! You must be smoking some serious crack dude!

Teddy got a little perturbed from Luther’s question.

Luther began to laugh.

Gotcha! It was a joke Teddy! I was only joking. Calm down my friend, as he patted Teddy on the knee. I thought you were cool-headed. Here—have a drink, as he slid over a bottle of wine in Teddy’s direction.

No thank you. I have plenty at my table.

You strike me as a family man Teddy. I say that because you’re a man of limitations. You have a sensitive side and those are important factors if you want your marriage to continue working.

Teddy looked confused.

I never said I was married.

Oh, I was only assuming. Are you?

Yes—I am, but I don’t see how that’s any of your concern.

Hey—I apologize, said Luther. You’re absolutely right. It’s none of my concern. It’s just that if you’re married, I was wondering why your loving wife isn’t here with you or you at home with her. Teddy displayed a look of frustration. You know there’s a lot of evil people in the world that’ll sneak in through the back door and take what’s yours or hurt the person you love so dearly, so I would say cherish your lovely wife every day. You never know what ugly things could happen to her when you least expect it.

I think I’ve heard about enough! said Teddy. Luther, Luscious, whatever your name is—thank you for your hospitality but you can have the damn cigars back!

Oh, please keep them. I would be insulted if you gave them back. I do apologize if I was out of line with my words. Sometimes I tend to get carried away, but please keep the cigars.

You have a good night sir, said Teddy as he walked away.

As Teddy walked away, he became very startled as he heard the raised voice of Luther through the crowd.

Good luck with your bank loan tomorrow!

Teddy immediately stopped walking with a surprised look. He was shocked as to how could Luther possibly know about his meeting with the bank tomorrow. He quickly turned around to look at Luther, but he was no longer at his table and nowhere in sight as he attempted to search for him. After no success of finding him, Teddy went back to his own table and sat down with a troubled look.

Moments later and unexpectedly, Teddy felt a touch of something on his thigh. Obviously, he already knew it was one of the aggressive females from earlier, so he became agitated.

Stop touching me! said Teddy as he quickly jerked his neck around to the left to see which one it was. At the same time, he felt embarrassed because he saw no one beside him. He immediately looked down and noticed that his cell phone had fallen out of his pocket and was vibrating next to his thigh.

COME HOME NOW, cell phone text from Donna. Attached to the text was a photo of a silky red thong, red pumps, bottle of honey, and a can of creamy whip cream laying neatly on the bed. Teddy’s eyes lit up like the fourth of July as he quickly forgot about the unpleasant conversation with Luther.

Dayuum! Peter! We gotta go! said Teddy ecstatically as he looked up toward the dance floor at Peter. Peter! Peter!"

Immediately, Teddy texted his wife back informing her that he was on his way home. Moments later, Peter came back to his table with a drink in his hand and very tipsy with a slurred voice.

Whatchu—yell’n bout—Teddy boy? asked Peter. You grinning—from ear to ear—like the grinch—stole Christmas.

Look at this! said Teddy as he showed the cell phone text to Peter.

Oh shit! Somebody gettn—sticky tonight—Mr. Grinch, said Peter as he continued to drink.

Look, I want you to sit down right here. I’ll be right back.

Teddy quickly made his way over to the Persian hostess, Klarissa, and whispered in her ear. Afterward,