Painkiller (Fatally Flawed Book 4) Read online

  “Well I wouldn’t want you to get into any trouble. So, I’ll have a coffee. Two sugars, please.” I state, watching as she bites her bottom lip. I can see the desire flare in her eyes as she stares into mine. Before rolling away, she takes another menu out of the pocket of her tiny black apron. “Why don’t you have a look at our special menu while you wait for your coffee.” She suggests.

  Watching as her tiny ass sways away, I open the new menu, before looking down. There aren’t many choices on this one, but the options alone are enough to get my full attention. Glancing up briefly, I see those blue eyes staring at me over her shoulder. A confident smile on her face. When she is handed my coffee, she grabs two packages of sugar, then makes her way back toward me.

  “Is there anything else I can get you?” She says, placing the steaming mug on the table. “Careful, it’s hot.” She whispers, bending over and pursing her lips to cool the hot liquid. I’m still a man, so there is no stopping my eyes from zeroing in on her breast she has on full display.

  “There were several things that seem worth trying.” I say to her, keeping my voice low enough that only she can hear me. “I think I would like to start off with the banging banana blowjob.”

  She rises back up to her full height, taking the pen from behind her ear. “I’ve heard they are quite the delight. Has all the customers coming back for more.” She states, making an emphasis on the coming. “I would also recommend the bent over backwards burger. I get a feeling a man like you would enjoy that.”

  Pretending to look down at the menu, I inwardly smile knowing she will have a cute reaction to my next request, “I think I’d prefer the awesome anal pie.” I manage to declare with a straight face. I watch as her eyes get as big as saucers before she snatches the menu from my hand. “That is not on the menu, you pervert.” She chastises me. Grabbing onto her hand before she can roll away, I can’t help the laugh that escapes, “I was just joking, April.”

  With a hand on her hip, she tries to hide the amusement on her face before saying. “Way to ruin our waitress night, butt munch. Do you have any idea how long it took me to get into this outfit?”

  Making sure to give her a slow examination, I let the desire show in my eyes, “I’m only worried about how long it will take me to get you out of it.” Standing to my full height, I pull her into me, grabbing onto her ass to keep her from getting away.

  “Meet me in the bathroom.” I whisper into her ear, slowly letting go and walking away. The diner I choose tonight only has two other customers, and the staff could care less what goes on in the bathroom. That is something I learned as a teenager. Knowing April will follow I don’t bother turning around. I need this tonight, need someone to help me get my mind off the one person I shouldn’t be thinking about.

  Chapter 2

  Bethany

  Staring down into a set of the prettiest blues eyes I’ve ever seen, Violet gives me a tiny smile, looking so much like K.J. it’s uncanny. She has his eyes, his nose, and her dark hair will most likely lighten, over the months, turning the same shade of blonde as his.

  “You are too beautiful for words.” I whisper, holding her tighter to my chest. I’ve been out of rehab for a little over a week now, and every day I find it gets easier to be back in the real world. I still wake up in the morning with the feelings of guilt and the ache in my chest I’ve grown accustomed to. Sometimes I can feel the shame I carry around start to wrap its invisible hands around my throat, making it hard to breath. Then I remember the words my therapist made sure to tell me at every session. “People make mistakes, Bethany, it’s in our nature. It doesn’t make you unworthy, it makes you human.”

  Shaking my head, trying to rid myself of the thoughts before they can take hold, I look up to find Izzy and Candice watching me. They were both shocked to find out about my addiction and even more stunned to hear what I had done to Dalton. I remember thinking neither of them would speak to me again. Then Candice came by my mom’s house, the day I got home, and let me know how foolish I was for thinking that. She has been through more pain than anyone I’ve ever met, and her kind words are what pushed me to come visit Izzy today. I had planned on staying away, knowing how K.J. feels about me, understanding that Izzy may not want an ex-addict around her daughter.

  “I don’t understand how she can sleep so peacefully during the day. When night time hits she is wide awake and angry, just like her daddy.” Izzy announces, causing me to laugh and startle the baby. Rocking her side to side, she easily forgives me, falling back to sleep.

  “It’s probably colic. I read online that warm baths will help ease the ache.” I state, watching as Izzy and Candice get a look of concern on their face. I had thought coming over here, holding Violet, would be hard, and apparently, they did too. “I’m not going to break down into hysterics, girls. You can stop looking at me like that.”

  Candice is the first to smile, knowing what it’s like to get the look of pity. “Your right, Bethany, We’re sorry. We just worry about you.”

  “I know you do, and I appreciate that more than you know but I’m better now. There is no need to tip toe around me.” I declare, watching as two, genuine, smiles come across their faces.

  “It’s about damn time, girl.” Izzy half shouts, half whispers, trying not to wake the baby.

  “I thought we agreed to watch our language around Violet.” K.J. announces coming into the room, shortly followed by Jasper and Dalton. My body instantly becomes aware of Dalton’s presence, attuned to his every movement, sending a wave of unease over me. Reminded of all the lonely nights I lay awake, silently crying, craving his arms around me. He’s staring, looking between me and Violet, his eyes full of sorrow. I know what he is thinking, because the moment I see him holding this sweet little girl, I’ll be thinking the same. That should’ve been us.

  Not being able to take the look of anguish anymore, I stand up. Walking around K.J. and Jasper, finally making it to Dalton, I give Violet a gentle kiss, inhaling her baby scent, before placing her in Dalton’s awaiting arms. Instantly his face turns down, looking at the most popular lady in the room, and the shadows in his eyes disappear. Replaced with love, forcing the ache in my chest to ease.

  “It’s good to see you, Bethany.” Jasper says, surprising me by patting my back. He has never been affectionate, only to Candice, so the gesture further warms my heart. Realizing that I may not have burned all my bridges, I take a deep breath, thankful for the second chance everyone is giving me.

  ##########

  After eating dinner all us girls are in the kitchen, cleaning dishes, when Izzy finally starts interrogating me. I’m surprised she could hold off this long. “Where are you going to work?” She questions, slowly drying the dishes Candice is washing.

  “I’m thinking about going back to school. I have some money saved up, so now would be as good of a time as any.” I reply, taking the dish from her hand, looking down at some of the water that still clings to the plate.

  “Are you going to stay with your mom until you graduate?” Candice starts cross-examining them making me smile. Reminding me of a movie I once watched, with Dalton, Super Troopers.

  “If you must know, I am currently staying at a hotel, my mother was driving me crazy. I couldn’t take her hoovering anymore.” Not realizing the guys have been listening, from the open doorway, I jump in surprise when Dalton starts talking.

  “You’ve been staying in a hotel?” He asks, more to himself than me, obviously trying to process the information. I stay silent, watching as he starts rubbing his hands through his black hair, the gesture along showing his annoyance. “You didn’t think to call me, and ask to stay in the house that is in both of our names. It’s yours just as much as it is mine, Bethany.” He sighs, voice full of disbelief.

  No longer caring that all our friends are staring at us, K.J. openly giving me a look of dislike, I straighten my spine and try to explain. “It never occurred to me that you would be so willing to help me, after everything I’ve do
ne. Not that I would blame you, Dalton.” With his green eyes piercing into mine, I can see the moment understanding clicks, the scowl on his face disappears, replaced with a small smile.

  “Have you ever known him to turn away a friend.” K.J. remarks, raising his eyebrows on the last word, causing Dalton to give him a warning look. It’s not lost on anyone how K.J. feels about me, and he obviously wants his opinion to be known. He was the one that found me in that drug house, doped out of my mind, having done things I’m glad I don’t remember. Friends is what he thinks Dalton and I should stay.

  “You can have your old room, Bethany.” Dalton offers. “I’m hardly home, since buying into the club with Jasper, most of my time is spent in Vegas. You’ll barely see me.” I try to hide the pain, from not knowing these changes in Dalton’s life, and fake it until I make it. With a forced smile on my face, I shake my head yes, agreeing to move back home. I could save the money I’m spending on the hotel and use it for my tuition. Slowly but surely, I will get my life together, watch out world, Bethany is back.

  Chapter 3

  Dalton

  Walking into the bar, I’m meeting Jasper at, I look around at the unfamiliar layout. This is probably the only bar on this side of Tampa I’ve yet to visit. There are flat screen T.V.s scattered throughout, the biggest of the bunch being behind the bar, currently displaying different sports. I walk past a group of guys playing darts, drunk out of their minds, and past a group of angry females. Judging by the way they are glaring at the drunken men. My guess would be they are all together, and the oblivious males are in big trouble when they get home. The place seems to be crowded, everyone starting to gather around the bar to watch the fight. Scanning the crowds, I finally catch a glimpse of Jasper and Candice.

  “If your muscles were any tighter you could shit out a diamond, buddy.” I say to Jasper. Slapping him on the back and sitting on the empty stool next to his. “It’s not like they are fighting for your belt.”

  “It pisses me off that Trent is letting them fight for any title. I’m still the champion.” Jasper mumbles, obviously upset that the top two contenders in his division will be fighting for the interim belt. “One of these days he is going to push me too far.”

  Looking up at the screen, Trent’s ugly face on full display talking to one of the commentaries for tonight’s fight, I can’t help imagining Jasper ripping his big ears off his head. “What did my dad say about you starting to train again?”

  “He said it could be another month or two. We won’t know until the tests come back on his kidney.” Candice states, speaking for the first time. I give her one of my special smiles, thrilled that she is there to keep Jasper in line when it comes to his health.

  Slapping my hand down on the bar, pissing off the goofy man sitting next to me, “I need a beer and a glass of water for the champ.” I shout to the bartenders back, remembering that Jasper no longer drinks. When she turns around, black hair swinging from her movement, I am met with a pair of familiar blue eyes. A look of recognition appears on her face, but she quickly hides it before glancing towards Jasper and Candice.

  “One beer, one water.” She says, turning around to start making my drinks. “Do you know her?” Candice asks, leaning over Jasper to be nosey. Considering her and Bethany are good friends I feel uncomfortable answering the question. It’s not lost on me that I have every right to see who I want, when I want, but I don’t want to do anything that might affect Bethany’s sobriety.

  “I think I’ve met her once or twice.” I declare, making sure to keep all emotion from my voice. When April’s shoulders stiffen I know she heard my answer, and the boredom in my voice. Keeping her face blank, she softly places the water in front of Jasper. Leaning as far over the bar as she can, she raises my glass of beer over my head. “Here’s your beer, ASSHOLE!” She says, dumping the smelly liquid on my newly washed baseball cap. The white t-shirt I’m wearing gets soaked as well, it’s now sticking to my chest, and some of the liquid splashes on my jeans. After the initial shock wears off, looking into her blue eyes that promise nothing but pain and misery, I start to laugh. April is the only woman I’ve been with since Bethany, and she has never hinted to the fact that she has a feisty side. I think I like it. “Next time you wanna play your freaky sex games do me a favor. DON’T CALL ME.” She shouts out, her eyes wild with anger. My laughter is cut off when a short, balding man, comes around the bar grabbing her by the elbow.

  “My office, now.” He states with authority. Her eyes lose all fight, and she starts staring at the ground as if she is wanting it to swallow her whole. Leading April through the building, her nearly tripping from the fast pace, they enter a room about fifty feet away.

  “That was some reaction from someone you’ve only met once or twice.” Jasper says, breaking the silence around us with his barking laughter. “I like her.” He finishes, slapping me on the back. Candice is staying quiet, sipping on her drink, “I didn’t think she would react like that. Who would have thought she was spirited?” I question, talking more to myself than anyone else. “I think I just got her fired.” I state.

  “I think you should go home and shower.” Jasper says.

  “You’re probably right, but I’m going to wait for her to come out of that room first.” I say, taking my drenched hat off my head placing it on the bar top. Running my hands through my hair, I try to come up with a good way to apologize to April. I may not be in the market for anything serious, but I still have a conscious. She is a good person, someone I’ve enjoyed getting to know, and it doesn’t set well with me that I’ve hurt her. My eyes still on the door April entered, I can hear Jasper and Candice whispering to one another. They must think I’m not paying attention.

  “It’s none of our business.” Jasper tells her, “Dalton is a big boy, he can do what he wants.”

  “She’s my friend Jasper, I don’t want to see her hurt anymore.”

  “Well she should have thought about that before…” Not wanting to hear anymore, I stand up from my stool, placing my hat back on my head. I’ll go wait for April elsewhere.

  “You leaving?” Jasper asks, turning his attention back to me.

  “Yeah, I’m going to apologize to April. Then go home to shower. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I declare, reminding them that they offered to have dinner with us. Bethany is moving back in and I thought it would be easier on her if we had company. I keep telling myself I’m not the one that might regret this decision. That the woman who broke my heart, but still owns it, doesn’t drive me crazy with need and want.

  ##########

  April walks out of the room, never looking in my direction, trying to hide the tears rolling down her cheeks. Moving people out of my way, trying to catch up to her, it’s not until she is outside that I’m able to. “April.” I yell out, surprised when she comes to an abrupt stop. Turning around, she takes a step toward me, placing her bottom lip between her teeth.

  “What happened?” I ask, watching as she, once again, becomes that sassy girl that dumped a beer on my head. “You don’t remember verbally slapping me in the face back there. I understand that to you, I am no more than a wet hole to warm your dick at night, but I’m still human.” She spits out. “I have feelings, Dalton.”

  “I’m sorry.” I try to say over her ranting. “I knew I should not have answered the phone when you called me last week...” She continues, not having heard my apology. Placing my hands on her shoulders, I give her a gentle shake, having a hard time holding back my laughter at this tiny woman trying to take me on. “I said I’m sorry.” I say, drawing out every word, trying to make sure she hears me this time. “You’re not just a warm hole for my trouser snake, you are more than that.”

  Finally, she looks at me with laughter in her eyes, slapping me lightly on the chest, she gives me a genuine smile. “I hope you’re not expecting an apology for me soaking you with beer. You deserved it. I’m not the least bit sorry.”

  She surprises me by getting over her bad mood so q
uickly. Most women like to draw it out, make the man suffer. She’s obviously not someone that holds grudges, not even if it’s deserved.

  “How come I’ve never seen this side of you, April?” I ask, growing more curious by the minute. I’ve spent more time with her the last three months than anyone else, yet I know nothing about her. Unless it has to do with something sexual, I’m pretty sure I know everything about her in that department. “Because the only thing you were interested in seeing was my naked body, Dalton. Not that I blame you, I’m pretty damn sexy.”

  “That’s my line.” I tell her, drawing her in for a kiss. I know this will probably make our situation more difficult, because I’m still not looking for anything serious, but I can’t help myself. Right now, all I can think about is making her lips swollen, getting her eyes glazed over with desire, and her body alive with need. She has managed to do what no one else could, make me forget about everything that went wrong in my life.

  Chapter 4

  April

  Standing on the sidewalk, in front of the bar I was just fired from, Dalton captures my lips in a forceful kiss that has my toes curling in my new heels. The taste of beer has mixed with the taste of mint that’s always there when he kisses me. I lay awake at night craving his flavor. Wanting nothing more than to feel his body weight on top of mine, and that is a problem. Dalton has made it clear that he is not looking for anything serious, especially since he’s still in love with his ex, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Mine wants his arms around me, his smell surrounding me, for more than a few hours every other night.

  Breaking the kiss, he pulls away, a look of regret flashing across his face. Removing his hands from my hips, I take a step back, no longer comfortable being his yo-yo. Three years ago, I was in a relationship that ended abruptly when my fiancée died in a car accident. It’s taken years for me to stop morning his loss and try to move on. I had no intention for it to be with Dalton, but as I said earlier. The heart wants what the heart wants.