AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“From who?”
He stiffened at my question, but for the first time gave me an answer. “My work, Rocco.”
“Why do you deal with him? Just get rid of him. All you seem to do is argue.” I felt his chest move with his chuckle and pulled my head back from him slightly to study what I could of his face in the dark room. The cold air whirred through the vent, and I pulled the cover over us and burrowed into his warm body.
“If I got rid of all the people I argued with, we would not be sleeping in this bed.”
“Threatening to kill me again?” I rolled my eyes as he pulled me to him tightly.
“I will make you the promise that I will never say those words to you again.”
“Oh, well, thank you for that,” I said sarcastically.
“That does not mean I will not kill you,” he chuckled as I pinched his nipple and twisted hard.
“Fuck, woman,” he bit out in pain, pinning me to the bed, his hips spreading my legs as he made his way between them.
I felt his hard stare on my face as he spoke next. “If I trust you with this tomorrow, you will not get a second chance.”
“I know,” I whispered.
We spent the rest of the night whispering back and forth as he told me of his home in Italy, of his one sister, Tula, and her nine children. He’d even confessed his love for airplanes and told me he owned a small one he flew at home. I only put a word in here and there as he told me stories of himself and a younger, less angry, Rocco, who was his cousin. The last thing I remembered was a caress of lips on my collarbone before I drifted away.
I woke up just as the sun was peeking through the motel blinds and went back to Amber’s room, lying down next to her, watching her sleep. She shook and twitched, clammy, and covered in a thin veil of sweat, but remained asleep. I used to watch her for hours when she was young, worried that one more abusive hit or word from my mother would break her. But every day she’d wake up, ready to face her. It was if she mentally prepared herself in the few minutes from the time she woke up before she went downstairs.
I wondered how she’d conquered her stammer and lisp. She’d spoken perfectly last night, without pause. I assumed my mother’s death had a lot to do with it. I turned to stare at the ceiling, contemplating how to get out of my predicament with Laz without more bloodshed. What I did know was that money talked in these parts and it spoke volumes. I could give him enough to start a new life somewhere. It wasn’t too late for him. I realized last night, no matter how much he hated me, how much he wanted to hurt me, I wanted different for him.
Seeing him last night had physically hurt, though I didn’t let it show.
But his choices were his own. I wasn’t responsible for the way his life turned out. Life after Dyer was anything but easy for me. I had struggled long after I left, at the cruelty of Ray, at school, at life. And why the hell was my sister so tied up with Laz? She could’ve left like I had. She could’ve done whatever it took to get out of here like I had.
“I have a son,” my sister whispered, startling me. “They took him a week ago.”
I turned to her. “His grandmother, she found out I was using again. I can’t deal without him. I’ve tried to get clean so many times, but it may be too late.”
“How can I help you?”
“I have to show I’m capable. I have to get clean, have a stable home for him. It’s legal now.”
“What’s his name?” I asked, curious.
“Joseph. He’s two.” I imagined a ginger baby with brown eyes just like hers and a sweet smile. “I cannot live without him, Taylor. I fucked up. I’ll do whatever it takes. I can’t be this person anymore.”
I nodded, knowing this I would help her with for however long it took. “Why didn’t Laz help you?” Even as I said the words, I was glad she’d contacted me.
“He’s a well-known drug dealer, and even if he gave me the money, Dyer isn’t where I want to raise my son. Laz never wanted me smoking, and he never gave it to me. I started on my own. He lied last night to get under your skin. He’s not the monster you think he is.”
I shook my head. “Then why all the theatrics last night, Amber? What the hell is wrong with him?”
“I think he loves you and hates you in equal measure. I never thought he would pull shit like that when he called you. But I’m guessing he didn’t plan on extra company.” She nodded her head in the direction of the motel room next to us as her lips began to shiver involuntarily.
“Yeah, about him,” I said as I eyed her. “Let’s not air our business in front of him. He already knows too much, and he wants Laz dead.”
“Who is he?” she asked, pushing her auburn hair away from her forehead.
“Good question. Go shower, clean up. I have to talk to Laz, and we’ll get you back to Charleston.”
“Charleston?”
