AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 17
Mikel
Mikel woke to the sounds of birds and the smell of campfire. He pulled Remy closer to him, breathing in her scent. She had given him complete trust. He would do whatever it took to deserve her love.
When he’d told her he was done weeks ago, he had meant it. He was done working with Joe, was cutting back on his pills, and had stopped using the heavier stuff. He only took the oxys when he really needed them. As he studied her sleeping profile, a wave of determination came over him. He was gonna get clean for her.
* * *
The following weekend, Mikel drank the last of his beer, signaling to Charli, the bartender, that he was ready for another. She set an ice-cold bottle in front of him while collecting his empty before helping another patron.
“So, how is everything going with you?” Bently asked, his voice raised to be heard over the reggae band playing on stage.
“Fine.”
“Haven’t seen much of you lately.” Bently searched the crowded room, no doubt for his conquest of the night.
“I’ve been busy.” His sex drive had been in overdrive since cutting back on the pills. He wanted Remy constantly, and when they were together, she was more than happy to oblige. Sometimes she even initiated it. It was like he couldn’t get enough of her. Remy was his new high. Sinking inside her every day was the highlight of his existence, each time seeming better than the last.
Bently turned to study him. As if reading his thoughts, he smirked. “I bet you have. I’ve never seen you so wrapped up in a girl. Who would have thought my little brother would fall for Remy Stone?”
Mikel took a long drink from his beer before he responded, “I love her.”
“You think that’s some big revelation?” Bently laughed, his eyes darting back to the growing crowd at The Shipwreck.
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”
Bently stood and patted him on the shoulder roughly. “It means, baby brother, that sometimes you’re a little slow on the uptake.”
Mikel swung his arm, hitting Bently in the chest.
“Hey, now. That’s assault on a police officer.” His brother laughed.
“You still using that same old line?” Andre said, walking up to the empty stool beside them. “Dude, it got old the first time you used it fresh out of the academy. It was funny once. It won’t be again.”
“Well, if you’ll excuse me, ladies. I have another engagement to occupy my time with rather than your sorry excuses.” Bently laughed as he walked towards a group of women. He had them giggling at something he said within thirty seconds.
“Is he ever gonna learn?” Andre asked, waving Charli over.
“What can I get you, honey?” She wiped the counter with a white cloth.
“Rum and Coke, beautiful,” he flirted.
“Coming right up.” Her long dark hair flicked behind her as she left to prepare his drink.
Andre turned his focus back to Mikel. “How ya doing? Been a while since we hung out without my little sister hanging off you.”
“Hey, I can’t help that she’s cooler than you,” Mikel teased.
Andre laughed, before his expression grew serious. “I’m happy for you two, man. I gotta say, I was worried in the beginning. I can tell you really are treating her right.”
“I love her,” he said, hoping to put his friend’s mind at ease. Saying it out loud brought a comforting warmth to his chest. The more he said it, the easier it got. He’d never thought he was capable of letting someone in, but Remy had somehow slipped past his barriers, going where none had gone before.
“Really? Have you told her that yet?”
Mikel nodded.
Andre smiled and looked towards the entrance. “He’s not as dumb as he looks, folks.” Dre winked at Charli who left his drink before smiling and returning to wait on another customer. “I’m happy for you, man. But now, I have to go greet my date for the night. This chick might just be the one.”
