Dirty Nails (7 page)

It was worth it too.

When he opened the doors to the dining room, he was in shock.

“Happy Birthday,” I whispered into his ear.

All of his friends and colleagues were there waiting. Thankfully the boys around here gathered everyone he knew. There were people outside these walls that I had no way of contacting, but they must have reached everyone. The place was full. So many faces, and lots of them I didn’t even recognize.

He was so surprised. He turned to smile at me. It was genuine and it touched me all the way to my soul. He didn’t actually say the words, but a thank you was there in his eyes and that smile took my breath away.

Samuel (Max’s brother) and his wife Brandy were the first to approach. He was so pumped up about the party that he actually shook his brother’s hand and acknowledged that he was there. I exchanged hugs with Brandy and thanked them for being there before we moved along to the next guests. They didn’t seem upset. The fact that Max didn’t say one cross word was enough to keep them happy. Usually those two brothers were down each other’s throats before we got through the first course of our meal.

Max introduced me to a few people before the meal was served. The long table was filled tonight. Not an empty seat in sight and I was shocked. One face that was absent was Sketch. I thought I had spotted him in the room earlier, but now he wasn’t.

“I’ll help serve the wine,” I said, making an excuse to exit. Max didn’t object. He nodded instead, and went back to his conversation.

The kitchen was where I found him. He was at the table facing out toward the back deck.

“You didn’t want to eat with us?” I asked as I collected another bottle of wine.

“The table was full,” he said and continued to eat.

“You could have my spot. I’m sure Max will want you there, and he would rather you had a place at the table than me.” Which was true. I’m easily replaced.

“No thanks,” he looked at me briefly. “I’m fine right here, and he won’t notice I’m gone if you don’t say anything.”

That was a warning. His deep, demanding voice told me so.

I didn’t say anything else, just carried the wine back to the table. I barely spoke during dinner, but I was okay with that. Listening to Max cut up with his friends was enough for me. He was light and carefree. Rarely did I see him like this, so I was taking full advantage.

The meal ended, but the party didn’t. Everyone made their way over into the larger room where I normally performed. The tables were still set up and I had the maid make sure that the music was on but not too loud.

Drinks were continually served for hours. The night never seemed to really take off without a hitch. The more they drank the rowdier they got.  I tried to linger in the shadows, but Max had other plans for me. He had me attached to his hip the entire evening. Lurking in the shadows where I was supposed to be was Sketch. He stood posted up in every corner throughout the night. Always had a drink in his hand, and scanning the room as if he was security for the president. Truthfully he was the hardest person ever to figure out. When Max wasn’t around he was different. Yet, when he was, Sketch acted like he was military security. He never faltered.

              His black slacks and black dress shirt kept him hidden in the shadows to everyone.

              But me…

              I knew he was there before I saw him. You know that feeling that you get when you know someone’s watching you. I could never prove it because when I would find his eyes, they were never on mine.

              Something about his devilish stance and his demeanor screamed trouble. Lucky for him, I liked trouble. Not so lucky for me though. He was everything I didn’t need, and yet my bitchy body betrayed me every time he was within reach. The sex appeal was far too tempting, and a part of me felt like I would take a beating to steal a kiss from him.

              Just one.

              The only thing stopping me was that I knew that Max would kill him. For spite, he’d probably make me watch.

              Instead I tightened my hold on Max’s waist and played my part. The good girl, who was madly in love with him. That was all he needed to know.

              More people were arriving and I had never seen these faces before. Max was beyond the drunken point. He was flying high, and loving every minute of it.

              “Oh my God, I can’t believe it.” Max yelled across the room. Several men walked in, in a group. “Come on baby, I have someone you need to meet.” He tugged my arm and pulled me in their direction.

              “Hey man. How long has it been?” The tallest guy said. He had on a pair of glasses and wore a navy blue suit. His voice was scratchy and he had to be at least Max’s age if not older.

              “Too damn long.” Max replied. He pulled the guy into a big hug. It shocked me. He never acted that way towards anyone.

              “Word got around about a special birthday party.” The man smiled. “Figured I’d pay my oldest friend a visit.”

              “I can’t believe it. It’s been years.” Max stumbled on his feet and I wrapped my arm around his to steady him.

              “This her?” The man pointed at me.

              “Yes it is.” Max grinned. “This beauty is, Shay.”

              The guy arched his brow and gave me a once over. The look that he and Max shared was awkward to say the least. I felt like there was some kind of joke they were both in on, and I had yet to hear the punch line.

              “Jim,” he said stretching out his arm. He offered me his hand.

              “Nice to meet you.” I put my small hand inside the man’s overly large one. His hands were cold as ice. I expected them to be hot like the devils. There was something alarming about him and I didn’t want to touch him anymore than I had too. He had this one creepy eye and I felt like it was looking at me while the other one wasn’t. He was jacked up.

              “Likewise,” he kissed the top of my hand.

              I could feel the bile rising in my throat.

              “Coats Shay,” Max snapped.

              I pulled my hand back quickly offering to take all of their coats. I needed to get the hell out of there. I took the coats of all four of the men and left them there to catch up.

              “Shay,” I heard my name being called as I walked down the hallway to the spare room where we were keeping the coats.

              “What?” I said to Sketch. I didn’t have to turn around to know that it was him. I had to hurry. Being away too long would get me in trouble.

              “Listen to me.” He followed me into the room and closed the door behind us.

              “What is it Sketch?”

              “Stay away from that guy out there. Keep your distance. I mean it.”

              “The big guy with the glasses?” I asked.

              “Yes, I’m serious.”

              “You know I can’t do that. He’s Max’s oldest friend.” I exaggerated the word oldest. The man was old. “He’s not going to let me leave his side. In fact I need to go back now.”

              “Would you listen to me?” He pushed my back against the wall. “Don’t get too close to him.”

              His eyes were locked on mine and his grip was tight.

              “Okay,” my voice was barely above a whisper. It was his fault. He was too far into my personal space, and I didn’t understand where his hostility was coming from. The man can’t hurt me, at least not while Max was around. He wouldn’t let them. If anyone would hurt me, it’d be Max.

              “Who is he?” I asked.

              “No time for that. You need to go.” Those were his words, but he didn’t release me. I stood there in a bit of shock. One minute he said to listen, one minute he said to go. I was confused. He inched closer to my face, and for a second I thought he was going to kiss me. My stomach was fluttering on the inside, and my breathing was erratic.

              His eyes looked at my lips and slowly moved back up my face. The heat from his eyes felt like it was lighting me on fire.

              I was lost.

              Gone.

              “Go,” he said again, but I couldn’t move.

              I cleared my throat. “You’re holding me.”

              He released me, and stepped back. I could see his chest rise and fall with each breath. He swallowed hard. “Now, Shay.”

              What was he fighting against? I watched it play out on his face. His jaw clenched and I practically ran from the room. He was getting angry.

              I wondered how he knew Jim. The crazy eyed man. Whatever he knew was bad, otherwise he wouldn’t be trying to protect me from it.

              I entered the room quietly as if I hadn’t been away long. I didn’t want to draw any kind of attention to myself. A few people had cleared out, but it was still crowded. The lights along the red walls gave the room a somber glow. The whole house had that feel. The only light room in the house was the kitchen. Maybe that was why I liked that room so much.

              “Shay love,” Max said as he wrapped his fingers tightly around my waist.

              I curved myself to fit firmly against his side.

              “This was an amazing birthday party.” His words were slurred in my ear.

              “I’m glad you thought so. I wanted it to be special for you.”

              “It is.” He kissed my temple.

              I yawned. I hadn’t even realized how tired I was. It had to be well past midnight.

              “Would you like to go to bed?” He asked.

              Really.

              I looked up at him. Was he serious?

              “Yes I would.”

              “Okay. I know you’re tired.”

              This was it. This was my thanks. He knew it, and so did I. “I love you Maxwell.” I kissed him lightly on the lips.

              “And I love you.” He said, and I knew that he did. I was a big part of his life. “You have to say goodbye to my friends and tell them goodnight, and in the morning I want you to clean up the mess downstairs.”

              And there it went, all that good that I was reveling in. I guess I’ll take what I can get.

              “I’ll take care of it.”

              “Of course you will.” He slapped me hard on the ass.

              “Goodnight gentlemen.” I said to the table of men that Max called his friends. I inched back a little when Jim stood up. This was the man that Sketch didn’t want me near.

              “Goodnight.” He stretched out his hand again.

              I didn’t want to touch him.

              Max nudged his arm into my back, and I nearly fell on top of the man.

              He caught me, and I saw the tattoo, the tattoo on his arm that haunted my dreams for many years. The snake. It was there on his arm where his sleeve was rolled up. It was him.

              He was the man that killed my parents.

              I let him kiss my hand and pretended I didn’t see it, but my heart was in my stomach. I needed my nails.

              When I looked back at Max he had an evil look in his eyes. I was rude to his friend. I bowed my head and walked past them to leave. Max caught me and whispered in my ear.

              “Be nice, love. You know what you’ll get if you don’t. Thank you for my party.” He kissed my cheek and watched me walk away.

              I didn’t give a fuck about any of the words that had came out of his mouth. I needed to get the hell away. I needed my nails and fast.

              I didn’t think that I could make it back to my room. I was panicking. I felt like my heart would explode out of my chest.

              Max’s best friend killed my parents. Did he know? Oh God.

              “I got you.” I heard just as my head was supposed to hit the floor. Everything went dark.

Nine- Lies

I couldn’t catch my breath. I sat up in the bed.

“It’s okay. I’m here. Just breathe, Shay.”

Sketch stood next to my bed. How long had he been there?

“My nails.” I said breathless. “In the drawer. I need them.”

He scrambled with the drawer and pulled out my bag.

I snatched it from his hand and emptied the contents onto my lap. I dug the nails deep into my arm until it bled. It wasn’t enough. I put them to the other arm and dug them in. More blood, but not enough release. I pulled my leg out from the blanket, and poked the pointed end of the nails at my thigh.

“Dammit Shay. Stop it. You’re bleeding. That’s enough.” He reached for the nails but I fought him away.

“It’s not enough. It still hurts Sketch.” I cried. “It’s not enough. He killed them.”

Sketch pulled me to him and hugged me so tight. I couldn’t stop crying. It hurt. My heart was hurting. I squeezed him so hard that my fingertips ached.

“Make it go away.”

He pulled away from me, and brushed all the nails onto the floor.

“No,” I tried to dive off the bed after them.

“You’ve done enough.”

“No, no, no, please.”

“Both arms are bleeding. It’s enough.” He grabbed my face roughly. “It’s enough.”

My eyes closed tightly and the tears slid down my face. I hated him, and I hated Sketch. They took everything away.

I hate you. I hate you. I hate you.
I thought just before his lips landed hard against mine.

My body fell limp against his. He devoured my lips like I was the last girl he’d ever get to touch. I took it all too. Every piece he would give me. My lips were tingling against his and every part of my body ignited. I couldn’t remember anything. Not even my name. His full lips were made to be against mine. Nothing had ever felt so good. And my body had never felt so alive.

Hungrily, he slipped his tongue between my parted lips. I moaned in pleasure as his warm, wet tongue massaged mine. Nothing else mattered at that moment. He ravaged me, like the beast I knew he was.

When he pulled away, I had to touch my lips to see if it was real. They were swollen beneath my fingertips. I wanted him, more now than ever. I couldn’t deny the way my body yearned for his.

He looked away from my eyes, and when I reached my hand up to touch his face he grabbed it. “Don’t.”

The blood dripped down from my arm onto his pants.

“Why? Why can’t I touch you?”

“I did what I needed to do. You’re better now. Don’t touch me.” He stood up, and walked into the bathroom.

He came back holding a wet cloth. “Clean up,” he threw it at me.

I was stunned. Speechless. He was a ruthless, heartless, gutless, ugh… He was seriously pissing me off.

“You just kissed me to make me stop fighting, and to shut me up.”

“Yeah, now keep your voice down.”

I almost laughed.

Loud.

“You’re a real piece of work, you know that.” I said through gritted teeth. I just shook my head. “Asshole.” I said under my breath.

“What?” He got in my face. He was so close that I could choke on his cologne.

“I said you’re an asshole. What are you going to do now, hit me? Go ahead.” Two could play his fucking games. I’ve survived a blow to the head before, and I’ll do it again. It’d be worth it.

He growled. “God you’re pushing me. Fucking stop it already.”

That’s what I thought. I matched his stares, and didn’t look away. Maybe I knew deep down that he wouldn’t hit me. It wasn’t a guarantee, but I had a feeling.

Or maybe I was wrong. He wrapped his hands around my neck. “I told you not to make me hit you again. I wasn’t kidding. Now can you shut up please?”

I nodded quickly. Just because he didn’t want to hit me, didn’t mean that he wouldn’t.

He released me, and I rubbed my throat. He turned his back to me and started mumbling. When he got angry or upset it got worse.

“What do you know?” I asked. Taking the wet cloth, I rubbed it on the parts of my arms that were still bleeding.

“Everything.” He said but his back was still turned towards me.

“You have to tell me.”

“No,” he looked at me.

“Does Max know that Jim or Snake or whatever the hell his name is, killed my parents?”

“Yes, now I’m not saying anything else.”

“You’re lying.” I moved farther away from him. “You’re a liar.”

“No I’m not. I don’t have a reason to lie, and you’ll do good to keep your mouth shut. Otherwise you’ll be the next person that we’ll be burying.”

Was he lying? He had to be lying. Maxwell and my dad were friends. He couldn’t have known. Sketch knew too much. He was involved in this whole mess somehow, and I kissed him. I kissed the enemy. Max wouldn’t have been protecting me all of these years if he’d been involved. It’s not true.

Nothing made sense. Sketch was trying to protect me from that man. I was trying to wrap my head around this whole mess. Somebody was lying to me, and I’d figure out who it was. In the meantime, I needed to find some way to kill Jim. That bastard would die if it were the last thing I did. I don’t care if I have to go down with him.

“I know what you’re thinking, and you need to stop. It won’t work.”

“What are you talking about?” I tried to play dumb. All the questions, all the lurking, it was over. He wasn’t getting another piece of information out of me. For all I knew, he could have been involved. I couldn’t trust anyone.

“You’re plotting, and what you’re gonna do is get yourself killed.”

“Maybe so.” I shrugged.

“Whatever, not my problem. But I’ll be damned if you’re going to take me with you. I’ve worked too hard, and I suggest you keep my name out of your mouth. I don’t want to hurt you, but I will. I can make it look like you died by your own hands. Get my drift?”

Oh I got his drift all right. It was all anyone had planned around this place. Kill or be killed right?

He thinks he can sneak around and get information when no one was looking. He was wrong. I was looking, and I’ll be better at it.

“Get to sleep.”

It went all through me when he told me what to do.

He stepped closer to the bed and I wanted to hide myself away. His pants hung low on his hips and the top two buttons on his shirt were undone. That pissed me off too. What was worse was that he knew that he affected me. That kiss proved it.

I tucked the blanket around me, but kept my eyes open. How could I sleep? Fourteen years of my life was a lie.

I tried to stay angry to keep from crying, but it was no use. It felt like a wasted life. I just needed to get some answers. I had to know if Max was involved. He took me in.

I tried to close my eyes, but all I could see was that tattoo. The one that held the knife that stabbed my parents.

I’ll get him.

I will.

The snake will die.