Athica Lane: The Carpino Series (20 page)

I barely get out a, “Hello,” before he interrupts me.

“What happened?” he demands over the phone.

I look down at my cappuccino as I wait in the coffee shop for Brian.  He finally texted back, although it was short and curt, agreeing he would meet me for coffee.  I’m fifteen minutes early, I wanted to get a quiet table in the corner so we could talk.  I have his favorite iced tea waiting on him since he doesn’t drink coffee.

“It’s not so bad.  The tires were slashed and a window was broken.  There wasn’t any body damage.  Other than my deductible, my insurance will cover it,” I explain, trying to make the vandalism sound not so bad.

“I don’t care about the car. I’m talking about you.  Sophia said you pushed your way into something for her neighbor and got knocked around.  Are you okay?” he demands, not sounding happy.

“Oh.  I didn’t push my way into anything but I’m fine,” I defend myself.  “I thought you were talking about the car.”

“Your mom said you haven’t called her back.  Tell me what happened,” he says.

I sigh before going into detail about last night, giving him the truth about what went down with Cam’s kids, the creepy guys and Bekki.

“I’m really okay.  I know everyone’s worried but I’ve been busy and haven’t had time to call everyone under the sun.  Please don’t worry,” I say softly.

I hear my dad pause before he sighs, “Sweetheart, I’ll always worry about you.”

“I’m okay,” I insist.

“I’ll call in some favors to look into who was arrested and what’s happening.  Come to the house tonight, I want to see for myself that you’re okay.  If your mom’s not fixing dinner, we’ll take you out,” he says, planning my night.

“Sorry, I can’t.  I told Cam and the kids I’d make them dinner.  They’re still a little shaken from what happened last night.”

Then…silence.

I wait a few more beats and just when I think we got disconnected I call out, “Dad?”

He responds instantly, “I’ll come to you.”

“What?” I exclaim.

“I’ll come after dinner.  I won’t bring your mom, she’d make a spectacle.  But I need to see that you’re okay,” he says.

“I’m fine.  There’s nothing to see,” I insist.

“Listen to me,” he starts.  “You’ll never be a dad who has a baby girl who got herself tossed around by a group of thugs—you don’t get to make that call.”

“Has everyone forgotten that I’m an adult?” I ask sarcastically.

“You’ll always be the baby,” he spits back.  “I’ll stop by after dinner.  It’s done.  Now tell me, what’s Cam doing about his ex-wife?”

“Dad – ” I start.

“Enough,” he uses his dad voice on me before going on.  “What kind of custody arrangement does he have?”

I huff into the phone, “He has them all but two weekends a month.”

“She left his two young children unattended.  What’s he doing about that?” he pushes.

“He’s calling his attorney today.  He said sometimes it can hold things up because he’s in Texas,” I explain.

“I’ll ask him about it tonight,” he says when I look up to see Brian walking toward me wearing a frown.

“I’ve got to go,” I say.  “Thanks for checking on me.”

Brian gets to my table and roughly yanks out the chair across from me to sit. 

“I’ve got a meeting,” my dad says.  “See you tonight.”

“See ya,” I say before disconnecting as I look across at my angry friend.

Brian doesn’t offer a word.

“Thanks for meeting me,” I start.

“What do you want?” he asks coldly.

I lower my voice, “We need to get this out in the open, work through it so we can get back to where we were.”

“That other guy seemed to work through it well enough,” he bites back. 

“He shouldn’t have said what he said.  It wasn’t the time or place.  I’m sorry that happened,” I apologize.

Brian narrows his eyes before leaning back in his chair and folding his arms, “You’re with him.”

“Please,” I lean forward, putting my forearms on the table.  “I need to fix this.  I feel bad and I don’t want to lose your friendship.”

“I don’t want you as a friend,” he coldly bites. 

I instantly sit back in my seat, his words hitting me like a physical blow.

“I’m tired of having you as a friend,” he goes on with a menace to his voice.  He leans forward and levels his normally warm brown eyes on me, but today they’re anything but warm.  They’re cold and sharp. I don’t like the way he looks when he seethes, “I’m tired of having something at my fingertips that I want but can’t grasp.  I’m tired of being with you, but not
being
with you.  I’m tired of waiting.  I’m tired of pretending I don’t want what I’ve wanted,
for-fucking-ever
.  You don’t show an interest in anyone and then all of a sudden you want this older guy with kids?  Fuck, I see it all over your face the two times I’ve seen you with him.  You know how I recognize it?  Because for years I’ve dreamed of you looking at me like that.  Well, I’m done pretending.  I can tell you’re in deep—but mark my words, he’ll hurt you.  I’ll be watching and waiting for it to happen.  And I promise it’ll happen. I’ll know when it does, but from here on out, I have no desire to be your friend.  Don’t call me for coffee and don’t call me to chat.  I’ll be waiting, Paige, and I’ll come to you.”

With that, he pushes off the table, sloshing my cappuccino and the tea he didn’t touch.  People turn to stare when they hear the angry screech of his chair cut through the small coffee shop.  As I reach to settle our drinks, Brian stalks away, looking as angry as he proved he was with his words. 

Squeezing my eyes shut, I try to settle my pounding heart.  Avoiding the stares from around me, I take a deep breath trying to recover from Brian’s outburst.  That was not the way I hoped that would go.  He wasn’t the same person I’ve known since college, the close friend I’ve had for years. 

That was someone different. 

That was someone
very
different. 

Tony, Sr. arrived alone right after dinner, as Paige said he would.  After looking his daughter over and talking to her for five minutes, he must’ve approved of her state of being, both mind and body.  He then turned to me, crossed his arms and frowned, “Tell me what you’re doing about your kids.”

My eyes shot to Paige and she bit her lip while giving her shoulders a little shrug.

“Paige, do us a favor.  Distract the kids so Cam and I can talk,” Tony told his daughter.

I explained there was nothing to talk about. I called my attorney and we have a conference set for Friday.

Tony asked when my kids’ mother had custody again.

I told him the weekend after next.

He pointed out that’s only seven business days and it might as well be three when it comes to court proceedings. 

I thanked him, but told him my attorney would take care of it.

He then informed me he checked in on the situation since his daughter was involved.  He found out my ex was out on bail, but the other guy arrested was still being held on outstanding warrants.  They’re looking for the other two, have some leads as to the connection between them and fucking Bekki.  But his contact couldn’t give him any specifics on that yet.  He hoped to have more soon, his niece is married to an FBI agent and he’s checking in on it, too. 

It was then I realized I’d be king of the jackwagons if I didn’t accept the help he was clearly offering, getting this shit taken care of sooner rather than later.  I don’t need next week rolling around worrying what will happen to me when I don’t let her have my kids, because there’s no fucking way they’re going with her again.  I don’t care what the courts say. 

I sighed and looked to Paige, “Do you mind getting them ready for bed?”

She shook her head no, and with a small smile walked straight to her father, reaching up to kiss him on the cheek, “Thanks, Dad.”

She left to find my kids, but before Tony could speak, I said, “I hate that she was dragged into this.  I regret more than you know she was put in harm’s way and was hurt trying to protect my kids.  I’ll do everything I can to make sure it never happens again, to any of them.”

“That’s good to hear,” he starts.  “I’m here to make sure it doesn’t happen again, either.  I know my daughter better than anyone.  I know she’d do it again in a heartbeat, so we need to fix this fast.”

With that, over the next hour and a half Tony got all the history and information he said he needed.  He didn’t see a problem getting temporary sole custody with her pending charges.  We exchanged information and he said he’d contact me when he knew something.  I told him to bill me and he said we’d work it out later.  I knew what that meant and I had to grit my teeth because I didn’t need him doing me any favors. 

It was more than uncomfortable when he left, saying goodbye to his youngest daughter when she didn’t look like she was leaving anytime soon.  I remained collected and acted like it wasn’t a big deal for the woman I’m seeing to be at my house at barely ten o’clock at night.  The Carpino’s clearly have some possessive issues when it comes to the baby in their family.  But for crying out loud, she’s a woman. 

Even if I did just deflower her last night. 

That about sums up the evening.  I shut my front door after shaking her dad’s hand and turn the lock but leave the front lights on.  It’s late, but not as late as it was last night, and the kids are in bed.  I turn to look at Paige, crossing my arms but say nothing.

She looks back and shifts her small frame.

I feel my jaw get tight.

She frowns.

I narrow my eyes.

Shifting her weight again she lifts her eyebrows, making her big brown eyes bigger and states, “Well, I think that’s all good.  There’s no way any judge in his, or her, right mind would allow Bekki to have them back after last night.  At least for now until you get something permanent in place.”

I move to her.

She straightens and turns toward me as I come around the sofa calling out, “Cam?”

“Still smells like broccoli in here,” I say as I reach her, putting my hands low on her hips.

She hangs onto my upper arms, “That always happens when you roast something at a high temperature.  The smell lingers.  If you have a candle, I’ll light it.”

“I don’t have a candle,” I say moving forward, taking her with me.

“I’ll go to the store, stock you up,” she says shuffling backwards.  “Everyone should have a candle.”

“I told you not to talk to your dad,” I start.

“You can’t tell me not to talk to my dad,” her face frowns.

“You know what I mean,” I turn the corner to the hall.

“I didn’t ask him to represent you.  That was all him, but I told you he’d do it for me, which he did.  And seriously, would you quit pushing me?” she quietly insists since we’re passing the kids’ rooms.

“I know he did it for you,” I say, almost growling my words.  I turn the corner moving her into my room and shut the door with my foot.  “If I was him, I’d do it too.  But it doesn’t make me happy your dad feels the need to step in to keep you safe because you got yourself hurt during a dangerous state of affairs because of
my
shit.  Not to mention your car being slashed up at my house.”

“That wasn’t your fault,” she defends me.

I grab the hem of her top and pull, “I know, but it’s still my shit.  I don’t like feeling powerless when it comes to taking care of those I want to take care of.  So it really doesn’t make me happy your dad felt the need to step in.”

“What?” she asks softly as I rip her shirt off and pop her bra.

“Baby, pay attention,” I start as I unbutton her shorts.  “I don’t like not having control in my life and for the last week and a half, my life has been out of control.  One minute you’re fighting with me, the next you’re painting my girl’s toes.  Then I hurt you, which I really fucking didn’t like.  Then you’re so sweet I can barely see straight.  You throw yourself into the mix, getting yourself hurt trying to keep my kids safe, and just when it puts a hole in my gut watching Cara take to you, I see you with Jordy.  Watching my son cling to you almost did me in.  Then the moment comes when I’m sure I’ve got you figured out and think there’s nothing more you could possibly throw at us, and what do you do?  You go and make fucking broccoli taste good.  So yeah, Paige, I’m not feeling much in control right now.”

She folds her arms over her tits, but I don’t care.  I rip her shorts down, bringing her panties with them and when I stand she looks up to me, for once speechless.  Thank the good Lord, I don’t think I can take her saying anything right now.

I pull my tee off before picking her up at the waist and she lets out a surprised yelp.  She rounds my waist with her naked legs and pussy pressed up against my abs.  I take two steps to the bed and putting a knee there, I move her to the middle, letting her go to wrap my lips around her hard nipple.

Pulling her into my mouth, I put my other hand between her legs and find her wet as always.  I slide one finger in her gently, letting my thumb drag over her clit.  Feeling her chest rise and dip quickly, I let her tit go and move to her mouth. 

“If all that isn’t enough, you gave me this,” I say against her lips in a low voice as I continue finger fucking her, but lightly.  “This baby, is all mine.  And I need to take care of this and the rest of you.  I don’t like others stepping in when I want to take care of you on my own.  Are you with me here?”

“I guess,” she breathes against my mouth.

“I’m beginning to think the only time I can get you to do what I want is when I get my hands on you.”

Her hips jerk and I see her eyelids droop when she half-heartedly agrees, “That might be true.”

“I’ll remember that,” I finally grin, giving her two fingers and enjoy the sweet she’s giving me.  “You still want me tonight?”

She opens her eyes and puts her hands on my jaw, whispering, “Yes, Cam.”

I kiss her, thrusting my tongue deep in her mouth wanting as much of her as I can get.  Finally, letting her go, I move down her body, squeezing both her tits on my way.  I finally get between her legs and throw them over my shoulders, spreading her before me.  I smile as she moans when she feels my lips and tongue touch her.  Cupping her ass with my hands, I hold her tight, giving her no space to move. 

I tease her for a bit—licking, tasting and feeling her squirm.  Hearing her moan and trying to lift her hips to get purchase on my mouth makes me want to combust.  I keep it slow and remind myself she’s probably sore from last night.  I finally pull her clit in deep, making her come for me, fast and hard. 

Not only do I feel her in my mouth, but listening to her breathe and moan as she tries to quiet herself is perfect.  As I get to know her body, I’m getting that it doesn’t take much to work her up, but the longer I play with her, the harder she comes.  And feeling her pussy quiver in my mouth is heaven. 

I crawl back over her and reach for a condom, thinking she might need to sort out some birth control sooner than later.  I don’t know how long I can wait to have her without anything between us.  She’s still recovering, but I roll to the side on my back and unbutton my jeans, yanking them down just enough. 

I pull her over so she’s laying on me and hand her the condom, “You do it.”

“What?” she asks surprised. 

“Hold the tip so there’s no air,” I explain.  “Roll it down and guide yourself onto me.  Then do what you want.”

“Cam…,” she says hesitantly.

I put my hands on her face and pull her close, looking into her big brown eyes, “Baby, I just accepted help from your dad because it was the right thing to do for you and my kids, but I’m not happy about it.  I know you’re new at this, but I’m not in the mood to wait.  Darlin’, climb on.  Now.”

“Climb on?” her brow furrows.

“Now, Paige.” I lower my voice and slide my hands down her back, her ass and when I reach her hamstrings, I yank her legs so she’s straddling me. 

She slowly sits up and scoots down to rip the condom open.  When she puts her small hands on my throbbing cock, I force myself to exhale.  She’s new at this, I’ve got to control myself for her.  But even last night when I held back so I didn’t hurt her, it was good.  It was so good, I can’t remember if it’s ever been better.  And that makes it all the more difficult to control myself. 

I feel her roll the condom down my cock and when I look to her gorgeous face with that long dark hair falling around her naked shoulders and back, she doesn’t look hesitant.  She’s biting back a grin. 

“What?” I ask. 

She shakes her head and looks down embarrassed before peeking back up at me and says softly, “I like this.”

“If you like that, feel free to do whatever you want, baby,” I say and can’t help smiling.

Her grin turns into a smile.

“Darlin’,” I call.  “Now.”

She slowly moves up my body to straddle me and I put my hands on her hips as she positions herself.  I feel her pussy start to slide down my cock.  I don’t know how it could be, but the look on her face as she takes me settles in my gut in a way that feels better than her downward glide.  Way better.

“Oh,” she moans, taking all of me.

I slide my hands up her sides to her tits, playing with her and say, “Rock, move up and down, I don’t care.  Find what you like.”

She starts to move, rocking forward and back, finding her rhythm.  As I lift my hips a little for her, she immediately exhales and her eyelids droop, but she starts to move faster. 

Just when I start to move with her, she calls for me, “Cam?”

“Yeah?”

Lifting her lids to look down at me and without stopping, she breathes, “Um…did you mean it earlier?”

“Did I mean what?” I ask, dropping my hands to her hips to help her move.  I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be able to last.

“What you said.”

“I mean everything I say, what are you talking about?” I breathe hard and guide her hips to move with me.

Her brown eyes are gazing, heated yet uncertain, “When you said you wanted to take care of me.”

I stop her hips with my hands and we still, my cock planted deep inside her.  Her face wavers and I see regret start to creep through her features.  Knifing up to a sitting position, I pull her legs around my waist.  I grab her ass with one hand and pull her head close with my other.  Face to face, all I see are her eyes frowning.

*****

I shouldn’t have asked, but I couldn’t help it.  When he said he wanted to take care of me, it felt different than anything so far. 

“Baby, of course I meant it,” he says, pulling my attention back to him.

I slump in his arms wrapping mine around his neck, pulling myself to him tight.  I feel his hand at my ass, pressing me down on his cock, making me squeeze him tighter.

“So fucking sweet,” he murmurs into my neck.  “How could I not want to take care of you?”

I can’t look at him, but say in his ear, “This is different.  I’m used to people wanting to take care of me, but not like this.”