Obedient (The Plunge Crew Book 2) (6 page)

Y
esterday

I have butterflies.

Fucking. Butterflies.

I can’t even begin to tell you the last time I experienced those. Probably back in sixth grade when I knew I was about to get my dick sucked for the first time by Aria Ward. The girl was smoking hot, but she is nothing compared to Charlotte.

Even her name rolling off my tongue has me hard, but it’s not about sex. I want more with her. It’s a strange thought, but completely true. I gave her my mother’s earrings. They were passed down to me when my parents died, and honestly, I’ve never thought of them until last night. I knew I wanted Charlotte to wear them.

It’s crazy. Fucking stupid even. You don’t go giving away family heirlooms to the first girl to make your cock hard and stomach tie up in knots. I know better than that shit. But Charlotte is different. There are no games or pretenses. We started out as just sex and at some point became…more.

I’m practically skipping to my apartment like a fucking child. Everything is right in the world…

Until it’s not.

Carly is sitting on my front stoop with a look of annoyance on her face. When our eyes meet, I know I'm in for a world of trouble.

“Carly, What the hell are you doing here this early?” I say tersely.

“So nice to see you, Bryce. Funny thing, I thought you were dead. I've been calling you for two days with no return call.” Her head is tilted to the side, and her eyes are piercing me. “Where have you been?”

“I told you that things are off for a while between us. I was going to call you. We just can't do this anymore. I can't do this anymore.”

Her eyes narrow. “Don't tell me this is about that uptight mousy girl.”

“What do you know about Charlotte?” I seethe.

“Charlotte… The name matches the personality—boring as hell. You and I both know she'll never be good enough for you. She can never give you what I can give you.”

“Enough, Carly. You know nothing about her.”

“I know you. You're a dominant male who needs an equally dominate woman in bed. You'll get bored. Face it—she’s a side of fun but I'm the home run.”

I cringe as disgust washes through me. Carly has no idea what she's talking about. In fact, sitting here looking at her bleach blonde hair and her painted on lips disgusts me. She's not what I want, and now I'm finally realizing she never really was. She was a means to an end. A paycheck. Charlotte is my future.

“Sorry, Carly, but it’s not like that. If you want, I'll even try to find a replacement, but things with us are done. I wish you luck.”

Her features turn menacing. “No one just drops me without paying for it. You sure you want to go down this road?”

“What? You going to threaten me like you did Adam?” My lips curl up.

“I didn't threaten anything. I did everything I promised. But for you, I'll take it a step further. I will fucking ruin you.”

“There's nothing for you to take away from me, Carly, so do your worst.”

“Oh, is that right? What does Charlotte think about your job?” My stomach tightens at the implication of Carly telling Charlotte.

“Leave her out of this, Carly.”

“You know that's not how I play. There's no such thing as playing fair in my world. You

step on me, I'll squash you.”

I turn my back on her and walk away.

“Nice knowing you, Carly.”

As I keep walking, a shiver runs down my spine. I know better than to poke the bear and

Carly is definitely a bear. I know what she did to her last partner, Adam. I can’t afford to have her mess things up with Charlotte. Losing Charlotte would be like losing my parents. Just when I'm happy, just when things are starting to look up and I want to change my life…

This could ruin it all.

My phone pings in m pocket. I pull it out and freeze as I look at the message. As if the devil conjured my worst nightmare there is a message from Charlotte with a video attached. Underneath it says “lose my number“. I don’t have to watch it to know what it is. My stomach drops.

I dial her number and it goes to voicemail after three rings. I queue it up again and same thing. Ten attempts later I leave a message.

Charlotte, please. You have to answer my calls. I need to explain. It’s not what you think-I-uh-just please call me back.

I pull up my messages and type one out.

Me: Please Charlotte. Answer my calls.

Two minutes later I send another.

Me: Damn it Charlotte answer the fucking phone.

Me: Okay. I’m sorry for swearing, but please baby, answer the phone.

When it becomes obvious that she is ignoring me, I take off at a full sprint heading toward Charlotte.

But I stop dead in my tracks. I have never been to Charlotte’s home. I don't even know where she lives. The reality of how little we actually know about each other slams right into me.

How can I be feeling the way I'm feeling when I know so little about her? I'm not a believer in love at first sight, and I'm surely not a believer in instant love. But Charlotte has changed my views on all of that. There's a rare kindness that radiates from her, and it calls to me on a level I can't even begin to explain.

I'm in love with her.

It doesn't matter how many times or how many ways I try to deny it; I am in love with her. I spend the next half hour doing everything that I can to find Charlotte. My last resort is to check the white pages and hope to God that she is listed. Putting in Charlotte Matthews and searching in New York City brings up about fifty different addresses. I start to look at the middle initial.

Charlotte had mentioned once that her middle name was Marie, same as her mother’s, so I finally get it narrowed down to three. I have no choice but to go to each and every one of them until I find her. The first one is a woman in her late sixties who opens the door thinking that I am the Chinese delivery service. When I knock on the next door about five blocks away, a woman in her thirties with two little kids hanging on each of her legs opens the door. Once again I'm at the wrong place. The last address has to be my Charlotte, so I take off running.

When I knock, there's no answer.

I continue to knock on the door only to hear complete silence. I dial her phone somewhere between twenty and fifty times and leave her several messages via text, but they all go unanswered. If she's here and she's not answering, it's because Carly got to her first. Game over. I'll never be able to explain it to her. I know Carly, and I'm sure she fed her so many lies it will be really hard to gain any trust back.

Except for they probably aren't lies. I was with Carly repeatedly. The only thing I have going for me is that I never touched her or anyone else from the moment Charlotte Matthews and I started seeing each other. Ever since that day in the courtroom, she's the only person who shared a bed with me. I just need to have the opportunity to tell her that.

I start pounding on the door like a lunatic yelling her name. “Charlotte! Charlotte, open up!”

I hear a door across the hallway creek open, and I see a man in his late twenties peeking around her door frame. When he sees me, he steps out.

“Can I help you?” His voice is stern, which is comical. I’m twice his size.

“I need to get into this apartment. I need to check on Charlotte and make sure she's all right.”

“You talking about a tiny brunette?” His eyebrow rises.

“Yeah, that's her. Is she here?”

“I saw her come home last night. She was getting into her apartment the same time I was. She looked pretty rough, but I haven't seen her leave since. Not to say that she didn't slip out. It’s not like I watch or anything. That'd be creepy.”

I narrow my eyes. “I really need to get into the apartment.”

“Man, I can't do anything about that. I'm not about to help you bust down her door. If she wants to talk to you, she’ll open up. Are you afraid that there's something wrong with her?” His eyes widen in worry.

“Well, no, but I really need to talk to her. There was a misunderstanding, and I have to clear it up.”

He tilts his head slightly. “I think you just need to give her some space.”

My spine straightens. “Don't fucking tell me what to do.” I go back to pounding on the door. “Open up now, Charlotte! Come on, it's me. I've got to explain.”

I feel a hand on my elbow, and I turn around ready to sack the guy in the face. When I see his big round eyes, I stop.

“Look, man, I don't want any problems, but it seems to me if she's not opening up the door, she doesn't have anything to say to you. Nothing's going to get accomplished this way. If you want things to work out, give her the space she needs. She'll come to you when she's ready.”

As much as I want to tell him to fuck off, he's right. My shoulders slump in resignation. My voice cracks when I say to the man, “Can you please tell her that I stopped by?”

He nods. “If I see her, I'll tell her.”

I nod in return and slowly walk away, looking back over my shoulder one more time to see if Charlotte has decided to talk to me. I send her one more text message.

Me: Charlotte, it's me. Please call me. I can explain.

I hit send and head to the one place in the world that can possibly help me through tonight: Club L.E.X.

When I step in front of the overly crowded club, a familiar voice calls out.

“Bryce, man. Whatcha doin?” Jace’s slurring indicates he’s already flying high.

As usual.

“Hey, bro. Just stopping in for a drink or two.” My hands are in my pockets, and I’m

rocking on my feet. “Is Carly in there?” The question comes out harsher than I intend it to.

“Nah, she went home earlier. One line was all the little vixen could handle. She was licking her wounds. Says she got into a fight with you.” He snickers.

“Nothing like that, bro. We’re done. That arrangement is over.”

“That’s a shame. She seemed to really like you.” His eyes go soft. “Take it easy on her. She may be a bitch at times, but that’s only because she’s been hurt more than any girl should by too many men she cares about.”

“I didn’t promise her anything. She knew this was business only.”

“It always is.” He lowers his eyes to the ground and shuffles his feet. “We’re about to do a line. Wanna join?”

Typically, this invite would be well received, but something about it doesn’t seem right.

Even after the shit day I’ve had. “I think I’m going to head on home.”

His head jerks up. “You’re passing up blow? You all right, son?”

“It’s all good. I need some sleep. Take it easy, Jace.”

We do the half-handshake, half-hug shit and head our separate ways. He’s headed to get higher than a kite, and I’m going home. It’s been a long time since I’ve made the right decision and this was definitely the right one. This life isn’t what I want. I can’t have Charlotte and the rest of it.

If I’m being honest with myself, I don’t want any of that even if there is no Charlotte. It’ll kill me, but I want this change for me too. I’m done with all the drugs and sex. My phone rings and it’s Brian, my brother’s ring tone.

Great, perfect fucking timing.

I should let it go to voicemail, but I know he’s about done with me after this last mess I got myself into. The fact I haven’t called the lawyer back won’t bode well for me, so I answer.

“Bro.”

“Don’t bro me you little shit. What the fucks a matter with you? Carl says you haven’t returned any of his phone calls. He’s threatening to drop your case.” I stay silent because I have no good excuse.

“Fuck, Bryce. When are you going to grow the fuck up? I’m done playing babysitter. I understand you’ve had a shit hand dealt, but I’ve done the best I can and I just can’t do anymore.” He sighs.

“I know.” I say lamely.

“You know? That’s all you’ve got for me?” He seethes.

“There isn’t anything to say Brian. I fucked up. Again. I always fuck up. I’m one giant fuck up. Keep telling me all about it. I’m sure Mom and Dad are up there somewhere talking about how great you turned out and what an epic disappointment I am.”

“Bryce, Mom and Dad would be disappointed, but not just with you. They’d be angry at me. I threw myself into the business to escape the reality of it all and in the meantime you were left to raise yourself. I’ve fucked up plenty too.”

“Nah man. You did everything you could for me. You still do. I don’t blame you for any of this. Don’t be so hard on yourself. No teenager should have to raise his little brother.” A tear slides down my cheek and I swipe it away.

“Look. I love you, but you have to stop all of this shit. Get a job or go back to school. Do something Bryce, but most importantly call Carl Turner. Stay the fuck out of jail, or getting a job will be twice as hard.”

“I will. I’ll call him tomorrow. And Brian…thanks. I will do better.”

“Love ya kid.”

“Yeah you do.” I smirk and he chuckles.

“Keep me posted.” He scolds.

“Will do. Oh and Bry…I’m ready to take you up on that offer of a job.”

“Get your shit straight and stay out of jail and then we’ll talk.” At that the line goes dead and I groan.

I pull up a missed call from my attorney and set a message in my phone to remind me to call him first thing tomorrow.

Brian is right.

It’s time to grow the fuck up.

W
atching Bryce
through the door was torture.

My freaking head and heart are at war, and right now I couldn’t begin to tell you who’s winning. I feel like a yo-yo in my own skin. I know I need to talk to him, and I will. I just need some time to process it all. I have to really know what I want before I go to him. I’ve been so screwed up lately. One minute it’s just a fling, and the next I’m in love. I don’t know which way is up.

My phone rings and I let it go to voicemail because it’s an unknown number and more than likely Bryce. My heart squeezes in my chest.

Traitor.

The fact is I miss him. It’s only been several hours, but I truly want to see him. He said through the door he could explain. Maybe he can. What if I’m being that girl? The one who could have avoided a whole day of feeling sick to her stomach only because she refused to hear that what she saw isn’t all that it seems.

Ugh. It sounds even worse in my head.

I go to pick up the phone to call Bryce when it lights up with a message. I decide to listen to it, but the sound of her voice starts shivers run down my back.

“Hi, um, Charlotte. This is Carly—”

I slam the phone down, not wanting to hear a thing that bitch has to say. I’m fuming. Who the hell does she think she is? Why is she harassing me? I want to find her and tear out her fucking bleached hair. I will myself to breathe.

1…

2…

3…

4…

I take one large inhale and slowly exhale. I’m good. I tap my fingers on the table in a nervous tick. As much as I don’t want to hear what she has to say, I need to. I want to hear everything she called to tell me before I speak to Bryce. I want to feel like I’m holding all of the cards, even if they are exaggerated or entirely false.

I pick the phone back up and press it to my ear.

“Hi, um, Charlotte. This is Carly. Um, listen, I’m sorry. I should’ve never sent that video to you. It was a bitch move. I know you don’t know me and you probably never want to, but I did it because I was hurt. Bryce is a good guy. He stopped things with me the day he met you. It broke me. I really cared for him, and I have a history of guys fucking me over. Ugh… Well, that’s not your problem. Anyway, I just wanted to say I’m sorry to you. I want to change, and this is my attempt at a fresh start. You don’t have to forgive me, but I want you to know I really am sorry. Treat Bryce good. He’s a catch. Um, bye.”

I sit here silent. That was the strangest voicemail ever. I feel like I’m back in ninth grade and in a fight with another girl over some guy. It’s ridiculous and childish, but my reality. Could she be telling the truth? Did he really end things with her? There are so many questions, and the only way for me to get answers is to go to the source.

I throw the phone in my bag and head out the door. Hailing a taxi, I head towards the answers I need before any decisions can be made. I’m terrified. As we drive across the city, I look out the window at the lit up skyscrapers. This city always gives me butterflies. It’s beautiful.

When we pull up to his apartment building, I pay the cab driver and head towards Bryce. He meets me at the front doors. I take him in. He’s disheveled and painstakingly handsome. His dark hair is tousled, and his blue eyes aren’t as bright as they typically are, but he’s still beautiful.

“Charlotte, I—”

My hand comes up to stop his words. “Don’t. I have questions that I want answered first. When did things end with you and Carly?”

“I cancelled on her after meeting you in the courthouse and was never with her from that moment on. I swear to you. I never—”

I cut him off with a wave of my hand again. “What was your relationship with Carly? And what the hell is Plunge.xxx?”

“I was going through a difficult financial time about a year ago, and my friend Adam came to me with an opportunity to make some serious cash. He was looking for a new partner for the girl he was leaving—Carly.”

“By partner you mean…?”

“Sex. It was to have sex with Carly, Carly only, and tape it to be uploaded to Plunge.xxx. It’s a paid subscription channel. We make a profit off the number of downloads. Carly already had a huge following from her time with Adam, so basically we’d make bank.”

“So you decided it would be a good idea to pass a girl around who probably has diseases to make money?” My eyes narrow in disgust.

“No, it isn’t like that. We both had checkups beforehand, and she was clean. We used a condom every time, and part of our deal was no other partners while we were in this working relationship.”

“When she called me, she didn’t seem to think this was only a working relationship. She seemed to seriously care about you. Were you ever a thing?”

He grimaces. “I tried at one point to be in a relationship with Carly, but it didn’t work out.”

“Why?” I press.

“She didn’t understand the concept of monogamy. She was gunning for a career in the adult film world which means multiple partners. She would have to fuck whoever they wanted her to fuck, and I wasn’t cool with that. It was as simple as that.”

“She ended things?”

His head rolls back on his shoulders and his hands come to grip the side of his head in frustration. “There was nothing to end. It never even got that far.”

“Did you love her?”

“Hell no. Charlotte, I have only ever loved you.”

I gasp, and my eyes go wide. “You do?”

“Yes, I do. I’m in love with you. I passed on cocaine last night because I don’t want that life anymore. I want you.”

“Did you pass on coke only because of me?” I raise my brow.

“No, I did it for me too. Like I said, I don’t want that life anymore.” He steps toward me, bringing his hands to cup my cheeks. “I love you,” he whispers while looking me in the eyes.

“One more question,” I squeak. He chuckles. “Are you done with Plunge?” I search his eyes.

“Absolutely. I already put in the call to my brother. I’m going to work for the family business.”

I smile wide until the realization of those words hits me. “But, that means you’ll be moving away?” My voice is strained.

“Yes, but I can come to the city every weekend to see you. We can make this work. Maybe I can even get my brother to start another branch here.”

I ponder his words. In the end, it doesn’t matter. Where he goes, I go. I love him, and he loves me. We’ll figure it out. It will all work out.

“I love you, Bryce. We’ll make it work.”

At that, his lips crush against mine. My mouth parts, making way for his tongue to enter and massage my own. His hands tighten in my hair making me moan in pleasure. After several minutes of a heated lip lock, we pull away.

“One thing… I want you on your knees.”

His eyebrows raise at my order. “Is that so? And what exactly do you want me on my knees for, ma’am?” He smirks.

“You’re going to lick my pussy until I tell you to stop.” My stern face gives no room for argument.

“Yes, ma’am.” He smiles widely.

Closing my eyes, I waited for the delicious torture to begin. His lips trail up my thigh until I think I might die, but I’m rewarded with a swipe of his tongue against my swollen clit.

He licks and sucks until my legs begin to shake and then thrusts a finger deep inside me. Another digit follows and I can’t help but moan in response.

“Is this what you wanted?” he murmurs against my swollen skin. The vibration of his mouth makes me writhe in pleasure. I need more. This isn’t enough.

“More. Oh God, more!”

He obliges with a third finger pressing inside my contracting walls. The bliss is blinding, and as he continues to lick my pussy pressing deeply into the sweet spot inside me, I start to come undone.

“That’s right. Just like that,” he orders, unable to restrain his domineering nature. I can’t help but obey as wave after wave of a continuing never-ending orgasm takes over.