SNAP (The SNAP Trilogy Book 1) (16 page)

I throw her back on the pillow and lift her legs onto the bed. Taking my time, I undress her, ripping her clothes off like I would a birthday present and enjoying the surprises inside. I straddle her body and remove her bra, enjoying the view as her tits flop around. Grabbing them in my hands, I squeeze them leaving red imprints behind. It makes my dick hard to see my hands on her when I'm not touching her. I worship her breasts with my hands and mouth sucking, biting, pinching, and slapping until they are purple and bruised. As I rake my fingernails down her stomach, blood rises to the surface. My heart pounds at the sight exciting me more.

A muffled sound comes from her lips and I know now is the time to take what is mine. She'll be in and out during it, but nothing will ever feel greater to her than this. She is worthy of nothing but the best.

I scoot my way down sitting on her legs and slip my fingertips under the waist band of her panties. "Are you wet for me already?" Another moan escapes her lips making my dick jerk and get harder. I pull her panties down and find her bare. Running my finger along her slit, I find her wetness and get even more worked up. I knew she'd like this. Like calls to like, and my girl is gonna get fucked like she deserves.

I yank her underwear the rest of the way down and push her legs open before me. Her pussy is wet and dripping between her cheeks. I spread her legs further so I can watch as the wetness reaches her asshole. The urge to plunge in one hole then into the other back and forth has my balls drawing tight. My fingers trail along her clit until they reach her inner lips and I shove three fingers inside without hesitation. Her hips jerk and a loud moan rips from her lips. Oh yeah, she's ready. I pull a condom from my jeans pocket and slip it on.

Climbing up her body, I slam my dick inside of her making her gasp and her eyes flutter. I grip her hair and yank her head to the side, biting her neck hard as I slam into her again making her scream.

"Don't scream like that, baby, I'm gonna make this feel so good," I croon in her ear.

She shakes her head trying to speak, but she can't form the words. A tear rolls down her cheek as she attempts to keep her eyes open.

"You know I don't like to be told no, Hazel," I whisper in her ear while stroking her hair. "You know what that means. Now I won't get to enjoy licking your wet cunt tonight. Instead, you get a fucking spanking for misbehaving before I shove my dick in your ass. And I won't be using any lube." I emphasize it by slamming into her as hard as I can.

My head tilts back just far enough to see tears streaming down her face. She whispers back, "My name is Carrie," before my hand clamps around her throat preventing her from saying anything more.

Cash

After searching out Phil I find him at Dustin's house. I found out through Dale that he had picked up his parcel from Gavin, but it was a lighter load. Dale had given Gavin explicit direction to cut back his supply. That made me laugh thinking of how pissed off Phil had gotten. But I find it strange that Phil comes here to drop off and there isn't anyone waiting in line for their supply. The house is quiet with just a couple of lights on. Maybe they are divvying it up in premade packets. Who knows? Who cares? As long as money exchanges hands when they come for product that's all I care about. I just wish he'd make a move because I've been sitting here for almost two hours.

Another hour later I see Phil walking out the front door. He all but dances down the steps to his car across the street, a few ahead of mine. What's got him in a good mood? I watch as he gets in and starts his car. He pulls away from the curb and drives up the street. As I get ready to pull out and follow him, I see someone else come out the front door.

What the fuck is Hazel doing here? I lean forward and watch as she takes baby steps, her legs wobbling beneath her as she staggers across the porch to the steps. Is she fucked up? What the hell is wrong with her? She uses both hands on the rail to slowly step down one step at a time as her head jerks back and forth as if she's looking for someone. I hear a sob escape her throat and almost jump out of the car to run to her when she steps into the streetlight.

It's not Hazel, but she looks a lot like Hazel from a distance. Every step she takes is accompanied with a gasp and sob. I'm on edge as she gets closer to my car. She stops at the one in front of mine and tries to find her keys in her purse. She's shaking horribly. I get my phone out and flip my headlights on ready to take a picture. I'm not prepared for what I see next.

The woman is badly beaten with ligature marks around her neck. Her shirt is ripped down the middle and she's trying to clutch it closed with one hand as she blocks the light from her eyes with her other. Her light colored denim jeans have blood on them and as she turns to face the other way I can see blood on the crotch of her pants spreading across the ass of her jeans. I snap as many pictures as I can with my shaky hand before cranking the engine and getting the fuck out of there. The need to check on Hazel is more than I can handle right now.

After a few minutes of driving, I pull over in a deserted parking lot and send the photos to Dale. He's calling me immediately.

"What the fuck happened to Hazel?" he shouts down the line. "Did Phil do this shit?"

"It's not Hazel, Dale. I thought the same thing at first. I assume Phil did this. He left Dustin's house and was about to follow when this woman came staggering out. Strangling people seems to be his MO, so I wouldn't put this attack past him."

"Is that blood soaking through her pants?" He asks it like he doesn't want the answer but needs to know.

"Yeah," I say quietly. "I think he picked her because she looks like Hazel." I squeeze my eyes shut and take a deep breath trying to calm my swirling stomach. I feel like I'm going to be sick.

"He's cut off. Phil is getting completely out of hand. Snap doesn't do this shit to people, Cash. He has to be on something else. Is there any way you can get Hazel to take you to Dustin's house? See what all he's selling, and find out how much Snap they are pushing up there?"

"Wait, slow down. You can't cut him off yet, it may spook him. We don't want to give him any ideas that we are onto him. Give me a few days. We were invited to Dustin's tomorrow night. I'll see if I can find answers to your questions." The silence down the line tells me he's thinking about it.

"Okay, Cash. I won't cut him off…yet. You've got till the end of the week to come up with something and then this shit is over. Capisce?"

"Capisce." My hand slumps to my lap as I end the call.

The screen flickers back to the brutal images of the woman. My conscious berates me for not helping her, but I have to remind myself that I have to keep my distance even more so now. If she were to go to the cops, I would have to use my real name, they would want to know why I'm in the area, my name would get slapped all over that report and probably hit the news, which would not be good for business, and Phil would know that he's being followed and link everything back to me. That can't happen.

Exhaustion takes over me as I lay my head against the headrest. My eyes burn from the lack of sleep over the last few weeks. I have to get some rest so I can focus or this shit storm is going to bulldoze me. I pop the car into gear and turn back to Trinity to check on Hazel. Phase one is complete. Tomorrow begins phase two, which scares the hell out of me after seeing Phil's handiwork. I hope Hazel's a true fighter. She's gonna need to be to make it out of this unscathed.

Hazel

I take a break at the bar before I prepare to open it for our afternoon patrons. Roger is supposed to meet me in a few minutes so I can talk to him about my recent problems. After Phil's appearance yesterday, I worry he will show his face at Maggie's and cause problems. I can't have that. I love my job and I don't want Roger having his doubts about keeping me here. Cady doesn't think Roger will get upset. In fact, she thinks the opposite. I don't want that either. Roger has enough on his plate, he doesn't need to be adding my baggage to it.

The day has been pretty uneventful so far with no signs of Cash or Phil. That's a good thing, but waiting for them to walk through the door has been a major distraction as well. After the way Cash took off last night, it's best if we take a little break from his daily visits. Admitting that to myself, though, pangs my heart. It shouldn't, but it does. Knowing that he's sitting at a table watching me work, it's almost like having my own bodyguard. Unfortunately, I don't have anyone to protect me from him.

I called the landlord and told him what happened to my door. I couldn't ensure it wouldn't happen again, so we agreed on him fixing the frame until this mess with Phil blows over. Once it does, he will replace the door and the cost will come out of my deposit. I couldn't argue with that. It's better than paying for several doors out of my pocket.

Roger walks into the bar, interrupting my thoughts, and sits next to me at the table. I hate that we have to have this conversation. My knee starts bouncing and I lace my fingers together on top of the table. The concern that crosses Roger's face makes me feel shame, like I've been withholding from my father.

"What's on your mind, sweetheart?" Roger asks, watching me intently.

Tears pool in my eyes as I explain what I can to him without telling him too much. Pretty much that Phil is stalking me and has physically attacked me more than once. The array of emotions that play over Roger's features as I speak take their toll, especially his love and compassion for me. I can't keep the tears from rolling down my face. It feels like a weight is lifting off my shoulders as I share this with him.

"I wish you had told me sooner, Hazel," he tells me as he holds my hand in his. "Stop thinking that this will affect your job or how I perceive you, it won't."

A sob of relief escapes my throat as I grab a napkin and blot my face. Roger pulls me into a hug and the tears start again. He holds me and comforts me until I calm down.

"If he shows his face in here again, he's banned, Hazel. I know he doesn't come here often, but if he does, call the cops immediately. Don't wait for him to do something first. Understand?"

I nod my head hoping like hell that never happens.

"This guy who saved you in the parking lot? It wouldn't happen to be the one sitting in the diner that's been watching us, looking like he's going to murder someone, would it?"

I stiffen in my seat and turn my head to find Cash staring me down. His tired eyes search my puffy face. Even in his semi-haggard condition, he's still the most handsome man I've ever seen.

"I'd say he likes you," Roger chuckles under his breath. "A lot."

My face burns as I turn to Roger and rub the napkin over my skin to make sure it's clean.

"Stop that." Roger grabs my wrist. "You're gonna scrub your skin clear off. You look fine. Now, go grab a bite to eat and get yourself together. I'll open the bar." He pats my hand then goes to work.

I turn back to Cash who's waiting patiently for me in the dining room. I barely get my butt in the seat across from when he speaks.

"What happened?" His body is stiff and his voice is deep and rough as he contains his emotions.

"Nothing. I was just explaining the Phil situation to Roger."

Cash's eyes narrow as they bore into mine. "Why do I get the feeling that you told him a bit more than you told me?"

He leans back and crosses his arms over his chest and tilts his head slightly. His anger would make an excellent intimidation tool. I'm hesitant to tell him what happened that night. We don't really know each other well enough to be sharing secrets. Hell, I don't actually know anything about him except that his name is Cash Miller, he drives trucks for a living, and his kisses turn me into a liquid mess. It's not his place to protect me and punish Phil for hurting me. He said it himself; he can't give me what I'm looking for. Whatever that is.

Cash leans forward bracing his crossed arms on the table. I can't help but mirror him waiting to hear what he has to say. I fear it and crave it at the same time.

"We will be talking later, Hazel, and you will tell me everything." The command in his voice has me holding my breath. He never once blinks as he searches my face with haunted eyes waiting for a response from me. I lick my lips and take a deep breath before silently agreeing.

We sit in silence after ordering our food lost in our own thoughts. Shockingly, it's the most relaxing meal I've shared with Cash. As we eat, his leg bumps against mine remaining there. From time to time, he moves it just enough to rub against mine making me relax even more. I don't know if that's his intention, but it's working. His arms wrapped around me would work better. I have to push that thought from my mind. He doesn't want a relationship, he's said as much. We can have a friendship, but that's as far as this can go. Touching one another will only lead to getting naked and complicate things. I don't need more complications in my life, especially ones that lead to heartbreak. If we remain friends, it'll still hurt when he leaves one day, but I'll be able to move on easily.

Yeah, right. If Cash starts touching me I will be begging him to not stop. Him kissing me and twisting his hands in my hair was enough to make me wish my clothes would melt off so I could rub against him like a cat tempting him to pet me. Thoughts of Cash's hands all over me satisfying an itch I can't scratch has me resisting the urge to squeeze my thighs together. If I do I won't feel his leg against mine.

"What time do you get off?" Cash asks as I collect our dishes to take to the kitchen. He stands up and pulls his wallet out. Opening it, I notice it's full of cash as he pulls out a twenty. There has to be hundreds of dollars in there. That can't be safe to walk around with.

"Seven," I tell him as he quickly closes his wallet when he sees me staring.

He steps closer to me, his front rubbing my side, and slides the twenty into my back pocket. "See ya at eight," he whispers, then kisses the side of my head. He leaves me standing there frozen to the spot.

***

When I get home Cady and Erick are sitting on my doorstep. I forgot they were coming over since we don't have to be at work until late tomorrow afternoon. This is good, I tell myself as I get out of my vehicle. This will keep me and Cash from touching each other.

"Hey, hey, boss lady! I brought wine." She raises the bottle and swings it back and forth.

"Good, I could use a bottle," I tell her as I approach them.

Erick laughs and nudges her. "I told you we should've bought two."

"That's okay. There's more in the kitchen." I unlock the door and open it. "You highly underestimate the two of us, Erick."

Cady snorts as they follow me inside.

"Make yourselves at home. I'm gonna take a shower. Cash is supposed to be here at eight."

Cady wags her brows and smiles as she sets her stuff on the kitchen table.

"It's not like that. At least, I don't think it is." Cady's amused face says it all. "Hell, I don't know. We are hanging out. That's all I know right now."

"Mmhm," Cady hums.

Shaking my head, I spend a few minutes picking up my room while I search for some clothes. After not being able to fall asleep last night, I got up and cleaned my bedroom for two hours. I was shocked that I had carpet underneath the piles of shit on the floor. I take a quick shower so I'm done when Cash gets here. But when I enter the living room, I find him sitting on the couch talking to Cady and Erick. He sees me when I walk in and his eyes travel down my body quickly.

"What are you guys talking about?" I pour myself a glass of wine and sit on the floor in front of the coffee table putting as much space between Cash and I as possible. Confusion has ruled my brain most of the day since he left the tavern. Cady climbs out of Erick's lap and sits next to me. I notice that Cash and Erick are drinking beers already.

"The party tonight," Erick answers.

Ugh, the party. I don't want to think about going to Dustin's house. Unwinding sounds great, but not there. My tire has already been slashed once from hanging out at his house. At this point, I'd much rather stay home and watch a movie instead of putting myself or my car in further danger.

"You're not bailing on us." Cady flips her hair over her shoulder as she turns to me. "We are going and we are gonna have fun. End of story."

I roll my eyes and suck down the rest of my wine. She snatches my glass out of my hand and puts our cups in the sink. Gathering her stuff off the table, she leans against the wall and quirks her brow at me.

"Alright." I sigh as I get to my feet. "Let's get this show on the road."

"That's the spirit!" Cady pats my shoulder as I shove my feet into my sneakers.

"No," Erick states, holding up a bottle of whiskey. "This is. And we're gonna consume a lot of spirits tonight. Hopefully they won't talk to us though."

We chuckle at him as Cady opens the door. I grab my purse as Erick follows her out and turn to find Cash as I get to the door. He's standing behind me and pushes the door closed over my shoulder. My heart picks up its pace at his nearness. He backs me against the door and traps me between his arms as he leans against it. The heat in his stare pushes aside the confusion I feel. If it weren't for the door at my back holding me up, I'd melt into a puddle at his feet.

His hard body presses into mine and my hands automatically grip his hips holding on for dear life. I fight the urge to pull him closer as his hands gently cup my face. My eyes close as I revel in the feel of his body against mine. His warm breath bathes my lips as he tilts my face up to his. The pitter patter of my heart has my breath catching and my hands trembling on his waist.

"Nothing is going to happen to you at the party," Cash whispers against my ear. His clean shaven jaw rubs against my cheek as he speaks feeling more erotic than it should. "After the party is a different story."

I gasp slightly as my eyes pop open. His dark gaze penetrates mine making sure I understand the meaning of his words. My wet panties should be answer enough. I'm wishing the party was over so it can be later already.

He steps back, my hands dropping from his hips, and slips the keys from my purse.

"Ready?" he asks as he takes hold of my hand.

I let out a breath. "No, not now."

His cocky chuckle would normally turn me off, but he knows what he does to me. It's written all over my face and in my body language. That chuckle only makes the anticipation that much more. How am I supposed to relax and enjoy the night now?

***

Cash pulls up in front of Dustin's house and shuts off the engine. It's a good thing I own an SUV, because I couldn't imagine him behind the wheel of a tiny car. He fills the driver's side of my car, having to push the seat back quite a bit to drive. Good thing Cady is tiny enough to sit behind him and still have plenty of room.

We get out and I instantly look for Phil's car. If he's here, I'm turning around and leaving. They can stay if they want, my ass is gone. Lucky for them, it's nowhere in sight, but a ton of other cars are. Dustin must be throwing an actual party tonight. Erick said it was a party last time, but it was just the small group of us.

Cash grabs my hand and pulls me to him. "Relax."

Easy for him to say. He's not the one getting threatened and attacked.

No, but he has saved your ass twice, so shut up and attempt to have a good time.

With a tight smile, I lead him across the street to Dustin's house. One glance at Cash tells me he's studying the place. If I were knowingly walking into a drug dealer’s house, I would study the place too. Hell, I did, and I didn't know he was a drug dealer at the time. The entire neighborhood gives me bad vibes.

Erick opens the door as we catch up to them and strolls into the house. People I've never met shout at him as he walks through the house. I know exactly where he's heading and hope that all those men aren't sitting around the table doling out drugs. Cash doesn't need to be witness to that shit.