Double Betrayal (Surviving Book 3) Read online

  “She does it on purpose,” Eve said, standing behind us.

  I nodded and smiled.

  Dominic never said a word. He pulled his glasses out of his pocket, putting them on to read the instructions, and there went my ovaries again. I stood and lifted little Alfie into my arms, leaving Dominic to build the jungle climber.

  A while later, and I mean a while because Dominic was almost finished with the climbing frame, Alfie was napping in his Aunty Eve’s lap and my shoulders were beet red from the sun. Fantastic, the sun and I were not friends. I didn't tan; I went red and my freckles joined together. I was like a human dot-to-dot puzzle.

  Lou came walking out of the house with a completely satiated grin on her face. I shook my head at her.

  “You’ve no shame,” I laughed. “You have guests.”

  “I also have a fifteen-month-old toddler, who has a sudden dislike of his cot.” She smiled.

  Johan walked out of the house pulling his shirt over his head. Who would have thought he was packing that underneath his clothing? Christ on a crutch, my ladies here were lucky bitches.

  Johan caught me staring and smiled.

  “Like what you see, Em?”

  I crinkled my nose. “Yeah, I suppose the puny thing works for some women. I like my men a little more buff.”

  “What the hell is buff?”

  “Someone above the height of a grasshopper and–” Dominic interrupted.

  “Children, enough,” Lou chided.

  “On that note, I think it’s time I departed to get ready for tonight.” I chuckled.

  “Takes a while to make this ugly mug beautiful,” I joked. “See you Tuesday?”

  I hugged Johan goodbye and he kissed my temple. “See ya, beautiful. Be good tonight.”

  ***

  I sat at the bar alone, cursing my brothers for being late. My phone beeped, alerting me to a text.

  Acis:

  Running late, pretty boy couldn't get his lipstick right.

  Me:

  Hurry, I look like Billy no mates.

  Acis:

  Tell the dirty fuckers eyeing u up to fuck off!

  I didn't reply to that. My brothers were overprotective to the point it would be easier to get laid in a high security prison where I was the only inmate and the guards were dickless robots. No exaggeration, the sneaky little shits had even told the bouncers to keep an eye on me, and if any male came within touching distance, they were told to get lost.

  “Can I get you another refill, Em?”

  “Yeah, thanks, Phil.” I slid my empty bottle over the bar toward him. He was also another of my brothers’ watch guards, or more commonly known as a friend.

  I glanced down the bar and noticed a few people who were always here, and probably in the same spot, too. I lifted my eyes to look over to the dance area.

  “For fuck’s sake,” I grumbled when I noticed the bane of my existence shaking her arse against the crotch of another victim. I closed my eyes tightly and turned toward the bar.

  “Add a shot of tequila to that order, Phil; I’m going to need it.” He turned to cast a glance in the direction of the dance floor and nodded.

  “I’ll take one of those, too,” said a deep baritone to the side of me. My body shivered with the wonderful rumbling timbre of his voice. I wanted to look up and see what package went with the voice, but with my brothers on their way and my sister in the vicinity, there wasn’t much point.

  Phil placed the drinks on the bar. I put my hand in my purse, but baritone handed cash over to Phil.

  “I’ll get these.”

  “She doesn’t need you to do that.” Phil scowled. I shook my head and rolled my eyes. See what I mean—no chance of getting laid!

  “And I’m sure she can tell me that herself. So take the money and do your job.” My eyes widened at the mystery man’s tone; it was strong and commanding and I fucking loved it. There was definitely a strong accent but with the music of the club I wasn’t sure what it was.

  Phil’s jaw tensed and he glanced at the backdoor where one of the bouncers stood.

  “Phil, just take his money; we work together.”

  Phil’s brows dipped together. He knew I was talking shit, but he didn't call me on it. Probably knowing the gruesome twosome would be here any minute. A second later, Phil glanced at his watch and turned to the cash register. I shook my head.

  I felt rather than saw the mystery man sit beside me. In my peripheral vision I could see he was huge, like way taller than I was because all I could see was his bicep. Okay, Em, turn around and look at him. Grow some metaphorical balls and look. You already know his face isn’t going to match the sexy gruffness of his voice. I grabbed my drink, swallowed it in one gulp, and turned to look at him. Bad move!

  It’s not called to-kill-ya for nothing. I coughed and spluttered in such an unladylike way the gorgeous vision in front of me smiled and patted me on the back.

  “Easy, pixie-girl, you’ll cough up a lung.”

  I coughed some more, because he had his large hand on me, rubbing circles on my back, as his piercing green eyes captured me in their gaze.

  That was the part in a movie where music strikes, playing fluttering cheesy shit. Whereas, I had a full harmonica choir, brass band, and bag pipers all vying for attention in my head. He was fucking gorgeous. And tall.

  His shirt looked three sizes too small for him with the way his biceps struggled to get free. I had a vision of the incredible hulk ripping out of his clothes as he changed—well, this bloke would be a good stunt double, minus the green icky skin and bad hair. I hadn’t even gotten to his face yet. I let my eyes caress his wide chest and broad shoulders. His neck was thick and strong, his jaw defined, straight lines edged with a gruff covering of dark blond stubble. His lips were deep pink and moist from his drink. I licked my lips, tasting the tequila, wondering what it would be like to lean across and bite on his plump bottom lip. His mouth quirked at one corner in a cocky grin, showcasing a few of his perfect, white teeth. I continued taking my fill of a perfect male nose; that’s all I could say, it was perfect. Then everything fell away when I again looked into his desirable green eyes. I say green, but they were more like a turquoise with flecks of gold near the pupil, fanned with dark lashes, in abstract contrast to his dark blond eyebrows. They made his eyes pop.

  I continued up, because let’s face it, I’d gone that far, may as well take in the whole picture before he disappeared.

  Short, dark blond hair stood in messy spikes. He looked like a woman had just had a hold of him and run her fingers through his hair while he had her pinned to a bed and–

  “Like what you see, pixie-girl? I’m feeling visually violated here.”

  I couldn’t speak, as if my voice literally refused to function. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing worked, so I turned to the bar, took hold of my beer and took a hearty swig, trying to act like I didn't give a crap.

  His low rumbling laugh echoed through my body, tingling low in my stomach.

  “Do you have a name? I feel I need a name after that kind of intimacy.”

  “You don’t need her name!” snapped Phil, as he came over to use the beer tap in front of me.

  “You her boyfriend?”

  Phil tensed his jaw. “No.”

  “Her dad?”

  “No.”

  “Then I suggest you back the fuck off and let the lady have a little fun.”

  “Listen–”

  I held up my hand to stop Phil.

  “My name is irrelevant; I’m waiting on someone. I liked what I was looking at, but now I’m bored, so jog along.” I flicked my free hand in a dismissive manner. My other hand trembled around my bottle, exposing my fake confidence. “Phil, another shot.” He smiled at me with pride and I wanted to slap the arsehole.

  “Rather unusual,” Green Eyes said.

  I turned my head fractionally to let him know I’d heard him. “What is?”

  “Irrelevant. I’ve never met anyone calle
d that before.”

  “What?” I shook my head, turned to look at him directly, and regretted it when my eyes locked with his.

  “You said your name was Irrelevant. Never met anyone called that before.”

  I frowned, but against my own will, my lips formed into a smile. I chuckled softly at his confidence. Usually, when Phil was working the bar, I had this invisible railing around me that said ‘back the fuck away’. But this guy didn't give two shits.

  “I need to do that again,” he said, staring at my mouth like he wanted to eat me alive. I shivered again.

  “What’s that, call me ridiculous names?”

  “No, make you smile, because I gotta say, it’s fucking sexy as hell.”

  “My brothers will be here soon,” I said, both in explanation and warning.

  “Do they smile like you?”

  I shook my head and frowned. “No.”

  “Then I’m not interested.”

  I giggled again, bloody giggled. I grabbed the bottle from the bar and took another swig.

  Warm air brushed my neck and I swear I felt his lips against my ear. The heat from his body pressed against my side seared into me. “Can you ask for a glass?”

  I swallowed a loud gulp, thankful for the noise of the bar.

  “Why?”

  “Because you’re making me imagine your lips around my cock.”

  I turned my head to look at him. He didn't move, so my nose brushed against his cheek, our mouths millimetres apart. His breath fanned across my moist lips. I could smell the hint of tequila on his breath. I tried to steady my breathing as I waited in anticipation of his next words or move.

  “What’s your name?”

  “It definitely won’t be irrelevant when you’re screaming it later,” he said confidently.

  My lips curved into a smile as I pulled back slightly to stare down at his sensuous mouth.

  “Keep staring, pixie-girl, because I intend to make sure my mouth is on you before the night is over.”

  “You’re—you’re a little overconfident for my taste.” The excited quiver in my voice betrayed me. I wouldn’t claim to be a shy virgin, because let’s face it, I lost that title years ago, but I would admit this – no man had enticed me as much or as quickly as that tantalising giant.

  He leaned forward again, his masculine scent wrapping around me, enslaving me to him. I closed my eyes involuntary as his lips whispered against my ear.

  “I’m confident you want my mouth on you.” He pulled away and stared at me, his piercing eyes a distinct teal with desire. I jumped when his large hand landed on my knee. A hot, firm palm kneaded my tense muscles. When I relaxed, he probed a little higher, his thumb tracing the seam of my jeans.

  I flinched when there was a loud thump beside us. I knew it was Phil making his presence known.

  “You want to back off, dickhead.”

  “No, I’m perfectly happy here,” Green Eyes replied calmly. My chest heaved, my pulse thrummed, and my blood pumped erratically through my burning veins.

  “You want another drink?” Green Eyes asked. I shook my head in silence, hypnotised by his gaze. What the hell happened to my voice box?

  “What do you need?” I watched his lips form simple words; his tongue slipped out to wet his bottom lip and I fought the urge to replace it with my own. I felt myself leaning toward him, pulled by an invisible force. “Pixie-girl?” he said in almost reverence. I closed the small space between us, ready to take his plump lip between my teeth.

  I was forced back as a large, obnoxious body forced its way between us, immediately breaking Green Eyes’ spell. A wall of annoying brothers formed.

  “So, this dickhead is new,” Acis said. I stomped my foot and glared at the toe-rag. Acis turned to Phil. “Where you been, tit-head? Did you not see this bloke all over her?”

  “Acis, seriously–” I tried to intervene.

  “Christ, I must have drunk more than I thought; I’m seeing double.” His green eyes danced mischievously.

  I grinned like a fool, because let’s face it, it was a snake-charming mouth and he seemed completely unaffected by the menacing twins before him.

  “Let’s get something straight,” my dick of a brother said, placing a condescending arm over Green Eyes’ shoulder. It didn't even faze him that Green Eyes was probably twice his size. “No one, and I mean no one, messes with my sister. Got it, pal?”

  “Leave it, you idiot,” I snapped and pulled on my brother’s arm. I turned to his co-conspirator in all things ‘let’s make sure Em dies an old spinster with a dried up vagina’. “Cas, I swear if you don’t get him the hell away from me, I will tell Hadley what is in your top drawer.”

  “You wouldn’t dare,” he signed and laughed nervously. I had him by the balls.

  I pulled out my mobile and started typing. He grabbed my wrist to halt me at the same time he shoved Acis away from the bar. “We’re sitting over there, Em. I’m watching this arsehole.” I rolled my eyes at him.

  I turned to the bar and motioned for Phil to get me another shot. I could feel the large man beside me staring, his eyes boring into me. I wanted to ask what he thought, whether he found me ridiculous after that spectacle. But, honestly, I was too chicken shit. I hated when my brothers pulled this stunt. I should be used to it, but it still stung when they treated me like such a moron. Phil placed my escape in front of me and I downed it, cringing as the liquid burned down my throat. I slammed the glass down on the bar and pointed my finger at the glass. When it was full, I lifted it to my mouth, but a large hand snatched it away. I turned toward the hulking thief in time to see his throat working to swallow it.

  “So, where were we?” he said. His lips were glossy with tequila.

  I shook my head in resignation. “They aren’t kidding; they’re sitting just over there watching like two beady-eyed fucking hawks.” I looked straight at my brothers and gave them the middle finger. Cas, the arse, laughed.

  Strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me into his solid chest. I put my hands out reflexively to stop myself. His chest made my hands seem tiny. The soft fabric of his t-shirt was a stark contrast to the hard muscle beneath. I flexed my fingers, gauging the feel of him. One of his strong arms banded around my waist as the other slid around my nape. I lifted my gaze to meet his. His thumb rubbed a gentle caress over my bottom lip. I felt so small in his grasp, breakable, but utterly entranced.

  “So now I know your name is Em.” He leaned forward and nipped at my bottom lip. “You want to take this somewhere private? Or do you want to give your brothers a show?”

  I glanced at him and smirked. I wouldn’t deny his fantastic body, sexy smile, and stunning eyes were making my lady parts sing in harmonic bliss, but I wasn’t making it that easy for him. He wanted me, he was going to damn well work for it. I stood up, trying my hardest not to stumble on my legs of jelly, and patted his unshaven cheek. Christ, to feel that against my thighs. “I’m going to dance. If I find nothing better, then maybe, just maybe you’ll get lucky.” I stepped around him, fully intending to jiggle my arse on the dance floor, but his meaty hand wrapped around my slender wrist, halting me.

  “Pixie-girl, your magic little ass is definitely coming home with me tonight.”

  “We shall see, we shall see.” I pulled my hand free. It didn’t take much; it wasn’t like he was physically holding me captive. No, his eyes were doing that all on their own.

  I walked through the club, adding extra swing to my hips, glaring at double trouble as I passed by. Those two were the bane of my sex life. Already, Acis had his usual groupies sitting beside him, the resident copper and his fans. I rolled my eyes and shook my head. I caught Cas staring at me. He was his usual moody self. There was a pretty brunette sitting beside him, chatting away even though he wasn’t paying her an ounce of interest. I lifted my hands to sign to him.

  “Stop being a dick and pay attention to your date.”

  “She isn’t my date and how the fuck can I have a convers
ation?” His face clouded over and I turned to walk over to their table. He held up his hand to halt me. “It’s okay. I’m being a moody fucker. Go enjoy your night before captain killjoy puts your chastity belt on,” he signed, making me laugh. Of the twins, he was the more laid back. Acis seemed to take on the role of dad, seeing as ours died from injuries incurred in a car accident. Cas was more like my best friend. Yeah, he could be a dick to the men I talked to, but he had reason to be cautious. Castor wasn’t deaf, but he used sign language to communicate because he had a severe stutter. We’d tried to get him to talk, and once upon a time he did. But bullies beat him down and forced him into a black hole we’d never been able to pull him out of. I nodded in silent agreement that I would indeed leave him alone. But I offered the brother/sister glare of – carry on being a dick and I will kick your backside.

  I continued through the crowds and onto the darkened, hot and sweaty dance floor. Well, I said dance floor – it was more like a raised area that had been left clear of tables. Phil’s really wasn’t renowned for being a dance club, more a bar with music. But it did get a lot of customers. There was hardly any room to move, and when you did, your arse bashed into someone else’s hip, backside, or – I didn’t even want to think about what else my booty was grinding against. I moved slowly, finding a respectable amount of space, and waited patiently for a decent song to shake my thing. I looked around the sweaty bodies; couples and groups of women, laughing and screeching at one another. Blokes eyeing the single ladies, or should I say their arses or tits. The commonality was they were all in groups, all with friends, partners, or loved ones. Little old me was the perpetual loner. But right then, I didn’t care; I preferred being alone. Life was less complicated when there were fewer people to consider. I could admit to getting lonely sometimes, but I was perfectly content with what I had. I didn’t go out in search of love, the one true soulmate to complete me, my happy ever after. I’d had that; it sucked and almost broke me. I was also not so closed off that I couldn’t deny the intense attraction I had to the gorgeous man at the bar. His massive frame, enchanting eyes, and luscious lips as they spread into a smile intimidated me, not because he was so gorgeous, but because of my reaction to it. I liked fun, but it was simple, a giggle. Not the intensity I felt brewing between us. Almost like it was destiny driving us together – what the holy hell?