CHAPTER FOUR
REID
I never should’ve touched her and even days later, after her Dad left, and she wandered aimlessly around my house I felt the need to be with her again. I was consumed with need when it came to her.
What if Parker had heard? That one thought replayed in my mind. Parker was my brother, even if he was no longer in the Marines, and a part of me felt as if I was betraying him by messing with his daughter.
And I was, but I also couldn’t deny myself what I wanted because when you did that you just made yourself want it more, and I wanted Bridget, a-fucking-lot.
I kept my distance, watching from afar, and leaving the house as much as I could. The temptation was too great whenever we were in the same room together. She didn’t ask questions she didn’t want answers to, and I was thankful for that because I wasn’t the fairytale guy she wanted, anyway.
“Can we order out tonight?” She emerged from her bedroom where she had been nearly all day, plopping down on the couch next to me. I was trying to watch a baseball game, but instead, I was thinking about Bridget playing with my balls.
“Uhh…” I cleared my throat. “Sure.” My eyes looked her up and down, slowly, soaking in every inch of her. She was wearing a yellow sundress that complemented her tan and dark locks. I hadn’t been concerned about being alone with her when I told Parker I’d keep an eye on her for the summer, but now… I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep my hands off her since I’ve already gotten a feel of her tight sweet pussy. I hate that I allowed myself to touch her and give in to her wishes, but temptation got the best of me.
“What are you hungry for?” Bridget asked in a sultry tone as she scooted closer to me. I could feel the heat from her body against mine. A hum of electrical currents shot through me as she placed a hand on my thigh. I wanted to tell her I was hungry for her sweet succulent cunt, but I refrained. Looking down at her hand, I wondered where she was going with this. If I didn’t stop her, would she grab my cock?
Stop her. The words echoed through my mind. Giving into the temptation again wasn’t worth it. Not when her Daddy was my best friend, not when she was barely of age, and not when I wasn’t the kind of man she really wanted.
Placing my hand against hers, I stopped her from making any move toward my dick because if she touched me with her trembling hands there, I would be good as dead. I would flip her over on this couch so quickly and rip her clothes off of her body without gentleness.
“I’m thinking not the same thing you’re hungry for?” My eyebrow rose in question. I needed to rein in the need that was burning through my veins. Bridget was off limits, more than off limits…
“My dad’s not here anymore, and I told you I wanted you.” She purred. She was bad, and she was practically begging to be fucked.
I licked my lips, my cock jumping at the need that saturated her words. “And I told you you’re too young, to naïve, and under the impression that I can give you something that I can’t.” My voice was menacing, even though my words were soft, and my hands itched to touch her.
“I don’t want anything but you.” I sucked in a deep breath, shoving from the leather couch as if it was burning beneath my ass.
“You’re asking for something you cannot handle.” I growled. I had kept myself away for the last year feeling the pull toward her, trying to stop the inevitable from happening, and yet here we were. I was on the verge of losing my patience and when that happened, I would cross a line and then what?
“I told you, I’ve been with other men. I can handle you, I’m sure you aren’t any bigger than they were.” I squeezed my lids closed, rubbing at my temples with my fingers. She was lying to me again, and all because she thought I wouldn’t fuck her because of her lack of experience.
“Don’t lie to me, kitten. I’m not fucking dumb. Your pussy was so tight, squeezing the life from my fingers when you came. A woman that’s been with a man or two wouldn’t be that tight. You’re a virgin.” My eyes opened, revealing the truth of my words in her features.
Her cheeks were flushed, and her mouth was popped open. If she lied to me one more time, I was going to spank her ass until it was pink.
“Is that why you don’t want me?” The sadness that filled her dark orbs cracked my chest open. She was so fragile, and I was a man that wanted to possess her, and if I didn’t get the hell out of this room and away from her scent, I was going to do just that.
“No. That’s why I do want you, and exactly why I’m not going to take you.” I needed to get away, go hang out with the guys or something.
It’s only been a week. My mind mocked my emotions.
I fished my keys from my pocket and headed in the direction of the front door. I hated being a dick, the guy that treated her like shit, but I was older and wiser. If I took her, it would show nothing but a fault in my hard exterior. I should be strong enough to resist her touch, but I’m not and that means I’ve gotta do what I’ve gotta do.
“You don’t have to leave, I’ll stop.” I could see the panic in her rising. She had no idea how much I wanted to stay and give into the things that she wanted.
“Stopping isn’t good enough, kitten. Hell, it isn’t even your fault. I’ll be back later.” I shot over my shoulder, refusing to look at her again. I gripped the door handle in my hand, trying to stop myself from going but knowing I needed to.
“I’m sorry.” She whispered, breaking my resolve. I opened the door, slipped outside and slammed it shut behind me. The pain seared through me. This was just another reason, another example of how I wasn’t good enough for her.
I’d do nothing but break her, hurt her, and she needed better.
Pulling out my cell, I scrolled to my friend Darren’s number and typed out a text asking him to meet me at the bar uptown. I needed a drink, and someone to vent to.
“It’s for the better…” I muttered, trying to give myself the pep talk I needed to get on my motorcycle and haul ass to the bar so I could meet Darren instead of going back inside and ravaging Bridget like I truly wanted to.
Slowly, I slipped onto my bike. Turning the key, the feeling of the engine roaring to life beneath me vibrated through my legs and chest. I cranked the throttle once more before backing out of the drive.
Space. That’s all I needed.
***
“Can I get a shot glass and bottle of whiskey?” I questioned. Marci, the bartender, grabbed a shot glass and a new unopened bottle of whiskey, and then set the shot glass in front me. Marci opened the whiskey bottle and poured my first shot before setting the bottle down. “Thank you,” I said in a low tone.
“You doing alright, Reid? You seem a little on edge tonight.” Her voice was soft, and her brows furrowed bringing a look of concern to her face.
I nodded, “I’m fine, thanks.” I picked up the shot and tipped it to my opened lips, gulping it down, cherishing the burn from the alcohol. I pushed the center button on my phone so that it’d light up, I looked at the time and saw that Darren should be arriving anytime within the next five minutes or so. Picking the bottle of whiskey up, I poured another shot in the glass.
What the fuck was I doing?
What the hell was I thinking touching her in the first place? If I had a daughter, and the shoe was on the other foot with Parker and me, I’d slit his fucking throat without remorse. I cringed at the thought of how wrong I was for fooling around with Bridget, but at the same time it felt so right. There’s something about that little vixen I couldn’t explain and maybe it was the fact I hadn’t been with a woman in so many years.
“Jesus.” Darren’s deep voice filled my ears, and I twisted around on the barstool.
“You said five minutes, I’ve already drank three, maybe four shots.” I sneered gearing up to pour myself another shot. I was clearly frustrated and the only person I could be mad at was myself, for making such a foolish choice.
“What the hell is going on?” Darren questioned, taking the stool next to me.
“The better question is, what isn’t wrong?” I mocked, tipping the glass back, letting the warmth of the whiskey melt away all my pain.
“Seriously, spit it out already. I could’ve been balls deep inside a chick right now, but instead, I’m here being supportive.” Darren flashed me a grin that would’ve had any lady lying in a heap at his feet.
I snickered, “You should’ve stayed with her, God knows I wouldn’t be your shoulder to cry on if I was getting laid.” If. What was I talking about? I could’ve been screwing the daylights out of Bridget right now.
Darren gestured Marci over, ordering a beer while I poured myself another shot of whiskey. “Okay, so what the hell is going on? I know you signed up to babysit Parker’s daughter, but I hadn’t heard from you since then.”
“That’s just it. That woman, she’s under my skin…” I growled, gripping the shot glass hard enough to crack it. Darren widened his eyes knowing full well what was coming next.
“No way, man. You fucked her, huh?” Darren grabbed his beer from Marci and took a swig.
I shook my head no, vigorously. “No, no, no. But she wants me, Darren. She fucking wants me and she’s barely legal pussy. Not to mention the fact that she’s my best friend’s daughter.” I let out a deep sigh that felt like I’d been holding it in forever, then I grabbed the whiskey bottle and poured another shot.
“Don’t lose your shit over it, Reid. She’s eighteen, right?” His eyes softened a little as he noticed how distraught I was over this whole ordeal.
“Ugh, yes. She’s eighteen and fucking beautiful.” I tipped the shot back and my lips began feeling warm and tingly.
“Then why the hell are you so bent out of shape about this? She’s a woman, a legal adult, and she wants your dick. How can you put up that big of a fight with yourself over it?” Darren laughed, then took another pull from his beer before continuing. “Hell, man. I wouldn't even think twice about it, just make sure she knows you’re only looking to fuck otherwise she’ll get clingy and Parker will surely find out.” His eyes darted in the direction of a woman walking past us, eyeing her up down as he let out a quiet growl. Darren was a ladies man and he could get away with being a vile pig toward them because he’s got a lot of money and he’s a fucking dashing fella.
“I can’t do it, I can fuck my best bud’s daughter. If I was Parker, I’d slit my goddamn throat!” I exclaimed, a little too loudly.
“Then just hit it once. Hit and quit it. Make it clear to her that's all it is and that it's just between you two, no one else and not even her little girlfriends that I’m sure know all about you already.” Darren didn't get it. If I crossed that line once would never be enough, and I was man enough to admit that.
“She's not the hit it and quit it kind. If she gets her heart broken, it could come back to bite me in the ass.” I swallowed hard as the truth I’d just let spill from my lips was too much for me to handle right now. Whiskey just wasn't going to cut it tonight.
“Sounds to me like you already know what to do then, Reid.” Darren motioned his thumb up to Marci to let her know he needed another beer.
“Knowing what I want to do and knowing what I need to do is where the battle comes into play, Darren. I’ve never been in a situation like this in my whole damn life.”
“Don’t be a pussy about it, Reid. I’m sure she’s not a virgin or anything so don’t worry about it. She just wants a good fuck, so give it to her.” Darren smirked with his lips against his beer bottle.
I shook my head at him knowing that he couldn't possibly understand. She was a virgin I knew it, but I wasn't going to tell him that.
“And what if she is?” I baited him, wondering what obnoxious excuse he could muster up.
He shrugged, “Then you give her the best first time she's ever had and let it be.”
I rolled my eyes, the need to ask for something stronger to drink was right on the tip of my tongue.
“You know me, Darren…. I'm not the heartbreaking type.” I was so tore up over this that I was considering calling Parker and telling him that something came up. That I couldn’t watch over his daughter.
“Lay the rules out beforehand. Tell her what's going to happen and how it's gonna happen. If she can't deal with it, then don't touch her.” Darren scrunched his brows, giving me a look of seriousness.
“Alright, man.” My mouth began to dry because the alcohol had started to dehydrate me. My body felt warm all over and I knew I’d had too much to drink, there was no way I could drive home and neither could Darren.
“Ay, Marci.” Darren called out to her. She peeked up from washing glassware in the sink, showing he had her attention. “We’re ready to close out our tabs, girl.”
“Sure thing, sweetie.” Marci turned the faucet off and dried her hands on a dishrag before walking over to the cash register to close out our tabs. Marci walked over to us with two receipts and our cards. “You boys better not be driving tonight. You need me to call a cab?” Her voice chirped with concern.
“No, no. We’re fine,” Darren responded through slurred words. Marci arched an eyebrow at him and rolled her eyes.
“We’re okay, Marci. I’m calling one now.” I held my phone up and shook it, smiling at her. I slid my finger across the screen of my phone, unlocking it so I could call a cab. Unfortunately, I’ve got it saved in my phone already as I’ve had to make a few too many of these calls.
“I don’t need a cab, man. I’m good.” Darren tried to convince me that he was sober enough to drive, but I knew better. He was slurring his words and getting loud, even with me being shit faced I knew he wouldn’t be able to drive. Ignoring him, I listened to the phone ring and ring before someone finally picked up on the other end. I gave them our location and set my phone back down.
“The cab’ll be here in about fifteen minutes or less.” I said to Darren as he finished off his last beer.
“Okey dokey.” He pushed his empty beer bottle out in front him toward Marci’s side of the bar a little too hard and it tumbled off the bar, crashing onto the floor and making a loud shattering sound that sent a wave of fear throughout my body.
“Get down! Get down!” I hollered out as I stood, looking around cautiously for the shooter. “I SAID GET DOWN! HIDE BEHIND SOMETHING NOW!” I shouted to everyone. Goosebumps covered my arms and I could feel the hair on my neck standing, sweat began dripping down my face.
Darren sat there and stared at me with wide eyes. I looked around once more and saw everyone in the bar staring at me just as Darren was. I felt the blood that had been boiling through my veins surface to my face.
Oh God.
“You okay, Reid?” Marci's concerned voice filled my ears. I hadn't had an incident in years.
“Yeah…” I swallowed hard, and fought the cry that was begging to escape my throat.
What happened?
Darren stood up from the barstool and placed his arm around my shoulders, “Come on, man. Let’s get out of here.” I let him guide me to the door as I was too numb with embarrassment, a lethal mix of emotions, and of course, alcohol.
As soon as we reached the door Darren pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket along with a green lighter. I watched as he pulled a cigarette from the pack and extended it toward me.
“Want a smoke?” He offered with a low soft voice. I hadn’t smoked since the day I got out, but I felt the desire to take a long drag from a cigarette and feel the smoke captivate my lungs as the nicotine coursed through my veins.
“Yeah,” I reached my hand out, taking it from his fingers. “Thanks.” I took the lighter and flicked it, watching the flame dance out of the little green plastic tube as it lit the cigarette. I puffed and the calming feel of breathing in the smoke, mixing with my drunkenness, hit me instantly. Darren and I stood in silence puffing away on the cigarettes until the cab showed up.
We both slid into the backseat and gave the cab the addresses of where we needed to be. I knew shortly I’d be home with Bridget there hopefully fast asleep. If she wasn’t, I just might take her tonight.
The desires were too much for a sober me, let alone a drunk me.
The cab came to a stop outside my house. Darren was texting on his phone, probably meeting up with someone. At least one of us would be getting laid tonight.
“I'll let you know how everything goes.” I pulled a ten from my wallet and handed it to the driver before stepping out of the cab.
“If you need anything, let me know. I'm always here, whenever you need something.” Darren hollered out to me. He was a good friend, when he needed to be, but he wasn't Parker.
I walked up the pathway to the house, my legs were wobbly and my hands were clammy. The cigarette had done nothing to calm my nerves now that I was here.
I squeezed my eyelids shut and gripped my keys in my hand, the metal dug into my flesh.
I shouldn't have drank all of that whiskey.
I pushed the front door open, a squeak filling the air as it opened. My eyes scanned the living room. She was nowhere in sight.
Thank God!
I slipped my boots off, pulled out my cell and wallet, placing them both on the counter. The kitchen was clean as was the rest of the house.
Had I left it that way or did Bridget clean?
I shook the thought away and tugged my shirt off over my head as I walked down the hall. I resisted the urge to open her bedroom door and peek inside.
She didn't need a dirty man like me touching her porcelain skin. She'd never been touched or tainted before and I didn't want to be the man to take that innocence from her. Plus, it was clear I was still battling my own demons.
I neared my bedroom door, the sound of a soft feminine snore met my ears, and I pushed the door open, my eyes going straight to my bed.
“Fucking Christ.” I growled under my breath taking in her sleeping form. She looked so fragile, so fucking perfect in lying in my bed with her soft brown hair in a mess on my pillow.
My steps flauntered. I should turn around and march my ass back down the hall and crash on the couch, it would be the gentlemanly thing to do.
I weighed my options, my eyes roaming over her soft features. The blanket, my blanket was pulled up over her waist and I noticed then that she was wearing one of my t-shirts. Though, I suppose there was a chance her dad could've given her a t-shirt or two?
I bit my bottom lip, my fingers working at the button of my jeans without thought. What was I doing? Was I going to fuck her?
No. I shook my head, feeling the walls I had put up crumble. I would sleep, physically sleep with her. I would enjoy her warmth and scent, and tomorrow I would make my choice.
If she still wanted me, then we would cross that bridge. But tonight, tonight I was too drunk to care if I was giving in to what we both wanted. I crawled into bed with nothing but my boxers on. I laid down and turned onto my side to face her, smelling her hair that was merely centimeters away from me. I held myself back from wrapping my arms around her and pulling her sleeping body into me, to keep her warm and safe.
The very thing she needed protecting from was me though.