“Look, I’m trying, sis. Believe me. I owe a few people. I was gonna work for Levi to pay them back, but since his place was busted, that’s not gonna happen. You have my word, I’m gonna do better. I promise. As soon as I’ve cleared my debts.”
“Is that what you needed the money for?”
He nods. His long fingers scratch the stubble on his jaw. The faded letters ACAB tattooed on his knuckles are a reminder of how much he hates Shane and cops and the system in general. “Did you bring any more?”
“Will you walk to the car with me?” I clutch my bag, not wanting to hand over the money with Levi in the next room.
Once outside, I inhale the fresh air. “Get in.” I click the button to my Audi and slide into the driver’s side.
Ash crouches his tall frame into the passenger seat. “I can’t leave Jodie for long.”
“I don’t care about Jodie, Ash, I care about you.” I pull a wad of notes from my purse. “There’s one thousand pounds here. It’s all I have until the end of the month. Promise me you’ll use it to get yourself out of here, away from these people. Move towns. Start over. Whatever it takes.”
“I can’t. Not yet.”
“Why not?”
“I just can’t. Trust me.”
I glare at him. Asking me to trust an addict is like asking me to believe Pinocchio with a six foot long nose.
He takes the wad of notes and shoves it inside his hoody. “Thanks, Lil. I appreciate it, you know.”
“Make sure you visit Mama, will you?”
“All right.” He dips his head as he climbs out of the car.
I drive off the estate, watching him disappear in the distance. I need a shower after being in the same room as Levi. Growing up, I thought my brother and his mates were cool. It wasn’t until I reached eighteen that I realised they were a bunch of idiots.
If it wasn’t for my sister and Shane taking care of me, I dread to think where I’d be. It was too late for my brother. He wouldn’t listen to anything we said and valued his friends more than his own family. Most likely because they were feeding his addiction.
10
SHANE
Pulling the old balaclava hood over my face, I position it so I can just about see through the two holes for eyes. The mask was packed away in my army duffel, but as I wait impatiently for Lilly’s nine-o’clock live, I thought I’d best wear it as a precaution. If she was to see the real me, it’s game over.
It’s one thing to be open with a stranger, but when it’s someone you know, you’re more vulnerable.
I was telling the truth when I said I want her to keep her clothes on. I may be hard as a fucking baton when she’s on screen, but I’m trying to do the right thing here. Over the years, I’ve always tried to be the big brother she never had. Even if I am a twisted fuck.
As the screen comes alive with a loading symbol, I pull on the black leather gloves and curse myself for having so many fucking tattoos. Tugging my long black sleeves under the gloves, I check there're no markings on display that would give me away.
The loading bar disappears. Her beautiful face fills the pop-up window on my iMac. With a click of the mouse, I make her full screen. A small square in the bottom shows my waist, grey joggers and a tight black gym top with long sleeves.
“Hi, so nice to see your torso again.” She giggles at her joke, waving a hand in front of the screen.
I can’t help the rumble of laughter that comes out of me, but even after a hard day at work, seeing her just lifts my spirits and my dick.
Her teeth bite into the red gloss, coating her plump lips as if taking a bite of a juicy apple. If it weren't for the cheap nurse outfit, she’d look as deadly as a femme fatale from an old gangster movie with her long, glossy black hair hanging in waves around her face.
“It’s nice to see you, too, nightingale.” I keep my voice low and deep. Making sure it’s controlled and as monotone as possible.
“Nightingale?” Her eyebrows pinch, but her smile tells me she likes her pet name. I can hardly call her trouble, the name I’ve given her since she was seven years old. Even though she causes me more trouble now than she ever has.
I'm no stranger to sleepless nights, but now it’s her on my mind. Wanting something you can’t have is torturous. I’d kill for one night to bury myself inside her, worship those luscious curves and fleshy hips that I could squeeze, imprint my fingers in while she rode my cock. Kane’s a lucky bastard to have had her at his beck and call. If he wasn’t like a brother to me, I’d have sent him packing long ago.
“You’re a nurse, aren’t you?” I point to the screen, gesturing at her outfit. “Though I doubt Florence ever wore anything as provocative as that.”
