Wild Card, page 10
“No, it ain’t always like that,” Ash sighs, looking deflated.
“Did I…Did I do something wrong?” I check, he made what just happened between us so damn perfect, but now that it’s over, he’s suddenly gone quiet on me.
“No, you did nothin’ wrong.” I watch his Adam's apple bob in his throat as he swallows, and I sense that he’s holding something back from me.
“Are you sore?” He turns his head to look at me, before I have a chance to ask what that something might be.
“Painfully sore, but it was worth it.” I don’t know what's come over me, but I feel all giddy and soft inside. Suddenly, I just wanna curl into this man's arms and beg him to save me, but as giddy as I am, I’m not stupid enough to let that happen.
“I’ve never met a girl like you before.” Ash shakes his head and laughs, only this time it sounds different. It sounds real sad.
“Is that a good or bad thing?” I ask, playing with the chain he has around his neck with my fingers.
“I’m still tryin’ to figure it out,” he smirks, cradling my head and pressing it down so he can kiss the top of it.
“What are you doing?” I ask when he pulls the comforter over us both and tucks me tighter into his chest.
“I gave you one of your firsts, now you're gonna give me one of mine.” He reaches across and turns off his lamp.
“What are you talking about?” I laugh as he rests his chin on the top of my head and releases a long, steady breath.
“You're gonna stay here all night and you're gonna let me hold you,” he whispers softly, and instead of arguing like I should, I smile and snuggle into him, closing my eyes and letting out a slow, steady breath of my own.
“Ruby!” I hear my name, and the loud pounding of a door, and when I fight with the weight that’s restricting me, I realize that it’s limbs and that I’m not in my own bed.
“Ruby, your fiancé’s here,” Earl calls out, and when he knocks again, I realize it’s my bedroom door he’s knocking on.
“Shit. Ash!” I shake him awake, and before he even opens his eyes, he’s smirking.
“Jeez, give me a second to wake up.” He takes his cock in his hand and starts pumping it through his fist.
“Ash, no. I… Earl’s calling me,” I whisper, pointing to the door when he opens his eyes.
“So… go see what he wants.” He shakes his head, rests his head back down on the pillow, and closes his eyes.
“I can’t. He thinks I’m in my room where I should be… and…and Brett’s here.” I look down at his semi-erect cock and wonder how the hell it ever fitted inside me, then when I shift a little on the mattress and feel the ache between my legs, I get a reminder.
“Ash, what do I do?” I shake his shoulders because I need him to focus.
“You don’t have to do anythin’, just open the door and tell him you’ll be down in a minute. Maybe put some clothes on first, or Earl really will need the paramedics.” He opens one eye back up.
“Ash, this isn’t a joke.” I slam my palm into his chest.
“Hell, woman, will you calm down?” He’s still smirking, and I’m wondering what the hell he’s finding so funny about all this.
“I can’t calm down. If Earl sees me in here, he’ll know we…you know.”
“Did the devil’s dance?” He grabs hold of my waist and drags me on top of him, “Wanna dance with him again?” He reaches up to kiss me, and I forget the situation we’re in when I let him. Until another loud knock comes and Earl calls my name again.
“Grrrrr,” I growl, forcing myself away from him and throwing my pyjamas back on.
“I’m here.” I open the door, pasting on a bright, innocent smile, though there is nothing innocent about the pain I’m feeling in my lower stomach. “I was just helping Ash find something.” I giggle nervously.
“I’m sure it didn't take him long to find it.” Earl looks past me to where Ash is now standing with the bed sheet wrapped around his waist. He looks so hot with his rough morning hair, looking all unruly.
“That fiancé of yours is downstairs.” Earl turns his attention back to me.
“I’ll be right down,” I assure him, taking one last look at Ash over my shoulder and wishing we could have done that devil's dance again. I don’t want to go back to reality just yet.
“I’ll get changed and I’ll be right down.” I smile awkwardly as I squeeze through the little gap between him and the door, and I don’t miss the disapproving look he gives Ash as I step into my own room.
“Morning, sleepy head.” Brett greets me with a smile on his busted-up face as I step into the bar. It’s early, so the place is still closed, which makes the fact that Priest Wilson is here, too, surprising. Believe it or not, our town priest is a regular at the Watering Hole. He once told me that he engages with more town folk here than he does with his congregation on a Sunday, and apparently, his job isn’t just to teach about God; he has a duty to our community. I just figured it was cause he liked rum.
“Priest Wilson.” I nod and smile, wondering if he can sense my sins.
“Ruby.” He tips his head, looking a little awkward as he looks at Brett and waits for him to explain.
“I was talking to Peter here.” Brett smiles at him. “Asking about the wedding, and he asked if you were baptized.”
“Oh…erm.” I feel a little caught off guard. “I don’t know, Mom never mentioned it.”
“I didn’t think so. Josie wasn’t the church going kind.” Brett rolls his eyes at Priest Wilson, and it ticks me off. “But it’s okay, we can arrange for you to be baptized over the next few weeks,” he assures me, leaning in to kiss my cheek. It takes all my efforts not to flinch away from him.
“Why?” I smile, looking between both men standing in front of me.
“Because you can’t get married in a church if you’re not baptized.” Brett laughs at me like I’m stupid. “I explained to Peter that we wanted to get hitched as soon as possible.” He wraps his arm around my waist, and when I hear the door open behind me, I don’t have to turn around to know it’s Ash, and instantly, I freeze.
“Brett, how's it goin’?” he asks casually. “Whoa, what happened to your face?” Ash stops mid-stroll so he can stare at the damage he caused.
“You know damn well what happened to my face.” Brett’s hold on me gets tighter. “What the fuck is he doing here?” he asks me through his teeth.
“Me?” Ash points to himself. “Did your fiancée not tell ya? I live here,” Ash enlightens him before he starts lifting the stools off the bar and placing them on the floor.
“No, she didn’t.” Brett looks at me sternly.
“So, about this wedding,” I glance back at Priest Wilson, attempting to move us on from the subject.
“Well, before we can get things started, we will need to baptize you,” he explains.
“That's a mighty fine idea, Father. Ain’t nothin’ like a good cleanse of the soul and a splash of holy water to wash us of our sins,” Ash intervenes, and I feel my skin go hot as I try to give him a look of warning without being noticed. “Hell, I could do with a little baptism of my own. Maybe me and Ruby could do it together?” he suggests, and when all three of us look at him in horror, he starts laughing. “Take your mind outta the gutter. I mean, get baptized, not the other thing.” I feel that heat spread through my whole body and start worrying that I’ll pass out.
“The church is open to everyone; we’re all God’s children.” Priest Wilson smiles at Ash awkwardly, while Brett scowls at him.
“Oh, I don’t think Mr. Monroe will be sticking around town for long enough.” Brett grins smugly, and his words stir an unease inside me.
“I don’t know. I’m quite likin’ this little town. I can think of a few reasons to stick around.” Ash hits back, and I can’t stand the tension a second longer.
“I should really get to work. How about we discuss the whole baptism thing later?” I suggest, shrugging out of Brett's arms and putting myself between him and Ash; the last thing I need is for him to start throwing fists again.
“Ash, don’t you have to be at the club?” I turn to face him, pleading with my eyes to leave. I’m surprised Brett hasn’t pressed charges for what happened yesterday, and Ash is doing nothing to help himself.
“You’re right, darlin’, I do gotta be at the club. Can I leave ya here, with him?” He looks directly at Brett with eyes that seep hate.
“Of course, you can, she’s my fiancée,” Brett reminds him.
“Sure she is.” Ash laughs to himself as he heads out the door, and I close my eyes, taking a breath before I turn back around to face Brett.
“Excuse me, just for a second. I have a pamphlet in the car he might find useful.” Priest Wilson heads out after him, and I feel a spike of dread when Brett drops the fake smile from his face.
“You never told me that that punk was living here.” His eyes intensify, and I instinctively back away from him. “Jesus Christ, Ruby, don’t look at me like that.” He shakes his head like I’ve done something wrong.
“Like what?” I stand confused.
“Like you're scared of me all of a sudden. I made one mistake, and you seem to want me to suffer for it.”
“That’s not tru–”
“It’s not me you should be scared of, it’s that heathen. Look what he did to me. He could have killed me, and if my dad wasn’t so determined to keep those Royal Bastards on his side, I’d have that criminal locked back up.”
“What are you talking about?” Now I’m even more confused.
“Oh, your new friend didn’t tell you about his history? You’d think after all the years he’s spent behind bars, he’d appreciate his freedom a little more and stop putting it in jeopardy.”
I try to hide my reaction, but I can’t. I need to know if what Brett is telling me is true.
“What do you know about Ash?”
“Don’t worry, my love, I’ll find you some more suitable accommodation until we’re married. There's always room at Mrs. Kellen’s guesthouse.”
“No…” I interrupt him far too quickly. “I…I like being here. Earl needs keeping an eye on.” I smile, taking Brett's hand and hoping that affection will distract him.
“I understand you wanting to do things the proper way. As intolerant as it is, it makes a good impression, but Earl is going to have to find a way to cope without you when we’re married.” He strokes my cheek, and I don’t realize that his words have caused tears until I feel them drip between his fingers.
“I’m fine where I am, until the wedding. Like you said, Ash won’t be here for long.” I take his hand and drag it away from my face so I can get back to work. I want to ask him what he means by a good impression, but I also want to get rid of him. I don’t regret what happened with Ash last night, but I do feel like I’m going to burst into flames and get dragged to Hell for it.
“I’m going to work, too. Shall I pick you up after I’ve finished?”
“I have a shift tonight,” I lie. The truth is, I need to sit Ash down and talk to him; he can’t behave the way he just did again. He was far too close to giving us away.
“No, you don’t.” He waggles his finger around my nose playfully. “I spoke to Earl, and he assured me you're free. I booked us a tasting session at the country club.”
“A tasting session?” I stare back at him, wondering what the hell we’ll be tasting.
“And there was me thinking it was the brides who got all obsessed with these things.” He laughs as if this is something I got into voluntarily.
“The chef at the country club is going to make us some samples of what we can offer our guests on the big day, and we’ll choose our menu,” he explains. “We need to register for a gift list, too.” He takes out his cell and adds that to his notes.
“Brett, you don’t need me to help decide what the guests at our wedding eat.” I try not to sound as if I don’t care. “You know me, I’m not good with all that fancy stuff.”
“No, you’d have them serving up hot wings and cobbler if you had it your way,” he teases, and I smile as I pick up a cloth and start wiping down the bar. “But this is a special day; one we want people to remember…I’ll pick you up straight after work and we’ll head to the country club. No denim, remember." He reaches over the bar to kiss me, and when he finally leaves, I toss the cloth and sigh.
“What are you doing, Ruby?” I hear Earl's voice coming from the door to upstairs, and when he steps inside, he looks disappointed in me.
“I know you don’t think he’s right for me, but we’re good together.” My lips pick up into another phoney smile.
“I don’t mean with him. I mean with Ash.” He raises his eyebrows and dares me to lie. “I may be old, but I ain’t an old fool. I see that there's something between the two of you.”
“What are you talking about? I hardly know the guy. Besides, he's a jerk.” I laugh his idea off like he’s crazy.
“A handsome jerk.” Earl tilts his head judgingly.
“Handsome or not, he’s not my type and even if he was, he’s just passing through; ain’t no use in screwing up everything I got with Brett for some wild …hot…fling.” I quickly shake myself out of the daydream I start slipping into.
“You don’t love Brett.” Earl takes a seat on one of the barstools and starts filling the end of his pipe with tobacco. “If you did, you wouldn’t have been lookin’ for somethin’ in Wild Card’s room.” He looks up through his gray, bushy eyebrows accusingly.
“I was…I…”
“I’m too old and too experienced for your shit, Ruby, and I don’t know what it is that mayor’s son has over you, but–”
“He doesn’t have anything over me. Nothing at all. I love him.” I stop him before he can get started. I know how much Earl cares about me, and I’m convinced it’s because he was so in love with my mom. I get that he’s concerned, and I appreciate it, but him interfering isn’t gonna help me.
“We’re getting married, and I want you to give me away.” For years, I was convinced that Earl was my father; I even sent away one of those DIY DNA kits to cure my curiosity, but it came back negative.
“Me?” The old man looks surprised. “You don’t want me at your fancy wedding, bringing down the tone.” He laughs.
“There’s no one that I need there more.” I take his aged hand in mine and squeeze it tight.
“You’ve got your mother’s eyes, you know that?” He smiles at me, “And I’m the same damn fool for 'em as I was for hers.” He smiles to himself. “I’ll give ya away at your wedding, but that don’t mean I agree with it. I know that asshole did that to your face, and he deserved everything Ash gave him for it,” he tells me sternly.
“How did you know As–”
“I told ya, I ain’t a fool; stop playin’ me for one, and stop being one yourself. You should get out while you can and stop fuckin’ around with Wild Card.” He points his finger at me in warning, and I can’t help but smile. DNA results may have come back negative, but he’s the closest to a dad I’m ever gonna get.
“Why would you say that?” I look at him suspiciously, wondering if he knows all of Ash’s dark and dirty secrets.
“Because that son of a bitch is crazy enough to save you, whether you want him to or not.” He laughs as he strikes his match.
SEVENTEEN
Ash
Idid my best to act fuckin’ cool, but seeing that cunt with his hands on her had me wanting to tear down walls. Now, I’m kicking myself for winding the fucker up then leaving him alone with her. There's every chance she’ll suffer the consequences of my actions, and I should have thought smarter.
“You got something on your mind, Wild Card?” Hack takes a seat opposite me, and I focus on the beer mat I’m flicking in my hand instead of looking up.
“Grizz, Taint, and Wraith moved in on Randall’s place last night. They got him tied up in the basement.” He leans over the table and lowers his voice so the whores that are hanging out on another table, waiting to catch a bite, don’t hear him.
“That supposed to give me a hard-on or somethin’?” I shrug.
I’m not in the mood for any kinda company. I’m too busy feeling sorry for myself. It’s clear after what happened last night, I have to do something about the Ruby situation; I just don’t know what that something is yet. I can’t offer her what Brett can, and she made it fuckin’ clear that she wanted what we did to be a one-off thing. I made her promises that I can’t keep, because there ain’t a chance in hell I can stay away from her now.
I refuse to believe that it’s just money that drives her to stay with that asswipe. Ruby ain’t like that; there's more to her story, and I need to find out what it is so I can fix this.
“Harriet?” Hack’s face looks shocked when he looks up at the pregnant woman who’s just stepped through the door, and I notice the little group of whores all snigger at her presence.
“Here, um…take a seat.” He stands up and holds the chair out for her, and as she waddles toward it, she smiles at him gratefully. She hasn’t made it all the way when Byron steps outta his office, looking pissed.
“No need for a chair, she ain’t stoppin’,” he growls, and when Harriet looks up at him, the smile drops from her face.
“Byron.” She nods her head at him respectfully. “Is Taint around?”
“Taint’s busy,” he tells her coldly, and when I look at Hack to try and make out what's going on here, he shrugs his shoulders back at me awkwardly.
“I really need to talk to him.” She strokes the side of her big, round stomach like it’s causing her some discomfort, and when I suddenly start wondering how Ruby would look carrying my kid, I knock back my beer and drown that thought right outta my head.
“You gonna drop?” Byron asks with a frown.
“No. I still have two months to go.” She smiles, looking down at her stomach and rolling her hand around it proudly.
“Well, then, you don’t need to see him; best thing you can do is stay fuckin’ clear of this place and of him.” He turns and heads back into his office, slamming the door loudly behind him.
