Cryptic Curse, page 21
“That’s it, baby. Come for me.”
His words spur me further into the climax.
I never imagined it could feel like this. Like I’m complete.
That I want him inside me.
And God, I do.
As my climax rolls away, another takes its place.
Another.
Another, another, another…
It hits me like sunlight after a storm—sudden, blinding, warm in places I didn’t know had gone cold. My chest feels too big for my body, like it’s stretching to hold something that finally fits.
Everything feels sharper. Brighter. My heart’s beating fast, but not from fear—no, this is joy, raw and wild and crackling in my veins.
For a second, nothing hurts. Nothing’s wrong. I’m just here, and it’s enough. More than enough.
I want to laugh. I want to run. I want to tell someone, anyone, that this moment matters—because it does. It so does.
“That’s it, baby.”
From somewhere around me, Hawk’s voice. His low, rich, and perfect voice.
And more elation. More lightness in my limbs, like gravity’s loosened its grip just for me. More electricity humming beneath my skin. My thoughts are sharp and fast, but they don’t scare me—they dance, leaping from one joy to the next like a song I never want to stop hearing.
More freedom. More yes. More of that wild, unstoppable feeling that anything—everything—is possible. I want to bottle it. Hold it. Live inside it forever.
Because in this moment, I’m not weighed down by what I’ve lost or afraid of what’s coming. I’m just…complete.
Overflowing.
As if all the empty places in me have been filled with gold.
Until finally, he pushes into me so hard I’m sure he’s touching my very soul.
Every last contraction of his release fills me with joy.
In my heart, a truth forms.
No matter what happens—whoever is trying to threaten me—Hawk and I can face any kind of cryptic curse and untangle it together.
39
HAWK
Fuck.
I’ve had plenty of women in my life, but damn…
That was one tight little pussy. And Daniela’s body… So beautiful with curves in the right places, lean in others. Perfection.
I want to take care of her. Maybe forever.
But I’m not a moron. I know I’m just full of oxytocin from my orgasm. Still, though…this was different.
Different in an amazing way.
I kiss her forehead. “Stay here.” I rise and go to the bathroom, run a soft cloth under warm water, and return to the bedroom. I’m about to lie back down on the bed when my doorbell rings.
Daniela’s ears perk up. “Who could be at your door at this hour?”
I shrug. “Probably a delivery.”
“Are you expecting anything?”
I shrug. “Mom sends me cute little gifts now and then. Cookies from a local bakery, stuff like that.” Usually because she’s feeling guilty about something she’s said, but I leave that part out. “But it’s going to have to wait.” I sit down on the bed, run the cloth up her left leg. “Let me take care of you.”
“You already did,” she says.
“Shh…” I spread her lovely legs and slide the warm cloth between them.
She sighs. “Oh, that’s nice.”
“Hasn’t anyone taken care of you before?”
“Are you kidding? Of course not.”
Again, I want to pummel all the men who used her, and her father even more so for allowing it. Good thing he’s six feet under, or I’d be on a plane to Bogotá and he’d be toast by morning.
Her pussy is pink and pretty, and I can’t help myself. I slide my tongue between her folds.
Her gasp is music to my ears as I taste her, sweet and purely Daniela. Her legs quiver under my touch as she grips the sheets beneath us, moaning my name in a shaky whisper.
“Hawk,” she breathes out, her voice filled with pleasure.
“Shh,” I soothe her, my hands coming up to grip her hips, holding her in place against the assault of my tongue. “Just feel.”
And she does. She lets out a long sigh, tilting her hips for more. The sight of her spread out before me, writhing in pleasure under my touch, is enough to make me hard again.
But not now. Now is about Daniela—about showing her that this can be good, that it can be about mutual pleasure, can be a physical expression of love…
She reaches down to weave her fingers through my hair. The touch is electrifying—possessive and gentle all at once.
“Hawk,” she whispers again after a few minutes, her breath hitching. “Please…”
“Anything,” I tell her, looking up to meet her gaze.
There’s a plea in her eyes that sends a thrill coursing through me.
“Stay with me,” she breathes out, and it hits me harder than any physical touch ever could.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I promise her, sealing my vow with a kiss to her inner thigh.
With those words, Daniela seems to relax, surrendering herself to the pleasure. Her body trembles under my touch as I bring her to the edge, over and over again until she’s shaking uncontrollably.
Satisfied that I’ve given her all the care she needs for now, I crawl back up beside her on the bed. She rolls into my arms without a word, snuggling against my chest like it’s where she belongs.
We lie in silence for a while, our bodies slick with sweat but comfortable in each other’s presence.
Soon her breathing becomes shallow, and a soft and perfect snore escapes her.
I kiss her forehead. “Sleep, sweetheart. I’m here. I’ll protect you.”
Seventeen Years Earlier…
My father saw me hugging Ted.
I’m in for it. He’ll think it’s weak. Never mind that I’m the best shot of all my siblings, that I’m on track to being taller than Falcon, or that I’m a fucking champion bronc buster in the making.
He’ll think something is wrong with me being affectionate to a grown man.
The thing is, Ted is like a big brother to me. He’s never been inappropriate. He’s been helpful, a good role model.
But that’s not how Dad will see it.
I steel myself for the confrontation, but it never comes. Instead, he passes me with a small nod before disappearing into his office. Confused, I turn back to Ted, who shrugs and gives me a reassuring pat on the back. Then he heads toward Dad’s office.
I go outside, where I find Robin working with her pony, Ziggy. Of all of us, Robin is the best with the animals. She talks all the time about going to vet school and staying on the ranch to care for the livestock.
I pet Ziggy’s soft mane.
“Have you seen Falcon?” I ask.
“He and Leif and a few others went into town for something,” she says.
Right. They went into town to look for girls, of course.
I’m starting to notice girls. Leif has a couple sisters, Scarlett and Laney. They’re both pretty. But the one I really like is a townie named Laura Wright. She’s blond and gorgeous and has eyes even bluer than mine. She’s a year older than I am, though, and last I heard, she had eyes only for my big brother.
That’s how it will always be.
Hawk Bellamy, as an individual, doesn’t exist. Only Falcon’s brother exists.
“Hey, snap out of it!”
Robin’s voice startles me, and I turn to find her giving me a strange look.
“You’ve been staring into space for a solid minute.”
“Sorry,” I mumble, scratching the back of my head. “Just thinking about…stuff.”
Robin snorts. “Stuff, huh? Like Laura Wright?”
My cheeks heat up and I look away. “What? No!”
Robin gives me one of those knowing looks that makes me uncomfortable. She’s always been too perceptive for her own good. That’s why she’s so good with the animals. She knows what they’re feeling without them having to say it. Because they can’t say anything, of course.
I shove my hands into my pockets and head back into the house. Who can I talk to about Laura Wright? About the feelings that are coiled up inside me as my body begins these changes that are slowly making me crazy?
Certainly not my mother.
Not my brother. He won’t give me the time of day.
That leaves only…
My father.
My father, who I don’t even like much, but he always says we can come to him with anything.
Right.
Ted.
I can talk to Ted. He’ll understand. Maybe he’ll be able to help.
But he’s with my dad in his office.
Neither of them are available to me right now.
I let out a sigh.
Maybe Ted and my dad are done with their business. I head toward his office on the west wing of our house and get ready to knock when I hear something odd.
It’s muffled at first. Just a soft, broken sound that slips through the crack beneath the door, like the room itself is trying to hold it in.
But I hear it. I feel it. The way it catches, like something stuck in the throat—raw, unsteady. A choked sob.
It’s not loud. Not dramatic. It’s the kind of sound someone makes when they’re trying not to cry, when they’re losing the fight but still trying to keep it quiet.
It hits something deep in me. Makes the air go still. Because there’s something about that sound that’s more honest than screaming.
And I can’t unhear it.
I open the door—
“Dad! No!”
My father stands behind his desk, a pistol in his hand.
Fuck. I’m not armed. I’m way too young to have a concealed carry, and I don’t carry my piece around at home anyway.
But more alarming is who it’s pointing at.
Ted Tucker.
From the look in his eyes, I know my father is not bluffing. He’s deadly serious.
Ted’s hands are raised in surrender, his body rigid as he watches my father with wide eyes. The office air is thick with tension.
“Dad, what the hell are you doing?” I demand, my voice hoarse with shock and fear.
My father barely glances my way. His gaze is locked onto Ted, his face stony and unreadable. “Stay out of this, Hawk.”
“But Dad—”
“I said stay out of it!” His voice booms through the office, making me wince. “Get out, Hawk. Now.”
Ted stands frozen, his eyes flickering between my father and me.
The choking sobs. They were coming from Ted.
But his jaw goes rigid now. He glances at me, and something happens in his eyes. He finds his strength. “Do as your father says, Hawk. Leave. Now.”
“Dad, put the gun down!” I run over to him.
But my father is a solid wall of muscle and anger as he keeps the gun trained on Ted.
“Hawk,” he grits out. “Get out. This is between me and him.”
Ted nods again. “Listen to your father. Please.” His voice is no longer choked. It radiates strength.
I gulp.
“Ted, why is he doing this?”
“I don’t know. Just go.”
“Shut the fuck up, you degenerate.” Dad takes a slow step toward Ted. “I know what you’re after.”
“You’re wrong.” Ted’s voice is low, and it cracks softly. “I would never do anything to hurt your family.”
“Dad, please…”
“Get out, Hawk!”
Then the click as my father cocks the gun.
Without thinking, I push myself in front of Ted, putting myself between him and the gun. My heart pounds against my ribs as I stare down my father, but I refuse to let fear show on my face.
But it’s too late.
And darkness falls.
40
DANIELA
For a moment when I wake up, I’m not sure where I am.
Then I know.
Hawk’s place. Hawk’s bed.
I jerk upright.
Vinnie and Raven will be worried sick.
I grab my phone from my purse on the floor. Sure enough, there’s a text from Raven.
I’m fine, I text back. I’m at Hawk’s.
Then the three dots.
We figured you were. I tried to call you both but they went to voicemail.
Yeah, we were busy, but I don’t say this.
I’m sorry to worry you.
It’s okay. Love you.
Love you too.
Hawk isn’t in the bed next to me. Where is he? I walk to the bathroom. He’s not there. I turn on the shower and get in, letting the warm water pelt over me. After I wash my hair and then dry off, I put on my dress I wore to court yesterday without the underwear. Commando for now, until I get a change of clean undies.
Then I leave the bedroom.
I find Hawk in the kitchen with a fresh pot of coffee.
I inhale. It smells so good, almost as good as the coffee I had back in Colombia.
“Hey, sleepyhead,” he says. “Did you shower without me?”
“Guilty,” I say. “But I’m always up for another.”
“Coffee?”
“Please.”
He hands me a cup and I take a long sip of the strong brew. “I had some calls from Raven,” I tell him.
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I didn’t even hear it ring. My phone was buried in my purse. She and Vinnie were concerned when I didn’t come home.”
He cocks his head. “Didn’t you tell Raven you were spending the night with me?”
I shrug. “I did, but she probably wanted to check in. She knows about my history. But I’m an adult.” I sigh. “I should have let them know I’d be staying over, so I feel bad. I don’t want to cause them any pain.”
He gives my shoulders a squeeze. “Ray will get over it. So will Vinnie. Which reminds me, I haven’t looked at my phone in a while either.” He leaves the kitchen.
When he doesn’t return after ten minutes, I pour myself another cup of coffee.
I could get used to waking up in Hawk’s house.
I could get used to a lot of things.
41
HAWK
Five missed calls from Eagle, all from last night. A few from Robin this morning.
A bunch of texts from Eagle, too.
Asking for help.
Fuck.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
The last one just says I’m coming over.
The doorbell last night. That was Eagle.
He needed my help, and I ignored him.
But I was with Daniela… I couldn’t just leave—
Then my phone buzzes.
It’s Robin.
“Robbie?” I say.
“Damn, Hawk, I’ve been trying to get you for over an hour.”
“What is it?”
“It’s Eagle,” she says. “Something triggered him. Fuck, he’s been clean for so long.”
My heart sinks. He’s relapsed. And I wasn’t there to cover for him this time, so the whole family is going to know.
It’s going to kill Mom.
And again I need to pick up the pieces.
“Where is he?” I ask. “I… I know where I can take him to get him help. It’s…not the first time this has happened.”
“What the hell do you mean? Eagle hasn’t relapsed, Hawk. He’s in the hospital,” Robin says. “He OD’d. And it’s bad, Hawk. It’s bad.”
Thank you for reading Cryptic Curse! I hope you loved reading about Hawk and Daniela. Their story continues in Chaotic Curse!
One-Click CHAOTIC CURSE now!
If you loved Cryptic Curse, you’ll love Spades! Tumble down the rabbit hold into the dark and mysterious world of the Aces Underground. One-Click Spades today!
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Turn the page for an excerpt from Spades…
EXCERPT FROM SPADES
Alice felt that this could not be denied, so she tried another question. “What sort of people live about here?”
“In that direction,” the Cat said, waving its right paw round, “lives a Hatter: and in that direction,” waving the other paw, “lives a March Hare. Visit either you like: they’re both mad.”
“But I don’t want to go among mad people,” Alice remarked.
“Oh, you can’t help that,” said the Cat: “we’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.”
“How do you know I’m mad?” said Alice.
“You must be,” said the Cat, “or you wouldn’t have come here.”
Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Chapter One
Alissa
Straight lines.
Everything in my life is a straight line.
The hallways at St. Charles General Hospital, where I work. The lines on the charts I read. The heart monitors on the sad occasion that we lose a patient.
Even my commute to the hospital is a straight shot down the Red Line. Five blocks east from my apartment in Uptown Chicago. Ten stops from Uptown to the Loop. Five more blocks west—away from Lake Michigan—and I’m there.
All straight lines. All right angles.
My mother would have loved it. She was obsessed with keeping everything in order. Her final descent into her eternal home was a straight shot down, six feet even. Her grave plot was thirty square feet, her coffin a perfect rectangle.
Straight lines, no curves.
Even the people I work with at St. Charles are straight lines. Not literally, of course, but in their personalities. They’re all perfectly nice people, for the most part, but they’re about as interesting as a bowl of paperclips.
His words spur me further into the climax.
I never imagined it could feel like this. Like I’m complete.
That I want him inside me.
And God, I do.
As my climax rolls away, another takes its place.
Another.
Another, another, another…
It hits me like sunlight after a storm—sudden, blinding, warm in places I didn’t know had gone cold. My chest feels too big for my body, like it’s stretching to hold something that finally fits.
Everything feels sharper. Brighter. My heart’s beating fast, but not from fear—no, this is joy, raw and wild and crackling in my veins.
For a second, nothing hurts. Nothing’s wrong. I’m just here, and it’s enough. More than enough.
I want to laugh. I want to run. I want to tell someone, anyone, that this moment matters—because it does. It so does.
“That’s it, baby.”
From somewhere around me, Hawk’s voice. His low, rich, and perfect voice.
And more elation. More lightness in my limbs, like gravity’s loosened its grip just for me. More electricity humming beneath my skin. My thoughts are sharp and fast, but they don’t scare me—they dance, leaping from one joy to the next like a song I never want to stop hearing.
More freedom. More yes. More of that wild, unstoppable feeling that anything—everything—is possible. I want to bottle it. Hold it. Live inside it forever.
Because in this moment, I’m not weighed down by what I’ve lost or afraid of what’s coming. I’m just…complete.
Overflowing.
As if all the empty places in me have been filled with gold.
Until finally, he pushes into me so hard I’m sure he’s touching my very soul.
Every last contraction of his release fills me with joy.
In my heart, a truth forms.
No matter what happens—whoever is trying to threaten me—Hawk and I can face any kind of cryptic curse and untangle it together.
39
HAWK
Fuck.
I’ve had plenty of women in my life, but damn…
That was one tight little pussy. And Daniela’s body… So beautiful with curves in the right places, lean in others. Perfection.
I want to take care of her. Maybe forever.
But I’m not a moron. I know I’m just full of oxytocin from my orgasm. Still, though…this was different.
Different in an amazing way.
I kiss her forehead. “Stay here.” I rise and go to the bathroom, run a soft cloth under warm water, and return to the bedroom. I’m about to lie back down on the bed when my doorbell rings.
Daniela’s ears perk up. “Who could be at your door at this hour?”
I shrug. “Probably a delivery.”
“Are you expecting anything?”
I shrug. “Mom sends me cute little gifts now and then. Cookies from a local bakery, stuff like that.” Usually because she’s feeling guilty about something she’s said, but I leave that part out. “But it’s going to have to wait.” I sit down on the bed, run the cloth up her left leg. “Let me take care of you.”
“You already did,” she says.
“Shh…” I spread her lovely legs and slide the warm cloth between them.
She sighs. “Oh, that’s nice.”
“Hasn’t anyone taken care of you before?”
“Are you kidding? Of course not.”
Again, I want to pummel all the men who used her, and her father even more so for allowing it. Good thing he’s six feet under, or I’d be on a plane to Bogotá and he’d be toast by morning.
Her pussy is pink and pretty, and I can’t help myself. I slide my tongue between her folds.
Her gasp is music to my ears as I taste her, sweet and purely Daniela. Her legs quiver under my touch as she grips the sheets beneath us, moaning my name in a shaky whisper.
“Hawk,” she breathes out, her voice filled with pleasure.
“Shh,” I soothe her, my hands coming up to grip her hips, holding her in place against the assault of my tongue. “Just feel.”
And she does. She lets out a long sigh, tilting her hips for more. The sight of her spread out before me, writhing in pleasure under my touch, is enough to make me hard again.
But not now. Now is about Daniela—about showing her that this can be good, that it can be about mutual pleasure, can be a physical expression of love…
She reaches down to weave her fingers through my hair. The touch is electrifying—possessive and gentle all at once.
“Hawk,” she whispers again after a few minutes, her breath hitching. “Please…”
“Anything,” I tell her, looking up to meet her gaze.
There’s a plea in her eyes that sends a thrill coursing through me.
“Stay with me,” she breathes out, and it hits me harder than any physical touch ever could.
“I’m not going anywhere,” I promise her, sealing my vow with a kiss to her inner thigh.
With those words, Daniela seems to relax, surrendering herself to the pleasure. Her body trembles under my touch as I bring her to the edge, over and over again until she’s shaking uncontrollably.
Satisfied that I’ve given her all the care she needs for now, I crawl back up beside her on the bed. She rolls into my arms without a word, snuggling against my chest like it’s where she belongs.
We lie in silence for a while, our bodies slick with sweat but comfortable in each other’s presence.
Soon her breathing becomes shallow, and a soft and perfect snore escapes her.
I kiss her forehead. “Sleep, sweetheart. I’m here. I’ll protect you.”
Seventeen Years Earlier…
My father saw me hugging Ted.
I’m in for it. He’ll think it’s weak. Never mind that I’m the best shot of all my siblings, that I’m on track to being taller than Falcon, or that I’m a fucking champion bronc buster in the making.
He’ll think something is wrong with me being affectionate to a grown man.
The thing is, Ted is like a big brother to me. He’s never been inappropriate. He’s been helpful, a good role model.
But that’s not how Dad will see it.
I steel myself for the confrontation, but it never comes. Instead, he passes me with a small nod before disappearing into his office. Confused, I turn back to Ted, who shrugs and gives me a reassuring pat on the back. Then he heads toward Dad’s office.
I go outside, where I find Robin working with her pony, Ziggy. Of all of us, Robin is the best with the animals. She talks all the time about going to vet school and staying on the ranch to care for the livestock.
I pet Ziggy’s soft mane.
“Have you seen Falcon?” I ask.
“He and Leif and a few others went into town for something,” she says.
Right. They went into town to look for girls, of course.
I’m starting to notice girls. Leif has a couple sisters, Scarlett and Laney. They’re both pretty. But the one I really like is a townie named Laura Wright. She’s blond and gorgeous and has eyes even bluer than mine. She’s a year older than I am, though, and last I heard, she had eyes only for my big brother.
That’s how it will always be.
Hawk Bellamy, as an individual, doesn’t exist. Only Falcon’s brother exists.
“Hey, snap out of it!”
Robin’s voice startles me, and I turn to find her giving me a strange look.
“You’ve been staring into space for a solid minute.”
“Sorry,” I mumble, scratching the back of my head. “Just thinking about…stuff.”
Robin snorts. “Stuff, huh? Like Laura Wright?”
My cheeks heat up and I look away. “What? No!”
Robin gives me one of those knowing looks that makes me uncomfortable. She’s always been too perceptive for her own good. That’s why she’s so good with the animals. She knows what they’re feeling without them having to say it. Because they can’t say anything, of course.
I shove my hands into my pockets and head back into the house. Who can I talk to about Laura Wright? About the feelings that are coiled up inside me as my body begins these changes that are slowly making me crazy?
Certainly not my mother.
Not my brother. He won’t give me the time of day.
That leaves only…
My father.
My father, who I don’t even like much, but he always says we can come to him with anything.
Right.
Ted.
I can talk to Ted. He’ll understand. Maybe he’ll be able to help.
But he’s with my dad in his office.
Neither of them are available to me right now.
I let out a sigh.
Maybe Ted and my dad are done with their business. I head toward his office on the west wing of our house and get ready to knock when I hear something odd.
It’s muffled at first. Just a soft, broken sound that slips through the crack beneath the door, like the room itself is trying to hold it in.
But I hear it. I feel it. The way it catches, like something stuck in the throat—raw, unsteady. A choked sob.
It’s not loud. Not dramatic. It’s the kind of sound someone makes when they’re trying not to cry, when they’re losing the fight but still trying to keep it quiet.
It hits something deep in me. Makes the air go still. Because there’s something about that sound that’s more honest than screaming.
And I can’t unhear it.
I open the door—
“Dad! No!”
My father stands behind his desk, a pistol in his hand.
Fuck. I’m not armed. I’m way too young to have a concealed carry, and I don’t carry my piece around at home anyway.
But more alarming is who it’s pointing at.
Ted Tucker.
From the look in his eyes, I know my father is not bluffing. He’s deadly serious.
Ted’s hands are raised in surrender, his body rigid as he watches my father with wide eyes. The office air is thick with tension.
“Dad, what the hell are you doing?” I demand, my voice hoarse with shock and fear.
My father barely glances my way. His gaze is locked onto Ted, his face stony and unreadable. “Stay out of this, Hawk.”
“But Dad—”
“I said stay out of it!” His voice booms through the office, making me wince. “Get out, Hawk. Now.”
Ted stands frozen, his eyes flickering between my father and me.
The choking sobs. They were coming from Ted.
But his jaw goes rigid now. He glances at me, and something happens in his eyes. He finds his strength. “Do as your father says, Hawk. Leave. Now.”
“Dad, put the gun down!” I run over to him.
But my father is a solid wall of muscle and anger as he keeps the gun trained on Ted.
“Hawk,” he grits out. “Get out. This is between me and him.”
Ted nods again. “Listen to your father. Please.” His voice is no longer choked. It radiates strength.
I gulp.
“Ted, why is he doing this?”
“I don’t know. Just go.”
“Shut the fuck up, you degenerate.” Dad takes a slow step toward Ted. “I know what you’re after.”
“You’re wrong.” Ted’s voice is low, and it cracks softly. “I would never do anything to hurt your family.”
“Dad, please…”
“Get out, Hawk!”
Then the click as my father cocks the gun.
Without thinking, I push myself in front of Ted, putting myself between him and the gun. My heart pounds against my ribs as I stare down my father, but I refuse to let fear show on my face.
But it’s too late.
And darkness falls.
40
DANIELA
For a moment when I wake up, I’m not sure where I am.
Then I know.
Hawk’s place. Hawk’s bed.
I jerk upright.
Vinnie and Raven will be worried sick.
I grab my phone from my purse on the floor. Sure enough, there’s a text from Raven.
I’m fine, I text back. I’m at Hawk’s.
Then the three dots.
We figured you were. I tried to call you both but they went to voicemail.
Yeah, we were busy, but I don’t say this.
I’m sorry to worry you.
It’s okay. Love you.
Love you too.
Hawk isn’t in the bed next to me. Where is he? I walk to the bathroom. He’s not there. I turn on the shower and get in, letting the warm water pelt over me. After I wash my hair and then dry off, I put on my dress I wore to court yesterday without the underwear. Commando for now, until I get a change of clean undies.
Then I leave the bedroom.
I find Hawk in the kitchen with a fresh pot of coffee.
I inhale. It smells so good, almost as good as the coffee I had back in Colombia.
“Hey, sleepyhead,” he says. “Did you shower without me?”
“Guilty,” I say. “But I’m always up for another.”
“Coffee?”
“Please.”
He hands me a cup and I take a long sip of the strong brew. “I had some calls from Raven,” I tell him.
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I didn’t even hear it ring. My phone was buried in my purse. She and Vinnie were concerned when I didn’t come home.”
He cocks his head. “Didn’t you tell Raven you were spending the night with me?”
I shrug. “I did, but she probably wanted to check in. She knows about my history. But I’m an adult.” I sigh. “I should have let them know I’d be staying over, so I feel bad. I don’t want to cause them any pain.”
He gives my shoulders a squeeze. “Ray will get over it. So will Vinnie. Which reminds me, I haven’t looked at my phone in a while either.” He leaves the kitchen.
When he doesn’t return after ten minutes, I pour myself another cup of coffee.
I could get used to waking up in Hawk’s house.
I could get used to a lot of things.
41
HAWK
Five missed calls from Eagle, all from last night. A few from Robin this morning.
A bunch of texts from Eagle, too.
Asking for help.
Fuck.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
The last one just says I’m coming over.
The doorbell last night. That was Eagle.
He needed my help, and I ignored him.
But I was with Daniela… I couldn’t just leave—
Then my phone buzzes.
It’s Robin.
“Robbie?” I say.
“Damn, Hawk, I’ve been trying to get you for over an hour.”
“What is it?”
“It’s Eagle,” she says. “Something triggered him. Fuck, he’s been clean for so long.”
My heart sinks. He’s relapsed. And I wasn’t there to cover for him this time, so the whole family is going to know.
It’s going to kill Mom.
And again I need to pick up the pieces.
“Where is he?” I ask. “I… I know where I can take him to get him help. It’s…not the first time this has happened.”
“What the hell do you mean? Eagle hasn’t relapsed, Hawk. He’s in the hospital,” Robin says. “He OD’d. And it’s bad, Hawk. It’s bad.”
Thank you for reading Cryptic Curse! I hope you loved reading about Hawk and Daniela. Their story continues in Chaotic Curse!
One-Click CHAOTIC CURSE now!
If you loved Cryptic Curse, you’ll love Spades! Tumble down the rabbit hold into the dark and mysterious world of the Aces Underground. One-Click Spades today!
Missing Bridgerton? You’ll love the sensual world of the Sex and the Season Series. One-click Lily and the Duke now!
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Turn the page for an excerpt from Spades…
EXCERPT FROM SPADES
Alice felt that this could not be denied, so she tried another question. “What sort of people live about here?”
“In that direction,” the Cat said, waving its right paw round, “lives a Hatter: and in that direction,” waving the other paw, “lives a March Hare. Visit either you like: they’re both mad.”
“But I don’t want to go among mad people,” Alice remarked.
“Oh, you can’t help that,” said the Cat: “we’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.”
“How do you know I’m mad?” said Alice.
“You must be,” said the Cat, “or you wouldn’t have come here.”
Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Chapter One
Alissa
Straight lines.
Everything in my life is a straight line.
The hallways at St. Charles General Hospital, where I work. The lines on the charts I read. The heart monitors on the sad occasion that we lose a patient.
Even my commute to the hospital is a straight shot down the Red Line. Five blocks east from my apartment in Uptown Chicago. Ten stops from Uptown to the Loop. Five more blocks west—away from Lake Michigan—and I’m there.
All straight lines. All right angles.
My mother would have loved it. She was obsessed with keeping everything in order. Her final descent into her eternal home was a straight shot down, six feet even. Her grave plot was thirty square feet, her coffin a perfect rectangle.
Straight lines, no curves.
Even the people I work with at St. Charles are straight lines. Not literally, of course, but in their personalities. They’re all perfectly nice people, for the most part, but they’re about as interesting as a bowl of paperclips.
