Afflicted Read online

  Leaning down he tenderly kissed both of my shoulder blades. Feeling euphoric I rolled onto my back and pulled him on top of me.

  “You are indeed a god in bed, Blake Potter.”

  Kissing my temple he grinned a boyish grin and winked. “As are you my lady. Hey are you ready for me to call in my favor?”

  “That wasn’t it?” I teased.

  “No.” He rubbed the back of neck making me laugh. “Remember when I asked you to bring your tattoo gun with you when you came? I saw it with the rest of your things, and I want you to cover something up for me.”

  I had a feeling I knew what it was, and I knew it was a touchy subject for him. Rowan. It was on his arm flashing like a neon sign, and I didn’t like it, not that I would ever say anything. People got tattoos for all different reasons. Some to commemorate something important or significant in their lives, others do it as a form of art and some do it out of love. At one point, Blake obviously thought that Rowan was the one he was going to spend the rest of his life with. Unfortunately for him, it didn’t work out that way.

  I can’t even count the number of name cover-ups that I’ve done over the past five years. My favorite was this guy, Brian that came in and got one with his girlfriend, only to break up a couple weeks later, I covered it up, and they ended up getting back together, so he came in and got it redone, only to break up with her again.

  I could tell he was struggling to let go of that part of his life. It was almost like closing that chapter of his life.

  Sure enough that’s where he pointed, looking torn. I ran my fingers over it lightly. Standing up I walked over to my bag. He was lucky that I happened to grab my kit before I left for my parent’s house since my dad wanted to do some more work on his sleeve while I was there. I pulled out a pair of gloves and some other supplies and set them up on the kitchen table before grabbing my sketchpad and some pencils.

  “What do you want?” I asked, skeptically.

  “Your face.” He said seriously, before breaking into a small laugh.

  “Blake!” I scolded. “That’s not even remotely funny. Seriously, what do you want so I can draw up a couple different options?”

  Rubbing the back of his head like he always did when he was uncomfortable or unsure about something he looked deep in thought before having an epiphany. “How about a key lock?” He grinned.

  I tied my hair back and started drawing up a design when he took the pencil out of my hand.

  “I trust you. Whatever you think is going to look good, just do it.”

  I swallowed audibly. I knew that I was a decent artist, and even better at tattooing, but it didn’t make me any less nervous. Taking my thin tipped marker I made a quick outline to ensure that it was even before setting up. I took my time assembling the gun and set it on the table pouring black ink into the caps. Setting up a cup of water, I took a deep breath.

  My sweaty hands made it difficult to get the gloves on. Once they were on I put the needle into the gun and hooked up the pedal. Blake leaned in and kissed me softly before I made the first swipe. I was doing my best to keep my hand steady. I’ve never felt nervous tattooing before, not even with my first. Blake made me gun shy.

  I meticulously made each line, occasionally spraying and wiping as I went. When I was finished, I cleaned it off and inspected my work. I loved it and I hoped that he would too. It was the face of a skeleton girl that I modeled after the “day of the dead” with her mouth being the keyhole. I did the lock part in a chain link ensuring that Rowan’s name was adequately covered, luckily whoever did it used shitty ink, and it was already faded. He looked at me as he made his way into the bathroom to look in the mirror. My stomach was in my throat as I waited for him to emerge.

  “HOLY SHIT!” I heard him exclaim, making me jump.

  He came sprinting back into the room grinning like the Cheshire cat.

  “I love it, babe. It’s phenomenal. There’s no way I would have even thought to make it look like this. Thank you.”

  Speechless, I just smiled as I cleaned up my mess tossing everything I could into the trash and putting the needle into my mini biohazard bin. I applied some cream and wrapped it for him. Grabbing his smokes off the windowsill he led me outside. We stood on the front porch looking at the moon through the rain and trees. Maybe everything would be alright after all.

  Blake

  Screaming. Blood curdling, bloody murder, screaming.

  I sat up ramrod straight in bed before realizing that the noise was coming from Piper. She was dreaming. I automatically leaned over her to stop her from thrashing, but she wouldn’t stop screaming. Watching helplessly as tears streamed down her face my heartbeat was frantic. Nudging her lightly, she opened her eyes and started shaking. I moved us to a sitting position and sat her in my lap holding her close to me trying to soothe her.

  “Pipe, it’s okay. I’m here. I’ve got you, I’m not going anywhere.”

  She stayed in my arms, shaking uncontrollably as she continued to sob.

  “H-he tried to kill me.”

  “Who tried to kill you?” I asked.

  “Cole. It was so real. It was like he was here.”

  Just then a branch broke outside and came crashing to the ground with a loud bang, making her head fly back and crack me in the nose. Warm blood started pouring out as I took my two fingers pinching the bridge of my nose trying to control the bleed.

  Fuck, that smarts.

  “Fuck, are you alright. Jeez, Blake I’m so sorry.” She said, scrambling off the bed and going to get a washcloth from the bathroom.

  So much for the nice white bedspread...

  I’d have to make sure that I got a replacement when we got back home, since this one was beyond ruined. After I got the bleeding controlled we showered and packed up the last of our things. Her nightmare had me completely on edge and very trepidatious about going home. I wanted to take her hand and tell her that everything was going to be perfect, but I’d be lying.

  “Make sure you stay close behind me, okay?” I told her as I kissed her one last time before we headed back to Smithville. She gave me a small smile and nodded as I closed her door. I double-checked that the cabin door was locked before getting into my car and heading toward the highway.

  Pushing my Bluetooth button I decided to call my mom since I haven’t spoken with her since I was at the cabin. I’m sure she was itching to hear about how I made out writing, and I was excited to tell her all about Piper. I brought her number up to the screen and pressed the send button. She picked up on the second ring.

  “Baby boy, is that you?”

  “Hi, Momma.” I said, feeling the smile that took over my face.

  “Well, how did you make out at the cabin? Did your creative juices give you some musical genius?”

  “Kinda, more like a girl.” I heard her gasp. “Remember when I told you about Aubrey’s best friend Piper? It’s her. She came out to the cabin about a week ago and we just started dating. I really like her mom and I’m looking forward to bringing her home to visit with me so you can meet her.”

  “Blake, that’s wonderful baby. I’m so happy for you. Any idea when you’ll be here?”

  “I’ll have to check with the rest of the guys and have Piper clear it with work. I’ll get back to you, but I’m hoping maybe as soon as next week.”

  “Lovely. Hold on your dad wants to speak with you. I love you.”

  “Love you, too.” I heard her hand the phone over to my dad as he cleared his throat. “Hey, Dad. How’s it going?”

  “Good son, real good actually. Business has been picking up a bit the last few weeks for the first time in a year. I hear you’re thinking about coming home soon, I think it will be beneficial because we’re going to have to get rid of Joss’ boyfriend. He’s an asshole.” He grumbled.

  This was the first that I heard anything of the sort, and I automatically fell into protective, older brother mode. No one fucked with Joss. I didn’t care who they were. Joss was beautiful
and naïve. She wore her heart on her sleeve and had a shitty track record when it came to dating. I knew the new guy’s name was Tom and that he was in sales of some sort, but with her in school and me on tour it was hard to keep in touch. It just made getting back home an even higher priority.

  “I’ll clear it with the guys when I get home later today and schedule a flight out as soon as I can. Make sure she knows I’m coming. Love ya, Dad.”

  “You too, son. I’ll see you soon.”

  I hung up with my dad and pulled into the next rest stop so I could run it by Piper and see if she would be able to come with me. She pulled into the spot next to me, hopping out of the car before I could get over there to open her door. Leaning down I seized the opportunity to kiss her. Funny how even with her being behind me I missed her. I filled her in on what my plans were, and she said she was sure that she could probably manage to get another week off since she hadn’t really taken any time off since she started working there five years ago.

  I felt almost giddy that she was going to come home with me. The ride home seemed to take forever, especially since we were going to separate houses. I quite enjoyed having her in my bed the last week. But, I didn’t want to come off as being too needy, so I chose not to bring it up, hopefully I’d find a way to sleep there tomorrow. Plus, I had a shit ton of laundry to do since I didn’t go to the Laundromat all week.

  Right as, we got off the exit I pulled into the gas station. I ran over to her car and kissed her like a madman. She reciprocated by wrapping her arms around my neck pulling me as close as she could. When we broke apart, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and snapped a picture of the two of us, realizing that I didn’t take any the whole week.

  “What’s that for?” She laughed.

  “I have to update my status to in a relationship so the ladies will leave me alone.” I teased, making her groan.

  “Great, I’ll make sure I lock my deadbolt, so I don’t get attacked by one of your stalkers in my sleep.”

  “I was hoping you’d be doing that anyway since I’m sure Cole isn’t going to be too happy when he finds out either. He kinda fucking hates me.” Suddenly I got genuinely worried about her going back to her house alone.

  “Will you relax? He’s a pill head, not a serial killer. I’ve been dealing with his mood swings for a year now. I think I can handle him if he tries to come by. He’s probably not even around.”

  “Can I at least come and check the house first?” I pleaded, pouting my bottom lip and giving her my puppy dog eyes that could get me pretty much anything.

  “No.” She said, finding the sign behind me suddenly particularly interesting.

  Damn her for being so pig-headed. I didn’t want to come across as being a jealous asshole and scare her off, so I decided not to press it any further.

  “Fine, but call me as soon as you get settled, so I know you’re okay. If you get scared or don’t feel comfortable just call me. You can come to the house, or I’ll sleep there if you want.”

  “Blake.” She warned.

  “I know, I know.” I teased, stealing one last kiss before heading home to take a cold shower.

  After unpacking, showering, and starting my laundry, I waited with my phone in hand for Piper’s call. Jake stopped by, and I showed him what I worked on while I was away, he was impressed and pleased. I told him about my plans to go back home for a few days, which he was fine with.

  After we cleared it with the rest of the guys, I went to my room and booked two round trip, first class tickets leaving in three days. Hopefully that would give us enough time to get our shit in order. I was pacing a hole in the floor when my phone finally rang. It didn’t even ring a whole time before I picked up.

  “Hey babe, I was starting to get worried.” There wasn’t an immediate response. “Pipe? You there?”

  “Yeah, sorry, the cops just left. I was going to call you sooner, but they asked me a million questions.” I heard her blow out a deep breath and knew she was probably chewing on her lip trying not to cry. I already had my keys in hand as I took the stairs two at a time running to my car. “My place has been completely ransacked.” She sniveled.

  “I’m on my way.”

  I threw my car in reverse and spun the tires as I peeled out of the driveway. Speeding across town I couldn’t get to her house fast enough. I knew it had to be Cole because there was no one else that would want to go there and damage the place like that. By the time, I pulled up by her house I was going so fast that I had to use the e-brake to slide in sideways. I put the car in neutral and jumped out. It was then that I noticed an officer sitting across from her house. He just looked at me and shook his head.

  I continued up the stairs and opened the door, which was practically busted off its hinges. Shit, he really did a number. Her flat screen TV was smashed on the living room floor, and all the stuffing from the couch had been ripped out. Dishes were scattered and broken all over the place.

  That guy really liked breaking fucking dishes.

  Clothes were shredded, pictures cut. My heart sank. She was on the floor holding a hand broom and a dustpan with tears streaming down her face. I slowly approached her and dropped to eye level, taking the dustpan from her hands.

  “Babe, it’s okay. You’re not hurt, that’s the only thing that can’t be replaced.” I said taking her hand and pulling her to her feet. Pulling her to my chest I felt her heart hammering against me. It felt like it was going to beat out of her chest. Kissing the top of her head lightly I led her over to an unbroken kitchen chair and sat her down. “Listen, I know you don’t want to come stay with me right now, but you can’t stay here. It’s not safe.” There wasn’t going to be any arguing her way out of this one.

  “I know. It’s just that you need to be in the studio for the next few days, and I have to work so that I can take off again. Josh said it was fine, but he wants me to finish up a couple clients that I was supposed to do last week. I’ll call Granny Jean, I’m sure she won’t mind me crashing there for a couple days. Plus, she packs some serious heat.”

  I wanted to tell her to stay with Jake and Aubrey, but she felt like an intruder, plus they went at it like rabbits just about every night once the babies were asleep. Frankly, I’m surprised she’s not pregnant again already.

  “Fine, but come Wednesday you’re in my bed and you’re not leaving.”

  I wanted so much to tell her that I loved her, but the timing was off and I didn’t want her to remember the first time I said it to her along with something bad. I bit my tongue and started sweeping while Piper went to call Granny. She told her that it wasn’t a problem, but she wanted to know exactly what happened once she got there. I threw the broom against the wall since it was already smashed. I wanted to punch Cole in the face more than anything right now, and it was going take a lot of self-restraint on my part not to go looking for him. I decided that I would just call a cleaning crew out to clean up and fix everything before we got back. I helped her carry the few things we could salvage to the car and put them in the trunk.

  “I seriously wish you would just come stay with me. We have the gate, not to mention all the security cameras.”

  “I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to the babies because of me, or any of you. I feel horrible enough putting Granny in this position.”

  Why did I choose the most stubborn woman on the planet to fall in love with?

  “Fine, but I’m following you there because I’m not taking any chances.” I said sternly.

  She nodded and climbed in her car. I stayed close behind her on the way to Granny’s and carried her suitcase inside when we got there looking over my shoulder the entire time. Granny was sitting at the table doing a crossword puzzle and smoking her signature Lucky Strikes. She stood and walked over to Piper pulling her into a hug.

  “Would you like a warm beverage?” She asked Piper.

  “Tea does sound nice.”

  “You know where the kitchen is.”

 
I stifled a laugh. Fucking Granny had to be one of the most awesome people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. She just said whatever came to her mind, no matter who she was going to offend. I went into the kitchen and poured some water into the kettle and starting the burner. Piper sat at the table and rubbed her hands over her face.

  We explained exactly what happened. Granny said she wasn’t surprised. I didn’t know what a serious pill problem Cole had. I knew he took them as a form of self-medicating, but it turns out it was far worse than what I was assuming. Obviously Granny was already aware of it.

  I started pacing the floor waiting for the whistle to go off. They kept talking while I made Piper her tea. I was feeling downright fucking aggravated. As much as I wanted to stay here I needed to leave before I ended up making an ass out of myself by losing my temper. Placing the mug on the table I chastely kissed Piper goodbye.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow, babe. Call me if you need anything and make sure all the doors and windows are locked.”

  “I will. Thanks for everything, Blake.”

  “Go fuck yourself, rocker boy. I’ve been taking care of myself for years, and I don’t need some young whippersnapper telling me how to protect myself.”

  As if to prove a point, she walked over and pulled her pistol out of the hutch and slammed it down on the counter glaring out me. Essentially telling me to go to hell. I laughed and kissed her puff of white hair before heading to the door.

  Piper

  After double-checking that all the windows were locked, I climbed into bed utterly spent from earlier. I wanted to find Cole and cut his balls off for ruining all my stuff, not that I had much to begin with, but now I had nothing. I was going to have to use my entire savings to replace what he ruined. Beyond pissed and hurt I closed my eyes.

  I woke to hearing yelling coming from the kitchen. Surveying the room I remembered that I was at Granny Jean’s, and why.

  “She doesn’t want to see you, so why don’t you run along before I make you!” Granny yelled.