Max (A Carter Brother series Book 4) (7 page)

A laugh at the door startles the shit into me. I’m flying up from the chair thinking its Denny or her bloke, but instead I find Max looking comfortable, perched against the doorframe.

“How long have you been there listening?’’ I blink in surprise.

“Long enough to hear you blackmail my niece,’’ he grins blissfully.

“Pfft,’’ I wave him off. “We have an understanding,’’ is all I add quietly, noticing Hope settling down.

“Come on, I’ve made some popcorn and got some snacks.’’

“You’re going to eat, again?’’ I add for good measure. Since we left for the food bank this morning, he has to have eaten every fifteen, maybe twenty, minutes. Where the fuck he puts it all is anyone’s guess. Most girls would kill to be able to eat what they want and not put any weight on. Max having that ability is just plain mean. He’s already got the looks, the body, he doesn’t deserve to be able to eat everything his belly desires. It’s just unfair. It’s like God decided, when he was giving out people’s genes, to dose Max with everything.

Selfish.

Greedy.

Unfair.

Yeah I’m jealous. When I had a healthy appetite I only had to look at something and I’d put ten stone on.

“Well, yeah. I’ve not eaten since we began the movie,’’ he shrugs, watching as I put Hope back down in her cot.

“Whatever,’’ I mutter under my breath as I follow him back down the stairs.

**** **** ****

After tricking Max into watching a horror movie, we finally call it a night. Hope has been waking up every so often, screaming. A part of me thinks she knows something’s going on: that her mom is upset. It has to be, right? Because even Max said she’s not normally like this. The storm brewing outside comes to mind too because the wind howling and branches hitting the windows is pretty scary.

Speaking of scary, the door to the bedroom Joan said I could sleep in creaks open and in a moment of panic my heart stops. That is until I hear his voice whisper across the room, my body relaxing somewhat. But then it tenses for another reason entirely. Why is he walking into the room this late?

“Lake,’’ he whisper yells, and I choose to ignore him. I don’t know if I’ll be strong enough to turn him down if he starts something with me. Every time he’s around me I turn to mush or he opens his mouth and I want to strangle him.

I’m facing the other way so he can’t see my face but, still, I shut my eyes tightly. He steps into the room, his feet moving closer towards the bed.

“Lake?’’ he calls a little louder but then silence fills the room.

Just when I think he’s given up, his hand touches my shoulder and he violently shakes me. If I wasn’t already awake he’d have a black eye and sore nuts for a week right now. Doesn’t he know not to sneak up on girls when they’re sleeping?

I’ve always had to be on guard, even in my sleep. Once, while staying at a refuge, someone tried to pinch the money that was tucked into my bra. It didn’t turn out so well. They had scared me awake, frightening the life out of me, and my instincts had me attacking first. Ever since that night I’ve been worse. I’ve become a light sleeper and a part of me misses the deep sleeper I used to be. A full goodnight’s sleep is something I really bloody miss.

“Jesus fucking Christ, Max. What are you trying to do? Give me a fucking heart attack?’’

“I thought I saw a spider on you,’’ he tells me. I feel him shifting on the bed, getting himself comfortable, which just gets my back up.

“So, you snuck into the bedroom to watch me sleep and you were paying that much attention you happened to see a spider? In the dark? You do realise spiders are black, right?’’ I snap, turning to look at him.

“Look, I keep hearing noises and it’s freaking me out,’’ he tells me honestly, scrubbing a hand down his face.

Seeing he’s deadly serious, I roll over into my pillow and burst into laughter. Oh, my God, I thought he was exaggerating over the movie. He doesn’t seem like the kind to be scared of a little blood and gore. I laugh even harder when I think back on the time I shouted at him for touching my leg in a tight grip. I thought he was copping a feel, but it turns out he was telling the truth and that the movie made him jump.

“Stop laughing,’’ he groans, shoving my shoulder.

I turn sideways to look at him, not able to hold back my laughter. “I’m sorry,’’ I laugh. “But, you’re you...and you’re scared... of dolls,’’ I cry harder, laughing.

“There’s no need to be fucking mean. I’m never going to look at Hope the same. One of them looked a little like her, didn’t you see?’’

“No,’’ I choke out laughing, my ribs and stomach hurting.

“Oh, come on, the one could turn its head all the way around. It was fucking scary, Lake. I’m glad Granddad let us chuck the porcelain dolls out that my nan used to collect,’’ he curses right before I hear the bed shake from his shudder.

“It’s a movie, it’s not real and it still doesn’t explain you becoming a creeper coming into my room,’’ I scold playfully, still not able to hide the grin from my face. My cheeks are hurting so bad from smiling and laughing but it feels good.

“I wasn’t being creepy. I just wanted to know if you were awake.’’

“And when I didn’t answer the first time you didn’t clue in?’’

“I thought you were ignoring me,’’ he shrugs looking away and I know he’s lying which makes me smile. “Plus, I told you, I keep hearing noises.’’

“What kind of noises?’’

“Creepy ones,’’ he shudders, lying back down on the pillow and shoving his hands behind his head. The movements cause his top to ride up a little and what I wouldn’t give for a little light right now.

Just get comfy,
I think sardonically when he starts shifting pillows.

“And how do creepy noises sound?’’

“Like, I don’t know, creepy. The floorboards kept creaking and, I swear, the walls were talking to me, with a tick-tock sound clicking in the background.’’

“One: it’s because we’ve all come to bed. My mom used to tell me it was the floorboards relaxing having so many people walking on them all day. Two: you do realise the tick-tock sound could actually be the clock above the fire place making the noise?’’

“What is your mom like?’’ he asks, catching me off guard. My body tenses and I find myself unable to answer for a few seconds.

“Don’t change the topic,’’ I snap a little too heatedly.

“Look, I’m scared as fucking shit. In fact, I’ve checked my fucking boxers twice just to make sure I’ve not shit me self. All I’m asking is for you to reach into your heart and let me have the right side of the bed.’’

“I’m not sleeping with you,’’ I shout, then wince and listen out for Hope, the grouchy little cookie.

“Babe, I’m not going to touch you. I’m too fucking scared. In fact, touching you reminds me of that clip you showed me of Piranha 3D where the fish eats his dick. Inside the fucking woman,’’ he shudders, holding his crotch.

I laugh; I can’t help it. I told him he could watch that or this movie about dolls. When I showed him that clip from Piranha my plan couldn’t have gone any better. That was until he started cursing me for putting on the new doll movie.

“Okay, Okay, but you’ve got the next Hope duty,’’ I add, holding my hand out.

He takes my hand with a scoff before shaking it. “You’re going to be the death of me. You’re a cunning woman and so tiny too.’’

“Goodnight,’’ I smile and roll over onto my side.

I’m drifting into the place between dreams and reality when Max speaks.

“Are you awake still?’’

Maybe if I ignore him now we’ve already spoken he will let me sleep. My eyes are stinging and I can’t see Hope staying asleep much longer.

“Max, go to fucking sleep.’’

“Okay, but can I ask a question, a serious one?’’

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean I’ll answer,’’ I answer him, my eyes now wide open, wondering what he’s going to ask me.

“Why were you sleeping on the streets? You could have gotten a job and rented a place, or hell, even gone to the council and gotten the help you need to get a place.’’

His question is so innocent but so personal at the same time. However, unlike any other time someone asks me a personal question; I find myself answering honestly as I can instead of avoiding it.

“Some people don’t deserve the luxury of a home, the fullness of a decent meal and fresh, hot water to bathe in. Don’t kid yourself by thinking I’ve been given a shitty hand; where I am, Max, is where I deserve to be. Never mistake that for one second,’’ I breathe out quietly. Neither of us says anything else but I can hear him thinking from all the way over here. I tune out his heavy breathing and the thick tension now between us and fall to sleep.

I’m lagging and dragging my feet the next morning. Not only did I do the next wake up duty with Hope but I also did every one after that. It seems I pissed off Lake more than I realised last night by asking questions because, after I came back from the first shift, I walked back into the bedroom to find her gone.

I’m still unsure if it was because I woke up spooning her or if it was what she revealed last night. How she thinks she deserves the life she’s been given is fucking stupid. No one deserves that. No one.

Her words still echo inside my head. She seemed so sad, her words so dark and for someone so beautiful with so much light inside of her, I find it hard to believe she truly believes that about herself. If she does, I’ll have fun showing her differently. She should be bathed in love, given everything she ever needed and... fuck, I sound like a fucking pussy.

Shit, I’m turning into Myles.

That shit needs to end right now.

Its mid morning by the time I get Hope settled again and I’m on my tenth cup of coffee. The front door opens and in walks a tired looking Denny and Mason, both looking worse for wear. If I wasn’t so tired I’d say something witty but I just want my bed.

“How’s your brother’s girlfriend and kid?’’ is all I manage to get out.

“Good, they’re all good,’’ she smiles sadly.

“Good,’’ I yawn.

“Dude, you look like shit. You get any sleep?’’ Mason asks and then I notice Denny looking around for Lake.

“She’s not here,’’ I tell her, then look over to my brother with a deadpan expression. “I slept like a baby, Mason. Up every few fucking hours. I’m knackered. I need a break. You’re going to have to watch her for a bit. I’m going to bed,’’ I shout out and then groan when I hear Hope start crying.

“Nice one, dickhead, you scared her awake.’’

“I’m going. I can’t even argue,’’ I yawn again. “I’ll be back in a bit to go over the stag party,’’ I wave off. I get up, walk up to Denny and give her a hug and kiss. Mason growling is something I’m used to whenever I’m near Denny, so I make him sweat by hugging her harder.

Chuckling when Mason pulls me away, I walk back into the front room to Hope. She fell asleep in her bouncer not even twenty minutes ago. Leaning down, I kiss her head.

“Princess, I love you, but I’m popping home to do that thing you couldn’t seem to do all night... Sleep.’’

“Wait till you have kids of your own,’’ Denny giggles.

I turn, giving her a small smile. “Some lucky fucker would be thrilled to have kids with me,’’ I tell her before leaving.

No one knows that I don’t want kids. I mean, how could they? They’ve never even asked. They look at me, see a player and that’s as far as it goes. Then they see me with Hope and believe it’s what I want.

Looking at Hope everyday makes me believe I could but then I remember where I came from, what blood runs through my veins, and the thought disappears within a second.

It’s no secret my parents were shitty ones that never loved us but at some point they had to have loved each other. That’s why I’ll never fall in love. I’ll never let anyone turn me into what my parents turned each other into. Somewhere along the line they broke each other, or maybe they were always like that.

I’m still unclear why my mom even had us. She cleared off the second she could, leaving us with that monster. A part of me prays that I’ll never end up like them but as they say, ‘an apple never falls far from the tree’.

“Hey, do you know where my iPod is? I want to go for a run,’’ Maverick asks when I walk in a few seconds later.

I look around the spotless room before turning to him tiredly and saying, “Ask Joan.’’ I don’t stick around and choose to ignore his cursing as I make my way upstairs to bed. I fall down face first and fall to sleep.

*** *** *** ***

“We’re not having a joint stag party,’’ I yell at Harlow.

“Why? It would be so cool. We could...’’

“What? Sit around and paint each other’s nails?’’

“Bro, you wanna back off?’’ Malik growls, coming to stand behind Harlow in a protective stance. I roll my eyes at him. Pussy whipped. Harlow has had him by the balls since she moved in next door. I can’t even dislike her either because I love her like a sister. But still, Malik was badass before.

“Look, all I’m saying is a stag party is a rite of passage. For centuries grooms have been given a night of freedom, a night to reflect on what is and what will be. It’s a night for a group of close friends and family to give the groom a night to remember without the constraints of their fiancée there.’’

“You make it sound like I’m chaining him down,’’ Denny snaps. I give her a sheepish look. Isn’t that what a wedding ring is? A chain that holds them down?

“Henry Vlll had a stag party, Spartans even had a stag party, so, goddamn it, Mason will have a stag party,’’ I boom, slamming my fist down at the table.

“Hey, um, Joan said could you keep it down,’’ Lake whispers, walking in.

“No! Not until Mason agrees that I’m right,’’ I all but yell, standing up. My eyes glue to Lake’s body. She’s wearing skin tight leggings with a hoody that looks extra large on her. Her hair is pulled up into a messy bun and she’s not wearing any makeup, not that I’ve ever seen her with any on. She looks hot as fuck.

“On second thoughts, we can have a joint stag party. Lake here can be the stripper. Bagsy having the first lap dance,’’ I grin, giving a wink to Lake. Her face turns stormy and before I know it she’s in front of me, pointing at my chest. I’m shoved back in my chair completely shocked. She’s actually going to give me a lap dance. I smirk up at her, placing my hands at my side. But instead, I get a slap around the face.

“What the fuck was that for?’’ I cry, holding a hand to my stinging cheek. My eyes start watering and I curse loudly.

“Oh, he’s gonna cry,’’ Malik teases from behind me.

I ignore his comment and the others as I race out of the room after Lake. She’s in her room by the time I catch up to her. When I slam the door shut behind me she looks up from the bed wide eyed. I’m about to lay into her about hitting me but then I see her tear streaked face and I keep my mouth shut.

I’ve never been good with tears: men or women. But seeing Lake cry, a crippling pain etches inside my chest.

“Hey, I’m sorry,’’ I tell her softly, sitting on the edge of the bed. I don’t know what I’m actually apologising for but it seems like the right thing to do. I’ve watched Mason do it a thousand times with Denny when she’s upset. Malik just carries Harlow off to their room and somehow I can’t see Lake being okay if I did that.

“Just because I don’t have a home, or any family, or a well paid job, doesn’t mean I’d do that for money. Don’t treat me like a piece of meat,’’ she sniffles into the pillow.

“Lake. Fuck. What I said downstairs was a joke. Not that I wouldn’t want a lap dance off you, I fucking would, but I didn’t mean it like you heard it. Harlow is trying to convince Mason and Denny to have a joint hen and stag party. I was just trying to get her to see the error of her ways,’’ I rush out, hoping she believes me. It’s not like she has any reason to; I come out with stupid shit all the time and I’ve never had to explain myself.

“It was degrading, Max. You made me feel a fool in front of them all.’’

“I didn’t mean to. I really am sorry,’’ I heatedly tell her, knowing this time I mean it one hundred percent. “Why did you leave last night? Did I try to feel you up? I’ve been told a time or three that I have a tendency to do that.’’

“What? No, you didn’t,’’ she tells me, her lips twitching while she wipes her eyes.

“You sure? I can get really touchy feely. You only had to wake me up,’’ I wink.

She scoffs. “I’m sure I did. Now go away, I’m tired.’’

“Me too,’’ I grin, waggling my eyebrows.

“Do you ever give up?’’

“Do you ever give in?’’

“Do you always answer a question with a question?’’

“Why? Is it bothering you?’’

“Oh God, just go,’’ she whines, throwing herself on the pillow.

“Nah, I’m bored.’’

She turns a little to the side as I lay back on her bed next to her. She looks annoyed but I can see by the way her lips twitch that she’s dying to smile.

“So, go out,’’ she tells me, trying to push my large frame off the bed. I grab her wrist, stopping her, and turn to face her.

“I’d rather keep you company. I don’t want you to get bored. You know what it means when a girl gets bored right?’’

“No, do tell,’’ she says dryly, not pulling her hand away from my grasp.

“It means they want sex. So, if you ever get bored just call me, I’d hate to know that you’re bored,’’ I tease, but, in all seriousness, if she ever did get bored she could actually call me. I’d bang her in a second. I’d probably last that long too; she’s that fucking hot.

“Oh my God! You’re such a dick,’’ she laughs. The door to her room knocks before it opens. Joan walks in with a smile on her face.

“Mark and I are popping out, honey, I’m bored,’’ Joan tells Lake. “I’ll be back in about a few hours.’’

“No, darling, make that four,’’ Mark shouts from another room and Joan grins excitedly.

I look to Lake to find a blush has risen to her cheeks and I have to bite my lip to stop myself from laughing.

“Okay,’’ Lake whispers wide-eyed.

“Oh, Max, while you’re here can you make Lake dinner. I’m not sure if we’ll be back in time,’’ she winks.

I nod my head while answering, “Yes, I’ll do her some dinner.’’

“Good boy.’’

Joan waves goodbye before leaving the room. The second the door clicks, Lake and I turn to each other and burst into laughter.

“Oh my God,’’ she laughs hard.

“I told you,’’ I laugh, holding my ribs. If only she knew half the shit Joan and Granddad do. Hell, I shouldn’t know half the shit they do, but they have a tendency to fill you in on shit.

“That means nothing. Oh my God, I can’t breathe,’’ Lake wheezes out, making me laugh harder.

I lean over so I’m half lying on her. “Want me to give you mouth to mouth? I’m told my kiss could bring back the dead.’’

“I’m sure you could,’’ she insists, pausing. “With breath like that,’’ she adds giggling.

My mouth hangs open in shock and I think I just fell in lust with Lake. She’s seriously fucking hot when she gives it back. I growl loudly making her laugh harder, but before she can take another lung full of breath, I start tickling her, making her scream and shout for me stop.

“I love it when you scream my name. Now beg,’’ I declare, roaring with laughter. I have to dodge her hands when they come flying out of nowhere, but I miss her elbow a second too late and it rears back hitting me square in the jaw.

“O.M.G. I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to. I just hate being tickled,’’ she panics looking at my jaw wide-eyed.

“I got that when the elbow hit my jaw. Just for that, I’m picking the first movie,’’ I wink then playfully slap her thigh before jumping off the bed.

“Just don’t pick a cartoon,’’ she moans, flopping back down on the bed. Jesus, two days with this chick and I can’t leave her the fuck alone. In all fairness, I’ve wanted to get in her pants since the first time I saw her, but now, knowing how cool she actually is for a chick, I want to get to know her.

Get to know her?
Fuck, I’m turning into my brother. Speaking of...

“Hey, want to help me think up a prank to get Myles back?’’ I ask, flopping back down on the bed. I chose Avengers. It seemed to be the only thing Joan had put in here that was up to date. The rest look like old black and white movies.

“Why do you need to prank your brother?’’ she asks warily.

Shit. How do I explain this? It wasn’t so much him sending the messages announcing I was batting for the other team but more about the fact I got asked out by Tim Scott. It seemed word got around after my brother sent those messages, and let’s not forget little miss smarty pants, Kayla. She sent fucking Poppy a message making me look like a dick. The chick stalked me for weeks. I threatened her with a restraining order. It took me to dial 999 in front of her for her to leave me the fuck alone.

“It’s a long story but trust me when I tell you it’s been a long time coming,’’ I shrug.

“Okay, what did you have in mind?’’

I love that she doesn’t question me any further and readily agrees with me not even knowing the true cause.

“I’m the looks, not the brains, this is where you come in,’’ I tell her pointedly. I don’t want to get my hopes up but I see good things in the near future for this prank. “I’m thinking something big, something that involves Kayla.’’

“Ha, like what? Tell Kayla that Myles is enrolling in the army?’’ she laughs and my ears perk up.

“YES! That could actually work. I could forge a form, okay, maybe ask Liam to forge it for me and then show it to her. Make a big deal out of it. They argued about what university they were going to go to after college. I think they’ve made up their minds now, but this, this is great,’’ I laugh evilly.