Pinned Up (Pinned Up Trilogy) (35 page)

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Pinned Down
(Book 2 in the Pinned Up Trilogy)

Spring 2014

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Chapter 1 (Nina)

All I hear is the eerie sound of silence. Yet, before me chaos rapidly unfolds as gunfire is shot from several directions. Why is there no scent of gunpowder? Why has my mouth gone dry leaving nothing to spare for my quenching thirst? Why do I feel too weak to support myself, but somehow feel a contradiction of numbness and weightlessness? My mind is definitely playing tricks on me.

Familiar, dark predatory eyes are menacingly staring at me. An array of mixed emotions isn’t allowing me to speak or concentrate. The tension in the air feels like a thick cloud of smoke refusing to dissipate. Fight or flight…those are my only options. But, my body is paralyzed, unable to make the slightest attempt to save myself or loved ones. It’s too late for them. They’re in gun battle and are highly outnumbered. I vaguely notice their lifeless bodies dropping to the ground, first my mom and then Kade. I know I should be searching for Josh, yet I’m just standing in place…unable to move and staring at the man before me, Mateo Blanco. Vaguely I wonder how he can still be alive. I wonder how this man, my boyfriend’s father is gazing at me, savoring every second of torment that he causes me to feel. He should be dead, but instead, he’s gloriously standing with a wicked grin enjoying the pain he inflicts upon me. Slowly, I realize that I cannot move from the shock of seeing him alive and well. How can this be?

“You’re next, you stupid cunt. I’m going to take my time with you.” Mateo Blanco says with malevolence radiating off him.

Why does he hate me so much? Why does he want to harm me?
The realization of his revenge slowly registers.
He wants to hurt my father through me.

Mateo Blanco is now moving towards me at a fast and determined pace with a lascivious sneer.
I need to move. I have to get away.
But, my body refuses to cooperate and remains paralyzed. Panic quickly consumes my thoughts. I feel my hopes and dreams shatter right before me. This man is here for me and has eliminated my loved ones without mercy. All that’s left of me are uncontrollable tears, excruciating pain, and a broken heart.

“Baby, wake up. Come on, love. Wake up.” I hazily recognize the whispered voice. My eyes sluggishly open, feeling too weak to raise my heavy lids. Gradually, he comes to view. My man. My Josh. His gorgeous hazel eyes scan my face with concern penetrated in them.
Why is he so worried?

“Baby, you were having a nightmare. Are you okay?” Josh asks cautiously.

“I was?” I’m slightly confused. I’m relieved to see my man, but I still feel this terrible anguish in my chest. I notice then that my face is wet and that I’m still weeping uncontrollably. It takes a moment to register my last few thoughts. Bit by bit, I recall the determination and loathing behind Mateo Blanco’s eyes.

“Your dad…he was after me, but first he hurt the people I love. He still wants to hurt me. He won’t rest until he gets me.” I say in between faint sobs.

“Baby, he’s dead. He’ll never hurt you or anyone else again. I made sure of that. As long as I’m alive, I’ll never let anyone harm you.” Josh engulfs me in his arms and holds me tightly to his bare chest. He seals his promise with a resolute kiss on top of my head. I eagerly return his embrace. I sigh. I want to remain like this forever.

I believe him. He has shown me that he’s a man of his word. “Thanks, babe. You make me feel so much better. I’m sorry. It’s just that my nightmare felt so real. I’m glad you’re here. You give me a sense of security. I feel protected when I’m with you.” I smile as the side of my face is now resting on his firm, sculpted chest and our legs are entwined with each other. Right now, I only want to be held and I’m so thankful Josh gives me just what I need. His comfort. I feel my lids get heavy once again and quickly fall back asleep.

I wake up feeling groggy. Sunlight is creeping in my room through the blinds on my window. While stretching my arms, I realize I’m by myself. I take my time getting out of bed. I’m hung over. Drinking last night was imperative. Initially, I planned a pity party for myself while watching a movie, but once Josh arrived to my house unexpectedly, my reasons for drinking changed. I had a beer when I discussed my father, Diego’s confessions. Later I craved more drinks as he made his own admissions to the past week’s dreadful turn of events. I’m just glad we’ve both opened up and are committed to each other once again.

I make a pit stop at the bathroom then head over to the living room and find Josh drinking a cup of coffee while looking out of the window. I remain in the hallway and observe him from a short distance. His stance is tall and domineering, his shoulders broad with a narrow waist. He has a serious expression that lets me know his mind is running a mile a minute. He’s wearing dark grey slacks and a black button up dress shirt with a matching tie. Josh finally senses me and turns around, locking his honey colored eyes with mine. Immediately, he gives me his lazy, boyish smile that automatically makes my heart melt. “Hey, pretty lady…come here and give daddy some sugar.” He raises his right eyebrow twice and places the coffee mug on the end table.

“Good morning, babe. You look mighty tasty. What are you up to today?” I ask as I quickly make my way into his open arms.

“Baby, it’s way past noon. You’ve been knocked out most of the morning. Unfortunately, I’m waiting for my cab. I’m flying back to Arkansas right now. I have a business meeting this evening over dinner with top management from the retailer who just contracted my company. I tried rescheduling, but couldn’t. So, I’m flying back and I’ll be returning the end of next week.” He says as he holds me tighter.

“What? Why? I just got you back last night. I’m not ready to let you go again and for so many days.” I’m completely bummed with his news.

“I know, baby. Trust me…leaving you is the last thing I want to do, but this meeting is very important and can’t be rescheduled. I’ll work my ass off the next few days to ensure I don’t have any more business trips in the near future. Deal?” He lifts up my chin with his index finger and stares into my eyes, confirming that he really doesn’t want to leave me.

“Deal.” I grudgingly agree. “You haven’t even left, yet I miss you already.” I whine.
Since when do I fuckin’ whine? Stop acting so damn needy, Nina!
I shove a sock down my inner voice’s mouth because right now, I don’t give a rat’s ass if I’m being clingy. I’ve been without Josh for too long and to be apart from him again just sucks balls…hairy, saggy balls at that. “But you’re my boy toy, what will I do without you in the meantime?”

“Your boy toy?” Josh laughs. “You can play with all of me, except my heart.” He glides his lips gently across my cheek. “How about you think about me? Miss me. Figure out ways to devour me when I return. I would love for you to come, but right now I need you to look after my mom and keep me posted with her recovery.” He places both his hands on either side of my face and gently leans his forehead against mine. “I love you, baby. Know that I’ll be thinking of you every moment that I’m away. I can’t wait to fuck you like crazy again.”

Our private moment gets interrupted.

“Sup? Sup…you crazy love birds? Damn, it’s a beautiful day!” Kade barges into the house wearing sweats and a t-shirt. “Hey, there’s a cab out front. Is it yours?”

“Yeah, it’s Josh’s. He’s leaving me. He’s going back to Arkansas today and won’t be returning until next week.” I pout.

“Awww man…that sucks! Oh well, look at the bright side. At least you two can practice sexting and doing weird kinky shit on Skype. Besides, as hard as you two were fucking at the crack of dawn, I’m surprised you’re still standing, Cheesecake.” Kade laughs. “All right then, Josh…we’ll see you soon.” Kade heads to the kitchen to give us privacy as Josh and I say goodbye.

Immediately, I rush his lips. I want to savor every bit of his delicious mouth as our tongues dance gracefully with each other. Reluctantly, Josh backs away from me. “I have to go, baby.” I can tell it’s the last thing he wants to do. “Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to bring back some toys for both of our pleasure. Whatever my lady wants, my lady gets.” He winks giving me that devilishly handsome grin that always makes my insides melt.

“Sounds good to me. You know I’m always game.” I wink back. “I miss you already.” I frown. “I love you with all my heart, tree hugger.” I smile.

Josh closes his eyes and allows my words to sink into his memory. “I love you with all my might, baby. I’ll call you when I land.” He quickly gives me a kiss and heads to the door. Before he leaves, he yells, “Kade! Be sure to take care of my lady! I’m trusting you with her life!”

Kade rushes out of the kitchen. “What? I’m on Cheesecake duty? Fuck yeah! Don’t worry, Josh…I’m gonna be the best sitter EVER!” Kade turns to me and says, “You heard that Cheesecake? I’m your sitter until further notice. You have to do everything I say or else Josh isn’t gonna dick you down when he returns. Mmm hmm. I got you, Josh…don’t trip.”

Josh laughs and leaves. He’ll be gone for a timeframe that seems like forever…and ever. Immediately, I feel blue. A long sigh escapes me.
I’m so dramatic.

Kade startles me. “Hey! Turn that frown upside down. You can’t go around sulking all weekend. How about a
Sons of Anarchy
marathon? We both need to rest. I walked longer than I was supposed to, now my shitty wound is hurting like a bitch. I’m staying in to rest for the remainder of the weekend.”

I sigh. “Me too. I’m just going out on Sunday for a photo shoot that I completely forgot about. It’s at Ocean Beach. Maybe if you’re feeling better by then, you can come with me and we can have lunch at the Cliff House after the shoot.” Although I’m suggesting, my plans with Kade are concrete in my mind. I cherish his presence, especially when I recall that odious day he was shot by Mateo Blanco, the root of all evil. It still breaks my heart to ponder that I was so close to losing him. After a few moments, I snap out of my reverie. “Okay, I’m gonna freshen up then we can start our drooling marathon over Jax Teller.”

“Sounds like a plan. Hurry up because I’m next.” Kade demands as he’s walking back to the kitchen.

As I’m showering, I begin to plan a special meal for Josh’s return. I’ve never cooked for him and figure that day is a good day to start. He needs to acknowledge that I’m a woman with many special talents. While I’m planning the menu, a loud pounding on my bathroom door interrupts my thoughts.

“Cheesecake!” Kade yells. “How much longer? I need to take a sit down! Hurry!”

“Ugh! Why didn’t you use the bathroom before I showered? I’ll be out in five minutes. Wait!” I irritatingly yell back.

Just then, I hear the bathroom door open and shut.
What the hell?
I rinse off the shampoo and slightly open the shower curtain to see what’s going on. “Kade? What the fuck are you doing here? Get out!” I yell completely appalled at seeing him sitting on the toilet.

“OMG, Cheesecake. I can’t. I had Indian food last night on my date with Jacob and now, it’s going straight through me. I’ve had an upset stomach all morning!” He groans.