On the Edge Page 4

  “He sure is,” I say with way more enthusiasm than I feel.

  He wiggles his little body until Cole puts him down and runs straight to me and latches onto my hand. Tugging my hand so I’ll follow, he leads me over to the love seat.

  “You want me to sit down?” I ask.

  He nods yes, and when I sit, this sweet little boy crawls into my lap and wraps his arms around me.

  “Drew is so cool. He is like a superhero,” Seth says in a reverent four-year-old voice.

  “A superhero? Really? I had no idea tell me more.” I fight to stifle my chuckles.

  Seth spends the next 15 minutes telling me how great my brother is. How I keep from laughing outright at some of the stuff coming from his mouth, I will never know. He is way too cute. I can’t believe that Drew has this little boy worshipping him, when Seth has three older siblings to admire. I enjoy the time with Seth because he manages to distract me from the nervousness I’ve been feeling.

  Then it happens. A screeching voice interrupts our quiet.

  “Why is that tramp holding my son?” A young, bleach blonde walks into the room. I glance at Cole, and his face has gone hard as a rock. Justin rolls his eyes while Juliana looks pissed, and Seth tenses in my lap. Me? I’m not sure how to react.

  “Don’t call Cole’s girlfriend common names, Trish,” a deep voice commands.

  The owner of the voice walks in, and I’m struck by the fact that I’m looking at Cole in about 20 years. Holy shit! Who knew an older guy could be hot, but Bruce Knight is H.O.T. With his rich, black hair that has that sexy graying at the temples and those eyes much like Cole’s, his muscular build is evident through his button-up shirt. Trish gives him a look of disdain, and I feel uncomfortable and think that, maybe, this isn’t a brilliant idea.

  “I don’t care what title Cole gives his whores these days. She doesn’t need to put her hands on my son,” Trish screams.

  Cole balls his fists up. I whisper to Seth to climb in his brother’s lap. Something tells me that holding Seth will keep Cole from doing something stupid.

  “Um, I don’t know who the fuck you think you are,” I hop off the loveseat and walk towards her, “but I had to put up with my own mother calling me a whore. I’m not leaving an old bitch to trade for a new one. You can take your attitude and shove it up your ass. I’m not, and never will be anyone’s whore, unlike some people in this room.”

  I’m so in her face by this time, I can see the nervous twitch in her cheek. Behind me, Justin snickers, but I don’t dare take my eyes off the bitch in front of me. However, I can still see Bruce from the corner of my eye and he is smirking. Damn if he doesn’t like the fact that I just told off his wife.

  Drew and Pete choose that moment to come into the room.

  Drew stops and looks at my pissed off face and rigid stance in front of Trish. “Is there a problem?” he asks.

  “No, but I think this is a terrible idea. I won’t stay with another abusive bitch.”

  “Where you going to stay then?” he asks, amusement lacing his voice.

  “Fuck, a homeless shelter, or even the streets would be better than with this bitch,” I snap.

  My brother seems to find my words amusing and chuckles at my outburst.

  “Fuck that. If you don’t stay with my dad, you stay with me,” Cole says.

  When his heat washes over my back, my body loses the tense tightness from the confrontation with Trish. His closeness calms me even as the air between us crackles with electricity. Being near him has such a powerful effect on me.

  “I’m not staying with you!” I bite out, frustration in every word. “It’s the worst thing for me to do at this point in my life.”

  “Yes, I know how you feel about it. Makeup your mind, my dad’s or with me. You have no other options.”

  A part of me wants to argue with him. It’s my nature, but I don’t. Instead, I find myself giving in to him.

  “Fine, but keep this bitch away from me.” I nod towards Trish. Laughter comes from the guys in the room. Even Bruce has a slight smile on his face. “Does anyone like the bitch?” I ask bluntly. When I get a bunch of no’s from the guys, I look over at Bruce.

  “I tell the boys all the time to learn from my mistake. Be safe or get stuck with what you don’t want.” He shrugs his shoulders.

  “Damn!” I hiss. “Even your own husband can’t stand you.”

  “You little bitch! You won’t stay in my house!”

  “Actually, it’s my house!” Bruce says in a tone that would scare the dead. “The only reason you’re still here is because my son needs his mother. Otherwise, you would be gone.”

  Wow! His ruthless words make me wonder about the dynamics of their relationship, but one thing that is obvious? Theirs is not a love match. Right now, the only thing that worries me is where I will be living for the next few months while I finish high school.

  “Katarina.”

  My attention shifts to Bruce when he calls me by my full name. Not many call me Katarina.

  “I would be honored if you would stay in my home until you graduate high school. My wife forgets she’s not the one in control. Cole has made it clear to me how much you mean to him, so you will always be welcome in this home.”

  I’m not sure how to reply to that. A perfect stranger is treating me better than my own mother ever did. A lump forms in my throat as tears flood my eyes. Cole wraps his arms around me and pulls me into his embrace.

  “It’s okay, Kitten. My family’s here for you.” He holds me close as my tears soak through his shirt.

  “Bitch!” Drew yells at Trish.

  “Trish, go to your room and do whatever it is that you do. We need to talk privately, now.” Bruce turns his back to Trish, who obeys his order.

  Cole leads me back to the loveseat, and when he pulls me down beside him, he wraps his arms in a protective cocoon around me. When I’m with Cole, I feel safe enough to let go and give him a chance to be in charge.

  As we settle down from my confrontation with Trish, Bruce talks about how it will work with me living in his home. “You’re eighteen, and technically an adult. Since I don’t figure Cole will ever be too far from where you are, I’m not placing any restrictions on you.”

  “Fuck no! She won’t go anywhere without protection” Cole replies.

  My head whips to him. “Excuse me?” This news is not what I want to hear.

  “Once people, namely the Martins, find out you’re my girl, you’ll be a target. Justin and the boys will watch out for you at school. Outside of there, it’ll depend on who you’re with and what you’re doing,” Cole states.

  “Are you kidding me? I have to have a bodyguard? I knew dating you was a bad idea.” I slump back on the couch, frustrated at the way things are turning out. Chuckles come from around the room. Everyone is smiling, but Cole is looking at me as if I’m crazy. I’m not happy about being reminded of the criminal element. I know the Martin’s are the Knight’s rival family. I’m really beginning to question my own sanity.

  “What? First, you insist I be your girl, and now I have to have a bodyguard. Fuck my life.” Sarcasm laces my voice.

  “Kitten, it’s for your safety.”

  “Blah, blah, yeah, whatever, asshat.”

  Cole and I engage in a scowling, staring contest until Bruce laughs at us. We turn to look, and Bruce quiets down when he notices us watching him.

  “Don’t mind me. I just enjoy that you talk back to Cole. I don’t think anyone other than me dares talk to him the way you do.”

  “Um, yeah, okay. I mean, he’s not God. Cole gets my respect when he earns it.”

  This draws more chuckles from Bruce.

  “Kat,” Drew exclaims.

  “What?!”

  “Do you have any manners?”

  “What the fuck, dude? I’m not his slave or employee. I’m his girl. Remember? I get special treatment.”

  “You think being his girl gives you the right to be rude?” Drew asks me with di
sbelief.

  “Well, I won’t be treated like a child by my boyfriend.”

  “You’re acting like one”

  “Fuck you, Drew!”

  “She is free to be her own person, but she will have a guard at all times,” Cole says.

  When I look in his eyes, all I see is concern, and it makes me realize that he truly wants to keep me safe. “I’ll allow the guard as long as you aren’t doing this just to keep tabs on me or to keep me from enjoying myself.”

  “Not my intention at all.” His arms tighten around me. “My only fear is the Martin family coming after you. Things with them have been getting tense lately, and I don’t want you to be a casualty of that.”

  His words seem sincere, and he has already established how protective he is when it comes to me. I will just have to trust him.

  When it’s time for dinner, Seth decides that I need to be beside him, so I do as asked, and Seth shoots his big brother a shit-eating grin. When Cole mouths, “Little shit,” I can’t help but giggle. I think Cole is slightly jealous of his four-year-old brother.

  The thinly sliced roast beef and mashed potatoes melt in my mouth, and I’m so focused on the delicious food that it takes me minute to join the conversation going on around the table. Seth is delightful and keeps making me laugh. I admit that I’m a lot nicer to Seth than I’m anyone else. He is super adorable, and yes, I’ve developed a soft spot for him already. One week into my relationship with Cole, and I’m in so deep, it isn’t funny. His family has taken me in as if I have always belonged here.

  My first month in the Knights is crazily insane in more ways than one. First, I have to get used to living in a house full of people. My bedroom on the second floor is next to Julie’s and across the hall from Cole, Justin, and Seth’s rooms. Even though he doesn’t live here anymore, Cole’s spent more nights with me than he has at his own house. This family not only lets me live with them, but they treat me well and actually talk to me. They don’t yell at me or beat me. That alone is an enormous change for me. Living with the Knights has been life changing. The constant battles between Justin and Julie either leave me laughing or wanting to punch them both, and my sweet little Seth has me wrapped around his little finger.

  The only problem is Trish. That woman is a complete bitch who rarely leaves her third-floor, private sitting room. She has no time for her son, or anyone else, for that matter. The majority of her time is spent snorting cocaine, but she takes every chance she has to be a bitch to me, and she loves to catch Cole and me in an intimate moment.

  One night, Cole and I were watching a movie, and I wound up laying on the couch with Cole on top of me, kissing the life out of me. It was getting hot and heavy until we heard a gasp. Cole pulled away from me, and Trish stood there clutching her chest.

  Julie and I talk about it later, and we’ve decided that Trish has a thing for Cole. She doesn’t flirt or anything obvious. It’s just a gut feeling we both have.

  Cole and I manage to make it through one month without giving into the temptation to have sex, but it’s a struggle for both of us. I won’t lie. It’s hard to find a balance. I can’t tell you how many heavy make out sessions we’ve had in the last few weeks where one or both of us had to force ourselves to stop and back off. Last night is a prime example of how hot we get when we’re together.

  Laying in my bed, his hands danced all over my body. His touch felt incredible. As soon as we started kissing, I became lost in a lust-induced haze. With his hand down my shorts, Cole rubbed my clit and between my folds, causing my body to buck against him. He brought me to orgasm and then pulled his fingers up to his nose. After inhaling my scent, he sucked my juices from his fingers, which set me on fire again. “I can’t wait until I can really taste you.” His words drew a deep moan from me, and he chuckled as he pulled me flush to his body. Even with labored breathing and a rock hard cock, he asked nothing from me in return.

  My respect for Cole keeps growing. He makes every effort to keep the rules I set, even though at times, I regret them. He treats me like I’m precious. Tonight, he’s taking me out to dinner and a movie. It’s a stereotypical date, but I had mentioned one day that I’d never been on a real date, and Cole decided that he was going to change that.

  So here I am, arguing with Julie because she seems to think I can’t get myself ready for a date, or dress myself anymore. Maybe I’m a little harsh, but having people involved in my life is something new for me. Julie is turning out to be not only a great friend, but also the sister I never had.

  That is why I sit, letting her do my hair and makeup as if I’m some life-sized doll, while I look around my hunter green and black room. When Bruce offered to redecorate it for me, I declined because I’m only here for a short time. Besides, I love my room the way it is. A small loveseat under the picture window that looks out into the backyard is the perfect place for me to read. The huge en suite bathroom has an enormous walk in closet that’s bigger than my entire old room. In fact, I don’t own near enough clothes to use half of the closet space, but after complaining and whining, Julie does manage to find an outfit for me to wear tonight. She settles on skinny jeans, a corset-style top, and knee-high boots. I just let her go with it. I really don’t care, and her excitement is through the roof.

  A knock sounds on the door, and I jerk my robe together just as Justin bursts into my room.

  “Hey douche face, what if I hadn’t been dressed?”

  “Then I would have gotten a great show looking at that hot body.”

  “Say that in front of Cole, big boy.” I grab a bottle off the vanity and throw it at him.

  “Maybe I will. I think I can take him. We can fight for your hand, my fair maiden.” Justin plops himself down on the king size bed.

  “Dude, what have you been smoking?” Juliana pipes in. This makes me giggle.

  “So, you getting ready for your hot date with big brother, huh?”

  “No, I’m going out with another guy,” I deadpan.

  “Smart ass.”

  “Did you have a reason for coming in here, or did you just want to be your usual pain in the ass?” I finally ask Justin.

  “Actually, I came in here to tell you that Seth is in his room crying because Dad told him he can’t go out with you and Cole.”

  “Go get my baby!” I tell Justin. He just sits there. “I’m not joking, Justin. Go get him and bring him to me.”

  “Fine, bossy bitch.” Justin slowly gets off my bed.

  Julie continues with my makeup as I wait for Justin to bring Seth to the room. I hope I can soothe him enough that he won’t be upset when Cole and I leave without him. Even though we sometimes take Seth with us for a quick bite to eat, or for ice cream, this is our first official date.

  When Justin comes back carrying Seth, tears are streaming down the little guy’s face. He crawls into my lap, and I hold him close to me, soothing him the best I can without moving so Julie won’t yell at me.

  “Hey buddy, what’s with the tears?”

  “Daddy said I can’t go with you and Cole.”

  “Well, your daddy is right, baby. Cole is taking me on a grownup date, so no small kids.”

  “I want to be a grownup and take you on dates,” he says, still sniffling.

  “I know you do, but we have talked about this. Cole is my boyfriend which makes you like my little brother, and that’s even better.”

  Justin rolls his eyes and opens his mouth like he is about to say something, but I shoot him a warning look. He closes his mouth just as quickly.

  “I’ll tell you what. How about if I take you out tomorrow, just you and me?” I ask Seth.

  “Really?’

  “Yes, really. It will be just the two of us, and we can go wherever you want to go. Is that a deal?”

  He shakes his little head yes.

  “Good, then dry the tears, give me a kiss, and let Justin tuck you in, cause it’s your bed time.”

  “Okay. I love you, Kat,” Seth says as he leans
in and kisses my cheek before Justin takes him.

  “I don’t know which of my brothers is more in love with you,” Juliana states.

  “What are you talking about, girl?”

  “Shit, you’ve got all three of them wrapped around your finger, I swear. I’m surprised my dad hasn’t hired you to be the boys’ nanny. Justin and Seth both listen to you more than they do him or the witch,” she says with glee.

  “Whatever! Seth is the only one actually in love with me, and it’s a cute love, not a real love.”

  “You’re blind, stupid, or both. Cole is head over heels for you, and Justin would be if you would let him.”

  I don’t like where this conversation is going. I already struggle with the bonds forming between the members of the Knight family and myself. Even though the individual relationships are unique, I find myself loving each one of them for different reasons. It is going to make heading off to college harder than it was before they entered my life. However, I’m determined to stick to my plan, but I’m now willing to come back to Belmont after college.

  After Julie finishes my makeover, we relax in the sitting area. When a maid knocks on the door and announces that Cole is waiting in the family room, butterflies swarm in my stomach. Juliana goes ahead of me because she wants to see everyone’s reaction when I walk into the room. I must admit, she’s done a beautiful job on my hair and makeup, creating a natural look despite the effort she put into it.

  I make my way downstairs to the family room and pause before walking through the door. It’s a good thing I’m not self-conscious because the room goes quiet as I enter.

  “You look beautiful, Kitten.” Cole breaks the silence.

  “Beautiful, my ass. She is fucking hot,” Justin speaks up.

  “Son!” Bruce chastises Justin.

  I can’t help but smile. Even Cole doesn’t seem fazed by what Justin said. He is too busy checking me out. His eyes become heated, and my insides tingle, knowing that Cole is pleased with what he is seeing.