Burn: Men of Inked Heatwave #2 Read online

  Austin blanches for a moment before wiping that shitty look right off his face. “I agree,” he lies.

  I didn’t even think about homework, classes, report cards, and all the shit that’s involved in dealing with a seventeen-year-old. Was Austin a good student? I don’t have a clue, but something tells me he wasn’t on the honor roll.

  Izzy walks up behind Austin, giving him a quick hug around his shoulders. “We’re happy to have you as part of the family.”

  I should take offense. No one’s given me a hug, but fuck it. I’m not a kid, and the fact that they’re so willing to open their arms and business to my brother is enough for me.

  “Me too,” Austin babbles, practically beaming as her tits smash against his biceps.

  I climb to my feet, jamming my phone back into my pocket. “Ready to hit it?” I ask Austin, more than ready to roll.

  “The girls done?” Joe asks, the smile that had been on his face vanishing as soon as he looks at me.

  I nod. “They’ll be headed back soon.”

  Joe eyes Anthony for a moment before looking at me. “Anthony and I are going to follow you back. I have a trailer filled with furniture Suzy’s been storing up for this day. Beds, couches, and all that bullshit.”

  Anthony’s on his feet, rubbing his hands together like he’s ready to get moving. “Between the four of us, we should be able to at least get everything in before they get back. It’ll be a nice surprise.”

  “I’m game,” Austin exclaims, being totally agreeable and nothing like the grumpy fucker who was just in my truck. “Wanna come, Iz?”

  Wanna come, Iz? It takes everything in me not to roll my eyes. The kid is such a flirt. It doesn’t matter how old a woman is, he is totally going there.

  “I have to pick up my sons from football practice, and then I’m meeting my husband for an early dinner. He has to work late tonight.” She ruffles Austin’s hair, making him blush. “But thanks for the offer.”

  He bobs his head, jamming his hands into his front pockets. “Anytime.”

  “Mike, you comin’?” Joe asks him as he reaches into his back pocket, fishing out his cell phone.

  “Can’t. With Lily home, Mia wants the family to go down to the beach for dinner and to watch the sunset.”

  “That’s so sweet. I’m dreading the day Carm and Rocco head off to college. Dreading,” Izzy groans, shaking her head. “I won’t know what to do with myself.”

  “Trace will no doubt keep you busy,” Anthony tells her with a snicker. “That boy is a wild man.”

  She rolls her eyes. “He’s like his daddy. He’s going to put me in an early grave.”

  “We’ll meet you at the apartment,” I say, done with all the sugary sweetness that was the Gallo family.

  Joe nods his head. “Be there in five.”

  “See you tomorrow,” Austin tells Izzy and Mike with a wave of one hand, following me out of Inked. “I like them.”

  “Yeah?” I ask, sliding into the driver’s seat of Gigi’s pickup truck she let me borrow since they were taking Tam’s car. “They’re not the worst people ever.”

  Austin laughs, slamming the door after he settles into the seat. “I feel awful about being such a dipshit yesterday.”

  “You should,” I grumble, turning the ignition.

  “Asshole,” he mutters in response. “You ever…” He drags his hand down his face as he cranes his neck toward me, hesitating for a moment before speaking. “Ever wish we’d had a large family like that?”

  I wince, not sure how to answer the question, but then I explain exactly what I feel and leave nothing out. “I wish we had a family like that.” I point to the people in the shop in front of us. “Would I want a large family if they were dysfunctional like our parents?” I pause and shake my head. “No fucking way.”

  “I like the Gallos. I could’ve totally dug being in a family with those people growing up. Imagine all the birthdays, holidays… Hell…” He smiles. “Think about Christmas.”

  “I know, Austin. We were shortchanged, but at least we have each other now,” I tell him, backing out of the parking spot.

  “Can you do me a solid?” he begs, his voice suddenly serious.

  “What?” I glance over at him before I put the truck in drive.

  “Can you not fuck it up with Gigi for a little while so we can at least have a great Christmas this year. Okay, brother?”

  I stare him straight in the eyes, but without any anger, just pure honesty. “It’s a two-way street. Don’t do anything like that shit,” I say, referring to yesterday’s performance before dinner, “and I think we have a solid chance of making the guest list.”

  He nods, smiling as we head off toward home.

  14

  Gigi

  “We can’t sleep here tonight,” Tamara announces hours after our fathers leave. The apartment is an absolute mess.

  I look around, taking in the level of mass destruction in the living room and dining room, not even wanting to peer down the hallway toward the bedrooms. “It’s bad, Tam.”

  Boxes are everywhere in various states of unpacking, and the washer and dryer are going at full steam as the new sheets and towels we’d purchased are being cleaned. Every few feet, there’s something that needs to be moved or cleaned, and absolutely nothing has been completed.

  Tamara groans, collapsing on the couch. “I didn’t think this would be so much work.” She throws her arm over her face, being super dramatic, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from her. “Moving in to a dorm room was so much easier. I can barely move another muscle.”

  “We can just push everything onto the floor and crash on the couches.”

  Her arms move upward so her hazel eyes are visible. “Do you even know where the toilet paper is?”

  I glance around at the various boxes and bags scattered everywhere and shrug. “I know where the paper towels are,” I say, trying to put her mind at ease that she’d at least have something to wipe her ass with.

  She scowls. “My lady parts are way too sensitive for paper towels,” she argues.

  I snort, smacking her legs with my hand as I collapse next to her. “I know where your lady parts have been, and I’m pretty sure sensitive isn’t a word I’d use to describe them.”

  “You’re a bitch,” she snaps, laughing with me because she knows she’s full of shit. “We should totally have another sleepover with Aussie and Pike.”

  I roll my eyes, leaning back into the couch and pulling her legs onto my lap. “We should give them space tonight. They could use some alone time.”

  Now it’s her turn to snort. “They need alone time?” She laughs louder, hitting my shoulder with her bony elbow, knocking me to the side. “They’re not chicks. They’ve got dicks, dude. They don’t need alone time. I can guarantee they’d love to have us over again.”

  I straighten, rubbing the spot she’s just assaulted. “This is our first official night together in our new place.”

  “Fuck that,” she sasses and slides her legs off me, climbing to her feet quickly. “We can have that night tomorrow. I don’t want to work anymore.”

  She’s such a whiny bitch sometimes, but I still love her. I sigh and grab a glittery pillow that’s itchy as hell and not very comfortable, clutching it to my chest. “We don’t have to work. Let’s just veg and watch some Netflix. We’ll start straightening up tomorrow. Leave the boys alone tonight.”

  “I gotta piss,” she announces, being the classy bitch she is.

  That’s my Tamara.

  “The paper towels are in the laundry room!” I yell to her as she marches down the hallway, stomping her feet, having her own little temper tantrum.

  I pull out my phone, wondering how it’s going next door since the guys left an hour ago. I haven’t heard any yelling, so I assume it’s going great, but after the last few days…anything could be possible.

  Me: Whatcha doin’?

  A second later, three dots are on the screen like Pike had been abou
t to text me when I sent the message.

  Pike: He’s in his room. I’m on the couch. Fun times. You?

  I glance up, taking in the chaos all around me.

  Me: Tamara’s giving up, and I’m tired.

  Pike: Want some help?

  Me: No. We got it. It’s not your mess.

  Pike: One sec. Austin’s yelling for me.

  Me: K

  “Oh, Gigi!” Tamara yells from the hallway, her steps lighter than before. “Guess what?”

  “Your lady bits aren’t as sensitive as you thought they were?” I laugh until I see her face because I know the asshole is up to something. “What?” I groan.

  She twists around, putting her hands behind her back as she stands only a few feet away from me. “The guys want us to come over. We’re having another sleepover!”

  “You didn’t!”

  “I so did,” she sings, looking mighty damn pleased with herself.

  “Asshole,” I grumble under my breath, fisting the pillow in my hands and throwing the glittery monstrosity at her face.

  She ducks, and the pillow sails past her, sliding across the tile. “Come on. You can snuggle with Pike, and we can use real toilet paper. It’s a win-win.”

  “If I have to listen to any more Aussie and TamTam shit…” I make a gagging sound and lean over like I’m throwing up.

  “You’re just jealous,” she tells me, crossing her arms over her chest. “You wish you could have such cute nicknames.”

  I glare at her because she’s unbelievable, and then my phone vibrates next to me.

  Pike: Come over.

  “What’d he say?” Tamara asks, stepping closer, trying to get a good look at my phone.

  “We’ll go. Just…” I look down at her chest, remembering this morning. “For the love of God, wear a damn sports bra.”

  She glances down at her tits, which are propped up by her arms. “Why?”

  “Those suckers are like laser beams, and Austin’s only seventeen.” I motion toward her nipples, which are hard like she’s perpetually cold. “He doesn’t need to be seeing them.”

  She drops her arms and cups her breasts in the palms of her hands. “These cannot be contained. A sports bra is too constricting.” She bounces her tits like she’s testing their weight.

  “You know what’s constricting?” I glare at her.

  “What?”

  “My fingers wrapped around that beautiful neck of yours,” I threaten.

  “Fine,” she says. “I’ll wear a damn sports bra.”

  “Thank fuck,” I mutter, glancing up at the ceiling. “Don’t give that kid any ideas. He’s young, Tam. Too young.”

  “We’re just friends.”

  “You know that—” I motion toward her with my hand before smacking my own chest “—and I know that, but that horny little toad next door does not.”

  “They’ll be locked and loaded, baby. Don’t worry,” she laughs, turning on her heel and stalking toward her bedroom. “I’m putting my pjs on now before we head over.”

  Me: We’re coming. Give us five.

  Pike: I’ll be waiting, darlin’.

  My insides go all squishy when I read darlin’, just like they do every time he says that word.

  Tam is right. Spending the night curled up with Pike is so much better than sitting in the middle of this disaster, listening to her whine all night.

  Ten minutes later, we’re on Pike’s couch, my legs curled up against me and my back to his front. Tamara and Austin are on the floor, legs stretched out, looking like the oddest set of twins.

  “Nope,” Austin tells her, grabbing the remote from her hands. “You ladies picked last night. It’s guys’ night.”

  Tamara pulls the remote back toward her, but Austin doesn’t let go. “That’s bullshit. We’re your guests.”

  Austin blinks but doesn’t give in. “You asked to come here, babe, not the other way around.”

  Snap. He shut her down good.

  Her eyes narrow, and she doesn’t say a word before pulling back, causing Austin to lean forward. And then, like the asshole she is, she lets go, making him fall on her. “Whatever, bitch,” she tells him.

  I glance up at Pike as he gazes down at me with those pretty eyes. “I hate them,” I mouth.

  “Me too,” he mouths back.

  “Shut up, ass.” Austin lifts himself upward but not before totally checking out her rack.

  Gross.

  “Eyes there,” she reminds him, pushing his face toward the television. “Unless you don’t want to be able to see out of them for a week.”

  He scrunches his nose. “They’re not that amazing, TamTam. They were in my face, for Christ’s sake.”

  Telling Tamara her tits aren’t the shit is like saying her face is ugly. Those are fighting words. Seventeen or not, he will pay for that remark.

  She lets out this loud growl, rearing her arm back like she’s going to sock him right in the face. But Austin flinches, and Tamara instantly breaks out in giggles, pointing at him. “Sucker,” she snorts.

  “I hate you sometimes,” he grumbles, lifting the remote toward the television.

  “No, you don’t.” She smiles as she stares at the screen.

  “We’re watching Aquaman, and I don’t want any lip,” he tells her, sounding all serious.

  Watching that movie is not going to be a hardship. In fact, Tamara has said she’d climb Jason Momoa like a tree on more than one occasion. She even had a poster of him above her bed in her dorm room.

  “Shut up!” she screeches, clapping her hands like she just heard the best news ever. “Jason Momoa is a total dreamboat.”

  “If you like old dudes,” Austin grumbles, pressing the button to start the movie.

  I settle into Pike as he wraps his arms around my middle and his lips move to my neck. Closing my eyes, I moan softly as the wet warmth of his mouth connects with my skin, sending goose bumps pebbling down my arms.

  I turn my face, placing my mouth so close to his lips, I can feel his warm breath. “Stop,” I plead, the tingle between my legs making me wish we weren’t saddled with the two assholes still grumbling at each other on the floor like they’re brother and sister.

  “Shh,” he whispers, his warm breath skidding across my skin, using his nose against my jaw to push my face back toward the television.

  My body stiffens as he places his mouth near my ear, his breath tickling my flesh and turning that tingling into a full-on throb.

  “Let me enjoy your skin,” he pleads in such a husky tone, my body shivers before I can stop it. “Just be still, and no one will ever know what we’re doing.”

  I instantly lift up my hand, pulling a nearby blanket on top of us. “Man, I’m so cold,” I say because I’m lame.

  Tamara looks back, eyes raking over us before she winks and turns back toward the television. It’s not the first time we’ve been in the same room together when one of us was literally necking. That’s the bitch about college… There’s zero privacy.

  “Who’s your favorite superhero?” Tamara asks Austin as the opening credits are just about to finish.

  “Iron Man. You?”

  “Aquaman all day, bitch.”

  I tune them out as Pike’s hand slides down my front, resting on my stomach. My breath hitches as his mouth attaches to that spot near my shoulder that always makes it impossible to breathe.

  Pike’s cock presses into my back, straining against his sweat pants and making me pant. I want him so damn bad.

  “Think we could sneak out without them knowing?” Pike whispers when I shift, and his cock twitches right above my ass cheeks.

  I shake my head, unable to speak without sounding like a needy whore.

  “Damn,” he hisses. “This is going to be the longest movie of my life.”

  I giggle, my body shaking as Pike growls, pulling his bottom away from my back.

  “We gotta stop,” he bites out softly. “Or I’m going to die.”

  I pull mysel
f forward, putting as much space between us as possible. “Stay over there,” I mouth to him, kicking my feet into his lap.

  He scowls as he wraps his long, strong fingers around my feet and rubs, causing me to moan loudly.

  Austin turns his head, eyes flickering at Pike’s fingers on my feet and grimaces. “Weirdo,” he mutters before turning back around.

  Pike winks at me, and all I can do is laugh.

  I don’t know when I fall asleep, but I am awakened when strong hands slide under my bottom, lifting me into a pair of warm arms. My face flops into the warm muscles of his chest, and I groan, hating the idea I’d be left on the cold couch without Pike to keep me warm.

  “Off to bed?” Tamara whispers.

  I don’t even have the energy to reply, but Pike does. “I’m taking her with me. You two behave,” he commands ever so quietly to Tamara and Austin before taking another step, holding me firmly in his grasp.

  I don’t open my eyes until he places my body on the cool sheets of his bed and covers me with his body heat.

  “I’ve been waiting all night for this,” he whispers in the darkness, his face level with mine. “All fucking night to taste you.”

  A lazy smile stretches across my face as I spread my legs. “Taste away.”

  He crawls down my body, placing soft kisses on my skin, giving equal love to each breast. I moan, shoving my fingers into his hair as he sucks my nipple between his lips.

  “Quiet,” he murmurs around my flesh, reminding me of the two in the living room.

  The warmth of his mouth is gone, and then the hard muscles of his shoulders slide between my legs, opening me to him.

  Pike studies my skin in the faint light. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispers, glancing up at my face for a moment.

  I push his face down, done with the compliments, needing his mouth back on my body. The coolness from the room is replaced by the damp heat of his tongue, causing my hips to jolt off the bed.

  He hums his approval and wraps his hands around my thighs, stopping me from squirming. When his lips close around my flesh, I moan loudly, throwing my hand over my mouth to stop the sound.