Fire and Ice: Book One: Burned (The Fire and Ice Series 1) Read online

Jesus, thank fuck. "Sorry...I just thought..."

  "Kellan, I care about you," she said quietly, calmly.

  No. Goddamnit, don't do this, Hailey!

  "Kellan, I...I love you."

  Fuck me...

  Chapter Fourteen

  Hailey

  Kellan lay nestled up against me, his intricately tattooed arm, adorned with a cross, skull, and a phoenix rising from the ashes, which all seemed to travel in one flowing river of art from his shoulder to his wrist, was thrown over my chest. His leg was straddling in between both of mine, his knee pressing against my needy core. I was sore from our earlier love making that lasted throughout the night, but I couldn't get enough of him. If I had the chance to have him again, right now, I'd let him slide into me all morning.

  Recanting last night was making me wet and my breathing was becoming shallow. Kellan and I had been up into the wee hours of the night, and the sun was just beginning to rise. Had it not been for his gentle snoring, I'd probably still be fast asleep. However, the ache between my legs told me there was no way I was falling back asleep now.

  Not wanting to stir Kellan, I gingerly tried to maneuver my way out from underneath of him to go take a quick shower. I grabbed his t-shirt and threw it on, as it hung just over my butt, forgoing my panties, as I picked them up off the floor to take with me. As I tip toed towards the hallway, pulling the door open as it creaked, I was startled as Kellan asked in a sleepy voice, "Sleep ok?"

  I turned to face him with a guilty look upon my face, as if I were just caught sneaking out of a one night stand, replying, "You were snoring...I'm a light sleeper." I tipped him a polite smile, hoping he wasn't insulted.

  "Come back to bed, it's early," he prompted.

  I thumbed in the direction of the hallway and said, "I'm already up...I'm going to take a shower."

  He yawned and stretched, the sheet lending me a small peek of his happy trail, as I licked my lips subconsciously. Kellan chuckled as he caught me staring, and my cheeks heated instantly. "See something you like, darlin'?" he teased.

  My mouth went dry, and I swallowed hard at the thought of him possibly inviting me to have another go around with him. Oh, yes...everything I see in front of me, I like. I more than like...I love this man. Screw the shower, I wanted him badly, and he was looking at me with fire blazing in his eyes, the playful grin fading from his face, as I nodded my assent.

  Kellan rose from the bed, the sheet falling to the floor, pooling at his feet, his erection leaving nothing to the imagination, as he stalked towards me. Reaching me, he pulled me against him and brushed my hair behind my shoulder, grazing the side of my face with his own, a hint of stubble scratching my cheek, as he began to kiss the side of my neck. He trailed his hand up my thigh, over my hips and waist, under the t-shirt, and found my breast; my nipple hard, showing my arousal for him, before he whispered against my ear, "Go get your shower. I'll make us some breakfast."

  He disengaged himself, brushed past me, and left me standing alone, breathless and confused, as usual.

  ******

  Kellan

  As much as I wanted to take Hailey...and believe me, it took everything I had in me to walk away from her luscious body; her hair messy, as evidence of last night's sexcapades, I would be breaking every rule I lived by. As it was, I had crossed off a laundry list of no-nos. Jesus, I even gave her my phone number in case those guys give her any trouble on her days off, or she gets spooked, and now, I'm regretting nearly every glance, touch, and taste of her. Yeah, right...and I've got a bridge I can sell ya.

  My instinct had been to make her forget she'd mentioned it. I didn't acknowledge the declaration, but rather covered her mouth with my own, and initiated round two of what turned into a long night of fucking each other's brains out. Looking back, it was most likely a terrible idea if she had thoughts the feeling was mutual, and at that point, I was only adding fuel to the fire. My guess was I had spent the evening fucking up more than I spent it fucking.

  Lost in my thoughts, I didn't hear Hailey approach, as she chirped, "I hope you don't mind..." ushering her hand across her body, wearing a pair of my sweat pants...which looked ridiculous, yet adorable on her, as she had them rolled up several times...and my t-shirt from last night. Her hair was damp and flowing down her back, and her makeup had been washed clean from her face. She looked incredible, innocent. A sight I would love to wake up to every day. So much for your 'Golden Rule'. Goddamn, I was becoming more and more lost in Hailey's hold over me, and it was scaring the shit out me. This was nearing disastrous.

  ******

  Hailey

  "Wow...this tastes great, Kellan! I had no idea you could cook," I exclaimed, as he shot me a wry look. "Well, I mean, I know you cook at the bar, but that's all fried food, and prepared stuff, right?" I said through huge bites of my omelet. He'd already polished off his breakfast and was standing impatiently, waiting for me to finish mine.

  "What do you think I live on? Pizza and Chinese?" he shot back with annoyance. Geez...try to give a guy a compliment.

  "I didn't mean anything by it, Kellan," I say, lowering my head. "I was just...thank you...for everything," I look up to see his face marred with contempt. What's with him this morning? The same thing that's wrong with him any other time. He's dualistic, and the most complex man I've ever met. Earlier, he looked as if he wanted to have me for breakfast; now it seems he wants me to eat and run.

  ******

  Kellan

  I didn't want small talk, I didn't want pillow talk; I wanted to get Hailey the hell outta my place and as far as away from me as possible. Last night was incredible, but it was just that. Last night. The first and only. I know what she said, I heard it with my own ears, but in the heat of the moment, emotions can get the best of people. Hell, I won't deny I was feeling a pull I'd never felt before with any other woman, but I don't do the "L" word, unless it involves a threesome, well, then all bets are off. I inwardly grin at the thought of my debauched tryst a couple of weeks ago. Perhaps I'll give Tanya a call tonight...she may be just what I need to flush out whatever this...this knot I have in my gut over Hailey is.

  I check my watch as I volley my eyes back and forth between Hailey and her half eaten meal. She's taking forever, and it's almost 9:30. I'd planned to get her home and come back here to get some sleep before going into the bar today. If she eats any slower, I can kiss that idea goodbye. "I hate to rush you," I muster up in my most diplomatic tone, "but we need to get going."

  She looks to me, clearly disappointed, replying, "Oh, I didn't mean to hold you up. Let me wash these up and I'll grab my things."

  I halted her as she began to empty her plate, saying, "I've got this...just go get your stuff." She nodded, but was clearly affected by my capriciousness. Bowing her head, she strode off down the hallway to collect her things, as I ran my fingers through my hair. Jesus, I could still smell her on me. The smart thing to do would be to jump in the shower, and wash the remains of last night off of me, leaving me with a fresh start to the day. But apparently, I'd become a dumb motherfucker overnight, as I wanted to savor her scent for as long as I could before I had to get ready for work today. I'd thought for the briefest of moments of asking her to leave her underwear behind, and then realized that's definitely something a depraved pervert would do. I never said I wasn't a depraved pervert...I just didn't necessarily want Hailey thinking of me that way.

  I heard her heels clicking across the floor as she approached the kitchen, and as she rounded the corner, the image of her standing in those heels, along with the huge sweats brought a huge grin to my face, as I began to fall into hysterics. "Are you shitting me, right now, Hailey?" I managed to get out after my laughing fit had died down a bit.

  She narrowed her eyes on me, replying with disdain, "Sorry, Boss! I didn't have time to pack a bag last night before I was hauled off against my will."

  I shifted uncomfortably in my pants at the sound of her calling me 'Boss', causing me to become aroused, yet she was playi
ng with fire by accusing me of doing anything to her last night against her will.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Hailey

  Kellan seemingly couldn't wait to get me out of his house, and hit the road. As he locked up, I decided I agreed with him, looking down to my ridiculous outfit, and removed my high heels, leaving me barefoot. Turning to me, noticing I'd taken my shoes off, he gave me a perplexed look, asking me, "You're just going to walk without any shoes on?"

  I shrugged, and said, "I'll be fine, I do it all the time at my house. It's no big deal."

  He furrowed his brows before playing with his tongue ring, and then asking, "So where do you live? I need to get back and get some sleep." I doubted sleep was the first thing on his mind...ditching me seemed to be a priority, right now, and I didn't appreciate it. I thought we were on the same wavelength last night. I showed him my true colors, and now he's showing me his. Georgia was right; Kellan is nothing but a player. He will obviously do whatever it takes to get a woman into bed. I can't believe I fell for his act. I can't believe I fell for...him. He'll most likely have a new woman in his bed tonight, forgetting all about last night's promises. Bastard. A bastard it would most likely take me months to get over, if ever.

  I sighed at the thought, and brought myself back to reality, as Kellan waited for my answer. "About ten minutes from here. Hardwick Lane," I said flatly. With that being said, he motioned to his car, and waited for me to lead the way, unlike last night, and then opened the passenger side door for me, as I slid inside, careful to brush the dirt off of my feet before he close the door for me.

  As he rounded the car, I couldn't help but take in the wonderment of his features. Taut skin I would never touch again. Muscles I would never feel against my body. His glorious tattoos that I would never trace with my tongue, and his black hair, messy from a restless night's sleep, which I would never run my fingers through. His low-rise jeans sat perfectly on his hips, showcasing the hint of what lie just a few inches south of them. Paradise. And yet, in a matter of hours, he'd turned my world upside down, and broken it into pieces.

  ******

  Kellan

  After a grueling, awkward car ride, I finally dropped Hailey off at her house, as she climbed out the car, not waiting for me to come around and open the door for her as she exited quickly. I couldn't say I blamed her; we'd barely said ten words to each other the whole ride. Last night was a colossal mistake. I thought she understood how I worked, and now I could see she was bitter and angry with me. But I can't give her what she needs. Maybe it would be better if I told her that in person, tonight at the bar. There's no point in having her hold out hope. It would be best to just rip the band-aid off, and let her start moving on with her life.

  I manage to get home in time for a short nap and a quick shower before I have to head to work. I can see it's going to be a long day. I'm definitely getting too old for this shit. Getting by on a couple hours of sleep a night, and then busting my ass for up to sixteen hours a day is getting old. I'm feeling stuck. Feeling like I need more out of life. There has to be something more out there for me. At any rate, tonight, Foundry takes the stage. It's a weeknight, but our business is increasing, and Jim wants to start bringing in more volume during the week. They're a decent band, so we should pull in a pretty good crowd.

  I make my way into the bar through the back door, noticing Jim's car is already parked out back, and hoping I'm not about to get reamed too badly for last night's actions, yet fully prepared to swallow my medicine. I did cause quite a stir, after all, and I'm lucky I haven't heard from the law by now. Jim could've gotten in deep shit, but I doubt the assholes did anything about it, otherwise I'd have heard from Jim about it by now.

  I gingerly make way down the hallway towards the office, not even getting the chance to reach it before Jim bellows out, "Get your ass in here, Kellan!" Fuck. Time to pay the piper.

  I slowed my roll, and crept as slowly as I could into the lion's den, noticing Jim had his reading glasses on and his head bent down, staring at paperwork that had accumulated while he was out sick. I leaned against the doorframe, and turned my head to peer out into the hallway, waiting for him to finish his tasks.

  "You really shit the bed last night, Kellan, you know that?" he said, as I snapped my gaze to him. He continued going over his paperwork, never looking over to me. I didn't answer him, as I figured his rant had just begun. There was a momentary pause before he removed his glasses, rubbed his eyes, and finally looked in my direction, leaning back in his chair, as if he were settling in to give me a long lecture; and I supposed he was. "You think you can do whatever you want around here? Huh? Is that it, Kellan?" he questioned.

  I didn't care for the accusation, or his condescending tone. I was an adult for Christ's sake. If he wanted to hash this out, the least he could do was talk to me like a man, not an errant child. I opened my mouth to speak, but he stopped me in my tracks, continuing, "You're not gonna act like some goddamn vigilante, got it? That shit you pulled last night could have cost me my license."

  "So you want me to let the girls get manhandled by drunk assholes, and just stand by and watch?" I interrupted, my tone coarse.

  "That's what the damn bouncer is for, Kellan. You see trouble, you go get Dunny."

  I toyed with my tongue ring, as I thought about how easily it would have been to avoid the entire incident if I'd followed protocol. I nodded, saying, "You're right. It was a gut reaction."

  Jim shot me a wry look. "I noticed Hailey's car was still here when I got in. I'm assuming you made sure she got home safely," he said, dipping his head, and peering up at me. Fuck, I'd been caught...sort of, and I never gave it a thought that Hailey now had no way to get to work today. Fuck it...it wasn't my problem. She'd have to call someone else. I wasn't cut out for this White Knight shit, and last night was a disaster from the get go. Jim cut into my thoughts. "Just so you know, Kellan, one more fuck up like last night, and you're gone."

  I stared at him with utter disbelief. "But..."

  "No buts! You wanna go down in flames, have at it, but you're not taking me, or this place with you." Jim rose from his chair and quickly brushed past me, leaving me standing in shock.

  ******

  Hailey

  I've been calling Kellan for over an hour, only to be sent to voicemail over and over again. I've texted him a dozen times. I have no way to get to work, as my car had been left there last night. I hadn't even given it a thought until I'd started getting ready for work, and now it's nearly time for me to leave. Shit...I'm in a real bind, and the only other person I can think of to call is Georgia, since Jordan is already working. But the thought of being lectured and ridiculed has me second-guessing dialing her number. It would be easier to call in sick and have Jordan pick me up after his shift. I could easily tell him that Kellan had taken me directly home after last night's fight, and that I'd been too sick to call him earlier today, but needed my car for the morning. What have I gotten myself into? The lies are starting to pile up, and my head is swarming.

  I finally give up on Kellan and break down, deciding to call Georgia, since we both start work at the same time. I fish out her cell phone number from my purse, and take a deep breath as I dial it. She picks up in two rings. "So, Georgia's on your mind, huh?" she trills out.

  "What?" I ask in confusion.

  "What's cookin' good lookin'?"

  "It's Hailey, from Jim's, remember?" I remind her.

  "Yeah, I know," she says flatly, before an uncomfortable silence settles in between us.

  "Do you always answer your phone like that?" I question to break the tension.

  She chuckles before replying, "Witty, huh? My brothers hate it."

  "How'd you know it was me?" I ask, perplexed.

  "I have caller ID. Don't you remember me plugging your name into my phone last night?"

  "Um...well if you have you caller ID, don't you know it's your brothers that are calling?"

  "Of course...I just love fuckin' with th
em," she laughs out. "So what can I do you for? You're not gonna bitch me out are you? Because that douche bag started it last night...I had nothing to do..."

  I interrupted her, "Kellan told me what happened. The truth I mean...that he started shit with you because he overheard us talking. No, I'm not mad at you. I...get it now," I said hesitantly. "Look, I called because I need a favor."

  "Sure, I mean, I'll try to help out. What's up?"

  "I need a ride to work. Could you pick me up? I wouldn't normally ask, but..."

  "Hailey-would you stop? I got you, sister. Give me ten and I'll be out the door. Where am I headed?" I rattled off my address, thanked her up and down as she scoffed at me, and clicked off the phone.

  Georgia showed up about twenty minutes later, and after she'd laid on the horn for a solid ten seconds, waking up my mom, who'd fallen asleep on the couch watching her shows, I had to run out and tell Georgia I'd be a few minutes until I got my mom settled back in. Mom had been feeling worse and worse in the last couple of weeks, but refused treatment, other than her regular medications.