Blackmailed (Their Sins #1.5) (2 page)

Chapter Two

Buzz, buzz, buzz
. Who the hell is calling me this early on a Saturday morning? I grab my phone and see my mother's beautiful face looking back at me. I know to answer it or she'll keep blowing my phone up until I answer.

“Morning, Bree. How are you?”

“Chet Lee, you can be such a smartass. How’s my favorite son doing?”

“I'm your only son, and I'm doing pretty well. Yourself? “

“I am well, thank you. Just checking to see what time we should expect you for the charity dinner party tonight.” Shit. That
is
tonight.

“I'll try to be there to eat a late lunch with you. Does that work?”

“Sounds wonderful, son. I had your tux dry cleaned yesterday. It's hanging in your room. Are you coming alone?”

“Yes, Mother. You'll be the first to know when I find someone serious.”

“Your father's human resource director’s daughter is single. Very attractive too. She is a junior at Indiana State and would be a good fit for you.” I sigh at my mother's match making attempt.

“Thanks, but no thanks. I'm enjoying playing the field, if you know what I mean.”

“I do
not
need to hear this. Just make sure you don’t make me a young grandmother. I’ll see you in a few hours. Kiss, kiss, love you.”

“Love you.”

That woman drives me crazy. At least I can say she cares. Although we had a maid and a nanny, my mother was very actively involved in my life. My father, on the other hand, was almost late for my high school graduation. Nothing has changed.

I'm somewhat glad I don't have to worry about throwing the random hookup out of the house this morning. I stretch and slowly get ready to plaster on a fake smile and play the role of the perfect son, something I’ve learned to do well.

***

I arrive at my family’s home on Geist Reservoir a little after noon. The house overlooks the manmade reservoir that houses half of the richest people in the Indianapolis area. Reggie Miller, the former Indiana Pacers basketball player, lives a few houses east from us.

I pull in the gated drive and notice the driveway is lined with catering trucks. I don’t follow the crowd and head into the front doors instead of around back. I’ll be able to see what is going on once I’m in the house. The back side of the house is floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s a large yard on the side of the house, and I’m sure my parents have a tent up to host their elaborate party.

When I reach the kitchen, my mother is on the phone. I’ve never seen the woman upset, but today she’s frazzled.

“I said I wanted orchids in the center of all the tables, but instead, I have white oleanders. Do you know what oleanders mean? They mean caution! Not exactly what I want at a charity dinner. Is there any way to get the white orchids here before the guests arrive? I don’t care about the cost, just get them here, please. Thank you.” With that, she hangs up the phone.

“Hello, dear. Sorry about that. How can you get an orchid confused with an oleander? It’s not that hard. How was your drive up?” She gives me her I-want-to-listen-to-you-talk smile.

“It wasn’t too bad. Hardly any traffic, which is unusual for 31. So, what charity are we pilfering money for tonight?”

My mother grabs her chest and gasps. “Son, watch your mouth. We do not pilfer! It’s a tax write-off. And we’re raising money to Stop Violence Against Women.”

I chuckle at how wound up she is. “I know, Mother. I just like giving you a hard time since I have to be involved in this event instead of somewhere I could be meeting the future Mrs. Boston.”

“Missing one drunken fest on campus is not going to hurt you. Are you hungry? Ms. Ella was waiting on you to get here to prepare lunch.”

“Yes, I’ll eat whatever she’s in the mood to prepare. I miss her cooking. I’m going to run my things up to my room and I’ll be back down in a few.”

My mother smiles and nods her head as I turn to go up the staircase. My room is right off the staircase, on the third floor. When I open the door, I see that my room is just how I left it last fall, except for the freshly laundered tux that is hanging up outside of my walk-in closet.

I lock my bedroom door and find the supplies I need to take a hit. I need to make sure I make this supply last the rest of the weekend. I don’t need that big of a high, just enough to get me through the next thirty-six hours. Who knows what all Bree has planned for me to do. I love my mother, but the woman can be relentless at times.

I take my hit and lie back on the bed. I wait for the drug to take over my body. I love it when the coke starts coursing through my veins.

I’ll never forget the first time I tried cocaine. It was a high I hadn’t felt before. I was popping Adderall, but it was getting hard to buy them because of the demand. Cocaine was readily available, so I tried it.

The intensity of the pleasure the cocaine gave was amazing. I felt like I was on an adrenaline high without having to work for it, and I don’t ever have to worry about being a loser because the coke puts me on the top of the world. I have the energy to keep going and party until the last person drops. Hell, I can do a full workout and not even feel the least bit tired. To say that it’s an amazing feeling is selling it short.

I’m ready to get this show on the road. My body is agreeing with my mind. I jump up from my bed and head downstairs. I’m not hungry, but I know my mother will notice if I don’t eat. Luckily, Ms. Ella made her famous ham panini. I devour it and go search for something to keep me busy until I have to get ready for the party. Maybe I’ll take out the Skidoo. I need a day out in the water before it becomes too cold.

Chapter Three

I love water. That is one good thing about IU. It’s close to Monroe Reservoir. I might be a city boy, but I love to be out on the water, whether I’m just out in a boat, in a Skidoo, or fishing. Yes, this city boy knows how to fish.

I get back to the house in time to take a quick shower and put my tux on. I hate wearing that damn thing, but I have to look good. I do look pretty amazing in it. I turn on the shower and look in the mirror to see if I need to shave. I just have a little five o’clock shadow. I’ll leave it. I don’t feel like shaving.

I get in the shower and let the hot water run over my body. My mind goes back to Derrick’s party last night. I want to find out who the two chicks are that I first met. The dark haired one was nice to look at, but she didn’t seem worth my time. But her friend, the one that actually talked, now I can see myself getting with that. There was something about her. I need to find out who she is…

A knock on my bathroom door pulls me out of my thoughts about the strawberry blonde.

“Chet, honey, guests are going to start arriving soon. Are you about finished?” my mother calls from the other side of the door.

“Yes, Mother. I will be finished, dressed, and downstairs in twenty minutes.” I sigh, knowing I’ll have to hurry up.

“Okay, sweetie. I’ll see you in a few,” she says cheerfully.

I hurry up and wash my body and hair. Then I rinse off quickly. Thank God I don’t have to do a lot to my hair. It’s the perfect mess. I spray on my Burberry cologne and then brush my teeth. I make sure I look good, and then I go into my room to get dressed.

I’m downstairs in thirteen minutes. I’m looking sharp. Maybe I can get lucky tonight. Most of these pricks bring their whole family. I hope one of the families brings a loose daughter.

I walk outside to the tent and see the valets walking out front to start parking the guests. The tent looks like someone puked a flower bush all over it. I’m assuming that is what my mother was trying to accomplish.

Someone rests their hand on my shoulder. I turn around to see my father standing behind me.

“Hello, son. Glad you could make it. You really made your mother’s day by being here,” he says with his usual half smile.

“Hello, Dad. I’d do anything for Mom.”

“I know. Thank you for being there for her more than I have been. That’s going to change. I’m taking a partner in the law firm. I want to actually spend time with my wife. One of these days, you’re going to make me a grandfather, and I want to be a part of your children’s lives. I’m sorry I wasn’t in yours like I should have been. I realize I made many mistakes. I know I can’t change the past, but I would like it if I could be more in your present and future.”

Holy shit. Who the hell is this guy? This is not my father.

“Wow. I really don’t know what to say. You said all the things I’ve thought for a long time. What made you realize all this?”

“Well, I’m not getting any younger, and it’s getting time to slow down, enjoy life,” he says, his voice tinged with sadness.

“You’re not that old, but I guess I understand.” He pulls me into a one-arm hug and slaps me on the back. It really makes me wonder if something else is going on.

I hear a throat clear behind me. I turn around to see my beautiful mother looking at us.

“Boys, our guests are starting to arrive. Time to kill them with kindness. Love you both.” She turns around and heads toward the opening to start greeting guests. I guess I had better go stand by her in case she needs anything and to help her greet guests.

Hundreds of people arrive to the event. I don’t know how my mom fits everyone in here. My ex Delaney shows up with her parents. I can’t believe my family invited them. I know my father went to law school with her dad, but our breakup was somewhat nasty.

The slut was fucking my best friend
and
his girlfriend behind my back. I would have enjoyed seeing her with the other chick, but my best friend too? Forget that. I feel eyes on me, so I look up and see Delaney staring at me. She gives me a small smile and a wave. I just glare at her. Like I’d ever waste any of my time on that again.

Before we sit down to start the event, I talk to a few people that I went to school with. Someone taps me on the shoulder. I turn to see Delany standing behind me.

“Excuse me, guys,” I say to my friends. “I’ll be back in a moment.” I grab Delaney by the elbow and lead us outside of the tent.

“What the hell do you want? I thought I made it pretty clear the last time I didn’t want to talk to you ever again,” I seethe.

She tries to back away from me, but I still have her elbow.

“I’m sorry, Chet. I’m so sorry. I know saying it isn’t enough, but I am. I’ve tried to get over you, but I can’t…”

“You fucking slept with my best friend’s girlfriend. A. Fucking. Girl. How do you think that made me feel? You're dead to me, and you need to get over me real quick because I won't take you back, ever,” I yell in her face. I’m sure it’s every guy’s dream to have two chicks, but I can’t handle a cheater. She was lying about it. The hell with that shit.

She starts crying. My father calls my name.

“Chet? Is everything okay out here?”

“Yeah, Dad. Everything is fine. Delaney was just getting ready to go back in. She and I needed to get some things cleared up that obviously weren’t clear the last time we talked about it,” I spit out.

“Goodbye, Delaney.”

I turn around and leave her outside of the tent to do whatever the hell she wants to. I’m over that.

“I’m glad I found you, Chet. I wanted to introduce you to my new partner and her family,” he says as he puts his arm around my shoulders.

We walk over to this man and woman who are laughing at something that was said at their table.

“Excuse me, Saundra and Clint? Sorry to interrupt, I just wanted to introduce my son before Bree pulls him away. Son, this is my new partner, Saundra Cross, and her husband, Clint. I haven’t met their daughter, so I will let them do the introduction.”

“Nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Cross.” I shake both of their hands.

“Nice to meet you too, Chet. Your father has told me a lot about you. Our daughter is close to your age. She will be a senior at Butler this fall. Alexis, please say hello,” Mrs. Cross says.

Holy hell, she isn’t at all what I was expecting. She is at least five nine and curvy. Oh my, I want to get to know this girl.

“Hi, Alexis. It’s nice to meet you,” I say and give her my best smile. I take her hand and shake it.

“H-h-hi,” she stutters shyly. Oh, this is going to be fun.

“I hope to talk to you more tonight. I have to get going to help my mother. It was nice meeting you, Alexis.” I turn to her parents. “Nice meeting you, Mr. and Mrs. Cross.”

Tonight is looking up.

Chapter Four

Well, hello, Alexis. She is a pleasant surprise. I wonder if I can get her away from her parents to get to know her, inside and…out. I would so hit that. She is my goal for the night. My mother walks up to the stage and taps on the mic.

“Attention, everyone. If you could please find your seats, we will get the event started. We will start with our meal. Then, after you’re full and feeling wonderful from the freely flowing alcohol, I’ll start the auction for the charity tonight. Thank you so much for being here, and if you need anything, please let my family or I know.”

Everyone claps my mother off the stage and the food service starts. The mayor of Indianapolis and his wife and the governor of Indiana and his wife are sitting at my parents’ table. Politics aren’t my thing. That’s another reason I didn’t go to law school.

After shaking the hands of everyone at my parents’ table, I sit down and wait for my parents to join us at the table. I’m glad there is alcohol here. Since I can’t leave to take a hit, booze will have to help me get through the meal.

I start forming the plan to get Alexis away from her parents. What would a gentleman say? Hmm. What about asking her if she wants to go for a walk down by the water and then end up in my bedroom, where I’ll get to pound what I’m sure is a tight pussy. Sounds like the start of an excellent plan.

A smile forms across my face as my parents finally join us.

“I’m so glad you are here, Chet.” My mother smiles her award-winning smile, the same one I use to get in girls’ panties.

“You know I wouldn’t miss it, Mom.” I flash her my angelic smile. Yeah, I’ll do anything for this woman.

“The menu has your favorite foods, so make sure you fill up. You know how I worry about you at school when you’re feeding yourself, eating all that garbage.” She shudders at the thought. If she only knew about the drugs I put in my body.

“Mom, I’m a decent cook. I still haven’t had to eat Ramen noodles,” I say with a chuckle. My mom looks like she is about to have a heart attack.

She gasps. “I’ll come down and cook for you before that happens.”

“I’m fine, Mom.”

Before she can answer, the servers place our first course of what I’m sure will be a five-course meal in front of us.

***

My mother wasn’t lying about the meal consisting of my favorite foods: crab bisque, spring salad, filet mignon, loaded baked potato, and lemon pie. I didn’t want to sit around and listen to what my mom was going to auction off to get money from people. She is good at getting donations to auction off, so I’m sure she will raise a lot of money tonight.

I look at Alexis. She looks bored out of her mind. Time to put my plan to conquer Alexis into action. I tap my father on his shoulder, and he turns to face me.

“I’m going to ask Alexis if she wants to go for a walk down by the water. You know how much I hate this part of the night,” I say with a smile. His face breaks into a large smile.

“That is a good idea, son. Behave yourself,” he says with a wink.

“Yes, sir.”

I walk to her table and bend over to whisper in her ear, “Do you want to bust out of here and go walk down by the water?”

She looks up at me with big eyes and nods her head.

When I grab her hand, I get this tingly sensation. What the hell? We head out of the tent and down toward the water.

“Thank you so much for getting me out of there,” she says.

“You’re welcome. I’ve wanted to talk to you all night.” I give her the smile I learned from my mother. She blushes.

“Really? I’m nowhere in your league. Why would you want to talk to me?” she says with a quiet voice.

“Why would you say that? You’re gorgeous. How are you not in my league?” I brush her hair out of her face. I get the same tingles when I touch her as I did when I was holding her hand.

She shyly looks up at me through her lashes. “I don’t know.”

“How about I take you to my bedroom and I’ll show you how much you are in my league?”

“Oh, I’m sure you use that line on everyone,” she says nervously.

“Actually, I don’t. I normally just ask if they want to fuck.”

Her eyes go really wide. Shit, I think I just blew it.

“Okay,” she says quietly.

Not letting her change her mind, I grab her hand again and get the tingles, this time all the way to my cock. What the hell is this shit? I take her inside my house and upstairs to my bedroom. We’re going to have some fun.