Page 12 of Rough Diamonds

“The kind where you get a spanking for talking back to me.”

“No way.” I run up on her with keys in one hand and swat her ass. Throwing Evie over my shoulders she giggles.

“Marcus put me down, it's hot out.”

“Exactly. Let’s go cool off.” I open the car doors and place her in the front, strapping up her seat belt. I secure her in place.

“I’m not a baby Marcus, stop coddling me.” She throws her arms over her chest and pouts with her bottom lip sticking out.

“Have you ever thought that maybe I just want to show you my love?” She makes raspberry noises with her mouth. I pull the seat belt making sure it’s secure and throw my head back in a laugh. “Learn to accept the love you’re shown.” I bend down and kiss her forehead before coming around the car. I laugh at that fat lip sticking out. “Evie, stop pouting let’s go get some ice cream.”

The rest of the ride is quiet. I turn the AC up to full blast. The ice cream shop sits on the old south side. Brick buildings line the dirty gutters. Kids run around playing. I look over to see Evie and nothing but sadness takes over her face. My heart literally breaks for her. The guys and I try our hardest to give her a normal life. But you will only get so normal with us. We don’t exactly live a model life ourselves. Evie's life will never be normal until her stepdad is taken care of. We have tried multiple times, but Evie has always stopped us. Plus, it’s not like he’s some Joe Shmoe. He is the Mayor and Gang leader of our enemies. Or, trust me, this would have been a no brainer.

“Come on Evie, let's get in there and get you that ice cream.” Her face lights up, even though she thinks I’m not paying attention. The sun kisses her glowing skin, popping out her natural beauty. Her sun kissed freckles shine in the light. She raises her pouty lips. Moving in, I place a gentle kiss on her lips before opening the door that chimes as we walk in. The business is booming with regulars. Evie bounces from foot to foot as she sucks in her lip.

“Moose tracks look really good but I really want cookies and cream. Oooh, is that carmel crunch?” Evie gushes at the menu while I walk up and wink at the clerk.

“Please give us one cup of everything.” The young girl behind the counter ogles me. I can tell she’s checking if I’m joking or not. So I lean over the counter, the glass window smashed into my stomach. Since I’m taller than most people, I can still get a good handle on things. Placing my hand around the young girl’s neck, I pull her in. “I’m serious. You give her.” I jut my chin in Evie's direction. “Anything she wants.” I remove my hand and flex my fingers slowly. The girl looks me over once more, her eyes bulging, then her throat bobs as her eyes meet my knuckle tattoo.

“Of course.” She jitters, then scoops flavor after flavor into cups. Evie tilts her head to look up into mine.

“It’s no big deal, really.” I take the bags into my hand.

“You can’t be in here.” I hear the clerk's meek tone come out. I whip my head around to see who she’s talking to, and face Vic's bald head. He’s leaning into Evie.

“Why don’t I give you something better to lick, little slut.” He reaches out and grabs the plastic spoon. He brings it to his mouth and groans. “Cherry and chocolate really do match you, Evie. So what do you say? You want to be a whore for everyone else but us.”

My teeth grind as I carefully place bags down.

“Sorry boys, but I like my dick thick with some kind of length. Let’s all be honest here.” Evie takes her finger and drags it down Vic’s body. “We all know what you're packing Vic, and there’s no way that’s pleasing me, let alone anyone else.” Stopping at his zipper, she tugs on his crotch hard. “Get out of my face. You disgust me.” Evie snaps, her mouth is foaming as she spits out the words.

“Hey Vic, I think that means, step the fuck back.” I lift up my shirt showing the butt of my gun.

Vic steps back but looks back over Evie. “Watch yourself Evie. I’m sure this isn’t the last time we run into each other.” Vic turns as the others with him follow and exit.

Evie straightens up and nods at the bowls of ice cream. “Yes.” I laugh with my head fully thrown back. “Those are for you Angel. Let’s get out of here before we have any more problems.”

Sylus

Present Day

I watch Evie hesitate. Her face hides everything almost like a fixed mask. She has every right to be wary. I would be too if I were her. My phone beeps and I pull the device out. I laugh at the text.

Do I want to play a little game?

Of course I do, I mean, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t. I text the person back letting them know to meet us. This is going to be so much fun. I don’t get my name on the streets for nothing. Evie looks at me then looks away. “What Evie, are you scared?” I push her, knowing she won’t back down.

“Of what, Sylus, you?” She laughs, as I watch her breasts jiggle in the crop top. I can see the undersides of her breast with no bra. My dick hardens and I laugh. She is still as gorgeous as ever.

“Don't try to act that way with me. I know who you really are, beneath whatever you’re trying to make us believe, you’re not scared of anything.” I flash my shiny teeth and walk away. I can’t stand to look into those eyes a minute longer. All I can feel is a betrayal that’s more than skin deep. We could have saved her. Instead she didn’t trust us enough for that. To be honest, I don’t know if I could ever fully forgive her for anything. And these games that she’s playing? I don’t know what she’s up to, but she’s up to something. This isn’t like her at all, and I know her like the back of my own hand.

I look her over and spot some new art. I want to ask her about each and every one and why she got each marking. Because there’s one thing I know, Evie always has a plan for everything. Even the art on her body, each piece means something and that something I'm about to find out.

Evie

Present Day

Sylus looks me up and down. I feel I’m practically under a microscope. I frown and turn away. I don’t like it. I don’t like any of this.