What If: The Anthology Read online

  “Fucker. First off, I have more, but I don’t want to cause a scene at my brother’s wedding. Second, I haven’t had enough. You aren’t my father, and you don’t get to tell me when to stop drinking. Last time I checked my driver’s license, I was old enough to make that choice for myself.” I crossed my arms over my chest, trying to put some space between his torso and mine.

  “Let’s get one thing straight, Isabella.” His hot breath tickled the nape of my neck as he put his mouth against my ear and spoke. “I will have you in my bed tonight.”

  I rolled my eyes and pursed my lips, trying to hide exactly how excited that statement had made me. I didn’t want to date the man, but shit, I wanted to fuck him.

  “You’re quite sure of yourself, Jimmy.” I emphasized his name, knowing it would drive him crazy.

  “There are things I’m very sure of.”

  “Like what?” I spat.

  “From the moment I saw you, I knew I wanted to be inside you. When I touched you, I felt something, and I know you felt it, too. There’s something between us. I think I need to fuck you out of my system.”

  “Is that the best line you have?” I hissed, feeling his lips against my ear. I groaned, closing my eyes to let the feel of his mouth on my skin soak into my bones.

  “I don’t need lines, Izzy,” he growled with his teeth caging the flesh of my ear.

  My toes curled inside my heels; I felt him all over my body. No one had ever affected me in this way.

  “I’m down for a challenge.”

  “Doll, there’s no challenge with a willing participant.”

  I pulled back, feeling his mouth slip from my skin, and looked him in the eye. “I was referring to your ability to keep up with me.”

  Again, he laughed and held his stomach. “Izzy, Izzy. Baby, if you can walk right in the morning without still feeling me inside you, I’d be shocked. I have no doubt I can keep up with you. You’ll never be the same after I’ve fucked you.”

  “You better buy me a drink, then. I’ll go easier on you.” I smiled, turning my back to him and facing the bartender. Then I snapped my fingers, pointing in front of me as he smiled and grabbed the bottle of Jack.

  Over my shoulder, James called out, “Make it two.” He placed one hand on the bar to my right and stood to the left of me. His forearm pressed against my back, holding me in place and leaving me no escape. “What shall we drink to?” he asked.

  “My brother,” I replied. Thomas was our link. The connection that James and I shared. “What did he say about me?” I asked.

  James smiled, turning his head to face me. “That you’re his favorite sister.”

  “Jackass, I’m his only sister.”

  “I know.” He laughed. “He told me you’re hard to please.”

  I shook my head. “I’m not. I’m just picky, and I don’t settle.”

  “Can’t fault you there. He’s proud of you.”

  “For what?” I asked, looking at him, stunned.

  “He’s proud of the strong woman you’ve grown into, and I’d have to agree with the little bit of you I’ve experienced.”

  “Ha,” I said. “I learned everything I know from my four brothers.”

  The bartender placed our shots on the bar and started to walk away.

  “Hey, can we get two more?” I asked before he could get too far.

  He nodded and grabbed the bottle, making two more drinks.

  I lifted my glass, waiting for James to pick his up before I spoke. “To Thomas.” I tipped my drink, clinking the glass with his before downing the liquid.

  I watched over the rim as James swallowed it and didn’t wince. His features were so strong and manly. I mean, what the fuck was that? I’d never thought of anyone as manly. Maybe I shouldn’t have another drink.

  “Tell me who you really are,” James said as he placed his empty glass on the bar.

  “What you see is what you get,” I said before I licked the Jack off my lips.

  “I know there’s the Izzy everyone sees and the real woman underneath.”

  “James, what you see is what you get.”

  “Are you always so hard?” he asked, brushing his thumb against my hand as it rested on the bar.

  “I don’t know. Are you always so damn nosy?”

  “I think you haven’t found the right man to tame your sass.”

  I turned to glare at him. “Hold up. I need a man—is that what you’re saying?”

  “No,” he said, shaking his head. “I think your tongue is so sharp because you haven’t found the man who makes you whole. Someone who crawls inside you so deep that you finally figure out who you are, what you were always meant to be.”

  “What the fuck?” I asked, scrunching my eyebrows in confusion.

  “It’s for another day, doll. Sometimes, we just need someone to bring out our true nature.”

  “Either I’ve clearly had too much to drink or you’re talking out of your ass. I’m going to go with option two.”

  He cupped my face in his hand, rubbing the spot just behind my ear with his fingertips. “Sometimes, we don’t know who we really are until we find the perfect partner to bring it out.”

  “Jimmy, I think we were talking about one night. You and me fucking each other’s brains out and then walking away. Now, you’re talking crazy if you think I need you in my life to complete me. I’m certainly not Renée Zellweger, and you’re no Tom Cruise. I don’t need any man to complete me. I’m quite happy with my life.”

  “Fine. Tell me who you are.” His stare pinned me in place.

  Swallowing, I didn’t take my eyes off him as I thought about my reply. I’d never had to explain myself to anyone. “Who are you, James?”

  He shook his head, a small smile on his face as he laughed softly. “I’m a protector.”

  I cut him off. “Do you think I need protecting?”

  “I don’t know,” he replied.

  “I have four older brothers who have made it their life’s mission to make sure I’m protected. It’s the last thing I need in my life.”

  “Can I finish?” he asked, taking a deep breath and tilting his head.

  “Yes,” I said, gulping hard and searching for some moisture in my now parched mouth.

  “As I was saying, I’m a natural protector. That’s why I joined the agency. I’m loyal to the core. I know what I want in life, and I never give up until I get it. There’s nothing better than a good chase. Once I have my mind set on something, I’ll stop at nothing to get what I want.”

  “Am I your goal?” I asked, smirking and feeling a little playful.

  “What if I said yes?” James asked, moving his face closer to mine.

  “I’d say you better have a new game plan.”

  “Are you a secret lesbian?” he teased, the corner of his mouth twitching.

  “No! Fuck!” I hissed. “I mean, more power to anyone who loves vag, but I’m all about cock, baby.”

  He closed his eyes, his breath skidding across my face as he blew the air out of his lungs. “If you talk about cock one more time, I’m taking you upstairs and fucking you until you can’t scream anymore.”

  “That sounds creepy.”

  His chest shook as a laugh fell from his lips. “You have to be the most difficult female I have ever met.”

  “Maybe I’m more woman than you can handle,” I purred, running my hand down his chest. Underneath my fingertips, I could feel his muscles flexing. I splayed my palm against his shirt, letting my hand rest against his rock-hard pec.

  “Doll, I’m more man than you’ve ever had. That, I can guarantee.”

  The air between us crackled. Like it did in the movies. Sparks were probably visible to any guest milling around the bar area.

  “Izzy,” Mia said, interrupting my moment with James.

  I blinked slowly, looking over his shoulder and smiling at her. “Hey, Mia.”

  “Who do we have here?” she asked, a grin on her face.

  “Mia, this is Jimmy, Thomas’s friend.”

  His eyes flashed before he turned to face her. “Mia, it’s nice to meet you. I’m James.” He held out his hand, waiting for her touch.

  “James, I’m Mike’s girl.” She slid her hand into his palm, shaking it slowly.

  “I’d say you’re more than a girl.” He pulled her hand to his mouth and placed a soft kiss on the top.

  She laughed, her cheeks turning red. Did he have this effect on all women? “You know what I mean,” she said, batting her eyelashes.

  Thank Christ Mike wasn’t here to see Mia blushing and flirting with Jimmy boy.

  “Mike’s a very lucky man,” James replied, releasing her hand.

  I sighed, rolling my eyes before glaring at Mia. “Where’s Mike, anyway?” I asked, feeling a bit jealous of his flirting.

  I was bothered that he was flirting with her, but why? I shouldn’t have been. I didn’t like him. I wanted to use him. That was all. I wanted to have my way with him for one night and walk away unscathed. Jealousy wasn’t an emotion I was used to experiencing, and I sure as hell didn’t know how to deal with it.

  “He’s dancing with his ma,” she replied, winking at me and mouthing, “Wow,” as James turned to look at me before returning his attention to her.

  “Would you like a drink, Mia?”

  She smiled, nodding. “Always.”

  James motioned to the bartender as I walked to stand next to Mia.

  “He’s sexy as fuck,” Mia whispered in my ear.

  “He’s an asshole, though.”

  “Nah, he couldn’t be. He seems to be a perfect gentleman.”

  “Maybe you shouldn’t have another if you think he’s not a total prick.”

  “You’re just too damn hard on men, Iz.”

>   “He’s cocky, Mia. He makes Mike and Joe seem like teddy bears.”

  “I like him,” she said, her eyes raking over him.

  “Hey, slutty Aphrodite, you’re taken.”

  “I can look, putana. I’m not dead. I can tell you like him.”

  My mouth dropped open. “What?” I whispered. “I do not.”

  She smiled, nodding at me. “You do.”

  “All right, ladies,” James said as he held out two glasses of Jack.

  “To love,” Mia said. “And passion.”

  “For fuck’s sake,” I blurted, bringing the cup to my mouth.

  “I’ll drink to that,” James said, holding me in place with his stare.

  I didn’t respond as I slammed back the drink, letting it slide down my throat. Instead, I started to picture sex with James. There was a simmering tension between us. An animal attraction that was undeniable. I wanted to slap him and fuck him at the same time. I wanted to let loose and show him what Izzy Gallo really had.

  “Thanks for the drink, James. I’m going to find Mike. You two have a fun night,” Mia said, winking and smiling as she waved and walked away.

  “Traitor,” I mumbled, turning to face James.

  “You want to fuck me?” James asked, taking the drink from my hand.

  “What?” I asked, wondering if he would be so bold.

  “You in or you out?” he growled with his hand on my hip, gripping it roughly with his fingers.

  “I don’t even know you,” I replied, his hold on me starting to feel like a branding iron under my dress.

  “What do you want to know?” he asked, still touching my body.

  “You could be a bad man.” That sounded stupid and childish, but I was trying to not seem too eager to jump in the sack with him.

  “Would your brother send me here if I were a total asshole?”

  He had me there. “No,” I admitted.

  “Do you know everything about every man you sleep with?” he asked, running his free hand down my arm.

  “No.”

  “Do you want to fuck me?”

  I bit my lip, blinking slowly and processing my thoughts. Did I want to? Fuck yes, I did. Was it a good idea? Hell no, it wasn’t a good idea. But then again, mistakes sometimes leave the biggest mark on one’s life.

  “Maybe,” I squeaked out.

  He released my hip, moving his hand to the small of my back. “Ready?” he asked, cocking an eyebrow.

  “Now?”

  “Are you scared, little girl?” he teased.

  “Of you?” There wasn’t a man on this planet who scared me. The fear I felt was from within. It was pointed directly at me. A man wasn’t the issue. James was, and the way my body reacted to him had me on high alert.

  “Yeah,” he said, the side of his mouth turning up into a grin I wanted to smack off his face.

  This was where I should’ve called a time-out. The words I should’ve spoken didn’t come out of my mouth.

  “James, I have four older brothers. You hardly scare me.”

  “But they want to protect you and love you. While I, on the other hand, want to bury my dick so far inside you that I ruin you for eternity.”

  “You say such beautiful things.” I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to myself that he made my pussy clench with his words.

  “You in or you out?”

  “The real question, Jimmy, is am I going to let you in?” I turned back toward the bar and signaled for another drink.

  Let the games begin.

  CHAPTER 3

  What the fuck was wrong with me? This wasn’t how I normally treated a woman I’d just met. There was something different about Izzy, though. I’d felt like I knew her the moment we met. Thomas had filled my head with stories about his little sister and made her bigger than life. Seeing her in person only drove the point home that she was different than other women.

  If he’d heard how I was talking to her, he’d have my nuts in a vise, making sure I’d never be able to get another hard-on in my life. I needed to slow my shit down.

  “I’m a patient man, and you’ll be in my bed before the night is through.”

  She laughed, her head falling back as her teeth shone in the light. “I can’t leave yet,” she said, grabbing her drink and swirling the contents inside. “I have to do all the bridesmaid bullshit.”

  “I can tell by your comment that you believe in true love.”

  “Fuck love. Don’t get me wrong. I’m thrilled for Joe and Suzy, but the shit isn’t for me. Don’t say it,” she warned, her eyes turning into small slits as she glared at me.

  “What? That you just haven’t met the right man?” I stood next to her at the bar and leaned my arm against the wooden surface as I faced her.

  “Yes. It’s not about that. Love makes shit messy,” she explained before bringing the glass to her lips.

  “Can I get a beer?” I asked the bartender as he walked by, and his eyes flickered to us.

  His eyes raked over Izzy, and I saw the hunger burning inside them. I felt an overwhelming urge to rip them from his skull just so he couldn’t eye-fuck her again.

  He looked to me and snarled as he reached into the cooler, popped the top of a Yuengling, and placed it in front of me. Grabbing the cool bottle, I let my fingers slide over the wetness. Then I wished I could squelch the internal burning I felt for Izzy.

  “You sound like a woman who came from a broken home. Thomas speaks very highly of your parents and the love they feel for each other. What turned you off love?” Bringing the bottle to my lips, I watched her as she swallowed hard and played with the glass in her hand.

  “It’s not love that I have an issue with. It’s the battle that ensues because of it.”

  After pulling the beer from my mouth, I shook my head, trying to make sense of her statement. “What battle?”

  “The one every girl I’ve ever known has gone through. They have to decide how much of themselves they’re willing to lose to be with the man they love.”

  “That’s bullshit.”

  “There isn’t a female I know who didn’t change after being in ‘love,’” she said, making air quotes and rolling her eyes.

  “Maybe they brought out the real woman who was always lurking under the surface and too scared to show.”

  “You can have your opinion, Jimmy, but I know what I see.”

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” a man called through the microphone. “If we could have the bride and groom on the dance floor and all the single ladies and gentlemen join them.”

  “You going?” I asked with a cocked eyebrow.

  “It’s stupid,” she said before taking a sip of Jack.

  “You’re such a party pooper. Get your fine ass to the dance floor.”

  “Or what?”

  I smiled, shaking my head slowly. “Let’s place a bet.”

  “Whatcha got in mind, Jimmy?” Izzy cooed, rubbing the lapels on my suit jacket with her fingers.

  “If I catch the garter, then we ditch this place and head to my room. No questions asked and no lip from you.” I’d knock every motherfucker on the dance floor over to get the garter and have Izzy underneath me within an hour.

  “Okay, and if I catch the bouquet, then I don’t have to go anywhere with you. You leave, and I get to spend the rest of the night in peace.” She tilted her head, waiting for me to accept that challenge.

  “Fuck yeah. I’m game,” I said. Then I gulped the last bit of beer as she downed her drink and placed it on the bar. Setting my hand on the small of her back, I guided her away from the bar.

  She stood stiffly next to me as we watched her brother use his teeth to remove the garter from underneath the dress of his new bride. The crowd cheered when he emerged from the dress victorious. Twirling the small scrap of material in his hands, he raised his arms in victory.

  “You ready to lose?” I asked, looking down at Izzy.

  “One thing I’m never good at is losing, Jimmy.”

  “Single gentlemen first. All others, please clear the floor,” the DJ said as everyone moved away, leaving about fifteen of us to jockey for the garter.

  I looked around, sizing up the competition. I was the biggest besides Michael, Izzy’s brother. I took my spot to the side, knowing I could move quickly in front of the crowd and snatch the material before it turned into a free-for-all.

  As the DJ started the countdown, Joe turned his back, practicing his throw, and the men moved with his motion. I readied myself as my heart hammered in my chest louder than a drum at a Metallica concert. I kept my eyes locked to his hand as he moved, waiting to see it fly through the air.