That night in the pub, Carly drank more heavily than she normally would but, to her annoyance, it didn’t seem to affect her. Despite wanting to obliterate recent events, they still swirled endlessly around in her head, the white wine doing nothing to dull them down. This should be a time for celebration. Their family had risen higher than they thought possible, they were earning even more money and finally they had negotiated a truce with the Alexanders, but she was unable to find the joy the rest of her family were obviously feeling. Eddie and Harry were already drunk and were laughing loudly, arms slung around each other’s shoulders. In fact, most of the pub was drunk, Eddie having bought several rounds for everyone. Dean, for once, was enjoying the company of a woman in a short, tight dress that flashed plenty of thigh and cleavage, making Carly even more miserable. It was as though he’d forgotten her already.
Jane had realised that something was wrong. The woman Dean was all over was so opposite to his usual type that she couldn’t understand why he was bothering with her, unless he was pished, but she knew he didn’t like to get drunk.
‘I wish Uncle Eddie would stop splashing the cash about,’ Jane told her sister.
‘Hmm,’ was Carly’s reply as she stared sadly into her glass.
‘Still, it’s good to see him enjoying himself after everything that’s gone on recently.’
‘Suppose.’
‘That’s it. You’re telling me what’s going on right now.’
Finally, she had her sister’s attention.
‘Nothing’s going on,’ said Carly, raising her head.
‘You’re bloody miserable. You haven’t been yourself recently and I want to know why.’
‘I miss Da’.’
‘We all do,’ she said more gently. ‘And I get that but I know there’s more to it.’
‘No, there isn’t. I’m just tired. How’s it going with Jennifer?’ said Carly, wanting to change the subject.
‘Great.’ She smiled. ‘By the way, I’m staying at her place tonight and Rose is at her friend’s, so you’ll have the flat to yourself.’
‘Oh,’ said Carly, forcing a smile. ‘Good.’ She’d never once spent the night alone. Either her family members had been with her or she’d stayed with friends. The thought of being on her own rather unnerved her.
‘Are you sure you’ll be all right?’ said Jane, seeing her expression. ‘I don’t have to stay at Jennifer’s.’
‘Course you do, she’s your girlfriend and you need your privacy. I’ll be fine.’
‘But you haven’t been yourself lately and I’m worried.’ Jane was dismayed when the shutters came down again.
‘I’m fine,’ said Carly.
‘But—’
‘I need the loo.’
‘Carly…’
Her sister rose and hurried into the ladies. Just what the hell was going on?
Jane turned to ask Dean if he knew what was wrong with her sister – after all, they were close – but she saw he had his tongue stuck down the tart’s throat. It seemed he’d finally given up on Carly, which could only be a good thing. Was that what was wrong with her sister? Was she jealous?
Her question was answered when Carly emerged from the toilets a few minutes later and went rigid when she saw Dean kissing another woman. Her eyes filled with so much hurt it made Jane’s heart ache.
She stormed back over to the table, snatched up her jacket and stormed out without a word. Jane didn’t try to stop her; it would have been cruel when it was clear she was desperate to escape. Anger filled her as Dean continued to kiss the tart, who looked cheap and was nothing in comparison to Carly. She knew it wasn’t fair of her to judge him, he was a single man and was entitled to kiss whoever he liked but he’d hurt her sister and she wouldn’t let him get away with it.
‘Oops,’ she said, reaching across the table and knocking his pint into his lap, splattering the tart too. ‘Sorry,’ she added without the slightest apology in her tone.
This drew Harry’s and Eddie’s attention to the fact that he’d been kissing a woman. They both cheered and congratulated him while Derek approached with a bar towel, which he hurled at him. Jane hadn’t been the only one who’d noticed how hurt Carly had been.
‘Thanks.’ Dean frowned, noting the anger in the older man’s eyes.
‘Wipe your face too,’ Derek told him. ‘You’ve got cheap lipstick all over your mouth.’
‘Err, this isn’t cheap lipstick,’ said the tart in an irritating, high-pitched voice, the sort Dean usually hated. ‘It cost six quid.’
‘It looks like you’ve smeared spam all over your lips,’ retorted Derek before returning to the bar.
She scowled at him before leaning into Dean to kiss his cheek. ‘I’ll just go and clean myself up, gorgeous.’
‘Aye, all right,’ he muttered, wiping his jeans with the towel. When she’d gone, he looked to Jane. ‘You did that on purpose.’
‘Aye, I did. You hurt my sister’s feelings.’
‘Good.’
Her eyes flared. ‘What did you say?’
‘She hurt me. She doesn’t want me.’
‘Of course she does. You didn’t see her face when she saw you kissing the slag.’
‘Candice is not a slag. She’s a nice girl.’
‘You don’t usually lie, Dean,’ she said, gaze hardening.
‘Listen,’ he said, lowering his voice. ‘I havenae been with a woman for months because I’ve been waiting for Carly. Well, she’s made it very clear that she doesn’t want me, so I’m going to scratch an itch that’s been annoying me for a very long time. Is that so bad?’
‘If you sleep with Candice your itch won’t just be metaphorical.’ She got to her feet with a haughty look. ‘I’m going to Jennifer’s. Do what you like.’
Dean slumped back sulkily in his chair as Jane left, mulling over her words. He was almost tempted to run after Carly, until his brother and Eddie sat down on either side of him.
‘Well done, son.’ Eddie grinned, patting his shoulder. ‘That Candice is a cracker.’
‘You think so?’ he replied.
‘Aye,’ said Harry. ‘I’ve made a play for her before but she turned me down. It seems she prefers brains over looks.’
‘You’ve done well, son,’ said Eddie. ‘Finally, you’ve found someone to take your mind off Carly. Just make sure it stays off her.’
‘Aye, I will,’ he mumbled, his father’s words dampening the urge to chase after her.
As both Eddie and Harry were drunk, they failed to notice the misery in Dean’s eyes.
‘Here comes your lady,’ said Eddie. ‘We’ll leave you to it.’
They retook their seats and Candice resumed her place by Dean’s side.
‘So.’ She smiled at him. ‘Do you want to come back to my place? My flatmate’s staying over at her boyfriend’s tonight, so we’ll have it to ourselves.’
Dean took in Candice’s false eyelashes that looked like spider’s legs, her fake orange tan, the clingy dress and hair extensions. She was everything he didn’t like in a woman but she was here, which was more than Carly was.
‘Aye, all right.’
‘Great,’ she said.
He took her hand and led her to the door before he changed his mind.
‘Thank God for that,’ Eddie told Harry as they watched the couple leave. ‘I was worried we’d have incest in the family but that lassie has taken his mind off Carly.’
‘Aye, for tonight anyway,’ replied Harry. ‘But I doubt he’ll fall in love with her.’
‘He doesn’t need to. She’ll make him realise there are other women out there.’
Harry wasn’t so sure; he knew his brother’s feelings for Carly were strong but only time would tell. Anyway, he was determined not to worry about anything tonight. He smiled at a woman across the room who was giving him the eye. He had his own wild oats to sow.
* * *
Carly slunk home, refusing to give in to the tears wanting to fall. She knew she had no right to complain. She’d had her chance with Dean and she’d rejected him. He could sleep with whatever tacky slag he wanted to. But it still bloody hurt. She hadn’t expected him to move on so quickly, not after how much he’d professed to love her.
The thought of returning to the empty flat was a depressing one, so she was tramping the darkening streets, pondering on whether to visit one of her friends, but most of them had kids and the last thing she wanted right then was to be surrounded by wailing weans. She could pick up a bottle of wine and a pizza and watch a tacky film to try and take her mind off Dean.
Just as she’d decided on this course of action, a voice called her name.
She looked round to see Jack Alexander jogging across the road towards her.
‘Not you,’ she tutted before carrying on her way.
He hurried after her. ‘Can we talk?’
‘We’ve nothing to say to each other.’
‘I think we do,’ he said, falling into step alongside her.
She stopped and rounded on him. ‘Have you any idea of the awkward position you’ve put me in?’
‘I know and I’m sorry but it’s better you know.’
‘It’s bloody well not. I’ll be in so much trouble if anyone finds out I know you worked against your family and that you have a spy in Rod’s camp.’
‘No one will find out. If they do, I’m fucking dead.’
‘We shouldn’t even be seen talking to each other; we’re still on opposing sides, even though we’ve made a truce.’
‘Sexy, isn’t it?’ he said with a mischievous grin.
‘No, it’s not.’
‘Where are you going?’
‘Home.’
‘Where’s the rest of your family?’
‘In the pub. Why, are you going to run to your family and tell them I’m alone and vulnerable?’ she snapped before continuing on her way. To her chagrin, he followed.
‘You know I won’t do that.’
‘Actually, I don’t. Leave me alone.’
‘What’s wrong? You look really upset.’
‘Nothing’s wrong. I’m just tired.’
‘It doesn’t look like it to me.’
‘It’s none of your business.’
‘Fine, you’re right. But you look like you could use someone to talk to.’
‘I don’t want to talk to anyone. I want to go home and get drunk.’
‘Sounds like a plan. I’ll come with you.’
Carly rolled her eyes. ‘God, you’re annoying.’
‘So I’ve been told. I also really like you. It’s why I told you my secret.’
‘And if you piss me off I’ll use it to destroy you.’
‘No, you won’t.’
‘How can you be so sure?’
‘Because I think you like me too. A bit anyway,’ he added when she gave him a withering look. ‘Dean’s hurt you, hasn’t he?’
Carly didn’t speak, she didn’t trust herself to.
‘I know you have feelings for each other, that’s pretty clear. What did he do, get off with someone else?’
‘Yes,’ she muttered through gritted teeth.
‘Then he’s an idiot. You’re the best-looking woman in Haghill.’
‘It’s not helped me so far.’
‘Just stop,’ he said taking her hand.
‘Get off,’ she said, tugging it free.
‘There’s no need to be so angry, I don’t want to hurt you.’
‘I can’t help being angry,’ she retorted, furious tears stinging her eyes. ‘My da’s had to go into a home, my family was attacked and the man I love rejected me.’
‘You love Dean?’ he said gently.
She nodded, swallowing down the emotion wanting to pour out of her.
‘I didn’t realise.’
‘And now I’m standing in the middle of a street at night talking to a man who tried to kill someone.’
‘You think you’ve got it bad but at least people aren’t constantly reminding you of the biggest mistake you ever made.’
‘Because slicing someone’s stomach open tends to stick in people’s memory,’ she snapped back.
‘You’re right, it does. I could have knocked out the twat but I didn’t, I went too far but I was young, stupid and scared. I’ve never told anyone before that I was terrified during that attack. I really thought he was going to kill me, so I lashed out. It could have happened to anyone and I’ve got to spend the rest of my life with that bad decision hanging around my neck like a fucking ten tonne weight.’
Carly looked contrite. ‘I’m sorry for that.’
‘Yeah, well, I’ve only myself to blame. Then I got released and was given a second chance only for my evil bitch of a cousin to rope me into something that could send me back to prison or worse. Things were really shit, until I met this beautiful woman who knocked me off my fucking feet. That’s you, by the way,’ he added when she regarded him uncertainly.
‘Oh.’
‘Yeah, you’re younger than me but I don’t care. If Dean messed up his chance, then all the better for me. Now, I propose we get a bottle of wine from the shop and go back to your place. I want to take you to bed.’
She blinked at him in surprise. ‘You don’t beat around the bush, do you?’
‘Life’s too short.’ He took her hand and raised it to his lips. ‘So, what do you say?’
Carly was sorely tempted. ‘I don’t understand you. Sometimes you come across as really dangerous and sometimes really nice. You’re like Jekyll and Hyde.’
‘That’s because I’m a bit of both.’
‘And which one will I get?’
His gaze darkened. ‘You’ll have to wait and see.’ He leaned into her, his eyes pinning her. ‘Are you ready to take a chance?’
After what she’d been through recently, the darkness in that gaze spoke to her. He was so close they could have kissed. Excitement thrummed through her body. He smelled good too, his scent fresh but masculine.
‘Aye, I am,’ she breathed.
His lips curled into a smile.
‘But we’ll go back to my place just to talk and we’ll take it from there. If you think you can just take what you want, you’ll get your baws twisted.’
‘I shall behave like a gentleman,’ he said with a bow, making her smile.
Carly made Jack wait outside the shop while she went in to get a bottle of wine, not wanting anyone to see them together because it would undoubtedly get back to her family. As she browsed the shelves, she considered the wisdom of what she was doing. If her family knew they’d hit the roof, telling her she was putting herself in danger. For all she knew, Jack’s family had told him to seduce her, but she was getting sick of organising her life around what other people thought she should do. It was up to her who she slept with, no one else and she did find Jack very attractive. She knew part of why she wanted to do this was revenge against Dean. No doubt he was having sex with that slag, so why shouldn’t she do the same with a man she liked? She didn’t feel like she would be using Jack; he was shrewd enough to know that would be part of it, it was why he’d decided to proposition her now. Bugger it, she was going for it and if it did turn out to be a mistake then at least it was her mistake, no one else’s.
There was a question in Jack’s eyes as he watched her exit the shop with a bottle of white wine in a carrier bag. It was the same look he’d given her when she’d come across him waiting for her outside the ladies’ changing rooms at the gym.
‘No, I won’t do a runner,’ she told him.
‘I did wonder. Feel free, if you like, I’m not the type of bloke to force a woman into anything.’ The naughtiness returned to his gaze. ‘Although there’s a good chance I would chase after you.’
Carly’s cheeks flushed. She thought that sounded rather hot. ‘And what would you do if you caught me?’
‘I don’t think I’d be able to keep my promise to be a gentleman.’
‘I’m no’ sure you can keep it anyway but I’m willing to give you a chance. Just so you know, you only get one chance with me.’
‘So I’ve already heard.’ He smiled.
They continued on their way to Carly’s flat, and she braced herself as she unlocked the door and stepped inside, wondering if he would attack her or if this was another set-up by his family, but he followed her inside and waited while she closed and locked the door behind her.
‘Alone at last,’ he said with another dark smile.
Carly didn’t reply as she removed her jacket, hung it up on one of the hooks by the door and removed her shoes. Jack followed her example and they entered the kitchen, Carly closing the blinds before switching on the light.
‘I get the feeling you’re ashamed of me,’ he said.
‘Not ashamed. I just don’t want this getting back to my family.’
‘What would they do if they knew?’
‘First, they’d turn you into mush, then they’d tell me how stupid I am. What about yours?’
‘Well, they’d turn me into mush too. Or they’d kill me. One or the other. They wouldn’t even bother to talk.’
‘Sounds just like the Alexander family,’ she said, taking the bottle of wine out of the bag and unscrewing the lid.
She produced a couple of glasses and began to pour. Before she’d finished, Jack came up behind her, rested his hands on her hips and ran his lips down the side of her neck. The gesture was light and sensuous and made her tingle.
‘You’ve spilt some,’ he whispered in her ear when her hand shook and dripped wine onto the worktop.
‘I don’t care,’ she breathed as his hands slid under her top and began lightly stroking her stomach while his lips continued their delightful work.
She dumped the bottle on the counter and leaned back against him as her body responded immediately to his touch. Carly had to admit that the illicitness of the situation only made it even more exciting. Part of her was saying that this was madness and it wasn’t too late to back out but her body was telling her to disregard that whiny voice.
She tilted her head to kiss him and he moved his hands down to her jeans. Carly gasped when he slid his hand inside her panties.
‘Someone’s been neglected for too long,’ he murmured into her mouth.
She turned in his arms to face him and kissed him hard, locking her arms around his neck. Grasping the hem of his jumper, she pulled it up, Jack raising his arms and she cast it aside. His body was as athletic as it had appeared at the gym, only now she could see the tattoo on his chest was of a laughing demon surrounded with flames. Even the bulging eyeballs contained fire and they felt to burn right into her.
‘Do you like it?’ he said.
Carly dragged her gaze off the tattoo and onto his face. Once again, his eyes had taken on that dark, dangerous look. She hadn’t been wrong when she’d said he was like Jekyll and Hyde.
‘It’s very striking,’ she replied.
‘I had it done when I was released from prison. I have a friend in Bradford who’s an amazing artist. He did my other tattoos.’
‘He’s very talented.’
‘If you ever want one, I can get you a good rate.’
He rolled up her top slightly to expose her smooth midriff. ‘Perhaps one along here,’ he said, sliding his finger across her stomach, just under her belly button.
His touch made her tingle, but she was acutely aware of the fact that it was the exact place where he’d once cut someone open.
‘Or perhaps here,’ he continued, moving his hand around to her back and running his fingers up her spine. He smiled when her head fell back and she moaned.
He removed her jumper and it joined his own on the floor.
‘So beautiful,’ he whispered, reaching round to unfasten her bra.
That joined the growing pile of discarded clothing and he took a moment to admire her. She was so long and lithe, her smooth skin the colour of ivory.
Jack kissed her from her stomach all the way up her body, taking his time, enjoying teasing her. By the time he reached her mouth, her cheeks were flushed and she was covered in a fine sheen of sweat.
‘Last chance to change your mind,’ he whispered in her ear.
Even the feel of his breath on her skin was enough to make her gasp. Carly’s eyes rolled open and were bright with determination as well as desire.
‘I won’t change my mind,’ she replied.
Jack smiled and unfastened her jeans. He took her right there over the kitchen unit where her family made cups of tea and coffee. As the powerful sensations built to a crescendo, she threw her arms wide, knocking over a jar of coffee. A box of teabags was sent flying across the unit and the mug tree was knocked over, one mug rolling to the edge of the counter before falling off and shattering on the floor. As Carly came loudly, tossing back her head, Jack arched his spine and groaned, slamming his left palm down onto the counter, sending the spoon rest clattering onto the hob.
Neither of them spoke for a full minute, the only sound their frantic breathing as it gradually slowed.
‘Well, that was a treat.’ He grinned, kissing her neck.
‘Aye it was,’ she said. God, she felt good. That awful tension had finally gone from her body and every muscle was warm and relaxed. ‘We’ve made a mess of the kitchen though.’
‘Sod the mess,’ he said, kissing her again.
He released her and straightened up, stretching. Carly did the same, wincing at the ache in her lower back, which had been pressed against the unit. No doubt she’d have bruises tomorrow.
‘What?’ he said when she regarded him curiously.
‘It’s my turn to wonder if you’re going to run out on me.’
‘You must be joking. Finally, I get Carly Savage right where I want her. No way am I going anywhere, unless you want me to?’
‘No, you can stay, although you will have to leave early before my sisters get home. Sorry.’
‘Don’t be, I understand. Right, where’s your bedroom?’
‘Down the hall, first on the left.’
‘Let’s go then,’ he said, picking up the glasses. ‘You get the bottle.’
‘Okay.’ She smiled.
They curled up together in her bed, Carly glad she’d exchanged her single bed for a small double when she’d started earning more money.
After enjoying a couple of glasses of wine, during which they laughed and talked, avoiding the sensitive topic of their families, the Glaswegian underworld and Jack’s time in prison, they had sex again before falling asleep. Carly was a little surprised when Jack wrapped her in his arms. She hadn’t enjoyed the warmth of a man for so long she found herself smiling into his bare chest as his fingers gently stroked her back in that sensual way of his.
She was jolted from a deep, satisfying sleep by a knock at the door.
Carly sat bolt upright, instantly alert.
‘Are you expecting anyone?’ said Jack, sitting up with her.
‘At two o’clock in the morning?’ she retorted, glancing at the clock on her bedside cabinet.
They went silent when the knock came again.
‘Carly,’ called a voice. ‘Are you in there?’
‘It’s Dean,’ she said.
‘Carly,’ he repeated, louder.
‘What are you going to do?’ said Jack.
Carly didn’t reply immediately as she considered her response. Did the fact that Dean was here mean he’d dumped that tart? Hope rose inside her, until the pain of not only his lying to her about something so serious but of him kissing that slag in the pub returned. Had he just come from that awful woman’s bed thinking he could climb straight into hers?
Carly’s face turned to stone. ‘Nothing.’
They nestled back into bed together, Jack smiling slyly up at the ceiling as he held her in his arms.
The sound of shouting soon stopped, he surmised because Dean had given up and gone on his way.
You blew your chance, Dean, he thought to himself. Now she’s mine. This woman’s a fucking powerhouse. She’s not realised yet that she’s the driving force behind her family, not her older sister or uncle. Together, we’ll be stronger than both our families combined and we’ll take everything from Rod Tallan.
Jack held her tighter in his arms as he imagined a future where the whole city would be afraid of him. No one would dare mention his past again.
Carly drifted back off to sleep, blissfully unaware of Jack’s dark plans for her future.