23 Frustration

D-Boy = Nickname for Alejandro - because he was a Seal sniper chosen for Delta Force

Date = 13 April
Place = San Francisco (Inferno) (Grimms)

POV – Enrique

Frustrated; angry; cocked-up; horny; agitated; lost; confused; on the edge … that’s just some of the feelings raging through me right now … or more like the last couple of days – all the time.

I’m fucking hooked. Fell flat on my face. Name it as you will, but the truth is I lost my heart. Not that I would ever acknowledge it … not even to myself; I still can’t utter those famous 3 words …

And to top it up, Brian fucking Cruise and his new besties have to throw themselves into the equation. I watch the foursome seated at one of the tables … Brian, Amanda, Chloe, and Graham. The last one still has the stitches on his temple from where Aria smacked him with the bottle 3 nights ago.

I’m sure they’re trying to drive me nuts … and I’m probably not too far from that either. What the fuck else are they doing here this early? As if there are not countless alternative places to go for breakfast instead.

Fortunately, Aria and Mel are still recovering at my house, under the supervision of poor Jesse, since devil-boy has not arrived from Italy yet. A storm derailed his flight, forcing them to land in Casablanca, Morocco. Hopefully, the poor bastard is back on track and somewhere over the Atlantic at the moment.

“What are they doing here so early?” As he reaches for the JWB bottle, Jackson gestures with his head in the direction of the small group I would just love to see vanish from my life forever.

“Trying to drive me insane …” I cast a glimpse at my twin; all sweaty and dressed in a tracksuit; his face bruised. He’s been staying with me here at the club, and last night he came back late. I can take a wild guess as to what he’s been up to … but I know better than to ask.

Jackson is not the type to divulge huge loads of information to anybody … he tends to address his problems on his own … and not necessarily in a positive way. But I must admit, I’ve never seen him this bad … not even as a kid. It seems the whole Harry debacle unscrewed another bolt in his messed-up brain. No one knows what they did to him, but I’m sure it was not pleasant.

“Where do you come from?” I try my luck, watching him pour the whiskey into two glasses.

“I went for a jog,” his voice sounds exactly how I feel - bothered. He hands me one glass and downs his drink, pouring a new one almost immediately. Great … it’s going to be one of those days … a sober Jackson is scary enough … a drunk one … well, let me just say I better get the guys together fast. Luckily most of them are back in town, so we can try and handle the situation.

I take out my phone and send a message on our boys-group chat, assembling the men together. It’s nothing new … everyone knows by now what to expect – if one of us is in need – we all pitch up to sort it out … one way or the other.

Although Mel threw a tamper in our activities by sitting on Damion’s head, forcing him and subsequentially all of us, to scale back the riskiness of our stunts a few notches … let’s just say we’re currently doing things a little differently.

We still do the same stuff, but we pay more attention to all safety precautions beforehand, thus reducing the probability of injuries. And we never disclose anything to them - and by them, I mean the girls. It’s not that we intentionally lie, we just don’t tell them all the details. What they don’t know won’t hurt them.

“So what’s up with the dark mood?” I throw down the gauntlet and dare to ask Satan; expecting either to be beaten or to be shoved off … not an answer. But life does have its surprises. And what a surprise it is.

“Lee went to visit his brother,” Jackson clears another glass down his throat. I blink a few times … I’m not sure I understand … my twin is getting belligerently drunk because his roommate went to see his brother … what the fuck? Maybe I misheard.

“Eh, sorry … “

“He just left me,” Jackson looks into his glass … as if he’s talking to himself. Then he lifts his head and looks at me, “Didn’t even ask if I want to go with him. And now he’s just leaving my messages on read. No reply. What the fuck is that about?”

I’ve never seen Jackson like this. And because of some guy. If Lee was a girl I would guess that my brother is currently stuck in the same situation as me … struggling to accept that he fell in love. Shit, could Jackson be gay? Nope … no way, he’s way too into girls. I would know if my brother bats for the other team, wouldn’t I? I’m sure I would.

But then why is he acting so sullenly? Could he be hiding in the closet all this time? Well, if that’s the case … he’s for sure hiding fucking deep. Jackson is the one in our group that’s elevated sex to a whole new level of kinky … like ‘50-shades of black’ … if you catch my drift.

“Let me get this straight … you’re sulking because Lee is not around? Is there something I’m missing here? Something I should know?” He frowns. I know that frown. It’s not a good one.

“What?” he grumbles, a vein beating in his neck.

“Do you like Lee?” I ask carefully.

“Yes, I like Lee … he’s my teammate.” Not exactly what I meant.

“But … do you like like Lee … “ I try again, knowing I’m walking on thin ice.

I can see by the look he gives me that I probably went too far this time. He doesn’t answer but swallows another glass of scotch … he’s on a roll.

“I’m not fucking gay, bro.” I’m sure by the sound of his voice that the alcohol has the opposite effect of calming him down.

“He just drives me fucking insane, ALL THE TIME!” He hits the bar with a fist.

“You know when you have this irritating little itch, but you can’t scratch it?” I nod. “Well, that little itch is Lee. And it’s fucking fiercely annoying.” We have to leave asap, knowing my brother’s unstable intolerance, he’s not far from doing something Jacksonish. I hope the guys are at the destined location by now.

“Hey, baby, did you miss me?” Amanda suddenly grabs me from behind into a tight unexpected hug. I give a step forward, to remove myself from her clutches, and turn to face her. She falls forward. Instinctively I catch her, and she moves closer, pressing her body into me, her tits squashed against my chest, while she looks up with a big smile, fluttering her eyes. I think she’s going for seductive, but she really just looks bent. And I seriously want to gag or something.

“Seems that old love never dies,” Brian observes from the other side of the bar, standing next to Chloe. What love? There’s never been any love between me and this bitch. She was just a hole I could cum into. Like all the others. Yeah, I’m not proud about that part of my life … but I am finished with it. For good. I want something different now. Something more serious. With Aria.

I shove Amanda away and she goes to stand next to Chloe. Only Graham is missing and I don’t see him around. Probably shit-ass scared of my brother.

“Where’s Aria?” Brian asks as if he has every right to do so. Fuck him solid. He better stay far away from my girlfriend. We’ve kept the girls’ latest encounter out of the news, so he probably doesn’t know that she’s been hurt. Unless he’s the one that hurt her.

“She’s doing stuff,” Jackson puts his glass on the counter and stares at him. I know that look. Either he’s looking for trouble, or he’s figuring something out. Shit, now is not the time for anybody to get in his face … cause they’re gonna get it six-love. My brother is not in a good mood and with all the Johnnies he downed, he’s unstable at best.

“And what’s that?” Brian is too stupid to read the warning signs in Jackson’s blue eyes.

“Oh, the stuff she’s doing … well, it’s definitely stuff that needs to be done, and none of your fucking business,” Jackson mocks and I roll my eyes. Brian pulls an unhappy face.

“I just thought she would be here since she has a shift today.” Jackson leans over the counter, closer to Brian, who in turn moves back. But Jackson grabs his shirt and holds him in place. I smile. The fucker is scared. But he doesn’t seem to know that Aria’s been hurt. Or he’s a better actor than I thought.

“I’m warning you, Cruise, you better stay away from my brother, his girlfriend, and the rest of my family.” My brother lets him go and wipes some dirt from his shoulder before he pats it gently a few times. Brian immediately gives two steps back and Jackson straightens himself with a wicked smile.

“How’s the baby?” Chloe asks with some fake happiness plastered on her face. She reminds me of a snake and suddenly I feel sick again. Amanda has the same serpent look as her friend.

“The baby is just great … thanks for asking,” Jackson answers before me. Is it just my imagination or did the bitches suddenly go pale? Could they be behind the attack? I peer over the counter to look at their shoes. Sneakers. Ug, what was expecting? Some red Pradas. I must be too tired to think straight … these girls are way too dumb to be some kind of criminal masterminds.

Then Graham appears from the side, but he keeps his distance. He looks chuffed as if he just sucked on a milk-producing nipple, and winks at Brian. What are they up to now? And where has he been this whole time?

“Ah, Graham … how’re the ribs?” My brother is looking for trouble … he usually is. Graham shoots him a fowl glare, laced with a tinge of fear. Well, it’s not as if he didn’t learn the hard way that you can’t get away with sucker-punching my brother. In fact, Jackson has never taken a blow without retaliating in kind … not ever. Jackson pulls this joker’s face and that’s our cue to go.

“As nice as it is to talk to you guys,” I say sarcastically, “We have someplace to be. Come, bro, the guys are waiting for us,” I try to lead Jackson away before he strips his nuts. Luckily he comes without any complaint, and we reach the parking area minus any hiccups.

“Let’s take my car,” Jackson says throwing me the keys. I unlock the yellow monster; not going to argue with him over small things. The Ferrari weaves through traffic and Jackson turns his body slightly toward me.

“So who pissed on your parade?” he asks and I pass the car in front of us before answering: “I think … no I know Aria is hiding something … she and Mel … and it has to do with Brian … “ I tell him this hoping he would focus on something other than Lee. And he’s the best at figuring stuff out, so maybe he can help.

“What do you think it can be?”

“I’m not sure … but he secretly handed her an envelope, that she’s hiding from me.” I hand him my phone.

“Check the photos. I wish I knew what was in there.”

He frowns, “If Mel is hiding something, we’ll find out soon enough,” he says and I bite my lip. Yep, my sister is not precisely the best at keeping secrets … especially from us … but in the same breath, I must add that she did a surprisingly good job of deceiving us while dating Damion behind our backs. However, we should have figured it out sooner, but we just never anticipated that Damion would ever break his rules … so that foolishly blinded us. Even when Jackson once told me that he thinks something is cooking … we never in a million years imagined our friend was actively engaged in knocking up our sister.

I park and we stroll onto Pier 39. I hand him back his keys.

“So why are we here exactly?” Jackson doesn’t look too pleased with our destination.

“Oh, you don’t know yet … they finished revamping D-boy’s pub. It’s going to open on Friday.”

“Great for him,” he says, just vaguely interested. Owning a business is not Jackson’s thing. That’s why Logan is my Inferno partner and not him. Sometimes I wonder what the fuck Jackson does with all his money … cause I never see him spending it on anything much. Most of his stuff is sponsored … like his car … and his bikes … most of his clothes … even some of his food.

The Build-a-bear sign catches my eye … Leyla! Tomorrow she’s being admitted to the hospital for treatment … and it’s almost her birthday. Despite the fact that her birthday present is already hidden and waiting in my office, I drag my reluctant brother inside.

It’s my first time in a shop like this … definitely, Jackson’s too. I smile watching my brother having just as much fun as me … I’m getting a toy stuffed while he’s picking out clothes and accessories.

We wind up leaving with a fluffy caramel floppy-eared bunny, dressed in a Ravenclaw house robe, in addition to bags and bags filled with small suitcases and backpacks stuffed with further outfits, shoes, and accessories. Okay, agreed we might have gone a little bit overboard … but there were just so many adorable things to choose from, so we bought it all – one of every single outfit in the shop. I just know Leyla is gonna freak out – and at least she’ll have something to keep her occupied while in the hospital.

We silently make our way to Alejandro’s pub, when Jackson suddenly stops dead. He turns to the banister next to us and with wide eyes stares down at the lower level. His knuckles turn white from his grip on the rails; his jaw drops and I swear he’s seeing some ghost or demon (with him I’ll bet on the latter).

“Lee,” the name rolls from his tongue. I quickly stand next to him and look in the direction he’s staring, but there’s no Lee – on the contrary, there’s not even someone that closely resembles the little dude. Is he hallucinating? He’s not that drunk yet, is he?

I look more intently, just in case I’m missing something. Groups of people move all over the area; a small crowd is listening to some random street singer with a guitar; a girl sits on his guitar case and tapes him with her phone. Maybe my twin is going bonkers. I grab his arm to remove him from his trans.

“Hey, dude, what’s up?” He recovers from his flabbergasted state and points toward the performer.

“That’s him,” he says as if I’m supposed to know who that is. “Lee’s brother.” The one Lee went to visit? I open my mouth to ask, but Jackson is watching the fan girl with intense eyes. I stay quiet and focus on her too.

Even from this distance, I can tell the woman is beautiful … well her body at least. It’s the type of body that makes you think dirty immediately. She’s dressed in a funky gothic girly manner that reminds me of Mel, her very long auburn hair cascades down like a dark waterfall. Not that I’m fishing … but I’m not blind … she’s really easy on the eyes – however NOT Jackson’s type at all. He prefers sexy experienced women that are into kink, and this girl seems like the naïve virgin next door. I examine the singer with her; he might have the same characteristics as Lee - but he’s significantly taller. When the song ends, the girl claps enthusiastically, grabs the guy’s arm, and plants a big kiss on his cheek.

My brother lets out a soft grunt. If I didn’t know any better, I would think he’s jealous or something. They bow for the crowd and the Roy dude puts his guitar away before they disappear around a corner.

Jackson stares down for a while, a huge frown between his brows. I fucking know that frown. His brain is working overtime. He quickly takes out his phone and sends a message, staring at the screen as if waiting for an immediate reply … that doesn’t come. I’m getting a little worried about him. What is it with him and this Lee guy?

I’m not peculiarly fond of Lee … but I also don’t dislike him. He’s extremely cocky for someone his size … and always backchats … everybody … even my brother. But for some or other reason, Jackson hasn’t punched out any of his teeth … yet. But his witty mouth is gonna land him in some serious predicament if he doesn’t watch out.

“Bro, let’s go,” I insist and Jackson reluctantly follows me to find our friends, sitting at a corner table in the new cozy little pub called ‘Grimms’.

Mel, with Aria’s help, did a wonderful job with the interior decorating and I just love what they have done with the place; the warm earthy hues complement the rustic farmhouse design, boasting lots of wood and iron … while rough tables are arranged in spacious groups amid neutral-toned wood décor, brightly colored seating areas, and huge pots with greenery. A wooden bar fills one whole wall. The biker theme makes me smile … it’s very tastefully done and gives the place a unique countryside vibe in which you just can’t help but feel at ease and relaxed – this pub is small, intimate, friendly, and warm.

Picturesque views of the bay area, including Alcatraz and the Golden Gate bridge, fill the windows almost like paintings, while the smell of freshly ground coffee, spicy food, and beer rides the air.

“Since everybody is here now … let’s go upstairs … it’s a bit more private,” Alejandro says before we can sit down. We follow him like sheep up a wooden staircase that leads to a loft with cozy clusters of sofas and chairs for more casual discussions. Noah is busy unpacking some stuff. He’s going to work part-time for Alejandro, who explains that this is going to become his office area for his new business – something like a mixed PI bodyguard thing.

Jackson suddenly looks at his phone and then storms down the stairs. What the hell now? Both me and Axel follow him, but then my phone rings.

“Hello,” I answer trying to keep up with my brother but it’s a losing battle … he’s hasty as if he needs to catch a train, and disappears into the crowd, Axel at least on his tail. For some reason, my twin and the young boy we met at the haunted house years ago, have this strange connection … and Axel is the only one that can somewhat keep Jackson under control, in a way, not even I can.

“Enrique my boy,” my agent Dean sounds excited and I slowly make my way back into the pub, “you and that lovely girlfriend of yours are going to star in Stalkers,” he continues and I’m not sure how I should feel right now. The show takes celebrity couples to some fun locations and films everything they do for two days. It’s an honor to be invited … they’re exceedingly selective in who they choose. Personally, I always wanted to go but never had the right girl before … until now. I’ll just need to persuade that little stubborn vixen.

“Enrique … did you hear me?”

“Eh … yes … Dean I’ll get back to you … I have to talk to Aria first,” I say the most logical thing. I’m not sure how my redhead is gonna take this news. With Aria, you never know. I put my phone in my jacket and look back one last time, in case Jackson decided to return. But no such luck. Shit, what is that maniac up to now? I rush back up the stairs - time to get the cavalry.

“Hey, D-boy, we have to track down Jackson … “ I yell from the top of the stairs and Alejandro immediately responds, jumping up. We all have our darker days (which we help each other to overcome usually with an insane adrenaline rush), but Jackson’s is the worst. His outings usually involve some kind of brawl or other more serious dangerous encounter and 99% of the time someone (usually him) ends up in the hospital. I look around … including Axel, it’s only four of us … we’re a few guys short: Ilkay is at the hospital, Logan must be sleeping off his jetlag and Damion is still on his way back … but we’ll make due.

I try my brother’s phone again but it goes straight to voicemail … so does Axel’s. Fuck. The two of them alone are not the best combination … they’re both a little homicidal combined with anger issues. Alejandro grabs his keys and tells Noah to look after the pub.

We run around the pier, hoping to find them before they cause trouble somewhere. After a while, we slowly walk back to the pub. There’s nothing we can do now but wait. I try their phones again … but no luck. Then my phone rings.

“Hey bro, you better come to the hospital, Jackson and Axel were in an accident.” It’s Ilkay.

“Fuck.”

“Don’t worry, they’re fine … the car, however … it’s a goner.” I roll my eyes. This must be the fourth Ferrari Jackson has written off. And it’s not even a year old. His sponsors are not going to be happy … that’s for sure. But I also know my twin doesn’t give a fuck about his sponsors.

Time to visit the ER and it’s not even completely noon yet. At this rate … it’s going to be one hell of a long day.