"Grandmothers always have time to talk and make you feel special." — Catherine Pulsifer
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Chapter 3
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Maggie

The entire day at work had been slow. I had worked an early shift, and was even debating on going home early, until the mayor's bastard came right in.

Even though I held my composure through our little 'talk', it all went out the window once I saw him approach Lowen, who was my boss.

I wanted nothing more than to tell Lowen where he could shove his little eye goggling, but I refrained, since I needed the money.

My grandmothers' treatments hadn't gotten any cheaper, despite the court settlement. My mother, her own daughter, didn't spare a cent on me, but for my brother, she gave the little she did have.

It made sense. Jax was the apple of everyone's eye, the golden child. I was simply the extra fetus that came with tits, an extra hole, and an attraction to fuck ups.

I loved my twin brother all the same, nonetheless. He never made me feel inferior, or less than. He was my best friend. He had always included me, protected me, and loved me for who I was. We were all the other had for so long, and he had quite literally saved me, despite his claim to the idea.

Nearly three years ago, our grandmother picked us up, and moved us to Washington. Despite Kansas being the town she grew up in, she knew that there was far too much damage done in that town. The trauma would only smother me if I had remained there any longer.

The move wasn't so bad in itself, despite the heavy guilt I carried for causing it all. I made friends here, well...a family, really. All I had ever known was my twin, his agonizing pep speeches, and deliciously good cooking, but then, I met Kimberly and Raven.

The two were an odd pair, and at first, I was unsure of it. Of them. I had never trusted anyone else before, but the longer I was around them, the more the two became sisters' more than anything else. Sooner than I wanted, though, we'd all went our separate ways for school. Kimberly to Pennsylvania, and Raven to god knows where for a gap year with Levi, her boyfriend.

Not only were they my best friends, but also my own personal live drama. I'd never understood their relationships with Kade and Levi, but after a while, I learned to just be happy for them.

Kimberly had definitely changed when something went down between her and Kade, but once we all saw what he did for her at the Christmas lights, I hadn't seen that pretty smile on her face in nearly a year. I was still skeptical because whatever Kade had done, had obviously hurt, but if she chose to forgave him, there was nothing I could do. If she was happy, then I was ecstatic. I just wished she hadn't left Washington so soon.

Raven and Levi decided to spend the past year traveling, and with Levi's money, they were surely comfortable. Every week, I had a new picture of Raven sitting along the beach with a glass of wine in hand.

God, how I wanted to be there for that wine, and I guessed her, too. She was scheduled to come back to town for good the week of spring break, though.

I'd never admit it out loud but the moment the two left, I felt something so unrecognizable, it made me want to barf. I missed them. Their tales, the drinking, our group dinners, our girls nights. Even though we all scheduled at least one video call a week, it wasn't the same.

The Christmas lights was an extraordinary time though, even if it was cut short by Kimberly and Kades' departure from the group, moments after their exchange of tongues.

I wasn't completely in this by myself, though. I'd made a friend from college; she was a engineering major, like me. Her name was Quinn, and she was pretty cool. At least cool enough to where I didn't want to walk away mid-conversation. I had a tendency of doing that if the person on the other end was too annoying.

Other than her, Kimberly and Raven, my boyfriend, Xander, was the only other person who wasn't related to me that could be worthy of my time.

Jax hadn't said anything directly, but he was my twin, so I knew. He didn't like Xander, but he tolerated him when he was around. Since Jax and I shared an apartment, though, that was pretty often.

Despite everything, life was decent. It was peaceful enough for me. I was peaceful.

Until Luke Vaudest walked in.

I had no idea what he was trying to do. After giving me his daddy's money, I thought that was it. I wasn't even going to use it; I didn't want him to have anything from me, ever again.

The only instance that was a minor contradiction was that night at the party. We had been wasted, and willing to fuck anything. I'd been joking about the bloody nose he'd suffered from Kade, he'd gotten pissed, we traded insults, and next thing I knew, he had me under him. Then, on top of him, then in front of him, and in every other position I could think of, and shit the rumors were true.

The bitch had a big mouth, but I had to admit it. He had something else that was big and useful, as well. I couldn't lie, either; he was definitely the best I ever had in my bed, even now. But, it was just one night, and one mistake. 

I never even planned on bringing it up, again, but he did. Every time he saw me, he made sure to remind me of how bare I'd been that night to him, but I made sure to make my own trademark every single time, as well.

I fucked the little bitch so good, I had him moaning my name, and whimpering in my ear before the night was over, so I had nothing to be embarrassed about. It was just annoying that it had to be Luke Vaudest.

"Maggie."

I jerked around at my name. Lowen was there, his lips in a frown as he approached me. I definitely wasn't scared of him, but I was afraid of losing my job. And, by the evil shadow over his expression, I knew it was coming.

His crusty mustache fell as he yanked his hat off. An oiled hand scratched at his scalp before he nodded at me. "Go ahead, and clock out. Take the rest of the week off, too."

I froze in shock, my mouth falling. Do, what?

Immediately, Luke's smirk filled in my assumptions. It wasn't even a question to it. He had done this.

"F-for what?" I stammered, blinking at him. "A week? I can't afford that." I had my half of rent, insurance, and a million other shits to pay. I couldn't get behind.

Lowen shook his head, his stubby arms over his chest. His expression grew annoyed. "It'll be paid. And, when you get back, I need you to join me in my office, immediately. We need to discuss a couple things." Without another word, his scowl built until he turned, and strode off into his office.

I stared after him, even after his footsteps fell into nothing. My blood pulsed in my ears as I tried to gather what the hell just happened.

Was I fired? He hadn't said the words directly, but a week off of work? And, we need to discuss 'a couple things' once I return?

Despite refusing his perverted moves, I had done nothing to upset him. I came in on my schedules times, I never called in, I came when others called out, and I did my work effectively. There was no reason to be fired unless—

My entire body twitched with anger. That motherfucker.

I wasn't sure of how he did it, or what he said, but he fucking did it. He had his father's money, he could do as he pleased, and of course, he didn't recognize or respect that others' weren't able to do the same.

I was so wrapped up in my anger, I hadn't noticed the phone even ring. I made no move toward it. Fuck them, and their needs.

I clocked out, even while the phone continued on. I hurried, and grabbed whatever I had out of my locker, and rushed to my car. I needed to get out of here before I exploded into pieces.

The cool air stung at my skin after I swung the door open. For a moment, I inhaled the winter wind, shoving a hand through my hair. I needed to breathe before I did something I regretted.

But, with what Luke had done, I didn't think it was possible.

I slammed the car after me, not even bothering to turn it on just yet. I needed to think.

"Okay," I rushed out, clenching my jaw. I could feel the reasonable side of me slipping by the second. He didn't deserve reasonable.

I stared back at the sign of the building with a glare. I hated this damn place, and everyone in it, but I didn't hate the paycheck. It wasn't the best, but it was pretty well for my position. Now, Luke had ruined it.

My fingers tightened around the wheel as I shoved out another breath. I needed to do something, now. I needed to ruin Luke Vaudest.

***

"You're probably the worst shuffler the world has ever known, Mags," my grandmother chuckled at me.

I rolled my eyes, despite the laughter. "You're the one who requested to play." I'd been attempting to shuffle these cards for the past minute.

I stood when I saw her attempt to shift in the bed. With one hand behind her back, I helped her until she appeared comfortable.

Her elderly face scrunched up at me. "I told you to invest on that shuffler, sunshine. Besides—" before she could finish, her body was overtaken by the coughs and wheezes. I felt my expression fall as I watched her frail, weak chest suck in.

It was getting harder, much harder than I liked to admit. I knew that she had set Jax and I up financially after her death, but that didn't help soothe me, not one bit.

A year ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with stage-three lung cancer. Since she was older, it was much more difficult for her body to undergo the treatments. But, my grandmother was a fighter, and she never let us see that it got to her.

I was a strong bitch; sometimes a little too heavy on the bitch part but, when it came to my grandmother, the one who had raised us...I felt like a little girl all over again. The one who still had it in her to hurt. The one who had been dealt the wrong hand, the one who I swore never to be again. The one that no else other than my brother knew about.

That Maggie Norris was dead, though, and she wasn't coming back.

"Mags."

I was pulled from my head at my name. I blinked at her. "Crap...I'm sorry. What did you say?" My grandmother was waiting, a knowing smile curving her lips. One that I'd seen a million times over.

Dixie Reeves was a simple woman at first glance, but only those close to her knew of her younger life, one that I would've believe if it weren't the documentations. It was one full of forbidden romances, late night ventures, stolen motorcycles, and broken rules.

Whenever Jax or I were feeling down, she had always given us a story, one that was rarely the same as the last. Even though I'd never admit it, I secretly longed for another night full of her tales and photo books. Of her warm hugs and fresh snickerdoodle cookies.

But, that wasn't reality.

Reality was that she was dying, and she might take a piece of me with her to the grave when the day comes.

I sighed, my mind tightening at the thought. My grandmother noted it immediately, her eyes falling before she raised a hand to my cheek. I shut my eyes, leaning into her touch with a faint smile.

"My little sunshine. You shine so, so bright," she said, one thumb swiping at my jaw, softly. "Tell me you'll always remember that. That you're my magnificent, mouth of a sailor, sunshine." A small patch of laughter fell from my lips as I nodded. Even under the circumstances, her nickname for me still hit the same. It was quite the opposite of me, but she gave it, anyway.

We hadn't been introduced until the cops dropped Jax and I off at her doorstep, ten years ago. I wasn't even sure if she knew we existed until then, either. But, she could have fooled me. Granny took us in when she didn't have to, and in doing so, she tried to give us everything in return for the nothing we were given under our parents care.

I swept a black strand from her face, my hand falling on top of hers. I offered a smile. "Tell me a story," I suggested. "Go all the way to Europe this time. Those are always my favorite."

Her face perked up, causing my heart to stroke and hum at the sight. Everyone said that we looked alike more than her and her own daughter did. When I saw the photo books, I could see why.

My grandmother claimed that she had only cut her hair a total of three times within her sixty-five years. I wasn't sure of the time gap, but now, it was long and black, and peppered with grey strands all the way to the end of her back. Her face had gotten crinkled with age, and her cheeks had gone hollow from the cancer, but it didn't diminish her beauty. I had only seen her kohl-green eyes dim a few times, but other than that, they were always big and alert with whatever positivity she could find. If she couldn't find it, then she'd make it.

I, on the other hand, had the same jet black hair, but I cut it with a pair of rusty scissors during a mental break when I was twelve. I had given Jax and my grandmother a near heart attack, but as shocked as my grandmother was, she understood the reason behind it. She took me to the salon the next day then had it cut to my liking, and ever since then, I kept it that way.

Now, it grazed the very tips of my shoulder in waves. It fit well with my green eyes, my button nose that Jax loved to fucking boop, and my round face. My pale skin was clear besides the one tattoo along my arm, and on my thighs. Past all of the problems my mother had given me, she at least included a pretty nice ass, and tits.

I wasn't necessarily a model, but with a couple Jell-O shots, I felt drop-dead gorgeous. I'd never been comfortable in my own skin for personal reasons, but I'd learned that as long as other people didn't see it, then it didn't matter. That, and I truly didn't give a fuck what a stranger who probably had to kiss their own ass thought about me. They were an exclusion to the skin I was in, and there was nothing I could do if they didn't like it. Fuck em'.

My grandmother's nose scrunched with humor as she ran a thumb over my hand with a nod. "Sit back for this one, sunshine. Lots of experimental drugs, and horrid pregnancy scares in this one."

I chuckled, leaning back into the stiff seat. I had been here an abundance of times, but it never grew to be comfortable.

My grandmother was in the hospital under the doctor's care and review. Jax and I wanted to keep her ourselves; we would have been more than willing to wait on our apartment. But, my grandmother wanted us to have our own 'adventures' and to continue on without her. So, after many, many arguments, cursing, and yelling, my grandmother checked her own self in, and we were forced to just go along with her decision.

Either way, Jax and I made sure to visit her so much, she complained about it. She claimed that we were smothering her, but I didn't care. I didn't want to waste anymore moments with her, since I knew that soon, there wouldn't be anymore to waste.

Jax would have been here with me today, but he has a late shift at the bar downtown. I was sure that when I got home, he'd be knocked out on our couch.

As I listened to my grandmother talk about the time she was scammed out of an abortion, I felt my mind clear, despite today's events.

I wasn't sure what I'd do to the mayor's bastard yet, but it'd come soon. I may be petty, but he'd ruined the only source of income I had over it. So, it was only fair to fuck with something of his as well.

I just had to find something that was good enough.

Just as my grandmother got to the part of chocolate beignets, I noticed her voice drift until it fell into nothingness. The medicine usually took effect slower, but she was noticeably growing weaker.

I made sure to cover her fully with the blanket I brought from home. It was the one I knit for her, one that she claimed was her favorite despite it being horrendous, but I made sure to bring it, anyway.

I feathered a kiss to her head, then placed my things back into my bag. It wasn't much: a case of Pringles for her, a deck of cards, and a bottle of Dr Pepper. It was small, but I couldn't have got it in the hospital without a bag.

I hauled the bag up my shoulder, stepping toward the door. I flipped off the lights, then turned to her with a ghost of a smile.

"Love you, grams," I whispered out even though she was long gone. Her snores could be heard all the way to the top of the Eiffel tire.

I shut the door with a soft click, then turned to walk off. Out of the window, I noted the dark undertone. I hadn't checked the time in a while but it should be around seven. Xander was scheduled to get off about now, and should be at his apartment by the time I get there.

I hadn't even asked, but he'd be fine with it. He loved when I came over.

Hell, after today, I deserve some good head.

Xander wasn't spectacular in bed, but he was good enough. Takes a minute, but he usually got me there. I'd take about anything to relieve the incoming headache right now, though. Besides sex, though, Xander was cool.

We met in my chemistry course. Once we were placed as partners, he never failed to make me laugh, and was a sly talker. He didn't match my tongue as I usually preferred, but he was cool. His attitude was genuine and laid back, and normal. That was what I needed. After a couple of hookups and dates, we agreed to take it farther and ever since then, we'd been together.

Ever since then though, it was strange. We didn't fight, or argue much. If anything, he'd give in rather quickly and go with what I said. I sounded fucking insane, but a part of me, for a while, thought that I was genuinely bored. I had contemplated leaving him, but instead toughed it out, and it worked out for the better, I guess. He learned to get a little backbone, and I learned to just be satisfied with what I was given. And, that was a loving, nice boyfriend with a curved cock.

I couldn't say I loved him, though. I didn't love anyone other than my grandmother and my brother, and sometimes, I questioned that.

It'd been robbed and drained right from under me, and after so many years of searching and searching for it back, I finally accepted that I couldn't truly love. That I loved the idea of loving someone, and I could fake my way through that until I couldn't any longer.

I shot Xander a quick text, then shoved my phone back into my pocket. There were several nurses and doctors on this floor, ones that I had grown to know by name over the past year. I nodded at a couple of them as I advanced toward the elevator.

"I have a surprise."

I paused, only a couple of steps away from the elevator doors. The voice came from the room on the left of it. I jerked my head in that direction, shaking my head lightly at it. But, there was no way in hell I had imagined his voice, or my disgusted reaction to it.

The mayor's bastard.

Agitation ignited my blood, the feeling sick and deadly. I couldn't leave it alone.

Slowly, I stepped closer to the elevator doors, then pressed my back against the nearest wall. I tried to appear normal to the passers, brut I paid them no mind. I was only focused on one thing.

What was he doing here? On this level, and in this hospital?

"Tell me," a small, feminine voice said in return.

I wanted a glance of whoever had Luke here, but this was the best I could do. The door had a small crack in it, but their voices were audible enough to catch on from here. I shuffled closer anyway, nearly molded into the lining of the wall.

It was obviously a woman. A part of me actually wondered if she were one of his hookups, maybe a baby mother or something. There was no telling with him.

"You know that place on Langley? The one we talked about?" Luke's voice rang through the space. I guessed he was trying to talk quietly, but with the deep timbre of his voice, it wasn't possible. "I got it."

A man passed by, zeroing in on me with curiosity. I feigned an innocent smile before he passed on with a shrug of his shoulders. Then, I tuned back into the conversation.

"You did?" the woman spoke again. I could hear traces of pride in her voice. "Oh, sweet boy. I'm so proud so, so, proud."

"You should have seen it. Fucking paint and vermin in every corner. I got most of it off and cleaned up some, but it still needs a fuck-ton of work," Luke started before I heard shuffling from his side. "I made sure to catch some pictures for you. One of the fuckers spray-painted damn cupcakes all over the walls. I haven't managed to got that part off yet."

"Cupcakes?" I heard the woman's' laughter, so soft and small, you had to strain an ear to catch it. "Well, I know that—" their voice fell into a mix of coughs and wheezes before I heard a chair scrape back.

Panic seized me. Immediately, I turned, and pulled my hoodie cap up. Thank fuck it was winter, so I had an excuse for it.

I shoved my hands into my pocket, glaring down at the ground as I waited. There was no way he'd recognize me, and if he did, I could hold him off with a hit to the balls. Tough since there's a 99% chance he doesn't have any; the 1% being that I've had them in my mouth before.

My finger nearly bruised as I hit the elevator buttons. Finally it opened, and I was in. I risked a quick glance behind my shoulder before they fell in relief. Luke didn't come out.

I shoved my head against the cool elevator walls; I needed a moment to confirm my next move.

Okay. I shoved out a breath, fully craning my neck toward the roof. I think I had it.

A building on Langley, a street not too far from my place. There were several buildings under construction there, but he'd given me a key: spray-painted cupcakes. Sweet.

I chuckled, palming a hand through my hair. If only the motherfucker knew that he'd given me the perfect shot at revenge.

Since it was so dark, I had to type in the Langley road on my GPS. After I stopped to pick up supplies, I headed out that way. It took a second, but once I caught the sign in front, I put the car in park.

I'd give it to the bastard; he had good taste.

I examined the building over with a click of the tongue. It was in its own secluded spot, large and spacey. Rusty brick with what looked to be old, aging windows. And, right on the outside, pretty, painted cupcakes.

My lips curled into a grin as I nodded to myself. This was going to be fun. Rightfully so.

If it were any other person, I would have thought twice about it. Of course I would have, I wasn't a monster. But, I was to the ones who fucked me out a job just for the hell of it.

So, I was going to enjoy this shit.

It'd take a while to do everything I wanted, but luckily, I was a pretty smart bitch. I went ahead, and picked up most of the things I needed on the way here. I didn't have much time to plan, but I needed this shit to hit hard. To bring that little bastard to his knees.

Since most of the people were still out of town for Christmas, I didn't have to worry about the anyone calling the cops. Plus, this place was old, and nearly abandoned; there was no way in hell Luke had installed cameras, yet. It was just sitting there, waiting for me to destroy it.

And, shit, would I make sure to do it.

I wasn't even sure what he planned to do with this place, but it'd have to wait. By the time I was finished, he'd consider quitting the project altogether.

My grin grew as I pulled the bags from my trunk. I made sure to park on the side of the road, so that I blended right in with the dark.

I whistled the tune of one of the many, many broadways Jax had forced me to see as I walked. The bags shook, and rattled under my grip with their contents, but I held on, anyway.

My feet hit the deadened grass with an extra pep. Excitement gripped and shook me so hard, I nearly wanted to bounce in my spot like a fucking cheerleader. But, I refrained to save the cheering for when I got home. Right now, I needed to focus.

Or, not...hell, I don't know.

I expected much more of a fight, but there was none in getting in. The door was obviously broken, and pretty boy hadn't been smart enough to use daddy's money to fix it.

I rolled my eyes as I pushed the door in. Immediately, I turned on my phone light to navigate the space. "You stupid, stupid bastard."

I nearly sang with glee as I stepped in, but the smell sent me back into silence. Jesus.

Just as he said, the place was a wreck. Scattered beer bottles, and wrappers in every corner, what looked to be a couple dead rats in another, and several profanities and images painted along the white walls. The floorboard seemed to be the only thing that was holding up, and that was barely. I'd see the other rooms when I hit them, too.

I set the bags down, fully scanning over the area. A wicked grin grew upon my lips, my skin and blood sizzling with the evil I would bestow among Luke fucking Vaudest.