First Degree Burns Read online

  “She let someone fuck her in the ass?” Dane asked, disliking the taste of the words as they left her mouth. But, she needed to know where the hell this was going and maybe even where it came from. Who the fuck is this bitch?

  “Yeah, she did.” Lillian nodded and then shrugged again. “One of her boyfriends from a few years back. He came around a couple of times. At first, he was talking about how much he wanted to pound her ass. I thought it was weird he was saying that when she had already expressed an interest in it, so I figured they’d have done it already. She was probably being a tease, but he was too stupid to figure out she wanted to do it. I had to tell that idiot that she was waiting for him to make a move.”

  It literally felt like someone slammed on the brakes in Dane’s head, and she wouldn’t have been surprised if her brain splattered completely against the front of her skull. “Wait, wait, wait, you told her boyfriend she wanted him to fuck her in the ass?” she inquired, feeling her blood run so hot that she was surprised it hadn’t evaporated through her skin and surrounded her in a mist of crimson fury.

  “Well, she did, but he was too much of a coward to make a move. She’s such a damn tease all the time and he needed to get that. She was playing with him, but she really wanted it and I had to tell that idiot, because he couldn’t read the signals right. I’m surprised he knew what hole to fuck in the first place.” Lillian had the nerve to chuckle, but the words started to sound like nothing more than buzzing in Dane’s mind.

  Lillian had told Nicole’s boyfriend that Nicole wanted anal sex and, if it was the same guy Dane thought it was, he had actually believed her. He had believed her and eventually crossed the line with Nicole, violated her after she had told him no so many times. It was a trauma Nicole still carried with her, a violation that still made her tense if Dane as much as caressed her ass, and this woman was the reason for it.

  “She always dates—”

  Dane let out a guttural yell that she hardly even noticed and hopped on Lillian with a passion that would make her music pale in comparison. Lillian was on the hard ground, staring wide-eyed at Dane, who wasted no time punching her with her right hand. Dane didn’t even think she should protect the one good hand that she had left. No, instead, she’d gladly break every bone in that whole arm if it meant she could make Lillian hurt a fraction of what Nicole had to feel when her boyfriend stuck a finger inside of her without her consent.

  Lillian made a noise, which might’ve been a scream, but Dane wasn’t sure. It all sounded like garbled white noise to her ears. Even the crunch of her knuckles smashing against Lillian’s face mixed in with the jumble. Every few hits, she used the hand that held Lillian down to slam her into the ground, silently praying there was a rock under her, if only to hurt her even more. She was vaguely aware of Lillian trying to shove her off. It wasn’t going to happen.

  “You stupid fucking bitch.” Dane snarled, straddling Lillian to make sure she couldn’t get up. She had Lillian’s arms pinned to her side with her knees, and fully intended to beat her until her whole skull caved in.

  Dane wasn’t sure how long she had Lillian pinned, but it wasn’t enough time in her opinion. Grunting, she was tackled off the bitch and coughed as she felt a sting from a quick fist in her ribs as soon as her back smashed into the earth. Growling, she sucked up the pain and tried to pick herself up, but found it impossible. Junior and Spider held her down.

  “Danny, what the hell is going on?” Nicole shrieked. She sounded so far away, but Dane couldn’t see where she was with the two giant cousins looming over her.

  “You think you can beat up on our sister?” Junior barked, and Dane felt that sting in her ribs again. He was the one on her now, with Spider standing by, as if ready to run if she managed to get away.

  Dane didn’t try to answer, again attempting to pick herself back up to make it to Lillian. How dare that bitch smile in Nicole’s face when in private all she did was try to tear Nicole down? How dare she play the victim! Her body blazed with indignation as she tried to shove the big ox off her, but he wouldn’t budge beyond rapidly hitting her in the same space in her side every few seconds. In the back of her mind, she thought he didn’t want Nicole to see him hitting her and that was why he did it so quickly, but she didn’t care about that. She wanted to get back to Lillian but had to concede she probably wouldn’t be able to touch Lillian again, as another sting raced through her. The best she could do was look around this behemoth, trying to see what damage she had inflicted.

  Lillian sat up, blood pouring down her nose and lip. Bruises were already forming, and her eye was thankfully swelling, but it wasn’t enough. The traitorous, deceitful bitch had the nerve to turn to Nicole, sobbing on her. Dane felt her blood ignite again.

  “Get off her!” Dane hollered, only to get punched in the mouth for saying anything. Spitting to the side, she tasted the familiar flavor of blood. It hurt so much more than his punches to her side or even being tackled, but she didn’t care. It only burned her hotter, wanting to turn Lillian into nothing more than a smear in the dirt.

  “Hey, hey, hey!” Beth came over to Junior. “Stop hitting her. You shouldn’t be hitting a woman.”

  “She hit my little sister, so she’ll get hit,” Junior replied with a growl.

  Beth growled right back. “You know how Lil gets,” she hissed in his ear. Clearly that wasn’t meant for everyone to hear, but Dane heard it all too clearly. She narrowed her gaze on Beth, noting how upset she looked with Junior.

  Junior grunted and glared down at Dane before turning to Beth. “Go with Nikki to camp and get Lil some first aid. Make sure her nose isn’t broken.”

  “How about you and Spider go? I’ll stay here with Danny and make sure she’s all right.” Beth didn’t even bother to look back at Lillian.

  Junior snarled and tensed, but then he looked at Beth. “You make sure you hang back for a while. If I see her before my sister’s cleaned up, I might have to put some knuckles on her face, so she can see what it’s like,” he warned them.

  “Don’t think it’ll be so easy next time,” Dane replied. She might not be able to take him, but she damn sure would get some licks in before he overpowered her next time, especially for protecting his bitch of a sister. Overprotective of Nick my ass. Fucking scumbag.

  Junior growled and punched her in the face one last time, to send a message. She coughed as he got off her. He and Spider walked over to Lillian, who was still clutching Nicole like a life preserver in rough waters and sobbing on her shoulder.

  Dane sat up, hissing all the way. Everything hurt, but more than that, everything boiled and raged. She watched as the three cuddled Lillian, trying to comfort a monster as far as she was concerned. They helped her to her feet, and Nicole looked in Dane’s direction. She looked like she was about to walk over, but Lillian had both arms wrapped around her, clearly not about to let her go. Lillian pressed herself against Nicole and appeared to whisper something to her, but Dane couldn’t hear it.

  “We’ll talk about this later, Danny,” Nicole called to her. “I’m going to help Lil to camp and bandage her up. I want to make sure she’s all right.”

  Dane was very close to responding, “Fuck, Lil,” but suspected that wouldn’t help matters. She had no doubt Nicole had missed the fact that Junior had punched her several times, too focused on her little sister. Dane wasn’t bitter over that, but extremely pissed Nicole was being played. Lillian dared to toy with that wonderful, big heart. She hated that it seemed like the cousins were in on it. I thought these assholes were looking out for her and it turns out, nope, they’re fucking her around in a different way. Fucking bastards.

  Dane didn’t try to get up until Nicole was almost out of sight. She didn’t want to chance Nicole seeing her all messed up. This was going to be huge shit storm, after all. Nicole didn’t need it right now.

  Beth stood next to Dane, but she doubted Beth could be much of assistance in lifting. Not that Beth seemed to be offering. As soon as she was o
n her feet, Dane wrapped an arm around her middle. Her ribs hurt like hell. That fucking gorilla is real heavy handed for such quick hits to hurt so Goddamn much. She began walking, even though she didn’t know the way back. Beth followed along.

  “You guys know, don’t you?” Dane said, after some silence.

  “Know what?” Her voice was low, so yeah, she knew.

  “Don’t act so fucking innocent. You know Lil talks about Nicole behind her back. You know Lil actually fucking hates Nick, and you don’t say shit about it.”

  Beth frowned. “I wouldn’t say Lil hates her.”

  “Oh, no?” For her, it only made sense that Lillian hated Nicole. Why else would she encourage someone to do something to Nicole that she knew Nicole wouldn’t want? They honestly got lucky he only put a finger there. He could’ve pushed even further, thinking it was a game, or Nicole really was teasing and he was owed. Lillian didn’t know what type of man he was. She could’ve easily gotten her cousin into serious trouble and maybe she didn’t even care.

  “I’m not sure what Lil feels for Nikki, but it’s clear Nikki loves her with all of her heart. Nikki treats her better than her brothers, for God’s sake.”

  “So, why the hell hasn’t anyone ever told Nick what the hell Lil does? You’re making her look like an idiot.” What the fuck is wrong with these people? They’re all so fucking holier than thou, but they’re fucking assholes.

  “We don’t think Nikki looks like an idiot. It’s fucking amazing that she’s able to love Lil like she does. That she’s able to look past the envy and desire and love her is beyond incredible. Not just love her, but like her, too. So, what good would it do to tell Nikki about what Lil does? Have you seen how she lights up when Lil is around? Do you want to be the one that kills that joy? None of us do,” Beth whispered the last sentence.

  “I might have to.” Dane could understand why the cousins hadn’t said anything. She didn’t agree with it, but she could understand it. Well, she could try to understand it, anyway. Unfortunately, she didn’t have the luxury of silence, especially not now.

  “Do you think she’ll break up with you?”

  “No.” The thought hadn’t even crossed her mind. Nicole wouldn’t be happy, because she didn’t know the whole story, and then she would feel even worse when she did, but she wouldn’t blame Dane.

  Beth’s eyes were wide. “You’re really that secure in your relationship?”

  “She’ll give me the chance to explain. Now, what she believes and doesn’t believe is up in the air. I’m not sure she’ll advocate my use of violence in any way. Not even sure what happened there. Just…” Dane growled and made a fist. I wish I could still be beating the shit out of her.

  “What did she say? I’ve learned to tune her out over the years. I mean, I’ve heard her talk to some of Nicole’s suitors in the past, but no one has ever hit her before.”

  “It’s nothing I want to talk about with anyone other than Nick.”

  “You know she’s in camp playing up being the victim. Are you sure Nikki won’t break up with you?”

  “We’ll find out.” Now, she couldn’t help wondering what would happen if Nicole did break up with her. Will Nicole and Raymond even give me a ride back to their state? Will I be allowed in the car? Would they call the police? How manipulative was Lillian?

  ***

  The camp was empty when Nicole and her cousins arrived. They weren’t surprised. Their fathers liked to fish when they went off exploring. Nicole was relieved, actually. She knew her uncle would probably want to beat Danny’s brains in if he saw Lillian’s face.

  “Get me the first aid kit,” Nicole said, as she motioned for Lillian to sit down on one of the folding stools.

  “Nikki, you’d better start packing your bitch’s stuff and put that bitch on a bus, because the second she comes into camp, she needs to leave,” Junior stated while Spider moved to get the first aid kit.

  “Lil, what happened?” Nicole asked in a gentle tone. What did you say that set Danny off? I’ve never seen Danny like that before.

  Lillian sniffled and wiped away tears. “I don’t know. I was trying to talk to her, being nice to her like you asked. I was telling her about some of the stuff you’ve done in the woods and she got all pissed and started punching me.”

  “That doesn’t sound like Danny at all.” Nicole shook her head slightly, feeling her face tense and scrunch up. Danny would never react that way from a simple conversation.

  “Oh, it’s not like it would be the first fucking time that one your lovers turned out to be an asshole!” Junior huffed.

  Nicole frowned. “Danny is not an asshole.” There’s more here than Lil’s telling us.

  “She fucking hit my sister, Nikki! Several times from the looks of things. Look at her fucking face, Nikki. Your beloved fucking Danny did that.” Junior’s voice was a bellow, as he pointed to his bloody sister.

  Nicole sighed, but she couldn’t argue that. Danny had hit Lillian several times, extremely hard from the looks of things. She had never seen Danny raise her hand in anger. Sure, Danny had talked about it, but it was when she was younger and on several drugs, as well as drunk. Something was wrong, very wrong, and Nicole couldn’t figure out what. She knew that Lillian wasn’t giving her the full story, making her think Lillian had done something to provoke Danny. But, what the hell could Lillian say to make Danny react like that? Danny didn’t even seem to hear me calling her before Junior got her off Lillian.

  “Is it possible that Danny misunderstood something you were saying to her?” Nicole asked Lillian as she began working on her cousin’s face, which was swelling rapidly. Her left eye would probably be shut completely in less than a half hour.

  “Don’t make fucking excuses for her, Nicole.” Junior glared at her and threw his hands up.

  “I’m not making excuses. In the two years I’ve known Danny, I’ve never seen her do anything remotely like this, so I’m trying to figure out why.” Nicole thundered right back. She was careful of Lillian’s face.

  “Yes, you are. Fix Lil’s face. I’m packing this bitch’s shit,” Junior said.

  “Don’t touch any of Danny’s things,” Nicole ordered before focusing completely on Lillian. She noted Spider was unusually quiet through it all. Glancing at him, he appeared more frustrated than angry. Something was going on, but she didn’t have time to really contemplate it.

  “Is it broken?” Lillian whimpered about her nose, as Nicole tended to her.

  “No, it’s fine. Hold still,” Nicole stated.

  “It’s not fine. It feels broken. It hurts.” Lillian sniffled, and tears rolled down her cheeks.

  Nicole didn’t doubt that it hurt quite a bit, but she didn’t comment on it. Everything seemed to be going as expected, as she tended to Lillian’s face. Suddenly, she heard the sound of wood splintering against a tree, and she turned to see Junior holding the remains of Danny’s guitar. He locked eyes with her and chucked the shattered instrument on the ground.

  “The bitch is next if you don’t pack her shit,” Junior threatened before disappearing into the woods.

  Nicole focused on the guitar in the dirt and thought of how brokenhearted Danny was going to be when she saw it. Shit, this was supposed to be a simple, fun family camping trip. How did things come to this? Now, it’s never going to be the same. Tears burned her eyes, but she held them at bay as she finished up with Lillian.

  Chapter Fifteen

  DANE COUGHED AGAIN AND paused, leaning against a solid tree. The bark was rough against her body, even with her shirt. She needed to catch her breath again, but it hurt so damned much to breathe at all. The tree scratched her with each shallow inhale and exhale.

  Beth watched her with concerned eyes, but Dane didn’t bother to acknowledge her. Honestly, she wished Beth would get lost, even if it meant she’d end up wandering the woods like Hansel and Gretel’s long-lost sister. Hissing, she felt around her ribs, needing to make sure they weren’t broken. Those muscles aren
’t just for show. He got me good.

  “You need help?” Beth inquired with her head tilted to the side as if studying Dane.

  “You and your walking stick going to help?” Dane snapped. She knew she was upset with Beth, but not particularly angry like she was with Junior, or livid like she was with Lillian.

  “Probably not. Junior’s pretty heavy-handed. Did he break anything?”

  “Nah. Come on, let’s get going.” Dane began walking again. Breathing hurt, and it didn’t help that her knee throbbed and burned thanks to being slammed on the hard ground. She feared she might not make it back to camp.

  Dane followed Beth, wondering if they had taken long enough for Nicole and Raymond to decide to drive off without her, leaving her to the mercy of Lillian’s male kin. She could imagine how much Junior would love to finish what he started, but she couldn’t figure out why. He knew what his sister did. Does he condone it? Does he engage in it, too? He seemed to love Nicole when she was around, enjoying her company and everything, but Nicole also thought Lillian loved her, and Lillian put up a hell of a front. Maybe Junior and Spider are like their sister. If they are, what poison are they putting in my angel’s head right now? This thought took her back to Nicole and Raymond deserting her in the middle of the woods.

  In truth, Dane knew Nicole wouldn’t leave. She didn’t have it in her. She wasn’t too sure what Raymond would do. Her first instinct told her that he’d commend Junior for hitting her if he saw what she had done to Lillian’s face, but she hadn’t been very accurate in guessing what he’d do in a lot of situations. Shaking it off, she’d play it out as it happened. It wouldn’t remain a mystery for long, even though it seemed like the walk back to camp took an eternity, and then some.