Behind the Hood (Behind the Lives) (20 page)

Tama and Naf sniggered.

“Hi, Tama.” Beth walked over, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Tama returned the gesture. He considered Beth a sweetheart. Unlike her tubby brothers she was a looker, luckily taking after their mother. She was twenty-three, a fraction shorter than him, with a fantastic figure and long black hair. Yeah, he lied to Naf, he would love to do her, but no matter how hot she was he wouldn’t lay a finger on her. For one thing, she always treated him like a brother, and secondly, she was Ash’s woman.

“Heard you’ve been in trouble,” she said.

Tama frowned. Ash must have given her the run down on bloody Juliet. “I didn’t touch Juliet. She molested me.”

“I’m talkin’ ‘bout Nike’s li’l sister. Why’d ja hurt her, Tama? I thought you were better than that.”

“Oh.” Tama didn’t expect that. He didn’t like the look on her face, the disappointment in her eyes. She’d always treated him with respect, something he rarely got shown. Guilt crept in again, and he didn’t like it one damn bit.

“I don’t remember. I wuz high.” He even felt ashamed for lying to her. He remembered everything. At first hurting Maia had been exhilarating, exciting. He was so hyped up on booze and weed that it hadn’t bothered him. He’d thought she’d deserved it. But now, he wasn’t so sure.

He sighed. Beth was bringing him down. He had to get out of there. “I’ve gotta go,” he said, his shoulders slumping.

“No, don’t, Tama,” Beth said, looking guilty. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Shit, now he was bringing
her
down. “Can you tell Ash I did nuthin’ to Juliet, and say I didn’t mean to hurt Maia,” Tama said.

Corey sniggered from the couch.

Tama turned and glared at him. “Bastard!”

Corey’s face dropped. “Sorry, man, I thought you were bullshittin’.”

“Fuck you!” Tama gave him the finger, then stomped towards the door. Everyone thought he was a callus prick, even his mates. Well, he didn’t need them. They could all bloody go to hell.

Beth grabbed his arm. “Tama, don’t go. You look tired, love. Have a sleep, then we can talk later.”

Yeah, he did feel exhausted. He’d been running on adrenalin, weed, and beer for most of the weekend. Plus, his back hurt from sleeping in Corey’s car. Naf had bitched about it, but there was no way he would’ve risked staying at the Connor house after he’d been seen with them. He pulled the curtain back a fraction as a car drove past. Yeah, maybe he could have a proper rest while the brothers kept a lookout for the pigs.

He turned and smiled at Beth. Even though she was Ash’s missus he didn’t think she’d dob him in. Beth had known him since he was thirteen.

“I am beat,” he said. “I could do with some shut-eye.”

Beth let go of his arm. “You can use my old room. I’m movin’ out, so it’s pretty empty except for the bed. I’ve just gotta pop out to see someone then I’ll be back in a few hours.”

Man, she was nice. Ash was one lucky bastard to have her. “Ta,” he said, grateful.

“What’re you playin’ at?” Naf snapped.

Insulted, Tama looked across at his mate. What was Naf’s problem? He’d already told him he wouldn’t touch her.

He opened his mouth to swear at Naf then stopped. His mate’s mouth and jaw were set in an angry scowl, his eyes narrowed in on his sister.

“What’s goin’ on?” Tama asked.

Naf pointed a finger at Beth. “Did Ash put you up to this? Is that why you’re here? Searchin’ for Tama so your boyfriend can bash him?”

Beth dropped her gaze.

Tama’s heart sank. “Beth?”

She looked back up at him, her eyes glistening. “Ash made me. He’s not upset about Juliet anymore, he knows she lied, but you shouldn’t have hurt Nike’s sister. Ash is tight with him, cos Nike’s dad stopped Ash from committing suicide when he wuz a kid.”

“Oh fuck!” Tama covered his face then flung his hands out. “Shit!” Nike wasn’t running drugs for Ash after all, he was like fucking family. Why didn’t Sledge tell him about this?

“Ash will kill me,” Tama said. “What the fuck am I gonna do now?”

“Nuthin’,” Naf said. “You’re stayin’ here. She ain’t gonna dob you in or I’ll tell Mum and Dad she’s dating a drug dealer.”

Beth turned on her brother. “He ain’t a drug dealer!”

Naf sneered. “You’re kidding yourself if ya believe that. I’ve been to Sledge’s house enough times to know what your boyfriend does. Where’d ja think he gets the dosh to buy all your fancy jewellery?”

Beth glared at Naf. “He’s
not
a drug dealer!”

“I don’t care what you believe, just as long as you keep your trap shut about Tama. Alright?”

Beth continued to glare at Naf. “Okay. Just don’t tell them.”

Naf nodded.

Tama said to Beth, “I thought you were a mate. Even if Ash asked you, why would ja try to set me up? You do know what he’d do to me, don’t cha?”

“He said he just wanted to talk to you.”

Naf grunted. “You’re fuckin’ stupider than I thought. Ash bashed his own brother for it, what do ya think he’ll do to Tama? He’ll rip his nuts off and feed them to him. You’ve known Tama since he wuz a kid. What’s wrong with you?”

Beth frowned. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know—”

“Just piss off.” Naf waved her away.

Beth looked back at Tama, her face softening. “I’m really sorry. I didn’t wanna do it.”

Tama moved back as she tried to kiss his cheek. She stared at him for a moment, her expression upset, then turned and walked out the front door.

“I think I should go,” Tama said.

Naf patted his arm. “Nah, go rest up in my room. I’ll watch out for ya.”

“Ta, you’re a good mate.”

Corey got up off the couch, and walked over to stand next to his brother. “I’ll watch your back too.”

“At least I know who my real mates are,” Tama said.

Naf and Corey smiled.

Leaving the brothers in the lounge, Tama headed for Naf’s bedroom, his mind racing over his options. If Nike wanted to play dirty by involving Ash, he’d just have to be more careful. He could get Naf to watch out for Nike while he visited Jess, and Sledge could keep him informed about Ash. After all, why risk things when his mates were more than willing to help out.

26

Maia

Maia dreamt the same dream. Pain coupled with Tama’s smiling face followed by screaming.

“Not again!” Stella snapped. “You’re like the worst alarm clock ever”

Maia opened her eyes. She didn’t know what time it was, but the room was filled with natural light, making Stella’s bandage look like a halo. Stella was scowling at her, looking anything but angelic. Man, she really wanted to go home. She was sick of Stella complaining all the time. It wasn’t like she was doing it on purpose.

“Sorry,” she said sarcastically.

Stella’s features softened. “You having nasty dreams again?”

“Yeah. I keep relivin’ my attack.”

“That sucks. Personally, I sleep like a baby. But then again, I’m used to my bloke knocking me about.”

“Why’d ja stay with him then?”

“I love him.”

“But he hits you.”

Stella shrugged. “He also cares for me and pays for everythin’.”

“I’d still leave him if I were you.”

“Anyway ... enough about me; you had a really cute visitor yesterday, and I don’t mean Nike.” Stella grinned. “Man, I wouldn’t mind a piece of your bro. He looks like he’d be hot in the sack—”

Maia screwed up her face. “Ooh, gross, he’s my brother! What’s wrong with you?”

“Still yummy.”

Maia covered her ears. God, the girl was a freak.

Stella’s voice picked up. “I reckon he’d be a right goer.”

“Blah, blah, blah ... I’m not listenin’ to you.”

Stella laughed as she jumped out of bed. She leaned over Maia. “Then you won’t know who the cute guy was.”

Maia uncovered her ears. Only Nike, Rory, and her uncle Matt visited her. She didn’t know who else it could be. “Who wuz it?”

“Mikey Thomas.”

Maia’s face fell. Her hands began to shake. “He helped Tama chase me.”

Stella frowned. “Oh shit, love. I didn’t mean to scare ya. He just brought in some flowers, and wanted to say sorry.”

Maia looked at the carnations next to her bed. “Why would he bring flowers?”

“The boy’s sweet on you. He was all dressed up and had his hair combed nice.”

Maia screwed up her face. Mikey didn’t like her; Saturday night was proof of that. “Just cos he’s dressed nice doesn’t mean he fancies me.”

“He admitted to liking you. He was so shy it was sweet. He was also upset that Tama hurt you.”

“But he chased me.”

“Look, kid, Tama’s a mean bastard. He would’ve made him do it. Mikey’s sweet. If I were you I’d give him a try. He’s pretty cute.”

Maia rubbed her forehead. She had wanted Mikey for so long, and now he bloody says he likes her after what he did. Man, she had shit luck.

“He could’ve told Tama to leave me alone if he liked me so much,” Maia said.

“I told ja, Tama’s mean. The kid was probably too scared to speak out.”

“If ya think he’s so great, why don’t you go out with him? Me personally, I’m not interested in dating any guys now.”

Stella pulled a face. “You’re not a lesbo, are ya?”

“No!” As if the pain in her back wasn’t bad enough, she had to put up with Stella’s filthy mouth. “I’m goin’ back to sleep,” she said, closing her eyes.

“Oh please, no,” Stella muttered. “Go away, Zane.”

“Can’t I visit my girl?”

Maia’s eyes shot open. She unstrapped herself and sat up slowly.

A guy of medium height walked towards Stella’s bed. Like Stella, he was pale and skinny. He looked nervous as he wiped his hands on his grease-stained overalls. Except for the fact he was a thug, Maia thought he was attractive. It just showed she had bad taste in guys like Stella.

Stella looked unsure. “You’re not mad at me?”

Maia stared at Stella. Why would he be mad at her? Bloody hell, his head didn’t have bandages wrapped around it.

Zane smiled, his nervousness disappearing.
Shit, he has a nice smile.
Maia wondered whether Stella put up with the bashing because of his looks as well as his money.

“Nah ... I can’t stay mad at you for long.” He grabbed a chair and positioned it between the beds. “Anyway, it was that prick’s fault. He shouldn’t have touched you. Scum.”

Stella breathed out. “He stole my phone too.”

“Yeah, I know. I tried to call ya last night, but that arsehole answered. Said nasty shit about you too. I’m gonna shoot him for that.” He stood up and caressed her cheek. “I’m really sorry for hurting you. Thanks for not pressing charges.”

“No probs, babe.” Stella kissed him.

Maia rolled her eyes. It was great that the creep wanted to shoot Tama, but man, Stella was stupid for taking her boyfriend’s apology. No matter how good-looking he was, it wouldn’t be worth it. If she was Stella, she’d dump his greasy arse right before dobbing him into the cops.

Maia grimaced as the two sucked face. Gross. She turned around and lay down carefully, then pulled her straps back on. She didn’t want to risk moving onto her back while she slept. It hurt enough without making it worse.

She closed her eyes and waited for sleep. Stella obviously thought scumbags were ideal boyfriend material. So, if Stella thought Mikey was sweet it was best to stay clear of the guy. Then again, it wasn’t like she would have gone near him after Saturday anyway. The bastard was just as bad as his cousin.