Page 39 of His Rough Side

The phone clattered, and the noises came clearer through the cell. Serge let his head fall back on the seat. Occasionally, a grunt from Alain and a ragged pant from whatever female his brother fucked tonight came across the line. His cock hardened and he thought of Aubrey. She should be here, in his bed, in his house, in his life.

The noises grew more impatient, needy, and hurried. His hand tightened around the steering wheel. The line between needing to violently vent his frustrations and wanting Aubrey's mouth around his cock blurred. One didn't win out over the other. Both relieved the tension and allowed him to feel.

He needed her inside his soul to understand the monster dwelling inside of him. Maybe then, he'd feel like he wasn't alone.

Or, she'd disappear from his life out of fear and disgust.

"Hey. You still there?" Alain asked.

"Yeah." He cleared his throat. "Still using women, I see."

Alain navigated life one cheap thrill at a time, never caring what tomorrow brought him. Whether he died from an overdose or between the legs of a nameless woman, his brother remained pleased with his life. He was never a serious person, even as a child.

No doubt that was his fault too.

He should've taught his brother how to cope with the life they were handed. But he was emotionless to the dangers, and by the time he understood what drove him to the pain, it was too late.

"I'm sure you called for more than hearing me get my nut off, bro." Alain chuckled. "What day is it?"

"Sunday," he said.

"Jesus." Alain sniffed. "You in trouble?"

"Nah..." He stared into the darkness of the garage. "Met someone."

"Yeah?"

"Told her about my past. Explained some things to her. She's still around." Even to his ears, he sounded mystified, as if he hadn't grasped the reality of asking Aubrey into his life.

"No shit? You going straight?"

"No." His voice lowered. "I'll make her understand. I can't outrun my demons."

They both lapsed into silence for thirty seconds or so. There was so much history between them. They'd lived through, done things, and witnessed more shit than anyone would believe.

He said, "I just wanted to check in. Stop by the house this week. I have a job for you."

"I don't want your fucking job," said Alain.

"Stop by the house anyway." He disconnected the call.

The only one who truly understood him was Alain. He missed his brother.