Page 14 of Corrupt Obsession

He tried not to tense as she shifted around behind him to get comfortable. Plastered to his back as she was, he could feel the tiny, hard points of her nipples. Her thighs gripped him snugly. His hands tightened on the handlebars. The thought of her wrapped around Malcolm like this made his simmering temper go up a few notches. Over his dead body.

“Ready,” Violet chirped.

He let out a long breath as he applied gentle pressure on the throttle. He glanced toward the shore and wasn’t surprised to see Mom standing with her hands on hips. Isaac was reclined against the table, but made no motion to tell him he didn’t have permission to take Violet for a ride. He held his hand up to reassure them that he would be safe before he headed out.

As they glided over the water, just the two of them, he relaxed. It had been a great weekend on the lake with friends and family. Summer was coming to a close. They would be back at school in two weeks. He was going into his junior year. Just two more years in Texas and then he would join the military. He stopped bringing it up because Mom tried to talk him out of it. She couldn’t. He promised Dad he would follow in his footsteps. It was a done deal.

Violet smacked his stomach, disrupting his peace.

“Why are you driving like a grandpa?” she grumbled.

“I’m being safe.”

“Come on, Jesse. How often do we ride jet skis? What if we don’t do this again? We have this lake to ourselves. Let it rip.”

“Mom would kill me.”

“Mom isn’t around.”

He couldn’t see her face, but he knew she was pouting. She lowered her voice to a tone she knew he couldn’t resist.

“Please?”

“Just enjoy the moment, Vi.”

“Maybe I should have gone with Malcolm,” she muttered.

He craned his head around to look at her. “What did you say?”

She jutted out her chin. “You heard me. Why have all this horsepower if you aren’t going to use it?”

She barely got the last word out before he gunned the throttle. The jet ski bucked beneath them. Violet let out astartled shriek, which immediately turned into a delighted whoop as they soared across the water.

“You’re the best brother ever!” Violet screamed.

He grinned despite himself. Mom had tempered Violet’s savage nature, but occasionally, her old recklessness made an appearance. It had gotten them in trouble countless times. He indulged her when he could so she wouldn’t seek out trouble with a partner in crime who wouldn’t have her back if things went south. Out of sight of anyone who would report back to their parents, he gave Violet the thrill ride she was seeking. He’d be damned if she asked Malcolm or any other guy for a ride.

As they made their way back to the pier, Violet squeezed him around his middle. “Can I drive?”

He hesitated. “You’ll go slow?”

“Yes.”

He didn’t see it, but he knew she was rolling her eyes. “Fine.”

He stopped so they could switch places. Once she was settled in front of him, he showed her the button for the throttle.

“Just apply a little pressure,” he cautioned and bit back a curse when the jet ski jerked. “Vi!”

“I’m sorry.” She giggled as she adjusted her grip until they were gliding forward at an easy pace. “I’m sad we’re leaving tomorrow. This has been so fun!”

“It has been,” he said, as they approached their group of over forty people. “Dad’s enjoying himself.”

“He always does. I don’t know why he puts up such a fight.”

“He’s a recovering workaholic. Old habits die hard.”

“Marissa’s waiting for you,” Violet sang. “She’s been changing her bikini twice a day. Have you noticed?”

---