Page 27 of Tastes Like Misery

Her grin widened as she recalled when us guys feared it. I’d give her that much, but it was only after she shattered the glass I’d been holding. “Finn, can you talk some sense into her?”

One glance at him and I knew he was going into a dark place, one I’d seen so many times before in training. Narrowed eyes looked out the window as his knee jumped in a pattern. His jaw was set in a hard line, a look I’d seen right before he practically beat a man to death while training him. The guy deserved it, but I still pulled Finn off so he didn’t end up in jail for murder. It wasn’t the first time he’d taken a life, but it was the first time there were witnesses to lead to an arrest.

He may have been the nicest of us all on the outside, but inside, I knew he struggled with a thirst for blood, the thing that led him to boxing in the first place. His own demons from his past stopped him from being in the ring like I had been and stayed behind the scenes as a trainer. If he snapped, it would be in front of a crowd, live, and it was a chance he couldn’t take.

“Finn,” I said his name again and his head snapped to me, daggers in his eyes. I heard Vivian gasp, but ignored her. “You ready, man?”

Giving me a curt nod, he said nothing and went back to staring out the window. This was one of the few times I had to be the adult in the room, keeping everyone on task. I hated it, but did what I had to in order to keep us alive and in the lifestyle we were accustomed to. A few more jobs and we could go back to Vegas. My goal was within reach.

“Okay, I’m in. The number for the vault is five-eight-two-nine-one-seven. It’s locked up. One teller is in place and the bank manager is walking to the door to unlock it. No others inside.” Ollie shot off what he saw on the screen. “I’ve got the camera loop ready to start.” He paused a moment, pressing his hand to the single headphone he’d hooked up to the live police scanner on his phone. “The sheriff is being called to that farm,” he let out a chuckle.

“It must have been one hell of a wake up for the owners. I wish I could’ve heard the 9-1-1 call,” Vivian beamed. “Thank you for the picture. I’ll cherish it forever.”

“Anything for you, baby girl,” I squeezed her hand before getting ready. We wouldn’t have much time, but it was a relief. The timing was as perfect as Vivian said it would be. “Maybe you’ll get to call someone and find out what happened. From your mother’s house.”

She snorted, having told her boss her mom was sick, and she was leaving to help out. My woman even pulled out some tears and sniffles before she started her shift last night, claiming she’d be flying out after her shift, and a friend would drive her. The owner felt bad and agreed to let her close up early.

Her landlord wasn’t so nice. The bitch demanded an advanced payment on the next month’s rent, and when Vivian refused, the old bitty responded she wouldn’t hold the apartment. If Vivian didn’t pay before the first of the next month, her belongings would be sold and her car sent to impound. Vivian told her to suck her twat and stormed off, leaving me hiding my laughter as I listened to the exchange in her apartment. We all had our excuse as to why we disappeared before the robbery.

Trying not to look at the pink pistol, I made sure my own gun was ready, the black duffle scrunched up in my hand blocking it. Vivian put her girly gun in her large, empty purse, ready to be pulled out when we entered. Finn put his dark sunglasses on and I no longer could read his eyes, but I knew he was ready for this. Moving to hold his own gun and bag the same way as mine, he gave me a slight nod, letting me know he was up for it.

“I’m so excited,” Vivian expressed the sentiment we all shared. “I thought I’d be scared, but I just want to get in there and do this.”

“Now’s your chance. The manager is next to the teller. I’m putting it on loop now. Go fuck up their world.” Ollie’s words were all we needed. While Finn waited in the car for a few extra minutes, Vivian and I exited the car in sync, walking the short block to the bank.

Holding the door open for Vivian, I stopped myself from swatting her round ass, something I’d have to do later. Now, I really wanted to see her in action. I didn’t believe she could run in heels, but she was insistent it wouldn’t be a problem. Looking at how steady she was on her feet, there was no doubt she could. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t fucked her wearing nothing but heels yet, but that would be rectified tonight.

She looked so dainty and innocent in her outfit as she swiftly walked up to the teller. The woman smiled brightly, “Welcome to Charter Bank. How can I help you?”

Pitching her voice high, Vivian spoke as she pulled out her gun. “Well, I need cash,” she said sweetly.

“Do you have an account here?” The teller never lost her cheeriness despite the obvious bags under her eyes. I kept my eye on the manager, who stood off to the side, only glancing briefly before going to his office and closing the door.

“No,” Vivian started to say as she reached into her purse. She was stalling, but didn’t need to for very long.

Finn burst through the door, the loud ting of the metal handle hitting the glass window behind it causing the teller to look up and gasp. “Hands up,” his deep, threatening voice demanded, and the teller seemed frozen.

“I believe the gentleman told you to put your hands up,” Vivian said sweetly, holding her gun at the shaking woman. Her hands shot up and her eyes glistened. “Step back. Against the wall, sweetie,” Vivian instructed her as Finn stomped over.

I took my opportunity to jump over the counter and push my way into the manager’s office. The graying man’s eyes opened wide, and he blustered, “Sir, this is a private area. How did you get in here? Heidi!”

I cackled, “Heidi is a little tied up. Now be a good boy and put your hands up.” I pulled out my gun, training it on his temple before he could argue. In the silence of his office, a soft trickle caught my attention and my face twisted, “Did you just piss yourself?”

The man didn’t answer my question, his face turning red and tears streaming down his face. This fucker was handling it worse than the Heidi chick. Waving my gun, I pointed for him to follow me, “Let’s see if that little blonde still wants to suck your dick like this.”

“I- no, please. I’ll give you whatever you want,” he begged for me to leave him be.

“Oh, Charles,” I noted the name on his desk plate, “I love the way you beg, but I’m not into men. Get your ass up, now.” I growled out the last part and he jumped up, his hands still up in the air. He hesitated at the door, but pressing the gun into the back of his head changed his mind.

“No speaking,” Vivian ordered as the teller opened her mouth and gasped when she saw the manager. “Sit your ass down like a good little doormat and maybe you’ll live through this.”

The way she stayed in character of this sweet southern belle, but still had command, was so damn hot. I took the chance to squeeze her ass and kiss her, swatting that fine ass before going to help Finn with the money in the vault.

I found Finn almost done with his own bag, his chest rumbling as he stuffed the money in harder than necessary. He was close to losing it and I had a hunch I wouldn’t be able to stop him if either of the bank workers said the wrong thing.

Grabbing wads of cash, I started stuffing my own. After zipping his, he came and helped me, silently working beside me, fast as hell. “Maybe you should drive us out of here. Take some of that rage out on Vivian’s car,” I suggested.

“I’m fine,” he responded gruffly. “Any trouble out there?” He had that tone, as if he wanted me to say yes, give him a reason to pull the trigger.

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