Chapter 3 HEY ASSHOLE

LUKE'S POV

My eyes wander over the city below me in the dark. Lifting my drink to my lips, I take delight in the burn of the alcohol as it slides down my throat.

I hear a noise come from the back of the apartment and my brow furrows as I take a few steps towards the door leading back in off the balcony.

Nothing.

Which is a good thing because I am worn out as all hell after traveling across the country and flying me and my son to Key West last minute.

The trip entirely not planned. I booked it when I wasn't exactly ready to face another Christmas at home tormented by the memories that my ex-wife left behind. That is, after she left me and Ken three years ago when he was just one years old on Christmas Eve.

Her addiction to pills more important than her marriage. Well, that, and the affair she was having with one of her suppliers the ice breaker making me never want to trust a woman ever again.

I roll my eyes and snort out in disgust as I bring the glass to my lips. They're all whores. Each and every one of them. My mother was no exception either.

Stepping back out on the balcony, I laugh quietly to myself as I wonder how in the hell I got here.

Maybe it was a genius idea coming across the country trying to forget my past. Maybe I just couldn't stand putting my son through another crappy Christmas alone. Hell, maybe I'm just a fucking idiot.

But whatever it is, I am now the proud lonely occupant of this two-bedroom apartment in Key West for the next two weeks as I try to escape all the bullshit me and Ken left behind.

That is, until I have to start a new job.One the bureau hasn't yet told me about, and one I am still anxiously awaiting orders on.

Lucky for the little man, Julie and Greg stepped up and said he could stay with them for a while when I take off to some still unforeseen location in a few weeks and take down what I am sure will be another crack head - just like my damn ex-wife - and hell if the vengeance running through my veins isn't the main reason I love taking the no good pieces of shit out of this world any chance I get.

I take another sip of bourbon as a sinking feeling sets in the pit of my gut because, hell, I still haven't decided if it's best he stay with Greg and Julie or someone else I trust more than anyone in this world.

Someone I haven't talked to in a long ass time, and to be honest, I am not sure I am ready to talk to yet.

Slamming back the rest of the bourbon, I head back inside and place the cup in the sink. Grabbing my bag from the foyer, I head towards the only bathroom in this little place, strategically located between both bedrooms.

Pausing briefly, I look in and see my little man spread out in the middle of the bed like a damn king.

Smiling to myself, I close the door slightly making sure to leave it cracked just a little before heading across the hall.

Entering the bathroom, I take no time in starting the shower as I let the small bathroom start to fill with steam as I ready myself to soak away the stress of traveling for almost one day straight.

I set my bag down and take a look at myself in the mirror as the steam begins to frost over the glass. My dark blue eyes have circles under them, and I haven't shaved in a few days.

My thick brown hair needed to be cut a month ago, and the stress of being a single father has eaten away at my once full physique, making me leaner than I intend, but still built from hitting the gym four days a week and working out all the pent of aggression endlessly pumping through my damnveins. Grabbing my shirt over my head, I toss it to the floor and kick off my shoes. Taking my toothbrush, I start to brush my teeth as I hear a noise outside the bathroom. I wait for a moment and figure it was nothing.

Ken was more than passed out a few moments ago, and after traveling all day there is no way the little man is waking up any time soon.

Spitting out the toothpaste and rinsing my mouth, I rid myself of my pants and boxers, kicking them off around my ankles, as I pull back the shower curtain and feel the water- perfectly warm and ready.

Bending down and pulling off my socks, I start to enter the shower when I hear that noise again. I still for a moment and wait.

A few moments go by before I hear another thud. What the hell! Turning off the shower, I grab the nearest towel and wrap it around my waist.

That sure as hell sounded like someone else was in the apartment. Totally not prepared with anything to defend myself with if I need to, I slowly open the bathroom door and step out into the hallway.

Nothing.

Peeking into the bedroom, I saw Ken still asleep and pause as I make sure he's all right before I slowly make my way towards the kitchen. There sure as hell is someone, or hell something else in this place, and I'm going to fucking find out what that noise was.

I pass a small table in the hallway and notice a pen. Sure, it could only do minimal damage, but I grab it anyway as I take a few more steps towards the kitchen.

Peeking around the corner, I am surprised when I am met with - nothing! Fucking great, well I'm officially loosing it.

Shocked, I walk into the kitchen and wonder what the f**k is wrong with me. I could have sworn I heard something a few moments ago. Maybe the long hours on the plane or the couple drinks screwed with my mind.

I need sleep and rest, and the sooner the better. Giving a slight shrug to the invisible intruder, I wait for another moment before beginning to turn and make my way back to the bathroom.

"Hey, asshole!" A pretty little voice shouts behind me making me jolt and turn quickly.