Chapter 6
KNIGHT
“Time to get your ass home,” Cyrus called from the front of the shop. “Clock out already.”
I glanced at the time. Damn, it was after six. “Sorry, boss. I just love sweeping so much.”
Fox laughed from his station behind me where he was packing up his tools for the night. “You’re making the rest of us look bad. Stop working so damn hard.”
“Would if I could.” I swept my pile of dirt into the dustpan and carried it to the trash.
Truth was, as a felon, I had to work harder than the average guy. The guys at Anarchy Ink were cool about me having a record. They treated me fairly. But they’d taken a chance on hiring a con, and I didn’t take that lightly.
Redemption Road could only work if local businesses supported us. So I’d keep working hard, day after day, to show them it was worth it. Not just for me, but for the guys who came after me.
I took the broom and dustpan to the storage room in the back, then logged into the timecard app and clocked out. I grabbed my leather jacket and shrugged it on.
Cyrus stopped me on the way out. “You doing okay, Knight? Sorry I couldn’t give you that advance you needed. Finances are a little too tight at the moment.”
“It’s okay. I found a roommate, so I’m good now.”
He walked out with me, pausing to admire my Harley as I threw a leg over it. “I really need to get me one of those beauties.”
The bike was the first and only big purchase I’d made since getting out of prison.
I grinned as I kickstarted the motor, raising my voice to be heard. “There’s nothing like it!”
I backed up slowly, navigated out of the lot, then let her loose on the highway, the jolt of speed exhilarating, even if the wind was far too hot. I was sweating in my leather jacket, but one bike crash had taught me that bare skin on asphalt was a recipe for misery.
I was picking gravel out of my road rash for months.
Still, nothing made me feel as powerful or free as controlling the engine between my thighs. I rolled the throttle, picking up more speed.
It was almost as good as sex.
I thought of Puck. Better than some sexual encounters. I hadn’t even realized how bad it was with him until—
A different memory flashed into my mind. Blond curls, rosy lips. A sweet cry of surrender.
My Omaha angel definitely topped my sex charts. He’d given himself over to me so beautifully. It didn’t even matter that it was just a blow job in a nightclub. Our chemistry had been incredible.
If I could have him again, I would—
But I couldn’t. Aiden would never again be that guy. I had to get that through my thick head. He’d made his boundaries clear.
I slowed for the turn into the park and rolled up to the doublewide trailer that served as Nina’s office. The door to the office was open, so I leaned in.
“Hey, Nina. Got a minute for me?”
Nina swiveled her office chair away from the television mounted on the wall, where she was watching that new hospital drama on HBO.
“Oh, good. You’re here to work?”
I nodded and pulled Aiden’s check out of my back pocket. “And pay rent.”
Her eyes brightened, and she moved a little faster. “You usually pay cash.”
“This is from the new roommate.” I dug out my wallet and withdrew a handful of hundreds. “And here’s my share, plus some of the back rent.”
She counted the cash. “You’re still two hundred short.”
“It’s all I could swing, but I can work off the rest. I’ll do four hundred dollars of labor for two hundred. It’ll be a good deal for you, Nina, I swear.”
She narrowed her eyes, looking skeptical. I held my breath. I could come up with the money now that I had Aiden paying at least half the current bills, but I’d have to cut back on something else. Shit was tight.
“Fine,” she said reluctantly. “You can work off the last bit. You owe me two more weeks of maintenance, though.”
“I’ll do it. Thank you.”
She snagged the check out of my hand and squinted at Aiden’s slanting script. One thing was for sure, he already had the handwriting of a doctor. Nearly illegible.
“But you need to tell this…Alder Doma—”
“Aiden Donovan,” I said.
“Him. You tell him he needs to sign onto the lease. If not, you’re solely responsible legally.” She wagged a finger at me. “And you’re not off the hook on this rent until the check clears!”
“He’s good for it.”
She grunted. “Follow me, then. Let’s get you started on all this work you’re going to do.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
We went out the back door and across a strip of tall grass to a rusting metal shed. She spun a combination dial on a lock on the door. “The combo is 12-12-12. My grandson’s birthday.” She looked up, eyes narrowed. “I’ll know if you steal any equipment.”
“I wouldn’t—”
“And the combination will change after you stop doing work. So, don’t even think you’ll come back later and clean me out.”
“Nina, I’d never do that.”
She snorted. “That’s what they all say. Besides, I know what you are. You’re one of those ex-cons. I let you live here because I think everyone deserves a place to live.”
And because my money was green, I’d bet.
“But I’m not a fool,” she continued. “Don’t think you can take advantage because I’m some helpless old lady. I’ll get you tossed back in prison. I know you’re on parole.”
A pit opened in my stomach. If I violated parole, I’d go back to prison for another six years. Nina was just trying to protect herself. I got that. But I hated that she thought it was necessary.
She saw me as a criminal not to be trusted—so many people did—but I just wanted to work and pay my bills like anyone else.
“I was never a thief, Nina. You don’t need to worry. Change the locks whenever you want, but I won’t be violating my parole.”
She opened the door with a loud creak. “Good. Here are the supplies. Lock up the shed when you’re done. If you leave it unlocked and someone else steals—”
“I’ll take the blame. Got it.”
She patted my arm then, surprising me. “You’re not so bad. I know. I’m glad you came today, so I don’t have to evict you.”
Well, that was nice, at least.
“It costs too much in court fees,” she added.
Ah, Nina. A woman with a big heart…for money, anyway.
She left me surrounded by a rusty mower, a couple of weed eaters, a wheelbarrow, garden shears, shovel, and a random assortment of tools and pesticides. I grabbed the weed eater closest to me, locked the shed behind me, and got to work.
An hour later, I was pouring sweat despite ditching my jacket. I’d only cleared half of the first sidewalk of weeds, but when Aiden’s car passed by, followed by Flynn’s, I was happy for an excuse to quit.
I returned the tools to the shed and walked back to my trailer. Aiden and Flynn were unloading boxes onto the driveway when I got there.
“Hey!” Flynn called. “I can’t believe you actually shacked up with my brother!”
It was the same joke he’d used in the bar, but I laughed anyway, clapping him on the arm.
“What, you think you’re the only one who can shack up with little brothers?”
“Seriously, man, I’m so glad Aiden ended up here. I know you’ll look after him.”
“I’m not a toddler,” Aiden said, sounding a little offended. “I can look after myself. I’ve been doing it for a long time.”
“I know,” Flynn said. “But you shouldn’t have to, Aiden.”
“I’m all grown up now, Flynn.” He picked up a box and sent him a reassuring smile. “You really don’t have to worry about me.”
Flynn’s brow furrowed as Aiden headed up the sidewalk. “He’s so determined not to need anyone. It makes me sad.”
“Maybe he’s just independent,” I suggested.
“It’s more than that,” Flynn said. “All the years I was in prison, he was alone. I’m not sure he knows how to let people in now. Don’t let him isolate, Knight. I’m afraid he’ll bury himself in work and never emerge again.”
“I’ll try, but—”
“Hey!” Aiden called. “You gonna come unlock the door?”
I broke off and jogged over to the porch, reaching into my pocket to withdraw the extra key I’d gotten made for him on my lunch break. I unlocked the door with it and followed him to his bedroom, where he set the box down with a pained grunt.
“You okay? Flynn and I can get the heaviest boxes.”
“I’m fine.” He straightened, rubbing at his lower back. “It’s my junk, and you look like you’re about to drop of heat stroke. Go drink some water. Hydration is important in this heat.”
“Yes, Doctor,” I teased.
He wasn’t wrong, though. I was a little light-headed. Maybe Aiden would be the one looking after me.
I held out the key. “For you. So you can let yourself in from now on. Nina would like you to go sign the lease whenever it’s convenient.”
He took it from me, our fingers brushing. “Thanks. I’ll do that tomorrow.”
Flynn came into the room carrying a stack of two boxes. “You want these in here?”
“Yeah. Bring everything to the bedroom for now,” Aiden said. “Thanks. Sorry if I got snippy out there. I guess I need help with some things.”
“Like carrying heavy shit?” Flynn said with a laugh as he set down the boxes. “Don’t worry, kid. I got it covered.”
I went to the kitchen to fill a glass with water. Once I’d hydrated, I returned outside to fetch another box. Aiden didn’t have that many belongings, and we got him moved in by eight.
I opened the fridge and pulled out three beers. “Sorry, Aiden, you’ll have to get some margarita mix. This is all I have.”
“That’s okay.” He twisted off the top. “I’m too exhausted to care.” He took a big gulp and grimaced. “Ugh. But I’ll put a grocery trip at the top of my to-do list.”
Flynn chuckled and clinked bottles with me. “You hanging in there? You look like you’ve had a long day.”
“I’ve had worse.” I dropped into a folding chair. “The heat just takes it out of me. Y’all want to order a pizza? I’m half-starved.”
“We already ate,” Flynn said. “But you should eat something, and I should get out of your hair. It’s getting late.”
He pushed out of his chair and hugged Aiden with one arm. “Don’t be a stranger now that you’ve got your own place. I expect you to come to dinner next Friday. I want to hear all about your first week on the job.”
“Okay,” Aiden said.
“Bring Knight with you, if you’re not sick of him by then.” Flynn winked. “Dalton’s throwing some steaks on the grill.”
“Fancy,” I drawled. “I wouldn’t want to miss out on that. I’ll have to try not to annoy Aiden too much.”
“Don’t worry,” Aiden said. “I’ll be working so much we’ll be like two ships passing in the night. There won’t be time for anyone to get annoyed.”
Flynn sent me a look as if to say, see? He works too much.
What the hell did I know about it, though? Aiden was a doctor. That had to take a higher level of dedication than most jobs did.
“I’m going to get started on unpacking,” Aiden said. “Good night, you two.”
“Night,” Flynn said. “Call me if you need anything.”
“If you’re not careful, I’m gonna start calling you dad like Bailey does Holden.”
Flynn grimaced. “Please don’t.”
Aiden laughed. “I’ll be fine. It’s like you forget I lived on my own up in Maple Grove for years.”
“I didn’t forget,” Flynn said. “I never forget.”
“So, relax, then,” Aiden said, missing the regretful tone in Flynn’s voice. “I’ll see you soon.”
Flynn watched Aiden saunter down the hall, brow furrowed. Yeah, I didn’t think he was going to stop worrying anytime soon.
He turned to me. “Guess I’ll get out of your hair so you can relax.”
“All right.” I opened the fridge and pulled out a block of cheese. I was too hungry to wait on pizza or fuss over an actual meal. “Have a good night, then. Aiden will be fine.”
I tore off a hunk of pepper jack and ate with relish. Flynn watched me, eyebrows raised. “Maybe I should be more concerned about you. Is this how you eat all the time?”
I walked him to the door. “Nah, I just didn’t have time for dinner tonight. I usually cook, but I’m wiped out.”
“Cook? Now that I gotta see.”
“Anytime, man. But for now, get out of here. I want to shower this sweat off. My skin is itchy as fuck.”
Flynn laughed as he went out the door, calling one last goodbye down the hall to Aiden.
Aiden popped his head out of the bedroom, waving him off, and I closed the door and leaned against it.
“Alone at last.” I wiggled my eyebrows at him. “Whatever shall we do with our time?”
His eyes narrowed. “Unpack and sleep?”
“Very responsible.”
I shoved the last bite of cheese into my mouth and pulled my shirt over my head.
Aiden’s eyes widened, gaze traversing my chest and stomach. “Wh-what are you doing?”
“Gonna shower.” I gestured past him. “My bathroom is at the end of the hall.”
“Right.” He swallowed, eyes lingering on a skull with full feathery wings inked across my navel.
“Most of this was inspired by my past. It’s not really who I am anymore.”
He blinked. “What?”
“The ink. That’s what you were looking at, right? Don’t be intimidated by it.”
“Oh, I’m not,” he said quickly. “Everyone has a past, Knight. Maybe we don’t all have the ink on our body, but it’s etched in our minds. You’re not alone there.”
That was surprisingly insightful. Then again, Aiden hadn’t had an easy walk in life. From what Flynn told me, he’d been abused by his father, watched his brother kill the man, and then dealt with the fallout alone when he was only seventeen.
My chest tightened. The thought of someone lifting a hand to that angelic face made me want to do violence. Ironic, maybe, but true. He deserved a hell of a lot better than he got.