Chapter Ten
Almost skipping to the truck, I swung the door open and placed the last box of books in the back.?
“I'm so jealous,” Gracie said, following me, “I wish I could go to a book convention.”
Smiling, I shook my forefinger at her. “You know the rules. No romance cons until you're eighteen. You've only got six months to go.”
“I can't believe you and my mum are talking more now.” She tutted. “It makes it harder to persuade you to let me read books that I'm more than ready to read.”
Patting her shoulder, I laughed. “You've been my most loyal customer and now a great employee...”
“Except I left the back door open.” Cringing, she hugged herself.?
Waving a hand in dismissal, I cleared my throat. I hadn't told her anything about what had happened the night that Brandon turned up, but I'd been strong in my conviction that the back door must always be closed and locked.?
“I know you'll be fine going forward. Now...” About to shut the boot of the truck, I paused when the sound of a roaring engine echoed down the street.?
My insides quaked as I peeked over my shoulder, going still when Moth's bike came to a stop behind me.
“Oh,” Gracie exclaimed, “Nice bike.”
Raising my eyebrows at her, I gestured for her to go inside. “If you could let your mum know that I'm leaving now and thank her again for taking over while I'm gone. I'll be back tomorrow.”
Squeezing my arm, Gracie shot a glance at Moth, who kept his engine running and his helmet on. “Is he one of the models from the covers?”
I opened my mouth to reply, but she shot away, disappearing into the shop and closing the door behind her. Leaving me to face my enemy alone.?
As the rumble of the engine vibrated in my head, I turned to face Moth. He leaned forward on the bike and shut the noise off.?
“I'm surprised you didn't run me over,” I said, turning back to the truck and slamming the door closed.?
“Moving out?” He pointed at the rear window which clearly showed several brown boxes.?
Tilting my head to the side, I crossed my arms over my waist. “No way. You'll have to kill me before I'd leave this place. I've worked too hard to get where I am.”
His chuckle grew louder when he flicked up his visor. I inhaled sharply when our gazes clashed. Knowing who he was only heightened the attraction, despite the fact he wanted to end me.Why was that?
“I'm actually going to a book convention.” The silence had stretched too long and I'd stupidly tried to fill it. “Brandon might turn up.”
Shut the fuck up, woman. Why was I spilling my secrets to enemy number two?
“And you're still going?” Moth's deep voice caressed my eardrum.?
I was one sick woman who needed therapy... badly.?
“I told you, I'm done.” Shrugging, I turned to walk to the driver’s side of the truck.
Moth followed me, walking his bike to pull up beside me as I shut the door. He looked at me sideways, his eyebrows raised. I started the engine, tempted to drive off and leave him in my dust. Yet, those eyes, as much as I hated them, called to me.?
Sighing, I let the window down. “What do you want?”
“You know what I want,” he drawled.
My stomach flipped. “To kill me?” I muttered.?
The corners of his eyes creased. “You killed my brother and I want to know why. How about we make a deal?”
My eyes closed for a second. There was no way I was going to get away from the past if he kept coming after me. Maybe I could use it to my advantage and keep the scent away from where it could lead.?
“What are you proposing?” I stared straight into his eyes.
The last time I'd really looked into his eyes was when we'd been thirteen and we'd got into a staring contest. Right before his brother had shoved into him and he'd sent me flying. He'd gone from my biggest crush to my instant hate within seconds due to my humiliation.?
“I'll be your bodyguard at this convention,” he said, “if you tell me what happened that day.”
My cheeks heated as I glanced sideways at him. He would be willing to help me with Brandon, if I told him everything. Shit, how could I tell him everything? It would be crazy to spend time with the man who could ruin my life in more than one way if he found out what actually happened.
“I've mostly set up.” Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze. “So, try to keep up.”
Pressing my accelerator, I manoeuvred the truck onto the road, seeing the slight crease in the corners of his eyes as I pulled away. He was laughing at me, the bastard. I couldn't believe that I'd just agreed to have him at the convention with me. I'd been worried about attending for a while. Brandon had been a cover model a couple of years ago, when we'd still been dating, so he knew a few of the authors attending. I wouldn't put it past him to turn up, even though he would've had a visit from the police.
I looked in the rear-view mirror to check whether Moth had followed, which he had. He kept a respectful distance, riding well. Fuck, I hated him and the way he'd manipulated me… and who he'd turned me into. When I'd threatened suicide, he'd called me manipulative too. And I couldn't deny it. I was backed into a corner by two men, and I hadn't known how to handle it. The fear and tiredness had pushed me to the edge that night. It was a close call, but I'd remembered my parents heartbreak over my brother.
My chest squeezed and I pushed his image away. Both Moth and I had lost brothers in different ways and I hadn't even connected it. We'd been through so much, the pair of us, but the shit between us just added to it. I had to try and mend it so we could both move on.
Pulling into the underground car park of the convention centre, I showed my pass to the security guard.
“He's with me,” I told him as I waved for Moth to bring his bike closer.
The security guard asked him to remove his helmet and then checked my car and his bike. Once we were given the all clear, we parked side by side. I ignored him as I opened the truck and picked up a box. He took it from me, grunting at the weight.
“I thought you said you'd already set up?” He waited for me to get the other box before closing the truck's door.
Balancing the box, I locked the car and started to walk, not quite sure how to act around him now that he wasn't threatening me or being all intense.
“This is just the finishing touches.” My cold response was met with a snort.
“I remember watching you read your books in the field at school.” His words were gruff as we entered the building.
I spun to him, my eyes widening. His helmet was back on, which hid his expression. Was he taunting me or making fun of me?
“I've always been obsessed with books.” I shrugged. “And I'm not ashamed of it.”
He shook his head. “No, you're not ashamed of anything, it seems.”
“Fuck you.”
“No, fuck you,” he growled, walking past me. “Let's just get this done so you can tell me the truth and I can decide what to do.”
My mouth dropped open, but instead of my brain coming up with a sharp retort, I followed him like a lost puppy. He had me fucking trapped and I'd stupidly walked straight into it.
“I think you should go.” I managed to overtake him as he opened the door, slipping through before he could and blocking his way. “This isn't going to turn out well. If you really want revenge, just do it. I hate you as much as you hate me.”
“That's not the impression I got when you were sucking on my… tongue.” His rough voice grated on me and I reversed, almost tripping over.
The bastard was using his sexy intensity to weaken my resolve. Or pointing out my own shortcomings. I hadn’t known it was Jay fucking Baker when I'd thrown myself on him. Although, I was questioning my own desires because of him. I hadn't known who the fuck he was and I'd still wanted him to pin me against the wall in the dark and take me.
That attraction hadn't gone away despite us being enemies. In fact, it was only heightened by it.
My arms shook as I realised that I needed therapy. The box grew too heavy, dropping to the floor of the lobby. I quickly fell to my knees, trying to grab it before anyone noticed my clumsiness.
“Move, woman,” Moth barked, scooping up the box to balance on the one he already held.
Using his other hand, he lifted me from under the armpit, gently but firmly, until I was standing again. When he released me, he gestured for me to show him the way, which I did, meekly and quietly, guiding him into the huge convention area.
“I need to see a picture of Brandon.” Moth drew level with me as I marched down the aisles. “So, I know who to look out for.”
Nodding, I got my phone out of my bag, ready to get up a picture. The police had insisted I keep a photo of him for this exact reason, even though I'd been desperate to erase him from my life.
We arrived at my table and he put the boxes on the floor. I moved beside him and handed him my phone, showing him the photo of my ex. He nodded once without saying anything then bent to the floor, using his keys to rip the tape on the box.
I glanced around the room, smiling when an author approached, watching Moth, still in his fucking helmet, dig out the last of my special edition books.
“I didn’t know you had a model assistant?” She looked over her shoulder at a man who loitered beside the front entrance. He wore a scream mask and held a fake knife.
My heartbeat increased and I licked my lips, hoping to fucking god that the day went smoothly. Surely, Brandon wouldn’t be speaking to any of the old authors… it had been years after all.
“E-Erm,” I stuttered, turning to Moth. “This is Moth.”
My enemy turned to the author and came close, offering his gloved hand.She shook it, all giddy and giggly.
“Nice to meet you.” She cleared her throat. “If you ever need any work, I’m desperate for a male biker model. My next series is set in–”
“I’m booked up for the moment,” Moth interrupted, “but thank you for the offer.”
Turning away, he went to work, grabbing out the rest of the books and placing them neatly on their display racks. The author just stared, her gaze traveling down his leathers, over his tight arse and back up again, lingering on the moth tattoo on his neck.
“Well.” She inhaled and smiled at me. “You’re a lucky bookshop lady.”
Shrugging in an excited gesture, she went back over to her stall and fiddled with her books. I’d read all of them and had told her so the night before, where we’d chatted for over an hour. She was a talented writer, but I didn’t want her to get too close to Moth.
“I could have a new career.” Moth slunk over and ran a hand over a pretty special edition. “What do you think?”
Swallowing, I shook my head and rolled my eyes. “Don’t get too cocky, no one has seen what you look like under that helmet.”
“Neither had you.” He came nearer. “But you still grabbed me like you wanted it.”
I coughed and held out my hands, almost to deflect what he’d said. “That was before I knew that you actually wanted to kill me. That’s all changed now.”
“Really?” The word was almost a deep purr. A fucking purr.
Clenching my teeth, I went to the table, careful to step around him, and rearranged the books he’d just put out, even though he’d done a fine job. I had to take control of the situation before I was on my knees, panting and begging for him to slide his cock into my mouth… no! Fucking hell.
“It’s hot in here,” I said to distract myself.
He was still, the helmet looking in my direction. His chuckle was a rumble as he stepped close again, reaching past me to grab the wristband that was on the table.
“I better go and scope the place out, just in case your dickhead ex turns up.”
His chest brushed my tit and I gasped, jumping back and knocking into the banner behind me. It rocked, but hero that he was, Moth grabbed it just before it crashed down, straight on my book display.
“Are you jumpy because of me?” he muttered, “or worried about him?”
Waving a hand in dismissal, I turned away, ignoring the game that he was clearly starting to play. The bastard had my nerves on edge. That, added to the threat of my stalker, made me a ticking time bomb, ready to explode.
“Alia!” Another friend approached as the doors opened and the readers started to flock in.
Throwing my arms around the only other private bookshop owner in the town, I hugged her tight.
She pulled away slightly, frowning at me. “Is everything okay?”
“I’m just a little rattled. Nervous for today, that’s all.” I couldn’t tell her the truth, we weren’t that close. We’d only spoken about books, stock and how we’d wished we could write stories.
A woman approached and squealed when she saw my Sarah J Maas books. My friend glared playfully before waving a quick goodbye and going back to her own stall. It had been a bidding war for the latest books and I’d managed to get a limited amount of copies.
“I can’t believe how cheap it is,” the customer said, “I’ve seen people selling them for two hundred.”
“I know, it’s so wrong.” I picked up a paperback to pack her order, but when she started to grab up other special editions, I paused until she’d finished.
“I’m going to need a bigger bag.” She laughed as I rung up her order and packed it, glancing up occasionally to check for Moth or Brandon.
Another reader approached, her eyes widening. “Can I have two?”
She was pointing at the Sarah books, so I shook my head. I’d put up a sign for one copy per customer only, but she was choosing to ignore that. If she got angry, there was a high chance she would start something. I needed Moth to ward off any negativity. He would be a good distraction.
“I love that you’re selling dark romance!” Luckily, she was quickly distracted once she had her copy. “Where is your shop?”
Handing the other customer her bag, I smiled. She raised her eyebrows, waiting for me to answer about the shop.
“Oh, here…” I handed them both a card. “…I’m in town. Please come and see me. I’ll be starting multiple events and I have different sections of the shop set up with a wide range of genres.”
Both of them exclaimed in excitement and my spirits were lifted. Fuck yeah, I was living the dream. Their joy eased the darkness that had settled over me and a ray of sunlight… was blocked out by Moth as he came to stand between the pair.
“I’ve checked everywhere,” he said in his deep husky voice, “and it seems to be fairly safe. There’s not many exits, so…”
He trailed off when I widened my eyes so hard at him, I almost popped one out. I fake smiled and glanced at the two women, who were staring up at Moth, also wide eyed.
“Oh!” he exclaimed. “Hello, ladies. I hope you enjoy your purchases.”
They giggled and walked away, talking to one another as they stared back at Moth. His frame was much taller and broader than I remembered. I totally understood why the ladies were taking notice, hadn’t I been desperate enough to touch him?
The tattoos, peeking from his sleeved leather jacket, and the leathers with the helmet. He was a dark romance hero in the making. In fact, he really did fit the role perfectly… threatening me but also teasing me… the bastard.
“Maybe be a little mindful of the customers,” I said to him, keeping my gaze on the entrance as several women chatted to the scream man.
There were a few male models in different stages of undress and costumes. Most of them wore masks, which completely threw me.
The rush of people engulfed us, and I didn't have a chance to look up, let alone keep an eye out for Brandon. The men in masks milled around and I froze when one of the models from the Purge appeared in front of me, just as I stepped around the side of the table to hand someone their heavy bag. Taking it off me, he inclined his head and walked with the customer, not looking back.
Fuck, my heartbeat was pounding in my head. I wouldn't know if Brandon was hiding in plain sight and as much as I was trying to be brave, the idea of him spying on me was shitting me up.
“Have you got any of these left?” Moth, still in his helmet, held up a special edition dark romance. “This is the last one.”
He'd been helping me pack the bags while I'd been serving the customers. I'd never imagined that he would actually work with me, I'd been expecting him to sit back and leave me to it. He was enjoying the selfie requests a little too much, in my opinion, but it wasn't my place to judge.
“Yes, there's five left in that box.” I pointed as he moved towards me, my arm hitting his crotch.
I pulled away, muttering an apology. We both froze and glanced at one another as my cheeks grew hot, no doubt turning bright red.
Bending down, he put his mouth near my ear. “Don't touch what you can't handle, Sunshine.”
Gulping, I turned back to the customers, who were staring at us with raised eyebrows. Oh shit, we'd just given them a show of tension. They'd probably be disgusted and…
“I need this vibe,” one woman said, waving a finger between us.
Moth chuckled loudly and turned to retrieve the books. I ducked my gaze, scanning the books on the table before my eyes landed on one of my favourite authors.
“Ah,” I said, “here's a good motorcycle club series.”
Grabbing up the book, I fumbled as it dropped again. Of course, like the fucking god in shining leathers he was, Moth scooped it up and handed it to the customer. She blushed so brightly, she fanned herself with her free hand.
“You two!” Her excitement was catching.
Or it would've been. If Moth wasn't my enemy who had threatened to basically end me if I didn't tell him the truth about why I killed his brother. Jeez, no wonder he hated me, his view of that day was extremely skewed. I would’ve sworn vengeance on someone if I'd believed that they'd killed my brother. Except, my brother was dead too. And no doubt, it really was because of me.
“Alia?” Moth nudged me out of my thoughts.
“Sorry!” Shaking my head, I concentrated on the three women who were staring at me. “What was that?”
They looked at one another with grins so wide, they almost split their faces. They genuinely believed that I was so captivated with the biker, I'd gone into a dream world. Fuck, their real husbands would have a task keeping up with their book boyfriends. Not unlike me, really.
“We'll all have the whole series please.” The girl with the braids winked at me before looking back at Moth, who started to pack the books for them.
I smiled as I remembered why I was currently standing in a huge hall with authors and readers and other book sellers. This was my dream, my first love. And I was living it.
“I'll let the author know,” I said, holding out my payment machine so they could swipe their card.
“Oh,” one of them exclaimed, “I love your tattoo.”
Glancing down at my forearm, which was poking out of my denim jacket sleeve, I cringed. Moth came up behind me and looked down, spotting the intricate butterfly with flames as wings. Shit.
He went still beside me, the bag of books held in mid-air. I pulled my arm back and took the bag, thanking the customer as I handed it to her. They left, whispering to themselves and looking back over their shoulders.
“Dude!” A guy in another scream mask approached, his shirt off, “we should do a promo photo for the event. You, me, a couple of the other dudes and your lady.”
“My lady?” Moth’s voice was mumbled in his helmet.
He must have been sweating in there, but he hadn't complained once, or bothered to take it off. I hadn't been able to see his expression when he'd seen my tattoo. I'd had it done as soon as I'd turned eighteen… in memory of his brother.
“It would be a great shot for Reverse Harem.” The guy was gesturing for his friends to come over.
There were two of them, one with a bandana mask around half his face and the other with a balaclava. My nerves stood on end and my stomach churned. What if one of them was Brandon? No, I had to stop. He wouldn't be stupid enough to risk being arrested and locked up. Would he?
The guy who had asked for the photo set about arranging us in front of my banner. The four men stood behind me and when I glanced backwards, Moth moved a man out of the way in order to stand nearer to me. He was sticking to his word, despite the fact that he no doubt suspected who the flame tattoo related to.
“Why me?” I asked, looking at the guy who had approached us. “There's some great authors around.”
“Absolutely,” he said, stepping closer, “but with your denim jacket, hint of tattoos and blonde ponytail, you look kickass, just like a character out of a novel.”
My mouth dropped open and I frowned. I wasn't sure I appreciated his observation, considering how many other amazing females were in the room.
“Just accept the compliment and smile,” Moth’s helmet almost hit me as he bent to speak to me.
Swallowing the urge to tell them all to fuck off, I stood back and smiled. The organiser of the convention appeared in front of my stall, exclaiming in excitement.
“Yes! We could use these photos for promo, if that's okay with everyone.” She proceeded to take plenty of snaps, asking us to move into different positions.
By the time we'd finished, we had an audience, all taking pictures too. Oh crap, if my face was plastered all over social media, Brandon would go mad. He was always so very jealous, he would come after me.
“Thank you!” The organiser said, giving me a hug, “you've been such a great sport. I'm sorry if we drove away your customers.”
There was no chance. It seemed that the photoshoot had attracted more people who were clamouring to buy the books on display. I went still as they surged forward and the men walked away, only drawing a few people away with them.
“Can you handle this?” I asked Moth, handing him the payment terminal and grabbing up my phone, “I need a minute.”
Leaving him to it, I disappeared into the crowd, winding my way through the people to reach the bathroom. I kept my gaze on the signs and took several deep breaths to alleviate the spinning of my head.When I reached the hallway that led to the bathrooms, I sighed in relief. The people, the attention, the masked men and Moth. Fucking Moth. It was all a bit much.
Pushing into the bathroom, I relieved myself before washing my hands and holding my wet palms on my hot cheeks.
“Are you okay?” a woman asked, a kind smile on her face.
I returned her smile and nodded. “Just a bit overwhelmed, that's all. I'm having a lot of fun, though.”
Although she was a stranger, and had no idea who I was, I didn't want her to think I was ungrateful for the experience of being at the signing. It had been an incredible few hours.
“I understand,” she said, squeezing my arm, “just remember us bookworms are mostly introverts too!”
With a wave, she left me so I turned to the mirror. My blonde hair had been scraped into a ponytail so it wouldn't stick to my sweaty neck when serving the customers. My mascara was slightly smudged under my eyes, although no one else would've noticed. Wiping it away, I stared into my own eyes, just for a moment, trying to see what was driving me right now.
Yeah, Moth turned me on… even though he hated me… and I hated him. I couldn't deny that his presence had me on edge. Like, really on fucking edge.
My phone beeped and I glanced down at it. There was a message from Moth.
Where did you go, Sunshine? Being your slave wasn't part of the agreement. Get back here.
Rolling my eyes, I replied. I needed a breather . If you want the truth, you've got to work hard for it. Be two secs.
Tucking the phone into my jacket pocket, I left the bathroom and turned towards the main hall. A hand gripped my wrist, spinning me through the men's bathroom door before I’d even realised someone had a hold of me.
Balaclava man shoved me against the wall, holding a fake knife to my throat. My heart pounded as I choked and wiggled, cringing when the edge of the blade dug into my skin. My blood rushed in my ears and I gasped in a breath. The silver was sharp… and real.
“Brandon?” I squeezed out, trying to see through the black that covered his eyes.
He was the same man who had been in the photo earlier. I hadn't even noticed that I couldn't see his eyes, the balaclava was completely covering is face. It was creepy as fucking hell.
Opening my mouth when he didn't reply, I inhaled air.
“Don't even think about screaming,” he snapped.
My stomach rolled and I released the air from my lungs. It was fucking Brandon, the bastard.
“You're going to get caught.” I pushed my neck further towards him, forcing him to move. “So just do it.”
He hissed and stepped back, grabbing my elbow and opening the door again. “Just do as I say or I'll stab you in the cunt and then go on a rampage, hurting all your precious friends. If I'm going out, I might as well take a few geeks with me.”
Almost tripping, I went with him, trying to look behind me as he marched us further down the hall and to a back entrance. People milled around, chatting excitedly about what they'd bought and who they were going to see next. Everyone ignored us as we slipped past. My arms shook as I studied my surroundings, trying to find a way to get away. Just before we hit the exit, Brandon steered us to the left and through a different door.
“What are you doing?” I snapped when he slammed the door shut behind me.
We were in a small meeting room with a table in the middle and chairs all around it. There was a large window and plenty of people were standing outside, smoking or eating. If Brandon did attack me, they would see it first hand and call the cops.
“You think you're clever,” Brandon said, “but you're just a stupid bitch.”
Gulping, I backed away from him, moving around the desk so there was something between us. I probably wouldn't get anywhere, but distance was always a good thing.
“You'll be arrested and sent to prison if you hurt me.” I glanced out of the window. “And there's plenty of witnesses.”
His chuckle fired my insides and I clenched my hands by my side. I couldn't see his face but I knew his lips were thin and his jaw strong. We'd met at a bar when I was twenty three. I'd been wild since the day of the fire, flirting with boys, then getting drunk and dancing all night.
My parents tried to stop my behaviour, but I’d blamed myself for the loss of Jack Baker. And when the other bugs - that's what we’d called them - disappeared overnight, it sent me over the edge. That was the day that I realised that every action resulted in a consequence… It was over the next few months that the trauma of it made me hit the fuck it button.
It was only whena man had tried to rape me in an alleyway that I woke up and realised that I was on a one way track to the grave. I may have slept with a hundred or so men by that point, but it had always been consensual. That one experience sent me into myself and I hid away at my parent’s house, not seeing anyone and getting clean from alcohol.
“I rescued you,” Brandon snapped, “six years ago. And all you do is discard me.”
Blinking, I wrung my hands together in front of me. The mask was eerie as it blocked my view of him, but I couldn't show that I was scared, it gave him pleasure.
“You know why we broke up.” I clasped the back of a chair with one hand and put the other in my pocket.
It was impossible to do much with my phone considering I couldn't see, but I tried to swipe the screen to at least open it.
Waving a hand in dismissal, Brandon went over to the window so I backtracked to the other end of the glass, hoping those outside might catch sight of us if he made any sudden movements.
“You liked being tied up, you dirty bitch.” Without looking at me, he put his hand on the glass. “Loved it, in fact.”
Slipping my phone out of my pocket, I hid it behind my back, bringing it to the side to glance down when I stepped back again. Pressing WhatsApp, I clicked Moth's profile quickly before hiding the phone behind me again.
“Not for days on end.” I kept my voice as even as I could. “You tortured me, remember? You got some therapy, and I appreciated that, but…”
His head dropped and I took the opportunity to move the phone out again and type HELP. Room near exit.
The message was sent but as I lifted my gaze, Brandon spun towards me. The phone was back in my pocket, just before he caught sight of it. My heartbeat was so fast, I struggled to breathe. If he would've caught me, he would've sliced my neck instantly, I had no doubt.
“You forced me!” Brandon sneered through the mask. “To save our relationship.” His attempt at finger quotations was marred by the knife.
My hands were slick as I took them out and clasped them in front of me.
“It didn't exactly save the relationship though, did it?” He came closer, his steel capped boots bouncing on the carpet.
I'd felt the force of those boots in my stomach once or twice. He thought he'd rescued me, and being vulnerable and lonely, I'd fallen hard, not seeing the red flags until it was too late.
“I was sorry to hear about your brother,” he muttered, his tone changing.
What the fuck? The sudden change in topic fried my brain and I stammered, not able to think of a coherent reply.
“It was partially your fault!” I snapped, the fear burning into anger.
How dare he apologise? When we'd broken up, I'd been ready to cut ties and live independently, moving in with my brother to have some freedom. Except, Brandon's stalking drove my brother over the edge. He grew paranoid and had even taken a knife out to hunt for my ex, who had thrown a brick through our window.
Shrugging, Brandon scoffed. “I can't see how.”
“Seriously?” My ire scorched my insides and I stepped forward, emboldened by the fucking cheek of him. “You would turn up, every single night, and stand outside, either staring or throwing something at the house. The police wouldn't help because you'd arrive at different times of the night and didn't actually hurt us. Except, you had, hadn't you?”
“You were a naughty fucking girl when we were together.” He rubbed a hand over the balaclava on his head. “You deserved to be punished.”
“You're a fucking narcissist,” I spat back, “obsessed and psychotic. You love-bombed me perfectly, even introducing me to BDSM before the beatings became real and the abuse became too much to bear.”
A chuckle slipped from under the balaclava and it took all my strength not to rush at him. I'd tried in the past and ended up in the emergency room.
“Our catch up is lovely and all that...” He took a step closer. “…but I'm here for one thing.”
Grabbing hold of his crotch, he squeezed himself. I squealed and backtracked, going around the desk until I reached the glass window again. I'd been petrified when he'd turned up at my bookshop, but at least there was an audience here.
“Don't get too excited about them.” He pointed at the window with his knife. “It's one way glass. They're just looking at the reflection of their beautiful, or ugly, faces.”
My stomach churned as I went closer and tried to knock on the window by the nearest person. Fuck, they didn't even look in my direction. Come to think of it, none of them were looking towards the building. If it was a huge window, showing this room, there would've been some curious glances. Fuck.
My phone beeped and I froze, not even daring to turn my head towards him. If I was lucky, he wouldn't have heard it…
“You've got your fucking phone?” His voice was gruff and I turned, ready to run.
I didn't have time. He surged for me, gripping my arm as I yelped and tried to get away. His strength had always made me weak, and as he pinned me against the glass wall, I cowered.
Holding my arms by my sides, he pressed his whole body into me. I tried to shift my hips to dislodge the bulge of his cock where it pressed into my stomach.
“Don't fight it.” He brought his head down to my ear. “I know you like it rough.”
“I hate you,” I bit through my teeth.
Leaning my head forward, I bit down hard on the nearest thing, which happened to be his pec.
He howled and raised a hand, crashing it down onto the side of my face. I gasped in a breath and opened my mouth, ready to scream. Why hadn't I screamed before? The sound left my throat, just as he jerked away from me.
Moth's helmet came into view as he threw Brandon to the floor, landed on him and punched him around the head. Brandon tried to fight Moth, but he was knocked back several times until he managed to get his arm up.
“Moth!” I shouted, moving forward to warn him about the glint of metal, but it was too late.
Moth grunted as Brandon haphazardly shoved the knife near Moth's ankle. He'd obviously got him, but Moth didn't stop, instead hitting him so hard, Brandon went limp.
“Stop!” I tried to get hold of Moth's arm and he caught my hand, pausing when he realised that we'd made contact.
“You've knocked him out.” My breath was hard and fast. “Let's just go. We can call the police.”
Moth instantly dropped Brandon and turned, grabbing my arm and hauling me away from my ex.
“You need to call the police later, when I'm gone.” Moth reached for the door, looking over his shoulder when we heard a shuffling sound.
Brandon was surging to his feet, grabbing for the knife. Moth opened the door and shoved me out, closing it once he followed me. I headed towards the exit, ducking around people until Moth gripped my elbow and ran, propelling me along with him.
There was a hotel, just a few yards away. Moth headed straight there, looking over his shoulder to check before we thrust through the automatic doors and into the foyer.
There were a few people at the desk, blocking the view of the receptionists. We didn't have time to ask for a room, much less wait for them to register us in the computers etc. Moth pointed towards the toilet sign and marched us in that direction. I assumed he was trying to blend in, as if we were staying there, and wanted them to think we were going to use the toilets. His helmet should've raised suspicion but with a convention going on next door, the staff were probably used to it.
We reached the small hallway where the toilets were. Instead of going inside, he guided us further along, to where there was a staff only door. Trying it, he smiled when it clicked open and we rushed inside.
It was a cleaning closet, which couldn't have been more cliché. At least, hopefully, Brandon wouldn't find us.
“We just have to wait it out.” Moth stood in front of the door, his helmet no doubt making him sweat.
Nodding, I panted and turned as much as I could in the small area. The wall was bare one side and had shelves lining the other. There wasn't much else in there, not even a window or light.
Moth reached out, knocking my tit with his elbow as he fiddled for the light switch. I got hold of his arm and stopped him. The adrenaline pumped through my veins, the fear sending my senses on high alert.
“Don't,” I muttered “it's better in the dark. I… I feel so…”
Running a hand over the leather on his shoulder, I gasped when he caught my fingers, squeezing tight.
“Are you serious?” his voice was gruff as he switched the light on. Luckily, it was extremely dull. “You're turned on right now? Despite what he just tried to do?”
Shaking my head, I breathed in and out as I looked at his helmet. “I'm confused and my body is on fire and… no, I don't know. I'm fucked up. Totally fucked up.”
He moved towards me, pressing me into the wall with his frame. “Aren't we all?”
His hands landed on my face, cupping my cheeks before he let go and ran them down my neck and over my shoulders. Wait, what was he doing?
“You want this.” His hands slipped down my chest, over the mounds of my tits, where they hovered and squeezed, just for a moment.
I froze. My body was zinging in anticipation, but he hated me. I hated him. What was he doing? He knew I was confused, would he really do anything?
“Wait,” I whispered, leaning closer to him without meaning to.
He carried on with his exploration, his hands moving to the waistband of my jeans. My stomach tingled as he undid the button and I reached up to grab his elbow.
“I can feel how much you want me,” he muttered, the helmet brushing against my head, “since the day you saved my fucking life. I hate you, but I want to sink my cock deep inside your pussy. So I'm going to.”
I gasped as his hand got hold of my waistband and pulled my jeans down, my thong coming down with them. My breath was fast, my pussy wet. I wanted to push him away, to say no. It wasn't the right time or place… it wasn't... he was my enemy, he… dropped to his knees to slip off my boots. I kept my foot planted firm on the floor, but he pulled hard and forced them up until he could tug them off and release my jeans, which he yanked until they were free.
Standing, he reached for his own jeans and undid the button, pushing them down with his briefs. I shook my head and raised my hands when his long hard cock burst free.
He placed a hand over my mouth before using his free hand to brush my pelvic bone and slip his fingers down my slit, circling my clit. I shuddered and reached for him. To push him away… except, when my hand wrapped around his wrist and squeezed tight, I didn't push… I just froze as the tingles had me panting.
“You're so wet,” he mumbled, “so ready for me.”
I leaned closer to him, despite the urge to push him away. The heat of the small room, the dim light and the adrenaline was toxic. Tingles started in my clit, building as he squeezed my ass cheek with his other hand.
“I need to be inside you.” Air wafted around my pussy as he pulled away and spun me. “Hold onto the shelving.”
“No,” I whimpered, grunting when he shoved me forward and spread my legs apart.
My knees wobbled and I grasped the metal shelving for support. I could’ve clenched my thighs together or at least tried, but I was pretty helpless.
His cock nudged my entrance and I gasped, electric shocks vibrating through my pussy. No, I shouldn’t want this, I hated him. Except, why was I so slick?
Moth slid his cock right up inside me and I clenched the metal frame, a groan escaping me. My walls were stretched around his girth, drinking him thirstily when he pulled out and pushed back in again, leaning over my back and wrapping an arm around my waist.
“Fucking take it.” Moth pounded into me, rocking me forward.
My brain knew it should be disgusted, even though I’d been the one to get a hard on first. And yet, my body thrummed against the onslaught. Principal and morals would be remembered later. For now, my pussy wasn’t allowing me to say no.
I kept quiet as he thrust in and out, his own grunting low in his throat. His hand slipped between my legs from the front, his fingers swirling on my clit. The sensitive spot instantly tingled, the pleasure building as he gripped my hips and blasted into me, his cock hitting so hard, I almost smashed my head against the shelves.
“Take. It!” Moth ground out through his teeth.
His words sent me over the edge and my orgasm exploded from me. I groaned low and long in my throat as sparks shot throughout my body, the pleasure rippling over my skin.
Moth pulled out and grunted behind me. A splash of liquid hit the floor at my feet and I stood up, avoiding his cum as it erupted from his hard cock.
Pulling up my jeans, I zipped them and pressed myself against the wall, watching as Moth tucked himself away. My whole body shook from the intensity of the orgasm… or maybe it was the dubious nature of our encounter… or even the fact that Brandon had tried to kill me.
Either way, I had to get out and home, to safety. And I wasn’t sure I could trust Moth to help me anymore.
“I’ll call you a cab,” Moth said, pulling out his phone.
Once he’d arranged the ride, he went to the door and looked over his shoulder. “I’ll wait until he’s right out the back and come get you. There’s a cleaner’s hat there, put it on, just in case Brandon is hanging around.”
He went out and shut the door behind him. I breathed and leaned on my knees, trying not to panic. What the fuck had just happened? My worst nightmare – Brandon – had played out at one of my favourite places, and now, Moth had pushed past the hate boundary… with his cock. And I had no idea where that left me.