1. River
Chapter One
RIVER
Six years later
Me: When are you returning?
Mario: Sorry, River.
Me: What? No! Don’t do this!
Banging has already started on my door. The walls shake with the force of the blows and the wood moans as if it’s going to give way. It’s only a matter of time before I’ll be surrounded. Surly wasn’t playing when he told Mario to return his money. Money I didn’t even know he had or spent. Worse, I didn’t know Mario was doing anything with Surly. He’s a loan shark and a small-time bully big enough to have goons.
Thinking fast, I grab my bag with my identification and the only valuables to my name and climb out of the window. My upstairs neighbor always leaves her window cracked for her cat. Once I’m fully out, I quietly close the window and climb up while my heart thrashes its panicked tempo against my ribs. I just need to get away and lay low. I don’t want to be involved in Mario’s mess. Tears sting the backs of my eyes as I ease her window open.
Miss Tilda looks up at me with wide, surprised eyes magnified by her thick glasses. I hold my finger to my lips and apologize as I pass. Opening the door, I find the hallway empty, then turn to her and press my hands together in a silent thank you. I use the elevator because I expect they’d wait on the stairs. Pulling my hoodie over my head, I move in the opposite direction of the town car parked just before my building. I don't feel the relief yet since Mario has moved the target to my back by running off.
“Hey, bitch!”
My adrenaline spikes once they find me a few blocks over. I was almost to safety. Instead of checking to make sure they’re talking to me, I do the only thing I can. The pavement beats hot under my feet as I run as fast as my legs will take me. I’m sure my chest would be burning if fear wasn’t my main feeling. They yell at me to stop, but I keep going, weaving through obstacles to slow them down. People move out of my way or stare as I pass like I’m crazy, all while not bothering to stop the three men chasing me.
I want to cry, but escaping is my priority. This has nothing to do with me. I’m merely a victim of trusting the wrong man; a man I currently hate for his cowardice. He was supposed to love me, but he threw me in harm’s way the first chance he got. I don’t need to check my account to know what I’ll find. If he didn’t already have people hunting him, I’d kill him myself.
My fear has me acting out of character, but I need a major assist. Only one person comes to my panicked mind. I cut through the entrance that is off limits to employees and burst into an office I should never enter. I may be jobless after this, but being jobless is better than being hospitalized or dead.
I run towards the opposing figure with stern blue eyes as he growls at me for being in his domain. After a rushed apology, I slide under his desk and out of view. Three sets of feet stop at the entrance of his office.
“Did a woman just run in here?” one of them demands to know.
I frown while trying to calm the sound of my breathing. The goons must not know who my boss is based on their tone.
His scoff tells me he thinks the same thing. “No. Now get out and don’t enter this building again.”
“Do you know who we are?” the other one challenges.
“You must work for Surly since you’re all idiots.” His tone is dark and cold. I can picture him perching on the side of his desk, muscles bulging under his crisp, white shirt while he crosses his arms across his suit’s vest.
“Watch your mouth, old man.”
I hear a phone dial numbers, then it starts ringing. “Surly,” my boss greets. “Get your men out of my office before I introduce myself. Make sure they never come back.”
One of the guy’s phone rings after my boss hangs up. “Yeah, Boss? Okay, Boss.” The man sighs as he hangs up the phone. “We’re sorry for barging in, Trunk.”
I flinch at the use of his street name. It’s hardly used because Theodore Kelly takes his businesses seriously and doesn’t like resorting to the street side of his persona. I release my first actual breath since the banging started on my apartment door, only for it to be cut off when two large hands wrap around my ankles. I slide out with one good tug from him and am lying on my back, looking up into angry eyes. My gaze roams around, looking for a softer spot on him, but it doesn’t exist. Even the gray hairs weaving their way into his dark beard and hair look angry.
For a moment, I don’t know if I’m in less or more danger.
“Why in the fuck are you bringing your personal shit into my establishment?”
“I’m... I’m not. My boyfriend.”
His big hand slices the air. “Save it. This is your one and only time to pull that shit. Where is your uniform?”
I hold up a bow tie with a shaky hand. He just stares at it for a moment before unclenching his jaw to respond.
“Are you a stripper?”
I shake my head. “Bartender,” I answer dumbly.
I cannot scoff at the idea of being a stripper because their tips make me want to put on a thong and shake my ass. But pole work is much, much harder than it looks. Besides, he doesn’t employ strippers and already knows my job title. He’s been known to get some for some of his VIP clients, but this exclusive club goes beyond ass and tits. I’ve been here a little over a year, and I still don’t know all of the services. I mind my business, then go home.
“Unless I’ve changed the policy to nude bartending, I suggest you go find a uniform and get to work!”
I jump up to go figure it out, when he stops me. “River?”
I’m not surprised that he knows my name, since everyone has to be interviewed by him at least once.
“Yes, Mr. Kelly?”
He picks up a key and places it in my palm. I’ve only heard of such invitations and thought they were rumors until now.
“Go to the penthouse after your shift.” My mouth opens and closes, trying to decide how to broach this while he pours himself a drink.
The big elephant ring he wears on his right ring finger catches my eye, reminding me once again of his street name. He lifts an eyebrow as the brown liquor slides down his throat, asking me why I’m still there.
“I can’t be a mistress. It’s against my religion,” I blurt out. I believe in God, but to say that anything is against my religion is so laughable that Mr. Kelly actually chuckles.
“I love my wife, don’t you worry.” His wedding ring shines as he takes his next drink as if it’s agreeing with him. “You were just running from Surly’s men, so I’m assuming they’ll be watching your home.”
He takes a few steps my way, and I back up until I’m in the hallway. Without another word, he slams the door in my face.