Chapter 8
I come out of the bathroom, my towel still wrapped around my body, my wet hair dripping onto the hardwood floor. I flick on my lamp sitting on my bedside table, instantly feeling something is off. I look around my bedroom, not noticing anything out of place, making my way to my dresser, pulling out a comfy t-shirt. .
After slipping the shirt on over my head, I pull out a pair of black lace panties and pull them on. The hot shower was everything I needed. After shaving and moisturizing, I’m ready to cozy up in my freshly washed bed sheets and comforter, then pass out. I throw my towel into the hamper, turn around to crawl into bed, stopping when I see something in the middle.
My toy sits dead center. What the hell? I lean in closer, picking it up and bringing it to my face, a white substance all over it. I look down at my bed to see the same white substance all over it.
I remember making my bed before I went out this evening, and that didn’t include getting myself off. Someone’s been in my fucking room. I wonder if one of Elijah’s men had a little too much fun.
I look toward my window to see the blinds not closed all the way. Walking closer to inspect it, I find the window is also not shut all the way. My face heats up and I can feel the redness covering my face from how angry I am. I slam the window shut, along with my blinds, double checking this time to make sure they’re locked.
After throwing all my blankets and sheets into the washer, I put clean ones on. Finally settling into bed, I've lost the refreshed feeling and now all I'm feeling is pissed. Irritated. A little paranoid.
Maybe slightly curious.
Who would’ve snuck in and done this? I try to think if I noticed anything on my bed before I jumped in the shower, but I can’t remember. I know it wasn’t Elijah or his men; they used the front door to break in, it’s his go-to method. My thoughts linger to the tall handsome man in the bar the other night.
What’s his name? I think for a minute. Blaze.
Just the thought of him has butterflies erupting in my belly, arousal appearing between my legs. He doesn’t even know where I live.
Does he?
He didn’t do this.
Did he?
I can still see his hazel eyes eating me alive, like he couldn’t wait to devour me. His charming smile and dimples. There was just something about him that pulled me in. I wonder if I will see him again.
Surely my upfront, bitchy attitude put him off. It usually takes care of anyone wanting to get to know me. Thoughts of him, his muscles, the deep timber of his voice fill my head until I eventually drift off to sleep.
I walk into the bar an hour late. I’m usually here from open till close, but with the lack of sleep I got last night, that didn't happen. Fuck it. Daren was opening today anyway and I own the place. I can do what I want. I just try not to make it a habit. I am a responsible adult after all.
Daren’s already behind the bar fixing one of our regulars a beer. He looks up when I approach him, his eyes locking onto mine.
“Long night?”
he asks, quirking an eyebrow at me.
“Something like that,” I mumble.
Before he can respond, I take off to my office. Taking a seat at the desk, I groan when I wake my computer up to see I already have emails of bills. I pay the light bill, water bill, and then my order fee for our liquor restock that needs to be scheduled for next week. Then start going over everything to see what all we have in stock, marking down what we need to fill up on.
It’s been almost an hour when I’m at the end of my list and my phone starts ringing. I pull it out of my purse, mumbling incoherent words when I see who’s calling. Clicking answer, I don’t even have to say hello before the voice starts speaking.
“Hello Baby C,”
Elijah's voice comes through.
“Elijah…”
“You did good last night C. I might even say I’m impressed.”
Heat uncurls in my stomach at his praise. His voice sending the hair on my arms raising, but not in a bad way. Damn, bitch get laid. He should not be affecting you this way.
“So what does that mean? I got the job?”
I ask, trying to keep the nerves from my voice.
“Tell me why you want to come back so bad and I’ll give you the job.”
“Does that really matter?”
I snark. “I just need the money. That’s all you need to know,”
“Either you tell me sweetheart, or the deal is off the table.”
I know he’s not joking. Even though we have history Elijah has always been sweet but firm with me when needed. I sigh then explain why I need the money so badly, kicking myself for ever allowing myself to get this bad in debt. For having to come back to this lifestyle, after I swore I never would again. I can hear him hum while he thinks.
“I’ll make you a deal. I have a couple of more jobs for you. Complete them and I’ll pay off all your debt. If you still want to work afterwards, you’ll forever have a job.”
“What the hell Elijah, you never give anyone that type of opportunity. It has always been once you’re in, you never get out,”
I say, completely dumbfounded by his offer. “What’s the catch?”
“No catch,”
he says. “Let’s just say I’m feeling generous, Baby C.”
I hear the sound of a click and look to see that the call has ended. My phone buzzes with a message.
Elijah: Tomorrow. Same time. Same place.
What the fuck have I really gotten myself into?