Chapter Three
Lucy woke up that morning, the tendrils of her erotic dream still lingering in her head. The dream had been vivid, almost real.
She could still recall Carver gripping her hair, pressing his hot mouth over hers, cornering her against the wall.
Lucy, begging him to do whatever he wanted with her. She sighed, slipping her hand under her pillow, feeling the reassuring cold metal of her gun.
Lucy used to think that despite the broken-down building she lived in, with its peeling wallpaper and creaky floors, there was a small corner of safety thanks to Carver, but she wasn’t sure anymore.
With a sigh, she pushed the covers back and swung her legs over the side of the bed, feeling the cool wooden floor beneath her feet. She stood up, stretching her arms above her head, and walked to the small window in her bedroom. The city outside was already bustling, cars honking and people moving about their daily routines.
She smiled slightly, taking in the familiar sights and sounds.
Her thoughts drifted to the previous evening, to the strange noises she had heard from Carver ’ s apartment, and his quick dismissal with the “horror movie” excuse.
She frowned, the memory bringing back a flicker of unease. But then she remembered the kiss, how he had leaned in and captured her lips with such intensity. Her heart fluttered at the memory, a blush creeping up her cheeks.
Shaking her head, she tried to push the mixed emotions aside. She had a busy day ahead, starting with her morning run.
She quickly changed into her workout clothes, a pair of comfortable leggings, and a loose tank top. She tied her hair into a ponytail, grabbed her water bottle and earbuds, and headed out the door.
The fresh air hit her face as she stepped outside, and she took a deep breath, feeling more awake. She started jogging, her pace steady as she made her way through the neighborhood.
Running always cleared her mind, and she hoped it would help her make sense of the conflicting thoughts and feelings swirling inside her.
As she ran, her thoughts kept circling back to Carver. There was something about him, something that drew her in despite the warnings in her head. He was enigmatic, a puzzle she wanted to solve, and yet there was an edge to him that made her wary.
She couldn’t quite shake the feeling that there was more to him than he let on. She was so distracted, she didn’t notice the black Jaguar that nearly ran her over.
Thankfully, a passerby grabbed her arm and pulled her aside. A Jaguar in their neighborhood? Must be some spoiled rich driver, wanting to see the other side of town. She shook her head and returned to her apartment.
At the very least, she did feel invigorated. She took a quick shower, letting the hot water relax her muscles. As she dressed for the day, she found herself glancing at the clock, wondering what Carver was doing. Was he thinking about her too?
She dressed for work and headed to the kitchen to make breakfast. As she cracked eggs into a bowl, her mind wandered back to the pie she had made for Carver. She hoped he had enjoyed it, and a small smile tugged at her lips at the thought of him savoring her baking.
Lucy wondered if she should knock on his door again tonight, maybe invite him over for coffee. But then she remembered the scream she had heard, and doubt crept in once more.
Lucy shook her head, focusing on whisking the eggs. Maybe she was overthinking things. Maybe it really had been just a movie. But a part of her couldn’t let go of the nagging feeling that something wasn’t quite right.
As she sat down to eat her breakfast, she made a decision. She would be cautious, but she wouldn’t let fear dictate her actions.
If Carver was hiding something, she would find out. But until then, she would give him the benefit of the doubt. Everyone deserved a chance, after all.
****
Lucy was minding her business at the diner, wiping down the counter and occasionally chatting with Cindy, who was restocking the shelves with napkins and condiments.
The morning crowd had come and gone, leaving the diner in a lull before the lunchtime rush. The soft hum of the refrigerator and the clinking of dishes in the kitchen were the only sounds that filled the space.
Cindy leaned over, nudging Lucy with a grin. “ So, any plans for tonight?”
Lucy shook her head, smiling. “ Not really. Just hoping to get some rest,” she admitted. Perhaps she ’ d bake a simple banana cake, offer some to Carver, although she decided not to tell Cindy that.
Their conversation was interrupted by the unmistakable shuffle of their sleazy manager, Burt, as he approached. Burt was a balding man in his late forties with a perpetual smirk that made Lucy ’ s skin crawl. He stopped in front of her, his eyes lingering a bit too long.
“ Lucy, looking good today,” he said, his eyes raking over her. “ Did it hurt when you fell from Heaven, or did you trip over all those damn curves?”
Lucy forced a polite smile, her stomach churning with disgust. She turned to continue wiping the counter, hoping he would take the hint and leave her alone. But Burt wasn’t one to back down easily.
“Hey, Lucy,” he said, leaning against the counter, far too close for comfort. “How about you and me go out sometime? Maybe tonight?”
Lucy ’ s grip tightened on the cloth in her hand. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before responding. “ No, thanks, Burt. I ’ m not interested,” she said.
Burt widened his smirk, clearly enjoying the chase. “ Aw, come on. Don ’ t be like that. What ’ s the matter? Got someone else lined up?” Burt asked.
Lucy hesitated for a split-second, her mind racing. She needed to shut this down, and fast. The last thing she wanted was to make her work environment even more uncomfortable.
Without thinking, she blurted out, “ Actually, I ’ m seeing someone else.”
Burt ’ s laughter filled the diner, loud and mocking. “ Seeing someone else? Don ’ t make up things, Lucy. We both know you don ’ t have time to find a boyfriend,” he said.
Lucy flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. Before she could think of a retort, Cindy stepped in.
“ She ’ s telling the truth, Burt,” Cindy said, her tone sharp. “ Now, leave her alone. You ’ ve got better things to do, don ’ t you?”
Burt ’ s expression darkened for a moment, but he quickly masked it with another sleazy smile. “ All right, all right. No need to get all worked up. Just thought I ’ d ask,” Burt grumbled.
As Burt walked away, Lucy let out a breath she didn ’ t realize she ’ d been holding. She looked at Cindy, grateful for her friend ’ s intervention.
“ Thanks, Cindy,” she said, her voice shaking slightly.
“ Anytime,” Cindy replied, giving her a reassuring smile. “ That guy ’ s a creep. Don ’ t let him get to you.”
Before Lucy could respond, the little bell above the front door chimed, signaling the arrival of a new customer. Lucy turned, her heart skipping a beat when she saw who it was.
Carver. Of all people, she never expected to see him here. She ’ d mentioned her workplace once or twice during their short elevator conversations, but she never thought he ’ d show up.
Her heart raced as he walked in, every inch of him exuding confidence and quiet strength. Dressed in a plain black shirt that clung to his muscular frame, he looked effortlessly good.
His broad shoulders and defined arms were impossible to ignore, and the way his jeans fit made her pulse quicken. She felt a flush creep up her neck as he scanned the diner and then locked eyes with her.
As he approached, Lucy’s body reacted in a way she couldn ’ t control. Her stomach fluttered, and her palms grew slightly clammy.
She didn ’ t understand why she always felt this intense pull toward him, this mix of excitement and nervousness. When he smiled at her, a slow, genuine smile that reached his dark green eyes, she practically melted.
“ Hey, Lucy, ” he said, his voice warm and steady.
“ Carver, ” she managed to reply, her voice catching slightly. “ What brings you here?”
“ Thought I ’ d stop by for some breakfast,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers. “ You did say this place has the best coffee in town.”
Lucy felt her cheeks warm at the compliment. “ Well, I hope we live up to the reputation,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
“ Can I sit anywhere?” he asked, glancing around the mostly empty diner.
“ Of course,” she said, gesturing to a booth by the window. “ I ’ ll be right over with a menu.”
As Carver walked to the booth, Lucy quickly grabbed a menu and a coffeepot. Cindy shot her a knowing look but didn ’ t say anything. Lucy took a deep breath, trying to calm the racing of her heart, and walked over to where Carver had settled.
“ Here ’ s the menu,” she said, placing it in front of him and pouring a cup of coffee. “ Anything specific you ’ re in the mood for?”
Carver took the menu, his fingers brushing hers for a moment, sending a shiver down her spine.
“ Surprise me,” he said.
Lucy nodded, unable to hide her smile. “ All right, I ’ ll see what I can do,” she said.
As she walked back to the counter to place his order, she felt a mix of excitement and nerves. She wasn ’ t sure why Carver being here affected her so much, but she couldn ’ t deny the thrill his presence brought. She focused on preparing his breakfast, trying to push aside the lingering tension from her earlier encounter with Burt.
When the order was ready, she carried the plate over to Carver, placing it in front of him with a smile.
“ Here you go. Hope you like it,” she said.
Carver looked up at her, his gaze intense. “ I ’ m sure I will. Thanks, Lucy,” he said.
She nodded, feeling a strange mix of satisfaction and anticipation. She wanted to stay and talk to him, to savor this unexpected moment, but the diner was starting to fill up with the early lunch crowd, and she had to get back to work.
As she moved around the diner, taking orders and serving customers, she couldn ’ t help but steal glances at Carver. He seemed at ease, sipping his coffee, and occasionally looking her way. Each time their eyes met, she felt a jolt of electricity, a connection that both excited and unnerved her.
Finally, the lunch rush began to slow, and Lucy found a moment to breathe. She walked over to Carver ’ s booth, leaning against the edge of the table. “ How was everything?” she asked.
“ Perfect,” he said, his eyes locked on hers. “ You weren ’ t kidding about the coffee. It ’ s great.”
She smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. “ Glad to hear it.”
They were interrupted by Burt, who had been lingering nearby.
“ Well, well, who do we have here?” he said, his tone dripping with fake friendliness. “ Lucy, aren ’ t you going to introduce me to your friend?”
Lucy stiffened, her previous unease returning. “ Carver, this is Burt, our manager. Burt, this is Carver,” she said.
Burt gave Carver a once-over, his smile never reaching his eyes. “ Nice to meet you, Carver. I hope you ’ re enjoying your time here,” Burt said.
Carver ’ s expression remained neutral, but there was a dangerous edge to his gaze. “ I am. Thanks,” he answered.
Burt turned his attention back to Lucy, his demeanor shifting to his usual sleaziness. “ Lucy, I need you to cover the late shift tonight.”
Lucy ’ s heart sank. She ’ d been looking forward to a quiet evening, maybe even a chance to see Carver again after dazzling him with her banana cake. “ I can ’ t, Burt. I already have plans,” she said.
Burt ’ s smile turned into a sneer. “ Don ’ t make things up, Lucy. We all know you ’ re not seeing anyone,” Burt said.
Lucy felt a surge of anger and humiliation. Before she could respond, Carver stood up, his presence suddenly imposing. Burt took a hesitant step back, as if sensing a predator.
“ Actually, she is,” he said calmly, placing a protective hand on Lucy ’ s shoulder. “ And those plans are with me.”
Burt ’ s eyes widened slightly, but he quickly masked his surprise.
“ Is that so?” he said, his tone challenging.
Carver didn ’ t flinch. “ Yes, it is. And if you have a problem with that, I suggest you take it up with me,” Carver said softly.
The tension in the diner was hard to ignore. Burt stared at Carver for a long moment before finally backing down.
“ Fine, ” he muttered, turning away. “ Just make sure you ’ re here on time tomorrow, Lucy.”
As Burt walked away, Lucy let out a breath she hadn ’ t realized she ’ d been holding. She looked up at Carver, her heart pounding with a mix of gratitude and something deeper.
“ Thank you,” she murmured.
Carver ’ s expression softened, his hand still on her shoulder. “ Anytime, Lucy, ” he said.
“So, I’ll see you later?” Lucy asked once he was done eating.
“Later then,” Carver replied, his voice a low rumble that sent a thrill through her.
Without warning, he leaned in and kissed her. It wasn ’ t a gentle kiss either, it was intense and possessive, his lips demanding and insistent against hers.
Lucy felt a rush of heat, surprised but exhilarated by the raw passion in his touch. She liked that he wasn ’ t tiptoeing around her anymore, that he was claiming what he wanted.
When he finally pulled away, Lucy was breathless, her lips tingling. She watched him leave, his broad shoulders cutting an imposing figure as he exited the diner.
Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, and she barely noticed Cindy approaching until she felt a hand on her arm.
“Lucy, can I talk to you for a second?” Cindy asked, her voice trembling.
Lucy turned, surprised to see Cindy looking pale and almost scared.
“Sure, what’s up?” she asked, concerned.
Cindy pulled her aside, her grip surprisingly firm. “Lucy, are you really dating that guy?” she asked in a terrified whisper.
“You know Carver?” Lucy replied, taken aback.
“It seems like you and Burt are the only two people in this diner who don’t,” Cindy said, glancing around nervously. “He’s one of the Arrow brothers. The quiet one. The worst one. Lucy, he’s dangerous.”
Lucy frowned, the words not matching the man she thought she knew.
“While it’s true Carver keeps to himself and yeah, I admit he looks a little scary on the outside to someone who doesn’t know him, he’s a sweet guy, Cindy. He saved me from a bunch of guys trying to rob my apartment,” she said.
Cindy still looked unconvinced, her eyes wide with fear.
“Just promise me you’ll be careful? The Arrow brothers … they’re trouble. Those who try getting close to them always end up dead,” Cindy said.
Lucy felt a chill run down her spine, but she forced herself to stay calm.
“I appreciate the concern, Cindy. I really do. But Carver hasn ’ t given me any reason to doubt him. I ’ ll be careful, I promise,” she reassured her friend.
Lucy had lied, though. She thought of the stain on Carver ’ s rug and that scream. It ’ s all in my mind , she reminded herself.
Cindy nodded. “All right. Just watch your back, okay?” Cindy asked.
Lucy nodded, offering a reassuring smile she didn ’ t entirely feel. As Cindy returned to her duties, Lucy tried to shake off the unease creeping into her mind.
She knew Carver had a mysterious side, but she couldn’t reconcile the man who had kissed her so passionately and protected her so fiercely with the dangerous figure Cindy described.
The rest of her shift passed in a blur, her thoughts constantly drifting back to Carver. By the time her shift ended, she was exhausted, both physically and mentally.
As she locked up the diner, she couldn’t help but glance around nervously, half-expecting to see Carver lurking in the shadows. She shook her head, chiding herself for being paranoid. She trusted her instincts, and they told her Carver wasn ’ t the monster Cindy made him out to be.
She had promised Cindy she ’ d be careful, and she intended to keep that promise. But she also couldn ’ t deny the pull she felt toward Carver, a pull that was getting harder and harder to resist.
When she finally reached her apartment, she locked the door behind her and leaned against it, taking a deep breath. The tension in her shoulders eased slightly, but her mind was still racing.
Maybe she could talk to Carver tonight, understand who he really was and where she stood in his life. Lucy took a shower before starting on her banana cake.