Chapter Ten
Alia
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 mom 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 close the trunk 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.”
Smiling warmly at her, I gestured for her to go inside. “If you could let your mom 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 smiled a 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 and the brown boxes stacked inside.
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 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 face a stone. I started the engine, tempted to drive off and leave him in the 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 were 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 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 ways than one if he found out what actually happened.
“I’m almost set up at the con, but I need to get going.” Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze. “So, try to keep up.”
Pressing my accelerator, I maneuvered the truck onto the road, catching the slight crease at the corners of his eyes as I pulled away.
He was laughing at me, the son of a bitch.
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 been dating, so he knew a few of the attending authors.
I wouldn't put it past him to turn up, even though he would've had a visit from the cops.
I looked in the rearview 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 had been backed into a corner by two men, and I didn’t know 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 as I pushed his image away. Both Moth and I had lost brothers in different ways and I hadn't even realized. We'd been through so much, the pair of us. The shit between us just added to it. I had to try and mend it so we could both move on.
Pulling into the parking lot of the convention center, I showed my pass to the security guard.
“He's with me,” I told him, waving for Moth to bring his bike closer.
The security guard asked him to remove his helmet and then checked my truck and his bike. Once we were given the all clear, we parked side by side. Climbing out, I ignored Moth 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 trunk.
Balancing the box, I locked the truck 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 seeing you read 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 asshole was using his sexy intensity to weaken my resolve and pointing out my own shortcomings at the same time.
I hadn’t known that it was Jay fucking Baker when I'd thrown myself on him.
Although, I was questioning my own morals 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 realized 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 free 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 purse, ready to get up a picture. The cops 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 Brandon. 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 dry 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 since we split and everyone knew.
“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.”