Page 25

Alora

“Is this how it’s always going to be,” I asked before getting out of the sports car we grabbed from his bar. It was an amazing ride, and I suddenly wanted to throw caution to the wind, strip down, and have him take me on the hood. Greyson smiled.

“You picturing me naked, Doll?” He got out of the car, and his eyes tracked me like I might bolt as he walked toward me. If I ran, I knew how much he’d enjoy the chance to chase me. Caging me with his arms, Greyson leaned his hands against the car.

“I might have been, but don’t change the subject. I don’t need you to follow me around like a babysitter. I’m not going to take off. I’ve lived on the streets. I know how to stay out of trouble.”

“Do you now?” Greyson nibbled on the side of my neck as I rested my hands on his hips. I was physically unable to keep my hands to myself anymore.

“Okay, you’re the exception to the rule.”

“Am I now?” He drew a line up the side of my neck with his tongue, and if it weren’t fifty degrees outside, I would’ve been tempted to strip naked as my body heated with his teasing touch.

“Stop that. I can’t think.” Placing my hands on his chest, I leaned back until he looked me in the eyes. “You do trust that I’m not going to run, don’t you?”

“I trust you, Doll. It’s everyone else in the world I don’t trust. I’m a case in point, and whether you want to believe this or not, there are a lot more Keiths, Thomases, and even those like me than you ever want to know about.” I shivered and ran my hands up and down my arms. I hated that I couldn’t argue that point. “I said I wouldn’t follow you to her grave, and I won’t. You can chat with your sister without me hovering over you. But if you need me, I’ll be right here, sitting on my sexy car, waiting for you. Just think how fucking good I’ll look when you walk up the path, and you won’t consider it being overprotective anymore.”

“Oh, and what will I consider it?”

“A deliciously dangerous dessert,” he said, his voice rough as it rolled over my skin and somehow touched me as intimately as if he’d used his hand.

“Alright, deal. I want you sitting here topless when I come back.

Laughing, Greyson pushed back from the car and smiled. “That I can do.” Stepping back, he dropped his arms and I missed the intense heat he gave off. Wrapping the leather coat around me, I headed for the mouth of the path. “Doll?” I looked back at him. Fuck, he already looked sexy, leaning against the car. I was doomed to be with a bad boy from the first time I watched Fast and Furious. “Make sure you scream loud.” Smiling, I nodded. He had a one-track mind.

There were a few people here today. It was as if the cool weather had called us here to speak to those whose bodies were forever cold. My eyes went to the empty bottle still lying at my sister’s grave, and tears stung my eyes. What had I almost done? I remembered everything. I’d never been like those people who drank to forget. My mind wouldn’t allow me to do that. If anything, it remembered every last thing I said or did in vivid detail to throw at me later, so I felt the shame of falling prey to weakness.

No, I didn’t drink to forget. I drank to numb myself. The soft buzz and images that came but weren’t followed by a bite of pain. That was what I craved. I’d never want to forget Evie.

“You have some nerve.”

My head jerked up at the sound of my mother’s voice. I turned toward the shadow on the ground and stared at the woman who gave birth to me. There was so little of me that I saw in her. Her angry glare was locked on my face, and her hands balled into fists.

“How dare you come here after what you did to her.” My mother held her hand out toward the bottle. “And I see nothing has changed. You disrespect your sister by doing the very thing that got her killed while at her grave? How could you?”

My mother stomped forward, and I knew she was going to try and hit me. But I wasn’t the same person I had been even a few weeks ago. I didn’t know exactly what Greyson had done to me, but I felt…stronger…more of my old self, and yet different. As she swung for my face, I grabbed her arm and jerked her closer.

“Don’t ever touch me again,” I said before forcing her to step back and letting her go. “Don’t insult me, and don’t bother trying to ban me from visiting Evie. I’ve been coming here almost every day since my release. Funny how this is the first time I’ve seen you bother to show up.”

“How dare you talk to me like that,” she said.

“How dare I this, how dare I that. I’m not sure why you don’t just say what you really want to say. How dare I remain breathing while Evie is dead?” Tears filled my mother’s eyes as she looked away.

“It was all your fault.”

“Mother, I can’t deny that I made mistakes. In fact, I’ve made many mistakes, but that night, no one was blameless. You want to toss all of this at my feet? Fine, you can do that if it helps you sleep better at night, but I won’t let you add your guilt on top of mine anymore,” I said.

“How is this my fault? All I did was try to provide a stable home for the two of you after your father left us with nothing. All you did was act out and make my life hell. You skipped school, slept around, drank, partied, and probably did drugs while Evie looked up to you. There is no wonder she ended up at a party. That’s on you.” She pointed at me.

“No, Mother. It’s on you.” She stepped back like I slapped her. “You’re the mother, and you were too busy to notice that both Evie and I were struggling. I wasn’t acting out because I wanted to hurt you….” I waved my hand. “No, I’m not doing this. You’ll find some way to twist everything I say because you never wanted to believe me. I don’t think you ever believed in me.”

“You still think you didn’t do anything wrong,” my mother said, her voice flabbergasted.

“No, that’s not what I said. I said that I’m done taking all of the blame. I didn’t say that nothing was my fault. There is a big difference.”

“You never should’ve stolen the car. What you should’ve done was come in and tell me that Evie needed a ride, but instead, you wanted to remain her hero.”

I snorted a laugh at the ridiculous comment. “You couldn’t be further from the truth. I told her to call you and flat out refused, but she begged me.”

“Of course she did. She wouldn’t want to be grounded for all the good it would do. Alora, you were seventeen and old enough to know not to drink and drive. But you did and killed two people,” she said. Fuck, I was sick of repeating myself. Bending, I picked up the empty bottle. I stared at the blue label and hated that I ever started down this road.

“I didn’t drink and drive,” I said.

“Stop with the lies. Everyone at the party saw you drinking a beer. Then you picked Evie up and terrorized another group.”

I snorted. “Terrorize…wow, that is a stretch. You have no idea what really happened, or you don’t want to know because then you’d have to admit that you didn’t believe me, your daughter. You were never around. You have no idea what I was or wasn’t doing, but instead of listening, you assumed the worst, just like everyone else. You testified against me and disowned me, all before you sent the cops after me for killing your boyfriend. Do I look like a murderer?”

Yeah, I knew who killed him, but there was no way in hell I was turning on Greyson. I had no idea if Dave deserved what happened or not, but at this point, it didn’t matter. Not only was I too tied to him. He’d worked whatever strange magic he had against me, and I was under his spell.

“Did you even stop to think for just a second how that would hurt me? Did you even care?”

“You were at the house that day. The detective asked if there was anyone who hated either one of us, and I mentioned your name. It wasn’t like I jumped up and down yelling that my daughter did it.” She wiped away a tear and crossed her arms. “That’s why I’m here. It was Dave’s service today.”

“I’m sorry.” Touching Evie’s stone, I sighed. “I come here all the time and talk to her, and sometimes it feels like she is right here beside me.” Before another fight erupted, I decided I’d come back another day and walked past my mother.

“Alora?” I stopped but didn’t look back. “Tell me what happened that night.”

“You want the truth?”

“I want to know your side of events.”

I turned around to face her, anger simmering under my skin. “That is not what I asked. I said, do you want to hear the truth? Are you ready for it?”

“How do I know what you say is the truth and not you just spinning the story to suit yourself.”

“Unbelievable,” I grumbled and began walking away once more.

“Wait, please…tell me the truth,” my mother asked. She sounded genuine, but I doubted it was. I hung my head. What did it matter at this point?

I looked over my shoulder at her. “I drank half a beer over two hours at the party. No, I shouldn’t have, but I wasn’t drunk. The guy at the party who said I was drinking was my ex, and we’d just had an…altercation,” I said for lack of a better word. “I walked from the party to your work, and yes, I took your car. No, I shouldn’t have.” When my mother didn’t say anything, I faced her and shoved a small stone around with my shoe as I prepared myself to say what always tore me to shreds to repeat. “I picked up the girls, but something was off. I eventually got it out of them that the boy Evie liked, who had invited her to the party, basically ditched her or lured her there. I don’t know which, but his older brother raped her.”

My mother’s face blanched, and her hand covered her mouth.

“We hadn’t gone far, so I backed up and took a tire iron to his truck and then him. All I saw was red. I thought that would be the end of it. He was super drunk. Everyone there seemed to be. We left and were about halfway home when he caught up to me. That guy, that rapist piece of shit, sat in court with a cast on his arm and said that I was drunk and acting wild and broke his arm. That guy you hugged before he and his family left. Yeah, that guy. He ran us off the road.”

She was sobbing behind her hand, tears spilling from her eyes. But I couldn’t bring myself to feel bad or offer her comfort. The grey clouds rolling in announced that a storm was coming, and that was my cue to leave.

“I will never forgive myself for my part in what happened that night. But we would’ve made it home if he hadn’t wanted us dead and then left the scene and lied about what happened. Didn’t you think it was weird that the cops couldn’t find his truck that I smashed with the tire iron? That there was no insurance report? That someone randomly stole his beat-to-shit truck and made it disappear? Yes, that is exactly what car thieves are looking for.”

Another gasping sob ripped from her mouth. I was going to cry if I didn’t get away from her. Being this close to Evie’s grave and talking about that night was creating a well of emotion that was going to spill over.

“Look. I can’t go back in time. If I could do things differently, I would. I’d do many things differently, but I want you to know that I would never intentionally put Evie’s or even Tammy’s life at risk. And being stuck in the vehicle for over an hour staring at my sister’s lifeless body will punish me more than you or any jail ever can, and it will continue to haunt me to my grave.” I held up the bottle. “I’m not perfect, but neither are you,” I said and then walked away to the sound of her breaking down. Just before I left the row, I looked back, and she was down on her hands and knees. They never said the truth was easy, and she could go home and still decide not to believe me, but I’d finally said my piece. Words that the cops, my mother, my lawyer, and even the judge wouldn’t let me voice. It was finally off my chest.

Reaching the top of the path, I’d forgotten all about my conversation with Greyson and stopped in my tracks as he leaned on the car, shirtless with his sunglasses on. My mood immediately shifted, but so did his. The smile fell from his face, and he marched over to me.

“Who am I killing?”

I laid my hand on his chest. “No one.” I lifted the bottle. “I couldn’t leave this at my sister’s grave.”

“You sure that’s all?”

I nodded. “Yeah, but I do appreciate this look.”

“Don’t worry. I plan on showing you all of me before we leave the city.” I smirked as he wrapped his arm around me. He looked over his shoulder as a soft sob could be heard on the breeze.

“There’s a service going on.” He nodded and I was happy he didn’t push. I wouldn’t put it past him to want to hurt my mother for upsetting me, and I didn’t want her blood on my hands. I already had two skeletons reaching for me from the grave, and I didn’t need to add a third.

After the cemetery, we grabbed coffee and ran errands. Doing everyday, mundane tasks with a man you know could easily slice open anyone’s throat is…odd. We went to the grocery store, and Greyson complained about how the butcher cut our steaks and demanded new ones. Then we went to the hardware store, and he pointed out a guy buying all the fixings to make a bomb and another who was going to attempt a very amateur kidnapping. I stared at the seemingly normal men with what looked like standard house or garden supplies and wondered what he saw that I didn’t. Then I wondered how often that happened.

A couple of hours later, we pulled up in front of Miss Harper’s Diner, and a flash of fear flew through me. I looked over at Greyson as he turned the car off.

“Why are we here,” I asked, grabbing his arm.

Usually, that devious smirk made my body hot, but right now, all I needed was for him to say he wasn’t going to hurt Miss Harper. I couldn’t think of why he would want to, but why else would we be here?

“Do you really think I’m going to storm into the diner and kill Miss Harper?”

“No, but you could be plotting something, or I’ve somehow angered you, and you want to make it clear what I have to lose, or you could come back tonight.” I glared at him as he laughed. “Don’t laugh at me. All of those scenarios are very possible.”

He cupped my cheek. “This is a very awkward moment for me. The fear in your eyes is making me fucking hard, but we are also past me killing your friends. Unless, of course, you run off. That still stands because I’m never letting you go,” he said, and there was a steely edge to the way he spoke that made me swallow hard. Greyson leaned in closer, his lips curving up. “But if you ever want me to chase you again….” His tongue ran seductively over his bottom lip. “Now that is a different story altogether.”

It was like I was fucking and sleeping with a wild animal. You never knew when it would turn and rip your arm off before eating you. I remained still, staring at him. It was best not to move, or I might get dragged into the back of the car. There was nothing I’d put past him.

“Okay, I give you my word that I’m not here to hurt Miss Harper or planning to come back later. Feel better?”

“Or go to her home or anywhere else. Swear to me you’ll never hurt her unless I break the rule about leaving.”

“Smart to close all loopholes. Yes, I promise.” He pushed out his lip while making an X over his heart. It was far too sexy and troubling at the same time. Nodding, I took a deep breath and got out of the car.

Nostalgia gripped me as the door chime rang, and I remembered the first time that I had stepped foot in this place. The smell of the food was the same. No matter what financial issues Miss Harper was having, she never let the quality of the food dip.

“I’ll be right there. Grab a seat wherever you like,” Miss Harper called from the kitchen, making me smile. Some things never changed. I hated that the diner was only half full. We were getting close to Mardi Gras, and this place should be busy with locals, if not tourists.

“Well, now what can I get you,” Miss Harper asked and then looked up, her face going from friendly to overjoyed in a blink. “Alora, it’s so good to see you. I’ve been worried sick. Come here and give me a hug.”

Slipping from the booth, I was immediately pulled into her arms. Her hugs were always so warm, and I sighed. She felt like coming home. Miss Harper pulled back and wiped away the tears streaming down her cheeks. “Goodness, look at me. I’m a right mess.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch, I….” I looked down. “I slipped. But I’m dry again, and Greyson here has been a big part of that.”

“Well, I hate to hear that happened to you, sweetie. But I’m excited to see you getting out and having a life. Mr. Laurent is fine on the eyes,” she said, making me blush as Greyson laughed. “I’m so happy for you, dear heart.” She looked between the two of us. “I’m just not sure why you’re both here. Not that I’m complaining. But when I didn’t hear anything from you, Mr. Laurent, I figured you didn’t want the diner.”

Greyson casually leaned on the table with a warm and welcoming smile on his face. I bet he could sell anything to anyone. He was that damn good. “I’ve been busy, but I’d like to make an offer. Do you have a few minutes to chat?” Miss Harper looked around.

“I’ll be real honest with you. Business has been terrible, and I don’t know if I can last much longer than six months. This old building needs repairs, and the location is not what it used to be. I just don’t think it’s worth you spending hard-earned money.”

“Have a seat, and I’ll tell you what I’m thinking,” Greyson said. I sat down beside him as Miss Harper slid into the booth across from us. I had zero idea what he was up to, so I was just as curious as Miss Harper about what his plan was to save this place.

Greyson placed his hand on my leg, and it was both comforting and erotic. Everything he did had an edge to it that I couldn’t explain. His fingers looked innocent, and yet his pinky was high enough that if wiggled, it was not.

“So, this is what I propose. I have a different property already purchased and just waiting for a business. I wasn’t sure if I was going to open another bar, but it’s right near a busy mall. The area is seriously lacking for locals who want a homecooked meal, and the tourist traffic will be high.”

“What would happen with this place,” Miss Harper asked.

“Unfortunately, the neighborhood has changed, and I’m not sure what I’ll do with it yet. I’ll figure out what the market is demanding.”

I saw the reservation in Miss Harper’s eyes. She glanced down, wringing her hands, and I felt the weight of the world sitting on her shoulders. Reaching out, I gripped them, and she sighed.

“I guess I’m not in a position to worry about what happens once I’m gone. You could bulldoze it, and it wouldn’t be any of my business.”

“I don’t want to do that. Miss Harper’s Diner won’t disappear. It’ll just change locations. I want to buy you out, but I would keep the name and all the décor, with a few more modern changes, and best of all, I still want you to manage it. What is Miss Harper’s Diner without Miss Harper?”

“Are you serious,” Miss Harper and I asked at the same time.

“I never joke when it comes to business. This place has amazing food. Your king cake is the best I’ve ever eaten, and your gumbo makes me proud to say I was born in Louisiana. You have the freedom to run the business and make sure the food and staff are on point, but I take on all the other headaches. So what do you say?”

Miss Harper gripped my hand tightly as she covered her mouth. Tears shimmered in her eyes when she cleared her throat.

“I say, where do I sign,” Miss Harper said, making us all laugh.

“I’ll give you fair market value, and we can discuss salary on my next visit. I have few other stops to make today.”

Taking the hint, I slipped out of the booth and stood. Greyson stood beside me with his hand around my waist as he shook Miss Harper’s hand. “I’ll be by next week to talk terms, and then I’ll have the contract drafted.”

I didn’t think that Miss Harper could smile any wider, but I was wrong. The beaming look lit up the entire diner. “Thank you. I feel like you coming into both mine and Alora’s life is…well, it’s like you’re our guardian angel.”

It was a good thing I wasn’t drinking anything because I would’ve spit it out on the floor. Greyson smiled and gave me a wink, and it took everything I had not to laugh. There were many things I would call Greyson, but angel? Not a chance. Not unless he had a dented halo and black wings.

“That was really quite sweet of you,” I said as we stepped outside. Breaking off a piece of the king cake, Miss Harper insisted we take with us and popping it in my mouth.

“I am sweet. Just ask my mom,” Greyson said, and I laughed but then sobered and touched his cheek.

“You are complicated, but yes, there is a part of you that is incredibly warm and generous. It may not be the piece of you that feeds your soul, but it feeds mine. All of you feeds mine. Tell me, did you do this because of me?”

“I never do anything for just one reason,” he said. Grabbing the back of my neck, he pulled me in for a hard, quick kiss that left my head spinning and my lips swollen. “But, you were a big part of the reason.” I smiled, laying my hand on his chest. “Speaking of feeding, I know a great spot with an amazing view. I plan to feast on you as we watch the sunset.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and I rubbed my thighs together. “I thought you had other errands to run?”

“You are my errand, at least the only one that matters. Come on, before I change my mind and lay you out on the hood of the car in front of Miss Harper just to freak you out.”

“Okay, time to go,” I said, pulling him toward the car as he chuckled.

There was no telling what tomorrow was going to bring with Greyson. For all I knew, he would get bored and kill me. If that was the case, then…that was a risk I was willing to take. Being with him was living. I’d forgotten what that felt like. Maybe I never actually knew. One thing was for certain. I was going to hang on to this and him until death—however that came—knocked on my door.