Page 30

Alora

Greyson grabbed my hand and linked our fingers. I smiled but kept staring at the Molisano’s logo etched into the window. So much had changed from two nights ago. Greyson had taken care of Mr. Landry’s body and the bar cleanup. He wouldn’t let me help at all, saying it was something he enjoyed. If I hadn’t already seen what he did with those he dispatched, I would’ve thought that was a crazy line to protect me from what I’d done.

I expected the toxic guilt to return and wrap itself around my neck as the weight of it tried to drag me down all over again, but it didn’t. I purposely thought about the accident and Mr. Landry, but there was nothing. It was just gone. It was like Greyson had found a way to wipe the slate clean. Did I miss my sister any less? No. Was I still sorry for what happened and what led to Mr. Landry’s death? Yes.

As much as I loved Greyson, I would trade places with my sister if I could, but the blame that I’d been shrouding myself in had fallen away.

“What are you thinking about? Is something wrong,” Greyson asked, and I shook my head no.

“No, it’s just after the scene Mr. Landry made and the way I left…it’s hard to walk in there and ask Mr. Molisano if I can have my job back. I can’t say why I’m no longer worried about Mr. Landry. I don’t think telling him I killed the grieving father and you cleaned it up would work.”

Greyson chuckled, the sound as sexy as it was soft. He brought my knuckles to his lips and kissed each one. I still had little cuts all over my body from the glass I rolled on during the fight. It looked like I battled a cheese grater and lost. His eyes turned up to mine as his tongue swirled around one of the bigger cuts that was still bright red. With a groan, he pulled his mouth away.

“You don’t need to explain any of that. Just walk in there and say that you’ve had time to think about his offer and you’d like to still work for him. Apologize for letting what happened with Mr. Landry get to you, and tell him you refuse to let anyone chase you away from your dreams.”

“Can you put that on a flashcard for me,” I teased, making him smirk. “You make it sound so easy.”

“It is easy, and it’s the truth. He doesn’t need to know the details of what happened the last few weeks.” Greyson tucked my hair behind my ear before cupping my cheek. “Is there more going on? Are you thinking about Landry?”

Leaning into his hand, I soaked up the warmth of his skin. His touch felt so good and soothed all the fluttering in my stomach. “No, and yes. What happened here was the catalyst that started it all. The fight pushed me over the edge, and that’s why I ended up on the bridge. He is the reason we are here now.”

“Landry may have compelled you to drink, but he is not the reason we are together. Mark my words, you were always going to end up tied to my table.”

I swallowed hard. “Maybe so.” I watched as people wandered the street, completely unaware of the danger they were in just by walking past our car. If they did something that Greyson deemed to be unworthy of living, they wouldn’t last another day. At one point, it would’ve terrified me, but now…now, I was a different animal. “I defended myself the other night. I’ll never feel bad about that, but I don’t take pleasure in what I did to him, despite what we did. He was nothing more than a father grieving the loss of a child. He was lost in his despair, and I understand him and his anger.” Greyson searched my face, and I knew what he was looking for even if he didn’t say the words. “No, I don’t regret anything. Not the kill, not you, not us. I especially don’t regret how you’ve helped me find my strength.”

“You were always strong. You convinced yourself that you didn’t deserve to live, love, or chase your dreams. It’s called survivor’s guilt, Doll, and it was dragging you down and masking your potential.”

“And what potential do you see?”

His eyes burned with a fierceness that would terrify most, but the look no longer affected me that way. Instead, I wanted to drag him to the backseat and rip his clothes off. “I see someone who isn’t like anyone else I’ve ever met. Someone who can see more than skin deep to the real me.” His thumbs brushed against my cheek, and the hair rose on the back of my neck. I bit my lip with the excitement that fluttered in my chest.

“You are someone who doesn’t fear death. I see you walking hand-in-hand as it calls you friend, even if you can’t see it.” I shivered at the image of a hooded figure with a scythe and long, bony fingers holding my hand. “I see someone who loves with an unrivaled fierceness and will do whatever is needed to protect those she cares about. I also see someone who understands my cravings and will join me in my darker urges, someone who can handle who and what I am.”

His lips touched mine, and an electric charge raced through me. Greyson stared into my eyes, the sexual tension thickening with each passing second, and I didn’t need to look to know he was hard. His rich scent, which always had a touch of bourbon, filled my nose. It was like he had rubbed himself under my skin and left his mark as he branded my heart. He saved me from death only to push me headlong into it and drag me back out again, gasping. A rumble passed between his lips as one hand snaked around to my hair, and the other gripped my neck. I could see him fantasizing about how it felt when my heart stopped. My pussy twitched, wanting him to fuck me. He was right. I was just like him. Greyson Laurent was a toxin, or maybe an elixir to all that ailed me…I couldn’t decide which, but I needed him as much as he needed me.

“And what exactly are you,” I asked my voice husky with the breathlessness he instilled.

“I’m the thing under the bed that makes you not want to look. I’m the shadow in the corner waiting to strike and dance in your blood. But most of all, I’m the dark addiction that feeds your soul.” He pressed his lips to mine, and I shuddered from head to toe. “And I am yours.”

Our lips parted in sync, and his tongue danced with mine. Breathlessly, I broke the searing kiss. “I better go before we end up naked.”

“Trust me, Doll, it’s happening when you get back.” Grabbing my hand, he placed it on the hard length trapped inside his jeans. My fingers flexed, and my nipples hardened when he groaned. Sucking in a deep breath, I needed to get out of the truck. My thoughts were already mush.

Smoothing my hair, I pulled away as I checked the back seat. Yara was sound asleep and completely unaware of what her human parents were up to. Okay, I could do this. Opening the door, I hopped out, and Greyson gave me his patented wink.

I pulled my coat around me tighter as I jogged across the road and into Molisano’s just as Mr. Molisano walked out of the back with a large tray. It was very reminiscent of my first day of work.

His stride faltered, but with a smile that chased away all my fears, he set the tray down and walked around the counter. He didn’t even wait to see why I was there before pulling me into a hug.

“You are a sight for sore eyes. I’ve been so worried. The way you left…you just disappeared.” Holding me at arm’s length, he looked me over, his eyes lingering on the cut on my cheek. “Are you okay?”

“Actually, I’ve never been better. I…let’s just say that I’ve decided I’m not going to let people chase me away from my dreams anymore. If you will have me, I’d….”

“Yes,” he said before I could finish the question. “Yes, you can have your job back, but no more running.” He gripped my shoulders, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Can you start tomorrow?”

Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it over. “I’m taking an online class and have another part-time job, but this is my availability.”

He looked at the paper and then rolled his big shoulders. “I’ll take what I can get. I’ll put you on the schedule starting Sunday.”

“Thank you, and I’m sorry about everything. I promise it won’t ever happen again. I’m…I feel like a whole new person.”

The corner of his mouth turned up in a lopsided grin. “It suits you. Oh and no more Mr. Molisano. You can call me Massimo.” The door chimed, and I looked over my shoulder to see a group of four walking inside. “Duty calls.” Backing up, he pointed at me. “I’ll see you Sunday.” I nodded and slipped out past the people trying to decide what to order.

Greyson looked at me as I climbed into the truck. “Yes,” I yelled and clenched my fists. Greyson laughed, and Yara growled in the backseat as she looked out the window. “Sorry, girl, I’m just happy.” You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. “He said he was happy to have me back.”

“Of course he is. The cupcakes you did for the bar were a massive hit. I’m going to turn that into a weekly special,” he said, pulling away from the curb to head across town.

“I’m not sure where I’m going to have the time to bake two hundred cupcakes every week.”

“I plan on helping you,” he said, running his tongue over his lips. I wiggled in my seat. “Smearing you in red icing and licking it off holds a certain appeal.”

“I think you like smearing me in anything red and licking it off.” Greyson picked up my hand, our fingers twining together. “Don’t ever change that about yourself,” I said.

“No fear of that happening.”

We rode in silence to our next stop. I was more nervous about talking to Rex than I had been talking to Mr. Molisano. I spotted him standing in his usual spot under the tree across from the shelter and breathed a sigh of relief from just seeing him. It was silly. Rex was a grown man who had seen war and been through more than I could ever imagine. Yet I couldn’t stop worrying about him. He didn’t have anyone. Rex was divorced without kids, and his sister passed away last year from cancer. I felt like I was his family, but I couldn’t bring him home with us. It was too risky.

“Here you go,” Greyson said as he pulled the truck up to the corner and parked near the tree. Pulling the envelope out of the console, he held it out to me as Rex looked over at us. My heart pounded inside my chest. I was worried his stubborn ass would tell me no.

“Wish me luck,” I mumbled, opening the door.

“You don’t need it,” Greyson said as I climbed out.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in. I thought you’d decided to hightail it out of town without saying goodbye,” Rex said, turning to face me. He took a draw on his cigarette and then stubbed out the rest on the sole of his boot.

“I wouldn’t do that. I did get myself into some trouble, but…I’m better now,” I said, knowing that Rex wouldn’t press me about falling off the wagon.

“I see that.” He motioned to the cut on my cheek. “Did he do that,” he asked, looking over my shoulder at the truck.

“No, he didn’t. He actually saved my life.” Rex’s eyebrows shot up in obvious shock. “Thank you for telling him you hadn’t seen me all night. I…let’s just say I wouldn’t be standing here right now if Greyson hadn’t come looking for me.”

“Well shit, and here I was thinking he was shady as fuck.” I laughed hard. Greyson was definitely shady as fuck. “I’m glad to see you’re okay. So does this mean you’re back, or are you moving on?”

“Well, I’m hoping that we are both going to be moving on,” I said and then cleared my throat.

“Oh, is that so? And where exactly do you think I’m going to go?”

Clenching the envelope in my hand a little tighter, I quickly ran through the lie I had prepared. “Greyson has a lot of contacts with Veterans Affairs, and I asked him to put your name in for a few things.”

Rex crossed his arms and gave me a stern glare. “You know how I feel about handouts,” he said.

“It’s not. I promise. Just hear me out.” He motioned with his hand for me to continue. “They have a housing unit for soldiers and veterans, and they had a spot open up. They also have donations that are allocated to pay for surgeries, and the hospital has agreed to operate on your leg.”

“This is all sounding like a handout to me,” he scoffed. I crossed my arms and gave him my best ‘I wasn’t finished’ stare. “Sorry, go on.”

“They need workers. Everything from maintenance and painting to helping those who are struggling to readjust and just need someone to talk to who will understand. You can do all of that. You pay them back with your time and labor. This way, you wouldn’t need to…you know….”

“Eat oxy like candy?”

“I didn’t want to say it, but yes.” Walking forward, I held out the envelope. “It’s all legit, and this way, I still get to see you all the time. Molisano’s Artesian is not far away, and the owner is going to help me with school. One day, I might even buy him out.” Rex’s lip turned up.

“You better watch out. That almost sounded like a dream, Alora,” he said, and my face heated. I looked back at the truck and the man inside and nodded.

“Yeah, I’m beginning to believe I’m worth betting on, and I know you are worth it too. You have a lot left in you, Rex, and you helped me so much when I arrived. How many more people could you help who are struggling? Please, you’re my friend, and well…you know how I feel about you. It will mean everything to me if you take this opportunity.” I held out the envelope that had all the details and the offer to be signed.

“Oh sure, pull out the emotional card,” he said, but there was no anger in his tone. His weathered cheeks reddened as he drummed his fingers on his leg. I held my breath to see what he would say next as I mentally willed him to say yes. “You’re sure this is legit?”

“One hundred percent. They start with your operation, and as soon as you’re cleared, you’ll get a small apartment. Then you can choose what you want to do.” He chewed his bottom lip, and I stepped closer, gently placing the envelope in his hand and closing his fingers. “It’s not a handout, it’s a hand up. You kept telling me that I could dream, and you were right. You were one of the few people who made me feel safe and worth anything. Help more people, or just fix equipment, but allow yourself the opportunity to have more than this. You’re worth it, Rex. I believe in you.”

Emotion filled his eyes, and he grabbed me, pulling me into a brief, hard hug before stepping back. “Alright, I’ll go, but only because I want a free beignet and coffee when I come visit.”

I smiled, barely holding back the well of emotion inside me. “I’ll make it two beignets.”

“Oh, big talker.”

“They are expecting you tomorrow. I tossed a fifty in there for a cab. Don’t even bother trying to argue. You’d never make it there, you old hop-along,” I teased, making him laugh. Turning, I walked back to the truck but stopped with my hand on the door as Rex called my name. I stared at him as he looked at the envelope, tapping it against his hand before looking up at me once more.

“Thank you,” he said and then turned away as a tear slipped from his eye. “Alora…” He looked over his shoulder. “If you were my daughter, I’d be so fucking proud of you.”

My throat choked up as he walked away, and I had to blink back the tears that stung my eyes. Getting in the truck, Greyson didn’t say anything as we drove away. I watched Rex for as long as I could before we were too far, and he was nothing more than a pinprick in the distance. I really hoped he followed through.

“Why are we here,” I asked, as I shook myself out of deep thoughts and recognized the small church by the cemetery.

“I have a gift for you,” Greyson said, pulling out a small velvet box and handing it over. “No, it’s not a ring. At least not yet.”

“We don’t need rings or a ceremony. We had our own,” I said, lifting the lid and smiling as I stared at the blood-filled crystal.

“It’s mine of course. I wanted you to have a piece of me wherever you go,” Greyson said and leaned in for a kiss, which was tender and sweet. I nibbled at his lips as he pulled back.

“I love it,” I said, pulling the necklace out and dropping the leather rope over my head. It looked perfect sitting just above the dip to my breasts, and I ran my hand over the black and red piece. “Thank you.”

“I’m not done yet. I have another gift for you,” he said, and the evil glint that formed in his eyes had the blood in my veins pumping faster. “This gift you have to come with me to see.”

We got out of the truck, and I held Yara in my arms. It was silly, but I wondered if she was too young to see what was about to happen. I had a feeling I knew what this gift was, and once more, I knew why it was that I’d fallen so hard for this man. He was right. He wasn’t the type to offer flowers and chocolate as a gift. But a soul on a platter…that was a whole other story. If this was Keith, and I had a feeling it was, then it would be the sweetest platter ever served.

It was time that I got my justice.