CHAPTER 8

S ara

Men were pigs.

I’d come to that conclusion after the grueling night. Had an underground asylum opened up, allowing their dark and devious patients a free pass for a night? I’d never been propositioned as many times as I had during my shift.

Thankfully, none of the jerks had gone as far as Jerry had. They should thank their lucky stars for that. Mr. Phantom of the Opera had continued watching everything I did even when I wasn’t servicing his table, and I knew without a doubt my resident hero would have pummeled the face of any man who’d dared accost me with too much verve.

While I’d purposely tried my best to stay away from Zach’s table, his buddies had been heavy drinkers, constantly whistling for my attention.

Zach had been polite, but his eyes had told a different story.

The man had been hungering for me.

Not that I could say I wouldn’t enjoy a single night of passion with the man. How long had it been since I’d even been interested? So long, I was hoping it worked like getting back on a bike. At least I was able to laugh at myself.

Damn all men.

That was easier for me to think about.

At least the shitshow was over and I could pretend the night had never occurred.

My God, I was discombobulated. I’d left the building wearing my complete costume, barely grabbing my things from my locker on the way out, I’d been in such a hurry. At least I’d managed to drive my legs into a pair of jeans and toss on my light jacket. If I was pulled over for a traffic violation, the cops would think I was off my rocker given the makeup remaining on my face.

I hadn’t cared. I’d felt suffocated, wanting nothing more than to get the hell into the fresh air. Sadly, there was a distinct stench in the air.

Alcohol.

Cigarette smoke.

Puke and piss from idiots using the alley.

And something else.

Death.

I was certain of it, as if a fresh body had been tossed behind the dumpsters. I was macabre that way, seeing boogeymen in every corner of my world at any given time. I’d laugh off the sensations had Jerry not provided me with a heaping helping of the creepy-crawlies. Why tonight?

The answer that had been floating in my mind was strange. It was as if the world as I knew it was about to change.

Angry with myself, I no longer felt suffocated, just intolerant of stupidity. I stared at the mask I’d grabbed, the latest purchase off the cuff, but it had gone over well. How many nights had I worn a mask since accepting a position with Club Sanity? At least two hundred. Not once had I felt claustrophobic in them. Ugh. All because of some creep on steroids.

After shoving the mask into my bag, I took long strides through the parking lot, constantly scanning the area as I did every night. My legs ached more than usual. Nothing a delicious glass of wine and a long bath couldn’t cure. Thank God tomorrow was Sunday. At least I could curl under the covers all day long if I wanted to.

“You think you’re something special. Don’t you? I caught you.”

Instantly, I froze.

“You are a piece of work,” he added.

My breath caught in my throat. I was standing right beside my car, my keys in my hands, but the man’s voice indicated he was right behind me. Mere inches away. The employee parking lot was well lit and I’d never felt uncomfortable. But tonight was a different story. Often one of the bouncers ensured every employee who worked until closing made it to their vehicles safely, but a last-minute bar fight had prevented either man from standing guard in the parking lot.

It was after two-thirty, a time I liked to call the bewitching hour. While Chicago was like the Big Apple in that the city never seemed to sleep, the majority of activities had been taken indoors by this point.

I’d never felt so alone or vulnerable.

If his determined words were any indication, he wasn’t the least bit intoxicated.

“Jerry, you need to go home.”

“I think I’ll stay. Do you have any idea who I am?”

Was he kidding me? I couldn’t care less who he was. But I knew what he was. A complete asshole.

“Jerry, remember? Don’t you have a wife?” I’d taught myself to be extremely observant over the years, noticing the man’s wedding ring a few visits earlier. I willed my hand to stop shaking so I could slide it into the locking mechanism.

While he didn’t stop me, I sensed he’d crept even closer.

Unfortunately, he had me pinned in. Running would mean being forced to go around him. I feared I’d never be allowed to do that.

He laughed and my skin crawled. “She’ll wait. Bitches always do. You’re not hiding from anyone. I hope you understand that.”

Hiding? Was he talking about the mask? He was inching even closer.

“What the fuck do you want?” The heat of his body indicated he was so close I’d never be able to open my car door. I carried mace. I had a pocketknife. I’d gone to self-defense classes, although that had been years before. Why did I have such a terrible feeling I’d never be able to defend myself with any of those methods?

Not a single vehicle had passed by on the road since I’d left the building. This time of night, the club was the last thing left open after ten. Even if I screamed, I doubted anyone was going to hear me. The building had thick soundproofing due to the loud music and city ordinances, no residences within walking distance. I would never have believed Jerry would turn out to be a creeper.

“I’m just issuing a warning. Nothing more. Your days are numbered. But since you were such a bitch, I thought we’d have a little fun afterwards. Just you and me. I’ll call it a perk.”

“Just give me the warning and go away. I need to get home and take care of my sick brother.” As if that would work. Now my voice was shaking. I could tell by his chuckle of amusement he was having a good time with my heightened fear.

I elbowed the jerk and he was much stronger than I’d originally thought, spinning me around and snapping his hand around my throat. When he squeezed, I did what I could to knee him in the groin.

“I’m going to fuck you like?—”

The bastard never got a chance to finish what he’d started before inside the bar.

The whooshing sound was like something heard straight out of an action flick, the hard thud following a clear indication damage had been done to a human body. I slowly turned, wishing I could feel sorry for Jerry as he lay crumpled in a huge lump against the side of the brick building. But that would just be another lie.

The moment was frozen in time as the man I’d lightly called my hero stood over Jerry, giving the creep his full attention. He was calm, something that struck me even more strangely than how the events had unfolded. I could easily tell Zach was saying something to the downed man although I couldn’t hear the words.

And Jerry was paying close attention, looking up at him as if the man was a god. Maybe he was. Zachariah was certainly powerful enough. That much had been captured by dozens of internet articles and glossy magazine spreads. Zach was a celebrity in his own right just like his two brothers.

It didn’t hurt that there’d always been an air of danger surrounding the trio.

If I was a smart girl, I’d slide into my car, start the engine, and leave. But it felt as if I was watching a train wreck, Jerry even pushing himself against the wall as if praying the bricks would give way and swallow him whole.

Very slowly, Zach turned in my direction, his eyes finding mine. He stood still, only the light breeze flowing through his disheveled strands of hair creating any movement. I was thankful I was still wearing the garish makeup I always used even when wearing a mask. I’d had a single customer rip off my mask during a performance, exposing my face. Thank God, the man controlling the lighting had shut down the lights, a bouncer grabbing my mask from the unwanted customer and tossing him out.

But I’d wondered from that moment if I’d been exposed. I had my reasons for being concerned even though I’d taken great steps to become someone else. That was hard to do when holding so much responsibility in caring for another human.

While my brother was now considered an adult, the connection to my former life and that of my parents remained. No one’s identities were invisible in this day and age. Maybe it would take some serious digging to learn our heritage, but it was still possible.

At least I felt a limited sense of protection against a man wielding so much power.

There was such a sense of knowing, yet seeing him without his mask was more spectacular than the few times he’d walked through the admin pool on his way to a meeting. He was so confident, capable of handling anything and anyone if he so chose.

Truth be told, I’d had very dark fantasies with him as a star player from the first week of employment. The fact my heart was fluttering was a clear indication nothing had changed.

He acted as if he was going to walk away, allowing me to escape without my identity being discovered. But something caught my line of sight. It appeared Jerry had reached for a weapon. I had no idea how Zach could tell something was wrong other than I’d opened my eyes even wider, but he spun around, wrapping one hand around Jerry’s throat and lifting him completely off the ground.

With the other, he yanked whatever Jerry was holding, shoving it into his pocket. I was pretty certain I heard a primal growl before Zach issued four hard, rapid punches against Jerry’s face before tossing him aside. A few more words were spoken before Zach stepped over the man.

And he was headed in my direction.

Jerry moaned, the agonizing sound providing a hint of glee. Maybe I wasn’t the nice girl I liked to portray after all.

Zach continued to advance while I debated making a grand escape. What good would that do me at this point? I had a feeling from the way Zach was allowing his gaze to fall ever so slowly that he’d follow me. Was it possible I wanted him to?

I swallowed hard when he was only a couple of feet away, darting yet another glance toward where Jerry was clawing his way up the brick wall.

My savior casually glanced over his shoulder, chuckling in a way that indicated he had no qualms about beating the man to a bloody pulp if necessary. How strange I felt thrilled from the thought.

“Are you alright, Wild Kitty?” He didn’t use the name as if it was a pseudonym, but more as a moniker reflecting my personality.

“I’m fine. He’s just…”

“An asshole?” Every move he made was methodical, his slow and deliberate steps echoing on the pavement.

I laughed, but the sound remained nervous. Jerry grumbled something while pushing himself away from the wall. I sensed Zach was still studying me carefully. My guess was he was uncertain why I’d been so popular. “Just misguided. Thank you for stepping in. Again.” What kind of warning was the jerk planning on issuing? My nerves remained on edge.

“My pleasure.” He threw another look at Jerry and frowned. “Did he say something to you?”

“Just crazy shit about me being a bitch.” I wasn’t going to tell a perfect stranger the jerk had acted like he was threatening me.

Zach didn’t crowd my space any more than he already had, which I was grateful for, considering the electricity was worse than it had been before. I didn’t know why I was thinking about it in negative terms, except no good came out of being so terribly attracted to someone who was untouchable.

Perhaps he sensed my discord, the moment more awkward than I was used to. He took a step back, shoving his hands into the pockets of his tuxedo trousers. He’d removed his mask and bowtie, unbuttoning his dazzling white shirt and exposing a hint of the tattoos covering a portion of his broad chest. I couldn’t help but glance at it, drawn by what I could see of the intricate design.

Just then as if on some twisted cue, my stomach rumbled loudly. Tonight, I was starving, eager to eat pointless but delicious carbs while consuming my wine.

He immediately heard the sound, grinning instead of smirking as he usually did in the office. The action highlighted his dimples, creating an even more youthful appearance. He seemed somewhere near forty, a hint of gray at his temples the only giveaway he’d lived a full life.

He was beautiful in every other regard, his facial features perfectly chiseled and utterly aristocratic with a high forehead and carved cheekbones. His hair was thick, the kind of long strands women fantasized about running their fingers through during a heated moment of passion.

Okay, myself included.

He stared at my stomach as if an alien creature would soon break free from the tight confines. I covered my abdomen protectively, laughing before issuing a single snort, a signature sound when I felt free enough to do so. Why I did around him was beyond me. Most men hated the noise.

His nose wrinkled and his demeanor changed, his body tensing. I could swear it was as if his entire being was filling with lust.

I was caught off guard, my nipples instantly aching.

“You need to eat. Go home,” he said in a commanding tone, one that drew me in like a sweet, velveteen lure. “I’ll make certain you get home safely.”

“It’s been a long night, but don’t worry. I’ll be fine. It’s not too far from here.”

“Yes, a long night, but still longer for some. What will you have to eat when you get home?”

The question might seem strange, but I had a feeling he was trying to make me feel less nervous.

“If I could, I’d get a sloppy cheeseburger with a sack full of French fries and a delicious malted milkshake on the side. But that would be sinful.”

His eyes were suddenly hooded, his breathing more ragged than before. “There is nothing wrong with indulging in sin during portions of your life. It makes everything worthwhile.”

Whew, if the way he issued the words didn’t send a heated series of sensations crisscrossing the length of my body.

“Everything in moderation as my mother would tell me.”

“At times, but letting go when it’s least expected can be joyful.” It was as if he knew that from experience. “Why if you could?”

I laughed nervously again, now feeling embarrassed. “That would be considered a luxury and I’m on a budget.”

“I see.”

I bet he didn’t, not with as much money as he made.

The awkwardness was ripped apart by Jerry slamming his hands on a vehicle, using the cold, hard steel to prop himself up.

“I guess I’ll go. Thank you again.” How silly of me that I rubbed my aching stomach when my throbbing pussy bothered me even more. I started to turn toward my car, no longer surprised how strongly my body responded to his presence. “One question. What did you say to Jerry?” I tilted my head so I could look directly into his eyes.

Zach took a deep breath before answering. “I merely reminded him that having good manners was in his best interest.”

“Wise words.” An even wiser threat. I don’t know why I thought that other than everything I’d heard about the man’s reputation. I finished unlocking my car, finding myself struggling to open the door. Once inside, I tossed my purse and breathed a sigh of relief. What a strange night.

After sliding the key into the ignition, I immediately tried to turn over the engine. There was nothing but a series of clicking noises.

No. Shit, no.

There was no reason for my battery not to start. It was brand new. The one thing my father had taught me was to make certain my vehicles were property maintained. Plus, my brother would kick my butt for ignoring the rules of owning a car. I tried it again, holding my breath as I did so.

Nothing.

Tears of exasperation were right there, already clouding my vision. I could usually handle little situations like this. I was a big girl, but tonight, the exhaustion and anxiety from having overdue bills and the thought of losing both jobs was finally getting to me.

A sharp rap on the window forced me to snap up my head. Fear immediately swept through me, which was ridiculous. With my breath hotter than normal, the inside of the glass surface was instantly fogged. I had to open my door and very slowly a familiar face appeared.

“Having a little trouble?”

Zach was right there, his handsome face filled with concern. I’d heard the man wasn’t interested in helping anyone. Why was he bothering to check on me? “Um, just my battery. I think.”

“Do me a favor. Pop the hood. Let me take a quick look.”

I glanced out the windshield, ensuring Jerry wasn’t lurking around. I didn’t see him. At least my instincts told me Zach wasn’t a serial killer or master criminal in disguise. He had a huge reputation to maintain.

So I popped the hood.

I noticed a flash of light only seconds later. The man came prepared with a flashlight in his pocket. I sat where I was, huddling in the cool air. There was no reason to be as chilly as I was other than from the earlier hit of fear.

He was under the hood for only a few seconds, gently securing it seconds later. Why did I have a terrible feeling it wasn’t the battery?

After a quick knock, he bent down again. “It doesn’t appear to be your battery.”

“Shit. Shit. Shit. I just can’t…” I was going to tell him I really couldn’t afford an expensive repair bill? Great. That was just excellent on my part. “I guess I’ll call an Uber.”

“At this time of night? Come on. Get out. I know someone who can help. In the meantime, I’ll take you home.”

“What does that mean? No offense, but I don’t know you.”

Zach took a step backward, lifting his head for a few seconds. “You’re right. How about this. You’re hungry. I’m hungry. I know a twenty-four-hour diner than makes some killer burgers. We’ll go there and indulge in sin while the guy I know pays me back for a favor. Hopefully, he can get your car started again. Fair enough?”

I grabbed my purse, holding it close, fighting the urge to pull out my mace. A girl certainly couldn’t be too careful.

“You’ve heard of Silver’s Diner. Right?” he added.

I had although I’d never been there. “It’s not far away. Right?”

“Just down the road. Less than a mile. I’ll drive. I promise you I’m not a serial kidnapper.” He had to grin, which was the most infectious aspect about the handsome man.

Fuck. What choice did I have? My best friend was likely fast asleep by now, my brother safely tucked away at college. I didn’t have but so many friends and none of them knew what I did for extra cash. Exposing all of myself right now wasn’t something I was interested in doing.

“Okay. But my treat.”

“Fair enough.” He eyed me warily, a slight sly look returning.

I slowly eased from my car, closing and locking it. “What about my keys?”

“The man I know will meet us at the diner. Stop worrying. Let’s go.”

Perhaps against my better judgment, I moved closer and started walking with him.

The eeriest feeling washed over me, as if this accidental happenstance would alter my life.

How wild since this girl didn’t believe in fairytales.