by J A Wynters
“Yeah, buddy. I’m excited too.”
I sat on the concrete floor, my ass getting used to the cold hardness, when I heard the door open and slam shut. It was followed by the sucking of air. I smirked. They always react that way when that door slams.
“We’re closed. Come back tomorrow.” I didn’t bother looking up. I was just where I wanted to be.
“I was told you may have a job for me?” Her voice rang, soft and sweet, against the harsh cold walls. I turned to look at the intruder.
She wore knee-high, black, leather boots that showed off just enough leg before her black skirt covered the rest. My eyes travelled the length of her slim torso, which was wrapped up in a leather jacket. Her brown hair cascaded in waves across her shoulders. Her lips shone in a deep red hue. Her hazel eyes rested on Spots, who was wagging his tail.
“Hey boy.” She smiled at him. I stood up wiping my hands on my jeans.
“Leave her alone. Go to your room.” Spots ignored me and bounded against her leg.
“Don’t worry about him. He’s gorgeous.” She squatted and patted his head, letting him lick her palms.
“Spots! Go, now.” He froze for a second then scooted out of the room. I shouldn’t have yelled at him, but I would apologise later.
“You didn’t have to, I really didn’t mi—”
“Who are you and what do you want?” I was harsh and curt.
“Oh, my name is Mia.” She offered me a shaky smile; I had clearly knocked the wind out of her sail. “I was told you might have work for me?”
“And, who told you that?”
“Stephano.”
I grimaced at the mention of his name. “How do you know him?” I raised an eyebrow; she didn’t look like the kind of girl to hang around the likes of him. Then again, what the fuck do I know? I’ve known her all of three seconds, and I was about to un-know her.
“We’re related.”
“Poor you.”
“It’s a distant relationship.”
“Doesn’t make it any better.”
“No, guess not.” She cocked her head and the gesture made me smile. Or maybe it was the way she swung her hip and crossed her arms. I was suddenly noticing too many things about this woman.
“Look, I’m not sure what that piece of shit told you, but I’m not hiring.”
“But, I need a job.”
“So, go find one elsewhere. I’m sure you can wait tables or answer phones somewhere.”
“I’ve tried.”
“Try some more. I have nothing for you.” She was persistent, but I was all out of charity.
“Please, just give me a shot.”
“I just told you; I’m not hiring.”
“Please,” her eyes welled with tears, “I’m desperate.”
“Not my problem.” I wanted to turn my back on her, but my legs wouldn’t spin and my body wouldn’t co-operate. Then my mouth and brain stopped communicating and words came flowing out. “Unless you can work on transmissions, I can’t really help you.”
She blinked away the unshed tears, and her lips twitched with a hint of a smile. “Well, I guess that depends, is there a delayed vehicle response when you shift from park to reverse? Or is the transmission slipping when the car is shifting gears? Or is it the shakes? Or is it leaking? Or—”
“Okay, okay. So, you know a bit about transmissions.”
“I know everything there is to know.”
“Is that right?” My heart was suddenly pounding, and I brushed the hair out of my face.
“Why don’t you test me out? I’ll come tomorrow. Give me any car, and I’ll show you what I can do.” Suddenly I had some very unholy thoughts as to what this woman could do, and not just to cars.
“Like I said, I’m not hiring.” This needed to be shut down now.
“Please.” She took a step forward, and her perfume wafted towards me. She peeled off her jacket to reveal a singlet below. It showed off a delicate black outline of a rose tattoo.
My stomach coiled and I had to fight a sudden urge to strip the rest of her clothes off and see what else her skin hid. Her jacket landed on the floor with a muted thud, and she grabbed the wrench I had discarded when she walked in. I didn’t know what her intentions were. Did she think she would convince me by tightening some screws? Either way, she wasn’t going to work for me.
I grabbed her wrist and stopped her advance, wanting to keep her away from the bike. “Stop.”
I released her and held out my hand. She held my gaze for a full second, the flecks in her eyes burning. She placed the wrench in my palm, her fingers trailing along my skin, leaving hot tingles in their wake. She lingered there for just a second as her big eyes searched mine. I turned away and sucked in a deep breath.
“Look, um—what did you say your name was again?”
“Mia. Mia Rizzi.”
“Mia, right. Look—”
“Please.” She cut me off and the fear in her voice tore me up inside. I have known desperation and, although I didn’t know her story, I knew what fear tasted like.
I stepped back, the sweetness of her perfume overpowering, making me dizzy. I rubbed my temples and sighed.
“Can you manage accounts, do inventory…that sort of thing?”
“Well yeah, I can, but I was hoping you’d let me work on the floor.”
“It’s the office or nothing.”
“Is it because I’m a girl?” Her eyebrows knitted together and she pouted. I wanted to suck that pout right off her face.
I cleared my throat, “Yes.”
“That’s sexist.”
“It’s to do with workplace efficiency.”
“I don’t understand.”
I sighed. “You’re going to be too much of a distraction.” There, I said it. And I didn’t get the reaction I thought I was going to get. I’m really not sure why I thought she’d be flattered. Was I even giving her a compliment?
Shit, I needed help talking to women. But right then, I had another problem—the tiny, little dynamite stick that was walking towards me.
Her hips swung just a little as she closed the distance between us, her skirt hiking an inch up her creamy, smooth thigh. Suddenly, my mouth was too dry and swallowing became too hard.
“That’s sexist. It’s not my problem men can’t keep their dicks in their pants.”
“But it’s going to become my problem! I need them to work, not stare at you—” I gestured like an idiot at her body, “your body.” I felt sweat on my forehead. I felt sixteen again, uncertain and clumsy. Who was this woman?
“I bet if you were working in an all women’s factory, you’d hate to be put in the office.” Did she just give me a compliment or call me a girl?
“The job opening is for an office job only. Take it or leave it.”
“Fine!” She scowled, crossing her arms again.
“Fine!” I gritted my teeth, as she flicked locks of hair over her shoulder, exposing her long neck and the swell of her breasts.
“When can I start?” Her eyes hovered on mine.
“Come tomorrow morning and I’ll show you around.”
Her scowl dissolved into a relieved smile that lit up her face, “Thank you.” Mia whirled around and bent over to pick up her discarded jacket.
Her skirt hitched up as she bent down.
Now I tried, maybe not as hard as I should have, but fuck it; I couldn’t keep my eyes off those legs of hers. The skirt hitched up a few more notches, and beneath I could see the traces of black panties.
My cock fought against my jeans, which all of a sudden felt too tight. She turned back to me and gave me a final thanks before the door slammed shut behind her.
As soon as that door closed, it felt as if all the air was sucked out of the room with her. Like a tornado had just raged inside, I felt wrecked. My heart thumped and I adjusted my pants, my cock seeking what was no longer there. Except for her smell, she left that shit everywhere.
My mind felt cloudy and turbulent. W
hat did I just do? This desire that Mia had stirred up in me felt dangerous and raw. I needed to clear my head; I needed the world to make sense; I needed to fuck the desire for Mia right out of my system, and then I needed to fire her.
I pulled out my phone and called Valentina. She was always good for a quick release. She would let me violate her in the most indecent of ways. I could leave her, wasted, unapologetic, and clearheaded.
She answered the phone after the first ring. Her needy voice grated against my nerves. I knew she wanted me. I knew she wanted so much more of me—all of me. But I didn’t feel the same. I didn’t feel anything at all. She was just a warm body, nothing more. A rag doll that let me take out all of my anger and frustrations, a desperate thing that allowed me to do the worst to it and beg me for more. I didn’t feel bad for her.
When we first met, I told her there weren’t going to be feelings involved. It was just a physical need being fulfilled. I needed her to be my release valve whenever I was angry or lonely or lost. The deeper I sank, the rougher I became and the more she allowed me. It was cruel. But all I had to give, was only what I could take from her.
I parked outside her house, and I could see the lights from underneath her dark curtains. I could envision her half naked and ready, begging for me, willing me to do what I wanted, taking it, and allowing it. It was pitiful.
My mind filled with thoughts of Mia. Her smart mouth, pale skin, and that delicate rose tattoo. I wanted to colour that rose with her blood as I bit into her. My cock twitched at the thought. I hit the steering wheel with both hands and screeched away.
When Valentina called me an hour later, I let the phone ring. After the eighth try, she gave up. I sucked down the last of my beer and left it on the counter. I peeled off my shirt. My body ached with the day’s weight. My hands burned with small scratches, and my nails were black with oil. I wanted to wash the day from my body; I wanted to wash away the thoughts of Alice and Valentina—they both stained my soul like grease.
I stood under the hot deluge and pumped some body wash into my hands. I worked the liquid into a lather and washed myself, trying to cleanse my thoughts. Till they landed on Mia and the way her skirt travelled up her thigh.
My cocked twitched again and this time it asked for attention. I lathered more soap onto my hand and began to stroke my hardening shaft while seeing Mia’s hot-red lips, imagining them around my cock.
Her long slim legs wrapped around me.
My head buried in her neck, her perfume enveloping me as I had her.
Fucked her.
Took her.
Claimed her.
My stomach coiled as pleasure built in my core, my cock harder, swelling in my hand. With a final pump I jerked, releasing myself over the shower tiles. I groaned at the release, holding onto the wall, catching my breath.
I rinsed myself and towelled off, feeling an anti-climax. Orgasming in my hand with little foreplay felt satisfying, but not particularly pleasurable. Just empty.
That night I was plagued by dreams of black lips and red roses.
I was only halfway through my coffee when the door slammed shut.
I heard a faint ‘shit’ as it echoed through the shop. My lips twitched at the sound and, despite my protests, my heart fluttered in my chest.
Her heels clanged against the concrete floor, and I stepped out of the kitchen to greet her. I gritted my teeth as I took her in.
Her face stretched in a grin when she saw me crossing the workshop towards her. “You’re early.” I admonished her.
The smile faltered a little. “Isn’t it better than being late?”
I didn’t have time to argue or explain. “Come this way.” I turned my back to her and walked towards the staircase.
I led her into the office. Since taking the business over, I made some changes, destroyed memories, and created a clean slate.
Whereas Tony used to hide behind small windows and closed curtains, I made sure everyone knew I was watching. I tore down the walls, shattered his tiny glass panes, and replaced his secrets with wall to ceiling windows.
The office was sparsely furnished with a large handmade mahogany desk. All the paperwork was stored in a cabinet shelf against one wall, a water cooler and drink station rested against the other.
“You can work here today.”
“And where will you work?”
“I’ll be downstairs.” My jaw clenched, thinking I saw disappointment flash in her eyes.
I logged on to the computer and gestured for her to sit. She slung her handbag over the chair and removed her leather jacket, hanging it over the back of the chair. My breath stalled as she shimmied into the chair, her mini skirt catching against the leather, riding up her legs.
I tore my eyes from her legs and returned my attention to the screen. “Are you familiar with Quick Accounts Solutions?”
“Yeah, we used to use it on the farm.” I frowned and waited, but she didn’t give me anymore.
I leaned over the chair, clicking the mouse.
“Ok, here it is.” I was leaning so low my head was right beside hers. I could feel the heat radiating from her cheeks. I caught a whiff of her sweet perfume. It wasn’t nauseatingly sweet, but more like pine and freshly cut grass. She was a rose and I was suddenly attracted to her with the kind of reckless trance that brings a butterfly to nectar.
I rubbed the back of my neck and tried to concentrate on the screen, but my eyes kept flicking to her unbuttoned blouse, the show of skin above her knees, the wave of her hair.
“Do you understand?” I heard myself talking.
“Yes.” Mia reached for the mouse. Her hand snaking along mine, skin against skin, heat sliding up my arm. Her fingers fluttered over the plastic buttons as my own lingered. She turned to face me, and our eyes locked. I could feel her hot breath on my face, her lips glossy and red. I pulled my hand away from the mouse, and my fingers found their way to her gentle face. I swiped a strand of her hair, tucking it behind her ear—seemingly innocent. I ignored my chugging heart. I ignored every screaming thought and burning desire. Until I was too weak; until I was but a hairsbreadth away from stealing a kiss, from firing Mia, from losing my mind.
The sound of the roller door rattled through the workshop, slicing the tension. I yanked my hand away and sprung up like a spring that’d been wound too tight. Mia turned back to the screen, her cheeks flushed. I needed air. I needed to get away from the slew of thoughts in my head.
The guys walked into the workshop and glanced up at the office. They froze mid-step as they noticed Mia in my office. They grinned, then walked in as one.
“I’ll introduce you to the guys and show you the storeroom. You’ll have to print out the inventory lists and make sure you fulfil them.”
“Okay.” She sounded breathy.
I walked out of the office, assuming she was behind me. I had to get away from her.
I took the stairs two at a time. I needed more distance, quicker. I needed her to catch up, to be nearer. When I stepped onto the floor, three sets of eyes peered at me. Their cocked heads and smirks all disappeared as soon as Mia appeared beside me.
“This is Mia, Stephano’s… cousin.” It didn’t have to be true. No one would touch anything that was related to that mad man. Any trace of interest or jeering fell from their faces, and their eyes were suddenly fixed on anything but her. “She will do some office work around here while we catch up on the backlog.” There was a general murmur of agreement.
I turned to Mia and she didn’t look bothered by their looks, all straight backed and casual like she owned the fucking place. It was hot as hell. Maybe that’s why it bothered me so much.
“Meet Romeo, Leo and Joey.” She extended her hand and, like servants before their queen, they each stepped forward and shook her hand, almost bowing.
I have to admit, I was almost relieved to see them react to her that way. Maybe she wasn’t that special after all, just another body with round parts. I ground my teeth at the thought,
knowing I was lying to myself.
“Get to work. That Hyundai needs to be done today. I’ll finish showing Mia around, and I’ll be down soon.”
“Yes boss.” They chimed and dispersed.
“This way.” I marched off to the back room and yanked the door open. My hand searched the wall, and the lights exploded to life in a blinding flash. The storeroom seemed endless; shelves upon shelves heaped with parts, bolts, oils and tyres.
I spent the better part of an hour showing her that storeroom, knowing I was wasting time. With a routine inventory due in three days, there would be plenty of time for a detailed tour and explanations. But I wanted to be near her, appreciate how her delicate features fit in with all this hard coldness.
When I couldn’t waste any more time, I sent her upstairs and went to work with the boys. I needed my hands inside a metal body. Lifting, tuning, and fixing, keeping my mind firmly on the job and away from her.
For the first time since I took the place over, I stayed out of my office the entire day; I even ate lunch with the boys. I noticed how much more we completed. There were no interruptions, not one—not a single phone call, not a single delivery. I dived into the machine and there I remained. Now that I had resurfaced, a shiver ran down my spine. What the hell has she been doing with all my customers? I clenched my fists and stormed up the stairs. Why the hell did I relinquish so much control to a complete stranger? I was a fool.
I barged into my office, her eyes shot to me, and she flashed me her teeth. I was about to start shouting, swearing, and asking questions when she held up her hand and pointed at the phone.
“Sure thing, Mrs. Rogers. The car will be ready by Tuesday.” She nodded, “Yes well, unfortunately, when they removed the carburettor and opened the bowl, they found that it was completely corroded.” She looked at me and nodded into the phone, “Yes, it’s a standard rebuild and assembly and, as I’ve just said, it will be ready by Tuesday.”
My face went slack staring at her, listening to her. Mia knew what she was talking about, and I bet she knew almost as much about cars and engines as I did. I would have to find out where she learned everything. And if I could get her to cover up that sweet, sweet little body of hers, I might even let her to come down to the workshop. I sat on the edge of the table and admired her, her confidence, her spark.