by Skye Darrel
“I know.”
“He got me a paid internship there. Sawyer didn’t want anything in return. It’s not just me either. I’ve seen him help all his tenants. You know Mr. Kowalski down in apartment 150? He’s a retiree who lost his house. Sawyer's been letting him live here rent-free for years."
“Maria, Sawyer owns—” I stop myself midsentence. “Forget it. I shouldn’t say.”
“He owns BrightStar? I know, Sawyer told me.”
“H-He did?”
“He did,” Maria says. “It’s an open secret.”
I fidget my fingers. “Did he ever try to, you know, get together with you?”
Maria laughs. “I wish. I dropped a few hints, but Sawyer wasn’t interested. It was weird really, he seemed so lonely—and who’d turn me down, right? Some of my friends have a betting pool going on why he’s single. Until you came along, the leading theory was he’s into guys.”
“Well, he’s not into guys.”
“Guess not, Cher. But you’re the only girl I’ve seen him with.” Maria touches my elbow. “What happened?”
I look across the courtyard at Sawyer’s shut door. “It’s a long story.”
She hugs me again, saying we should stay in touch. She grabs her phone and adds me on Facebook. I tell her I don’t have an account, and this shocks her to no end. I guess I had other worries growing up. Maria helps me create an account in five minutes and becomes my first friend. Then we exchange numbers. “Stay in touch, Cher.”
“I will.”
“I mean it. If you need any help, I’m here for you. I know how hard it is to make it in the world on your own.”
“Thanks.”
She walks me to my car and waves as I drive out of Avalon’s lot. I wave back, the sadness in my heart growing. Maria is just one of those people who light up the world, and I wonder if that’s how Stacey was like.
I slow down briefly under the BrightStar billboard.
Funny, until now I’ve never looked at it up close. The board has BrightStar’s logo, surrounded by a swirly aqua-green pattern that reminds me somehow of dreams, which is also funny because the company wouldn’t exist without a smart boy’s nightmares. It makes me wonder what else good in the world comes from darkness. Then I stop thinking and turn onto the main street that will take me to the highway.
Gripping the wheel, I clear my thoughts and start the long road back to where I started. Bo Klein and his diner. I tell myself I’m only eighteen, and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, but right now all I can see is the tunnel.
Chapter Eleven
CHERYL
I knew my foster parents wouldn’t help me, so I called Bo Klein that night and asked if I could live in the attic space above his diner until I get my own place. Bo agreed, on the condition that I work for him. Not much choice really.
As it turned out, Bo had hired another server named Deborah, an eighteen-year-old fresh out of high school from a town nearby. I found out what kind of relationship they were in when I saw her on her knees in the back kitchen after closing, with Bo standing in front of her face. He made these hideous noises as she worked him.
The worst part is Deborah knows about my past with Bo, and she sees me as a threat. Like I came back to steal him away from her. She doesn’t need to worry about me.
Another morning two days after I came back, Bo called me to his office and told me how special I was, and If I wanted, he'd kick Deborah out. I turned him down again.
But I’m stuck between them, and it’s only getting worse. I sleep with one eye open at night. During the day, I have to watch out for Bo’s advances. He brushes up against me everywhere.
It’s only been a week since I left Avalon.
I don’t know how much more I can take. The highlight of my day is when Maria texts me, and we share problems. Mostly I share, and she cheers. Even from 130 miles away, she can make me laugh.
This afternoon, the diner is packed. I’m working four tables while Deborah leans against the counter sipping a cup of coffee.
Finally, I pull her aside. “A little help?”
“You’re doing fine, Cheryl.”
“Just help me with the customers,” I plead.
“I’m on my break.”
“You’ve been standing here for an hour.”
Deborah smiles, and then I hear the doorbell chime as another customer enters. No time to argue with her. I grab some menus and turn around.
Sawyer Ambrose strides toward me, dashing as ever, and my heart skips a beat. Buck walks through the door behind him, and Buck looks furious as ever.
I’m frozen to the spot.
Sawyer stops inches from my face. “Hello, Cheryl.”
“What are you doing here?” I whisper.
“Came to save you,” Sawyer says in a low, fierce voice.
Buck nods. “I’m the backup,” he says. “Didn’t mean to be an asshole when we met, Ms. Dolloway. I wasn’t aware of your—situation. Sawyer told me everything. A sonofabitch like Bo Klein oughta be locked up.” Buck rubs his big fist. “My daughter waited tables in high school. She had a similar situation. I got her out of there soon as I found out. Glad to do it again.”
“I know you’re not happy here,” Sawyer says. “I was going to get you when everything’s ready, but Maria told me you’re in danger.”
“When what’s ready?” I blurt out.
“Our future.”
Before I can answer, Bo Klein storms out of the back kitchen. He rushes over to the front counter with half the kitchen staff following on his tail, and they’re all big men.
“Who the hell are you?” Bo says to Sawyer.
"Her lover."
My face heats, and the room starts to spin.
Bo snarls. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are, boy, but Cheryl Dolloway belongs to me. Her place is here.”
I’ve never thought of Sawyer as a “boy,” but when it comes to crude bulk and meanness, Bo Klein has Sawyer beat.
I look past the men and see Deborah’s face turn white. All of a sudden I feel bad for her. She’s just like me when I started working for Bo. She fell under his spell and thought he would protect her. But Bo Klein isn’t that kind of man. Now she sees the truth.
“I don’t belong to anyone,” I say.
Bo raises a finger at me. “Shut your mouth, slut.”
Sawyer grits his jaw. “Say that to her again and see what happens.”
“Boy, I’m gonna give you five seconds to get the hell outta my place before I kick you out the old-fashioned way. And when you’re bleeding on the ground, I’ll have you arrested for trespassing.”
“I can’t trespass in a building I own,” Sawyer says.
“What the hell you talking about?”
“Mr. Klein, you’re leasing this building from Alleghany Realty Group, the actual owners. As of twelve a.m. today, I own Alleghany Realty Group and therefore own this property. That means you're my tenant. And I’ve decided to evict you for being a miserable piece of shit.” Sawyer pulls a card from his wallet and slaps it on the counter. “Call my lawyer for the details. Call the county if you don’t believe me. You’re standing on my land, Robert Klein.”
Tics pass down Bo’s face. “You can’t evict me without thirty-days notice. I know my rights.”
“I can if you’ve done something wrong, Mr. Klein. I can inspect your business for irregularities, talk to your employees for example. Starting with Cheryl Dolloway. I’m fucking sure I’ll find some irregularities. We can do this in court or you can save yourself a trip to jail.”
The diner has fallen silent. Everyone’s staring at us, and I notice the eyes on Sawyer aren’t friendly.
Bo gives Sawyer a savage grin. “You always hide behind lawyers, boy? How about we settle this the old-fashioned way. Man to man. Come out back and we’ll see how tough you are.”
Sawyer doesn’t even flinch. “As you wish.”
After Bo leaves, I grab Sawyer’s arm. “Don’t. He’ll hurt
you.”
“I’ll be okay,” he says with a smile. “Listen, I’m sorry I hid my past. I should’ve told you everything.”
“I’m sorry too,” I murmur, “I didn’t mean what I said about Stacey.” Not all ghosts are bad.
“She would’ve liked you,” Sawyer says.
“Don’t fight Bo. It’s not worth it.”
“Anything for you is worth it. Klein’s a bully who won’t quit until someone puts him down—the old-fashioned way. That’s all he understands.”
“Bo knows how to fight, Sawyer. I’ve seen him beat up guys half his age before. More than one. He’s vicious.”
Sawyer doesn’t answer. He kisses my forehead. Then Buck and I follow him out back.
The yard behind Bo’s Diner is paved in hard asphalt. Bo’s waiting in front of the dumpsters, rolling up his sleeves. I step behind Sawyer, who tosses his jacket to Buck.
“Good luck,” Buck says to him.
Sawyer winks back.
Bo shows no fear. "When I was nineteen they kicked me out of the Army for knocking the teeth out of an officer. That officer inconvenienced me a lot less than you’re doing now. I’m gonna send you home a cripple. Your money won’t save you today.”
Sawyer flexes his fists. I hear his knuckles crack. “Ever hear the expression, time is money?”
“You’re done wasting mine,” Bo says.
“Here’s the thing, Robert. Money also buys time, and I’ve bought a lot of spare time.”
“What’s he talking about?” I whisper to Buck.
“Your fiance takes kickboxing lessons in his spare time, and he has a lot of spare time on account of being filthy rich and not having to work like us normal folk.”
“He’s not my fiance.”
“You saying he won’t be?”
“I’m not saying anything,” I hiss.
Buck looks me in the eye. “Sawyer’s gonna kick his ass for sure, but not because of the lessons. He’s fighting for you, he’d fight a thousand Kleins to keep you safe. That’s a strength he found when he met you, Cheryl. Give him a chance.”
“I . . . didn’t know you were a romantic.”
Buck snorts. “I read in my spare time, girl.”
Sawyer faces Bo, and silence falls.
They circle each other slowly. Bo’s fist swings out so fast it’s a blur. Sawyer catches the punch on his forearm, staggering back. Bo spits and stalks forward. “I’m not fucking impressed, boy.”
They crash together, punching and dodging, aiming for each other’s faces. Then Sawyer lands a kick on Bo’s knee. Bo’s fist crunches against Sawyer’s ribs. Watching them, I almost feel the pain Sawyer’s taking for me. I want to stop the fight, but Buck holds me back, shaking his head.
Sawyer glances at me, and he smiles, sweet and gentle like that first day at Avalon when he offered to help me move.
“Look out!” I scream.
Bo throws another punch that Sawyer catches mid-swing. Sawyer’s whole stance changes, and he shoulders Bo back, making him stumble. Then he’s on him, relentless and wild with fury. Punch after punch smashes into Bo. Seconds later, Bo Klein lies sprawled out on the ground.
“It’s over,” Sawyer shouts at him. “It’s over.”
He turns around and walks toward me. I jump into his arms.
The hotel elevator takes forever to get to our floor. Finally the doors open. Sawyer limps along with an arm around Buck’s shoulder. I hold Sawyer’s other side, keeping one hand on his abs. I can feel how shallow his breaths are.
Sawyer had himself checked out at the local hospital. He didn’t break a rib or anything, but the ER doctor said he’d nearly suffered a concussion. The doctor suggested painkillers and an overnight hospital stay, but Sawyer turned it all down. He wanted to spend tonight with me.
“You’re not getting in another fight ever again,” I say.
“No more fighting,” Sawyer agrees, groaning with every step.
We reach his suite, and Buck hands him over to my care.
“See you tomorrow, boss,” Buck says to him. “I’ll hold down the fort at your new diner and give Felix a call. He’ll lose his shit when he finds out what happened.”
“Had to do it,” Sawyer says, looking at me.
“You two gonna be all right?” Buck asks.
“Yes,” I answer for Sawyer.
“Don’t stay up late,” Buck says to us with the hint of a smile.
“Get out of here,” Sawyer says. “And take care of that diner. It’s yours.”
Buck grunts. “Always wanted to own a restaurant. You still need a job, Cheryl?”
“Um . . . ”
“Hire anyone but her,” Sawyer growls.
“Kidding,” Buck says, leaving. “Kidding.”
I help my man hobble to the bed and set him down. A mewling noise makes me pause. “Did you hear that?”
When I turn to Sawyer, he’s grinning, which makes the bruise on his jaw stretch. “Ow,” he hisses.
The mewling grows until I realize it’s a meow. There’s a cat in the room. Sawyer grins again. “I think it’s coming from the other side of the bed,” he says. “Why don’t you check it out?”
Heart in my throat, I walk around and spot a small white cat poking out of a carrier bag. The cat is a mirror image of Pixie, except it’s a real cat, those round eyes full of life.
Sawyer meets my gaze. “You said Pixie would come alive when you find your true love. I can’t do magic, but I found the next best thing.”
“You remembered,” I whisper.
“Yeah, well.” Sawyer sounds a little embarrassed. “I remember everything, I’m a genius, remember?”
“And so modest too,” I say, giving him a tight hug. Sawyer cringes, and I try not to touch his bruised side, succeeding for the most part.
“It’s a girl,” Sawyer says. “Just like Pixie.”
“Where’d you find her?”
Sawyer smiles. “A shelter.”
“Does she have a name?”
“Thought I’d leave that honor to you.”
“Pix, then.” I kneel over the carrier bag and pet her head. “Pix, okay?”
Pix lets out a meow, rubbing against my palm. Cradling her, I carry Pix to the bed and set her down between Sawyer and me. She brushes against us while Sawyer leans in to kiss me. We sit together for a while, content.
Half an hour later, Sawyer calls up room service, and we share a late dinner of grilled salmon. I feed Pix tiny bites before she falls asleep on my lap.
Sawyer gives me a hungry look, and I know what he has in mind, so I carry Pix to her carrier and set her in for the night. When I turn around, Sawyer’s opening his shirt.
“Lie down,” I say.
He lies back, and I climb on and straddle his hips. I kiss the bruise in his side, and Sawyer groans as he combs through my hair. “I missed you,” he says.
It's hard for him to move without hurting, but his cock hardens beneath my breasts. I pull his pants down before I strip off my clothes. Sawyer growls, his gaze sweeping over me, and a wicked smile creases his mouth. "Missed you a lot, baby girl."
I stifle a smile, rubbing my pussy against his big cock. “Don’t spoil the moment.”
“I won’t, Princess. I won’t do anything tonight. I want to watch you ride my dick.”
“So dirty.”
“Get on,” he commands.
“Not yet.”
Sawyer grits his teeth. “I’m dying here, Cheryl.”
“Not yet you are not.” I circle my fingers around the ruddy head of his cock. I tease over him, smearing his warm cum on my palm while Sawyer groans and twists, his muscles flexing into tight cords.
“Princess, when I heal up I’m gonna put you on all fours and fuck you until you scream.” He mutters under his breath as I stroke him. “Turn around and get on your hands and knees. Show me your cunt.”
I pretend I’m shocked, but deep down, I’ve missed Sawyer’s filthy, uncontrolled outbursts. When he wants me like th
is, every rule goes out the window. He’s untamed and unbound, a man with raw needs who won’t be denied. I shift over his legs and present my rear. All I can see are his feet as I back up to his face.
“Am I a good girl now?” I say, looking over my shoulder.
Sawyer slaps my ass so hard my cheeks jiggle and sting. “You’re getting there.”
I stop moving when I feel his breath at my entrance, and his hard cock points up under my chin. The musky scent of his desire makes my chest flutter.
Sawyer grabs my buttocks, pulling them apart, and he licks around my pussy before his tongue hits my clit. Tingles shoot through me and I twist my hands in the sheets. Sawyer’s tongue makes obscene slurping sounds that make me blush and moan.
But every few seconds, he grunts in pain. He’s still hurting from the fight.
“You okay?” I whisper.
“Yes, baby.”
I close my fingers around his cock and squeeze him. I reach lower to feel the hot skin of his sac as he shudders.
A sharp slap ripples my rear. “I can’t wait any longer, Princess. Turn back around so I can see your pretty tits while you fuck my cock.”
I face him again and rise to my knees, my drenched folds hovering above the tip of his massive erection. Seeing his abs tighten into ridges makes my pussy clench, and I can’t resist the urge to run my hands over his dense muscles. Our eyes connect as Sawyer grips my trembling thighs. I sink slowly, my walls stretching around his girth until his whole length pushes up my pussy.
“Good girl.”
“Oh—yes.”
He feels even bigger from this angle, and I bend forward, rolling my hips as his cock bends inside me, rubbing on my spot. I’m so close, and Sawyer’s expression jerks between agony and bliss.
I try to keep my weight off his injured side. “Are you okay?”
Sawyer wipes his hand down my sides. “Never better.”
We’re both sweaty, and the mattress creaks along. He licks his lip watching my breasts sway, and I lean down over his face. Sawyer suckles my nipples as his cock pumps up harder and deeper, shoving me closer to the edge with every thrust.