Cillian

by Anna Joung

  CILLIAN

  Mountain Man, 1

  Copyright

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2020 Anna Joung – All rights Reserved

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication / use of the trademarks is not authorized, associated with or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Table Of Contents

  Description

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Epilogue

  Also By Anna Joung

  About The Author

  Description

  Cillian Carter is a man running from his dark past. He finds himself settled in the mountains above the small town of Chester, rebuilding the remains of a long forgotten automotive shop. He wants nothing to do with society and society wants nothing to do with him.

  Kayla Baker is an orphan running her grandmother’s vintage shop. Life had always been quiet in the town of Chester until Cillian came into her life. Despite his rough exterior, she knew somewhere underneath it all was a man wanting redemption.

  After all, he had been the one to save her from the local brute she had grown up with.

  As their relationship begins to flourish, Kayla finds herself in perilous danger. Now it’s up to the man in the mountains to save her once more.

  But who is saving who, at the end?

  Can Cillian finally be the man he’s always wanted to be?

  Prologue

  Cillian

  The now familiar tinkle of the door rang out above me as I entered the shop. Once again, the musty smell of vintage clothes hit me, and I was starting to find comfort in it. I scanned the chaotic inside of the shop. Heaps of clothes hung on the racks, some hats dangled from pegs mounted to the walls and various materials looped the ceilings like sails on a bedraggled ship.

  Finally, my eyes managed to find their target and once again I felt my body start to harden at the sight of her. Beautiful brown curls bounced around her face as she went about her work, her mind in another world, humming a tune only she knew. Her golden skin was radiant in the light cascading through the windows, it was so smooth it took all my effort not to reach out and stroke it. Not wanting to shock her, I cleared my throat to notify her of my presence. She looked up, her piercing hazel eyes latching onto me.

  “Oh, it’s you again,” she smiled, her perfectly white teeth dazzling.

  “Yes,” I strode further into the quaint shop, “I just wanted to check up and see how you were doing.”

  “It’s the third time this week,” her laughter was infectious, “I’m sure that Chad won’t be showing up anytime soon after the way you handled him.”

  I thought back to the first time I had stepped foot in the shop. I had been intrigued by the mysterious exterior, I had always passed by but never entered. It was almost fate that I came on the day I did as it was then that I came face-to-face with a certain Chad Nelson, the town asshole.

  “I suppose I could have rephrased some things, but he deserved every word. I hate guys that just expect women to fall at their feet. The way he spoke to you was disgusting.”

  I didn’t regret sending that punk on his way but for some reason I didn’t want to come across as uncaring in front of this woman. There was something about her that made me want to behave in a respectable manner. Was that a sign?

  “I’m just glad you came along to defend my honor. I can’t thank you enough. Although, I really do think it’s time I get to learn my hero’s name?” she stepped out from behind the counter.

  My eyes refused to leave the sway of her hips unnoticed as she walked to the front and leaned her firm behind on the countertop. Her hands splayed out behind her to support her weight. I once again felt a tremor run through my body and had to take a deep breath before replying.

  “My name is Cillian. Cillian Carter. I moved here a couple of months ago and work at the automotive shop downtown,” I offered my hand.

  “I didn’t know the automotive shop was up and running? Wasn’t it all rundown? The owner left it in terrible shape.”

  “He certainly did, means I got it for a great price. A bit of hard work and elbow grease and it will be up and running soon.”

  She smiled and she shook hands with me. Her skin, as expected, was as smooth as silk, her hand dainty within my own rough fists. Her hand lingered for half a second longer than usual before she let go. Her eyes locked onto mine.

  “So, Cillian,” my name rolled off her tongue, “Is there anything I can do to thank you for your help? Please, let me get you a cup of tea at least.”

  I tried to contain my laughter, “It’s fine. I don’t drink tea. I wouldn’t say no to a coffee if it’s up for offers?”

  Nodding her head, she disappeared out of the room, I heard some clinking as I was left to my own devices. I looked about the shop, wandering through, grabbing a scarf here, a necklace there. My mind was hardly on the merchandise, still captivated by the woman’s presence, her every feature. But what was her name? How could I have been so ignorant and not asked her for her name? This would need to be rectified. Her gentle footsteps notified me of her approach back on the shop floor.

  “Coffee for you. I didn’t know how you wanted it, so I left it black, is that okay?” She handed over the scolding cup.

  “Perfect, just how I like it. I’m sorry but I just realized I never asked your name.”

  “Kayla. Kayla Baker.”

  “Great to meet you, Kayla. Might I ask why that jerk was in here the other day? He doesn’t look like the vintage type.”

  “Well, neither do you,” she raised her eyebrows before continuing, “Chad grew up with me in Chester. We used to be friends but when puberty hit, he changed, as we all do, but he changed for the worst. As you probably already know, he’s not one of the nice guys around the town. He fell into the wrong crowd and spends most of his days face down in the bar. For some reason he has an infatuation with me and believes I should be with him. I have never expressed any interest that would give him that idea and right now I want nothing more than to be rid of him. I’m used to him coming in about once a month to proposition me.”

  I felt an anger boil up in my gut. I swallowed, quelling the urge to punch something. I knew that my typical bad boy behavior wouldn’t fly well with Kayla. Instead I nodded, reaching out and gripping her petite hand in mine once again.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure he gets the point.”

  Kayla laughed and swatted at my arm, “I don’t need a bodyguard, I can handle Chad. He may think he’s the toughest guy around but he’s all bark and no bite.”

  My thoughts flooded with darkness; I knew all too well how easy it was to tip a man over the edge. I knew what those types of men were capable of.

  “Either way, I’m here to help if you ever need me.”

  I noticed as she appeared to blush, a tinge of pink creeping up on her cheeks. I couldn’t help but grin at the sight.

  “I had better get going,” I handed her back the cup, “My boss is probably wondering where I am. At least I know you’re safe.”

  “Thank you,” she smiled, “Please come back…anyti
me.”

  A surge of heat flared within me as I left the shop.

  Chapter 1

  Kayla

  My finger twisted through my curls as I leaned against the counter, daydreaming. Ever since that man had stepped foot in my shop, I hadn’t been able to get my mind off him. Even my grandmother was starting to notice my absence. I had managed to keep her many questions at bay by distracting her with mending that needed attending to. She loved fixing up some of the more loved garments. I still envied the way she sewed and wondered whether I would ever be able to compete with her talent.

  I heard the bell above the door ring as a customer wandered in. I allowed her some time to browse the items, carefully fondling the silk scarves and running her hands along the necklaces, making the beads tinkle together. I had come to realize my shop was as much a business as it was a cave of wonders. Sometimes, people just entered the building just to relax and I had no issue with it, I’d even laid out a couple of chairs here and there to allow people some comfort.

  “Can I help you with anything?” I beamed my best customer-service smile at the woman.

  “I’m just looking for something for my husband. Do you have any suggestions?”

  I showed her around to the hats, belts and jackets. Eventually, she decided on a thick leather belt which I gift-wrapped for her on the counter while we chatted casually.

  “Any special occasion?” I asked.

  “No, I was just coming through this way and I thought I’d buy him something from my travels. I couldn’t resist the look of this place, so mystical.”

  “Beltline Fad certainly is a shop of many mysteries. Your husband is a lucky man to have a wife as thoughtful as you.”

  I watched her blush from my comment, “I guess so. I’ve never really thought about it that way, I guess when you love someone, making them happy just becomes part of your life. Have you got a special someone?”

  My mind flashed to Mr. Carter, my secretive bodyguard, but I shook my head, “Not yet. Maybe one day but right now the love of my life is this store.”

  “It sure is a beauty,” she smiled as I handed over the wrapped belt.

  With a wave I watched her walk away. She had just made it to the door when she bent down and called over to me, “I think there’s a letter here for you. Sorry, I almost stepped on it!”

  Rushing over, I took the envelope from her and smiled, “Thanks, have a great day.”

  With that, she left the shop and I was left with the mysterious mail in my hand. Post usually came early morning and there was no stamp on the envelope, meaning it must have been hand-delivered. Piquing my interest, I hurriedly ripped open the envelope and tore out the contents – a single piece of paper, a letter.

  Kayla,

  You can’t avoid me forever. You know we are meant to be together.

  Who was the guy? Is he your boyfriend? No matter, we can get rid of him.

  See you soon,

  Chad

  My hand trembled as I let the letter drop to the floor.

  ***

  Cillian

  I felt the knife plunge into my ribs, the cold steel slicing through my flesh. Then the warmth of the coppery blood started seeping through as my hands clutched at the wound, trying to stem the flow of blood. I tried to cry out for help, but the words got stuck in my parched throat, I was going to bleed out. Everything started to fade around me.

  “Argh!” I yelled as I sat bolted upright in bed.

  I looked down to see the Glock 19 held firmly in my grip, safety latch off. Steadying my breath, I clicked the safety latch back and tucked it back under my pillow. Cold sweat was running down the nape of my neck as I tossed back the covers and rolled out of bed. Striding straight to the bathroom, I splashed cold water on my face to rinse the last of the nightmare away and stared at myself in the harsh reflection of the mirror, an angry man looked back at me.

  Swiftly, I turned the shower on, stripped down and jumped in. The warmth of the water beat down my skin, splashing onto the tiles below. I washed away the nightmare and strode out of the shower and into the morning light. Throwing on a pair of jeans, I looked at the scar in the mirror. The memory of the event flashed through my mind, but I pushed it away as I strode out onto the deck. I listened as the birds chirped and I lit my first cigarette of the day. The cool mountain breeze brushed against my naked torso as I stared out across the woods to the small town below.

  The town where Kayla is.

  She had been running through my mind ever since our first encounter and now I could not rid my thoughts of her. I was beginning to wonder whether she thought I was crazy for constantly coming into Beltline Fad to talk to her.

  What a quirky little shop. Just like its sole employee.

  I had been wrestling with the thought of popping into the shop today on the way to my automotive shop. Finally, I had decided it was worth biting the bullet and asking her out. It was completely new for me to be this invested in another human being. Ever since I had escaped my dark past, I wanted to be rid of civilization altogether. If it wasn’t for the need of cashflow, I would be cooped up in the mountain, never going down unless for groceries, but I was just lucky they were in need of a new automotive technician.

  And thus starts the day.

  Flicking the butt of the cigarette into the makeshift bucket of sand as an ashtray, I wandered back into the house, closing the sliding door behind me. Within five minutes I was dressed and draining the last of a black coffee. My Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black stood proudly in the garage, gleaming in the light as I opened the door. Shoving my helmet on, I climbed onto the bike and started her up. The engine purred beneath me and I was off, following the winding road down to the sleepy town of Chester below. A fifteen-minute ride later and I was pulling up to the curb of the sidewalk. I took my helmet off and let it on top of the bike before entering the shop, smoothing out my hair as I did so.

  “Mr. Carter?”

  I felt my chest tighten at the sound of her voice, “Please, just call me Cillian.”

  Emerging from behind a pile of bags, Kayla came into view, smiling warmly. She waved at me as she regained her familiar position leaning against the countertop.

  “To what do I owe the pleasure, Cillian? I can assure you, I’m still safe from the likes of Chad.”

  I noticed a twinge of something in her voice when she mentioned Chad’s name. I couldn’t decide what but I decided not to push her on the matter.

  “Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to grab a cup of coffee with me?”

  “What, now? I’m afraid I’m tending to the store.”

  “What about later? Dinner?”

  “Oh…” her tone told me everything I needed to know, “I’m afraid I can’t. It’s not you, I just don’t date. I’m focusing on the business right now and I wouldn’t want to get distracted.”

  I put my hands up to stop her from explaining further, “Perfectly understandable. I should probably head off to my own business now, still a lot to be done before opening to the public. Thank you for your time, Miss Baker.”

  I didn’t wait for her response as I turned on my heel and headed out of the shop, almost cursing at the merry tinkle of the bell above the door.

  No wonder. No one would date a man like me.

  Chapter 2

  Kayla

  The lock on the door clicked into place and I gave a sigh of relief. Ever since that letter had been delivered, I’d been on edge. During my shifts, I couldn’t help but keep one eye on the door at all times, constantly wondering when Chad Nelson would walk through. I had known he was on the tipping point before, but I had hoped the conflict with Cillian hadn’t been the thing to finally push him over. Now I caught myself thinking about what he was going to do when he finally made his move. Was it going to get violent? And now I had pushed Cillian away from me, I definitely didn’t have my secret bodyguard lurking around the corner to save me.

  I am the biggest idiot in history.

  I thought bac
k to my rejection of Cillian yesterday, the look on his face when I told him I wouldn’t go to dinner with him. It had evoked some form of pain within me. Ever since I had laid eyes on him, I knew there was some painful background to him, like he was on the run from his past. Despite his rough exterior, I figured there was something underneath, and I only wanted to breakthrough.

  If only I had the courage to actually go on a date with the guy.

  “Kay, have you closed up? It’s time to take Rusty for a walk, he’s looking a little desperate here.”

  I smiled at the sound of my grandma’s voice. Quickly, I pushed a few items back into place before taking the stairs two at a time to head up to our flat above the shop. The furniture in here looked like a typical grandma’s house, the floral sofa, the creaky grandfather clock, yellowing net curtains. But to me it was the only home I’d ever really known, ever since…

  “Here, grab the leash.”

  Luckily, I managed to catch the flying leash as it was tossed at me by my grandma. She grinned as she ushered our beagle along, his tail wagging furiously at the sight of me and the knowledge it was time for our evening walk. I clipped the leash onto his collar, and we headed back down the stairs, out the back into the open air. As usual, grandma linked arms with me, and we started our slow walk around the town.

  “How was business today?” she asked as we tottered along.

  “It was slow as usual. Sold a few necklaces to a tourist, she thought the turquoise set was gorgeous. I organized the dresses you fixed up and put the teal one on the mannequin at the front.”

  “You’re a good girl,” she patted my hand, “It’ll all be worth it when you inherit the shop. At least everyone will already be used to your face. However, I’m still waiting to see my great-grandchild to take over the store after you.”

  Laughing, I responded, “That’s still a while to go, grandma. I just need to make sure Beltline Fad is doing its best before I start down that road again.”