Love in Disguise

by Lyssa Cole

  His words have my blood boiling. The playful chemistry I was feeling mere moments ago evaporates in an instant as his smug words settle in my head.

  “Don’t flatter yourself. The only impression you’ve made on me is your bad attitude. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to go inside.”

  I step to the side and move around him, but he grabs my arm. “Wait.”

  I pull my arm away, but I stop and turn to face him. His gorgeous looks throw me off, making me want to forget his arrogant, bad attitude. But then he opens his mouth and reminds me.

  “Can I just ask you a few questions about this place? I’m looking to adopt and need as much info as I can get. I thought you seemed friendly enough.” He crosses his arm and glares at me. “Now I’m not so sure.”

  I squint my eyes at him, the snow coming down harder now.

  He’s adopting a child? Damn, I hope his attitude changes before then. I study his features as I contemplate whether to answer him. Why me? Why not ask the staff? Like, the director? Someone who has been here way longer than me.

  “I can’t really help you. I haven’t been volunteering that long. Why don’t you ask the staff?”

  I don’t wait for an answer. I march to the door and it takes everything in me not to turn back and check if he’s watching me or following me. Why? I don’t fucking know. I’m a glutton for punishment maybe.

  Or maybe because this complete stranger has gotten under my skin and I don’t know why.

  When I reach the door, I look, a small part of me hoping he’s standing there watching me. But all I see are swirls of snow.

  Kayla isn’t herself today. Her face carries a permanent scowl.

  “Want me to give you a facial and cut your hair?”

  She shakes her head, her eyebrows pulling together.

  “Okay, nails then?”

  Kayla crosses her arms and turns away.

  I guess I’m not getting through today.

  “Okay, sweets, when you feel like talking or hanging out, let me know.” I pat her knee and swallow over the lump forming in the back of my throat. I wish I could take all of her sadness and get rid of it. So young to be so sad. Unfortunately, I know exactly how it feels.

  I head to another common area, deciding to set up a few things in hopes a few wander over here to hang out. I don’t like to push myself on anyone, and I find it’s better to make myself welcoming and have them approach me.

  “Excuse me?” a sweet voice calls behind me.

  It’s a young girl, probably only eleven or twelve, her face soft but sad.

  “Hi! Want a haircut or some fun nail polish?” I flash her a bright smile.

  She nods as she casts her eyes downward, her hands gripped so tight her knuckles are white.

  Poor thing is shy and nervous too.

  “Come sit. Make yourself comfortable. So, what were you thinking for your hair?” I study her, thinking how a fresh cut with some layers to her face and a nice touch of color will brighten her face. I want to open her face, pull her out of the shyness she hides behind. Or the sadness. I’m not quite sure which yet.

  The petite girl sits in a chair in front of me, and I flip to the hair color samples in my book. I glance back at her hair, a dark plain brown that will open up with some blond highlights.

  “Do you like this color?” I look back at my book, pointing to the honey blond swatch. “I can add some highlights of this color if you’d like.”

  She nods and shifts her eyes down as she grips her hands together, her shoulders hunched and tense. This poor girl. I wonder what her story could be, but all I know is I need to make her feel better. That’s all that matters right now.

  I pat her hand and when she looks up at me, I see a small gleam of light. She’s got spirit in there. I just need to get it out of her.

  “Let’s get you beautiful, shall we?” I stand and clap my hands together.

  Sometimes there’s someone out there sadder, more broken than me. All I can do is try to make them feel better.

  If anything, I’ll know I tried.

  The salon has been mysteriously slow, and I’ve been taking more and more days off. It’s weird how it was busy when I first started and now it’s all of a sudden dead. The other two girls I’ve been working with haven’t been around much, their schedules just as empty.

  Honestly, it’s a weird fucking vibe. I don’t know what it is, but something nags at me when I’m there. My creepy boss or the dark break room add to the creepiness, and I contemplate if this is the place for me.

  I don’t have much choice in the job department besides going back to booking my own gigs, but it’s too time-consuming when having to care for my mom. There’s only one other salon in town, and I’ve burnt my bridge there, so that’s out of the question.

  “A? Can you bring me a glass of water, please?”

  I put my book down and stretch. The past couple of days I’ve stayed here, my mom needing round the clock care. She’s fighting an infection and since her immune system is compromised right now, it’s running her ragged. All her energy is gone and her fever fights back. Up and down, sweats and chills, the poor thing can’t catch a break. I wish I could take her pain away.

  After grabbing a cold bottle of water from the fridge, I climb the stairs and remind myself to make a pot of coffee when I’m back downstairs. I’m already dragging ass and it’s only early afternoon.

  “Yoo-hoo!” A loud voice rings through the air.

  I smile to myself. It’s Mel, my mom’s best friend.

  “Hey, Auntie. I’ll be down in a minute,” I call before bringing my mom her bottle of water. I check her temp. Thankfully it’s staying down for the first time. Let’s hope it stays down.

  “Feeling any better, Ma?” I tuck her blanket in around her before I help her sip her water.

  “Is death warmed over better than death burnt to a crisp?” she croaks out.

  I smile. “Who says death burnt to a crisp?”

  “Me, that’s who.”

  “Shh, Ma, just sleep. Your body’s been through a lot. I’ll go talk to Auntie.”

  “Oh, oh, she’s here? Send her up.”

  “I will, Ma. For now, just sleep. We’ll get a good dinner going, something hearty.”

  Mom nods, her eyes closing. I tiptoe out and close the door behind me until I hear a soft click.

  I hear Mel humming, a habit she’s always had, or more like talent. Even though she’s not my aunt by blood or marriage, she’s the closest thing I’ve had to family. My mom is an only child and my dad never spoke to his family, so there was always Auntie Mel.

  She’s mom’s best friend from elementary school and like a second mother to me. She showered me with gifts and lavished me with treats. She babysat me on the nights my mom picked up extra shifts and my dad was, well, who knows where he was.

  I round the corner to the kitchen and see Mel filling the coffee pot. She read my mind.

  “Hey, Auntie.”

  “Oh, Alicia!” She hurries over and envelopes me in a big hug, pressing me tight against her chest. I saw her last week, but it’s been a tough time lately. “Hanging in there? Are you taking care of yourself?”

  She pulls back and studies me. I offer a smile. “I’m okay, Auntie. One day at a time, right?”

  Mel rubs my arms up and down as she nods. “That’s right, sweetie. You know it.” She winks and then turns back to the coffee as she gathers the sugar and creamer. “How is she doing, really? I know she doesn’t tell me the full truth.”

  I sigh as I take a seat at the kitchen table. Mel fixes our coffee and brings the two steaming mugs to the table.

  Mmm, the coffee smells divine.

  “She’s better now, but that infection was nasty. The fever just wouldn’t let go.” I blow on my coffee before taking a small sip.

  “You’re a good daughter, A. You’ve been here this whole time.” She sips her coffee, the heat seeming not to bother her.

  “She took care of me. Now it’s my turn
.” I shrug, picking at the placemat.

  “Well, reach out for help when you need to, okay?”

  “I will.”

  Aunt Mel rubs my hand. “You’re doing a great job, A. I pray every day for your mom to beat this nasty illness. We have to hold onto the hope.”

  I nod and swallow over the lump in my throat. My emotions clearly show too well on my face. I breathe in and out, forcing the tears back. “I know.” Is all I manage to get out. I distract myself with my coffee before grabbing a chocolate from the bowl on the table.

  Chocolate. Good for the soul.

  I pop the delicious sweet candy in my mouth, savoring its flavor. Mixing the flavor in my mouth with coffee and my problems are momentarily forgotten.

  “Okay, A plus girl, what should we make for dinner?” Mel stands and begins to open cabinets, in search of the next great meal.

  Chapter 6

  Gabe

  That curly hair.

  That smart-ass mouth.

  Damn, that woman who won’t leave my head.

  I want to quiet her with my cock in her mouth, her ruby red lips open and ready.

  I know. I can be an asshole.

  What guy doesn’t fantasize, though?

  “Hey, boss.” Joe barrels into my makeshift office. He stands next to me as he inhales a hot dog, the smell of ketchup filling my nose.

  At least he saved me from my dangerous thoughts. I don’t fucking have time for a woman to take up space in my head.

  “Hey, Joe, how goes it?”

  He plops into the seat across from as he finishes off his hot dog, complete with finger licking.

  “Enjoying that hot dog a bit more than you should?”

  Joe chuckles. “Boss, you know how I love me a good hot dog. I really wish there were hot dog trucks around here. Man, I miss those.”

  “Hot dog trucks? Please, tell me you don’t actually eat food from one of those.”

  “What’s wrong with them? I’ve never gotten sick from it. Besides, it’s better than eating those nuts they sell.”

  I shake my head. Only Joe. Poor guy is still single and eating from hot dog trucks. I need to get him out more. “How about when we get back to the city we have that guys’ night we’ve been planning?”

  Joe nods, his shaggy hair bouncing on the top of his head. “We’re single and ready to mingle.”

  I shake my head again while chuckling to myself. “Any news on the case?”

  “Nope. This is looking like it’s gonna be a tough one to crack.”

  “Shit.” I’d wanted some lead by now. Something to go on. This guy is too damn good at covering his tracks. There’s gotta be a crack somewhere. I just haven’t found it yet.

  “I know, boss. Blake, head honcho over here, isn’t happy. He wants to call a meeting to discuss a new strategy.”

  I rub my hands across my stubble, my five o’clock shadow more like a small beard. I can’t keep up with the shit. My head throbs as I massage my temples. I rack my brain in hopes of any memory, any inkling of a hint.

  All I have is the memory of that irritating woman and the rest of my usual darkness. The part I keep hidden, locked away.

  Fuck, I need to blow off some steam.

  “When?”

  “I don’t know, boss.” Joe glances at the window. “The snow isn’t letting up, though. I think we should call it a night.”

  I follow his gaze, the snow coming down hard. Hasn’t it snowed enough? Damn.

  “Meet me at the gym in thirty.”

  Sweat flies off my face. Harder. Faster. Push. Pull.

  I’m out of breath, my heartbeat drumming a steady fast beat in my ears.

  I grind out the anger. The rage. The darkness.

  It swirls inside me, threatening to consume me.

  I can’t let it. I won’t.

  Push, pull, up, down.

  “Boss.”

  I don’t answer him. I need to focus. Need to keep going.

  “Boss,” Joe yells.

  Fuck. I’m losing my stride.

  “What?” I snap. He’s distracting me.

  “You all right? Your face is red, boss. Slow down.”

  “Not yet.”

  I run through another set of twenty before I slow my pace into cool down mode. My chest burns as I suck down air, as much as I can get.

  Joe hands me a bottle of water, which I chug down, the cool water soothing my throat.

  I step off the machine and sit on the nearest bench where my bag lies. I grab a towel and wipe down my face and neck.

  “You sure you’re all right?” Joe sits next to me.

  “Yeah, just the usual shit in my head.” I drink the rest of the water before tossing the empty bottle in my bag. “Working out hard puts me in a zone, takes me away from it all.”

  “I hear ya. If you wanna talk about anything, get shit off your chest, just let me know.”

  “Thanks, man. I appreciate it. Want to grab a bite?”

  “Well, actually, Blake called like ten minutes ago. He wants to meet at the local diner right by the townhouses.”

  I sigh. Damn, I’m ready to eat and call it a night. “All right. Let’s hit the showers first.”

  Several hours later and I’m back in my townhouse, the silence welcoming. Luna greets me as soon as I open the door, her tail wagging and her tongue licking my hand. The work meeting lasted a lot longer than I wanted, but we covered a lot of ground.

  Blake decided it’s time we put the plan into action for Anne and I to go undercover as a married couple. We’ll check out the shelter as a couple and one of us can distract the staff while the other searches for evidence.

  We don’t want to alarm anyone yet or conduct an official search until we have more ground to stand on. I’ve learned that the hard way before. Blake also got wind of a new hair salon where supposedly fishy shit is going on.

  It only opened recently and already there have been complaints about the guy running the place. Some reports of him staring at the customers and employees, being all around creepy. Plus, others noticing strange comings and goings throughout the day and even after hours.

  I let Luna out and while she does her business, I fill her bowls with dog food and water. Once she’s inside, she chows down.

  Taking the stairs two at a time, I’m craving another shower and then my bed. My phone buzzes in my hand, my cousin’s face appearing on the screen.

  “Hey, guy. Please tell me something good.”

  “Cuz. You’re not gonna like what I’m about to tell you,” my cousin Andrew shouts over the phone. There’s so much background noise behind him. Where the hell is he?

  I pull the phone away from my ear, putting it on speaker. “Spill it.” I sit on my bed, throwing the phone down next to me, and brace myself, my hands balling into fists.

  “There were more killings last night. One being Adam.”

  “What?” My knuckles turn white, my breath catching in my throat. I stand and pace a few times, the need to move great. Luna comes in and jumps on the bed.

  “Yeah, I’m sorry, cuz. I didn’t want to be the one to tell you, but I thought you should know.”

  “How?” I grit out through clenched teeth. I’m about to lose my shit.

  Luna barks, and I glance over, a rope hanging from her mouth. I shake my head, and she whines as she lies back down.

  “I don’t know the details, Gabe. All I know is he was murdered and it wasn’t pretty.”

  “Murdered? Please don’t tell me it is who I think it is.” My stomach coils, and I think I’m going to be sick. A bad taste fills my mouth, my stomach churning with acid.

  “There are rumors. I’m sorry, cuz, I really am. Shit, I gotta go.”

  “Wait. Andrew? Andrew?” Fuck, he’s gone. I toss my phone toward my pillows.

  Adam. One of my best friends. Why? Why?

  I need to get out of here. I need to move and move fast.

  “Let’s go, Luna.” I head out the door, Luna following close behind.


  I don’t care about the snow. I don’t care about the cold.

  I just run and run until my body is numb.

  The last thing I see when I fall asleep that night is her. Those curls…

  Alicia

  “Don’t you find it weird that some days are crazy busy in here and then some no one comes in?” I study Deanna’s profile as we clean up the salon after a nonstop day. She doesn’t acknowledge me and continues sweeping hair.

  “Deanna? What do you think?”

  She turns to me, her eyes darting around. “Shh, keep your voice down, Alicia. Last thing we need is Mr. Dorsey coming out here.”

  “No one is around. I’m just curious if you get the same weird ass vibe around this place as I do,” I half whisper to her.

  She doesn’t answer me, only darts her eyes around somewhere. What is she looking for?

  I shrug as I wipe down my mirror. “I’ll see what else I can find out. Something about this place doesn’t sit well with me.”

  “No, Alicia.” Deanna grabs my arm, her fingers digging into my skin.

  “Ow, girl. What the hell?” I pull my arm away, her fingers leaving marks.

  Her eyes are wide. A trickle of sweat runs down the side of her face. “Stay out of it. Just do your work and leave. Believe me.” Her voice shakes as she begs me.

  “Everything okay here, girls?” Mr. Dorsey’s creepy voice fills the air behind us.

  We both jump back. When did he get here?

  “Yes, we’re fine, Mr. Dorsey. Just finishing our cleaning.” I go back to my mirror while Deanna scampers away.

  “Good. Alicia, meet me in my office in twenty minutes. I have your thirty-day review ready.” He steps closer, his thick cologne swirling in the air.

  My stomach drops. I do not want to meet with this creep alone. I nod as I step back. “Okay.” I manage, gripping the counter behind me. My hands grow clammy as my breath hitches. A sweat breaks out across my forehead.

  “Don’t be late. I don’t like to wait.” He leaves, and I blow out the breath I didn’t know had caught in my throat.

  This isn’t good. Not at all.

  Deanna comes back out front, her jacket and purse slung over her arm. I hurry over to her.