Vow of Retribution

by Emma Renshaw

I wave my hand in a continue-on motion. He rolls his eyes but doesn’t speak. “Reach your word count for the day?” I ask.

  “You’re full of jokes today. I’ll throw you out of my gym if you keep it up.”

  “Did I make the teddy bear angry?” I give him my best pouty face.

  He leans in, towering over me. “You know, most people are scared of me.”

  “Eh,” I say and give a wave of my hand. I know he could probably break me in half with two fingers and wouldn’t hesitate to put a threat of someone he cares about in the ground. But, I know there is something deep down inside that is all warm and fuzzy. Okay, maybe not warm and fuzzy, but definitely sweeter than the exterior he shows most people. “You couldn’t scare me if you tried. Now, who is he?”

  This time a real scowl does take over his face. And, for a split second, a splash of fear coats my stomach. His answer is clipped. “Don’t know. His name is Liam. Moved back to town from Chicago. Seems like they’re old friends. Why?”

  “Just wondering. He was staring at me.”

  His face softens, just the slightest bit. “Want me to say something?”

  “No. I didn’t know who he was. I hadn’t ever seen him before, I was curious.”

  He watches my face for another beat and then walks away. Hudson and his friend have moved from their spot. I focus on my workout. Punch, punch, punch.

  Again, I pause my punches, look up and lock eyes with him. I give him a small smirk.

  Liam.

  4

  LIAM

  Whish. Whish. Whish.

  What the hell is that noise?

  My eyes open slowly to the morning light shining through the windows and start to close when I hear voices from the living room. I groan while climbing off the air mattress. I throw on some sweats and grab the baseball bat leaning against the wall next to the door and tiptoe down the hallway, ready to bludgeon the intruder that woke me up. When I’m halfway down the hall leading toward the living room, I drop the bat with a groan, already regretting allowing them to furnish my house.

  “What the fuck are you doing here so early?” I ask without thinking when I get to the living room.

  “Language, Liam,” my mom scolds, looking up from the spot she’s sweeping. I didn’t even know I had a broom. The bristles against the wood floor make the sound that woke me up.

  My sister, Olivia, is bouncing in excitement. She could be my twin. When we were young, people always asked if we were twins, but we’re not. We’re just close in age. Her dark brown hair is in a pile on top of her head and today she’s wearing a black Southern Charm Interiors t-shirt and old jeans with holes in the knees. I could easily convince myself that she’s still my kid sister following me around the neighborhood. “Your furniture is being delivered today.”

  Furniture delivery. That explains why they’re here. When I moved back here with nothing, my mom and sister insisted on letting them pick everything for me since they own an interior decorating business together, so I decided to let them do it. It would be less work for me, and they had the hook up with vendors, so I probably wouldn’t spend as much as I would if I just went to a store and bought stuff on my own. They are complete opposites, but work well together and are best friends. Totally not fun for Dad or me when they gang up on us and manage to get whatever they want.

  My mom, Katie, is all elegant and classy compared to my sister. She is also wearing their company shirt, but hers is a pressed button-up with the company’s monogram sewn on the pocket. There’s not a wrinkle in sight, even her white Keds are spotless. As different as they are, their interior styles match perfectly. I know they’ve been very successful since my sister joined the company, buying in as a partner.

  I hold out my hand to my sister. “So did you clear out my bank account?”

  She grins wickedly, pulling my credit card from her back pocket. “I wanted to, but mom didn’t let me.”

  I grab Olivia, putting her in a headlock against my chest, and rub a noogie into her head. She squirms and tries slapping me with her arms. I laugh and rub her head harder. My mom walked away and into the kitchen, completely ignoring us even though Olivia is yelling at her to make me stop. I finally relent but give her a kiss on the head before releasing her. Olivia slaps my chest and tries kicking my shins, but I’m an expert at avoiding her futile attacks.

  I sling an arm around Olivia’s shoulder, walking into the kitchen with her. I lean over and kiss my mom on the cheek. Olivia pries herself from my side to chat with Mom. When they start naming everything they bought, I tune them out. I’m just excited for the bed, I’m tired of sleeping on an air mattress. Stretching the kinks out of my neck, I start to gain coherent thought.

  “Wait,” I say raising my hands. “Stop.”

  They stop talking to look over at me. “What is it, honey?” my mom asks in a patient tone and with a serene smile on her face, while my sister is scowling at me for interrupting her monologue.

  “How did you get into my house?”

  “We copied one of your keys,” my sister says nonchalantly before turning back toward my mom and their conversation. I’m staring in disbelief since they think stealing my keys and making a copy is acceptable.

  My eyes dart around the room as if the answer will be written on the walls. “Uh, why? And when? And, again, why so early?”

  “We needed it for deliveries and emergencies,” my sister says slowly as if speaking to her toddler. “We got it the other day when you were over grilling with Dad. It’s not that early, either. Tanner woke Josh and me up at six-thirty this morning.”

  “This isn’t an emergency.” I silently count to ten while suppressing a frustrated groan.

  Olivia rolls her eyes. “Don’t worry about it. After this, we will only use it for emergencies. Are you trying to hide something? Please tell me you didn’t bring a girl back here when you only have an air mattress?”

  I glare at her. I won’t even validate her questions with a response. I would never bring a woman home to an air mattress. I did want to move home to be closer to my family, but still want to feel like I have a space that is my own. Sighing and shaking my head, I let it go—they mean well. And even though I’m grumpy, I did really miss my family. The visits were never enough. When my nephew, Tanner, didn’t recognize me and couldn’t remember my name, I was crushed. I remember standing there holding a toy when he informed me from behind his mom’s legs that he couldn’t talk to strangers. My sister tried to tell me that unless he sees me all the time it’s easy for him to forget. He did warm up quickly to me that afternoon, but it was on that flight home that I started looking at job listings.

  “Just go get us some coffee and breakfast, Liam. There’s a cute little shop around the corner,” my mom says, pointing toward my front door.

  “I’m getting kicked out of my own place?”

  “It’s better this way, honey,” my mom says as she pats my cheek. “Our clients usually aren’t home when we’re working on a space.”

  “Whatever,” I grumble, walking to my room to get dressed.

  A grin breaks out on my face the second I walk into the coffee shop. Large chalkboard signs hang from the ceiling. On two of the boards are different coffees and drinks, but the daily specials board shows two simple words that make me a happy man. Cinnamon. Rolls.

  I can smell the cinnamon wafting out from the back. I lean around the customers in line trying to get my eyes on one of the cinnamon rolls. Who doesn’t love cinnamon sugar with soft, warm bread, and vanilla icing? My mouth waters, as I anticipate sinking my teeth into that doughy goodness. Thoughts of heavenly cinnamon rolls are interrupted when the brunette in front of me catches my eye.

  Savannah. Her long, brown hair is in waves down her back, stopping in the middle. She’s wearing a purple top with dark jeans. Her ass is high and tight, accentuated by the heels on her feet. I almost groa staring at her ass. I want to sink my teeth into that as much as I do a cinnamon roll. Savannah has popped into my mind a few times ove
r the past few days since I saw her at the gym. I’ve been back to Raise the Bar a few times, but I haven’t seen her again.

  I’m happy Hudson showed me that gym because it’s great. After our beers the other night, I know James isn’t an asshole. He’s just a quiet and reserved guy. We sparred a few times in the gym since that night, and I hope to get to know him better. Hudson and James invited me to join some of the classes they teach to kids in the area who have been getting in trouble. I hope I see Savannah when I start teaching kickboxing next week.

  The line barely inches forward. I look up at the counter and see the young boy standing at the register. He has pimples all over his bright red face and his hand is shaking as he’s trying to get orders into the system. There’s a girl standing next to him trying to be patient as she explains different buttons on the register. He must be new, but I don’t think he’s paying attention to his training. His face gets brighter each time he looks at the girl training him. Poor kid has got a bad crush.

  I look back to Savannah. She’s reading something on a small tablet that she’s balancing on her palm, biting her full bottom lip. I hold back another groan.

  “Hi,” I say. She doesn’t turn around or acknowledge me. I’m not sure if she heard me, she’s concentrating so hard on the screen in front of her. I lean down slightly, so she’ll hear me. Right before I open my mouth to greet her again, a word on her tablet jumps out at me. I hesitate before I say anything and look at the screen. I know it’s rude to spy, but the word makes me too curious. Cock.

  My eyes widen as I read the page.

  His massive, thick cock glistens at the tip.

  ‘Hold your tits together,’ Cade demands. His voice is raspy and sexy. My thighs get even wetter from the sound of his voice, my pussy spilling juices onto the bed.

  I hold my breasts together. He plays with my nipples using the tip of his cock. I moan.

  Savannah turns the page before I can read any further. I should say something before she notices me hovering over her. I open my mouth to speak. “That’s an interesting book you’re reading.”

  5

  SAVANNAH

  I whip my head around after the deep voice speaks close to my ear. Liam.

  He’s much taller than my five-six frame with bright, brown eyes crinkled at the corners, dancing with mischief. A boyish grin takes over his handsome face. The bit of scruff along his strong jaw that frames his full lips and the messy brown hair make him look as if he just rolled out of bed. Pictures of him comfortable, warm, and naked in a huge bed float through my mind. I bite the inside of my cheek trying to rid myself of those dirty thoughts, blaming the book I’m reading.

  Scanning him from head to toe, I notice Liam’s broad shoulders and chest stretch out his black T-shirt to the point that I can see the outline of his muscles through the thin material. His blue jeans encase muscular thighs, and his hands are tucked into the pockets, causing his arms to slightly flex. His grin widens as he notices me checking him out. Turning back around, I look at him over my shoulder and say as nonchalantly as I can muster, “It’s rude to look at people’s devices.”

  “In my defense, I didn’t mean to read what was there. I said ‘Hi,’ but you didn’t hear me, so I leaned in a bit. That’s when I saw the word cock and got curious.” He shrugs, only highlighting his shoulders. My body buzzes with unwanted awareness when he says the word cock. I feel a blush creeping over my cheeks, making my face hot as I turn toward the front.

  He leans close to my ear. “I am sorry about that. Can we start over?”

  When I turn around again, his grin is gone and it’s replaced with a chagrined expression. I nod. “Sure. It’s no big deal.” I start to turn again, but he sticks his hand out.

  “I’m Liam.”

  I know, I want to say. I’ve thought about you once or twice since I saw you at the gym. “Savannah,” I say, shaking his hand.

  “I saw you at Raise the Bar the other day,” he says.

  “I remember. You were with Hudson.”

  He gives me another grin. He can turn on the charm. I bet that smile gets him out of a lot of situations and into a lot of panties. “Glad I’m memorable.”

  I shake my head. “It was nice meeting you, Liam.” I start to turn again.

  “Wait!” he says. I look at him. He seems to be trying to find something to say. His mouth opens and closes slightly. “How do you know Hudson?” is the question he finally settles on.

  “I met James when I started going to Raise the Bar. James is good friends with Hudson, so he’s there a lot helping out with different things. James introduced me to him one day.”

  “Hudson and I go way back. We grew up living next door to each other. I just moved back to town.”

  “From where?” I ask, but I remember James telling me he moved back from Chicago.

  “Chicago,” he confirms.

  “I’ve only been once, but I loved it there.”

  “It is great, but nothing compares to home. Are you from around here?”

  “I’m from Texas, but a few hours south of here. There really is nothing like going home again,” I say wistfully, rubbing my hand over my chest where I feel my heart clench. I’ve fallen in love with Austin since moving here, but nostalgia and longing fill me when I think of the family I left behind. My hometown is filled with too many bitter memories for me to live there, but it’s not the place that makes the home, it’s the people. Liam’s gaze connects with mine and I know he gets it. In one conversation he latched onto a part of my soul. An invisible string makes me sway toward him, needing the connection I’ve denied myself for so long. He leans toward me, neither one of us breaking eye contact.

  “Next,” is called out behind me. Gasping, I look around, startled to find myself turned toward Liam. I didn’t realize I’d turned to face him. Completely transfixed by his gaze, I forgot we have been waiting in line for coffee. The line seemed to move a lot faster after I started talking to Liam.

  I step up to the counter, Liam steps up next to me. I look over at him. He’s making it seem as if we’re together. He hands his credit card over to the cashier before either of us speaks. “I got this,” he says to me with a smile.

  “I can get my own coffee,” I say, a spark of defiance igniting inside of me before I can smoothe it away.

  “I have no doubt that you can, but I’d love to treat a new friend.” Liam’s eyebrow slightly raises and his lips are twitching, holding back a grin. Charm oozes off him in waves.

  “Shouldn’t I treat you? You’re the new one in town.”

  “Ah, but I grew up here, so really, you’re the new one.”

  I roll my eyes, not quite ready to give up this fight.

  “Would you like your usual, Savannah?” Swinging my focus back to the new cashier and Cassidy, a high school senior and my usual barista, I notice she’s isn’t looking at me. She’s looking at Liam with hearts in her eyes.

  “Sure, Cassidy,” I say. “My usual coffee and a cinnamon roll.”

  “Make that two cinnamon rolls and a large black coffee,” Liam says.

  “Thank you,” I say to Liam. After Cassidy asked if I wanted my usual, I forgot to continue our argument about who should pay.

  “My pleasure,” Liam says. He drawls out the world pleasure. I bite my lip to stop my whimper. This man is sexy. He looks down at my tucked lip and back up to my eyes. I turn away from him quickly, rushing away from him to find a spot. My favorite chair in the corner is available, it’s one of my favorite spots to enjoy my coffee and read. I snag it immediately and wait for my order to be called.

  Liam wanders over to me. “Can I sit with you for a few minutes?”

  I hesitate, not sure if I want to continue talking to him, my pounding heart and fluttering stomach wish I would flirt with him, but my brain is signaling a red alert. “Sure,” I say after a beat.

  He walks back over to the counter when our order is called and then sits down in the chair right next to mine. He hands me my coffee and ci
nnamon roll with a fork and knife. I start cutting little pieces of the cinnamon roll. I look up when I hear a loud groan. Liam didn’t waste time cutting a portion of his, he just bit off a huge piece. His cheeks are full as he’s chewing, but there’s a small smile on his lips. His eyes are rolling back into his head. Even with the full cheeks, he looks sinfully sexy. His groans are rough and masculine. I watch his throat as he swallows.

  “Wow. That’s good,” he says, breaking me from my trance. He rubs his stomach with a content smile.

  “I thought you hated it.” I press my lips together, holding in a laugh.

  He looks at me with a smirk. “You’re sarcastic. I like it. Sassy.”

  I shrug. I’ve been told that once or twice.

  “I’m sorry about the pornographic moans. I just really love cinnamon rolls. They’re my favorite.”

  “They’re my favorite, too. My mom makes them from scratch, and I’m not even being facetious when I say they are to die for.” I breathe in deeply and close my eyes, imagining I’m back in the kitchen of my childhood home. The scent of freshly baked cinnamon rolls is waking me up on a Sunday morning.

  “Oh, yeah? Did she make them a lot?” I open my eyes at Liam’s soft, curious tone, surprised to see he’s leaning toward me with his head slightly tilted, waiting for an answer about my life.

  “She still does. She will make them for celebrations or broken hearts. They’re the answer to just about anything.” I smile wistfully.

  “Try these,” he prompts, waving his hand with the cinnamon roll in it. He takes another gigantic bite. The cinnamon rolls started out as big as our heads, but his is almost gone after his second gargantuan bite. They are warm and gooey, vanilla icing melting off the top and along the sides. The swirl in the center is perfect. I bring my first forkful to my mouth. I make my best Liam impression with the moaning and eyes rolling back. After I finish the bite and my impression, I start laughing and turn to Liam, expecting to find him laughing, too. He’s not. He’s staring at me hungrily. He’s staring like he wants to eat me, not the cinnamon roll. My thighs press together.