by Sam Crescent
“The child lock is still on.”
“You’re insane. Why is it most guys think they can trap a woman in order to talk to them?”
“Because most women are too fucking dramatic for their own good.”
Her anger rose tenfold. “Fine, you hurt me more by walking away. You fucked me hard without even staring into my eyes, and yet when it came to looking after me, you split. I thought out of all of you, you’d be the one who’d stay.” She hated sounding needy, and hearing the tone to her voice pissed her off. “Let me out of the fucking car, now.”
“No.”
Zoe turned on him. She went onto her knees and punched his arm as hard as she could. Connor took the punch. When that didn’t seem to work, she slapped his face. He did nothing to fight back. She lost interest. There was no need for her to fight a brick wall.
“I like the pain I caused you,” he said.
She turned to stare at him. No words came at his admission.
“That’s why I needed to get away. I look at you, and I never want to hurt you. You have no idea how I feel about you, Zoe. Last night, I had to get away because I saw the pain I caused you with that first thrust, and I liked it. You didn’t deserve a sick bastard to wash you. Brent and Jake are normal inside. I’m not.”
Tears stung her eyes at the softly spoken words.
“You didn’t hurt me, Connor.”
“Yeah, I did. I saw it in your eyes, and I wanted to see it again.”
She shook her head. “You’re not like that.”
“Yes, I am.”
Over her years of living on the streets and moving from place to place, she’d seen a lot of crap. Connor was not as bad as he thought he was.
“You like to hurt me?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Then punch me.”
He turned to look at her. His face disgusted. “What? No.”
“Hit me, Connor. If you like my pain so much slap me around a little bit.” If he raised a hand she’d fucking kill him. He looked like he was going to throw up. “You’re not a sick man, Connor. A sick man who liked to see a woman in pain would beat her up and hurt her at every possible chance he got. I believe you need to think clearly about what you actually liked about last night, as I don’t think it was the pain of you fucking me that excited you.”
She touched his arm, and she felt him flinch. “Will you help me unload these boxes?” she asked.
He nodded, getting out of the truck and going round to her door. Connor helped her out of the truck then followed her inside the busy bar. There were no customers, only the staff and Steve taking account of the delivery. She was surprised to see Tristan standing near Steve talking.
Vicki walked over toward her. “Hi, you’re not expected ‘til tonight.”
“I wanted to help, and I need to talk to Steve when he’s free. Connor baked this morning, and I can’t eat it all.” Vicki looked past her to Connor.
“You can put it on the table.”
Connor nodded leaving Zoe alone.
“He’s brooding a little too much, don’t you think?” Vicki asked.
Zoe nodded. “Will you save that thought? I’m going to see him out.”
“Take all the time in the world.”
Zoe smiled and followed Connor out of the door. He was at his truck, opening the door by the time she made it to his side.
“You’re going to go without saying goodbye?” she asked.
“I shouldn’t be around you, Zoe.”
She slapped his hand. “I thought we were going to give this a go. All of us, together. If this is how you’re going to treat me, Connor, then I’ll be gone by morning.”
He stared at her. His eyes showed his pain.
“I don’t want you to go.”
“Then kiss me goodbye like you would a proper girlfriend,” she said.
“I’ve never had a girlfriend.”
“I’ve never had a boyfriend. So, I guess we can learn together.” Zoe went up on her tip toes and kissed Connor before he had time to pull away.
For a few seconds he didn’t move or say anything. He stayed still, and then his arms banded around her, pulling her close. When they parted, Zoe felt like she was on cloud nine.
“See you later, Connor.”
“You’re working tonight?”
“Yep, after I make sure I have a job.”
“I’ll see you tonight.”
He got inside his truck and drove away. She watched him leave then made her way back inside. Tristan was still talking with Steve. Vicki was stood on the corner watching them. The boxes of food were already open, and several pieces were missing. Zoe smiled. For the first time since her parents died, she felt happy.
She stared at Vicki debating, trying to build up a friendship with the other woman. Zoe had shot her down so many times in the past that she wondered if the other girl would give her a chance.
Do this for your guys, and do it for yourself.
Zoe squared her shoulders and walked over to where Vicki stood. The young woman was biting on her nails watching Tristan.
“What’s going on?” Zoe asked.
Vicki jumped, a hand going to her heart. “You scared me. I thought you’d be long gone by now.”
“No, I’m not going.”
“You said you’d be gone by the end of the week. Are you here to pick up your last pay-cheque?”
Zoe shook her head. “I’m here to ask Steve if I can keep working here.”
“For how long?”
She paused to think about the answer. “Indefinitely.” Even if it didn’t go well with Brent, Jake, and Connor, she wanted to lay down her roots in Law Castle.
Vicki turned to her. “Really? You’re staying here?” Zoe nodded her head smiling. “I’m sure Steve would love to have you. You’ve not got the best reputation with the customers, but you’re a good barmaid.”
Zoe didn’t say anything. She knew this would take time. Vicki was clearly waiting for her to say something. “I was in the foster system as a teenager,” she said.
Where the hell had that come from?
“I don’t open up easily. It is hard to do.”
The younger woman was staring at her as if she’d grown three heads. Nothing came out of her lips.
Great, the one time I’m ready to talk, and you’re going to stay silent on me.
“I shot you down all those time you were trying to be my friend. I’ve never had a friend, and I didn’t expect to stay here for long. I find not making connections with people is easier to do.” Zoe’s hands were shaking as she ran her fingers through her hair. “I was wondering if your offer of friendship was still open?”
Vicki stared at her open-mouthed.
“I understand if you tell me to get lost.”
There was a shaking of the head. “What? Of course I wouldn’t tell you to get lost. I’d love to be your friend, Zoe.”
In the next instant, Vicki had her arms around Zoe. She felt the tight squeeze of the other woman. Zoe patted Vicki on the back.
“Thank you.”
“Sorry, you need to breathe.” Vicki pulled away, smiling.
Zoe turned towards the owner and the sheriff. “What’s going on?”
“I have no idea. Tristan was here waiting when I got here. Steve came in an hour ago. They’ve been talking since.”
“You seem nervous,” Zoe said.
“No, I’m not. I’m fine. I just have the jitters is all. I’ve got a sixth sense I use for detecting impending doom.”
Zoe laughed unsure how to take the statement. They stood together watching the two men. Tristan nodded, scribbled on his notebook, then moved away. When he saw them, he walked over. Zoe felt Vicki tense at her side.
“Vicki,” Tristan said.
“Sheriff.”
“I need to talk to you, Zoe.”
“Why?” Her defences came back up.
“I need to ask you a few questions.”
Zoe turned to Vicki, who was loo
king elsewhere.
“Okay, I’ll talk to you.”
Tristan took her arm and led her to a secluded corner. “I need to know everything about this man, Bill.”
She shook her head. “No offense, Sheriff. That’s not my business.” Zoe went to leave, but he caught her with a hand on her arm. “A kid overdosed last night at the park where you usually sit and watch the kids. I think it is time you start giving me some answers, Zoe.”
“What? Who? What?” Her mind was awhirl. A kid near the park had overdosed? “Is the kid all right? What happened?”
“The kid is fine. I want to know how drugs got into my town and who is the main supplier.”
“I don’t know.”
“Connor said he saw someone hassling you. A Bill.”
“I don’t know his name. The people where I live call him Bill.”
“Have you seen him dealing?”
Zoe closed her lips.
“If you don’t tell me everything I need to know I will arrest you, and then I’ll find something to arrest your men.”
She glared at him, not liking him one bit.
“Yes, I saw him dealing.”
“Where?”
Zoe gave him as much information as she knew. She described the foil packets with some of the men around her apartment building. That was all the information she had. Foil packets and customers.
“Where does he live?”
“I don’t know. All I know is he comes near the neighbourhood where the trailers are and my apartment building. Are we done?”
“Yes, you’re not allowed to leave this town until I’m satisfied, Miss Howard.”
“I’m not a criminal.”
“I know, but you’re jumpy around the law. I don’t like that.”
She saw a wedding band on his finger as it glinted in from the light coming in through the window. “You’re married.”
“Yes.”
Zoe stared at the ring for a few moments wondering why she thought that was important.
Shaking her head, she walked off. Their conversation was done. Vicki was next to Steve filling the bar when she moved up to him.
She was about to talk to Steve as Tristan came up behind her. “Vicki, I need to talk to you.”
“I’m busy. It will have to wait until later.”
“Steve!”
“Go talk to the good Sheriff, Vicki.”
Zoe watched the two walk out of the bar leaving her alone with Steve.
“Steve, may I talk to you for a minute?”
“As long as it is only a minute.” He looked up from his paperwork to stare at her.
“I was wondering if I could keep my job ... indefinitely.”
“Is this about those three friends who own a house together? Jake, Brent, and Connor, part of the Bad Boys pact and whatnot.”
“Yes,” she said. “How did you know?”
“A little advice about towns—not many people get to keep secrets. Most of our skeletons are known by every member of the town.”
“Are you telling me there is no privacy here?” she asked.
“There is privacy, but in very rare circumstances.”
“Can I keep my job?”
Steve turned to her, his gaze going over the top of his glasses. “You still want to stay here even with people knowing your baggage?”
Zoe shrugged her shoulders. “I’d rather stay here than risk the wrong type of people knowing my baggage. Also, Jake told me to say, he’d owe you a favour.”
“Smart answer, and that sounds promising. If you want I can start paying your wages into the bank rather than by cheque?” he asked.
“That would be great.” They sorted out her information. Several minutes later Vicki walked in looking like she’d been crying.
Unsure what to do, Zoe helped restock the shelves and organise the delivery of the beer. Vicki stayed in Steve’s office sorting through his supplies.
At three in the afternoon, Steve pushed them out the door. “You’ll be working late tonight. Go and get some rest.”
“Would you like a ride into town?” Vicki asked.
“Yeah, sure.”
Chapter Thirteen
Connor was waiting for Tristan inside the office at the sheriff’s department. Connor knew he was at The Dugout, but Tristan was the only guy Connor could talk to in order for him to figure out his problem. He didn’t like not knowing what was going on inside his own head. Connor put his feet on top of the desk and leaned back closing his eyes.
Sleep had evaded him last night, and he was so fucking tired of the stress. Winning Zoe over had been a point in his favour. He no longer felt on the edge and like his whole world was about to crumble. At least he had control to a point.
“You do know I can arrest you for that?” Tristan said as he walked ‘round his desk. He used his baton to push Connor’s feet off the table.
“I didn’t get a lot of sleep last night.” He watched the older man pull a ring off his hand. Shaking his head, Connor sat up running his fingers through his hair.
“I don’t care about your sleep. I’ve got a lot on my plate, Connor. Say whatever you’ve got to say, and let me do my job.”
“Is there more to this Bill than meets the eye?” Connor asked.
Tristan sat down heavily in his chair. For a forty-five year old man, Tristan kept himself in shape. “A young boy was rushed to hospital last night of a suspected overdose. I’d say your suspicions on this Bill are straight up there. I don’t like it. A drug dealer in Law Castle. This is the type of shit that loses me this chair.”
“You like your shiny little life, huh, Tristan?”
“What I like is keeping this town clean. I don’t mind your little Bad Boys club or any of the other shit that brings tourists and money to this town. We bring them in; we keep our jobs, and everything works out fine.”
“Why do I feel a ‘but’ coming on?” Connor said.
“I don’t want the other crap that comes with it. The drugs and this guy are going to have to go.”
“I agree.”
Connor felt Tristan staring at him. “The bullshit aside, Connor, why are you here?”
His nerves were back in place. “Forget it. I shouldn’t have come. Thanks for the warning.”
“Sit down,” Tristan said. There was an authoritative tone to his voice. “What do you want to talk to me about, son?”
“I’m not your son.”
Tristan began laughing. “I’ve been around a long time, Connor. I know when someone is lying to me or wants me to believe something. I know you’ve got a past in something. I don’t know what. What I do know, is you think I can help you with something. Talk to me.”
“It’s about Zoe.”
****
Jake finished on the car he was working on as the giggles and whistles came through the mechanic shop. He cursed aloud. This was part of the job he hated. Didn’t these girls and a few of the women have something else to do rather than giggle at them? Brent smacked his head on the underside of the truck.
“Fuck, do you think we can get Tristan to arrest them? They’re really starting to piss me off,” Brent said.
Jake shook his head, got into the driver’s side, and reversed the car out of the shop. Jake drove the car in the reserved parking space then began walking back to the car. A young woman came running over to him. He recognised her but couldn’t think of a name.
“Jake,” she said, wrapping her arms around him.
Brent raised his eyebrows at him.
“Excuse me, lady. I’ve got to work,” said Jake.
“Don’t you remember me? It’s Chloe, Stefan’s little sister. You use to babysit me when my brother went out to be with his friends?”
“Chloe Jackson? Well, you sure grew up. Did you have a great time in college?”
“The best.”
“I came over because Stefan and the guys want you over at his house later this afternoon. They’re having a barbeque before going to The Dugout. He wan
ts you, Brent, and Connor. No exceptions. Also, he said you had a girlfriend to bring along. I think the guys want to meet her.”
“Zoe will be working at The Dugout tonight, so he’ll have to wait until later to meet her. Come on, I’ll take you to see Brent.”
He put his arms around her shoulders and escorted her into the mechanics’ shop. The whistles followed him inside.
“They still want a piece of your ass?” she asked.
“You go away to college and come back with a dirty mouth? I don’t like it. I think I should talk to your brother.”
“I’m a big girl. I know how to take care of myself.” She squeezed his ass for good measure. He batted her hand away. Brent was staring past his shoulder with a panicked look in his eyes. Jake turned to see Zoe and Vicki waiting.
“Oh shit,” Jake said.
“You better fix this, Jake,” Brent said.
Zoe looked frozen to the spot. She turned to walk away. Vicki stood glaring at him then at Chloe. “It’s Chloe, Stefan’s sister,” he said as he passed.
“Zoe, wait.”
“I’m going to go home and get ready for work.” She rounded a corner down the alley leading towards the path that would take her towards her apartment. Jake ran to keep up with her. When he caught up, he grabbed her hand and spun her around. He dodged her fist as she took a swing at him.
“Whoa, be careful with those fists.”
She took another swing at him. Jake took both of her hands in his and pressed them against the brick wall.
“Calm down, baby. That’s not what this is about.”
“Really, so all women are allowed to grab your ass when they feel like it?” she asked.
“What? No. Let me explain.”
“I’m not going anywhere. You’ve got all the time in the world to explain.”
Jake stared into the fiery depths of her eyes. She was jealous, and he liked it. He pressed his body against her rubbing his cock next to her pussy.
“Dry humping me is not an explanation.”
“I’m not dry humping you, Zoe. I’m showing you what seeing you in the clothes we bought you has done to me.” Jake leaned down and kissed her neck. He heard her gasp, and her head turned to the side as he brushed his lips along her pulse. He felt her pulse leap the moment he nibbled on the base of her neck.