Craving Sugar

by Elena M. Reyes

  Fuck it. We want her for now.

  “Your tuition payment was sent in this morning for next semester. The entire balance.”

  “Are you demented? Why would you do that for someone you don’t know?” She slammed a tiny hand on the granite countertop, the sound reverberating throughout the quiet house.

  I shrugged with nonchalance. “Because I can, and did. End of.”

  “That tells me nothing!” Her seat flew back as she stood, hand on her hip and breathing fire. “Why would you do that when I said no to your original contract? When I’ve been avoiding you for a reason.”

  “Like meeting other potential daddies?” I sneered, my own anger mounting. Silly little girl thought it’d be so simple. I was nothing if not a selfish asshole, and she was the piece of ass I wanted to own.

  “Not doing this with you.” Turning to leave, she threw me a glare from over her shoulder. “Put a stop to that check. We have nothing else to discuss.”

  “No.”

  Beau paused at the entryway. “What do you mean no?”

  “It’s signed and done. Unless...” I trailed off.

  “What else?”

  “Unless you want to pay me the early termination fee. It’s only ten grand.”

  I’d never seen someone go from flushed to ghostly pale in the span of seconds. She swayed on her feet, and I rushed to help steady her. There was no fight left.

  Didn’t even attempt to push me away when I scooped her up in my arms and carried her back into the bedroom. Not when I pulled the comforter back and lay down with my body spooning hers.

  For a while we lay in the silence, her breathing and my own the sole noise inside the space.

  To be honest, I thought she’d fallen asleep when she spoke. Whispered one word. Okay.

  “Good,” I breathed out against the crown of her head. “Really good.”

  “Don’t make me regret this.” You will.

  Trailing a hand down to her thigh, I pulled it over my own. Spread her, so I could explore the bare flesh below. Something I’d been dying to do since bringing her back here to rest.

  She was mad at me, I knew this, and yet her body responded to my touch. No matter how still she tried to remain, the proof was wetting the tip of my fingers. Spread across her upper thighs.

  “Forgive me?”

  “No,” she moaned as the palm of my hand rubbed her clit in tight circles. Her hips pushed against me, silently demanded that I give her more.

  “What will it take then?” My lips skimmed the shell of her ear, and I exhaled. “A summer vacation on an exotic beach? France?”

  “No.”

  “Say something other than no.” I dipped two fingers inside her entrance. Circled the opening before burying them deep. Immediately I sought out that rough patch of tissue and her legs closed, trapping me inside.

  “Don’t need a vacation, just quit being a jerk.” Beau tightened around my fingers, her pussy so wet it was leaking down my wrist, filling my room with the symphony of her arousal. “Oh, God. Please stop for a minute...can’t think.”

  “Then don’t, nymph. Don’t think and just feel.” Nipping the flesh just under her ear, I soothed the sting with a lick. “Come for me.”

  “Fuck,” she cried out while my fingers pumped in and out harder. Took her while I pressed down over her clit with my palm. Her walls fluttered. She was right there. “Let me stay at my apartment.”

  “No.” Doubling my efforts, I rubbed her G-spot with each entry. “Not up for negotiations.”

  “Give me two months to figure out what to tell my family at least!”

  “One, but you stay with me during.” I pulled my fingers out and spread her wide. Beau tried to protest, but it died on her tongue the moment my soaked fingers smacked her clit. Three times in rapid succession and then slammed back inside.

  “Hendrix.” My name on her lips was a prayer. A thank you that made me feel one hundred feet tall.

  “Good girl,” I praised, while slowly bringing her back down from her orgasm. Sheets ruined, I moved us toward the center of the bed and away from the spot she’d gushed all over. Once situated, I kissed her forehead and pulled her closer. Let her enjoy this rare moment of affection she’d receive from me. “Your apartment is for show as of today. You’ll be here with me, unless at school or with the family. One month to figure out what to tell them, Beau. Not a moment more.”

  FOURTEEN

  Beau

  “Thank you, GOD! Clock in, woman, my feet hurt,” Ruby yelled from across the bar the moment I walked in for my shift at Carmencita’s. Most patrons here were regulars and laughed at her antics, while a few others looked toward me with mild annoyance.

  With her, not me.

  I’d forgotten she’d be on tonight, and we hadn’t talked since Friday’s meet my boyfriend disaster. Same night I let Hendrix take me home with him.

  Forgotten anything around me existed for the last three days while I tried to come up with a viable story to sell to my loved ones.

  One week was all I asked for.

  Not even Zoe, who’d been a godsend through all of this, had received more than a text from me. But then again, she understood. Gave me the space I needed to get it together.

  For the time being, I had tunnel vision. Could only focus on one thing:

  By Saturday night I would be living with Hendrix Parker, a man I didn’t know, as he had requested—demanded, through trickery and manipulation.

  I should be scared. Nervous. Truth was—I was not.

  It was all part of what I’d signed up for in order to finish school. Forget being in debt; if I could do this any other way I would, but nothing I’d tried thus far had worked. There wasn’t a single prospect of work or financial aid that would help me.

  No one would or could, but him. He’d already paid next semester’s tuition in full. Had shown me the check made out in my name.

  So, spending the work week here and our weekends in the Keys was a sacrifice I was willing to make. Not that Hendrix had left me with much of a choice. He had it all figured out in that hardheaded mind of his—thought the fog of lust created by his perfect cock would subdue me to do his bidding.

  Once the orgasm receded, so did my compliance.

  “One week and I’ll be a good girl; move in without a single complaint.” I held a hand out before he could interrupt. “And heck, I’ll even forgive you for forging my signature like a conman.”

  That vein at the center of his forehead bulged, throbbed in time with the ticking of his jaw. “No. Absolutely not.”

  “Not your call, Mr. Parker. Be reasonable.” Hendrix wasn’t immune to me, and as I licked my dry lips, I played upon his weakness. Almost laughed at the way he followed the move with barely contained hunger. “One week to quit my job and come up with something to tell my parents. Make it believable. Can you give me that?”

  “Still a no, Beau. We’ve already discussed this.” His voice was rough, almost angry in his need for me. He hated wanting me so.

  What I couldn’t understand was the why? Why was he so possessively sexy one minute and the next, an ass—cold and impersonal?

  Walking toward him—still completely bare—I added an extra sway to my hips, puckered my lips, and widened my eyes. “Please, Mr. Parker. Give it to me.”

  His own eyes darkened, and his nostrils flared. “Fuck, you’re dangerous,” he growled low, hands reaching for my hips once I reached him. “One week, and then all bets are off. No extension. Understood?”

  “Yes,” I whimpered and held on as he picked me up and threw me back on the bed. We didn’t leave his room until that Sunday night.

  Meeting Ruby with a smile of my own, I waved and walked into the back, past the kitchen, and through a small hallway that led into the manager’s office and clock-in station.

  Victor was there wearing his signature smile and combing over the two hairs still left atop his head.

  As far as owners go, he was the bomb. Easygoing and not afraid of ge
tting dirty with the rest of us. Worked double the hours we did and always tried to keep the ten of us on his schedule happy.

  That’s why what I was about to do sucked. But I had to. Owed him as much.

  “You eat already, kid?” Victor asked before I could enter my pin into the clock. “Not that busy. You could take a bite before clocking in.”

  “I’m good.” I said, and then frowned. How does one quit their job? I’d never found myself in this predicament before.

  “Something on your mind, Beau? What can I help you with?” The concern on his face was genuine, making me feel like utter dirt for leaving him so abruptly.

  Business wasn’t hectic; most college students had gone home for a much-needed break after the semester closed. However, the few that stayed and planned to drink themselves into a coma and then doing it again the next night, kept this place alive. Beer was cheap, and the food hit the spot.

  “We need to talk. You got a minute?”

  He frowned at my grimace and then chuckled, as if privy to something I wasn’t. “Is this about that new job you got working as a P.A. for some rich developer?”

  My jaw dropped, and the back room felt as if it were closing in on me. “W-What? How?”

  Shaking his head, he picked up his ever-present mug and took a sip of coffee. “Some haughty lady from H. P. Builders called asking for references, said you were a recent on-the-spot hire. Asked about your work ethic and punctuality. How your schooling hours would interfere with work.”

  “Jesus Christ.” What more could I say? At this point, the next time I saw Hendrix, he was a dead man.

  “So, did you get the position? Are you leaving us?”

  “I did. Please know that I love working here, that—”

  “Stop, kid.” Victor placed the hand not holding his cup on my shoulder and squeezed. “This is not your end destination. One day, you were going to leave no matter what. Might be faster than I expected, but I know you need the money, Beau. This is a good thing.”

  Dammit, why did he have to be so nice? Instead of complaining that I’d be leaving him short staffed, he went out of his way to assuage my guilt.

  I hugged him. Wrapped my hands around his chubby waist and squeezed. “Thank you, Vic. You’ve been the best boss ever.”

  “Quit trying to make this old man blush. Go on.” He patted my back twice and pulled back, but he wasn’t quick enough for me not to see his eyes become a bit glossy. “Eat, and clock in.”

  “Yes, sir.” Right before I turned to walk out into the kitchen, I leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Best boss I’ll ever have. Thank you for the opportunity to work here.” Without another word, I clocked in and walked out to what would be my final shift. It was the only day I had left for that week’s schedule.

  Next week I’d be gone and submersed into my new role: arm candy.

  The next few hours flew by in a constant sea of buckets of domestic beer and greasy bar food. There was a game on all the big screens—NBA finals, and the bar was steady. We didn’t catch a break until seven p.m. after the home team won.

  And by we, I mean Ruby invited herself to have a talk with me.

  Was it weird that in the small break we’ve had from each other I had not missed her?

  “...God, Beau. He’s just so incredible. Treats me like a princess,” she gushed while I stuffed my mouth with fries. Not that I wasn’t happy for her or didn’t like Max, but the guy had the personality of a potato. “This weekend we are heading up to Universal Studios’ new water park to celebrate one of his teammate’s birthday. Full three days of parks: Island’s, Universal, and Volcano Bay.”

  “That’s nice, Rubes. Have fun.”

  She clapped her hands and did an excited wiggle in her seat. “Works out perfect for both of us.” At my confused expression, she rolled her eyes. “Silly, you’ll be covering for me since you need the cash.”

  Not a, can you? Would it be okay?

  I was her puppet, it seemed. All she had to do was crack the whip, and I’d be there.

  Funny thing was, I never got the memo. When had she hired me as her designated stand-in?

  Underneath the high table we were sitting at, I flexed my hands. “Hey, Beau. How have you been? Family good?”

  Ruby tossed her hair over her shoulder and sighed. “Don’t be so melodramatic.”

  “Then don’t act like an ass,” I snapped back. She seemed taken aback by my outburst, but was quick to school her features into a look of indifference. “We haven’t talked or hung out in a while, and this is what you hit me with? How about asking how I am or if I figured out schooling. Don’t come at me with a you’re covering for me as if I owe you. That’s not how friendships work.”

  “Is Zoe teaching you the art of having a backbone now?” Her snide remark was meant to hurt, but instead, I saw her with new eyes. How had I missed how petty she could be when not getting her way?

  Because she always did with you.

  The truth smacked me in the face

  “No, not at all. Just seeing things clearer now.” Hopping down from my seat, I grabbed my plate and drink, but before walking away, I turned to face her once more. “This nastiness in you is called being a brat. You want to hurt people with the sole purpose of getting back at anyone that didn’t do as you pleased. Grow up. The world does not revolve around you.”

  “She’s changed you, Beau.” Ruby’s eyes became glossy then, and for a split second I felt bad. But then again, that was all an act too. Manipulation at its finest. “Zoe’s made you into such a bitch. What happened to my best friend? I miss her.”

  “Me? Or how I was at your disposal?”

  “Max thinks you’re just jealous—”

  “Let me stop you right there.” Holding a hand up, I counted to ten twice in my head, so I could cool off. “Jealousy has never been an issue and you know that, Ruby, but since it seems you need clarification on my every decision, here goes: I can’t cover for you since I no longer work here.”

  “What are you talking about? Of course, you do!” Her voice rose a few octaves, and patrons near our area turned to glare.

  “Will you keep it down? Jesus, you work here...act like it.” I breathed in deep and looked up toward the bar’s rustic ceiling with exposed wooden beams. Prayed to the man upstairs to give me the patience I needed. “Had you asked me, without being a jerk, I would’ve told you that I got another job. I’m going to be working as a P.A. to the CEO of a construction company. I’ll be working between his office here and the Keys, will make enough money in six months to pay a good chunk of my tuition off. Just have to be very careful with how I budget.”

  With her reaction to everything, I’d never tell her the truth.

  “Congratulations,” she said, face pinched tight, resentment written all over her features. “Why am I hearing about this now? Didn’t know you were looking.”

  “Are you kidding me right now? You called when I was in the middle of the interview.”

  “No, I didn’t.”

  “It was after Max left that day you got back together.”

  “Oh.” That’s it. She didn’t say another word to me. Instead, she muttered under her breath while gathering her garbage—tried to turn and leave me standing there like a fool.

  “Got something to say?”

  “Nope.” Again with the bored tone, and this time it was accompanied by her looking at her nails. “All I care about now is finding someone to cover my shift.”

  “Good for you. Have fun.” Fuck her if she thought I’d let her have the last word. Not waiting for her to leave, I marched off and toward the back. There was exactly two hours until my shift ended, and I’d avoid her.

  Plate in sink and cup refilled, I walked back out and checked on the tables another server had been covering for me. This chick was new and bubbly, very nice to everyone around her, and could handle multiple tables at once.

  She high-fived me once I let her out for a small smoke break.

  And it hit me th
en; Victor had already hired my replacement and she had my seal of approval.

  My time here was done, and it was bittersweet.

  I was saying goodbye to much more than just a job.

  After today’s bull Ruby pulled, I needed a friendship break. Time out. See other people.

  Her behavior wasn’t acceptable.

  Don’t need someone using me in my life.

  Hendrix will be doing all the abusing over the next few months.

  Which led to another question: how do I tell my parents?

  FIFTEEN

  “That’s amazing, pumpkin. When do you start?”

  When do I start? How to answer that?

  The truth was out of the question, and so I’d let the lie started by Hendrix himself flow. Made me look good and not like the cheap plaything that was being held onto by strings. Pulled in the direction of her master’s liking.

  An egotistical jerk who cared for himself.

  One of these days I’m going to trip Zoe on purpose.

  “This Monday actually. Bright and—”

  “Titi!” Aubrey yelled out mid-giggle a few feet from where we were sitting on a blanket. It was moments like these that I thanked God for Aubrey’s fascination with the ocean. Without knowing, she bought me a few more minutes to mentally put the finishing touches on my lie.

  Little omission.

  She was in an adorable mermaid inspired bathing suit and running from her mom and the new family friend, Ivan. The man had become ever present since meeting him. Always around, eating dinner with Gloria and Aubrey every night—playing house.

  For a school’s director, he seemed more invested in the mother than student. Not that my niece wasn’t thriving, because dear God, she was. Best place for her was at this facility and I’d never argue that, but his interest was more on a personal level.

  Watching my sister’s booty was one of those priorities.

  “Run, Aubrey!” I yelled out while opening my arms wide. She ran as fast as her little legs could carry her and settled on my lap. Took my towel and burrowed into its warmth while Gloria and Ivan pretended not to see or hear her.