Promise Me Forever (Top Shelf Romance)

by Kate Stewart

  He moved from the running water when bubbles started to form and opened the linen closet. After pulling out a thick, white towel, he walked past me again and bent to grab the bag. I almost swallowed my tongue when he turned and caught me staring. The butterflies in my stomach intensified. The only time I ever felt like this was when I had my first crush, only this felt more intense. More real.

  Was it possible to have a crush on someone seven years older?

  “Did you hear me?” His voice brought me back to awareness.

  “What? Huh?”

  “I said the water shouldn’t be too hot.”

  “It’s for me?”

  His face remained expressionless as he answered without emotion, “It’s not for me.”

  “Oh.” I didn’t move from my spot in the corner. Instead, I tightened my arms around my legs. I couldn’t move with him in here anyway. He’d seen enough to disgust him. I was scared and mortified when I used the bathroom and discovered the blood in my panties. I panicked and ripped them off, and when I touched myself, I realized what was happening. I had no idea what to do and no one to turn to so I balled myself in the corner and cried.

  He dropped to his haunches in front of me and reached into the paper bag and pulled out a box. “Know how to use these?” My eyes bucked, and I shook my head. Angel holding a box of tampons was not something I ever expected to see. The blue and orange box looked out of place in his hand. It disappeared back into the bag, and then he pulled out a package of pads.

  Kill. Me.

  He frowned as he ripped open the packaging before pulling out a folded square wrapped in pink paper. “I was told these are easier to use.”

  “Who told you that?” I blurted. I couldn’t believe he’d gotten them much less discussed the advantages of feminine products.

  Oh, God. Had he cornered some poor, unsuspecting woman in a store for help?

  “Trinity.”

  His answer brought my musings to a screeching halt. I watched as he ripped open the pink paper and unfolded the sanitary pad. “I—I can do that.”

  He didn’t respond, but he did toss the pad into the bag and stand. “The water’s going to be cold soon.”

  He made for the door, but my curiosity wouldn’t just let him leave. “Who’s Trinity?”

  The muscles in his back tightened and pulled against his thin t-shirt. He stood silently in the threshold for so long that I figured he wouldn’t answer and would tell me it was none of my business. But then he bit out, “My girlfriend,” and walked out.

  The door slamming swallowed my inhale. I felt as if I’d been punched in the stomach. Fighting my trembling legs, I stood and shed my nightshirt. The water was the perfect temperature. The salt and bubbles caressed my skin and soothed the ache in my muscles the stress had caused. Pretty soon, I was asleep until a knock on the door brought me back to life. The water had gone cold and bumps covered my skin.

  “Mian?”

  I quickly sat up and stared at the door, hoping he wouldn’t open it. “I’m okay!” I yelled to answer his unspoken question. After three years, we were in tune with each other, and it was as if we secretly accepted the connection and silently hated each other for it.

  I waited until he left to step out of the freezing water. The large towel was soft and a godsend against the cool air. It wasn’t until I finished wrapping the towel that I realized I didn’t have a change of clothes.

  I’d have to leave the bathroom with only a towel to protect me. He was always disappearing and coming back hours later smelling like weed and looking like trouble. I’ve never met his friends, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have them. Maybe if I hid a little longer, he’d leave.

  Or he’d realize I was hiding again, come back, and force me out.

  I really only had one option.

  I put my ear to the door, but it was silent on the other side. Maybe he’d gone to visit Trinity to laugh about what a stupid kid I am. My stomach cramped, but I told myself it was because of my menses and not the thought of him with another girl.

  I wouldn’t dare have a crush because not only was the thought of us forbidden, it was impossible.

  It would be a long time before I was old enough for him. I was only twelve, and he would be nineteen in a few months. Our fathers would forbid it, and I was sure Angel thought I was just a dumb kid. I made it to my bedroom and immediately noticed my favorite lime green sheets had been replaced with crisp white sheets. I stood frozen just inside the door until understanding dawn and dread seeped inside.

  There must have been blood.

  He must have seen it and changed the sheets.

  Oh, God.

  Could this get any more embarrassing?

  “Here.”

  I inhaled until my lungs were full and pivoted, feeling my heart race. He stood beyond the door holding a napkin and tall glass of water. He shoved it toward me and ordered me with his eyes to take it, so I did and found two pills inside the fold of the napkin. “What’s this for?”

  “For the pain.”

  I fingered the pills from the napkin and swallowed them down with half the glass of water. “Did Trinity tell you this?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh.” I felt awkward.

  He eyed me, and I could tell he was annoyed when he said, “Problem?”

  “You didn’t have to do all this,” I said even though I knew if he hadn’t, I’d still be in a ball on the bathroom floor.

  “It was nothing.” He noticed me staring and added, “So don’t make it into anything.”

  “You’re so confusing.”

  “How so?”

  I shrugged and looked down at my feet. “You’re just…” A walking, talking contradiction. “Not easy,” I finished lamely.

  “Then why are you still here?”

  “It’s not like I have a choice.”

  “You don’t believe that so why do you expect me to?”

  “Why would I lie?”

  “Because you and I both know if you told your daddy how not easy I am, he wouldn’t hesitate to bend to your will, would he, princess?”

  “What do you have against my father?”

  “It’s not your father I have a problem with.” He stepped closer and his eyes darkened. Suddenly, I was very aware of my nakedness beneath the towel. “But I do have a problem with the way you look at him.”

  “H—how do I look at him?”

  “Like he’s the only man in the world.” I took a step back to escape the heat in his eyes, but he only followed me step for step. “One day, it won’t be your father you’ll look at that way. One day, it won’t be him you belong to.”

  “I—I don’t understand.” God, stop stuttering!

  Suddenly, the brakes were pressed. He stared down at me as if he was finally seeing me, and I watched as the wildness in his eyes dimmed. He started to back up, but I couldn’t let him go. I needed to know what tamed him. I started to follow, but the tick in his jaw froze me. He left, and I stood in the same spot long after the front door slammed.

  Why did it feel as if he’d just made a promise?

  Chapter 21

  MIAN

  Present

  “Rise, princess.”

  I grumbled and fought to stay under. Consciousness chased the friendly voice, but my sore ass begged for me not to trust it.

  “And shine, pretty girl.” The presence of a second voice rang alarms, and when I felt fingertips trail my spine, they began to blare. I peeked cautiously with one eye open.

  Strong legs covered in black denim greeted me. I had both eyes open when I scrambled to sit up, and I very clearly saw Lucas sitting on the windowsill and Z standing by my bedside sporting a grin.

  “What are you two doing in here?”

  “We need you,” Lucas answered. His gaze dropped to my chest, reminding me I was naked. I shivered and told myself it was because I slept in the cold without so much as a sheet or a pillow to keep me warm.

  “Why?” I asked warily. His voi
ce had been far too seductive when he expressed his need for me.

  “It’s time for breakfast,” Z answered cheerily.

  “I’m not hungry.”

  “But we are.” Lucas moved from the window to stand on the side of the bed opposite Z.

  “You’re grown men. I’m sure you know what you need to do when you’re hungry.”

  “You have a mean mouth for someone so tiny,” Lucas said. His gaze pinned me to the center of the bed. “I look forward to putting it to better use.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Mian,” Z interrupted gently. I couldn’t tear my glare away from Lucas. “Mian,” he repeated, this time with a hand on my chin. Gently, he turned my face up until I had no choice but to meet his gaze. “If you want this to go smoothly, you might consider hearing us out. You deny us as if you have power here.”

  “I’m not having sex with you,” I blurted. His smile was bright as the pad of his thumb caressed my chin softly.

  “Let’s just have breakfast first, and then we’ll talk about it.”

  Was he not hearing me? What part of me not wanting our genitals to meet needed discussion?

  “I don’t think so.”

  He sighed and then climbed on the bed, driving me from the center and closer to Lucas. “Then we’ll stay here,” he said smoothly.

  The bed shifted behind me. Lucas had also climbed in bed. “No reason not to get back in bed since breakfast isn’t happening.” His lips tilted. His smile made him insanely hot.

  I reached out for covers that weren’t there and felt the chilly air heat up by at least a hundred degrees. Running meant climbing over one of them or exposing my ass to reach the foot of the bed. I drew into myself to keep from touching them, but they just kept pushing closer.

  “Guys, stop.” I tried to sound firm, but all I could hear was desperation. Where was Angel?

  “Have you reconsidered?”

  “You’re not going to bully me into doing what you want.”

  “Why not? It’s worked so far.” I glared at Lucas.

  “What we’re trying to say, pretty girl, is that you’re still fighting when you’ve already lost.”

  “Why do you do that?”

  “Do what?”

  “Say nice things and threaten me at the same time. I’m not sure if you’re worse than this one.” I threw my thumb over my shoulder at Lucas.

  “Does it matter?” Lucas questioned. “We’re both dangerous, and we’re not here to protect you. We’re not your friends, and we never will be. Does that clear things up for you?”

  “It certainly does. Gentleman, I’m naked. I don’t know what you want from me, and I don’t care. What I want is my son and to be shown to the door. Where’s Angel?”

  “Business trip to the city,” Z answered.

  “Why?”

  “He left to find answers since he wasn’t getting any from you.”

  “Wait… He left me here? Alone? With you two?” My voice rose with each question.

  “Shhh,” Z soothed. “He’ll be back in two days.”

  Two days… Angel left my baby and me alone with strangers for two days. The room started to spin. “Oh, God.”

  Lucas’s expression shifted to concern. “Are you alright?”

  Fuck no! “Where is my baby?”

  “He’s fine.”

  I pounded my fist on the bare mattress and snarled at Z. “He’s not safe from you three, so no, he is not fine.”

  “He’s safe, Mian. And if you do as you’re told and don’t try anything idiotic, you will be too.”

  “Take me to my son.” There was no way in hell I would trust anything either of them ever said. I needed to see him and feel his warmth against my skin.

  “We can’t do that. When we get word from Angel, he’ll decide where we go from there.”

  “Listen to me,” I pleaded. “He’s not well. I needed cash to pay for a doctor’s visit. I don’t know how sick he is and I’m worried.” When they didn’t respond or move, I added, “Please.” They exchanged looks over my head, and my stomach plummeted.

  After another heavy silence, Lucas scratched his head and said, “We thought he might be sick.”

  “Please, you have to do something.” They exchanged another look and my stomach knotted this time. “He could die!”

  “Part of Angel’s business trip is to arrange for a doctor—one of the best—to look at your son.”

  I scrambled for the bed and faced off with them. They still sat on the bed wearing shock on their faces. “Are you telling me my son isn’t here? He took my son?” I roared.

  “He’s trying to help him, Mian.” Lucas’s voice deepened. I was approaching a danger zone but fuck that. My son will always be worth any battle.

  “He could help him by letting us go!”

  “So you can do what?” Z snapped. “I’m willing to bet you don’t even have the money to make it back home, let alone keep you both fed. He would be dead by the end of the week, and you wouldn’t be able to live with that. You’d be dead, too.”

  I tore my gaze away because I couldn’t stand to see the truth in his eyes. “I’m going to kill you both.” My vow was made quietly and aimed at the ground.

  “That may be, but for now, let Angel help him.”

  I did look up then. “After I’m done with your ring leader, I will kill you both.” I was sure my promise made its mark this time. They both nodded, seeming to take it in stride. They were men who likely dealt with death threats on a daily basis and still managed to continue breathing.

  Not for long.

  “Maybe we shouldn’t trust you to make us breakfast,” Z joked to break the tension.

  “Why would I make you breakfast?”

  “Angel wanted us to keep you busy while he’s away so you’ll be seeing to our needs.”

  My stomach tightened at the thought of their needs. “Like a maid?”

  “Titles can be tricky,” Lucas said and grinned. I didn’t return it.

  “Your needs aren’t my problem.”

  Lucas shook his head, took my arm, and steered me toward the door.

  “Battles already lost, Mian.”

  “So you worked with my dad and Uncle Art? Why haven’t I ever met either of you before?”

  After Lucas had led me to the state-of-the-art kitchen with Z trailing behind us, I refused to perform any culinary action. My defiance lasted up until Z calmly worked his belt from the loops of his pants while maintaining eye contact. The threat was clear. I barely knew Z, yet somehow, I was surprised but smart enough to know he meant it.

  “Maybe he didn’t trust us with you,” Z leaned in and whispered.

  “Makes sense. My dad didn’t really trust anyone with me.” He would have told Angel not to bring anyone around.

  Lucas chuckled from his perch beside Z at the bar. “He’s not talking about your pops, girl.”

  “Oh…” They were silent but watchful, letting it sink in on its own. “I think you’re wrong. Angel didn’t even know I existed.”

  Z rolled his eyes and leaned back. “If you truly believed that, your sexy body wouldn’t be so flushed right now.”

  “It wasn’t always tense between us,” I admitted.

  “You want to fuck him, don’t you, pretty girl?”

  “No, Zachariah. I do not. I want him to die.”

  “I call bullshit.”

  “You can call the press, too, if you’d like. My answer stays the same.”

  “You like lying to yourself?”

  “It’s not a lie to say I’m not attracted to the man who kidnapped my son.”

  “So you feel nothing?”

  “Not even a twinge. Eggs are ready.” I picked up the hot skillet from the flat top stove and spooned the scrambled eggs onto their waiting plates. Bacon, toast, and fresh fruit were already waiting along with tall glasses of orange juice. “Enjoy,” I said, not meaning it.

  Lucas smirked and fixed his gaze on mine. “You didn’t poison the food, did yo
u?”

  “Oh, how I wish I could.”

  “Ease up, Sprite. Let’s have a truce for now and just eat.”

  “I told you I wasn’t hungry.” It was a lie, of course. I was starving but eager to get away from them. I was still naked, and the apron Z gave me to cook in didn’t preserve much of my modesty.

  Lucas’s nostrils flared. “And I said to eat.”

  “There’s no food left.”

  “There’s plenty here, princess.” Z patted his lap with a grin.

  “I’m not sitting on your lap.”

  “Then you can sit on mine,” Lucas offered.

  “But there’s a seat between you.”

  “Since you share our food you sit where we want you.”

  “But I don’t want your food!”

  “Battle’s lost.”

  I pulled my wild card. “What would Angel say?”

  He smirked. “He would insist.”

  “You’re lying.”

  “Should we call him? He’d be very interested to know that you refuse to eat.”

  “God, you’re both assholes.”

  “Comes with the job description, babe.”

  “Yeah, I bet.” I grabbed a fork and walked around the counter and because Z was closer and Lucas scared me, I chose his lap. He wasted no time settling me in with an arm around my waist.

  “You feel good.”

  “Yeah, I’m not sitting here so you can sample me.” The trill of Lucas’s phone sent him away from the bar and into another room. “Can I have some eggs please?”

  Z’s chuckle was low and deep. “Thought you weren’t hungry.”

  “I guess all this banter has worked up an appetite.”

  “What’s mine is yours,” he whispered seductively. “Take what you want.”

  “Yeah, I’ll just take the eggs, buddy.”

  His sexy chuckle caressed my neck and then we ate in silence until his plate was cleared. “Damn, princess. You can really put it away.”

  “Do you have any idea how to talk to a girl?”

  I felt a fingertip trail down my arm. “To be fair, I don’t really do much talking when I interact with women.”

  “And you’re proud of yourself?”