Poison

by Cora Bell

  Pale as a ghost? My gut clenched. Why? Was she scared? And if so, of what? Or who? I frowned. If anyone had fucking hurt her—even scared her—I’d beat the shit out of them.

  “Just thought you’d want to know,” Hale said with another shrug.

  “Why’s that?”

  “Figured it was obvious.”

  I grunted again. Damn Hale and his ability to always read me so well.

  Hale stepped up to the desk. “Not trying to start something, I just…” He scratched his chin. “It just seemed like you were interested.” He lifted his eyebrows when I started to protest. “Hey, we’ve all seen it.”

  Who had? The whole fucking bar? I knew my body reacted to Sky’s every time she was around, but I thought I hid it pretty well. God, had Sky noticed too?

  “You always did go for the underdog,” Hale said.

  “Fuck,” I growled, standing. He was way too perceptive for his own good. “I don’t always go for anything.”

  “Why not? She’s got a good head on her shoulders. And she’s cute—I mean really…” His voice trailed off when I lifted my eyebrows, daring him to continue. “She’s not my type. But perfect for you.”

  My jaw clenched. Now he just made me want her even more.

  “She’s an employee.” I skirted around the desk and jerked open the door.

  “Didn’t know dating employees was against the rules,” Hale said with a grin.

  I tossed him a glare. Sounded just like Hale. He didn’t fuck around with business, but when it came to the ladies, he didn’t have any limits.

  I didn’t answer but instead motioned to the bar. “It’s busy. I’m going to help.”

  Hale yelled something after me, but I couldn’t hear it over the music. Hale thought rules were made to be broken—at least, he did now after he’d gotten burned by following the rules. He’d been faithful to his girlfriend because that was what he was supposed to do. And then his girlfriend had cheated on him.

  I automatically looked for Sky when I stepped behind the bar but quickly redirected my focus. I was here to help out and that was it. I poured three shots of tequila for the women at the end of the bar. Next, I moved to get an order from the blonde in the middle with huge breasts. She was practically drooling over the lead singer of the band. She wasn’t the only one. He got as many women as Hale. She ordered cranberry and vodka. No problem. But I kept an eye on her because she’d probably need a cab home within an hour.

  When I shifted to my left, my elbow grazed someone’s arm.

  “Sorry,” the soft voice said next to me.

  I glanced over, my own apology at the ready. It died on my lips when I saw her. Sky. Her hair was in a high ponytail, but a few pieces had escaped and framed her face. My eyes automatically dropped to her lips—

  —and froze there.

  What the fuck was that on her lip?

  It was swollen and bruised, despite her attempt to cover it up.

  I reached for her automatically. “Sky—what happened?”

  “Wh—what?” She glanced away, catching on immediately. “It’s nothing—I’m fine.”

  I reached for her again. “Did someone do this to you?”

  “N—no. I mean, I—it’s fine. I just fell.” Her gaze flicked back to mine and she swallowed. “On the stairs.”

  Bullshit. I could tell she was lying. But I let it go for the moment. “Let’s get an ice pack to stop the swelling.”

  Her laugh came out nervous. “No. You don’t—I mean, it’s fine. I’m fine,” she insisted. “Just embarrassed.” She took a cautious step back, out of my reach, and glanced around. “It’s busy.”

  Fuck. She was right. But it didn’t seem to matter right now. I thought back to Hale’s words and how Sky was jumpy. Hell yeah, she was. And it was because something else was going on. I’d been in enough fights to know what a fist could do to someone’s mouth.

  Sky reached for more shot glasses, remaining professional. Dammit. I just wanted to drag her into my office and demand to know what was going on.

  But that was overstepping my bounds, right? Her friend Liam would help her—they were always together.

  So I took a calming breath and grabbed another order. I’d keep an eye on her, that was all. Just like any other employee. I’d make sure she was okay and keep my feelings in check. That was the only way it was going to work if I didn’t want to lose my mind.

  3

  They announced last call thirty minutes ago, which meant I had to commit to my plan soon.

  Nerves churned in my stomach. It was a terrible idea. Not just because I could get caught but because Ransom was already suspicious. He didn’t look like he believed me for a moment when I told him I fell.

  I moved my rag in slow circles on the bar, praying for people to stay late. Or a fight to break out.

  I almost snorted out a laugh. God, that was fucked up. Hoping for a fight so I could stay longer. But I couldn’t go home. Not tonight. What if there was someone waiting there? What if they’d come back for me?

  Liam’s words floated back to me. One week. He was right. I needed to get out of there. But then what? Would my dad come after me? Would those other men come after me?

  My hands were shaking when I put the dirty glasses in the bin. Shit. I didn’t really have a choice. I couldn’t go back tonight, which meant I was going to stay here. I knew it was safe here, and if I acted normal, no one would have any clue what I was doing.

  Then I’d decide what to do, even if it was taking Liam up on his offer. Just until I could find a cheap place to live.

  I kept my head down and continued to wipe the bar until Ransom appeared out of the corner of my eye. My body automatically hummed the way it always did when I saw him. Like electricity running through me.

  It was pleasant and painful at the same time. But that was what longing was all about, I guessed—even if I’d never felt like this for anyone before. I’d only ever kissed two boys in high school. Now, here I was at twenty-two with a whole head full of things I wanted an older man to do to me and knowing it was wrong.

  Ransom was my boss.

  I followed the movement of his boots until they were out of sight and then released a breath. My body still throbbed in places I rarely ever thought about before I met Ransom.

  I swiveled to rinse my rag, and then he was there. I almost slammed into his chest. He was so tall my head only reached his shoulder.

  “Dammit,” I hissed, turning away quickly before muttering an apology.

  “I thought you were off at midnight,” Ransom said.

  “No—I mean, yes. I was supposed to be. But Hale said I could cover the rest of Liam’s shift because he had…things.”

  Mostly true. I asked Liam if I could take the hours because I needed them, and I didn’t want to go home.

  But Ransom frowned, making my stomach jump. “You’re already at forty hours this week and you’re supposed to work tomorrow, too.”

  My hands tightened on the rag I was holding. “I—I know. But I—” I started wiping the counter again. “I just—Hale said it was fine and I…” Fuck. What else was I supposed to say? I couldn’t tell him the truth.

  “I’m not mad. Sky?”

  I looked up again and found something I wasn’t expecting to see on his face. Concern. Compassion. And worry. It made the entire world fall away around me. It made me nearly forget the shitty things going on in my life. I wanted to reach up and touch his cheek. Smooth away the worry on his brow.

  I wanted to see him smile and take away any pain he’d ever felt. I wanted him—plain and simple.

  “I’m not mad,” he said again. He rubbed his jaw, hand tracing the same path I wanted to follow with my own fingers. “I just don’t want you to have to work so hard.”

  It nearly broke my heart that he cared so much. I swallowed and shook my head. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

  Ransom reached out and set his hand over mine to stop me from wiping the counter. It hit me like a ton
of bricks, a shock so sweet and perfect, I gasped. His hand was strong and warm. I wanted it on the rest of my body.

  His face was so close to mine I could see the flecks of gold in his irises. “You should go home,” he said softly. “Get some rest.”

  Words froze in my mouth. No, I wanted to tell him. No, I can’t go home. Please don’t make me go home.

  Ransom took the rag from my hand before I said anything. “Go clock out. I’ve got this.”

  Panic swelled up. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Instinct to do the right thing, to make life as smooth for everyone as possible, took over. I nodded and walked from behind the bar to the employee room.

  People passed me, putting on jackets and preparing to head home. This was better, actually. I could blend in.

  I grabbed my jacket and purse from the employee room and then walked down the hallway to the storage room on the other side. No one saw me, not as I stopped outside the door and not as I eased inside and shut it behind me. I went all the way to the back, where there were piles of boxes. Also where I’d hidden a blanket.

  I crouched behind the boxes, listening as the noise died away. It felt like hours, but I knew it was far less than that before the last customer was out the door. I tensed when I heard footsteps but reminded myself they had to be Ransom’s. He always waited until the last person was out before he locked up.

  Holding my breath, I waited as the footsteps faded away. It was dark except for the glowing exit sign and the light from the hallway under the door. But after a moment, that faded away, too, and I heard a door—most likely Ransom leaving through the back.

  With a sigh, I snuggled into the blanket. It wasn’t the most comfortable, but far better than being scared in my room at home. And here, where I knew I was safe, I could think quietly. I could imagine Ransom’s warm hands on me, his eyes locked on mine as he smiled before he kissed me long and deep.

  I could imagine his arms around me and his body pressed against mine, keeping me safe from the outside world.

  And for once, I was happy.

  4

  Even though I’d closed last night, I still woke early for the shipment that was supposed to be coming in this morning.

  I showered and shaved, then grabbed a few bagels before heading out. If I didn’t eat now, I’d get too busy and probably not have a chance again until later in the afternoon once the employees started arriving.

  That made me think of Sky, which made my cock twitch. Fuck. How come I couldn’t get her wide blue eyes out of my mind? I’d touched her hand—just her hand—and now I wanted more. It was a stupid move because I knew it was bound to happen. I’d touched her and now I couldn’t think about doing anything else but touching her.

  Too bad she could barely meet my eyes.

  I ate one of the bagels as I drove to the bar. The sun shone brightly in the sky, and I snagged a pair of sunglasses to dull the glare.

  I probably made Sky uncomfortable. Hale was probably right—everyone saw just how much I wanted her—and it made her want to stay far away from me.

  But dammit, I hadn’t wanted anyone as much since I’d been with Tanya. No one who could make me feel so alive.

  Or want to be in love again.

  I parked in the lot behind the bar and made a mental note to have someone water the flowers we’d just put in the pots on the patio. It looked welcoming and I wanted to keep it that way.

  Inside, I dropped my keys in my pocket headed down the hall to open the storage closet. The delivery would be here within thirty minutes.

  When I heard shuffling from somewhere in the building, I froze. I listened hard, trying to pinpoint the source of the noise. Rats? Fuck, I couldn’t deal with rats.

  Better than a burglar, though, right?

  Shit. I listened for another moment but didn’t hear anything.

  I finished my trek to the storage room, my shoulders relaxing. Until I reached the door and heard the noise again.

  Fuck! I pulled out my phone, ready to call the police.

  With my hand on the doorknob, I opened it slowly, peering into the darkness.

  It couldn’t be Hale. He already told me he wasn’t coming in before noon. Besides, I didn’t see his car outside.

  Phone still in hand, I shoved the door open and flipped on the lights. “I know you’re in here. Get out where I can see you.”

  Something fell to the ground and I heard a sharp curse. Dammit, someone really was in here.

  “I’m calling the police,” I said loudly and clearly.

  I heard another rustle and then a voice reached me. A familiar voice.

  “No, wait. Please don’t call the police!”

  Sky stumbled around a shelf, and I straightened in surprise. Her hair was ruffled on top, almost like she’d just woken up, and her eyes were tired but wide.

  “Please,” she said, holding up her hands like the police were already here. “Don’t call the police. I’m sorry, I—”

  “What’s going on?” Fear flashed on her face, but I barely noticed because I was peering to the back of the room, searching for what had happened. “Did you sleep here?”

  “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, dropping her head. She looked at her shoes, which were untied, then fumbled with the hem of her oversized sweatshirt.

  God, she was adorable. And scared shitless.

  But was she scared of me or something else?

  I shoved my phone in my pocket to set her at ease. There was no way in hell I was calling the police on her.

  “I was just leaving,” she said, moving to the back of the room. “I swear.”

  I started to follow her, but she was already coming back with her purse over her shoulder. Looking rushed. And again, not meeting my eyes.

  “Please don’t call the police,” she said, voice low.

  “I’m not going to. I thought you went home last night.”

  Her eyes were blue pools of worry when she glanced up. “I couldn’t. I—” She broke off, shaking her head. Confirming what I already knew. Sky was scared of something—and it wasn’t me.

  “What happened?” I asked, my voice automatically hardening.

  “Nothing.”

  “Sky,” I warned. She didn’t have to deal with this herself. When I saw her flinch, I tried to soften my voice. “Did someone hurt you?”

  It was all I could do not to pull her into my arms right there when she rubbed one corner of her eye. “It’s not…” I waited, still as a statue, so she’d hopefully, finally, open up to me. “I promise I won’t do this again. I swear it was just to sleep. I didn’t take anything. If you fire me—”

  “I’m not firing you. Sky—” I started when she moved to the door.

  “Thank you,” she said, making sure to keep her distance. “I promise I won’t be late for my shift tonight.”

  Before I could answer, she darted out the door. I followed her to the hallway, but she was already at the back door. She shoved it open and vanished.

  Fuck. I’d thought she was going to open up to me for a minute. I pictured myself whispering in her ear, holding her close and protecting her from the world.

  It was too much for me. I couldn’t just stand by when I knew something was wrong.

  I wasn’t going to hold back anymore. When Sky came in for her shift tonight, I was going to get to the bottom of all this whether she liked it or not.

  5

  Relief flooded my body when I left the house again. I knew it was a risk going back, but I needed more clothes and other items I couldn’t stand to leave behind—like the money I’d kept hidden in my room.

  I knew that I had to leave for good, but that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. That home was where I was raised, where I’d shared so many good memories of my mom before she got sick. Before my dad started drinking and doing drugs and hanging out with the kinds of people who made my skin crawl.

  Who were dangerous.

  I drove back to work and within moments, memories from this morning popped up
again. I’d forgotten about the delivery and it had scared the hell out of me when I’d woken to the sound of footsteps. I hadn’t had time to get out before I saw Ransom.

  I was lucky he hadn’t fired me. But that just meant I had to be even more careful. No more wishing he’d kiss me. No more dreaming of his hands on my body. My best bet was to stay as far away from him as possible and do my job.

  Of course the first car I saw when I got to work was Ransom’s truck. Fuck. How the hell was I supposed to avoid him when he seemed to be there at every turn? When all I wanted was to get a glimpse of him?

  “Be professional,” I ordered myself.

  Yeah right. Professional wasn’t the word that came to mind when I thought of how sexy Ransom was with his flannel shirt unbuttoned enough to see wisps of hair on his chest and his sleeves rolled up past muscular forearms.

  He made me so horny I could hardly stand it.

  But today was Friday, which meant it was busy. It would be easier to avoid thinking about Ransom tonight. Easy to lose myself in the job. Liam would be there, too, and then I could talk to him about moving in for a little bit. And we could joke and laugh, and it would be okay.

  I clocked in right on time and waited for Liam when he walked into the employee room.

  “Sexy,” he said, gesturing to my crop top.

  I hadn’t been going for sexy—just clean. “Better tips,” I told him reasonably.

  “For sure.”

  “You’re not too bad yourself,” I said.

  He glanced down with a grimace. “Yeah, it was the best I could do. My roommates were fighting about the broken refrigerator and who was going to pay for it…”

  My stomach clenched as he continued. Shit. How could I ask to stay with him if his roommates were already fighting? Over money? They didn’t need one more person to add to the stress.

  “You okay?” Liam asked, concern in his eyes. “Nothing else happened when you went home, right?”

  I flashed a smile I hoped came off as convincing. “No. I was fine and I’m figuring things out.”

  We walked together to the bar as the band started their first song for the night. I tried to focus on work, getting lost in the music and singing along with Liam. It was almost too easy to pretend everything was fine—but that was only because I’d done it dozens of times before.