Wild Loving
N.J. Walters
Broke and homeless, Eliza Hart is at the end of her rope. She’s spent the last year of her life trying to evade a dangerous stalker. In desperation, she turns to the man she once loved, the man who walked away from her without a backward glance—Rabb Hatter.
Rabb is shocked when Eliza shows up at Hatter’s—the club he co-owns with his brother—looking for a job. He’d left her and hadn’t looked back when he’d thought she’d cheated on him with another man. Now he discovers that not only did Jason Ware lie, but he’s been stalking Eliza the whole time. The spark between them certainly hasn’t died, and when Rabb learns she’s lost everything, he’s determined to protect her. But first he must overcome the pain of their past and convince her she’s right to trust him with her heart.
A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
Wild Loving
N.J. Walters
Dedication
Thank you to my amazing readers for allowing me to have the best job ever!
Prologue
Eliza Hart swallowed hard and then slowly opened her hand. Her phone, her last link to her former life, fell through the air and landed in the East River. She watched it fall, but the splash was muffled by the noise of the traffic.
She was truly alone in the world.
She couldn’t call any of her former friends. That would only put them in danger. Not that there were many of them left. Not after the craziness of this past year.
Eliza turned her back to the wind and finished making her way across the Brooklyn Bridge. It was slow going and not just because of the wind and cold, but because she was still recovering from her injuries.
She placed one hand on her stomach and the other one crept up to her hairline. These scars would forever mark her. Jason Ware, with his perfect blond hair and even more perfect smile, had done this to her, but no one believed her. Not even the police.
And why would they? He was a respected businessman who always seemed to have an ironclad alibi whenever something happened to her. She, on the other hand, had no family and no job. It didn’t matter that the reason she couldn’t keep a job was because Jason was always stalking her, constantly calling her at work, spreading vicious rumors about her, breaking into her various apartments and altogether disrupting her life.
Only one cop believed her. Detective Mitchell Zurkowski told her to get a restraining order against Jason. She had. Jason attacked her two days later, furious with her for smearing his good name. That same cop warned her during his visit to her in the hospital to dump her cell phone and to lie low, promising he’d keep digging for evidence. She had his card in her pocket with orders to keep in touch and to call him if she needed anything.
She should move out of the city, but she had nowhere else to go and no money to do so even if she wanted to.
She laughed, the sound bitter to her ears. She’d spent the last year using her meager savings trying to stay alive and keep one step ahead of Jason. Now she was flat broke and, as of an hour ago, homeless.
The landlord of her pay-by-the-week room had rented it to someone else after she’d missed her payment. She’d been in the hospital fighting for her life at the time, but the landlord hadn’t known that and wouldn’t have cared either way. When she’d returned there earlier, she’d been informed her room had been rented, he’d taken and sold what had value and had tossed the rest in the garbage bin behind the building. She’d been too weak and shocked to argue with him and had left.
The only bright spot in the whole mess was she’d had her purse on her when she’d been attacked so at least she had her wallet, ID and cell phone. She only had fifty dollars in cash and she’d gotten thirty of that when she’d sold the designer purse to a consignment shop an hour ago. The owner didn’t usually pay cash for items, but had taken pity on Eliza and gotten a steal of a deal, but at least Eliza had a few more dollars.
She pushed her hand deep in her pocket and tightly clutched her wallet.
Homeless.
She’d never thought she’d end up this way but then again, who did? She had no family to call on for help. Her grandmother had taken her in after Eliza’s parents had died when their car had collided with a train. Both of them had been intoxicated at the time. After her grandmother passed when Eliza was nineteen, she’d used the little money left over to get a place of her own and enroll in college. Times had been tight, but she’d managed to go to school part-time and work as well.
Bruno’s Bar and Grill had been a great gig. She’d been able fit her work schedule around her classes. It was also where she’d met Rabb Hatter.
Eliza stumbled to a halt as his image flashed in her brain. Big, strong Rabb with his large hands and even larger heart. He was one of those strong silent types, never saying much, but when he did speak, everyone listened.
“Hey watch it, lady,” some guy muttered as he went around her. His shoulder nudged her and pushed her to one side.
She watched the foot traffic for a break and shuffled to the side of a building, taking a moment to catch her breath. She had no idea where she was. While she’d been thinking, she’d been wandering aimlessly. Not good. She had to stay alert. She had no idea where Jason was, and he already proven himself to be capable of just about anything.
He’d been a regular at Bruno’s and had been asking her out constantly even though she kept turning him down. After about six months, his cajoling had changed to demands and then to outright anger. She’d gone over and over the situation in her head but knew she’d never led him on, never given him any sign she was the least bit interested in him.
But he’d persisted.
Eliza shivered and turned her thoughts back to Rabb. She’d had a crush on him while he’d worked on Bruno’s. But he’d left just before she had to fulfill his dream of opening a club with his brother. It was all he’d talked about, and they’d talked often. Yet he’d left the job without even telling her, without saying goodbye.
It had broken her heart.
Not that they’d had anything serious going, but they’d had a few dates, talked at work. And he’d kissed her.
He’d cupped her face in his hands, holding her a willing captive while he’d pressed his lips against hers, gently at first and then with more pressure. She’d risen on her tiptoes to get closer and he’d slid his hands down her back to her behind, pulling her against him. His tongue had traced the seam of her lips until she’d parted them, letting him inside. He’d swept inside and claimed her, tasting and touching every inch of her mouth until she thought she might pass out from lack of oxygen. Only then had he released her and smiled.
Heat swelled inside Eliza, pushing back the chill of the evening air. The way Rabb kissed should be illegal. He’d made her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
And then he’d left without a word, and her life had descended into hell.
Eliza pushed away from the wall and continued on to the end of the block. She checked the street sign to help orient herself. Then she reached into her pocket and drew out a sheet of paper with a list of shelters that a kind nurse had given her.
She swallowed hard and checked the addresses before shoving it back into her pocket. Thankfully, she was close to one of them. God, she was tired. All she wanted to do was put her head down somewhere and forget all her troubles. But she had to keep going. If this shelter was full she’d have to go to the next one on her list. It was November and the nights were getting colder and she wasn’t anywhere near full strength yet.
But the hospital wouldn’t keep her any longer because she couldn’t pay. She had no money or insurance.
A tear trickled down her face, but she angrily brushed it away. She would recover from her attack. She would not let
Jason win. As soon as she was back on her feet, she’d get a job and save enough money to get out of New York. Maybe she’d head to California or down South someplace where it was always warm.
She crossed at the stoplight, just one of the swarm of people walking the streets of the city. The shelter wasn’t far now, its sign glowing like a beacon in the distance. She picked up her pace. Help was only a few steps away.
When she reached the door, her heart sank. The hand-printed sign posted on the door read No Room. Eliza was so tired she wanted to lie down on the sidewalk and give up. Instead, she pulled out her list and checked the next shelter.
Turning her back on the sign, she started walking.
Chapter One
Eliza knew she might be making a huge mistake, but she was really out of options, and her pride had long ago been trampled into the dirt. There was nowhere else she could think to go for a job, at least not one that didn’t involve taking off her clothes, and she’d rather live in an alley than do that. Jobs that would pay her and not leave a paper trail were few. And she couldn’t afford to let Jason find her.
He hadn’t given up.
She stared at the large red-and-black door and the sign above it that announced the place was Hatter’s. This was Rabb’s club, the one he’d started with his brother. Although mostly underground, there were windows. Through them, she saw the place was packed with people. Colored lights flickered inside and she heard muted strains of music. They were busy. Maybe she should come back another time.
But that would mean another night on the street. This close to Christmas, the shelters were blocked. Even if she had to sleep in an alley, at least she could have a few minutes inside, soaking up the heat before she left. Surely, Rabb wouldn’t kick her out immediately.
Or maybe he would. She wasn’t sure she’d truly known him. For him to walk away from her without a word when she’d thought they were friends—more than friends—wasn’t something she would have ever believed he would do.
“You can’t ask for a job standing out here,” she muttered. Once she would have had confidence enough to boldly walk through those doors, but no more. Life and circumstances had beaten her down.
Eliza tilted up her chin and hiked her backpack higher on her shoulder. She had no other choice. If being on the streets these past six weeks had taught her anything, it was to act bold and assured even when she wasn’t. The denizens of the street targeted those they perceived as weaker.
Taking a deep breath, she grabbed the handle of the door and pulled. Heat, laughter and music assaulted her. Her stomach growled and she wished she eaten more at the soup kitchen earlier this evening, but she’d been too nervous about tonight to manage more than a few mouthfuls. But she had saved the dinner roll. It was safely wrapped and stowed in her backpack for later.
Eliza stepped over the threshold into Rabb’s domain.
Rabb Hatter loved his job, especially on nights like tonight when things were hopping. The bar was packed, the music was thumping, the dance floor was full and the atmosphere festive and fun this close to Christmas.
He glanced down at the end of the bar where his brother Nevar playfully kissed his new fiancée Allison. He was happy for his brother and proud of what they’d built here.
A sense of satisfaction and accomplishment filled him as he looked out over Hatter’s. He and Nevar had planned every inch of the club from the ornate iron stools in front of the long oak bar, to the booths along the opposite wall and the café tables that filled the rest of the space. Red and black were their signature colors with enough white thrown in to keep the place classy.
He worked the bar filling orders, all the while keeping one eye on the comings and goings, always watching for potential trouble. Not that they had much of that here, but he was always prepared to deal with whatever might happen. He loaded six drinks onto one of the waitress’s trays and three beers onto another. Both waitresses quickly headed back into the fray. The door to the club opened and he automatically glanced toward it.
Rabb froze on the spot. What was she doing here?
He blinked, certain he must be mistaken, but there she was, Eliza Hart, the woman he’d lost his heart to and walked away from. His gaze narrowed as he watched her look around the place. She looked thinner.
Then their eyes met and Eliza stumbled slightly before righting herself. Her chin went up and she calmly walked toward the bar. The lights glinted off her red hair, making it gleam. He frowned. Her hair was shorter than it had been. She used to wear it long and pulled back. Now it hung forward, covering part of her face.
She stopped in front of the bar and they kept on staring at one another. Nevar walked by and nudged him. “Stop daydreaming. We’ve got drink orders to fill.”
Rabb ignored his brother. “Eliza?”
“Hey, Rabb.”
Her voice was exactly as he remembered it—low and sultry. It stroked over his skin like a caress. His cock sprang to life, deepening his frown. She’d always affected him like that. “What do you want?” Not exactly friendly, but it was the best he could manage. He was so hard it was painful.
Eliza paled and took a step back before stopping herself. She squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. “I need a job.”
A million questions spun through his head. What had happened between her and Jason Ware? The guy had been a regular at Bruno’s when Rabb had worked there. Last he’d heard they were an item, practically engaged. Or at least that’s what Jason had told him.
Rabb still remembered how hurt he’d been when Jason had told him he and Eliza were a couple. Jason had seemed embarrassed and there’d been pity on the man’s face. That had stung Rabb’s pride and he’d walked away rather than confront Eliza. But, damn it, he’d thought they’d had something special between them and all the while she’d been seeing Jason.
“You want a job?” he repeated.
Her fingers clutched the strap of the knapsack she had slung over her left shoulder as she nodded.
Rabb really looked at her, noting the threadbare jeans and the too-thin coat she wore. There were dark circles beneath her eyes and she didn’t just appear thin, but almost gaunt.
Damn him, but he couldn’t turn her away, not even after she’d cheated on him. Even though they hadn’t had more than a few dates, that’s what it had felt like. She’d been sleeping with Jason all the while she’d been leading Rabb on with kisses and unspoken promises of more.
Maybe that made him an idiot, but there was no way he could just send her away. Decision made, he grabbed the bar towel from his shoulder and tossed it onto the counter behind him. “I’m taking ten,” he announced.
Nevar gave him a quizzical look and then glanced at Eliza. “Okay. Everything all right?”
“Fine,” Rabb muttered. He motioned to Eliza. “Follow me.” He moved down to the end of the bar and out from behind it, waiting while Eliza made her way through the crowd mingling near the bar.
“This way.” He led the way down the dimly lit hallway to the office, glancing over his shoulder once to make certain she followed. He opened the door and motioned her inside, shutting it behind them. It blocked out much of the noise, though it was impossible to muffle the music entirely. The desk lamp was on, but he flicked on the bright overhead light.
Eliza blinked at him, her long, dark lashes feathering across her high cheekbones. Her knuckles were white around the strap of her knapsack.
“Sit down.” He motioned to the chair in front of the desk and watched as she sank down onto it. He leaned against the desk and crossed his arms over his chest. He wanted to hug her and never let her go, and he wanted to shake her and demand answers. It was hard to wrap his brain around the fact that she was actually here with him. She looked tired, but still beautiful.
His dick was straining at the zipper of his pants, but he ignored the discomfort. No way he would allow himself to go down that road with her again. It had hurt too much the first time.
“Why do you need a job?” She’
d been close to finishing college and well entrenched at Bruno’s when he’d left there. “What happened between you and Jason?” Damn, he hadn’t meant to ask that, at least not right off. But it was out there. Better to clear the air. Maybe if they did, he could finally forget her and move on.
He hadn’t dated since Eliza.
Her mouth fell open and then quickly shut. “What do you mean?”
He sliced one hand through the air in front of him. “Cut the cute act. I know you were sleeping with him while you were seeing me.” Anger he’d thought he’d long ago conquered rose like a phoenix from the ashes of his heart.
Eliza’s eyes grew large and then she started to laugh. Of all the things she could have done, this was the last thing he would have expected. Her laughter verged on hysterical and her eyes filled with tears. “You think I was sleeping with Jason?” Her entire body shuddered and she shook her head. “Not if he was the last man on earth. I can’t stand the guy.”
Rabb frowned. What the hell was going on here? Was it possible he’d been mistaken? Not about what Jason had told him, he’d been pretty explicit about that, but about the truth of what he’d been told. “Then why would he tell me you two were an item?”
Eliza shook her head and tried to compose herself. This was worse than she’d imagined it would be. Rabb thought she’d cheated on him all those months ago. That’s why he’d left without a word. Just one more example of how determined Jason was to destroy her. Damn him and his lies.
Rabb pushed away from the desk and crouched in front of her. He placed his hands on either arm of the chair, blocking her in. But she wasn’t the least bit frightened, not of Rabb.
He looked exactly as she remembered—big and steady. The crisp, white shirt he wore strained at the shoulders and the black vest over it made him look sexy as hell. The club logo—a top hat with a playing card stuck in the band—was embroidered on the vest and she stared at that rather than at Rabb. Her heart ached for what they’d both been through, for what might have been. He caught her chin and lifted until her gaze met his.
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