Begging for Bad Boys

by Willow Winters

  He wraps a towel around his hips. "Believe it or not, the frame belonged to my parents."

  I press my back into his chest. "Do you miss them?"

  "Every day."

  "It must be hard, taking care of everything."

  "It's good." His fingers trail over my arm. It's absentminded, like he's doing it by accident. "If it had just been me, I would have fallen apart. Taking care of Emma was the only thing that got me out of bed in the morning."

  "You never want someone taking care of you?"

  "In certain ways." He draws circles on the back of my hand. "This, you asking me about where I hurt—that's the only way I want someone taking care of me."

  "What about… downstairs?"

  He chuckles. "What was that, angel? I'm not sure what you're referring to."

  "Yes, you are."

  "I'm not." He presses his lips to my neck. "You'll have to spell it out for me. There's a gorgeous good girl next to me. It's taking all my concentration to keep from throwing her on the bed and fucking her until she's screaming my name."

  "I wouldn't have a problem with that."

  "Soon."

  "Soon." My lips curl into a smile. I can't believe how much I want him to fuck me. But I still want to talk to him, to know how I can take care of him. "Downstairs, I… I was following your orders. I sucked you off."

  My cheeks flush.

  I'm still a dirty-talking novice.

  "Fuck, I love how nervous you get." He presses his lips to my neck. "You're going to be the end of me, Kaylee."

  "Am I?"

  "If you stay this adorable." He turns me around, so he's looking into my eyes. "You, following my demands, that's what makes me feel taken care of."

  "Even if you're the one taking care of me?"

  "Yes." He presses his palm to my cheek. "You've always been there, every time I needed someone to talk to."

  "When?"

  "All those late nights, after Em fell asleep. You'd listen to me talk about the way Stace dropped me the second I had to deal with responsibility. She made excuses about how it was hard, but that's bullshit. If she wanted to be with me, she'd be with me."

  I nod. After the accident, Brendon stepped up to take care of everyone. Which meant his relationship with Stace got pushed aside. I understand why she left, and I don't blame her for it.

  But I'll always hate her for how badly she hurt him. She never understood how seriously he took the responsibility of raising his baby sister.

  I guess it's a good thing. If she hadn't left, he wouldn't be mine.

  He's only mine for now, but that's something.

  "You'd stay up late, watching Die Hard with me for the millionth time," he says.

  I laugh. "Well, yeah, it's good for an action movie. And you'd always watch whatever I wanted after."

  "Pride and Prejudice."

  "For the millionth time."

  "All those Disney princess movies."

  "You cried at the end of Beauty and the Beast."

  He smiles. "Only once." He presses his lips to mine. "Deep down, I still think you prefer guys with guns to girls in dresses."

  "Guys with tattoo guns, maybe."

  "Yeah?"

  "Or maybe just you."

  He cups my cheek with his palm. "Whenever I'm having a bad day, I think about you. I think about how I can get you on that couch with me."

  "For how long?"

  "Too long considering…"

  Considering that he's nearly ten years older than I am.

  That I've known him since I was five.

  He pulls my hair behind my back. "We've always had money, but it's been hard, taking care of Em, taking care of the house, having to work my schedule at the shop around when Em is in school. Most people apprentice for two years. It took me four, because I was here."

  "You've never complained."

  "I don't regret it. Em is my life. Even if she's a brat sometimes. You know what it's like. I've seen you with your parents. You'd do anything for them."

  I nod.

  "You won't take their money, because you know they can barely afford it."

  And I have the loans to prove it. But I don't mind. Between my serving job and loans, I make ends meet and I have time for my studies.

  Even if it means I'm burnt out by the end of the semester.

  Maybe I do need someone taking care of me.

  I don't do a very good job at it.

  He leans down to kiss my cheek. "You remember when I used to practice tattooing on fruit?"

  "Mostly on bananas." I laugh. "Did that ever come in handy?"

  He chuckles. "I don't do dick tattoos."

  "Never?"

  "I get requests, but no. I don't want to give people ink they're going to regret."

  "Ever?"

  "Never. Not on purpose."

  "What about when people want their girlfriend's or boyfriend's name?"

  "I talk to them, make sure they'll be okay with the ink if things end."

  "Do people really feel like that?"

  "Yeah." He takes my hand and brings it to the tattoo on his wrist, a moon interlocked with a sun. "For some people, tattoos are like scars. They mark experiences. Relationships don't always end with two people hating each other. Sometimes, it's mutual. Sometimes, people want to remember they loved their ex enough to mark their body."

  I trace the lines of his ink. "For your parents?"

  He nods. "Dad always said Mom was the sun in his sky."

  "They really loved each other."

  He nods. "In a way, it's good they were both in that car. I'm not sure either one could have lived without the other."

  "I want to love someone that much someday."

  He looks into my eyes. "So much that your heart would break if they died?"

  "So much that I'd want to tattoo their name on my skin forever."

  "You're not getting some guy's name tattooed on your body."

  "But he wouldn't be some guy. He'd be the guy I love."

  He shakes his head. "No fucking way."

  "What if it was your name… if we were together. Just hypothetically."

  "I'd consider it."

  "You know any tattoo artists who do good work?" I tease.

  He chuckles. "That hurts."

  "Wouldn't you be nervous, tattooing me?"

  "Yeah, but I wouldn't want anyone else touching you." He runs his fingers through my hair. "I don't want anyone else touching you."

  I don't want anyone else touching me either.

  "I've thought about a design for you," he says.

  "Don't be a tease about it."

  "A librarian pinup, sitting on a stack of books." He draws the design on my bicep. "A gorgeous green-eyed blond with retro style."

  "Like the drawing in your sketchbook."

  "You're too sweet for a naked, bound pinup tattoo."

  "Was that a doodle or did you want…" I'm not sure what I'm asking.

  "I've wanted you for a long time, Kaylee. I've wanted you bound for a long time." He motions to an empty spot on his bicep. "I'd love that ink right here."

  "You'd put me on your body permanently?"

  He nods. "You're blushing again."

  "You're talking about getting a tattoo of my naked body."

  "You're too fucking cute, Kaylee. I can't resist you."

  "Who says I want you to?"

  His lips curl into a smile. "I do. Sex is the best card I have to play."

  "For…"

  "Convincing you to put yourself first for once."

  "I have to cover Penny's shift. I already promised."

  "And next time someone asks you to put their needs in front of yours?"

  I swallow hard. "I don't know… I like helping people."

  He says nothing.

  "Are you going to hold out until I turn down someone's request for help?"

  "I doubt I'll be able to resist you that long."

  He drops his towel as he pushes himself up. He slides his arm ar
ound my waist and pulls my body into his.

  His lips hover over my ear. "I'm going to spread your legs and have you waiting, and wanting, until you're begging me to fuck you."

  "I… uh… uh…"

  "But not until I'm sure you're ready."

  Chapter 8

  I hate leaving Brendon's place to go to work, but I have to honor my promise. Even if I'm getting played.

  My word means something to me.

  Lunch is at its peak at this time of day. The other servers are scurrying around the restaurant without a moment of rest.

  The host smiles at me. "You're early."

  "Picking up Penny's shift. Sort of," I say.

  He shoots me a curious look. "You're too nice, Kaylee. She doesn't deserve the favor."

  How does he know it's a favor? I clear my throat. I don't like the way he's looking at me with pity. Usually, he looks at me with… well, with interest.

  "Really, she's doing me a favor." I make my voice as strong as I can manage. "I need the money. School starts in two weeks. I'll have to cut back on shifts. Plus, there's textbooks. And all that stuff for the newspaper."

  He offers me a strained smile. He doesn't believe me. Which is fitting, because I don't believe me either.

  He nods to the packed room. "You'll make good tips today."

  "Yeah. Thanks." I pull my apron and name tag from my purse, get them on, and clock in on the computer.

  The host gives me the next two tables that come in. I'm not sure if it's because of his crush on me or if it's because he pities me, but I don't really care. I do need the money. There are half a dozen textbooks on my to-buy list.

  I get caught up in the next rush. I don't exactly love waiting tables, but I don't mind it either. The job appeals to my control freak nature. Other than assigning shifts and handling disagreements, our manager, Jake, stays out of the fray.

  When I'm working, I'm in control of my tables, of their meals, of their entire experience. I decide how to juggle putting in one order then dropping off one meal then refilling beverages.

  And I get to help out my coworkers when I have a free moment.

  I don't stop for a break until the restaurant clears out. It's three-thirty, that awkward time between lunch and dinner. Even three blocks from the beach, at the tourist mecca that is Third Street Promenade, we have quiet afternoons here.

  Elle and Lily are at the host stand, giggling over their cell phones as they change out of their work shoes. Elle's eyes catch mine and she immediately turns away.

  Lily looks over to me. A guilty expression creeps over her face.

  Huh.

  That's strange.

  Very, very strange.

  After I check on my last table, I head over to the host stand.

  Elle's auburn hair falls over her cheeks as she undoes her ponytail. "Hey, Kay. Working a double, huh?"

  "Yeah." I bite my lip. There's something about her expression. Lily's too. I can't put my finger on it, but I don't like it. Not at all.

  "Good for you," Lily says. "I wish I had the endurance. I could use the extra cash. I'm broke."

  Elle nods in agreement. The two of them are college students too. I'm sure they also have books to buy and rent to pay.

  Lily clears her throat. "We should let you get back to work."

  "Yeah." I adjust my apron. "Good shift? Good tips?"

  "Good for lunch." Elle turns to Lily. "Do you still want to head over to the concert on the pier?"

  Lily makes the cut it out hand gesture.

  What the hell are they getting at?

  "There's a concert on the pier today?" It's not unusual. There are tons of summer events at the Santa Monica Pier. But the place is a tourist trap. Locals usually avoid it. Especially Elle and Lily.

  "That new artist. The one with the big ass and the bigger hair." Elle purses her lips. "What's her name? She's cute in that innocent kind of way. Like you."

  Lily laughs. "No one is cute in the Kaylee kind of way."

  My cheeks flush. "I'm not… I'm not innocent."

  They exchange an oh, it's so cute that she thinks that look.

  "It looks fun," Elle says. "Maybe we'll go."

  "Penny's having a blast." Lily's jaw drops as she realizes her words. "Shit. I mean. Sorry, Kaylee." She offers me an apologetic look. "I'm always tired after my shift. I forgot that she said…"

  Penny bullshitted me about her grandma being sick. That's not exactly shocking news. But the way my stomach is twisting—that's different.

  "It's just. You're so sweet. I hate to say this, but everyone knows you'll pick up extra shifts whenever." Lily clears her throat. "I mean, I know you need the cash. It's not that you’re pathetic. But…" She looks to Elle.

  Elle nods. "She might as well know."

  Lily's voice drops to a whisper. "People call you Kaylee the Naive. Not me and Elle. But the guys. Penny and Danni… they took bets on whether or not you'd buy Penny's excuse about her grandmother."

  I bite my tongue.

  "Everyone knows you're a sucker for a sob story." Elle offers an apologetic smile. "I should have said something sooner. The way they lie to you… it's fucked up. But I thought… well, you do need the cash, so what does it hurt?"

  My cheeks flame. My stomach churns. My fingers curl into fists. "Do you think I'm stupid?"

  "No," Lily says. "Just… trusting."

  "Maybe a little gullible," Elle says. "But there are worse things to be than too trusting."

  I shake my head. "No. I don't trust them. I knew Penny's story was bullshit. But I offered to help because…" Because I always try to help. I always put everyone else first. Even people I don't like.

  I don't like Penny.

  She's annoying. She's rude. She's a greedy table-hog who ignores all the restaurant's rules in pursuit of greater tips.

  She's awful.

  Deep down, I knew she was lying.

  And I still took her shift.

  I had Brendon offering to fuck me senseless, and I still took her shift.

  I'm a pushover.

  I stare back at Elle. "You two do this too?"

  She shakes her head. "No. Kay… I'm sorry."

  "You call me Kaylee the Naive?" My voice rises to something not at all appropriate for work. But right now, I don't care. I'm tired of being the nice one.

  "Never," Elle says. "Promise."

  "Does Jake?" I ask.

  "Well… I heard him and Penny talking about it once, but I don't think it's a regular thing. Just, she mentioned it and he laughed. I'm sure it's not personal. He has a thing for her. He can't help but laugh at her jokes," Elle says.

  "He does," Lily agrees.

  This isn't personal? That's ridiculous.

  I take a step backwards. "Excuse me." My blood boils as I make my way to the office in the back. I should step outside and calm down. I should take a few deep breaths.

  I should do something else.

  But I need to says this now. Before I lose my nerve.

  I knock on the door. "It's Kaylee."

  A moment later, Jake pulls the door open. He shoots me his usual I swear I'm your friend look. "Hey, Kay. You want to take your thirty?"

  I shake my head. "People call me Kaylee the Naive?"

  Guilt creeps into his expression. He clears his throat. "I've never heard that." His voice wavers. "Everyone adores you. You're sweet."

  "You call me Kaylee the Naive too?" I ask.

  "No." He doesn't sell his answer. At all. "I… I sometimes mention that you're always looking to pick up extra shifts. To help pay for school."

  Right.

  It's written all over his face.

  He tells people I'll buy any sob story.

  He uses me to get out of telling people no.

  I shouldn't do this. But I can't let this go. Not this time.

  I pull off my name tag and my apron. "I'm quitting."

  "Kaylee, come on. It's no big deal."

  I shake my head. "Starting now. I'll be bac
k for my paycheck. But that's it." My eyes go to the almost empty dining room. "You'll be okay without me. And if not, why don't you call Penny to pick up my shift, huh?"

  I don't wait for his answer. I spin on my heels, pick up my purse from the host stand, and march out of the restaurant.

  The walk to my car, I stay strong.

  The drive back to Brendon's place, I stay strong.

  The second I knock on the door, I crumble.

  Chapter 9

  Brendon's eyes fix on mine. "You okay?"

  I shake my head.

  He motions come in.

  I do.

  He presses the door closed behind him. "Tell me what happened."

  "I did something rash."

  He raises a brow. "You?"

  I nod. "I had to… I had to stand up for myself."

  His voice lifts. His lips curl into a smile. "Yeah?"

  "Yeah."

  "Come here, angel. Tell me everything."

  I move close enough to wrap my arms around his waist. He smells good and he's warm, and with him holding me, I really feel like everything is going to be okay. "I quit my job."

  He nods go on.

  I tell him everything. I tell him about every time someone offered me a sob story, about every time I finished someone's side work without asking, about how Elle and Lily and even Jake look at me like I’m a dog that keeps getting kicked.

  It's not until I'm done that it hits me. "Fuck. I can't afford to not have a job. School and books and… I have my scholarship for tuition, but that's all it covers."

  "I can help."

  "I'm not taking your money."

  He runs his fingers through my hair. "That much, I know." He pulls me closer. "You can pick up some shifts at the shop."

  "I would not fit in at your shop."

  "You already spend half your time at the front desk."

  "But everyone who works there is tattooed and pierced to high heaven."

  "That's why you'd be perfect. The sweet, unmarked blond. Guys would fall all over themselves to try to talk you into getting ink."

  "What if I said yes to a tattoo?"

  "As long as I get to do the work." He drags his hand up my back then presses his palm between my shoulder blades. "You'll get fantastic tips."

  "If I flirt."

  "You're right. I might have to kick some ass." He drops his voice. "But I don't care. I'm going to help you through this, whatever it takes."