Sleeping Rose

by Erin West

  Closing my eyes, I try to clear my mind. I need my rest if I want to survive the late shift at work tomorrow night.

  Chapter Four

  I toss and turn all night. The more I think back on the incident at the club, the angrier I get at myself. I don’t understand how those bouncers were able to out-maneuver me. It’s been a minute since I’ve trained, but I didn’t think it had been that long.

  The neon green light flashes six AM on my alarm clock. Ugh, this is pointless. Might as well get up and burn off some frustration.

  I pull on my work-out pants, sports bra, and a tank top. After pulling my hair into a ponytail, I grab my keys and walk out the door.

  Getting into my car, I crank it up and head toward Starbucks to grab some breakfast. I need some calories, because I plan on busting my ass this morning. I order a black drip coffee with cream and sugar with a spinach feta wrap and eat it on the way to the gym.

  My apartment may be a shithole, but my membership is at one of the best gyms. It has top-of-the-line equipment, because I even tend to break those. The owner of this establishment makes sure everything is the best.

  A dark gray S3 Tesla is parked outside the gym. That’s a new one. Who could that be?

  The sun is rising, and the humidity is already high. That’s the great thing about the South, there are times when you can feel the water in the air.

  The guy at the front counter glances up as I walk in. “Hey. I’m surprised to see you here this early.”

  “Yeah, couldn’t sleep. Decided it was time to just get up and work off some frustration.”

  Grinning, he takes my gym card and scans me in. “Try not to tear up the punching bag again. Jordan almost had a fit when he heard you kicked it apart.”

  Grabbing my keys, I walk toward the locker room. “Good thing he won’t do anything about it. He may be the owner, but he’s a man that enjoys looking at my ass.”

  Laughter sounds behind me. “Believe me, we all admire it.”

  Most girls would either be offended or flattered by this, but my source of income depends on it, so I think of it as a weapon to use at my disposal.

  I open my locker and put my keys and phone in. After grabbing a towel and water, I head out to the floor. First, I need to lift some weights. I bypass all the weight machines most of the people are using and go to the free weights.

  I warm up with some pull-ups and do around fifty before my arms start burning. When it gets too difficult to keep on, I drop down and head over to work on my chest, triceps, and legs.

  I hate strength training, but it’s important, even though endurance training is my favorite. That’s one reason why a punching bag is one of my favorite ways to exercise, because it includes both.

  After an hour of lifting, the punching bag is calling my name. I walk to the other side and put on the gloves. I chuckle as I see the new bag hanging there. It has a note hanging from the top.

  Rose,

  This bag hasn’t done anything to you and cost me a pretty penny. Please be kind.

  Like hell, I will. I begin punching and kicking, losing myself in the movements. It feels good to work my muscles out and relieves some of the heat that is in my core. When I move like this, the warmth spreads across my body, as if I’m transferring the energy.

  “Bad day?” Someone comes up behind me.

  I’m a hot, sweaty mess. I don’t understand why guys still want to hit on me in this state. I turn around to tell the dumbass off but stop short.

  The second most gorgeous guy I have ever seen is standing here. He has black hair that looks almost as thick as fur. His eyes are amber and filled with concern. He’s very muscular, even more so than the bouncers last night, and has a deep olive complexion I’m jealous of. I tend to be the same skin tone no matter how much I sunbathe. I’m not pale, but I’d still like to have a tan once in a while.

  He walks a few steps closer. “Cat got your tongue?”

  I realize I’m staring, but it’s impossible not to notice his strong jaw and that he’s at least four inches taller than me. Forcing myself to meet his gaze, I wipe the sweat off my forehead. “No, I just was surprised that someone would try to make small talk while I’m boxing.”

  He glances at the bag I’ve been beating up and back at me. “Well, I thought you might like a worthy opponent.”

  Huh, this could be interesting. “You offering?”

  He grins, putting his dimples on full display. “Sure am.”

  Damn it, am I drooling? What the hell is wrong with me? My hormones have begun causing trouble. I’ve never wanted to jump a man before, but between the weirdo last night and this fine piece of ass in front of me, I’ve wanted to jump two different men in less than twelve hours. That can’t be normal. “Yeah, I’m down. But, be warned, I pack more of a punch than what meets the eye.”

  “I’ve been watching.” He steps closer to me and his woodsy scent infiltrates my nose. “And I think I have a good idea what I’m asking for.”

  I bite my lip, forcing myself not to take a step closer. I want to rub my body all over him and that’s a problem. Maybe this isn’t a good idea.

  He heads off toward the open area, ready to spar.

  I guess I don’t have much of a choice at this point, since I’ve already kind of agreed to do this with him. I follow him onto the mat and hold up my hands.

  He laughs and it’s the most attractive sound I’ve ever heard. It’s a deep rumble and sounds careful. “Before we beat each other up, maybe we should at least tell each other our names?”

  What? Why would we do that? “How does that help us fight?”

  “It doesn’t.” He scratches the back of his neck. “But I would like to know who I’m sparring with.” He holds out his hand. “I’m Drake.”

  “Okay. I’m Rose.” I reach out to shake his hand.

  As soon as we touch, a buzzing sensation startles me. What the hell? Last night, I had a similar sensation with that wolf and then electricity with Eli. This is way too much at one time.

  I jerk my hand back. “You know what, I just remembered that I have to be somewhere. Now.” I turn, heading back to the locker room. “See you around.”

  “Wait, Rose.” His tone is desperate.

  I just can’t do this right now. I’m battling too many emotions, and survival depends on being even-keeled. I hurry to my locker and grab my keys and phone. I rush out to the lobby and out the front door.

  The guy at the desk watches me. “Everything okay?”

  Opening the door, I wave my hand. The longer I stay, the better the chance that Drake will attempt to talk to me again.

  Sliding into the car, I turn it on, put it in reverse, and back out of my spot. For some reason, I’m struggling to leave. I want to go back in and spend more time with Drake. I’m yearning to be close to him. Taking a deep breath, I shift into drive and find myself driving to the park from last night.

  Once I’m parked, I get out and head down the same path. I get to the spot and sit down on the ground. I don’t understand what is going on with me. My world is beginning to feel upside-down. Emotions are weaknesses and make you vulnerable. As a kid in foster care, I learned that at an early age. You can only count on yourself. Everyone else just lets you down.

  There is a shuffling noise coming from the trees up ahead. I stare, just waiting, hoping it is him.

  The wolf comes out and watches me for a moment before heading my way. This time, he doesn’t hesitate, sitting a few feet away.

  Smiling, I place my hands in my lap. “Hey, boy. I’m so glad to see you again. Sorry about last night. I had to get home.”

  He whimpers and scoots a little closer.

  “I’m glad you’re here. I don’t have many friends… well, I have none and no one to talk to.” I sigh. “My life feels a little off-kilter right now and I just needed to get away.”

  My phone goes off once more, but it’s not a phone call this time. It’s my alarm clock. What the hell? Was I really at the gym for five hou
rs? I better get my ass home. I work tonight.

  Glancing up, I frown. “Why does this always happen when I want to stay here and spend more time with you? Sorry, but I have to go. I’ve gotta work tonight.”

  I make myself stand and head back toward the park entrance. Great, let’s add talking to animals to my ever-growing list of issues.

  Chapter Five

  Tip’s is packed tonight, and it’s hard to distinguish faces in the dimness of the club. I don’t need to see their faces to know they are enjoying the performance.

  I’m in one of my favorite outfits, a short biker-style vest that presses my girls together and matching black leather boy-shorts, paired with knee-high boots. I grab the bar, swinging myself around it and moving into the music box pose on the pole, a crowd pleaser.

  A drunk guy whistles and catcalls from around my platform, “Yeah, baby.”

  I release the pose to grind on the bar when a cloying tension fills the atmosphere. Apprehension presses down and I make a hasty decision to end my session early. Tip’s not going to be happy, but he’ll get over it. Something doesn’t feel right, and I’ve learned to trust my gut. It’s kept me out of trouble more times than I can count.

  After collecting money the horny men have placed around the stage, I head to the back, sauntering until I get to the stage exit. After straightening my bills, I stash them in my purse.

  Tip’s pissed-off voice startles me from my crouched position. “Rose, your time wasn’t up.” He storms into the back.

  I raise up, hand on my chest. “Damn, Tip. You scared the shit out of me!” My heart rate slows, and anger replaces the fight or flight instinct. With hands on my hips, our eyes meet, both blazing with fire.

  Pointing in the direction of the stage, he shakes his head. “They’re lovin’ you tonight. Get ya ass back out there.”

  “I need a break.”

  “Ya can have a break after the next song. Now, get changed.” He storms toward his office.

  Mia sashays into the room with a scowl on her face. “Girl, what did you do to piss Tip off?”

  I shrug one shoulder. “I stopped before my routine was over. He flipped his shit and told me to get back out there.”

  “I don’t know how you get off so easy with him. Hey, you never called me back last night. What did you end up doing?”

  I slip the next outfit on, a strappy, black one-piece that crisscrosses across my torso and has a high bikini line.

  “I ended up checking out that new club, Fetish.”

  “How the hell did you get in? I’ve heard it’s almost impossible. Why didn’t you take me with you, girl?” Mia places a bright blue wig on to match her outfit then looks over at me, hurt replacing the excitement from just a moment ago.

  “I’m sorry. It wasn’t planned, and you were at work. I have no clue how I got in. I just walked up to the bouncer and he let me through.”

  She laughs. “Why does that not surprise me? You had those tatas on display, didn’t you?”

  She’s always quick to forgive. But then, life hasn’t dealt her a shitty hand, either. She’s not jaded and cynical like me. We all have our burdens to bear, I just choose to keep mine close to my chest.

  “You know it.” I shimmy my shoulders in her direction with a smile.

  “Woo, girl. Shake it.” She laughs as she twerks her ass.

  The beat to the next song begins and that's my cue. I've barely placed my hand on the pole when the apprehension rises again. There's nothing I can do, and I feel like a sitting duck.

  Halfway through my routine, one man reaches out and places a couple of bills in the crisscrosses on my torso.

  I wink at him, dropping down to the floor and twerking back up.

  Grunts and screams replace the catcalls as bodies fly across the room.

  What the hell is going on? I don’t see anyone causing the mayhem, but Tip is storming over with his bat. Someone is in for a shitstorm.

  My mouth is hanging open at the destruction in front of me when I meet a pair of glowing red eyes. Oh, shit.

  No. No. No. I don’t know how he found me, but I’m not sticking around for the aftermath of this. I run to the back and throw clothes on over my stage outfit.

  Tip walks backstage crossing his arms before I can get out of the door. “Ya broke one of my rules tonight. Ya’ve put me in a bad situation.”

  What the fuck is he talking about? “Like hell, I have.”

  “I tell ya girls not to bring yar boyfriends in my club if they can’t handle seeing ya up there.” He exhales. “It’s a good thang yar boyfriend gave me cash to fix the damages. But I’m goin’ to have to let ya go.”

  My eyebrows raise. “What boyfriend? Why? This place is like home for me. You can’t fire me. I’ve done nothing wrong.” Tears well up in my eyes. How could Tip do this to me? He’s been like a father to me for years, and for him to just fire me for no reason isn’t right. A little doubt worms its way inside as those red eyes and fangs conjure in my mind. Hell no. It can’t be.

  “Eli something or other.” He glances down at the ground. “He paid for all the damages, but his condition was that I couldn’t let you work here anymore.”

  My jaw drops and tears stream down my face. “You’d take money for me not to work for you anymore?”

  The silence that greets me speaks volumes. I thought I knew heartbreak, but this pain in my chest is something I’ve never experienced before. My heart feels like it’s broken beyond repair.

  The betrayal of Tip choosing money over me hardens my resolve. I level a stare devoid of any emotion. “Fine. I won’t be back.”

  His voice cracks, the first sign of emotion from him. “It’s for the best. Ya’ll be taken care of this way. Now, get outta here.”

  I gather my personal belongings, realizing that no one else is in the back. Tip must have asked them to stay out front before he came back here to fire me. The gratitude I might have felt for him not humiliating me in front of the other girls is squashed when the reality hits home. I no longer have a job. What the fuck am I going to do now? This is the only job I know how to do. “Can I get my paycheck? I don’t want to have to come back.” I get a small box out of the storage room and begin packing my make-up and belongings to take with me.

  “Sure.” He heads toward his office, taking the tension out of the room with his absence.

  I need to keep it together. I can fall apart later. When he comes back, I place the last item in the box and turn to him without meeting his gaze.

  He holds out a stack of money and I take it from him, avoiding direct contact.

  “Let me walk ya out. Jo’s out front dealing with the mess.” He reaches over to pat me on the arm, but I take a step back.

  Like hell. I don’t want his sympathy. Grabbing the box and my purse, I head out the back door without looking back. The door clicks shut behind me and I take a deep breath.

  “Hello, Rose.” The deep, accented voice that haunted my dreams last night startles me out of my reverie.

  Eli is leaning against my car, his gaze brooding and dark. He looks delicious in a fitted black t-shirt and dark jeans.

  I suppress a groan, the ache in my core flaring to life with his nearness. Then, I remember where we’re standing and why. “Haven’t you done enough?” I huff.

  “No,” he barks out while looking me over. A sense of satisfaction fills his eyes before it’s masked behind indifference.

  Glaring, I take a step toward him. “You need to leave or I’m going to call the cops.”

  He shrugs his shoulders and pulls the phone from the front pocket of his jeans. “I’ll call the chief if you’d like. Or how about the mayor? They are both friends of mine.” He grins at me.

  My knees go weak at the gesture and I straighten my spine. I will not let his good looks make me forget what happened last night or tonight. “Leave me alone. I have nothing to say to you.” I don’t move from my spot, resisting the urge to get closer to him but not wanting to retreat either.
/>   He stalks toward me. A predator hunting his prey.

  I tense, getting ready to make a run for it again.

  “Don’t,” he grits out. “Don’t run from me.”

  “Who said I was going to run?”

  One eyebrow raises as he continues toward me.

  In the next blink, my back is pressed against the brick wall of the building, his hands holding my waist. It’s déjà vu from the night before. My breathing quickens and heart rate increases.

  He leans in, growling as he inhales at my neck again. “I hate the hold you have on me. I can’t afford any weaknesses.” Our eyes lock, and the red glow shines bright and fangs descend. “I do not share.”

  “What…” Firm lips press onto mine in a frenzy, cutting off my question. My hands move between our bodies to push him away, but I grip his shirt instead, pulling him closer. Electricity arcs from his lips to mine, and a groan echoes around us in the alley. I’m not sure if it was from him or me, but he deepens the kiss.

  His tongue probes my lips, seeking entrance.

  I open my mouth, our tongues dueling. My leg wraps itself around his waist of its own accord, grinding my aching core on his leg.

  He pulls back, both of our breathing labored.

  I jerk my hands away from him, rear back, and swing to smack him.

  Mid-swing, he grabs both of my hands and raises them above my head, holding both in one hand.

  I snarl, trying to head-butt him and knee him at the same time.

  He blocks both advances with a chuckle.

  “Argh. Let me go, you asshole. I just lost my job because of you.” I grit my teeth to keep my anger at bay for a more opportune time.

  “You didn’t want me to let you go a moment ago. And, good riddance. There’s no need for anyone to see your body.” His grip tightens on my wrist.

  I wince in pain, and he releases some of the pressure.