“Th-that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I thought maybe we could work something out.”
I shook my head, unable to contain my smile because I was going to enjoy beating the piss out of this little coward.
“Mason, please. Annabelle is still with you. She’s still with you, and I’m going to keep paying, but I need more time. This fucking wedding is bleeding me dry.”
“Not my problem.”
“The second we say the vows I get it all, everything Cadence inherited from her dad. I can pay you. With interest!”
“And if you don’t?”
“I know you hold all of the cards. You can tell Cadence. You can tell Annabelle everything. I know that.”
I couldn’t see what Beauty ever saw in this sniveling little asshole. Nothing about him was real.
“But so could I.”
I saw red. As soon as those words left his mouth, I wanted to beat him until his body stopped moving.
“Are you threatening me?”
“Never. Never! I just – You like her, right? You like her. And she must like you, right? You don’t want to screw that up, do you? I’m just saying we could work together on this... like partners.”
“I’ll be at that fuckin’ joke of a wedding, with ‘Belle on my arm. I expect payment before the end of the night, or I won’t just tell her that you used her as collateral or tell Cadence how you still send her messages, I will end your fuckin’ life. We understand each other, partner?”
I sat in Mason’s office for what felt like an eternity. My stomach twisted, and the low hum of the music from the stage blocked out any other sound from the club. When the door finally opened, I stood from my seat, tangling my fingers together. Mason slipped inside and locked the door behind him. It made me think of the night I’d met him. He didn’t lock the door of his home because no one would dare come inside. I swallowed hard, understanding that he’d locked the office to keep me in, not to prevent someone from intruding.
He walked toward me, not saying a word, and I took two steps back until I was pressed against a wall. He didn’t stop until he was so close that his nose brushed mine as he bent down. His hand went to the side of my neck like I’d seen him do with that woman he’d brought home.
I was breathing rapidly, my mind lost in that moment that I’d secretly watched him.
“You can not... will not ever hit me in front of my employees again. Understood?”
My brow creased, wondering why he would specify not to do that here.
His fingers flexed against the side of my neck, and I swallowed hard before letting my mouth fall open.
“I’m sorry.”
His lips quirked up in a small smirk but fell instantly. “I didn’t ask you if you were sorry. I asked if you understood what I said to you.”
“Yes,” I muttered.
He closed his eyes for a brief second like I was testing his patience.
“Yes, what, Beauty?”
“Yes, I understand,” I snapped, feeling like I was being treated like a child.
He pressed his lips against my forehead, letting them linger for a moment before tipping my head back to look at him again.
“Are you mad at me?”
“No. Go home,” he ordered, releasing me before he turned and left the office.
I PACED THE FLOOR, angrily arguing out loud with myself. I wanted to be prepared for when Mason returned. He shouldn’t have taken my phone. I wasn’t a child. And it wouldn’t have hurt anything to snap a picture of Roland... Besides ruining my best friend’s wedding plans. I stopped pacing when I heard a key in the door. For some reason, I thought about running and hiding, but I knew I wouldn’t make it up the steps in time. Instead, I stood there, awkwardly.
When he saw me, his tongue ran out over his lips. He stood just a few feet from me as he unbuttoned his shirt. He looked exhausted, and I wished there was a way I could have helped him. My anger reignited at the way he made fun of me when I’d offered to help earlier.
“I didn’t think you’d be up,” he mumbled.
“Are you... drunk?” I asked, taking a step toward him. I could smell the alcohol wafting off him. That’s when I noticed the cut through his eyebrow near his scar. “Are you hurt?” I rushed toward him and touched his forehead above the wound, causing him to flinch.
“It’s fine.” He swatted my hand away.
“What happened?”
“None of your business.” He began walking toward the stairs, and I followed behind him.
“Well, I’m worried. Will you please just talk to me?” I asked. He spun around, nearly losing his balance as he pulled my phone from his pocket and held it out to me.
“No.” He finished ascending the stairs and lumbered toward his room. Moments later, I heard the water whining through the pipes. He must have crawled into the shower. I hoped it helped to sober him up so maybe I could have a look at the injury above his eye.
The liquor that coursed through my veins warmed my body, slowing down the rage that had been consuming me all day. Between Hunter returning, a girl being murdered on my watch, and Roland threatening me, I was in desperate need of a release. But I couldn’t take Beauty the way I wanted her. I couldn’t subject her to my depraved nature. She would run away from me without ever looking back, right into the arms of the man that had hurt her.
When she first arrived, I didn’t have much of a second thought as I scratched that dirty itch, that perverted obsession. But I did it out of sight from her. Sure I got head from some random chick and fucked around a few times in the house, but it was all tame compared to the things I did when I wasn’t here.
I slipped under the spray of the shower, allowing the burning hot water to skate down my back as I fisted my cock in my palm, squeezing it roughly before my hand began to slide up and down my shaft. Now, it didn’t matter who I fucked; how sick and twisted my fantasies were that I’d acted out. Nothing dulled that slow ache I had for her, the pulse that called my cock to attention at just the thought of Belle. Her lips, her perky tits, that tight shaved pussy that I’d yet to admire without the flimsy scraps of fabric between us.
My grip tightened, my breathing growing ragged as I pictured her sliding those yellow bottoms down over her perfect little ass, bent over so I could admire her little pink cunt from behind.
I could almost feel the sting on my palm as I slapped her ass hard enough to make her yelp. She’d been a bad little girl, slapping me, and now she would need to be punished.
I wanted to slam into her, shoving her face into the mattress as I impaled her with my cock, breaking through her innocents. Forcing her to cry out, her pleas muffled as I placed a large palm on her back, holding her down so I could continue to fuck her wildly. My balls would slap against her clit, rhythmically, giving her just enough to keep her panting but not enough to allow her to come yet. No, I wanted to taste her fucking juices on my tongue. I wanted to slide out of her, taking a moment to admire how her body had opened for me, how her little hole clenched at the sudden loss of my dick.
I knew what her cunt smelled like, and I was desperate to know how it tasted.
“Fuck,” I growled, my balls tightening, the muscle in my forearm burning as I stroked faster, harder.
Letting her stay here was a mistake. I knew it from day one. But I didn’t care. I’d lied to myself and said I’d be able to keep this platonic and that I was the one doing her a favor. But I couldn’t protect her, not from myself.
I closed my eyes again, the water dripping from my hair down over my face. I pictured her at the top of the staircase, watching me as I got my dick sucked from some random woman. I imagined her sliding her fingers into her panties, rubbing her clit, wishing it was her on her knees. Hot ropes of cum spurted out, my body tensing as my orgasm ripped through me with a growl.
“Fuck,” I slammed my palm against the tile. Something had to give. I need to get laid, get her out, or fuck her senseless.
THIRTEEN
HOURS PASSED
, AND AFTER struggling to keep my eyes open to finish my book, I finally succumbed to sleep. It didn’t take long for the memories of home to invade my thoughts. I didn’t remember waking, but soon I was being lifted from my bed and engulfed in the smell of Mason.
“You’re safe, Beauty,” he whispered as he laid me down on his bed. I couldn’t respond. I was so exhausted that I only nodded and curled into his side. He slipped his arm around me and pulled me close.
I stretched, bowing my back off the bed. “Mmm,” I mumbled at the smell of French toast. I popped my eyes open to see Mason sitting in a chair on the far side of his room, his elbows resting on his knees.
“I made you breakfast,” he said, his voice hoarse.
“You didn’t have to do that.” I pushed myself up and sat the tray of food on my lap. “Thank you.” I wanted to ask how long he’d been sitting there, watching me sleep, but lately, he didn’t seem to want to tell me anything and was growing increasingly annoyed.
“I’m sorry about last night.”
“You don’t have any reason to apologize. I know it wouldn’t be good for business if I would have taken those pictures.”
“When you slapped me –”
“I didn't mean to do that. I swear. I would never do that on purpose.”
“You were finally standing up for yourself. I shouldn’t have talked to you that way.” He shook his head. “I saw that look in your eye. You were afraid of me.” The words seemed to pain him.
“I wasn’t scared of you. I mean, I was scared,” I admitted. “But not because of you.”
He relaxed a little in his seat.
“Can I ask you something? What was that whole Beast from the East thing about?”
“It was what they called me when I would fight.”
“Don’t you still fight?” I looked at the fresh cut on his eye.
He laughed, shaking his head. “Not like I used to.”
“Oh.”
“I don’t expect you to tell me everything right now, but one of these days we need to have a talk.”
“A Talk?”
He nodded. “I want to know who hurt you. How they hurt you.”
“Mason –”
He pushed from his seat and walked toward me. “Not now. You don’t need to worry.” He pressed his lips against my hair, his fingers tangling in the strands. I let my eyes fall closed and reveled in the sweet gesture. “But soon.” He added before walking toward the door.
“Are you leaving?” I called after him. He stopped in the doorway and turned back to look at me.
“I have some things to take care of.”
I nodded, not bothering to ask what it was he needed to do because he never really told me anything.
“Maybe later we can go out to a movie or something?”
“Really?” I squealed.
“I’ll pick you up in a few hours. Wear that little pink skirt you had one the first night I met you.” He smiled one of his devastatingly handsome grins before disappearing down the hall.
I spent extra time fixing my makeup and curling the ends of my long hair. I paired my skirt with a cute little tank top and sneakers to give it a casual feel. I didn’t want to be too dressed up to sit in the dark.
My phone rang, and I answered without even checking the number because the only people who ever called me were Mason or Cadence.”
“Hello?”
“Annabelle Emerson?” A male voice asked, catching me off guard. My hand went to a strand of my hair, and I began to twist it around my finger. “Yes?”
“You know, I was kind of hurt when you didn’t call me, but I figured Mason probably gave you shit for even talking to me. I can’t blame him for being protective.”
“Hunter?”
“The one and only. I thought maybe we could get together for dinner.”
“Oh, I... I’m not sure that –”
“It’s standard procedure.”
“I’m sorry?”
“It’s just a formality, but we get together and do a formal interview, and I can start you right away.”
“I’m sorry, Hunter, I’m not sure what you’re –”
“You are Annabelle Emerson, right? You left an application at The Tavern. We’re short-staffed, and I could really use you.”
“The Tavern? You... work there?”
“Owner. Family business. I’ve been gone for a while, so I’m just catching up on everything, and there is a stack of applications, but Hanna said she’d already met you, and you were really nice. I thought I’d give you a shot, even though you did kind of turn me down.” He chuckled, and I squeezed my eyes closed, silently cursing myself. “So, what do you say?”
“Um,” I glanced at the time on my phone. Mason wouldn’t be home for a while, and I did have his car that he said I could use whenever I needed it. “I can meet you now.”
“Now?”
“Yeah, I mean, if you’re not too busy. I can come by.”
“Now’s perfect. I’ll see you soon, Annabelle.”
“Okay. Thanks, Hunter. I really appreciate it.”
He chuckled. “You owe me one.”
I hung up the phone and hurried out of the house. I knew I didn’t have too much time, but I couldn’t let this opportunity slide. I wasn’t sure exactly what Mason would say, but he never mentioned that Hunter had owned The Tavern, and he didn’t say a word when I’d filled out the application.
Besides, whatever their issue was, it didn’t have anything to do with me.
I made it across town in record time, slipping into the small restaurant. Hanna beamed when she saw me and let me know that Hunter was in the back. She disappeared through the kitchen door, and I stood awkwardly near the entrance.
“Annabelle,” he called out, and my head shot up to see Hunter in black slacks and a crisp white button-down that made him look even more tan. His warm smile put me at ease as he greeted me as if we were old friends. “I’m so glad you came.”
“You can call me ‘Belle. Of course,” I replied with a nod. “I’m thankful you called, Mr. –”
“Hunter. Just call me Hunter. Let’s go sit in a booth.” He placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me to the very table I’d sat in with Mason. Hanna was at our side in seconds, pen poised over her notepad.
“Mushroom Swiss, right?” she asked.
I smiled back at her. “Right. Yes.”
“The usual?” She asked, looking expectantly at Hunter. He nodded, and she hurried back to the kitchen.
I didn’t realize how handsome he was when he visited the house. His face was clean-shaven, and his jaw was angular. The muscles ticked below the surface as he studied me with his chocolate-colored eyes.
“I noticed you didn’t have any work history on your application.”
I tucked my hair behind my ear and sat up straighter. “I was in college before I moved out here.”
“Graduated?”
“No.”
“And no references. No contacts at all,” he continued as he looked down over the paper in front of him. “This has the hotel as your residence.” His eyes met mine now. “Is that... still accurate?”
“Well, no. I stay with Mason. He uh... he said it wasn’t a very safe place.”
“Right.” The corner of his mouth twisted up in a grin.
I wrung my hands together before picking up my water and drinking a large gulp.
“There’s no reason to be nervous, Annabelle. I told you, this is just a formality.”
“Belle,” I corrected.
“Belle,” he repeated with a nod, the left side of his mouth curving up in a smirk.
“Look, I know I don’t have any experience, but I’m a hard worker, and I really need the money.”
“Oh,” he leaned back, folding his arms over his wide chest. “You in some sort of trouble?”
“Oh... no. No, I’m just trying to get on my own feet.” I was nodding like a bobblehead.
“Do you like margaritas?”
&n
bsp; “Do I... I mean –”
He laughed, his tongue running out over his lower lip. “It’s not a trick question, Belle. I know this place over on Franklin that has some really great drinks, and I could use a night out.”
“Oh... Oh, I um... I have plans tonight.”
“Right. Of course. It’s last minute.” He stared at me for a moment, waiting for me to elaborate.
“Maybe... some other time?”
He smiled as he winked. “It’s a date.”
Hanna was making her way toward us with our plates of food. I relaxed back in my seat, thankful for the distraction.
“Mushroom Swiss,” she called out as she sat my burger basket in front of me.
“And a house salad with ranch for you, Mr. Locke.”
I felt my heart seize in my chest as my head whipped up to meet Hunter’s eye. He had a devilish smirk on his lips.
“That’s perfect, Hanna. Thanks.” He never looked toward her as she moved on to another table of patrons who’d just entered.
“You’re... related to Mason?”
“He didn’t tell you?” He took a sip of his water before rolling his eyes. “My brother always did like to keep his secrets. I hope that doesn’t change your mind about working here.”
“No... um... Of course not. I just hadn’t realized.”
“Don’t take it personally. Mason doesn’t get close to anyone. Believe me. I’d tried for years. It’s a lost cause. He has more secrets than he has women, and trust me – he has a lot of women.”
I swallowed against the lump in my throat before forcing a smile. “We’re just roommates.”
He smiled wider. “Good.”
Mason came home not long after I’d gotten back. He seemed to be in a much better mood than when he’d come home last night, and I was thankful he didn’t want to throw me out of his house.
“You look beautiful,” he whispered from behind me. I jumped, my hand going to my chest to calm my racing heart.
“Thank you.” I felt my skin flush at the memory of the night we’d spent together; the night he told me how beautiful he thought I was. He hadn’t touched me that way since, and it was driving me crazy.
Breaking Beauty (Twisted Tales, #1) Page 9
