I’ve been so careful since we left Amber Springs, refusing to set up any online profiles for fear of this very thing. I was forced to shut down every social media profile, delete my email account, and change my cell number in the days after the shooting because all the vile comments and messages were physically making me ill.
To have complete strangers commenting on how I deserved to die and random freaks threatening to fuck me up before putting a bullet in my skull had me completely terrified and afraid of my own shadow. As the days turned to weeks and there was no letup in the vitriol or the personal abuse I suffered, I became somewhat anesthetized to it. Letting it all go over my head was the only way I could haul my ass out of bed each morning and at least pretend like I was a functioning human being.
Since moving to Kentsville, I haven’t shared my cell number with anyone but the guys and my parents, and I haven’t set up any new online accounts or email addresses. The only email address I have is my school-required one, and I’ve no idea how the hell someone from my past managed to get a hold of it.
We told no one we were moving. Just packed up and left. And I know my parents haven’t divulged our new location to anyone.
There wasn’t anyone to tell anyway.
Everyone we considered friends shunned us. Either they were too judgmental or too afraid of being targeted by association. Leaving the past in Amber Springs is as much a priority for my folks as it is for me, and I know they won’t have said anything to jeopardize our fresh start here.
I push up off the ground on shaky legs, walking in a daze back to my bedroom where I force myself to sit down at my desk. With trembling fingers, I retrieve the email and stare at it, feeling ill all over again. After a couple minutes, I deliberately force my emotions aside, inspecting the message more carefully for clues. I read the words in my head over and over, and something is off. This doesn’t feel like the usual asshole trying to freak me out. This is way more personal.
But who knows?
Who could have done this?
And how do they know where I am?
The email is from a well-known email service and the username is truthseeker101 so that reveals nothing about the sender other than he or she fancies themselves as some kind of crusader. I attempt to reply to the message, but it bounces back immediately. Sighing heavily, I print the email, placing the page in a paper folder inside my desk drawer.
I know, from previous experience, not to delete any threatening messages, so I make a folder in my inbox and move the email there before shutting my laptop down again.
All night, I toss and turn, alternating between mental replays of the email and horrific nightmares any time I manage to fall asleep for more than a few minutes. When daylight creeps through the tiny gap in my curtains, I groan, pressing my face into the pillow and silently praying for sleep to come and claim me.
Mom pokes her head through the door a few minutes later. “Rise and shine, sweetheart. Just because you’re suspended doesn’t mean you have a free pass to lounge in bed all day.” She yanks back the covers, and a wave of cool air washes over me, raising tiny goose bumps on my skin in every place where it’s exposed.
“I’m getting up,” I grumble, swinging my legs out the side of the bed. I yawn as I rub sleep from my eyes, peering up at Mom through a blurry lens. “Go to work. I’ll study. I promise.”
“Okay.” She presses a kiss to the top of my head. “And when your school work is done, finish the unpacking in the living room, and then you can start on dinner.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I salute her while struggling to my feet.
“Blaire.”
She uses that no-nonsense tone with me, and I plaster a fake happy smile on my face. “Go, Mom. Don’t be late.” I push her out the door and trudge to the bathroom to grab a quick shower.
The nasty email plays on my mind all day, distracting me and forcing me to lose concentration multiple times. I text the guys canceling our get together, feigning contagious illness so they don’t show up on my doorstep. I push the food around my plate at dinnertime, unable to stomach anything. I know some people overeat when they’re stressed, but I’m the opposite—I lose my appetite and can’t force any food down.
The next couple days pass by in a similar manner. Shaznay, Heath, and Skeet text me daily, but I haven’t heard a peep from Axel.
It’s Wednesday night, and Mom and Dad are at it again, screaming obscenities at one another over the dinner table while I stare blankly at the window wishing I was anywhere but here. Dad’s been hitting the bottle again, and he’s an ugly drunk. It’s not something I knew about him until recently, because neither of my parents were big drinkers before all the shit went down.
The chiming of the doorbell is a welcome relief, and I hop up to answer it. My parents are so busy shouting they haven’t even realized someone is at the door. I open it slowly and carefully, sticking my head out as I keep my body wedged behind the doorframe.
Axel’s sharp blue eyes cut a line straight through me as he stares in that intense way of his. Fleetingly, his gaze darts over my head as my parents’ arguing trickles out into the hallway. Heat creeps up my chest and over my neck, and I have to force myself to maintain eye contact with him. As usual, he’s giving nothing away. He jerks his chin up. “Feeling better?”
“Yes.”
His eyes bore a hole in the side of my skull, and I know he knows I wasn’t ill.
Well, not in the conventional sense.
“Grab your coat. You’re coming with me.”
At any other time, I’d tell him and his demanding tone to take a hike. But I’m so desperate to escape I don’t argue the point. “Give me a couple minutes,” I say, and he nods, shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans as he moves back, leaning against the railing. I race up the stairs, changing into sneakers and a warm sweater. Then I grab Ethan’s leather coat and a fluffy scarf and skip back downstairs. I don’t bother returning to the kitchen, scribbling a hasty note and leaving it in the hall for my parents instead.
Axel pushes off the railing when I step outside, pulling the door shut behind me. My mouth hangs open when I spot the black and red Harley parked at the curb. “That’s yours?” I stupidly ask as we walk toward it.
The faintest of smiles kicks up the corners of his mouth. “Yeah. My grandpa left it to me.” He places a helmet over my head, gently tucking my hair in place. “Have you ever ridden on a bike?”
“No, but I’ve always wanted to.” My voice is a little muffled through the helmet, but he seems to understand, nodding with a pleased smile gracing his mouth.
He straddles the bike and pats the space behind him. “Climb on and wrap your arms around me.”
I comply, feeling an immense thrill when my body slides forward a little, pressing flush against him. He’s warm and strong, and he smells absolutely divine. His cologne is a mix of fresh and spicy notes that perfectly match his personality.
I could literally drown in Axel Thorp right now.
He’s like my own hot, personal savior.
Circling my hands around his firm waist, I try my best to ignore the pulsing between my thighs. The engine growls as he kick-starts it while grabbing my hands and holding them more tightly around his body. Now, I’m virtually straddling him from behind, and my libido is going haywire. I always imagined riding a bike with a sexy guy would be hot, but I’d no idea quite how hot until this moment.
I cling to Axel, keeping my cheek pressed against his back as we take off. He maneuvers the streets like a pro, and I’m enjoying the experience enormously. He drives through the main town, veering left, and I hold onto him more tightly as he ascends an incline, bringing us over to the more affluent side of town. My eyes drink everything in as we pass lush, manicured lawns and impressive homes that scream wealth.
Axel pulls into a small retail outlet, killing the engine in front of a row of stores
. When the bike is secure, he grips my hips, lifting me off onto the ground in one effortless, smooth move. My entire body tingles from his touch, and I sway on my feet a little, clutching onto his muscular arms to steady myself. He removes my helmet with a gentle touch, helping to brush stray strands of hair away from my face. My skin is inflamed, and I’m on fire from the ride, his electric touch, and the dark, fiendish glint in his eye. I’m seconds away from jumping him when he clears his throat and arches a brow, pinning me with an amused grin. “You liked that a lot, huh?”
“It was awesome,” I squeak, hating how easy I am to read.
Bending down, he presses his mouth close to my ear. “I liked having you pressed up against me.”
Shivers cascade up and down my spine at his sultry words and seductive tone, and it’s a wonder I can stand up straight. I plant my hand on his broad chest, waging an inner battle with my horny libido. I have never wanted to touch anyone as much as I want to touch him in this moment. “Axel, I—”
He presses two fingers to my lips instantly silencing me. I peer into his eyes, wondering what he sees reflected in my gaze. “I know what you need, sweetheart, and I promise I’ll take care of you, but we need to do this first.” He brushes his thumb against my cheek, and a shudder works its way through me.
“Where are we?” I inwardly cringe at how breathy my voice sounds.
“Heath and Skeet mentioned you are looking for work.” He gestures with his head at a store behind him. “My brother’s ex owns that clothing store, and she’s looking for a part-time assistant. I told her about you, and she wanted to meet up.”
My mouth hangs open again as I stare at the funky women’s store showcasing the latest trends, excitement bubbling in my veins. “Oh my God, thank you so much!”
“Don’t thank me yet,” he says, taking hold of my hand and steering me toward the door. “Jacinta can be a bit of a bitch at times. She has a foul mouth, and I’m guessing she won’t be easy to work for, but she appreciates those who work hard, and she is offering flexible hours, so it could suit.”
“I’ve only ever worked at a diner, but I’m a fast learner, and I’m not afraid of hard work.”
“That’s good to know,” a female voice says from out of nowhere, and I jump a little as I turn around to greet the newcomer.
A fiery redhead with wide blue eyes swats Axel on the back of the head. “I heard that intro, and I’m less than pleased. It’s just as well I like you.” Jacinta—I presume— faux glares at him, shoving her tall, thin frame between us as she moves to unlock the door.
“Or what?” Axel retorts, smirking.
“Or I’d slice your cock off and feed it to my pet guinea pig.”
“You don’t have a pet guinea pig.” He shoots her a superior look.
“I’d buy one especially for the occasion,” she says, sticking her tongue out at him as she unlocks the door to the store. She steps aside, ushering us in. “Come in before you freeze your balls off.”
She flicks a few switches on the wall, and the room floods with light. The store isn’t huge, but she’s made the best use of the space, and it’s decorated in a modern style. “My clientele is mainly young women with an eye for the latest fashions and a healthy budget,” she explains as she walks across the room, waving her arms around. “My stock isn’t cheap, but it’s high quality, and I have a strong repeat business.” She hurries behind the counter, retrieving a key, and unlocks a side door. “You’re up,” she tells Axel, grabbing him by the shoulders and shoving him toward the door. “I’ll talk to your girl while you make the coffee. I’ll have mine black with no sugar.”
“Just like your soul,” he quips, ducking down in time to avoid another slap to the head. A devilish glint appears in his eye as he turns to me. “How do you like it?” His tone is deliberately suggestive.
“I’ll have mine the same, without the snarky comment, thank you very much.”
“Coming right up.” He winks before disappearing out of sight.
“So, it’s Blaire, right?” Jacinta asks, extending her hand.
I nod, shaking her hand. “Yes. Thanks for meeting with me.”
“As you’ve probably guessed, I’m Jacinta, and this store is my baby.” Her smile is proud. “My assistant moved away to college last fall, and I haven’t had time to replace her yet, but it’s coming into our busy season, and I need another pair of hands. Axel mentioned you were new to town and looking for work.”
“Yeah, I just moved here with my parents. I’ve had a part-time job the last couple years, and l like to keep busy.”
Understatement of the year.
Distracting myself is the only way I can avoid the torment in my head.
“How long did you work at the diner for?” Jacinta asks, propping her elbows on the counter as she gives me her full attention. “And what exactly were your duties?”
I give her a quick rundown of my time at the Amber Springs Family Diner, and she asks me a few more questions, suggesting scenarios with imaginary customers and asking how I’d deal with them. Then she runs through the job, outlining the duties. “Any questions?”
“What are the hours?” I inquire as Axel reappears, holding two steaming mugs in his hands.
“We open late nights Thursday and Friday, and it tends to be busy, so it’d be five to nine both days, and eight to six on Saturdays.”
“That works for me.” My smile is eager as I take a sip of my coffee.
“Okay, well how about we agree on a month’s trial period? Can you start tomorrow night?” she asks, drinking from her cup and grimacing a little.
My heart turns cartwheels behind my ribcage at the first bit of good news in ages. I doubt she’d be so willing to offer me the job on the spot if it wasn’t for Axel’s recommendation, and I’m so grateful to him. “Perfect, and I’ll be here. Thanks so much.”
Chapter Fourteen
“How long did Jacinta date your brother for?” I ask Axel a half hour later when we’re tucked into a booth in a diner a couple blocks from the park where we first met.
“On and off for about three years.” His fingers drum off the Formica tabletop as he eyeballs me.
“She seems cool, and she’s clearly fond of you. I guess there’s no accounting for taste,” I tag on the end, joking.
He shoots me a lopsided grin. “Jacinta is cool, and I was pretty pissed when her and Griff called it quits for good last year. I miss her around the house.”
“She lived with you?” I arch a brow as I sip my soda through a straw.
He nods, leaning back against the booth. “She was kind of a surrogate mom to me growing up.”
“What about your real mom?” I tentatively ask, just as the waitress brings our burgers and fries to the table. She isn’t subtle about the eye-fuck she sends in Axel’s direction, but I’m secretly pleased when he pretends he doesn’t notice.
“I haven’t seen her since I was fourteen” is all he says before taking a large bite of his burger.
I force a few fries down, and eat, maybe, a quarter of my burger before pushing it away. I want to eat it, but my system is still twisted into knots over that horrid email. I stare out the window, watching a few kids on skateboards, getting lost in my head.
“Hey.” Axel taps the top of my hand. “You want to get out of here?”
I nod, glancing at his empty plate, marveling at how fast he devoured his food. He throws a couple bills down on the table before placing his hand on my lower back and steering me out of the diner.
I don’t ask where we’re going again, trusting Axel in a way I can’t explain. He rides through familiar streets, pulling up in front of a neat two-story house a couple blocks from my house. Once again, he grips my hips and helps me down off the bike, and once again, I feel it in every part of me. An overwhelming urge to feel his hands all over me accosts me from out of left field, and I wet my
dry mouth and squeeze my core, begging my body to calm down.
Kissing Heath and Skeet was amazing, but I’ve a feeling that kissing Axel will floor me completely.
As if he can sense where my thoughts have wandered, he takes off my helmet, leans in, and dusts his lips against my neck. A tiny whimper flies out of my mouth, and I clutch onto him for dear life.
“This is my house,” he whispers, wrapping his arm around my waist and hauling me into his warm chest. “Griff’s at work, so we have the place to ourselves.” His eyes penetrate mine, flashing darkly. “You’re tense, baby.” He threads one hand through my hair, using his other arm to keep me close to him. “I know what you need. Do you trust me to look after you?”
Gulping over the lump of terrified excitement clogging my throat, I nod slowly. He brushes his mouth against mine, sending delicious tremors zipping up and down my body. “I want to make you feel good,” he whispers over my lips before slanting his mouth down on mine. I pull him closer to me as we kiss, ravishing his mouth as I let pure, unadulterated need take hold of me. He devours me, kissing me with an insatiable hunger I’ve never experienced before. I’m writhing against him, twisted into a messy ball of desire, all from a few kisses.
“Come inside before we give the neighbors a show,” he teases, taking my hand and leading me into the small house.
The layout is very similar to ours. A narrow hallway with separate living room off to the left, downstairs toilet and under-stairs storage on the right, and a compact kitchen-cum-dining-room at the rear. The house is immaculately clean and tidy with brightly painted walls and newish-looking furniture. “Who else lives here?” I inquire as he starts climbing the stairs, urging me to follow.
“It’s just me and my brother. My dad’s dead, and Mom’s not coming back any time soon.”
“I’m sorry,” I say, not really knowing how to respond.
“S’kay.” He shrugs, reaching a hand out for me when my feet hit the top of the stairs. “It’s been almost four years. I’ve learned to live with it.” He pushes a door open, guiding me into his bedroom. A large bed, fitted with wrinkled black sheets, takes up most of the space in the room. A small wooden desk is wedged into the corner, a pile of books stacked in a neat row against the wall. Posters of rock bands and bikers adorn the walls surrounding a mounted TV screen. A game console rests on a shelf underneath, a bunch of games in a neat stack beside it.
Surviving Amber Springs: A Stand-Alone Contemporary Romance Page 11
