Walk of Shame Series (Books 1-6)

by Victoria Ashley

  Makes me want to protect her, but she just stands up straight and smiles, not letting them get to her.

  I wait until she’s outside and away from all the dirty looks before I rush over to the bar to get my phone from Sara.

  She grins from ear to ear when she sees me. “Looks like you’ve found that special someone. Lucky her.”

  I grab my phone from her and can’t help the smile that takes over. “Not as lucky as I am. Clock me out, will ya?”

  “Sure thing, babe. Go get that beauty.”

  “I plan on it.”

  It takes me a bit to make my way through the crowd and to the locker room, but I quickly shower and get dressed, doing my best to hurry.

  As soon as I’m pulling on a fresh pair of jeans, a text comes through from Eden letting me know it’s okay to head over.

  I smile like a fucking idiot in love. Something I’ve never done before. Especially over a simple text.

  Shoving my phone into my hoodie and grabbing for my keys, I walk out of the locker room, ready to get the hell out of here.

  That’s when I look up to see Knight sitting up at the bar, watching me with a cocky grin.

  Keeping his gaze on me, he stands up and tilts back his glass, emptying it.

  Then he winks and walks away, making his way toward the door with a confidence I don’t like.

  Fucking son of a bitch.

  Letting my anger get the best of me, I fight my way through the herd of crazy women, not giving a shit that their hands are grabbing at every one of my body parts at the moment.

  The only thing that matters is where that son of a bitch is going right now.

  I don’t like the look he gave me one bit. It was as if he was letting me know he won.

  Once I finally make it to the door, I push past Kass and look around, not finding him anywhere.

  “Fuuuck.” I run my hands through my wet hair and turn back to face Kass, about to lose my shit. “Where did he go?” I growl.

  “If you’re looking for the same asshole from before, he jumped into the passenger side of some car and sped out of here.”

  “Thanks, brother.” I slap his chest, before rushing over to my truck and speeding out of here my damn self.

  I honestly have no idea what I’ll end up doing if that prick is parked outside Eden’s, but I know one thing . . .

  I’ll kill him if he puts his hands on her again . . .

  Eden

  I STAND IN THE DOORWAY of Alec’s room, watching him as he sleeps, looking so peaceful and comfortable.

  Hannah said he didn’t wake up once when I was gone and that’s what I was hoping for.

  The idea of him waking to me not being here makes me feel sick to my stomach.

  I struggled a while with my decision to leave and check on Kash tonight, but honestly, I needed to see that he was okay.

  After the promise Knight made, I was almost positive he’d show up like he said and cause trouble for Kash.

  I never planned on being gone for longer than I had to and when I called Hannah and told her my plan was to stop by the club to see someone, she sounded more than happy to stop by for a bit.

  Even though I should be happy that Knight didn’t show up at the club tonight, I can’t help but to worry still. Knight’s an asshole. He’ll still do what he said. He always does.

  When I hear a vehicle pull up outside, I softly close Alec’s door, careful not to wake him, before walking into the living room and looking out the window.

  A little black sports car is sitting across the street, so I’m assuming it must be for one of the neighbors.

  It hasn’t been long since I texted Kash, so I suppose it’s a little too soon for him to be outside.

  A few minutes later I hear another vehicle pull up, so I look out the window again, hoping it’s Kash.

  My heart speeds up with excitement at the sight of his truck parked out front.

  With a huge smile, I unlock the door and open it, watching as he jumps out of his truck and walks up the sidewalk.

  His face looks even more bruised up and swollen when he steps into the porchlight. The darkness of the club hid them better.

  “Hi,” he says with a small smirk.

  “Hi back.” I smile and step out of the way, allowing him to come inside. “Just be quiet.”

  As soon as I close the door, I feel Kash come up behind me, his hard body pressing firmly against me. “I’ll do my best.”

  I close my eyes and swallow, when I feel Kash’s hands move down my body and grab my hips. “Your hands . . .”

  He kisses my neck, before moving around to whisper in my ear. “What about them?”

  “They feel so good.” I barely get the words out, because he begins kissing his way around to the front of my neck. “And your lips . . . shit, Kash.”

  He spins me around and cups my face with both hands, brushing his thumbs over my lips. “Want me to stop?”

  I shake my head and wrap my arms around his neck. “No,” I whisper. “But we have to be careful. I can’t have . . . sex. Not with Alec in the next room.”

  He smiles against my lips. “I’m not here to have sex with you, Eden. I’m here to spend time with you.” He grabs my hand. “Come on.”

  He guides me over to the couch, pulling me into his lap. Then he reaches for the blanket on the back of the couch and covers us up. “I like this,” I admit, while snuggling into the warmth of his strong body. “What now?”

  He reaches for the remote and places it in my hand. “Pick out a movie.” He kisses my neck, before smiling against it. “Now we relax as I massage you. The clean version. You know . . . since I’m not naked and all.”

  Chills run over my body as he pulls me against him and begins rubbing my shoulders and arms as I search through movies to watch.

  I could seriously get used to this and it’s easy to picture the three of us hanging out, watching movies and spending time together. Something Knight was never into.

  “This looks good.”

  “I’m good with whatever,” he says into my hair. “Whatever makes you happy.”

  I smile and kiss his arm. “It’s working . . .”

  “What’s working?”

  “You getting me used to you,” I admit. “But I like it.”

  “How much?”

  “A lot more than I ever expected.”

  He wraps his arms tighter around me, making sure I’m comfortable as the movie starts. “Good. That’s what I wanted.”

  PANIC WASHES OVER ME WHEN I wake up in Kash’s arms.

  We were both so comfortable on the couch that we fell asleep, during the movie.

  “Kash,” I whisper yell. “Wake up. We fell asleep!”

  I feel Kash move beneath me, before he sits up and presses his lips against my neck. “Shit. I’m sorry. What time is it?”

  I look up at the clock to see it’s just past six.

  Luckily Alec never wakes up this early so I begin to calm down a bit and think rationally.

  “Don’t apologize. I fell asleep too.” I remove the blanket from Kash and straddle his lap, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. “He didn’t wake up or else he’d still be in here sleeping on the floor next to us. He always does that if he wakes up to me sleeping on the couch. So we’re good for a few minutes. Long enough to say bye at least.”

  Kash smiles and it instantly melts my heart. It’s so beautiful and sincere. “I’m glad I get to see you before work at least.”

  “Me too . . .” I lean in and press my forehead against his. “I have a feeling work won’t be so bad now.”

  With a small growl, he grabs my hips and pushes me further down into him. His morning erection has me letting out a small moan as it grinds into me. “Work might be hell for me now. Fuck, Eden.” He brushes my hair away from my neck, before kissing it. “I’m gonna need to relieve myself in the shower.” I smile when he does, knowing something smartass is most likely coming next. “But I’ll be sure to think about you as I’m stroking it
slow and hard.”

  I laugh and slap his chest. “Now I’ll be picturing that in my head all day at work, while I’m rubbing down dirty, sweaty men.”

  He moans and sets me to my feet. “Good.”

  “Not good!” I stand to my tippy toes and wrap my arms around his neck when he stands. “How am I supposed to focus on work when I’m turned on and thinking about you?”

  “How about this . . .” he lifts a brow. “I’ll try to come visit you. Maybe give you that massage I owe you.”

  “I could like that . . . maybe.”

  “Mommy!”

  “Shiiiit. You’ve gotta go, Kash.” I push my way out of Kash’s arms and rush over to the hallway to poke my head around the corner. “I’ll be there in a minute, baby. Just stay there! Don’t get out of bed yet.”

  When I turn back to face Kash, he’s got his hood pulled over his head and he’s standing by the door with it open and ready for him to make a quick escape. “I’ll see you later,” he mouths. “Take care of the little guy.”

  I cover my face, embarrassed that I’m rushing him out like this. Like I’m some kind of teenager. “Thank you,” I mouth back. “Bye.”

  He blows me a kiss that melts my damn world, before walking outside and gently closing the door behind him.

  “Holy shit,” I breathe out.

  I stand here for a few seconds with my hand over my racing heart, before I make my way to Alec’s bedroom.

  “Hey, baby boy.”

  He smiles up at me and stretches. “Hey mommy. Is it time to go to Hannah’s yet?”

  I shake my head and walk over to kiss him on the forehead. “Not quite yet, baby. It’s a little early. Why don’t you lay back down while mommy takes a shower and gets ready for work, okay.”

  He yawns and lays back down. “Okay, I’ll do that. I’ll lay back down and close my eyes. Can you let me know when it’s time, mommy?”

  I smile at how sweet my little boy is. This kid truly lights up my life and getting to see Kash this morning on top of it, only makes it feel like today is going to be a good day. I really need one too.

  “Sure, baby boy.” I rub my hand through his messy hair. “Be back soon.”

  When we pull up at Hannah’s, she’s waiting outside like usual, but this time she’s smiling at me as if she knows something I don’t.

  She waits until I say goodbye to Alec, before turning to me and finally speaking. “So . . . who were you going to see at the club last night? I was too tired to ask before I took off.”

  My face turns red as I realize I’m about to admit I’m sort of dating one of the strippers. “His name is Kash and that’s all I’m saying right now.”

  Her eyes grow wide and her mouth drops open in surprise. “Whoa.”

  “What?”

  She shakes her head. “Nothing. Cool name, that’s all.” She lets out a small laugh. “You’re going to be late again.”

  I look down at my watch to see that she’s right. “Shit. Gotta go!

  “You really need to set your watch like ten minutes ahead. I swear!” She yells to me as I rush to my jeep.

  “Good idea! Thanks again. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “No problem.” She smiles and waves me off before disappearing inside.

  I spent a little too much time in the shower this morning, apparently.

  Guess I have Kash to thank for that . . .

  Kash

  SHIT . . .

  When I heard Alec’s tired little voice this morning calling for Eden from his bedroom, I wanted nothing more than for him to come out and see me standing there in his house.

  I wanted to see the excitement in his eyes that’s always there whenever he sees me show up at my sister’s house for him.

  It fucking hurt that I couldn’t let him know I was there. I threw on my hood as if that would somehow stop him from noticing me if he were to walk into the living room.

  Truthfully, I knew Alec would know it was me no matter what. The kid has been around me far too many times to not notice this old hoodie I wear.

  But I did it for Eden’s sake. I knew how much it would hurt her if she found out that way. Alec rushing over to me, calling me Hunter would fuck with Eden’s head, making her lose all trust for me.

  That’s the last thing I want to happen. I know now more than ever that I need to have that talk with Eden and soon. If I’m not the one to tell her, it can ruin everything we’ve built over the last nine days.

  The thought causes my chest to ache.

  I care about Eden more than I’ve ever cared about a woman before. Some may say I’m an idiot for falling so quickly, but sometimes the fall happens so damn fast that you don’t even know until you’ve already fallen.

  And after falling asleep with Eden in my arms last night, getting to feel how fucking good it was to have her let go around me and allow her walls to come down; I know without a doubt that I’ll never get over that feeling for as long as I live.

  The way her small body melted into my arms, tangled up in me as if I was her safe haven had my heart beating, making me feel more alive than ever. I want that feeling every damn day.

  I want to be her safety; the one she can come to when she needs comfort and protection from everything bad in this fucked up world.

  I want to be that for her and Alec.

  That’s exactly why I set up dinner plans for tomorrow with Styx and Meadow. I want her to see what it’s like to be a part of my life. I want to know what that feels like before I break the truth to her and possibly push her away.

  I’m a selfish asshole for not telling her in the first place. I know that and I hate myself for it.

  But when it comes to a woman like Eden, you do stupid things sometimes in fear of losing something that was probably too good for you to hold onto in the first place.

  “Fuuuuck!” I run my hands through my sweaty hair and step out of my truck.

  That’s when I notice the same black car that was parked in front of Eden’s house last night, now parked across the street.

  Keeping my gaze on the sports car, I pull out a cigarette and lean against my truck, letting it known that I see them.

  It’s not until I’m half-way through my cigarette that the car finally pulls out of the parking lot across the street and slowly drives past me, giving me a clear view of Knight in the passenger seat.

  He flexes his jaw, staring me up and down, making it pretty fucking aware that he’s sizing me up.

  I take one last drag off my cigarette and smirk, before flicking it toward the street, letting him know he doesn’t intimidate me.

  Like I told Eden; I’m not going anywhere.

  He wants a fight and that’s exactly what he’s getting in six days. I just have one more fight to get me to that spot.

  This shit is happening when we’re both prepared and ready to go head to head. He just doesn’t know it yet.

  Pushing my hood back, I give the little car one last look before heading toward the door. From what Riley told me before, Knight isn’t allowed here anymore, due to him making a huge scene once when Eden was working.

  Riley had to push him out the door and make it clear he’s not to step foot into the parlor again.

  Good to know the son of a bitch is staying off the property at least. He’s already fucking with the woman I care about. He fucks with family and he’s for sure dead.

  Riley immediately looks up from the computer and gives me a surprised look when I step inside. “What happened to your face?”

  I shrug and walk up to the counter. “I don’t know what you’re talking about?” I smile when she does. “Styx happened to my face. Him being a good friend and all.”

  “Alriiiight.”

  I grab her head and kiss it, before rushing past her and down the hall.

  “She has a client in ten minutes, Kash!”

  “Good to know!” I yell back.

  I catch her shaking her head, right before I reach Eden’s room and push the doo
r open.

  Before Eden can manage to say anything about me showing up unannounced, I stalk inside and pick her up, setting her on top of the table.

  With a small growl, I wrap my hand into the back of her hair and press my lips against hers, kissing her hard and deep.

  My heart flutters in my chest the moment her tongue swirls around mine and she moans into my mouth.

  Fuck, this woman does things to me I can’t explain.

  “Kash,” she breathes against my lips. “I have a client soon.”

  I smile against her lips and run my thumbs over her cheekbones. “I know . . .” I press my body further into hers, making my erection known. “Cancel it.”

  She digs her nails into my arms and closes her eyes, most likely fighting her need for me to take her. “I wish it was that easy, Kash.”

  Pushing her further onto the table, I climb above her and settle my body between her legs. I slowly run my hands up her sides, before reaching up to grab her throat.

  I see the excitement in her eyes at the idea of me being rough with her and I love it. She’s no longer holding back with me.

  Keeping my hand on her throat, I grind my body into hers and lean in to bite her bottom lip. “Are you sure it’s too late to cancel? Fuuuuck me, Eden. I want to rip your clothes off and fuck you against the wall.”

  She lets out another little moan, enjoying the feel of me between her legs, before she finally slaps my chest and smiles. “Dammit, Kash. You’re good. Really damn good, but my client is most likely checking in right now. I can’t cancel with her right in the lobby.”

  I growl against her lips, before kissing her one last time and stepping down off the table. “I want to do something with you tomorrow. Can I have you for a few hours?”

  She smiles as I help her back down to her feet. “Depends . . . what do you want me for?”

  I grab her waist and pull her against me, wanting to feel her close to me for as long as possible, before I have to leave her until tomorrow. “Styx hates double dates and his woman wants us all to go on one. Help me annoy him and then spend a little alone time with me after. You in?”

  “Styx . . .” she kisses my face. “The one that messed up this handsome face of yours?”