Page 21 of The Rogue

Aiden glares at him, and I assume it’s for more information.

Levi pushes his spine off the wooden beam and strolls in. “I brought her here because she owes you an explanation. An apology, and while we’re at it, maybe a repayment plan.”

My heart thumps hard against my chest. It’s been a while since I’ve been this worked up. Not because of the debt I undoubtedly owe this man, but the betrayal. He was good to me, fair even. Treated me more like a partner than a temporary bartender.

And I cheated him and his business.

I swallow the hard lump in my throat. Leaving Levi behind me, I move toward the older man I’d grown too fond of over my time here. “I am so sorry for what I did. It was—”

“My fault for trusting you?”

My shoulders sag as a rocky exhale rips from my chest. “No…I just didn’t have many options.” My voice is abnormally small. I swallow to get it back.

Aiden’s hands are on his waist. “Well, I probably had it coming. I mean, that’s who I hired, wasn’t it? The town rogue? Always causing trouble, then running off?”

I open my mouth but he cuts me off. And it’s just as well, I have nothing good to say.

“Why are you even here? Let me guess—car broke down and you need a place to stay?”

I flinch at his tone.

“Dad.” The deep rumble comes from behind me, sounding like a question mixed with warning.

Aiden turns to his oldest son with a scowl like I’d never seen. “Stay out of it.”

Levi moves forward, stopping a foot in front of me. “Maybe take it down a notch?” he says quietly, and I can’t tell if it’s suggesting… orthreatening.

Aiden scans the room briefly. “I’m sorry, am I being disruptive? There’s no one else here.” He takes a breath and slaps a smile on his face. “Thanks for bringing her by…I’ll take it from here.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Levi howls.

“Stop,” I shout, then step between the two men.

Aiden’s expression softens when he turns back to me, but only slightly.

“When I came back to Hideaway Springs last fall, my living arrangements…didn’t work out. I thought I could stay here a few nights until I found a place, but…” I shrug and wince. “Got too comfortable.”

Aiden shakes his head. “That’s on me for hiring you on the spot without references or proof of residence.”

What is going on? Why is the kindest man I know acting like…well, like his oldest, grumpiest son? He seemed so sympathetic to my situation when he found out.

“You know what, I’ve heard enough. I’m calling the police.” Aiden turns and lifts the receiver off the wall.

My eyes stretch, but I don’t protest. I’m frozen in place. Hell, I won’t even try to run.

Maybe Frank will find this funny when he bails me out?

“Put it down,” Levi roars behind me, moving toward the bar.

Aiden hangs up reluctantly with a sigh. I catch a quick wink in my direction before he faces his son with disappointment.

“This was a mistake,” Levi mumbles.

Aiden shakes his head at me. “You’re not staying here.”

“Damn right she’s not,” Levi confirms through gritted teeth.

There’s a hint of a smirk on my old boss’s face as he watches Levi storm out from behind the bar and toward me. Grabbing my hand like I’m his property, Levi hauls me toward the exit.

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