Page 2 of Hellfire

“Mama,” Leona said as she tugged on the hem of my shirt. “Can I eat my donut now?”

“Oh yeah, sure baby.”

She ran back to the counter, grabbed our bag, and picked up my coffee. She was sweet for trying to carry it. However, the last thing I needed was to spill yet another coffee in this store.

I stopped by the exit and found the courage to look into his honey eyes again. This close, I could see the left eye was slightly darker than the right and jagged lines marred his handsome face. It didn’t take away from how handsome he was, but added to it. I could get lost in those eyes.

“Thank you for the coffee, and I’m so sorry about your shirt,” I practically whispered. Somehow he heard me and the smile he gave me was breathtaking.

“It’s my pleasure.”

The deep gravel in his voice made me blush. I dipped my head to hide my reaction to him.

What is wrong with me?

No man had ever had this kind of effect on me before.

“Thank you for the donut,” Leona chirped with a mouthful of food.

“You’re quite welcome, little bird.” He looked back at me. “Never apologize to me again.”

“I didn’t mean–” His growl cut me off from finishing yet another apology. His dark brow raised slightly, a dare to defy him.

“Dove. Do. Not. Apologize,” he emphasized each word.

I felt the need to look away and my eyes landed on a patch on his leather jacket. An intricate wolf and rose next to the word President.

Is he in a gang?

I licked my lips as I shifted from foot to foot before I felt brave enough to look at him again. I gave him a small nod, which he returned.

“Mama, I’m cold,” Leona complained, and broke our stare off.

“Okay baby, let’s go get you warm.”

The door chimed as the stranger stepped out the door. The sound of motorcycles roared to life before we even had left the store. I wished to get one last glance at the mystery stranger. I pushed out the door and my eyes darted around the now empty parking lot. I didn’t really know why, but I felt disappointed he was already gone.

I didn’t even get his name.

I buckled Leona into the seat, and I gave her my donut as well, not feeling up to eating anything. I searched for my wallet. Not under the seat, not in the center console. It’s then I realized my wallet was gone. I must have dropped it at our last stop.

“Fuck!” I screamed out and slammed the trunk closed.

I willed the tears not to fall and rested my forehead on the cool metal of the car to calm myself.

What are we going to do? I have maybe seven dollars in change.

A sob racked my body, one that I tried to silence by covering my mouth.

“What’s the matter?”

I startled and looked around for the man who spoke as I wished it was the handsome stranger from inside.

“A pretty little thing like you shouldn’t be hanging around these parts by yourself. Even if it is morning. It’s just not safe.”

He stepped closer as he spoke, almost like he was cornering his prey. The man was tall and lanky, but at my height, anyone was tall by comparison. He wore a leather jacket with a cobra and knife symbol.

“We are just leaving,” I answered as I lifted my chin in false bravado. One I had mastered over the years.

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