Page 5 of Redemption

Kelsey

“Freaks” by Timmy Trumpet and Savage pumps through the speakers as me and a couple of friends from Art class tear it up on the dance floor. A purple haze of light bounces off the black floors as we lose ourselves in the killer beat. Cages hang from the ceiling with a dancer inside each one. Their black bikinis and matching thigh high boots glow against the purple lighting. The black and purple color scheme is continued throughout the club.

Beads of sweat drip down my back and between my breasts, but I don’t stop. There’s nothing more freeing than dancing. After a few more songs, my body is screaming for some hydration. I signal to my friends with my finger that I’ll be back and spin on my green heels towards the bar.

The same black and purple theme is continued over here with purple lighting accenting the endless bottles of liquor and a black countertop. People crowd around the small space, but I manage to shove my way through and order a water. I’m leaning against the counter when I feel someone staring at me. I twist to the side and tilt my head back, taking in the fine specimen before me. He towers over me, making my five foot six frame seem tiny in comparison. Tattooed arms connected to a rock hard chest give way to a pair of the most gorgeous blue eyes I’ve ever seen and head full of trimmed brown hair. A cigarette is pinched between his fingers as the plumes of smoke dance around the air between us.

“It’s not polite to stare.” I arch an eyebrow at him.

“That right?” His lips spread into a wide smile, revealing a deep set of dimples. The rest of him is just as delicious looking. Muscles that are on display through his tight green t-shirt that lead to an impressive pair of jean-clad thighs, but what really does it for me is the faded cowboy boots.

“Yup.” I emphasize the P at the end with a loud pop, drawing his eyes to my lips.

“I’d say I’m sorry about that, Wildcat, but I’m not. You’re fucking gorgeous.” His southern accent only adds to his hotness.

“Wildcat?” I tilt my head to the side and purse my lips.

“You’re upfront and won’t hesitate to bring out your claws.” All the blood rushes to my face at his words and I open my mouth to tell him off, but he winks. “And that’s a compliment, Red.”

“I’m Kelsey.” I hold my hand out, showing off the good manners that my parents ingrained in me—the only thing I’ve listened to them on.

“Shawn.” He takes my hand in his and brings it to his lips in a soft kiss. The warmth of his skin against mine causes a ripple of shivers to race through me.

Little did I know that that night would change my life so drastically. All because I couldn’t resist a pair of baby blue eyes and those damn dimples. Dimples that landed me in my current situation.

* * *

After another long shift,I power walked to shower and wash the smell of grease and sweat off me. I’m still not too sure about this guy Alan, but at least I’m getting myself out there. This is the first step in getting my life back.

I’m showered and dressed in a white summer dress that I paired with my favorite pair of tan cowgirl boots when the doorbell rings.

The second I open it my heart drops. My whole world is knocked on its ass as I glare up at all six foot one of him. This can’t be happening. “What the fuck?”

“Hello, Wildcat.” His brown hair is a bit longer than the last time I saw him, but those damn dimples are just as deep as the first time I met him. It takes a hell of a lot for me to keep focused, but I manage. He’s not conning me—not again.

I move to slam the door in his face, but I’m not fast enough and he manages to slip a foot inside. He uses his muscular weight to force the door open further, pushing his way inside. I know I’m in trouble the second he shuts the door and turns the lock.

Instinct has me wanting to run, but I stand my ground. He’s not going to intimidate me into being a coward. I’ve done enough of that all on my own the past two years. I stay where I am, cross my arms over my chest, and give him my best death glare. At least if I’m angry I can’t pay too much attention to how good he looks in his black jeans and navy t-shirt that molds against all of his muscles like a second skin.

As always, he ignores my bitchy attitude and goes about his business. His eyes do a quick inventory of my tiny apartment before settling on my small pink couch. “Nice place. May want to rethink that couch though, Wildcat.” He opens his mouth to say something else, but my patience is wearing thin and I don’t let him.

“Cut the shit, Axel. What the hell are you doing here?” A sigh escapes me as I wait for him to answer.

“Missed you too.” He strolls around like he owns the place and makes himself at home by plopping down on my couch. I don’t miss the way his massive form overpowers the tiny wooden frame. “I must admit. This is ugly as fuck, but it’s pretty comfy.” His large hand pats the bottom cushion.

I do my best to ignore those hands or how good they felt on my body and stay focused on the flood of emotions coursing through me. “That wasn’t an invitation, asshole.”

He leans back further against the couch and rests one arm on top of the couch as his eyes do a head to toe inspection of me. “Looking good. Where you goin’ all dressed up like that, Wildcat?”

“Not that it’s any of your business, but I have a date.” His whole body tenses at those words, but since I’m on a roll I keep going as I walk over and open the door. One hand grips the knob as I wave for him to get out with the other. “Which means you need to leave. I’d say it was good to see you, but we both know that’s a load of crap.”

He eyes me a minute and I wait for him to lose his shit, but I should know better. This man never does what I expect. “He’s not coming.”

“What do you mean he’s not coming?” My hand squeezes tighter around the metal knob to keep me in place, otherwise he’d have my boot up his ass.

“You know sugar in the gas tank is a bitch to get out. Or so I hear.”

“What the hell, Axel?” I cannot believe him.

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