Page 1 of Stolen Moments with a Bad Boy

Prologue

AMonth Earlier

I worked diligently to fulfill my supply inventory on my computer as Dawn stepped into my office.

“Hey, boss. You got a new contract. This one needs your attention ASAP,” she stated, walking over to me. Dawn handed me her tablet.

My eyes wandered over an older black man that I’d seen somewhere before, but I couldn’t put my finger on where. I swiped to the next slide, and her picture popped up likeBLAM!The moment my eyes connected with the brown-skinned beauty, I knew who the older man was. He was her father. Who would want them dead, though? I killed monsters, not hazel-eyed beauties who looked like they wouldn’t hurt a fly.

I swiped to the next slide and looked over the information. A two-million-dollar contract for each of them was requested. When my eyes read over the name of who took out the contract, I released a deep breath. I shook my head. It really was those close to you. I handed the tablet back to Dawn.

“Don’t accept it yet. Let me do my research first.”

“No problem,” she replied. Dawn exited my office.

I leaned back in my seat. What had Erie done to piss him off so bad? What had her father done? I had a feeling they didn’t do anything. That nigga was just greedy. I strolled out of my office and walked to the front of my store where Dawn resided. I crossed my arms and peered out of the front door and across the street.

Erie’s diner had closed, but she and one of her employees danced around the store while they cleaned. They giggled and chatted just like girls did. I would’ve given up anything to know what the reason behind her smile was. I’d soon find out.

It was 1:00 a.m. Instead of resting, I had work to do. I sat in the comfy chair and watched Erie sleep. My gun laid across my lap. I just watched her. She looked like a real-life Sleeping Beauty. I’d never seen a specimen so beautiful.

Erie was just a doll. Her thick body was outlined by her blanket, and I craved to lie next to her. She looked so warm and at peace. The way she slept and lightly snored, her conscience was clean . . . Her hands were clean. Erie was pure, too pure for a sinner and bad guy like me. Killing was my hobby.

It was a sport I learned and was damn good at it. I was so skilled at my job that I could sniff out a monster in a heartbeat. Erie was no monster. I stood from my seat and tucked my gun away. Casually, I swaggered over to her bed, getting a closer look at her beauty. I couldn’t resist touching her. My fingers trailed lightly over her wavy curls then brushed over her round cheek.

I could never kill an angel. Erie stirred in her sleep. I froze. She snuggled further in her pillow and blanket, then fell back to sleep. Was there a chance I could experience something so rareand pure? Would my demons allow me to? There was only one way to find out.

One

Erie

May 2025

Three Weeks Later

The bell chimed on the door, warning us that a customer had just entered. My back was turned. I was making a white chocolate latte for my previous customer. There wasn’t a need for my assistance when my very capable and experienced store manager, Londen, could handle it. I had just added whipped cream on top of the latte when Londen tapped me on my shoulder for assistance.

“Give me two seconds. I’ll help you,” I said quickly. I carried the latte to my previous customer. “Here you go. Enjoy. We’re up front if you need anything else.”

I turned away and scampered back to Londen. Finally, I was able to exhale. The mid-afternoon rush had finally died down. I wiped my hands on the clean cloth hanging from my apron as I rounded the counter and stilled. When I looked up, my eyes clashed with the warmest, yet amazingly intense, blue eyes I had ever seen. It was like a scene from a movie when the atmosphere shifted. All the background noise had quieted, and all I saw washim. What I needed was for someone to pinch me. There was no found evidence on how this specimen of a man even existed.

My eyes closed, prompting me to count to ten. Seconds later, I opened them. He still stood there. I decided to pinch myself.Ow.I pouted quietly. This man had me making a fool of myself. My eyes moved around the dining room in a calm manner.

Everyone seemed to be enjoying their meal and not paying attention to the handsome stranger. I gave the mysterious gentleman my full attention. My eyes traversed over his unnatural beauty.

He sported a tapered, wavy fade with a fresh lining. There were sprinkles of salt throughout his hair and full beard, adding that sex appeal to his not so obvious sugar daddy façade. His thick brows bunched together out of curiosity with naturally curled lashes that pointed upward. His skin.

Damn his skin was something to praise. He was the color of a walnut shell, and all of a sudden, I had a hankering for nuts, his nuts to be honest. His lips were so plump with a brown hue that would haunt my dreams for a while. I could tell he kept his lips and skin moisturized.

He didn't shine like a kid who sat front row Sunday morning at church. No, his full lips and tattoos that played peekaboo from his black collared shirt held a light sheen that gave the vibe of hydration. My eyes trailed down his short sleeved shirt that fit perfectly across his sculpted chest.

I felt pregnant just from observing him. He stood well over six feet with the broadest shoulders I’d ever had the chance to ogle at. His ink-covered arms clearly told a story by the way the words and images wove together in different colors and sizes.

His hands were shoved inside his black dress pants. He analyzed me intensely as I did him. I didn’t know who this man was or where he came from. What I did know was that I would make it my business to find out.

Londen cleared her throat.

“Umm, boss lady, you okay?” she asked with apparent humor in her voice.

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