Page 9 of Unhinged
“When that pretty girl is working? No, you can’t. But since you aren’t here to murder me, I’ll agree to a few moments.” She jerks her wrist away and sits down across from me, crossing her arms over her chest defensively.
“So, this is where you met Kenny?” I ask, leaning back in my seat, trying to gauge her reaction.
“Yup. I told you that,” she snaps, her tone laced with annoyance.
“You did. And you’re sure you just thought he was cute and went home with him? He didn’t pay you or nothin’?”
Her eyes narrow, and she leans forward, her tone dropping to a deadly whisper. “Are you insinuating I’m a whore for hire? No, he didn’t pay me. But I wasn’t totally truthful, either. He was okay at best, but a girl has needs, and he offered at the right time. Which was a mistake because not only did I wake up next to a dead guy, but he didn’t even make me come. Are we done now?”
I can’t help but grin, biting my bottom lip as I take in her expression. Something about her makes my instincts twitch. I catch myself leaning in slightly, trying to catch a whiff of something, anything—but there’s nothing.’
No scent. Must be a beta.
I can’t help but grin, biting my bottom lip as I take in her expression. “Yeah, baby, we’re done… for now. By the way, I'm Arrow.”
CHAPTER FOUR
BRYDGETT
Arrow showing up at the diner was a shock, but I think I played it off well enough. My heart thudded in my chest when I recognized him, but I kept my smile steady, even though it felt like my stomach was doing flips. He wasn’t wrong in assuming Kenny wasn't my type. The guy looked and acted like a slimeball, the kind of man who makes your skin crawl with just one glance.
Sitting with Arrow wasn’t part of the plan, but the idea of playing along with whatever game he had in mind intrigued me. And honestly, who could resist? The man looked like he stepped out of a bad-boy fantasy, all inked skin and sharp features that made my heart race just looking at him. I left him to get his deluxe basket, delivering it with a smile before tending to the other patrons. His gaze burned a hole in my back the entire time I flitted about the diner.
Seeing he’s done, I decide to give him a little extra show. I put a little sway in my hips as I walk back to his table, feeling his eyes on me with each step. “See you next time,” I purr, dropping the check in front of him.
“Oh, you can count on that, baby,” he growls. I don’t miss his left hand trying to adjust himself discreetly under the table. The sight sends a thrill through me, and I can’t help but shoot him a playful wink before turning away, saying a special thanks to my blockers for masking my arousal.
In the back, Ruby is waiting for me, her expression serious. “Can you come to my office for a minute?”
“Give me a sec,” I respond, wondering what she wants.
I check on my other table before heading to her office and stepping inside.
“You summoned?” I ask, trying to shake off the lingering effect of Arrow’s presence.
“Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about you taking off this weekend at the last minute. That can’t happen again, Brydge. You wanna request time off, so be it, but you can’t just short staff me out of the blue for a weekend.” She sets the pen she was writing with down and leans back in her chair, eyeing me.
I nod, feeling the weight of her words. “Yes, ma'am. I’m sorry. Won’t happen again.”
I mean it, too. Ruby has always been fair, treating me with a kindness I didn’t always deserve. I know I can’t afford to lose this job, and I appreciate her honesty, even if it is a mild scolding.
“You’re a good girl, Brydge, and I know you have a kid, but this is my baby. I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page. Get back out on the floor. Wait! Can you take the trash out for me?”
“Yes, ma'am.” I pull the bag from the can and tie the strings together, walking to the backdoor. Propping the door open with the block of wood we keep in the back, I grab the bags by the door as well. As soon as I heave the bags over the side of the dumpster, I’m pushed inside the fenced area it's contained in, and the gate closes. What the fuck?
Before I can react, a hard body presses against my back and a warm breath tickles my ear. “You’re too damn sexy for your own good, baby,” a familiar voice murmurs, sending a shiver down my spine.
“Did you follow me out here?” I ask, pushing my ass back against Arrow’s cock. He’s rock hard and despite myself, heat pools low in my belly.
Sue me, he’s hot and I’m only human. Plus, he smells delicious: like apple, plum, and sandalwood.
“Yes. You should be more aware of your surroundings,” he breathes, his teeth grazing my ear, then my neck, then my shoulder. Each graze is sending a jolt of pleasure through me.
“Fuck,” I whimper, my body responding to him in ways I can’t control.
Thank fuck I have my slick blocker panties on and took my suppressants, or he’d know I’m an omega instantly.
“Not yet. You’re better than a quick fuck by a dumpster,” he growls. “But fuck, I can’t keep myself in check around you.”
