Page 60 of Debts and Desires
“Fuck off,” Tyler responded. “Anyway, a few folks didn’t like the idea of me takin’ over. Not only that, but I wasn’t old enough for the liquor license to be in my name for three years. But, we haven’t been doin’ all that well as of late because my best customer disappeared then reappeared with you and would rather keep you to himself than answer any questions.”
“I don’t like dealin’ with gossip,” Carter grumbled.
“Sure, sure.” Tyler nodded to a patron at the end of the bar and excused himself. “Just causin’ it.” Carter shot Tyler a glare as he walked away.
“So, the whole reason you kept me locked away from the world was because you didn’t want to besocial?” I turned to Carter, voice playful. He shrugged.
“Part of it. Better than you bein’ hounded by everyone.”
“No one’s hounded me,” I pointed out.
“Yet. They will. Bar ain’t even in full swing yet.”
“Did you ever think that maybe Iwantedto talk to people?”
“Talkin’s fine. It’s when the assholes start hittin’ on ya that I’m gonna have a problem,” he grumbled, eyes darkening.
“You’regoing to have a problem?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “Notme?” He gave a quick nod. “You act like you own me.” I gave a dry laugh and his eyes snapped to mine. Carter leaned in, mouth coming to my ear.
“You forget Idoown you, Buttercup. Not just ‘cause of ouragreement, but ‘cause I’ve made that pussymine. I’ve fucked it raw and filled it up. Over and over. I plan on doin’ the same for a very long time. Hell, I plan to once we get home.AndI’m gonna spank that ass of yours red, too, ‘cause Ican. ‘Cause you’remine. You think that once this agreement’s done, I’m gonna let you go? You’re sorely mistaken.” He moved even closer. “I’m gonna take every bit of brightness of yours and turn it black.”
His words sent shivers down my spine, and a warmth spread throughout my body, all the way between my legs. I swallowed the lump in my throat as he sat back in his seat. My face was on fire. No words formed and my brain was trying to reboot as I just stared at him wide-eyed. He smirked, biting his bottom lip as he eyed me up and down like a meal.
My body was tingling. I was afraid I might actually melt into the barstool if I didn’t have something else to focus on.
“You okay, sweetheart? You look a little red,” Carter asked. I wanted to push him away, but I was afraid if I touched him, I’d jump on him and fuck him in front of the bar’s patrons.
“Fine,” I replied a little too quickly.
“I can take you in the back if you need? Help you remember who that pussy belongs to and let everyone here know it, too.” His voice rumbled low enough that only I could hear him.
“No!” I blurted out louder than I meant to. “I mean, I’m fine. I wanna hang out here for a while. Meet some people.” I grinned.
“Sure, baby,” he said with a chuckle, leaning in once more. “Just so you know, stayin’ here longer ain’t gonna save you from that spankin’ later, either.”
I was thankful when Tyler came back.
“So, Em. I know it’s last minute, but, you wanna sing tonight for a little? I’d pay, of course,” Tyler asked.
“I’d love to, but I can’t. I’m sorry,” I started. “Not tonight, at least. I’m not prepared. I don’t even have my guitar. And I’m not stage ready,” I chuckled.
“Excuses. But fine.” Tyler winked at me and I saw Carter’sjaw clench and his hand ball into a fist on his lap. “What about you?” Tyler turned to Carter. Carter shook his head.
“Nope,” he answered his friend.
“Maybe next week?” Tyler turned his attention back to me.
“Sure!” I smiled. “I would love to.”
“When?” Carter cut in. I looked at him. “She’s workin’ for me now, so I wanna make sure it doesn’t conflict with her schedule.”
“Oh, so you mean you’re workin’ her to death?” Tyler turned to me. “He works stupid hours, especially considerin’ he’s his own boss.”
“That’s what I said!” We both laughed as Carter scowled.
I didn’t know what time it was, but I knew it was getting later with the amount of people that were flooding in. Tyler had to go help customers, grumbling because his stepsister was running late again. I had slowed on my beers, drinking mostly water by the time the sun went down completely.
Carter and I found ourselves lost in conversation. A few people would come over to us. He’d introduce me, I’d say “we’re just friends” and they’d leave us alone, grins on their faces. Everyone but us seemed to understand what this was. Including Tyler.
