Page 22 of Kings of Decay
Pearce's lips pressed against my cheek, trailing towards my lips.
My breath quivered as I snapped back to reality. Wait. No. I didn't want them. They were playing with me. I couldn't forget how they almost killed me, laughing as I nearly froze to death in my underwear.
"No!" I shoved them away.
Surprisingly, they released me, cackling like vicious dogs in the night.
"Alright, little mouse. Have it your way. But if you're not here tomorrow, we'll track you down and have our own little party." Ainsley's grin didn't falter as they sauntered away, leaving me trembling and confused.
Chapter sixteen
Willow
The next night, I pretended as if nothing was different.Itwasn'tDevil's Night. Halloweendid notstart at midnight. And, most importantly, I would wearwhatever the hell I wanted.
Just to spite the brothers, I wore black sweatpants and a long-sleeved black shirt. They weren't even getting so much as a flash of my ankle.
As expected, the bar was busy with locals dressed in costume. I’d never seen Paydirt so packed before.
"Whew," Todd sighed, setting down a crate of cold beer. "I sure am glad you're working tonight."
For the hundredth time, I wondered how the hell he got by being the only person who worked the night shift.
"Why didn't you have help before, anyway?" I asked while pouring shots.
Todd shrugged. "I don't like dealing with new people. You came along, and you're reliable. Plus, your dad recommendedyou, and he's a nice guy. Also, you're willing to work for minimum wage."
My face fell, but I quickly covered it up with a smile. I guessed that was as good of an explanation as any. I didn't want to dwell on it too much.
The night flew by as I served drinks and tried to avoid the creepy miners who were already drunk and horny. I couldn't help but glance at the door every time someone new came in. But the brothers never showed up.
Just as I was beginning to think they'd forgotten about me, they arrived. It was nearly one in the morning when the door burst open, and Ainsley and Pearce walked in. They were dressed in all black.
My heart skipped a beat as I tried not to stare.
Ainsley's dark hair was styled in a tousled, messy way, his brown eyes piercing as they scanned the room. Pearce's blond hair was slicked back. His chiseled jawline and broad shoulders made him look like a romance book cover model.
They made their way over to the bar, and I tried to act normal as if I hadn't been waiting for them all night. Wait, why had I been waiting for them? What sick person was I?
I shook my head and ignored them, pretending to straighten the bottles behind me. In the mirror, I could see their reflections, eyes tracking me like animals. The patrons around the glossy wood bar immediately vacated.
"Hey, little mouse," Ainsley said. "Some service, please?"
I bit my lip and took a deep breath. I knew I couldn't back down now.
Todd shifted beside me.
Fucking coward. Everyone here was.
"What do you want?" I said as I turned on my heel and moved towards the sink.
I couldn't let them see how they affected me. I was stronger than that. I walked over to the sink and washed my hands, taking deep breaths to calm my racing heart. I could feel their eyes on me, but I refused to look back.
"Well, well, well," Pearce said, a sinister tone in his voice. "Someone's been practicing their attitude."
I ignored him and continued washing, but I could feel Ainsley move closer to me. His presence was overwhelming, and I couldn't deny the spark of attraction I felt towards him.
"Aren't you going to ask us what we want?" Ainsley stopped at the corner of the bar, leaning over the mahogany.
