“Don’t you start,” I warn.
He chuckles. “Looks like there’s a first time for everything.”
Ignoring him, I bring the glass of water over to the woman and place it in front of her. “So what brings you to Blue Haven?”
She takes a sip, her plump lips pressing against the rim. Before she can answer, a woman at the back pool tables lets out a loud cheer. The sudden noise startles her, and she flinches, clutching the glass tighter.
The woman is so jumpy. Something is severely fucked up here. Great, of all the nights I work at the bar, trouble falls into my lap.
Her eyes glisten with unshed tears. “A new start,” she whispers.
My icy heart rams into my ribcage again. I’m in fucking trouble.
She gulps half the water, still clutching a weathered gray backpack strapped to her shoulders. Her thin black jacket offers little protection against the biting winter air outside.
She places the half empty glass back on the bar.
“My name’s Declan King. What’s yours?”
“Meridea,” she says softly. “Just Meridea.”
Yup, she’s definitely hiding from someone.
“Meridea, take a look at the menu,” I say, sliding it toward her.
She shakes her head. “I can’t afford anything here. I’ll grab a bag of chips and a candy bar from the store I passed down thestreet. I only came in here to get warm. I’ll find someplace to lay my head tonight, and tomorrow… I’ll look for work.” Her eyes flick briefly toward the restaurant, as if considering it.
I’m flooded with questions. Where did she come from? Why did she end up here?
“We don’t have a motel in this town,” I tell her. “Just the hotel.”
Her gaze snaps back to mine, sharp and defiant. “I’ve got fifty bucks to my name. Do you think I can afford to stay at a hotel?” she bites out.
She runs a hand down her long, dark ponytail and sighs. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. It’s just been a long day.”
My chest tightens and my jaw twitches because now I want to curl my hands around the person’s neck who forced her to be homeless.
“You’re going to pick a meal off the menu,” I say firmly, sliding a small order pad in front of her. “And write down your sizes—from your shirt to your boots. When I’m done here, you’re leaving with me. You’ll stay at my house. No funny business. You’ll have the guest room.”
I don’t add the part where she can leave when she gets back on her feet. Mostly because I have no intention of letting her leave. Great—I sound like a damn kidnapper.
What the fuck?
“You don’t know me. I’m a stranger and you’re a stranger too. Is it normal for you to take women home?” Steve chuckles again, knowing that I never bring anyone back to my house in Blue Haven.
“No,” I growl, shooting Steve a glare before focusing back on her.
“Declan, I’ll manage on the street,” Merideainsists.
“It’s not up for discussion, Meridea. I’ll take care of everything. Now tell me what you want to eat.”
A small smile tugs at the corners of her lips. “Thank you.”
I am officially done for. There’s no way I’ll let her go. Once she’s settled, she’ll tell me who she’s running from and I’ll fucking end them myself.
CHAPTER TWO
MERIDEA
