His scent—vanilla and oak—wraps around me, making my head spin. With a sigh, I sink back onto the stool, obeying his order.
“It seems I asked the wrong sibling to assist me,” Declan exhales, a hint of exasperation in his tone.
“You asked me because you know I have better fashion sense than Donovan,” Deanna quips with a grin.
“Meridea, this is my little sister, Deanna,” Declan says, his voice softer now. “She asks a lot of questions because…”
“…he doesn’t usually help people, especially not beautiful women,” Deanna finishes for him, smirking. “They’ve all tried to get his attention, trust me. It never works. He’s kind of a loner—well, outside of his biker buddies,” she adds with a chuckle.
My jaw drops in surprise.
“I’ll be right back, sugar.” She slips through the double doors leading to the kitchen.
A light breeze brushes the back of my neck, and I realize Declan is no longer standing behind me. My gaze shifts down the bar, and I spot him serving another customer.
The aroma of the burger and fries in front of me pulls my attention back. My stomach growls loudly, reminding me how long it’s been since I had real food.
I know I could’ve ordered a healthier option like grilled chicken with some tasty sides, but right now, nothing sounds better than sinking my teeth into a juicy cheeseburger.
I pick up the burger and sink my teeth into the soft brioche bun and juicy meat. “Oh my God,” I mutter.
The burger is mouth-watering. After surviving on chips, soda, and candy bars for days, this is a much-needed burst of flavor in an otherwise bleak day.
A voice interrupts my thoughts from my right. “Hello.”
I smirk and reply, “Hi.”
“My name is Steve. I’m here most nights.”
I furrow my brows in confusion.
“I just wanted to let you know that you’re in good hands with Declan. He’s a great guy. But don’t expect any kind of relationship with him; he can’t handle them.”
“That’s good to know. I’m not looking for anything with anyone, anyway. I’m just passing through town. Once I find a job, I’ll be gone within a month. I need to leave the country.”
His smile falters. “Enjoy your meal.”
Why did he seem sad when I mentioned leaving the country?
Before I can dwell on it, the sound of live music drifts through the bar. I wasn’t expecting that. A woman’s voice, smooth and angelic, fills the space. I glance over and see her on the small stage, dressed in a long-sleeved pink jumper that complements her cinnamon-toned skin beautifully.
My heart swells with love for this quaint little town, even though I just arrived. But I know I have to leave as soon as possible. This place doesn’t deserve to be caught up in the chaos of the men who are after me.
As I sip my vodka soda, I feel eyes on me. Glancing to my right, I catch Declan in conversation with another man, but his gaze is locked on me. A shiver runs down my spine, and goosebumps rise on my arms.
If my life were different and he wasn’t so adamantly against relationships… maybe we could’ve been something. But I shake off the thought as quickly as it comes.
Hours pass, and Declan appears in front of me. “We can leave now. Come behind the counter. We’ll head out through the kitchen.”
I nod, hopping to my feet without hesitation.
“Goodbye,” Steve says from his spot at the bar, giving me a small wave.
“Bye,” I reply softly.
The woman sitting a couple of seats down from Steve smacks her lips.
She thinks I want Declan. I don’t, but I wasn’t going to argue with her. Not tonight, anyway. I’m exhausted.
