I hesitate, sparing another glance outside. “Better. I’m doing better.” There’s no lie to those words. “I did yoga for the first time, and it felt great. Really fucking great.”
She sits back in her booth. “Hell yeah. I’m so happy for you. And without pushing you know there’s always a spot for you to teach at the studio. When and if you’re ready.”
“Thank you. I appreciate everything you all have done for me. It’s more than I can ever thank you for.”
“No need. I’m just glad we’re able to help.”
Throttle comes back and I catch Eric glaring at me from the front counter. “Listen, I don’t think I can squeeze out anymore.”
Tequila rolls her eyes. “You’re allowed to come back.”
Throttle throws her a kiss, and I chuckle.
“I gotta get back to work, anyhow.”
“Girl’s night soon?”
The Fallen Star had been a fun escape, so they’ll definitely be more nights like that. It’s healing in a sense. To be included with people who understand me after everything feels right.
“Girl’s night soon,” I reassure her then leave their booth, my boss pinning me with an angry scowl on the way to the front. He snags hold of my arm, yanking me to his side and I lean away as much as I can.
“I thought I told you… I don’t want your delinquents in here.”
I cast him a look, our faces only inches from each other’s. “They aren’t hurting anyone. They’re paying customers. Now let me go.” I practically snarl. I would have flinched if this wasbefore, even a month ago, but now? Now I’m just pissed off. And pissed off is good. At least now I’m showing emotion.
He narrows his eyes, stomping off, and I glance behind me to make sure Tequila and Throttle hadn’t seen any of that.
But deep concern has fallen over Tequila’s expression as she peers at me.
Shit.
My boss has zero shame in reprimanding me in front of customers. But I don’t address it. Instead, I go back to work because I don’t have the luxury not to.
The cold slams into me as I leave the diner. Eric left before we closed like he almost always does. He’s unpredictable and I just know he would have punished me for earlier. Stolen my tips. Cut my hours. Who knows, but he’s capable of anything. My stomach sours thinking about all the sick, twisted possibilities.
A man steps out of the alleyway, and I jolt, but then recognition sets in. His solid form stands before me and he’s one I’ll never forget. “Jesus, Liem. News flash, I like having you around. You can stop doing that.” I step closer and so does he.
Something swirls in my chest down to my toes. And by the way he’s penetrating me with his gaze, I get this spark of courage.
It’s spontaneous. Crazy. But I launch myself into his arms and when he picks me up, his hand fists my hair, then snakes the back of my neck.
I shudder at his touch.
My breath trembles, but we breath each other in, our faces so fucking close I can smell his minty gum. “Thank you for the car,” I whisper into him, and he pulls back, staring at me with his dark yet alive eyes.
His focus darts between mine, down to my mouth and back up again.
This man is torturing me.
I stay wrapped around Liem but then sadness washes over him, and he carefully lowers me back down to earth.
I sigh with empathy. “I hate that.”
He tilts his head. “Hate what?” His voice low and unsure.
“I hate when you look so sad.”
He turns away but I reach up, bringing him back to me with a slight touch of his cheek. “I want to know you. Everything about you. I want your flaws. I want your good. I want your memories of how full your heart once was. I want every single piece of you, Liem. And you don’t have to want any of me in return. I don’t care. But I want everything about you. So, please, take me home and tell me.” I stare at him with zero regrets, not caring anymore. I want it all and I want it all with him. Even if it means nothing.
