Page 64 of Bloody Quarter

“And what potential do you see?”

His eyes burned with a fierceness that would terrify most, but the look no longer affected me that way. Instead, I wanted to drag him to the backseat and rip his clothes off. “I see someone who isn’t like anyone else I’ve ever met. Someone who can see more than skin deep to the real me.” His thumbs brushed against my cheek, and the hair rose on the back of my neck. I bit my lip with the excitement that fluttered in my chest.

“You are someone who doesn’t fear death. I see you walking hand-in-hand as it calls you friend, even if you can’t see it.” I shivered at the image of a hooded figure with a scythe and long, bony fingers holding my hand. “I see someone who loves with an unrivaled fierceness and will do whatever is needed to protect those she cares about. I also see someone who understands my cravings and will join me in my darker urges, someone who can handle who and what I am.”

His lips touched mine, and an electric charge raced through me. Greyson stared into my eyes, the sexual tension thickening with each passing second, and I didn’t need to look to know he was hard. His rich scent, which always had a touch of bourbon, filled my nose. It was like he had rubbed himself under my skin and left his mark as he branded my heart. He saved me from death only to push me headlong into it and drag me back out again, gasping. A rumble passed between his lips as one hand snaked around to my hair, and the other gripped my neck. I could see him fantasizing about how it felt when my heart stopped. My pussy twitched, wanting him to fuck me. He was right. I was just like him. Greyson Laurent was a toxin, or maybe an elixir to all that ailed me…I couldn’t decide which, but I needed him as much as he needed me.

“And what exactly are you,” I asked my voice husky with the breathlessness he instilled.

“I’m the thing under the bed that makes you not want to look. I’m the shadow in the corner waiting to strike and dance in your blood. But most of all, I’m the dark addiction that feeds your soul.” He pressed his lips to mine, and I shuddered from head to toe. “And I am yours.”

Our lips parted in sync, and his tongue danced with mine. Breathlessly, I broke the searing kiss. “I better go before we end up naked.”

“Trust me, Doll, it’s happening when you get back.” Grabbing my hand, he placed it on the hard length trapped inside his jeans. My fingers flexed, and my nipples hardened when he groaned. Sucking in a deep breath, I needed to get out of the truck. My thoughts were already mush.

Smoothing my hair, I pulled away as I checked the back seat. Yara was sound asleep and completely unaware of what her human parents were up to. Okay, I could do this. Opening the door, I hopped out, and Greyson gave me his patented wink.

I pulled my coat around me tighter as I jogged across the road and into Molisano’s just as Mr. Molisano walked out of the back with a large tray. It was very reminiscent of my first day of work.

His stride faltered, but with a smile that chased away all my fears, he set the tray down and walked around the counter. He didn’t even wait to see why I was there before pulling me into a hug.

“You are a sight for sore eyes. I’ve been so worried. The way you left…you just disappeared.” Holding me at arm’s length, he looked me over, his eyes lingering on the cut on my cheek. “Are you okay?”

“Actually, I’ve never been better. I…let’s just say that I’ve decided I’m not going to let people chase me away from my dreams anymore. If you will have me, I’d….”

“Yes,” he said before I could finish the question. “Yes, you can have your job back, but no more running.” He gripped my shoulders, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Can you start tomorrow?”

Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it over. “I’m taking an online class and have another part-time job, but this is my availability.”

He looked at the paper and then rolled his big shoulders. “I’ll take what I can get. I’ll put you on the schedule starting Sunday.”

“Thank you, and I’m sorry about everything. I promise it won’t ever happen again. I’m…I feel like a whole new person.”

The corner of his mouth turned up in a lopsided grin. “It suits you. Oh and no more Mr. Molisano. You can call me Massimo.” The door chimed, and I looked over my shoulder to see a group of four walking inside. “Duty calls.” Backing up, he pointed at me. “I’ll see you Sunday.” I nodded and slipped out past the people trying to decide what to order.

Greyson looked at me as I climbed into the truck. “Yes,” I yelled and clenched my fists. Greyson laughed, and Yara growled in the backseat as she looked out the window. “Sorry, girl, I’m just happy.” You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. “He said he was happy to have me back.”

“Of course he is. The cupcakes you did for the bar were a massive hit. I’m going to turn that into a weekly special,” he said, pulling away from the curb to head across town.

“I’m not sure where I’m going to have the time to bake two hundred cupcakes every week.”

“I plan on helping you,” he said, running his tongue over his lips. I wiggled in my seat. “Smearing you in red icing and licking it off holds a certain appeal.”

“I think you like smearing me in anything red and licking it off.” Greyson picked up my hand, our fingers twining together. “Don’t ever change that about yourself,” I said.

“No fear of that happening.”

We rode in silence to our next stop. I was more nervous about talking to Rex than I had been talking to Mr. Molisano. I spotted him standing in his usual spot under the tree across from the shelter and breathed a sigh of relief from just seeing him. It was silly. Rex was a grown man who had seen war and been through more than I could ever imagine. Yet I couldn’t stop worrying about him. He didn’t have anyone. Rex was divorced without kids, and his sister passed away last year from cancer. I felt like I was his family, but I couldn’t bring him home with us. It was too risky.

“Here you go,” Greyson said as he pulled the truck up to the corner and parked near the tree. Pulling the envelope out of the console, he held it out to me as Rex looked over at us. My heart pounded inside my chest. I was worried his stubborn ass would tell me no.

“Wish me luck,” I mumbled, opening the door.

“You don’t need it,” Greyson said as I climbed out.

“Well, look what the cat dragged in. I thought you’d decided to hightail it out of town without saying goodbye,” Rex said, turning to face me. He took a draw on his cigarette and then stubbed out the rest on the sole of his boot.

“I wouldn’t do that. I did get myself into some trouble, but…I’m better now,” I said, knowing that Rex wouldn’t press me about falling off the wagon.