Sophie

“God, that man is delicious.” Kristiann says as she leans against the far side of the bar, an empty tray propped on her hip.

“Who?” I ask, pretending like I hadn’t noticed the intense, brooding, gorgeous man whose presence consumes the whole other side of the room.

Even before I’d seen his face, I’d felt the pull. Broad shoulders, with muscles that rippled underneath the thin cotton of his shirt. I’d watched the dark-haired stranger from the stage as I finished my set.

Being allowed to perform for an hour every Friday and Saturday night is the only reason I put up with this job, and the drunks who think that giving me a lousy one-dollar tip gives them the right to grab my ass.

Assholes.

“You’re trying to tell me you didn’t notice the insanely gorgeous man who’s been staring at you all night,” Kristiann says, chuckling, as she moves aside so I can put my tray of empty beer bottles and dirty glasses on the side of the bar, a knowing grin tugging at her lips.

I shake my head. But from the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of the dark-haired stranger at the bar. I’m not one of those romantic fools who believe in love at first sight, but there’s something about the man that pulls me to him. Like my own tortured soul is mirrored in his gaze.

Kristiann keeps grinning at me. “I saw the way you were looking at him.”

And the way he looked at me. A small shiver of want ripples in my belly at the memory. The intensity of those dark eyes looking through the mirror had pinned me in place where I stood.

But the look wasn’t predatorial, like I’m used to. Sure, it was full of heat, desire, and lust, but there was also something deeper, something almost sad in his gaze.

Something broken.

Something that had my heart beating a little too quickly, causing a million butterflies to take flight in my chest. Because I understood the pain that flashed in those dark eyes better than anyone.

I’d recognized the loss I’d seen there.

Noah, my heart still beats the sound of his name. Noah. Noah. Noah.  

My chest constricts in pain, and I breathe through the anxiety that rises in my throat, stealing the oxygen from my lungs. Four years has done nothing to ease the ache when I allow myself to step out of the numbness I’ve surrounded myself in.

Thankfully, Kristiann is so caught up in the dark stranger at the bar, she doesn’t seem to notice.

“You need someone to help you get out of this funk you’re in. How long has it been, anyways?”

Way too long. And my body had thrummed with pent-up sexual frustration after the way broody guy’s gaze roamed down my body like a harsh, demanding touch that went straight to my core.

But the last guy I’d gone out on a date with ended up in the emergency department with two black eyes and several broken ribs. It was a warning, not meant for the poor bastard who’d suffered the consequences, but for me.

“Sex isn’t on my radar right now,” I mumble, placing the empties in the cases, but I can’t help but let my gaze roam back to the profile of the stranger, or breathing out the small sigh that escapes my lips.  

“Right.” Kristiann chuckles and shakes her head.

“I’m serious. I’ve got enough to deal with.” Like getting the hell out of this town. “I don’t need a man to complicate things.”

My life is already complicated enough.

“I’m not saying you have to marry the guy, but you deserve a little fun. So, why not have it with a total stranger who won’t even remember your name tomorrow?”

My core clenches at the thought. It’s been so damn long since I’ve allowed a man to touch me. And even though the men in this town have no qualms about flirting with me when I’m here working, most won’t give me a second glance outside the bar.

And for good reason. I’ve been labeled damaged goods with a crazy ex-husband willing to spend a night in jail to make sure no one goes near me.

If I’m ever going to get laid again, I’m either going to have to leave this shithole of a town, or find a stranger to share my bed.

“Come on, Sophie.” Kristiann places her hand on my shoulders and shifts my body so that I have a perfect view of the man. “Look at him. Tell me that guy wouldn’t rock an orgasm out of you with one touch.”

I chuckle and shake my head at her. “You’re terrible.”

“But I’m right.” Her grin is infectious. “You need this.”

No. What I need is another eight hundred dollars to pay for the old Honda Civic I’ve been saving for. Once I have the money, I’m leaving this place without a second glance.

I haven’t told Kristiann my plans. Haven’t told anyone. Not that I think she’d say anything to Charlie, but I don’t want to give him any reason to come after her, or anyone else, when he finds me gone.

“Your shift’s done,” she says. “But if you don’t want him, I’ll go for a ride.”

I roll my eyes. “Speaking of rides, can you drive me home tonight?”

“If you want to wait around, be my guest. But I can think of other ways you could be spending your time.” She nods at the beautiful man across the room from us.

“Not happening,” I say.

She shrugs, then her lips grow thin as she looks over my shoulder toward the entrance.

“Shit. Charlie’s here,” she says.

Feeling his gaze bore into the back of my skull, I turn slowly. His presence fills the bar like a hot, sticky fog that sends prickles of warning racing across my skin. As soon as my gaze meets his, he gives a harsh nod towards the door, ushering me outside.

Shit.

I grab my purse, then weave around the tables, steeling my spine as I push through the front door.

“You ignoring me?” he growls out, grabbing my arm roughly and pulling me into the shadows.

I suck in a breath from the intimacy he imposes, his large body hovering over me, backing me against the wall. Long, dark blond hair frames his jaw that’s covered in weeks’ worth of whiskers.

“We’re over, Charlie. You can’t keep showing up at my work.”

“I may have signed those damn divorce papers, but you still belong to me. Or have you forgotten?”

I suck in another shaky breath, knowing the hold he has over me. The memories he stole. Anger rushes through me.

“Let me go.”

“Never, little bird.” He leans closer, his other hand gripping my chin, forcing me to look at him. Blue eyes so feral and consuming, I can’t control the goosebumps that skate across my arms.

To think that I once loved this man. That I believed he would protect me.

“You’re hurting me,” I say, standing still, knowing fighting him will only make him tighten his hold. I have no doubt I’ll have bruises already from his grip.

I’ve heard people say that all men want is sex, but they’re wrong. Sure, it’s the one thing that consumes their thoughts, but it’s dominance they’re really after. Power and ownership over another person.

Control.

I clench my back teeth and harden my gaze. I know it’s more than just money he thinks I owe him. But I can’t, won’t, give him what he wants.

With a harsh breath, he releases my chin and rakes his rough knuckles across my cheek. For a second, his expression is almost tender.

Almost.

Because there’s nothing tender about the man. Not anymore. Not for a very long time.

“You owe me, darling.” His words are filled with hidden meaning, and his lips curl up in what might be a smile if there wasn’t so much cruelty in his eyes. “I’ve come to collect.”

I borrowed twelve hundred dollars last month to help Kristiann pay for her son’s insulin and medical bills. Taking money from Charlie wasn’t the smartest decision I’ve ever made, but I had to help.

Noah, my heart beats.

“If I can pay you back in installments—”

Charlie moves closer, his hot breath on my cheek. “You know it’s not money I want.”

A shiver slices down my spine. Looking at him now, I don’t see any trace of the man I once knew.

Anger and bitterness rule him now.

He’s dangerous.

Possessive.

And I know what he wants — every single inch of me.

Which is why I have to get out of this town before he consumes me whole.