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Payton

 

I can’t get away from Asher fast enough. He told me to leave. I'm mortified. Peeling out from in front of his house, I fly down the road. Embarrassment, rage, rejection, hurt—I feel them all crashing over me as I walk into my apartment.

Yes, Asher was great in bed. I figured he would be. What I didn’t expect was for him to be fucking everything and more. Being controlled, feeling the sting of his hand on my ass and his cock in my pussy, it was so hot. Asher made me feel things I didn’t even know existed. Until his humiliating rejection. It was a bucket of cold water on my overheated body, shocking me into reality. What did I expect?

If I was capable of tears, I’d be crying, but those no longer flow. So, instead, I climb in the shower and scrub away the last hour of my life. Hoping it washes down the drain.

I waste the rest of the weekend, not even leaving the apartment. By Monday morning, my embarrassment and hurt have turned into anger and disappointment. Anger with Asher and disappointment with myself for getting in that position in the first place. As I park my car at the garage, my anger toward Asher intensifies. Taking a deep breath, I head inside. This was the place I came to hide. To forget. But, I’m done being the girl who runs from her problems. Fuck him.

Not bothering to even look around, I stalk to the office. The way I’m feeling, it’s best if I just keep to myself. Which, I’m able to do for most of the day, thank god. I stay busy, ordering parts and answering the phone, and opt for lunch in my office.

As I enter an order on the computer, I hear the door open but refuse to turn my attention to it. I stare at the computer, not seeing a damn thing on the screen. I sense someone behind me and immediately realize it isn’t Asher. I’m hyper aware of his presence. I can feel it all over my body, and I know this isn’t him.

“Hey, Payton.”

I glance over my shoulder and see Charlie, one of the newer mechanics, smiling at me. “Hey,” I say, turning back to the computer.

It all happens in slow motion. I hear him moving closer to me, I smell the grease, before he leans over, pressing his front to my back. His arms brace on either side of me, trapping me in and I’m frozen. I can’t speak. I can’t move. I can’t fucking breathe.

“You want to meet me after work for a drink,” he whispers in my ear.

Back up. Get the hell away. These are the things I’m screaming in my head. The things I’m willing myself to say, but nothing comes out. Fear has gripped me out of nowhere. I’ve never spoken more than a handful of words to Charlie before, but it’s like he suddenly has complete power over me. His hands travel up my arms and my stomach turns.

“A girl of few words. I like that,” he says, running his nose into my hair. I close my eyes, disgusted, yet completely motionless. “You’re beautiful.”

Suddenly, I feel relief. I can breathe. Just as quickly, I realize why.

“You ever put your hands on her again, I will rip out your beating heart. Fucking got it,” Asher says, holding Charlie against the wall.

The fear I see on his face must match my own, as he nods. “Yeah. Fuck. Get off me.”

“Don’t fucking test me, Charlie. This is not a line you want to push me over,” Asher whispers, methodically. “Tell her it won't happen again.”

“It won't happen again,” Charlie assures me. Asher releases him and he rushes out of the office.

Breathe. Just breathe.

“Are you alright?” he asks, in a soft, tender voice. The complete opposite of the man he just was.

I don’t answer, just stare at him. Stare at the only person who has ever stood up for me, defended me, made me feel safe. Not for the first time either. It’s like he knows, without me saying a word. He senses something.

“Payton,” he gently says.

Reality smacks me in the face and I straighten up. He can’t fuck me, kick me out and then come to my rescue like some imaginary knight in shining armor. It doesn’t work that way, not with me. I’ve lost enough of myself.

Turning away from him, I swallow past my dry throat. “I’m fine.”

“You aren’t fine. What the hell happened? It’s like you were completely frozen.”

“I said I’m fine. Now please leave,” I quietly say.

 

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The rest of the week goes by so quickly that I don’t even realize it’s Friday until my Dad asks what my plans are.

“Just relaxing, probably finishing up my book.”

He pulls up a chair, smiling. “We haven’t had any time to talk. Are you ever going to tell me why you decided to come here?”

Perfect. Just how I wanted to end my week. “It was time for a change, Dad,” I say, forcing a smile.

“It was too long, Payton,” he says, searching my face.

It’s just too much. I need to get out of here. “I know and I’m sorry. I really am. But, it’s why I’m here. I’m done with everything, so if you don’t mind maybe we can just talk another day. I’m tired and ready to just relax.”

Standing up he presses a kiss to the top of my head. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Relief floods me as I power off the computer. I need time away from this place, these people. I haven’t spoken to Asher since Monday when I told him to get out. I’m not even sure if I’m ignoring him or he’s ignoring me at this point. The only thing I know is I want to unwind.

Walking out of the garage, the sun warms my skin. I miss being outside, enjoying the fresh air.

“Payton.” Asher’s deep voice calls out to me, making my body betray me when my stomach drops. “We need to talk.”

Spinning around, I’m met with a serious expression. His grease and oil covered hands run through his messy brown hair while his eyes search mine, willing me to say something.

“What could we possibly have to talk about,” I ask, unlocking my car.

“Everything. I’ll be at your place this weekend.” I watch his ass as he walks away. Stopping, he turns his head. “You have my word, it’s only talking.”

On the drive home, I’m not sure how to feel. The thought of being alone with him again makes my body feel things it shouldn’t. Things that make me worry I will be the one begging him to break his word.