Gabe

That curly hair.

That smart-ass mouth.

Damn, that woman who won’t leave my head.

I want to quiet her with my cock in her mouth, her ruby red lips open and ready.

I know. I can be an asshole.

What guy doesn’t fantasize, though?

“Hey, boss.” Joe barrels into my makeshift office. He stands next to me as he inhales a hot dog, the smell of ketchup filling my nose.

At least he saved me from my dangerous thoughts. I don’t fucking have time for a woman to take up space in my head.

“Hey, Joe, how goes it?”

He plops into the seat across from as he finishes off his hot dog, complete with finger licking.

“Enjoying that hot dog a bit more than you should?”

Joe chuckles. “Boss, you know how I love me a good hot dog. I really wish there were hot dog trucks around here. Man, I miss those.”

“Hot dog trucks? Please, tell me you don’t actually eat food from one of those.”

“What’s wrong with them? I’ve never gotten sick from it. Besides, it’s better than eating those nuts they sell.”

I shake my head. Only Joe. Poor guy is still single and eating from hot dog trucks. I need to get him out more. “How about when we get back to the city we have that guys’ night we’ve been planning?”

Joe nods, his shaggy hair bouncing on the top of his head. “We’re single and ready to mingle.”

I shake my head again while chuckling to myself. “Any news on the case?”

“Nope. This is looking like it’s gonna be a tough one to crack.”

“Shit.” I’d wanted some lead by now. Something to go on. This guy is too damn good at covering his tracks. There’s gotta be a crack somewhere. I just haven’t found it yet.

“I know, boss. Blake, head honcho over here, isn’t happy. He wants to call a meeting to discuss a new strategy.”

I rub my hands across my stubble, my five o’clock shadow more like a small beard. I can’t keep up with the shit. My head throbs as I massage my temples. I rack my brain in hopes of any memory, any inkling of a hint.

All I have is the memory of that irritating woman and the rest of my usual darkness. The part I keep hidden, locked away.

Fuck, I need to blow off some steam.

“When?”

“I don’t know, boss.” Joe glances at the window. “The snow isn’t letting up, though. I think we should call it a night.”

I follow his gaze, the snow coming down hard. Hasn’t it snowed enough? Damn.

“Meet me at the gym in thirty.”

* * *

Sweat flies off my face. Harder. Faster. Push. Pull.

I’m out of breath, my heartbeat drumming a steady fast beat in my ears.

I grind out the anger. The rage. The darkness.

It swirls inside me, threatening to consume me.

I can’t let it. I won’t.

Push, pull, up, down.

“Boss.”

I don’t answer him. I need to focus. Need to keep going.

“Boss,” Joe yells.

Fuck. I’m losing my stride.

“What?” I snap. He’s distracting me.

“You all right? Your face is red, boss. Slow down.”

“Not yet.”

I run through another set of twenty before I slow my pace into cool down mode. My chest burns as I suck down air, as much as I can get.

Joe hands me a bottle of water, which I chug down, the cool water soothing my throat.

I step off the machine and sit on the nearest bench where my bag lies. I grab a towel and wipe down my face and neck.

“You sure you’re all right?” Joe sits next to me.

“Yeah, just the usual shit in my head.” I drink the rest of the water before tossing the empty bottle in my bag. “Working out hard puts me in a zone, takes me away from it all.”

“I hear ya. If you wanna talk about anything, get shit off your chest, just let me know.”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate it. Want to grab a bite?”

“Well, actually, Blake called like ten minutes ago. He wants to meet at the local diner right by the townhouses.”

I sigh. Damn, I’m ready to eat and call it a night. “All right. Let’s hit the showers first.”

* * *

Several hours later and I’m back in my townhouse, the silence welcoming. Luna greets me as soon as I open the door, her tail wagging and her tongue licking my hand. The work meeting lasted a lot longer than I wanted, but we covered a lot of ground.

Blake decided it’s time we put the plan into action for Anne and I to go undercover as a married couple. We’ll check out the shelter as a couple and one of us can distract the staff while the other searches for evidence.

We don’t want to alarm anyone yet or conduct an official search until we have more ground to stand on. I’ve learned that the hard way before. Blake also got wind of a new hair salon where supposedly fishy shit is going on.

It only opened recently and already there have been complaints about the guy running the place. Some reports of him staring at the customers and employees, being all around creepy. Plus, others noticing strange comings and goings throughout the day and even after hours.

I let Luna out and while she does her business, I fill her bowls with dog food and water. Once she’s inside, she chows down.

Taking the stairs two at a time, I’m craving another shower and then my bed. My phone buzzes in my hand, my cousin’s face appearing on the screen.

“Hey, guy. Please tell me something good.”

“Cuz. You’re not gonna like what I’m about to tell you,” my cousin Andrew shouts over the phone. There’s so much background noise behind him. Where the hell is he?

I pull the phone away from my ear, putting it on speaker. “Spill it.” I sit on my bed, throwing the phone down next to me, and brace myself, my hands balling into fists.

“There were more killings last night. One being Adam.”

“What?” My knuckles turn white, my breath catching in my throat. I stand and pace a few times, the need to move great. Luna comes in and jumps on the bed.

“Yeah, I’m sorry, cuz. I didn’t want to be the one to tell you, but I thought you should know.”

“How?” I grit out through clenched teeth. I’m about to lose my shit.

Luna barks, and I glance over, a rope hanging from her mouth. I shake my head, and she whines as she lies back down.

“I don’t know the details, Gabe. All I know is he was murdered and it wasn’t pretty.”

“Murdered? Please don’t tell me it is who I think it is.” My stomach coils, and I think I’m going to be sick. A bad taste fills my mouth, my stomach churning with acid.

“There are rumors. I’m sorry, cuz, I really am. Shit, I gotta go.”

“Wait. Andrew? Andrew?” Fuck, he’s gone. I toss my phone toward my pillows.

Adam. One of my best friends. Why? Why?

I need to get out of here. I need to move and move fast.

“Let’s go, Luna.” I head out the door, Luna following close behind.

I don’t care about the snow. I don’t care about the cold.

I just run and run until my body is numb.

The last thing I see when I fall asleep that night is her. Those curls…

* * *

Alicia

“Don’t you find it weird that some days are crazy busy in here and then some no one comes in?” I study Deanna’s profile as we clean up the salon after a nonstop day. She doesn’t acknowledge me and continues sweeping hair.

“Deanna? What do you think?”

She turns to me, her eyes darting around. “Shh, keep your voice down, Alicia. Last thing we need is Mr. Dorsey coming out here.”

“No one is around. I’m just curious if you get the same weird ass vibe around this place as I do,” I half whisper to her.

She doesn’t answer me, only darts her eyes around somewhere. What is she looking for?

I shrug as I wipe down my mirror. “I’ll see what else I can find out. Something about this place doesn’t sit well with me.”

“No, Alicia.” Deanna grabs my arm, her fingers digging into my skin.

“Ow, girl. What the hell?” I pull my arm away, her fingers leaving marks.

Her eyes are wide. A trickle of sweat runs down the side of her face. “Stay out of it. Just do your work and leave. Believe me.” Her voice shakes as she begs me.

“Everything okay here, girls?” Mr. Dorsey’s creepy voice fills the air behind us.

We both jump back. When did he get here?

“Yes, we’re fine, Mr. Dorsey. Just finishing our cleaning.” I go back to my mirror while Deanna scampers away.

“Good. Alicia, meet me in my office in twenty minutes. I have your thirty-day review ready.” He steps closer, his thick cologne swirling in the air.

My stomach drops. I do not want to meet with this creep alone. I nod as I step back. “Okay.” I manage, gripping the counter behind me. My hands grow clammy as my breath hitches. A sweat breaks out across my forehead.

“Don’t be late. I don’t like to wait.” He leaves, and I blow out the breath I didn’t know had caught in my throat.

This isn’t good. Not at all.

Deanna comes back out front, her jacket and purse slung over her arm. I hurry over to her.

“Look, Deanna. I’m sorry. I can’t help being curious.”

Her eyes water, her bottom lip quivering. “Trust me, Alicia. Please.”

I nod. What does she know? Her reactions scare me. What’s going on in this place?

“I have to meet Mr. Dorsey for my review in about ten minutes. Do you mind staying? I’d feel better that way. I’ll give you a ride home after.”

She nods, pats my hand, and goes back to the break room. I know she hates the bus, especially in the cold.

I finish the last of my cleaning in record time, remove my apron, toss it in the laundry, and fix my clothes and hair. I grab my purse, take a deep breath, and go knock on Mr. Dorsey’s door.

A second later, the door swings open, Mr. Dorsey standing there with his suit jacket off, his shirt unbuttoned on the cuffs and a few down his neck. He smirks at me, his eyes traveling downward.

“Come in, Miss Rego.”

I swallow over the lump in my throat. Let’s get this over with.

The chair in front of his desk looks like it came from the closest dumpster, mystery stains on the fabric. I grimace as I take a seat, making sure not to touch the arms.

The door closes behind us before he takes his seat across from me. He leans forward, his hands crossed on his desk. His eyes roam the length of me, and a shiver runs through me. Not the good kind.

“Are you happy here?” His voice drips with sex, and I recoil back, passing it off as adjusting in my chair. Ew.

I nod, a few curls bouncing in my face. This damn hair.

“Good. I haven’t had any complaints. The customers seem happy.” His eyes bore into mine, and I wish the floor would open and suck me down. Anything is better than this awkwardness.

“That’s great.” I twist my hands in my lap.

“I wanted to offer you something.” His dark eyes shift toward the door then back to me. He picks up a toothpick from his desk and slides it into the left side of his mouth, his tongue circling it.

I ignore his clues and focus on his words. “What’s that?”

“It’s slow here sometimes during the day. And I feel terrible you lose out on money when you have such talent.” He rubs his fingers across his lips before pulling the toothpick out and rolling it through his fingers. “We have special clients who come in at night. You know, sometimes schedules can be complex and these certain individuals need night time appointments. Would you be interested in joining us at night?”

My gut is screaming no. Special clients? At night? I understand having night hours. A lot of places do to accommodate those who work during the day. But the way he said special clients has me thinking he means something else. Something sexual. Something I want no part of.

“I’ll think about it and let you know. I’m helping take care of my sick mother right now, so my schedule is tight.”

He nods curtly, and his eyes flash. I sense the sudden tension, the shift in the air. “That’ll be all then, Miss Rego. Keep up the good work. I’ll call you for your next shift.”

I stand and smile. “Thanks, Mr. Dorsey. Have a good night.”

He doesn’t answer yet picks up his phone, his fingers flying on the screen. I hurry out. I can’t get away fast enough.

“You okay?” Deanna asks when I enter the break room. “What happened?”

I shake my head as I try to catch my breath. “It’s nothing.”

Her eyes pierce mine, and she chews on her lip while she assesses me. “Doesn’t look like nothing,” she whispers and walks toward me, stopping when she’s in front of me. “He’s awful, I know. That’s why I said keep your nose clean. He’s a dangerous man.”

Her words run chills down my back. What did I get myself into here?

“Let’s go.” Deanna pulls my arm toward the door.

I grab my jacket off my chair and I’m out.

We’re not two steps outside when I collide with a rock-solid mass. A very warm rock-solid mass.

“Whoa, whoa. Are you okay?” a deep voice rumbles. Why does that voice sound familiar?

I step back and gather myself, my body thrown off balance. When I look up, I gasp. “You? What are you doing here? Did you follow me or something?”

He holds his hands up. His eyes dart to Deanna, who glances between the two of us, a mask of confusion frozen on her face. “No. I didn’t follow you. Why in the world would I want to follow you?”

His snarky tone irks me. He crosses his arms as he stands tall, a defensive stance that pisses me off more.

“What’s that supposed to mean? I’ve had men follow me before!” I shout, crossing my own arms. I squeeze my hands together.

Wait, that didn’t come out right. He smirks, and I can’t help but scowl at him. “You know what I mean.”

“Uh, I’m not really sure I do.” He shifts his weight. “So, listen, can we talk? Tomorrow over dinner?”

“Dinner?” I huff. “I don’t think so. I have no clue who you are.”

Deanna chimes in, elbowing me in the side. “Why not?” she pretends to whisper. “He’s hot!”

I shoot her a dirty look, seeing his stupid smirk out of the corner of my eye. “He’s an ass!”

“Excuse me? I’m not an ass. And my name is Gabe, by the way.”

“Oh, sorry. You’re a jackass. Let’s go, Dea—wait a second, what did you say your name was?”

His runs his hands through his hair, his eyes shifting away. “Gabe.”

I think back to when Mia introduced us and the name wasn’t Gabe. I clearly remember it being Peter. “Who’s Peter then?”

His eyes snap to mine and his hands clench at his sides. “Peter? Oh, uh, that’s my other partner. She must’ve mistaken us.”

I narrow my eyes. He’s obviously lying, his hands clenching in and out of fists along with his feet that won’t stop shifting. I cross my arms. Deanna elbows me, and I shoot her a look.

“Why didn’t you correct her then?”

“Look, I just want to know if we can talk, that’s all.”

I’m not giving this liar the time of day. He can find out whatever information he’s looking for from someone else.

“No, we can’t. Don’t ask me again.” I storm off, my car not close enough.

Deanna trails behind me, offering Peter, I mean Gabe or whatever the hell his name is, a sheepish apology.

Damn her. He doesn’t deserve sorry.

I hit the car fob. The lights flash and the car unlocks. I slide inside and as soon as my door is shut, there he is. Banging on my window.

Deanna gets in the passenger seat, a goofy grin on her face.

“What’s your problem?” I ask him as I start my car. I roll down my window and shoot him an evil glare. “What the hell do you want from me?”

He leans in, resting his arms on the car door. “Dinner. That’s all I want.”

“Why?” His closeness clouds my brain, his delicious cologne making my mouth water. I grip the wheel. Focus, Alicia. Don’t let him swoon you.

But damn, does he make me lose focus.

I shift in my seat, his hot breath landing on my face.

“Why not?” he answers.

God, he’s infuriating.

“Maybe. If you decide on your real name, let me know. I need to go.” I wave my fingers at him, throw the car in reverse, and he backs out of the way as if he’s afraid I’ll run his toes over. I just might.

He hands me a card from his pocket just before I pull my foot off the brake, and I say nothing as I roll my window up, the car rolling backward. I toss the card into the cup holder, and Deanna grabs it, reading the words.

“This card says the name Gabe,” Deanna states.

I don’t care what it says. That guy is a demanding jerk. He doesn’t deserve my time.

I take off and when I look in the rearview mirror, he’s still standing there, watching us leave.

Dinner? Is he crazy?

“Get him, girl.” Deanna giggles, and I roll my eyes.

My life can’t be complicated by a guy. Not when my mom needs me.

Besides, guys suck. They win you over, get you to trust them, then break you by stomping all over your heart.

I’m all set with that bullshit.

I’m happy without a man. And that’s all there is to it.