chitchat where I avoid all of the important answers, then pretend to be tired, and he settles in behind me and orders me to sleep. Controlling my breathing, I let him believe I am enjoying dreamland. When he finally relaxes his embrace and his breathing steadies, I know he is sound asleep. Now I can make my escape.
My heart beats loudly in my ears as I shift from under his naked body.Scooping up my panties, I slip them on under my work skirt. I start to unbutton his shirt to leave it behind, but as I move, I smell it—I smell him. Not wanting to risk him waking, I skip putting on a bra and changing into my shirt, deciding it’s best to stay in his.
I look back at him one last time. “Caldwell” is tattooed down his spine in black ink. I will never forget that name, but I sureas hell will force myself to forget his touch, his taste, and his tenderness.
I shake my head, trying to erase him as I gather my things and slip out of his room.
It’s still early morning, when most people are sleeping, but it’s hours past the end of my shift as I make my way to the parking lot. The tingle on my neck causes me to look around like someone is watching me.
Scanning the area, Idon’t see anyone at first glance, but as I insert the key into the door of my car, I see Marshall. Someone was watching me, indeed—my ex’s right-hand man.
Certainly, he’s not here for me. No way. Marshall doesn’t shy away from confrontation, and as much as he may like me in general, he won’t push Monte when it comes down to it.
Ever.
He must be here for someone else.
That is my last thoughtas I get into my car and head home, sated, satisfied, and for the first time in my entire life, somehow okay.
I feel the tingle on the back of my neck again as I laugh to myself. “I’m okay until the bottom falls out, and in the end, the bottom will fall out.” I mutter the words to no one as I pull in at Jamie’s and park my car.
If only I had a crystal ball to show me the future…Although, I guessI should be careful what I wish for. I once heard someone say, “If you speak it, you give life to it.”
I drop Marisa off at school with dread settling into the pit of my stomach. Quickly, I make my way to the casino to pick up my paycheck, aware I need to get to the bank and deposit the funds so the check I just wrote for her tuition doesn’t bounce.
I sign the paper at the office for receivingmy check, and I’m just outside the door when my cheap-ass, prepaid cellphone rings. The number looks familiar, though not one I recognize as an emergency call, like Jamie or Marisa’s school. With the push of a button, the call connects.
“Hello,” I answer nonchalantly.
“Hailey.” His voice is gravelly and distinctive, and the fact that he is merely saying my name is a death sentence. “It’s Marshall.Gotta tell you, Monte knows about your tryst with Aces. This is not a good thing for you, or for Ris Priss. Gotta have a payment.”
Without a second thought, without hesitation, I bolt to the parking lot. Marshall called and threatened Marisa, and I know what this means. I have lived the life long enough to know I have to get to my daughter now. Tears run freely down my face, but I don’t givea fuck.
Someone grabs me. I think it’s Morrison Caldwell, but I don’t have time for him right now. I jerk free and continue out of the casino. I have to get to Marisa.
Right. The. Fuck. Now.
Chapter 9
Morrison
I watch as she basically runs out the door. It’s not my style to chase after ass, but then again, I have never had ass so fine in my life. This chick gives as good as she gets, too.
They say gambling is an addiction, but I assure you it’s not. I can walk away from the table anytime I want. That platinum pussy, however…Hailey, she’s addictive. She’s crack on steroids. She hasme renting a room in this casino when I own a fucking place, just so I can make sure I’m tappin’ that ass again, tasting that pussy again, devouring her
Chloe T Barlow
Stefanie Graham
Mindy L Klasky
Will Peterson
Salvatore Scibona
Alexander Kent
Aer-ki Jyr
David Fuller
Janet Tronstad
James S.A. Corey