Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Dear God, what was I thinking?

I wasn’t. That’s the problem.

Just like the other times I’ve seen Dario, I was practically mesmerized by the man. The pull coming from him is impossible to ignore.

The moment he touched me, I knew it would be hard to deny him anything, and when he kissed me, I was overcome with searing desire.

Holy shit, was I overcome.

If I’m not careful, I’m going to fall hard and fast for my boss, and that would be disastrous. People like him don’t mix with people like me. His kind uses my kind to climb to the top and disposes of us like trash when they’re done with us.

Still.

God, when he kissed me. When I felt his rock-hard cock through the luxurious fabric of his pants. The man is packing, and I know it will hurt the first time he’s inside me. When I inhaled breath after breath of his addictive scent.

It was all so intoxicating I didn’t know whether I was coming or going.

Stop it, Eden!

He almost caught you tonight. You need the money a hell of a lot more than you need a quick fuck that won’t mean a thing.

It might turn out to be the best fuck of your life, but it won’t pay the bills.

When I went to the studio, I thought he’d already left. I even waited fifteen minutes to make sure it was safe.

I’ve been trying to avoid him, but at this rate, I’ll have to give up my stolen thirty minutes in the studio.

While I continue to vacuum the auditorium, my thoughts turn away from what I’m going to do to avoid Dario to how it felt kissing him.

The firm strokes of his tongue.

Feeling his breath on my lips.

His strong fingers gripping the back of my neck.

His solid body pressed against mine.

His hard cock…

Hot dammmmnnnnnn.

Sucking in a deep breath, I shove the memory down so I can focus on getting my work done, but with the taste of Dario lingering in my mouth, it’s impossible.

I should’ve let him fuck me. At least then I wouldn’t feel so needy right now.

I let out a snort and shake my head at myself.

Wiping down a table, I glance through the window at the rain pouring down outside.

The diner is quiet, and when I’m done, I walk to the counter and get myself a cup of coffee.

“Sylvia said we can have yesterday’s pie,” Sherrie says. “Pour me coffee while I cut two slices for us.”

“Okay.” I take a seat at the counter, and when Sherrie places the apple pie in front of me, I take a bite.

“So, what’s news in your life?” she asks when she comes to sit next to me.

Sherrie and I have worked the longest at Ben’s Burgers. She’s one of the strongest and most beautiful people I know. Whenever life deals her a blow, she hits back twice as hard.

“Not much.” I lick stray crumbs off my lips, then admit, “You know I work the night shift over at La Rosa Opera Ballet, right?”

“Yeah.”

“The owner is…” I let out a dreamy sigh, “hot as fuck.”

Her eyebrows lift as she gives me a curious look. “Ooooh.”

I can’t stop from grinning like an idiot when I admit, “We kissed.”

Sherrie grabs my forearm as she leans closer for the juicy news. “And? How was it? Are you dating?”

Letting out a chuckle, I reply, “The kiss was amazing, but no, we’re not dating. We never will. I’m actually avoiding him.”

“Why?” She shakes her head at me. “You should go for it.”

I give her an incredulous look. “He’s filthy rich, and I’m dirt poor.”

“So?”

I let out a sigh as I tear the apple pie apart with my fork. “He’s my boss, and I can’t risk losing the income.”

Her shoulders slump, and reaching for her mug, she mutters, “That sucks.”

“Yeah.” I eat some more of the pie before asking, “How are things in your life?”

“Much better. Tanner finally pulled his head out of his ass and got a job.”

“That’s amazing.” I give her a happy grin. “I’m glad things are looking up for you.”

Someone coming into the diner draws our attention, and when I see it’s Mandy, I shoot up from the stool I’m sitting on.

“Get out, Mandy,” I order while walking toward her.

“Is that how you treat your mother?” she mutters, not as drunk or high as she usually is.

Her black hair is a ratty mess, and she’s filthy. God only knows when she last had a bath.

She slides into a booth, then says, “After all I’ve done for you.”

“You haven’t done shit for me,” I say with a burst of unbelievable laughter. “Get out. This is my workplace.”

She lifts her chin and digs crumbled notes and coins out of her pocket. “I’m a paying customer.”

Ugh. This woman is unbearable.

“I’ll take her order,” Sherrie says.

I shoot a scalding glare at Mandy before I give Sherrie a grateful look. “Thanks. I owe you.”

As I walk away, Mandy says, “Stop locking me out of the apartment. I live there, too.”

My temper flares as I spin around on my heel. “The hell you do! I pay the bills.”

“We’re family,” she argues. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t even be alive.”

“Jesus,” I huff, throwing my arms wide at my sides. “I don’t owe you anything for giving birth to me, and being related by blood doesn’t mean shit.” Pointing a finger at her, my words are clipped as I say, “Stay away from my apartment, and the next time you steal my stuff, I’m calling the cops.”

Mandy jumps to her feet and pokes her finger against my chest. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Leaning closer until I can smell the stale booze on her breath, I say, “I will. Get the fuck out of my life.”

“That’s enough,” Sylvia’s voice suddenly lashes over us. “Jaden, throw Mandy out,” she orders the cook, who could easily double as a bouncer.

“I’ve got money,” Mandy argues, and when she tries to take a seat at the booth again, Jaden grabs her by the arm and hauls her out of the diner.

Sylvia gives me a stern look. “Don’t bring your personal shit into my diner.”

Even though I feel it wasn’t my fault, I nod and begin to wipe off the booth where Mandy’s filthy ass sat.

I keep glancing through the window at where Mandy is leaning against the wall beneath an awning. She should take a long walk in the rain. At least, it would wash the dirt off her.