“The child lock is still on.”
“You’re insane. Why is it most guys think they can trap a woman in order to talk to them?”
“Because most women are too fucking dramatic for their own good.”
Her anger rose tenfold. “Fine, you hurt me more by walking away. You fucked me hard without even staring into my eyes, and yet when it came to looking after me, you split. I thought out of all of you, you’d be the one who’d stay.” She hated sounding needy, and hearing the tone to her voice pissed her off. “Let me out of the fucking car, now.”
“No.”
Zoe turned on him. She went onto her knees and punched his arm as hard as she could. Connor took the punch. When that didn’t seem to work, she slapped his face. He did nothing to fight back. She lost interest. There was no need for her to fight a brick wall.
“I like the pain I caused you,” he said.
She turned to stare at him. No words came at his admission.
“That’s why I needed to get away. I look at you, and I never want to hurt you. You have no idea how I feel about you, Zoe. Last night, I had to get away because I saw the pain I caused you with that first thrust, and I liked it. You didn’t deserve a sick bastard to wash you. Brent and Jake are normal inside. I’m not.”
Tears stung her eyes at the softly spoken words.
“You didn’t hurt me, Connor.”
“Yeah, I did. I saw it in your eyes, and I wanted to see it again.”
She shook her head. “You’re not like that.”
“Yes, I am.”
Over her years of living on the streets and moving from place to place, she’d seen a lot of crap. Connor was not as bad as he thought he was.
“You like to hurt me?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Then punch me.”
He turned to look at her. His face disgusted. “What? No.”
“Hit me, Connor. If you like my pain so much slap me around a little bit.” If he raised a hand she’d fucking kill him. He looked like he was going to throw up. “You’re not a sick man, Connor. A sick man who liked to see a woman in pain would beat her up and hurt her at every possible chance he got. I believe you need to think clearly about what you actually liked about last night, as I don’t think it was the pain of you fucking me that excited you.”
She touched his arm, and she felt him flinch. “Will you help me unload these boxes?” she asked.
He nodded, getting out of the truck and going round to her door. Connor helped her out of the truck then followed her inside the busy bar. There were no customers, only the staff and Steve taking account of the delivery. She was surprised to see Tristan standing near Steve talking.
Vicki walked over toward her. “Hi, you’re not expected ‘til tonight.”
“I wanted to help, and I need to talk to Steve when he’s free. Connor baked this morning, and I can’t eat it all.” Vicki looked past her to Connor.
“You can put it on the table.”
Connor nodded leaving Zoe alone.
“He’s brooding a little too much, don’t you think?” Vicki asked.
Zoe nodded. “Will you save that thought? I’m going to see him out.”
“Take all the time in the world.”
Zoe smiled and followed Connor out of the door. He was at his truck, opening the door by the time she made it to his side.
“You’re going to go without saying goodbye?” she asked.
“I shouldn’t be around you, Zoe.”
She slapped his hand. “I thought we were going to give this a go. All of us, together. If this is how you’re going to treat me, Connor, then I’ll be gone by morning.”
He stared at her. His eyes showed his pain.
“I don’t want you to go.”
“Then kiss me goodbye like you would a proper girlfriend,” she said.
“I’ve never had a girlfriend.”
“I’ve never had a boyfriend. So, I guess we can learn together.” Zoe went up on her tip toes and kissed Connor before he had time to pull away.
For a few seconds he didn’t move or say anything. He stayed still, and then his arms banded around her, pulling her close. When they parted, Zoe felt like she was on cloud nine.
“See you later, Connor.”
“You’re working tonight?”
“Yep, after I make sure I have a job.”
“I’ll see you tonight.”
He got inside his truck and drove away. She watched him leave then made her way back inside. Tristan was still talking with Steve. Vicki was stood on the corner watching them. The boxes of food were already open, and several pieces were missing. Zoe smiled. For the first time since her parents died, she felt happy.