“I’m happy you did, but Daimon I'm working,” I said innocently.
“Then I will pay for your night,” he bit out.
“It doesn’t work that way.” I tried to not snap at him. God, he didn’t understand anything. I was working now, not playing.
“Daimon. Do you mind leaving Addie alone, the girl is on my time,” Darren said as he came closer to us. The look on Daimon’s face was pure anger.
“I’ll make it up to you later,” I offered him with a smile. I took my tray and left. This was going to be harder than I thought.
“She’s mine and I’ll see her when I want to.” I heard him say to Darren as I placed the drinks on the table next to the bar.
“Get a hold of yourself, Daimon. Addie would never stoop as low as to date you. The girl has integrity,” Darren mocked him.
“When does she get off work?” Daimon bit out.
“In about an hour.” Darren checked his watch. I smiled politely at my table and watched as Daimon stalked off.
I walked back to the bar to place the rest of my orders. “So, you and Daimon?” Darren asked not really believing it.
“Don’t you start too!” I fired back. Darren held his hands up and walked away. Daimon, the asshole. The deal was he wouldn’t interfere in my work.
I finished my shift without having to see Daimon, praise Jesus. I waved good-bye to everyone as I headed outside.
“Addie!” Son of a bitch. I stopped in my tracks. Per the contract, every time he called out my name, I had to stop for him. He walked right to me, grabbed my arm, and pulled me to the wall. He placed his arms on either side of me, lowered his head, and glared.
“You…” he started.
I held up my hand and his eyes grew wide.
“No, you,” I snapped. “The rules stipulate you don’t interfere with my jobs. So what happened in there was your fault,” I hissed quietly.
He leaned in closer, the heat emanating from his face warmed my cheeks. I lowered my eyes, not able to look at him and the intensity of his stare. He pushed off the wall and stood still staring at me.
“Fine,” he said bluntly. “Are you going home now?”
“Yes. I’ve been up since four thirty this morning.” I stretched my neck, wishing I was home right now.
“Then I’ll take you home.” He took my hand, but I yanked back. He pulled harder and held me tightly.
“You’re mine,” he barked. “I'm taking you home.” The feel of his hand in mine made my body cringe. I felt like I was betraying myself.
He dragged me to his car, a Bentley Continental. I began to laugh. Obviously, he would have one. It was all matte with black mags. He let go of my hand and walked over to the driver’s side. He held out his other hand and pressed a button that unlocked the doors. I stood, not moving.
“Get in, Addie,” he ordered. But all I did was stand there. Frustrated that money came so easy to some and hardly any to others. Some might think me resentful, but it was hard to swallow how much money affected my life. I was angry at how much I lost and how much my life changed. This wasn’t what I wanted for myself, but I had no choice. So I swallowed the bitter pill and became what I am. A broken soul. Don’t think I didn’t know, but I chose to ignore it and try to move forward.
“Addie,” he barked. “Get in!”
Still I stood. He groaned and came to my side, opening the door and pushing me inside. To say I was uncomfortable would have been an understatement.
“Where do you live, Addie?” he asked as the engine came to life.
“Astoria,” I murmured.
“The same house you lived in during high school?” he asked.
“Yes.”
The normal twenty-five minute drive took only fifteen, no doubt due to the car he drove. I told him where to turn and finally we reached my house. It was a simple home, nothing grand or special. It was the smallest in the neighborhood, with aluminum siding and a wire fence lining the front lawn. My dad’s car was there and so was mine. I usually used it, but I didn’t have enough money for gas these days.
The porch light was on. My dad always left it on for me until I got home.
“So, you still live here?” Daimon pointed and stared at my humble home.
“Yes, I still live here.” I loved my home. I had my best memories here. Backyard parties with family and friends, my mother sitting outside watching me play. Playing with Sofia and eating ice cream on the stoop. For me this was the best place on Earth.
“It’s pretty small, don’t you think?” he remarked. I shook my head, annoyed at him. I got out of the car.
“Addie?” Daimon rolled down the window and called out to me.