Page 2 of Hawk

“Helen and Lyle are good people and have been a staple in this community since the beginning. Where did you move from?” His questions are innocent enough, but I stiffen because no one can know what I’ve been through. There is no need to drag them into my mess.

I push a piece of hair behind my ear, a nervous habit of mine. “I um came from the next two towns over. I just needed a fresh start.” Not a lie, but definitely not the entire truth either, and by the look in Hawk’s eye, I know he knows it too.

He nods his head, but thankfully doesn’t call me out on my lie. “What about school? Is there something you want to do?”

At that, I full out smile. “I finished school already. Graduated top of my class. But I haven’t been able to find a job in accounting yet.” School was my one safe haven from Uncle Jamie and his abusive ways.

“That’s amazing, darlin. You should be proud of your accomplishments. I may be able to help with that. Our president Blade’s ole lady Hailey is looking for a replacement for allthe accounting on our businesses now that she’s pregnant. She wants to focus more on getting ready to be a mom. So we’ve been on the lookout for someone to take over. It would save us from having to do it ourselves. Lord knows how many computers Joker has thrown out the window because he got mad at the thing. It also comes with a fully furnished apartment above the garage rent free if you want the job.”

I sit there stunned. Hawk is offering me not only a job but also better stability for myself. And it comes with a fully furnished apartment, rent-free. This could change everything for me. Before I’m able to answer me the bell above the door goes off, letting me know I have a customer.

“Go. Take care of the customer; I'm not going anywhere.” He winks at me, making my heart beat wildly.

I get up on shaky legs and turn around to greet my customer, when all the air leaves my lungs because standing there is my Uncle Jamie with a smug smile on his face. Oh no, he found me, and he doesn’t look too happy.

“Uncle Jamie.” I whisper in horror as my body shakes with fear. No, this can’t be happening. He's found me, and he's going to drag me back with him.

“Hello niece. Long time no see. I think it’s time you got your stuff. You're coming back home with me.” I stand rooted to the spot, fear taking over as he makes a grab for my arm, but before he can, Hawk is there, pulling me behind him, shielding me with his body. I peek behind his back to see some prospects coming through the door as well. It's like I'm having an out-of-body experience watching this because this can't be my life.

He grabs a hold of Uncle Jamie's hand and bends it backwards until he is shouting in pain on the floor. “You’d dare to touch what’s mine, you're going to pray for death. Prospects, take this piece of shit trash out and drop him off in the middle of nowhere.” The prospects grab Uncle Jamie, and Hawk stepsforward one more time, getting in his face. “If I ever see you in Bridgewater Bend again or anywhere near Avianna, you're dead.”

The prospects take my struggling uncle out of the diner, but not before he delivers one last message. “This isn’t over, Avianna, do you hear me? This isn’t over.” He yells as he’s dragged out the door.

My body shakes in fear because I know this time he means it; he’s going to kill me.

Two

Avianna

My chest heaves up and down, my breaths coming out in pants, and I'm pretty sure I’m having a panic attack. Before I know what’s happening, Hawk has me in his arms.

“Darlin, I need you to breathe with me. Follow my breathing. That’s it, in and out, nice and slow. I’ve got you; he will not hurt you anymore.” He’s rubbing my back as he whispers in my earthat I’m safe, but how can I ever be safe when my uncle wants me dead?

With my ear to his chest, I listen to his heart beating and follow his breathing. Closing my eyes, I just let him hold me for one more minute before pulling back. “I’m okay.” I’m definitely not okay, but being in his arms felt too right, too comfortable, and being near him I can’t think straight.

He doesn't look convinced, but before he can ask anymore questions, Lyle and Helen rush into the room. “We heard the yelling. What's going on, Hawk?”

“Avianna’s uncle showed up and tried to take her back with him. Made a move to grab her, but I stepped in before he could. I had the prospects take him and are going to drop him off somewhere. But I don’t think this is the last we are going to hear from him.” Hawk growls out as his body vibrates with so much anger.

Helen gasps and comes rushing over, pulling me into a hug. “Oh my gosh, Avianna, are you alright, dear?”

She pulls back and looks at me all over. “I’m okay, Helen. Hawk made sure of that. I’m sorry about bringing all this to your doorstep. My uncle is not a nice man.” I look down at the ground, unable to look her in the eye. They’ve done so much for me already. I hate disappointing them. I can feel the tears welling up, and it’s taking everything in me not to cry in the middle of the diner.

“Nonsense child. I’m just glad Hawk was here when he was. Lord knows what would have happened.” She looks at Hawk and narrows her eyes at him like a mother would scold her child. “Now, Hawk, I want you to take our Avianna away from here and keep her safe. You're a good boy and I know you will do whatever it takes to see to that.”

Wait what? My eyes bug out as I look at everyone. Hawk looks at me, waiting for what, I’m not sure. He doesn’t take his eyes offme as with what he says next. “You have my word, Helen, I will keep Avianna safe.”

My body shivers at his look, and I turn back to Helen one more time. “What about my job? Won't that leave you and Lyle in a bind?”

“Avianna, I know for a fact that Hawk was going to offer you a job. He had already talked to us about it first. I know you're meant to do great things with that degree of yours. So put it to use, child, and let the people in your life take care of you for once.”

She pulls me back into her hug, and I close my eyes, willing the tears not to fall. I don’t know what I’ve done in my life to deserve such kindness, but I’m going to hold on to it and not let go. I pull back and smile. “Thank you, Helen, for everything.”

“You’re welcome, dear. Now, Hawk, you better bring our girl here to visit soon.”

“Yes, ma’ma. Are you ready to go, Avianna?” Hawk holds out his hand, waiting to see what I will do.

I can run and hide like I really want to, or I can stay and fight. Fight to live my life how I want to for once and not be this scared girl who’s always trying to please others. I look at Helen and Lyle, who are smiling at me, giving me the courage to do what I want. So I place my hand in Hawk’s and took the leap of faith. He closes his hand around mine until you can hardly see mine anymore. His hands are scarred, from what I assume are fights, and so big I know they can hurt people, but the way he’s holding mine is so sweet and tender.