Page 48 of Burn Me Down

“You mean that?”

“I don’t think you understand how much I’ve wanted you for months. You invaded my mind and consumed my thoughts and everything that I did. I watched you eat dinner with Violet, followed you to work and to the aquarium, and then home again. I even got a job as a janitor so I could watch you swim.”

I couldn’t take my eyes off her. The shy smile she gave me warmed my blood in ways that only she could. There was nothing in this world that I wouldn’t do to keep Beck forever.

“I made sure that jerks in parking lots didn’t bother you and sat and watched you sleep just to be close to you. When you had trouble sleeping, I’d whisper in your ear that you were safe.” Beck’s gaze traced my face before settling on my eyes. “I promise you that no other woman has even crossed my thoughts, and if you want me to prove it, I’ll lay you out on the bench right now.”

She laughed and wrapped her arms around my neck, placing little kisses along my cheek before finally nipping at my bottom lip.

“I don’t think we need to go that far.” She glanced away. “I don’t have the best track record with men and cheating. Being in here with all these stunning women really picks at my insecurities.”

Tipping her chin up with my finger, I made sure she was staring into my eyes. “Whoever cheated on you is a fucking piece of shit, and I should burn them alive for hurting you, but I’m also happy that they fucked up and left the door open for me.” I kissed her softly and sucked her bottom lip into my mouth. “Because I would’ve killed them to have you.”

She laughed, but I gripped her chin. “You think I’m joking, but I’m not.” Beck’s eyes turned serious. “I should scare you, Beck, because there is no one I won’t go through to get to you.” She didn’t tense or try to bolt, and I buried my head into the side of her neck, drawing her scent down into my system. “You’re fused on my heart.”

The smile she gave me filled me with as much warmth as any fire ever had. I couldn’t understand why shit had been so ugly for me for so long, but if it meant that I would end up here in Beck’s arms, I would take every ounce of torture all over again. She made me feel important, worth loving, and like my life could be filled with more than darkness.

“I hate that you have to wear this,” Beck said, touching the hood that I’d never taken down.

I gave a little shrug. “When you’re as used to hiding as much as I am, this hood feels like home.”

“I still hate it. I hate every single thing that this world and cruel people have done to you.” She kissed my ruined cheek, and I held her tighter.

“Sorry to interrupt, but your food and drinks are here,” Angel said, sitting the plates down and taking the drinks from one of the bar servers.

Angel turned to leave but stopped and sat down beside Beck, who looked as shocked as I was.

“So listen. This isn’t my place to interfere, and normally I wouldn’t give a shit, but in an establishment like this, I’ve seen all kinds. Most of them you don’t ever want to see again,” Angel said, looking at Beck, but raised her finger and pointed at me. “This one is the type who comes through the door, and we remember. Not because he stuffs money in our g-strings, but because he doesn’t. Dragon here has never been anything but kind and quiet and never takes part in any of the craziness.” She gave Beck a wink. “He’s a keeper. I’ve seen many cheaters in my day, but he definitely isn’t one.” She slipped out of the booth and stood. “Enjoy your meals.”

“I didn’t put her up to that,” I said as Beck looked at me.

“No, I didn’t think you had. I just feel bad.” She picked up a french fry and popped it in her mouth. “For so long, I’ve seen other women as a threat. Other than Vi, of course, but it makes you forget that this is a job just like any other, and they probably put up with as much shit as I do, just of a different kind.”

“Do you like what you do?” I picked up my burger and took a bite. I had no idea what they put in that jalapeño sauce, but it was addictive.

“I love being a nurse and helping people, but I don’t like the politics or insurance companies. It feels like it’s more important to earn money than to help people, and that’s not why I became a nurse. Turning people away because they can’t pay for X-rays or medication seems wrong to me. I had a man come in the other day that I’ve seen on and off for years with complications from his diabetes, and he couldn’t afford his refill. It broke my heart to see him limp out the doors, knowing that without it….” Beck looked away, her eyes brimming with tears. “Wow, I’m apparently determined to cry all day.”

“You cry because you genuinely care. We need more people like you in the world.” I laid my hand on hers, and the sadness shadowing her eyes lifted.

I watched her closely as she picked up the burger and took a bite. Her eyes went wide as she moaned, and a smirk spread across my face.

“Are you kidding me right now? Do they have a Michelin Star chef back there or what? I’m not into gator, but I could eat this every day.”

“Ah, see, now you know why I keep coming back. The food is amazing. Apparently, the chef use to own a couple fancy restaurants and decided to retire and open this spot.” I chuckled as I took another bite.

“Alright, I concede, this wasn’t the worst first date I’ve been on,” she said, popping a curly fry in her mouth, making me laugh.

By the time we headed out to the truck, Beck knew most of the girls working by name and, much to my horror, had even gotten up and danced with Angel when her song came on. The looks the guys gave her made my skin crawl and blood boil, punching home Angel’s words.

I held open the truck door for Beck to get in and then wandered around to the driver’s side.

“So, would you want to come back,” I asked as I started the truck.

“Shockingly, yes. Angel gave me her number.” She held up the napkin with the red lipstick digits smeared across it.

“That sounds like trouble,” I said, making Beck laugh.

“I don’t need Angel to get myself into trouble.” She slid her hand up my leg, and my cock hardened, making the jeans uncomfortable. “Do you know somewhere we could go park? I want to give you another first,” Beck said, and her voice was almost a purr. One look at the devious expression on her face and I would’ve driven anywhere she wanted to go. All she had to do was say the word.