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  I reached for my purse and pulled out my wad of cash. “How much do I owe you?” I peered up and saw Jim and Alex giving me sad, knowing looks.

  Gazing down at the floor, I waited for Alex to say something.

  “Sam,” she whispered. “You don’t owe me a thing.”

  Tears started to slide down my cheeks. Before I knew it, I was sandwiched between Jim and Alex.

  “Oh, hon. It’s okay.” I could tell Alex desperately wanted to soothe me, to calm my fears.

  “Everything’s going to be fine. I promise.” I could feel Jim’s voice rumbling in his chest as he hugged me and rubbed my shoulder.

  They both stepped back as I tried to compose myself. I missed my parents so much. Jim and Alex reminded me of them. They’d passed away a few years ago in a freak car accident. If only they were here. They would know what to do. But they’re not. I’m all alone.

  When I glanced up, I saw Alex nod at Jim, and he cracked a small smile. I was pretty sure they’d just had a conversation without even speaking one word.

  Jim stepped next to me, putting my arm through his like he did when we were walking together earlier. “Come on. I’ll show you where you’ll be staying.”

  My eyes shot to his. “Wh-what?”

  He looked down at me and smiled. “You heard me. I have a small—” He paused and turned to Alex. “What do they call it?”

  “A studio apartment.” She grinned.

  “Yes, a studio apartment. It’s a nice way of saying ‘an open room with a small bathroom the size of a closet and something no sane person would call a kitchen.’” He smiled down at me.

  I stared dumbfounded at him.

  I finally found my voice. “I-I can’t. You don’t need to. You don’t even know me.”

  Jim raised his hand to cut me off. “I don’t need to, but I want to.”

  The movement made me cower back in a knee-jerk reaction. I had no control, and by the time I realized what happened, I could already see the sad looks on Jim and Alex’s faces.

  I did the only thing I could. I stood up straight and squared my shoulders, trying to get what little dignity I had left back.

  Alex stepped up next to me. “We want to help.” She looked at Jim. “We can see you could use a bit of support.” She had such a sweet smile.

  Jim took my arm again. “Come on.” He started walking me to the door.

  “Sam,” Alex called from a few steps back. “I’ll see you here tomorrow at eight in the morning to start your shift.”

  I turned back to her, reaching for my purse. “I can pay you for what you did today,” I said, thinking she wanted me to work off what I owed her.

  “Oh, honey, no.” She gave me a warm smile. “That’s not what I meant, but it confirms what a good person you are, exactly like Jim and I thought.” She glanced up at Jim, smiled, and then turned back to me.

  “What I meant is your new job starts tomorrow at eight. I’ll pay you in cash.”

  I froze, stunned. Then I realized what they were doing for me. They’re giving me my life back.

  Alex let out a startled gasp as I crashed into her, trying to ignore the protest from my ribs as I gave her the biggest hug I could muster without aggravating my injuries.

  “Thank you.” I straightened, letting her go. Looking between Jim and Alex, I said, “This means—” I paused, trying not to cry. “You don’t know what this means to me.” I wiped a stray tear off my cheek. I didn’t realize people like this still exist.

  “You won’t regret this. I’ll make it up to you, I swear.” I blinked fast, trying not to let any more tears fall.

  Jim nodded to Alex as he ushered me out of the clinic door and started walking me back to the gas station.

  Chapter 4:

  Jax

  I kept standing up to peek out the window, hoping to glimpse the woman as she left the clinic. I hadn’t accomplished anything since the moment I first saw her.

  It was driving me nuts.

  I know I haven’t seen her around town. I would’ve remembered. It’s stupid, but I find her captivating in some weird way. I’ve never felt so compelled to meet someone.

  I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I haven’t even met her yet, and I feel like I’m being pulled toward her.

  I glanced up from my desk to see if she was coming out yet. I swear, they’ve been in there forever. Okay, maybe not forever, but at least forty-five minutes already.

  Then I saw it. The door opened a fraction, paused for a bit, and then they stepped out. Jim was on her right side, with his arm linked with hers in almost that same protective manner.

  He was a big man compared to her, so I couldn’t see much of her.

  I squinted, trying to see past Jim. Now that the sun was all the way up, I could make out more detail. She had a cast on her left arm. It looked like her face was a bit bruised, and maybe she had a black eye. That poor girl. Who could have done this to her?

  Getting up from my desk, I paced back and forth a few times before I was drawn back to the window. I watched them walk back toward Jim’s store.

  I expected to see them stop at the only car sitting next to the gas pumps, but instead, Jim steered her to the stairs on the left side of the store that led to the second floor of his building. It was used as an office for some time, but last I heard, he’d converted it into a small apartment. They disappeared through the door, and I saw a light flicker on.

  I released a breath I didn’t know I was holding as a wave of relief rushed through me when I realized she wasn’t going to drive off and I’d have a chance to see her again.

  I headed back over to my desk, then I slumped down in my chair.

  Geez, I hope she stays around town for a bit. Not that I’m interested. I just want to make sure she’s okay.

  That was a lie. I’m interested, and I had no fucking clue why. I hadn’t even met the woman, and I couldn’t fight the feeling of being drawn to her. I rubbed my hands down my face and looked up at the light still on in the upstairs window before I finally got back to work.

  Chapter 5:

  Sam

  I think I’m in shock.

  Jim walked me up some stairs on the side of his store. Can this be real? I’ve had the worst luck for the past few years. There’s no way these people can be this nice. Can they?

  Jim unlocked the door and flipped on the entry light.

  He gestured for me to go in. “It’s not much, but it’s safe. I promise.”

  I looked around. It was a large, open room with a bed up against one of the walls. The other wall had a TV and bookcase on the right. There was a small kitchen at the far end and a door where there must be a bathroom.

  “It’s perfect,” I said quietly. I turned to face Jim. “Thank you so much for doing this, for doing everything you’ve done for me.”

  Jim patted my hand. “Give me your keys. I’ll pull your car around for you. You need to get some rest. You’ve had a hard day.”

  “I…” I didn’t want to tell him. It was too much.

  “No, don’t explain. I’m here when you’re ready to talk. But for now, you need to rest and heal.” He took my keys from me and headed to the door. “Get some rest, Sam. I’ll be downstairs all day if you need anything.” Jim smiled and headed out the door. Turning to give me another kind smile, he closed the door behind him.

  I looked around one last time before I made my way to the bed.

  Jim’s right. I’m exhausted. I’ll figure out what I’m going to do next in a few hours after I take a quick nap and clear my head.

  I slipped off my flip-flops and slowly climbed under the comforter so I didn’t hurt my ribs. I probably should have taken a shower, but I was too exhausted from everything that had happened. I drifted off, thinking of the past year of my life.

  I heard Logan’s car pulling into the garage. I glanced around, doing one more quick check to make sure everything was where it was supposed to be before he came in.
br />   Oh, shit. There was a cup on the end table. I make a mad dash to the table, grabbed the cup, and bolted for the kitchen. Luckily, the dishwasher was only half full, so I could hide it in there until I ran it after dinner.

  I winced as I leaned down. My stomach was still sore from the “lesson” Logan “had” to teach me the other night.

  We went to dinner with a few friends of his. When Logan was in the bathroom, his friends were telling jokes. Logan misinterpreted my laughing as flirting with them.

  I shuddered at the memory of that night and what happened once we got home.

  The lasagna was already in the oven, so I busied myself by making a salad as I heard Logan come in the front door.

  “Sam!”

  Rubbing my clammy hands on the dish towel, I squared my shoulders. “In the kitchen.”

  I heard him dropping his stuff in the entryway for me to pick up and put away later.

  He sauntered into the kitchen and stretched his lean, muscular body I’d once thought was sexy. He had dark brown hair and deep brown eyes that felt like they read my every move, constantly looking for a reason to teach me the so-called “lessons” it seemed he enjoyed so much. He always apologized afterward, but I could see his eyes light up with every hit.

  “What’s for dinner, my love?” he asked in his deep, raspy voice.

  I smiled in the way I knew he expected and turned toward him to say, “Lasagna.” As I turned, my elbow hit a pile of vegetables I’d left on the counter to chop up and put in the salad. I watched in slow motion as a radish rolled and dropped off the side of the counter. My eyes flitted to Logan just in time to see his grin broaden before the side of my face felt like it was on fire. He slapped me so hard I flew into the opposite counter, bouncing off and hitting the floor.

  Logan leaned over me. “You stupid bitch. I can’t eat that now!” He lifted his foot to kick me.

  I shot up in bed and clutched my stomach.

  “I’m okay. I’m okay.” I kept saying it over and over. That was one of the many “lessons” Logan had given me. It had taken three weeks for the bruise on my stomach to go away.

  Gasping, I took in my surroundings. Where am I? Then the last twenty-four hours came back to my half-asleep mind.

  I must have slept for at least a few hours. The sun shone brightly through the window. I swung my legs to the side of the bed and groaned. I have to remember to take it easy. I carefully touched my face. It was still tender, but the nap had helped. I got up and headed toward the bathroom. Hopefully, a shower would loosen up my stiff muscles.

  Chapter 6:

  Jax

  I’m getting nothing done. It’s been hours, and I haven’t seen her since Jim walked her upstairs.

  That must have been her car at the gas pump. Jim moved it to the side lot after he came back down from the apartment.

  I was at the window for the millionth time when Chase walked back into the office.

  “So, what’s the update?” he said as he made his way to the window next to me.

  I glanced over at Chase and then back out the window. He’s not giving me shit. He senses there’s something up with me. “Jim has her in the apartment above his store. That’s all I know.”

  He smirked as he turned to head back to the shop. “We’re almost out of coffee grounds,” he called over his shoulder.

  I grinned, knowing he’d just bought some last week. Taking the excuse Chase gave me, I grabbed my wallet off the desk to head to Jim’s store. Don’t want the guys to run out of coffee now, do I?

  Striding across the street, I couldn’t keep my eyes from drifting up to the apartment windows.

  I made my way into the store as Jim was coming out of the stockroom in the far rear corner.

  He spotted me and smiled. “I need a favor,” he said suddenly.

  That’s one of the things I love about Jim. No bullshit. I’d known him since I was a kid. I smiled. “Sure. What’s up?”

  Jim grabbed a couple of bags off the counter and a box full of stuff off the floor. He walked over to where I was standing and handed me everything.

  “I’m running a bit behind on my inventory order and need to get it in within the next half hour so it ships on time. But…” He gazed down at the stuff he’d just handed me and then looked me up and down, frowning. He reached to take the box and bags out of my hands, but I twisted out of his reach.

  I gave him a “What the fuck?” look and said, “I can handle whatever you need.”

  He sighed. “I know you can, but…” He looked from me to the front door. He sighed again and seemed to give in.

  I could tell he needed the help but wanted to do whatever it was himself. “What’s up?” I asked.

  “There’s a nice young lady who’s hit a bit of a bad spot.” He paused.

  I froze and then stared down at the stuff in my arms. Holy shit! Is this for her?

  I tried to hold back my excitement. If it is, everything’s working out better than I could’ve planned.

  Looking back at Jim, I waited for him to continue. His face was pinched in indecision.

  He glanced back at me. “Her name’s Sam. She’s, well, she’s…I don’t know what she is just yet. But she needs help. I have her staying in the room upstairs. I put some food and toiletries in the bags. Alex brought a few things over for her, too. I don’t think she has anything with her. I need you to take that stuff up to her.” He gestured to the box and bags in my hands and looked at me strangely. “She’s scared, and you need to tread lightly.”

  I nodded. “Okay. No problem.” I headed for the door, but Jim reached for my arm, stopping me.

  He gave me a sad look. “Make sure she knows Alex and I sent you up. Prepare yourself now; she doesn’t look her best.”

  I nodded. “How bad is she?”

  Jim sighed and patted me on my shoulder before walking back to the storeroom without another word.

  I stared after him for a beat, not sure what to make of the situation, before turning to make my way out the front door and around the side to the staircase that led to the upstairs apartment.

  Knocking quietly, I waited.

  No answer.

  I knocked again and heard a quiet shuffling sound as if someone was on the other side of the door.

  Clearing my voice, I tried to speak in a low, calming tone. “My name is Jax. Jim and Alex have a few things they asked me to drop off to you.”

  There was the faint shuffling sound again, but the door still didn’t open.

  I said conversationally, “I’ve known Jim since I was a kid. He would’ve brought this stuff up himself, but he’s in the middle of putting an order together. I happened to walk into the store for some coffee. He knows me well and trusts me, so he asked me to bring this up to you before heading back across the street to work.” I waited, hoping more than I should’ve she would trust me enough to open the door.

  I smiled when I heard the locks disengage.

  The door cracked a few inches so she could peek out.

  “Hi,” I said, smiling and gesturing to the box and bags I was holding. I only caught a glimpse of damp hair through the crack in the door. She must’ve taken a shower.

  She cleared her throat and said hi as she opened the door and stepped back so I could come inside.

  I set everything on the small table right inside the door. As I straightened, she turned to face me. I couldn’t help wincing when I saw her injuries up close.

  Her eyes shifted to the floor, and she touched her swollen, bruised face self-consciously. “That bad, huh?” She had a cast on her left wrist, and she was wearing the same clothes I saw her in earlier, which didn’t hide much.

  I feel like such a dick.

  “No. Just caught me off guard.” I said in the calmest voice I could muster.

  I stepped forward, closing the distance between us, and reached a hand out to gently push a strand of hair behind her ear.

  She stiffened but didn’t flinch away. I took it as a good sign.
r />   I lifted her chin so she was looking at me. “I’m sorry.”

  She blinked rapidly to keep the tears from seeping out. “Don’t be. I look like hell.” She smiled up at me, and I smiled back.

  “Let’s see what Jim and Alex had me bring up, shall we?”

  She gave me a grateful smile and walked past me.

  Then I noticed the bruises on her legs where it looked like she was kicked. Some were older and almost healed; others were new. I raked my gaze from her pink toes to her slender shoulders and finally, her head, cataloging everything. I clenched my teeth at the sight of the marks marring her pale skin in the shape of fingers on her right bicep. Definitely not from a car accident.

  Even with all the marks and swelling, she was a knockout, with strawberry blonde hair, piercing green eyes, and curves in all the right places.

  My gaze finally made its way up to her face. She was watching me. I was caught checking her out. I could feel my cheeks getting hot, so I flashed her a grin to hide my embarrassment.

  She gave me a small smile and turned bright red.

  Chapter 7:

  Sam

  I nearly had a heart attack when I heard a knock on the door. I crept to it as quietly as I could, but there was no peephole to look through.

  I jumped when I heard the deep, masculine voice from the other side.

  Doing my best to keep what was left of my dignity as I opened the door, it was clear I failed miserably when he flinched at the sight of my battered face.

  Knowing I looked horrible, I tried not to fidget. After my shower, I had no choice but to put on my pajamas again. The shower washed the dried blood out of my hair and off my face, but it did nothing for the bruising. The swelling had gone down, but not all the way.

  The regret was clear in his eyes when he realized he embarrassed me. He apologized, and I did my best to play it off as I headed for the stuff he’d brought.