Kings of Decay (The Winston Brothers Duet #1)

15. Willow

Chapter fifteen

Willow

I felt betrayed. I didn’t speak to my father when he got home. Instead, I hid in my room. I couldn’t be sure my anger wouldn’t make me say something I regretted.

How could he be dating someone after only a month of living here? Mom had only been gone for two years. Was he really over her? The thought made me sick to my stomach.

Despite knowing better, I dove into Facebook until I found her. It wasn't hard, considering the size of the Grayling Pass population.

This Amka woman didn't seem like my dad's type. She was pretty but boring. A recently divorced school teacher with a page full of outdated Minions memes. I wondered what Dad saw in her, assuming they met at the general store.

I shut my laptop and looked at the clock. Shit, work was going to start soon. I'd have to continue my investigation later.

***

Dad dropped me off outside the bar. The PAYDIRT sign flickered in the dark.

"Have fun at work," he said.

"Make sure you pick me up at one, ok?" My own voice sounded weird to me after being quiet all day.

"Sure thing, sweetie," Dad said. He was either oblivious to my mood or choosing to ignore it. Either way, I didn’t care. I just wanted to escape the tension that had built up in the truck.

I climbed out and slammed the door behind me. I watched him drive away, feeling a deep sense of frustration bubble inside of me. I didn’t understand why he couldn’t just take some time to grieve before moving on. But I couldn’t force him to feel anything.

I trudged through the snow to the bar, my boots crunching against the frozen ground. I'd never seen so much snow in my life, and it wasn’t even November yet.

I pulled the door open and stepped inside, instantly greeted by the smell of stale beer, cigarette smoke, and the faint scent of quality whiskey. The bar was dimly lit, save for the flickering flames of the wood fireplace. The jukebox in the corner played a repeating loop of Johnny Cash songs, providing a somber backdrop to my night.

Todd, the owner and barkeeper, looked up. "Evenin' Willow."

The bar was full of the usual crowd, mostly miners drinking their money away. It was funny how a depressing dive bar felt like a sanctuary from my thoughts.

I took my place behind the bar, preparing ice and glasses for the rush. The last bus from the mine normally arrived just past ten o'clock. That was when the night truly began to heat up. Tonight, I was looking forward to it. It would keep me busy and prevent me from dwelling on my dad's new girlfriend.

As if on cue, a gaggle of miners stumbled in, freshly paid and thirsty. I got to work pouring shots.

The first two hours of my shift went by in a blur. When there was a lull, Todd went to the back to smoke, leaving me manning the bar alone. It made me wonder what he did before I got hired. I guess he knew everyone here, so customer service was easy.

It didn't come so easy for me.

One of the miners waved over to me. "Another round over here, missy!"

I gritted my teeth and plastered a fake smile on my face. I hated all their little pet names, but I needed tips.

I carried a tray through the winding gap between the tables towards the back of the room, set it down, and handed out drinks. I ignored how their eyes lingered on my body for too long.

"Enjoy!" I said with a smile and tucked the tray under my arm.

A red-faced miner with a long beard laughed and slapped my ass.

"Good God, girl, what a fine ass you got on you!" He chuckled as I stifled a groan and kept walking.

"Don't leave so fast, missy," one of the others whistled, pulling me toward his lap.

In a flash of black clothing and cold wind, I was knocked back against the wall. I expected to see the disgusting miners, but instead, I saw them frantically looking around. I followed their gaze, and there they were.

Ainsley. Pearce.

"Touch her again, and I'll be sure to ruin you," Ainsley hissed. He shoved me into his brother and punched the offending man in the face. The rest of them slammed cash down on the table and ran out with their tails between their legs.

I pulled my shirt down. "Thanks," I murmured. I realized I was pressed against the older of the brothers, breathing in his cologne. He smelled like oranges and cloves. His chest was hard and muscular, tense beneath his jacket.

My face went hot, and I pulled away.

"You need to watch yourself," Pearce said, his voice low.

The bar was completely silent. Everyone was pretending not to watch us. Poorly.

"I'll remember that," I tried to move away, but his hand was around my wrist. "Listen, I'm on the clock. Thanks for scaring him off, but I need to get back to the bar."

I tugged my wrist from Pearce's grasp, but he didn't let go. Instead, he held it tighter, his grip warm and firm.

"You don't have to be afraid of them," Ainsley said, his blue eyes piercing into me.

"I'm not afraid," I lied.

"Good," Pearce replied, his fingers tracing a path up my wrist to the sensitive skin of my inner arm.

"I'm not afraid of you, either," I added sharply.

Pearce's gaze narrowed.

Ainsley put his arm between us and gently took my hand. "Of course not, little mouse," he patronized me.

"Hmph," I pulled free and turned. "Well, thanks anyway."

"Wait, wait, wait," Ainsley said, grabbing my shoulder. He pulled my back against his chest, and Pearce took his place in front of me, sandwiching me between them.

My breath caught, trapped between two incredibly handsome, tall, and undeniably psycho men.

"Are you working tomorrow?" Pearce asked.

I nodded.

"Do you know what day it is tomorrow?" He asked.

I shook my head.

"It's Devil's Night. Time for the bad boys to come out and play." He moved closer, his lips nearly touching mine. "And the town Halloween bash. Don't tell me you haven't seen the flyers."

I honestly hadn't paid attention to anything posted on the community bulletin boards. The missing dog signs just depressed me even more.

"Halloween bash?"

"Yeah, it's tradition to start at midnight," Ainsley said, brushing his hair back from his face and squeezing my shoulders.

The feeling of his breath on my neck gave me shivers. But not fear, no. Was I getting... turned on?

My heart pounded. They were both so close. Too close.

"We'll be at the bar," Ainsley whispered, his teeth grazing against my ear. "So wear something special for us."

My eyes fluttered closed as their aura consumed me.

Pearce's lips pressed against my cheek, trailing towards my lips.

My breath quivered as I snapped back to reality. Wait. No. I didn't want them. They were playing with me. I couldn't forget how they almost killed me, laughing as I nearly froze to death in my underwear.

"No!" I shoved them away.

Surprisingly, they released me, cackling like vicious dogs in the night.

"Alright, little mouse. Have it your way. But if you're not here tomorrow, we'll track you down and have our own little party." Ainsley's grin didn't falter as they sauntered away, leaving me trembling and confused.