Lust & Lies Box Set-Sexual Awakenings, Excess, Predator & Prey

It was that good.

I went through my day as I always did: with precision and without distraction. I had a company to run and being in a dick daze was not an option.

A delivery of solid white roses arrived toward the end of my day, and I immediately threw them out. Before anyone—including my assistant, Ross—had a chance to ask, I made an excuse that they were a thank you from a client.

Irritated, I left work that night looking for an SUV but found nothing.

It was clear to me then I didn’t like the situation. I needed order and some control. I had none, and I was longing for him. I went to bed that night with my hands firmly planted beneath my pillow.

The sun was unforgiving as I sat on the curb in front of the five and dime, waiting on my father to gather his weekly list at the tractor supply store across the street. I was filthy from head to toe from a day’s worth of cleaning and could feel my throat closing from thirst. I spotted the shiny metal underneath a small patch of grass growing in the crack of the sidewalk and lunged for it. I was met by what felt like a brick wall as my fingers grazed the quarter.

“I saw it first,” the wall replied. “Too slow.”

I shielded my eyes from the sun and audibly whimpered at the loss as I tried to get a good look at the boy who had just barreled over me.

“Give it back,” I shrieked as my thirst outweighed my fear. He was taller than me, and I assumed a couple years older. His dark brown hair stuck to the sides of his head in a sweaty heap. I noticed his clothing was tattered, torn, and way too small for him. It was nothing out of the ordinary here. Very few of us sported new clothes, even at the beginning of the school year. I didn’t recognize this boy, though.

“Please,” I pleaded. “I’m thirsty. I’ll buy you a soda, too. They are only fifteen cents. I have five more in my pocket.” The only soda the Lil’ General sold were old, flat cans of Shasta. Even as cheap as they were, it was a rip-off.

He shook his head as he stood above me. “Sorry, kid, I have plans for this.”

“It’s just a quarter,” I said, standing in front of him.

“But it’s my quarter now,” he said, taunting me.

“Fine, take it,” I said, dusting off my shorts. He leaned in, and I could see the large amount of freckles covering his nose.

“What are you willing to do for it?” he asked playfully, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. “Maybe if you wash my bike I’ll consider it.”

I looked around with a small amount of excitement but saw no bike. None of my friends had one, and I’d never learned how to ride. I don’t know why I thought this boy would be willing to teach me.

“You don’t have a bike,” I said, clearly irritated. “And I wouldn’t wash a thing for you.”

“Sure you would. And if I give you this quarter, it won’t be helping my chances of owning one.” He put the quarter in his pocket and tilted his head sideways. “I’ve never seen hair as red as yours. You look like a circus clown.”

I huffed as I looked up at him. “And you are the ugliest boy I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

He laughed as if my statement was ridiculous. “How old are you?”

“None of your business,” I said testily as I scanned the street for my father. His old, beat up Chevy was still parked at the supply store. I suddenly wished he’d hurry up so I could get away.

“Look, Red, I’ll make you a deal.”

I looked up at him with anger. “Don’t call me Red ever again.”

“Anyway, Red, I’ll buy you a soda if you agree to wash my bike.”

“You don’t have a bike. And do you really think fifteen cents is worth it?” I rolled my eyes as he smiled at me.

“I will own a bike, and you sure look thirsty.”

I was covered in sweat at that point and knew my time was running out. “Fine, but only once, and I doubt you’ll ever get one anyway.”

He didn’t say another word as he walked into the store and came back minutes later with a grape soda. I looked at him curiously. “I could give you my money and you could get yourself one.”

“Good idea,” he said, holding out his hand as I popped the top on the ice cold can and swallowed half of it while digging in my pocket and handing him my money. He took it and slipped it into his pocket as he remained standing in front of me.

“Well, aren’t you going to buy one?” I asked, giving him an odd look.