“Then you should probably be gone by the time they get here,” he says calmly, staring them down.
A couple of them take off down the alley. Ty lets go of my hair and pushes me, causing me to fall onto my knees. “Stupid bitch isn’t worth it,” he sneers as he takes off with the rest of his friends.
I see the stranger’s hand come into view, offering me help to stand. I gratefully take it and pull myself up, rubbing down my sore knees.
“Thank you so much,” I whisper, looking at the ground in embarrassment. “I dread to think what would have happened if you hadn’t shown up.”
“Then let’s not dwell on it. What are you doing walking down this alley at this time of night?” he scolds me. I’m still looking at his shoes, too embarrassed to meet his gaze. Fancy black leather loafers.
“My car broke down and I need to get home,” I defend myself, feeling like a chastised child.
“Why didn’t you call a taxi?” he demands, sounding almost angry and it gets my back up.
Looking up at him, trying not to notice how attractive he is, I say, “Look I appreciate you helping me, really I do. But I don’t answer to you and I won’t be interrogated.”
“You’re right, I overstepped. I apologise. Can I please give you a lift home? I don’t like the thought of leaving you here in case those wankers come back.” I shudder at the thought. If I never see them again, it’ll be too soon.
“That would be amazing; thank you,” I say to him, smiling a genuine smile. The sooner I’m in bed, the better. This night has been a train wreck.
“My car is this way,” he says, leading me back to the fork in the alley and towards the car park.
“What’s your name?” I ask, intrigued as to the name of my handsome hero. He’s tall, dark and handsome, as cliché as that is. Wearing a suit with a navy tie hanging loose around his neck, he looks like he’s just stepped off of a movie set.
“Jackson Carrington,” he answers, pointing to a swish black Audi a little further ahead. Fancy name, fancy car. What on earth was he doing at a bar like this?
“I’m Mia,” I offer as we reach the car and he opens the backdoor for me. I notice as I scoot in that there is a driver already in the car.
“Martin, we need to drop Mia home first. What’s your address?” he asks as he slides in the back next to me. I rattle off my address, embarrassed that he’ll see where I live when it’s clearly worlds away from what he’s used to.
“I’ve never seen you at the bar before,” I say, wanting to break the uncomfortable silence that has settled over us.
“I’ve never been before. I had a business meeting out of town and stopped in on my way back home.” He looks at me, and in the light of the car, I stop to appreciate the beauty of this man. He has dark hair and a short beard, his eyes are the colour of the ocean, and I have to tear my eyes away from him to avoid embarrassing myself even further.
“Excuse me, Miss. This is the address?” The driver interrupts, confusion evident in his tone as he’s pulled into the run down motel’s car park.
“That’s right, thanks. You can just drop me here.” I say, eager to get to bed. I go to open the door and Jackson’s hand on mine stops me. The warmth from his touch seeps into my skin, giving me goose bumps.
“You live in a motel?” he asks, his distain evident.
“Just temporarily while I get enough money together to rent somewhere more permanent,” I defend, looking anywhere but at him. I don’t need his judgement.
“Jesus,” he mutters under his breath. “Martin, head back to my place, please.”
“Yes, sir,” he says, turning the car around and heading to the exit.
“Wait, what are you doing?”
“I’m taking you to my house. I can’t leave you here in this godforsaken place. God knows what trouble you could attract,” he says, rolling his eyes in irritation.
“I don’t attract trouble! Let me out, now,” I say, growing tired of this man’s attitude. My twelve-hour shift is catching up with me and I don’t have the energy for this right now.
He sighs. “I’m sorry, that was uncalled for. Please, would you consider staying in my guest room tonight? After the events of this evening, I’ll sleep better knowing you’re somewhere safe.”
I must look skeptical as he reaches into his suit jacket pocket and pulls out his wallet. He retrieves his driving licence and holds it out to me. “Take a photo of my ID and text it to a friend, then they’ll have my name and address.” I don’t want to make myself seem more of a loser by admitting I don’t really have any friends, so I take a photo and pretend to send it.
He puts his wallet away and leans back against the leather seat, looking out the window at the world passing by.
I do the same, wondering how this night took such a wrong turn.
Chapter 3
Jackson
I have no idea what I’m doing. All I know is that I saw red when I discovered she was living in a shitty motel. Those places aren’t safe, especially for a young, attractive woman living alone.
Turning to look at Mia, I chuckle when I notice she’s fallen asleep. She is every inch as beautiful as I remember from the bar. Long brown hair, pale skin and long legs. Aside from her beauty, I find her innocence endearing.
Martin pulls into the car park and brings the car to a stop outside the entrance. I slowly nudge Mia as to not startle her.
“Mia, we’re here,” I say softly as her eyes slowly open. She mumbles something unintelligible and I stifle a chuckle; she’s adorable. “Mia, wake up.”
She opens her eyes properly this time and remembers where she is, sitting up straight in her seat and rubbing her face.
“I’m sorry, it was a long night,” she admits sheepishly, stifling a yawn and running a hand over her eyes.
“I bet; how long was your shift?” I ask as Martin comes round and opens her door.
“Twelve hours,” she sighs, climbing out and thanking Martin. I hear her gasp when she sees where we are.
“This is a hotel,” she says, and I laugh.
“Nothing gets past you, does it?”
“Why are we at a hotel?” she asks, following me up the stairs and into the vast reception.
“Because it’s my hotel. And I live here,” I state, nodding to the doorman and walking straight to the elevator. She follows me inside, still taking in her surroundings.
“You own Carrington’s?” She gasps, as I put my penthouse key in the elevator and press the button.
“I do,” I admit, smiling at her shock. It pleases me that she’s heard of my chain of hotels.
“This is the best hotel in the country,” she says, impressed, and it makes me smile. I’ve worked my backside off making sure that is the case. It’s nice to have some recognition.
“It is. But I’m biased.” I smirk as the doors open and I lead her to my home. Unlocking the door with my key card, I hold it open and usher her in.
She looks around in awe, taking in the ostentatious space. My designer really went to town on it. With a black and white theme, it’s both modern and luxurious. Open plan with a kitchen, dining room and lounge all in one, it’s a brilliant space.