Page 32 of Vicious Little Darling

It’s my fucking narcissistic mother. I hesitate, but then I answer.

“What?” I demand.

“I got the books you bought me for my birthday. They suck. Maybe you should return them and get some new ones.”

“Maybe you should just say ‘thanks’ when someone buys you something,” I seethe into the phone. “It’s rude to complain about a present.”

“You have enough money to buy me a lot more than just a couple books, Jax, honey. I thought I raised you to take care of your family. This isn’t what that looks like.”

“I pay your fucking rent, your utilities, and make sure you have groceries.” I step out onto my floor. “You’re lucky that I do that. I think that’s more than you deserve.”

“Wow, okay,” she answers, her tone full of false hurt. “I guess I’m just a burden to you then. Never mind. You don’t have to pay my rent.”

I bite back the urge to scream at her, but instead, I keep it cool. “Okay. That’s fine. You can live on the fucking street then.”

“God, I had no idea I’d raised an asshole.”

“Yeah, fuck you, Mom.”

I hang up then and, as soon as I step into my apartment, I chuck the device across the apartment. It shatters on impact with the corner.

It doesnotmake me feel better.

Chapter Sixteen

EMBER

It’s been over a week since Skull-face last showed himself, and Ihatethat I feel disappointed. I should be reveling in the lack of stalking, but there's not a single chill has run down my spine since that night. Either I’m going numb, or he got what he wanted. I swallow the disgusting hurt, and push through the entrance into the bar.

“Hey!” Josh calls over the light music starting to play in the background.

I look up, and immediately catch my breath. But it’s not at the sight of Josh. It’s Xander, standing a few feet behind him, wipingdown a glass.Fuck,I forgot how handsome the guy is. There’s another blond guy behind him, also wiping glassware.

“We’re fully staffed tonight, which is great as there’s a private costume party being thrown in here,” Josh continues, as I slip behind the bar. “They specifically asked that we not be in costume, so don’t get any ideas.” He shoots me a wink as I grab a towel, before tucking it in my back pocket.

“Must be upscale people,” I joke, trying to avoid the gaze that’s heating up my skin.

“Yeah,” Josh laughs. “Anyway, Look. I know that it’s just been us lately, so let me introduce you to the two new guys that I hired.” He gestures to the blond. “That’s Major. We went to high school together, and this is Xander. He’s local to the city as well. He’s cool.”

I nod, smiling at the two of them. “Nice to meet you both. I’m Ember.” I extend a hand, and Major readily takes it, before shaking it.

“Josh has told me so much about you. It’s nice to finally meet you.” He gives me a handsome grin, but it does nothing for me.

I smile at Major and then turn to Xander, trying to keep my heart rate in check. “Nice to see you again,” I force out, trying not to choke on air. His tattooed biceps are rock solid, and covered in black ink. His five o’clock shadow adds to his rough appeal, and I try not to stare too long.

Why on earth did I fuck the dynamic up between us?

“Right back at ya,” he quips, but then returns his attention to the glass in his hand.

“Cool, everyone is good to go now,” Josh laughs, but then he grows serious. “We’re going to run two drink stations.One here, and one over there.” He points to the other, smaller bar. “I’ll stay right here at this bar with Major. Ember and Xander, you’ll work the small one.”

I feel my face flush with heat, but try to hide it. “Sounds good.”

“Great, because they’re lining up outside. Get a move on.” Josh shoos me out from behind the bar, and I walk across to the smaller counter on the other side, noting that it’s fully stocked. Josh opens the door, letting in a whole group of women clad in scanty costumes that barely cover their bodies.

Oh boy. This is going to be fun.

“Kinda cramped over here,” a voice cuts through my thoughts along with a strong masculine scent of sandalwood and leather.

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