Page 28 of Injustice and Absolution

When I left Devil’s Den that morning, I began my job search. I filled out applications everywhere I could—from gas stations to restaurants to retail stores.

Gettysburg is surprisingly large for a small town, and luckily for me, several places were hiring. I was offered a position on the spot at the gas station, but the owner spoke to my chest the entire time and not my face. Thankfully, a week into my search, I was also offered the position I ended up taking at a clothing store at the outlet center called Mathieu.

This was a better choice for me too because it’s a women’s boutique. Therefore, my trepidation when it comes to being around unfamiliar men won’t come into play as much as it would somewhere else.

Though I don’t splurge on myself or spend a lot of money on my clothing, I love the style of clothes they sell here. Despite the fancy, French name, their clothing is affordable, plus I get an added discount as an employee.

There is a large contrast in my day-to-day duties between here and the quarry, obviously.

Between standing all day, folding and rehanging clothing, and walking in and out of the back storeroom to check on additional sizes for our customers,I actually get more of a workout here than I did in the office at the quarry.

And it’s a little weird referring to Sienna as my supervisor since she’s only a year older than I am. I’m used to the Bastards who are all at least ten years older than me—except for Ronin.

But different is what I was looking for, and it’s definitely what I got.

Laughter coming from the front counter of the store breaks my concentration and pulls my attention from the stack of shirts I’m folding. I look up to find Sienna talking to a guy I’ve never seen before.

She’s never mentioned a boyfriend, but from the way they’re flirting it’s obvious she and the man like one another.

How nice for them.

Chasing away the bitterness beginning to settle into my psyche, I refocus my attention back on the pile of shirts only to find I’m on the last one. There’s another stack waiting for me at the front counter, but the last thing I want to do is invade their conversation.

Or be further witness to their obnoxious attraction to one another.

Barf.

But the best thing I can do right now is stay busy. I’ve put in a ton of overtime here already because I’ll do anything to keep myself far away from the clubhouse.

Far away from Royce.

I do miss Maggie, though. The day after my encounter with Royce, Fernando went back to Fort Bellevue. And until I got this job, Maggie and I were spending all our free time together again.

Keeping my head trained on my feet, I walk to the front of the store. When I grab the pile of shirts and pivot away from them, however, the guy turns his attention to me.

“And who’s this?” he inquires. His deep voice roots me to the spot, but I keep my attention on the stack of shirts in my arms.

“Drew, Delilah. Delilah, Drew.”

A clearly vexed Sienna introduces us, and my eyes shift to her, but she’s already refocused on the older man, seeking his undivided attention again.

Still avoiding his stare, I’m caught off guard when his hand enters my field of vision. My eyes catch his awaiting palm, but I don’t move, left standing there like an idiot staring at it.

He clears his throat, finally pulling my attention to his face.

Even I can’t deny how handsome he is. His eyes captivate me. There’s a gleam in his cobalt stare that shines like a beacon for any lost soul who may be in need of light. For a moment I want to follow it… To see where it leads me.

As he begins to pull his hand back, I finally snap out of it and remember what it means to be a functional human being. My hand barely hovers over his before he closes his fingers around mine with a firm squeeze.

“Very nice to meet you, Delilah.” My name is like smooth satin on his lips. I don’t want to like it. Pulling my hand away as though his palm was coated in acid, I nod and pick up the shirts again.

“I was just telling Sienna a friend of mine is having a field party this weekend. Way back in the field off Wellover Road. You should come.”

Immediately, I want to accept. An overwhelming feeling that he would be upset if I were to decline his invitation settles over me, but I stay quiet. My eyes shift to Sienna, noticing her discontent. We’ve gotten along just fine these past three weeks, but I don’t miss the narrowing of her eyes as I consider the invitation.

I should decline. Absolutely. It’s the right thing to do. I don’t know this guy, and I surely don’t owe him anything. Plus, I’m really not a party person anyway. I open my mouth to tell Drew I’m busy, but what comes out instead is, “Can I bring a friend?”

I shake my head, slight enough so neither Drew nor Sienna pick up on my confusion. What the hell? It’s like I’ve momentarily lost control of my mind and body.

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