Page 24 of Honey Trapped

“If you ever gave a damn about me, you’ll leave me and Norah alone.” I walk away for what I hope is the last fuckin’ time.

Chapter Thirteen

Norah

I’ve just gotten Lennon down for bed when there’s a knock on my door. I turn on the porch light and glance out the peephole not seeing anyone. I move to the window and peek out the slats of the blinds. Then I see it a flaming bag on my doorstep. A car screeches away down the street as it peels out fast. My heart hammers in my chest. It doesn't seem like Marco’s M. O. though. I grab my broom and open the door to put it out. I’ve seen enough teenager themed movies to know better than to stomp it. I know what’s in that bag. Dog shit.

I push it further away from the door and swat at the flames gently with the broom as a few of the bristles singe. I pull the collar of my shirt up over my nose. The smell nearly makes me gag. I go back inside for a trash bag and when I come back out Ace is pulling up on his motorcycle. He stares at meintently as he stomps onto the front lawn and yanks a sign out of the yard.

“What happened?” he growls.

I pull my shirt back down. “Someone threw a bag of flaming dog shit at my door.”

He holds the sign up so that I can read it. In red spray paint it says ‘Slut.’

“I guess Eileen isn’t happy we had breakfast.”

“She’s a miserable cunt in general. I’m sorry, Norah. I’ll handle this. She contacts you again I want you to call the police and file a report for harassment.”

I nod, but I won’t be doing that. I can’t risk anything putting me back on the radar. I won’t make it any easier for Marco to find me. Him or his corrupt family.

“Maybe its best we keep our distance until she’s had time to calm down.”

“Eileen doesn't dictate how I live my life or who I fuck and when.”

“I don’t think she received the memo. I like you, Ace, but I’m a single mom. I have to think about Lennon first and having some crazy lady stalking me isn't good.”

He drops the sign. “You like me?”

“Yeah. I had a good time with you. Best I’ve had in a really long time. Was a nice reminder that there are still decent men left in this world.”

That earns me a flash of his teeth. I wish He’d smile more often.

“I’m far from decent.”

“You don’t give yourself enough credit.”

“You don’t even know me.”

“No. That’s true, but I know you’re the kind of man who replaces tires out of kindness. Has dinner with his sister even though he prefers to keep to himself. You take care of others, Ace. Hate to break it to you and your tough guy persona you got going on, but I think deep down you’re sweet. It’s sexy.”

“Sexy?”

“Yeah. It’s hot, Ace.”

He stares at me for a beat. “Where’s the little one?”

“She’s in bed, thankfully.”

“C’mere, Norah.” His intense gaze penetrates me to my core.

“I should go inside.”

He licks his lips and I hate how sexy he is and how turned on I’m getting from that simple act. I need to put distance between us, but my feet take me forward closing the small space that separated us.

“You like me,” he repeats.

“Yeah, Ace, I like you.”

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