Page 25 of Painting Her Fate

Zander opens his mouth to protest but Ford beats him to it.

“And don’t start spoutin’ off about having too much to do, because I get it, I see how much shit you do on the daily, but a few hours away ain’t gonna kill ya.” He rakes a hand through the dark brown mop on his head and heaves a sigh, then takes the cigarette from behind his ear, places it in his mouth, lights it, then sucks in a long pull, the lit end making my skin crawl.

He tilts his head to the sky, blows out a breath of smoke then scratches his thumb across the side of his jaw, a smirk twinkling in his devious eyes, “Hell, might actually lend a bit of reprieve to your employees to see you gone for a time.” Ford stands strong, ready for conflict. When there is nothing but a ticking jaw and a hard stare, Ford nods. “Maybe they’ll fix you up so you can stop being such a damnprick.”

I couldn’t help at noticing Ford’s bluntness. They must know each other well if he can get away with talking to his boss in that manner. It’s clear as day that Ford cares for him.

I wince as the EMT squirts something onto the wound, then there is an automatic relief as a coolness takes over. She removed what stones she could see, then she applied a large patch of gauze and wrapped it similar to something my dad has on his arm.

Oh. Shite.What time is it?While the EMT finished dressing my right arm I grab my mobile from my pocket with my other hand and see two missed calls and a text from dad.Damn it.I think it’s still connected to my earbud and with all the commotion, I didn’t hear it ring. Where did that earbud go? I send a message telling him I’m running behind schedule, but I’d be there soon. Ford’s tone lightens as I pocket my mobile.

“Maddie’s here now. We’ve got this. Y’all go get checked out, and boss,” he turns and points at Zander, “I don’t wanna see you here, Like- at all, not until that shoulder is better. Got it?” Ford shifts to my other side, ready to head to work.

Zander is quick to protest, “There’s too much to do before tonight. The food rep is coming, I need to tinker with that deli cooler, check temps, finish payroll,” Zander groaned then ran his free hand through his hair, tugging at the ends in frustration, “damn it, I forgot you’re by yourself unless I call Gavin in-”

“Corporal!” Ford snaps then his tone softens, “For fuck -sake, man. Quit bustin’ my balls!” He threw his hands up, done with the conversation, a scowl boring into Zander’s soul, “Get that damned shoulder fixed. Maddie and I got this. Trent can man the bar. We’ll be fuckin’fine.” Ford turns my way, a hint of a smirk playing at his lips, “make sure this guy doesn’t give you any lip.” He leans in close to me and whispers loudly for all to still here, “If he does, just knee him in the balls and tell him it’s a precious gift from me.” He winks, “he deserves it.”

Linda’s laugh has Ford’s smirk widening. She’s enjoying this show as much as I am. Kudos to Ford.

“You are such a dipshit.” Zander mocked with a shake of his head then waved him off.

“What was that?” Ford plays dumb and cups a hand to his ear, “I don’t think I heard you right. -Ford’s awesome?” He leans back, amusement twinkling in his eyes, “why yes, yes he is.” More than a little pleased at setting his boss straight, he takes another drag of his cigarette. “On that note- we all have shit to do, let’s fuckin’ do it, shall we?” With that, Ford sends a two finger wave and rounds the corner of the building out of sight.

Zander and I relax in silence as the EMT finishes wrapping my arm then wandered off to talk to an officer. With everyone gone, I turn to him with a small smile, not really sure what all to say.

“Thank you for saving me.”

Now that the mind fog is clearing and the adrenaline is wearing down, I can take in my surroundings, take him in,allof him.Bloodyhellis he handsome.

Not too built; it’s more of a working man’s body instead of a full gym body. Now Ford falls into the gym category. I’d like to know more about his tattoos though, those are nice. The way Ford was giving Linda and I looks has me thinking he enjoys sprinkling on the flirt factor any chance he has. Zander has a quiet mystery about him that has me guessing he’s the logical one, the one who must be in control and calls the shots.

I wouldn’t mind seeing just how much control he has. The damn man is sexy.

What the hell? Mere minutes with these men and I’m having to tamp down my mistress?Can’t I go for a run without having to reign her in?

Mymistress, as I call her, is not any sort of disassociation or multi-personality disorder. She me – the part of me whom I’ve kept in chains for far too long. I think of her as a soft dominatrix in a way. She is quite shy for the most part but strike her fancy on a subject and get ready for the nerdy, and oh-so dirty sassy lass to come out and play. There, I said it.

I’m studying him, probably come off as a mental person with how in-depth I’m staring.

Oh, don’t mind me, I’m not one to have a full handbasket some days.

His brown hair is buzzed on the sides, fading to a longer top and finger combed into submission. His five o’clock shadow is a little fuller, relaying he didn’t shave this morning, I’d go with yesterday too. His right cheek has a slight dimple when he smiles, and there are a few scars under his left ear and along the back of his neck. Through the dark circles, his eyes pop out to me the most; I’m sucked into their raging storms. The flecks of golden lightning streaking within strike me down and stun. Most people wouldn’t notice the hazel coloring. I’m not most people.

Get it together Lili. He is not on display for you to dote over.

His sultry American accent warms my chilled heart and does funny things to my nerves.Just what is this feeling?

“No thanks necessary. It was the right place, right time. I’m just glad you’re alright.” He pauses, features softening as he held a handout for me to shake, “they all call me Zander, well, other than my mom.” The man who resembles a bit of Tom Hardy gives a grin that makes my heart skip. My throat goes dry.

Not the time, mistress.

From what I’ve gathered of this man so far, his name fits his personality well. Strong and fierce, controlling and domineering. A force not to be reckoned with.Defender.

His eyes met mine and my heart gave another leap. I take his hand in mine and try my best at getting my thoughts in order.

“A pleasure to meet you, I am Liliana, -uh, Lili,” I laugh shyly, “Just

Lili.” I’m not even mentioning my artist pseudonym. Not many know the person behind the portfolio; L.J. Hayes is a mystery.

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