Beaten and Bruised

Riley Smith

That sorry excuse for a man. What have I gotten myself into. I wanted a way out and I just had to take the most dangerous route. Get it together Riley. I can do this. I've lived through some of the toughest things in life. I lost my mother. I've had to watch my dad give his life away to an addiction that consumes him everyday. This deal with Maddox was better than nothing. I'm lost in my thoughts as I make my way from Maddox's penthouse.
"Riley?" I hear from behind me. Great.
"Hey, Logan" I say as I turn around and face him.
"What are you doing here?" he asks. I think about what I am going to tell him. He is going to be upset either way.
"I had to talk to Maddox..." I say hesitantly.
"I heard about your deal" he says as he hangs his head.
"I'm sorry, Logan. I just didn't want anything bad to happen to you" I sound hopeless.
"Riley, I can take anything Maddox throws at me. I've known him way longer than you have. I don't need you to save me by putting yourself in danger" he says and grabs my hand.
Something about the way Logan touched my hand was enough to tell me he cared. This man cared enough for me to keep me out of harms way.
"The damage is done, Logan" I say pulling my hand away.
"I know. I just want you to know that I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. This won't be easy and Maddox will be hard on you" he assures me.
"I'm not afraid of Maddox" I grin.
Logan smiles at me and motions for me to come inside. I want to go inside so badly, but I have to get focused for tomorrow. I told Logan I wasn't scared of Maddox, but deep down I had a little bit of fear.
"Logan, I want to, trust me, but I have to be up early to meet Maddox" I say. I see the look on his face and I can tell some kind of light bulb lit up in his mind.
"You have to be there by 9, right?" he asks.
"Yup" I say.
"Stay here tonight and I'll have you where you need to be earlier than 9. Maddox likes people who go above and beyond for him" he persuades me.
I sit and think about my choice. Maybe this was a good idea. I needed Maddox to like me. I hated him with everything I had, but he was my boss now.
"Alright" I say. I'm sure my father won't even realize I didn't come home. He's probably already passed out on the couch by now.
"Come on in, I have plenty of room" Logan says as he opens the door to own penthouse.
Logan's penthouse was so much lighter than Maddox's. You can see the personality difference. Logan's place was open and welcoming. I followed Logan into the kitchen. His kitchen layout was a dream. Logan pulls the bar stool out for me and I give him a smile and sit.
"You hungry?" he asks.
"Always" I giggle. The last meal I had with him was interrupted.
"I promise you no fancy food" he jokes.
"Don't go breaking any promises then" I joke back
Logan turned around and started looking through his cabinets. You could tell he was a single male. He only had a few things and they were nothing he could make a meal out of.
"So, how about I order us some takeout?" he turns back around to face me and I can't help but stare at him in amazement. Logan was nothing like the guys I had dated before. I know we aren't dating, but I wanted Logan to be more. It was kind of nice being put first for a change.
"Thai food?" I ask.
"Anything you want" he says.
We spend our time talking while waiting on the food. Logan has a way of making any story interesting. His voice animates a story in a way as if you were there when it happened. I haven't opened up about my life much and I know he is catching on, but that's what I liked about Logan. He never tries to prod at me for information.
The doorbell rings and we finally get to sit down and eat. I am exhausted and it just keeps getting later and later. Logan pulls out all the little boxes and grabs me some chopsticks.
"Can I ask you something, Logan?" I have to put my mind at ease with all of this Maddox stuff.
"Sure" he looks at me with bright eyes.
"Should I be scared?" I say.
"No" he looks at me and something tells me hes telling the truth.
"Okay" I take another bite of my Chicken Pad Thai and try to enjoy Logan's company.
We talk more and I realize that its already 2 A.M. If we were going to get up early we needed to go to sleep soon.
"So, what are the sleeping arrangements?" I ask.
"You can take the bed. I'll sleep on the couch" he says.
"Such a gentleman" I joke with him. This was awkward, but I didn't know how to feel in this kind of situation. I had never stayed at a mans house that I was not in a relationship with.
"I'll show you to the room.. I have extra blankets if you need them" he leads the way and I follow like a lost puppy dog.
I get settled in bed and I lay there. My mind is racing with fear. I have no idea what to expect tomorrow. I think about all the decisions I have made within the last few days, and nearly all of them had been bad. I wanted to start being a risk taker but at what cost? Here I am laying in a mans bed that I haven't know that long. I am not the person I was before. Maybe Maddox was right. Maybe I liked what I did. Am I a bad person? I toss and turn but I can't stop thinking. I get out of the bed and make my way to the bathroom. I flip on the light trying not to wake Logan. I quietly close the door and look into the mirror. I could see the exhaustion in my face. The dark circles around my eyes were enough to scare anyone. I splash some cold water on my face and I hear a little tap on the door.
"Are you okay?" I hear Logan say softly.
I open up the door and see a shirtless Logan. I would be lying if I said I didn't like what I saw. His shorts hung off his hips and I noticed that Logan was a lot more fit than I thought.
"I'm okay" I say. It was a little weird just standing in the doorway.
"I'm sorry if I woke you. I just couldn't sleep" I say trying to break the awkward stare.
"Who wouldn't want to be woken up by you?" he smiles. Logan looked perfect, even if it four o'clock in the morning. His blue eyes sparkled even more with his exhaustion lingering behind them. Logan steps closer to me and I pull him in. I know that I like Logan and I need to let him know how I feel. Before I can make a move his lips collide with mine. I knew in that moment I wanted Logan to be more. He was everything I wanted in a person. I deserve to be happy and Logan made me happy.
"I hope that wasn't over stepping this time" he says as he pulls away.
"You didn't overstep. I really like you, Logan" I say. He gives me a smile and walks me back to the bedroom. I didn't know what his intentions were at this point. I was ready for anything else other than a kiss right now. He surprised me though. I laid down he placed the covers back on top of me. A simple kiss on the forehead and Logan made his way back to the couch. I fell asleep thinking of what life would be like with Logan.
I wake up to the smell of coffee and bacon. That was new to me. Normally I was the one to be cooking breakfast. I make the bed up before I go to the bathroom and try to freshen up. I can't have Logan see me like this. I started to freak out when I realized that I had no clean clothes for today. Maddox was the last person I needed on my case today. I walk down the hallway and into the kitchen to see Logan pouring a cup of coffee and singing to City In Colour. I can't help but laugh at his terrible singing voice.
"Oh, hey! I didn't know you were awake yet" he hands me a cup of coffee and I sit in the barstool.
"Yeah, I'm honestly shocked I woke up this early" I say.
"It's not as good as your coffee" Logan smiles and puts a plate of pancakes and bacon in front of me.
"I didn't know staying here had all these perks" I joke. I pour the syrup onto my pancakes and start to dig in.
"Not everyone gets this kind of service" he laughs and then I see his face fall.
"I didn't mean it like that. I just mean't only you get this kind of service. I never have anyone..." he rambles.
"Logan, I understand what you meant. My feelings are not hurt easily. Whatever this is between us, is new" I try to assure him that I am not the jealous type. I also hope for confirmation from him.
"Well, I want this to be more, but I need to know what you want" he leans over the counter to place a kiss on my lips.
"It takes two to make a decision like that. I'm up for the adventure if you are" he tries to place another kiss on me, but I pull my coffee cup up to my mouth playfully before he can.
"Then lets try this out" he says. Logan walks around the bar and pulls me up from the stool.
"We need to get ready, and I still don't have clothes. You're going to have to run me by my house" I say breaking away from his playful embrace.
"Maddox had something sent over for you. I was suppose to bring it to you when I picked you up this morning, but you stayed here" he says walking towards the closet in the hallway.
I watch as Logan pulls out pair of leather pants, a leather jacket, and a red tank top.
"What is that?" I say with a mortified look.
"What he sent for you" he says. I can see that Logan was uncomfortable.
"Fine" I roll my eyes and take the outfit from him.
I hate Maddox so much already. I've only talked to him a few times and hes already controlling my life. I squeeze into the leather pants and finish getting dressed. My hair wasn't terrible and make up wasn't really an option at this point. I walk back into the living room to see Logan putting on his leather jacket. Maddox must really like leather.
"You look amazing" he says as he looks up.
"Thanks" I say sarcastically. I'm not enthused with anything I am wearing right now.
"Are you ready to go?"
"Ready as I'll ever be, I guess" I say.
"Lets go" he smiles and opens the front door. There stands Maddox with his hand raised ready to knock.
"Well, looks like you two had a good night" he flashes is conceited grin and roll my eyes and push past him.
"Not a morning person, huh?" I hear him say to Logan from behind me.
The wait at the elevator door was awkward. I was standing between a man that I hated and a man that I wish I had more time with. I look over at Maddox dressed in an Armani suit. It fit him well. If he had that much style you would think he would have picked out something better for me to wear.
The elevator door opens and we walk inside to see tall brunette woman. She was beautiful and obviously Maddox's type by the way he was ogling her. I stand next to her trying to get away from Maddox. I look over at Logan to see where his attention is but right as turn my head he grabs my hand. That was all the assurance I needed from him.
"Hey Maddox" the girl tries to be flirty but its just coming off as desperate.
"Hi gorgeous" Maddox say back.
We reach the lower level and Maddox tells the girl to call him tonight. This was easy for him. I think that is what makes me hate him so much. He doesn't have to work hard or put effort into anything.
We exit the building and get into the black SUV waiting outside. Maddox greets the driver and Logan waits for me to get in before he does. Always a gentleman. I slide in and am sat once again in the middle of two men. Only this time Maddox was a little to close for comfort. Why we couldn't use the third row of seats was beyond me.
I could feel the tension between Logan and Maddox. They hardly spoke a word to each other unless they were talking about business. I caused this and I hated to be the person that came between them.
"I want you to take her and show her the office" Maddox says as we pull up to the vacant looking building.
"Yes'sir" Logan agrees and he opens the door. He offers his hand as I get out and escorts me up a flight of stairs.
"I thought I was going to be learning other things" I say.
"What do you mean?" he asks.
"You know, like organized crime stuff" I say back and realize how silly I sound.
"I don't know what he has in store for you. Just do what he asks and keep your head down" Logan instructs me. I can hear the fear in his voice.
Logan opens the door to the office. It was much more beautiful than the outside of the building. The view was incredible. We were somewhere on the outskirts of Los Angeles. The hills and water that surrounded this place was nothing like anything I've seen before. It may actually be nice to work here all day.
"Maddox will be up here shortly. If you need anything just call me. I'll come and get you for lunch" he says with a smile and places the sweetest kiss on my cheek.
"I can't wait" I smile back.
I watch as Logan leaves me behind in this soundless, yet extravagant office. This big office had one other little room inside of it. I walk towards it when I see the big windows in front of the desk. I roll out the chair and take a seat so that I can admire the beauty in front of me.
"Why are you in my chair?" I from behind me. I turn around and see Maddox leaning in the door way. I rush to get up out of the chair and it rolls from underneath me. I fall to the floor and instantly regret walking into this room. I should have know this was his office.
"Sorry, I was just admiring the view" I say as get back up onto my feet.
"That's why I chose this place" he says as he takes a seat in his chair.
"Why am I here?" I ask him.
"I want you to run the books. Its your job now to figure out if any of my money goes missing"
"I didn't sign up to be some book keeper" I push. I know what Logan said but I was not going to be pushed around only to be some girl who takes care of finances everyday.
"I didn't ask" he snarls back.
"How in the world does me shooting some guy in a club result in me taking care of your business transactions?" I can feel my temper rising at him. This is not what I had in mind.
Maddox stands up and walks closer to me pushing me into the wall behind. His arm is outstretched above my head and he leans in close.
"You will do as I say and not question it. You wanted me to save your boyfriend and I kept my word. Now stay in your place and mind me and everything will be just fine" he breathes into my ear and I can feel warmth. Goosebumps had risen on my arms and I couldn't decide if I needed to argue or let it go.
"Okay" I say as he backs away from me.
"This is my part of the office, but that desk in there is yours. You run a coffee shop, so I think you can handle managing expenses. I'll have all the paper work this afternoon for you to look over" Maddox gets right down to business.
I give Maddox a nod and make myself comfortable. My desk had nothing but a computer and a few black pens. If I was going to be working in this office I needed the proper supplies. Surely he could understand that. I pop my head back into his office and see him staring out of the big windows.
"Maddox..." I say softly. I'm not even sure if he heard me.
"What do you need?" he says in a stern voice. He obviously doesn't like to be bothered.
"I need supplies" I say back and give him a little attitude.
"You have pens and a computer, is that not enough?" he gripes
"It's best to have a paper copy of financial records for back up" I try to convince him. My mother always told me it was better to have paper than technology. I have stuck by that ever since she passed.
Maddox's eyes look me up and down almost as if he's undressing me. I feel a shiver as his eyes come back to meet mine.
"Fine. I'll send someone out. Make a list" he says. I give him a nod and turn back around to start looking through the records on the computer.
I have never seen this many zeros in a bank account before. I never have understood how deep Maddox was in until now. Every account he had was named after a woman. Elisa, Elana, Franchesca. All in alphabetical order. I had never done books like this before. My coffee shop is a lot more simple than this. I need to know where this money is going so I can make sure that it is in the proper accounts, but I know Maddox is never going to allow that.
"There she is! You ready for lunch?" Logan comes through the door and spins me around in the office chair. He pulls me up from the desk and into his arms. This is the first time today that I didn't feel like I had to walk on eggshells.
"I'm starving" I say.
"Logan!" Maddox yells from the other room.
"Give me just a second" he smiles at me and makes his way into Maddox's office.
I sit back in my chair and wait for Logan. I can hear Maddox yelling like the maniac he is. A selfish man who is angry at the world all the time. I wonder why Maddox is the way he is. How did he and Logan even become close. They are the complete opposite of each other.
Logan and Maddox walk out of the office and I stand up again hoping we can actually leave this time.
"Go get her something else to wear" Maddox hands Logan a credit card.
""You got it boss" he agrees and takes the card. I could tell by the look on Logan's face that he didn't care for the idea Maddox deciding what I wear. Logan takes my hand and we leave the building.
I try to think of a way to break the silence. I could tell Logan was upset about something. The bad thing about this new relationship was not knowing how he reacts in anger. I haven't known Logan long enough to know how to comfort him when he's upset. I muster enough courage to ask him one question.
"Are you okay?" I ask.
"I'm fine" he says and smiles at me. I knew he was lying.
"You know I'm always here to listen, right?" I say trying to reassure him. I wanted to get to know Logan and that included the things that upset him.
"I know. I just don't want to get you caught up in all of this Maddox drama" he says.
"Well...I'm already caught up in his mess. I pulled myself into it back at that club" I try to joke with him and I can see he is trying his hardest to not get angry.
"I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be angry with you" he scoots closer to me and I grab his hand to try and comfort him.
"It's okay. I'm not that easily offended...unless you're Maddox" I say. The tension just builds.
"Please don't take this the wrong way, Riley" he gives me a look and I feel like he doesn't want to say what he is about to say.
"You don't belong here" he says. I'm kind of hurt by his words, but he was right.
"I know, but what choice did I have?" I tell him.
"I have to take you to get new clothes because Maddox needs you for something" he switches the subject over. He still seems angry.
"So...he chose what I was wearing and now he doesn't like it? What does he need me for?" I can feel my anger boiling to the surface. Maddox was going to ruin my life.
"He is having some business clients over at his club and he wants you to wear something nice" I can hear the sadness and anger in Logan's voice.
"Is that why your upset?" I ask.
"Yes" he admits.
I try to comfort him but I know his anger is not going anywhere. Logan had every right to be upset. He liked me and I liked him. Maddox was putting me into his sick games.
"What is going to have me do?" I say a little scared for the answer.
"He just wants you to smile and look pretty in his arm" he grits his teeth turns into a strip mall. It was fancy, but small. A huge water fountain sprayed viciously in the middle of the buildings. We get out and walk into the first store that comes into view. I preview the short red dress on the mannequin in the window. I take a minute to study the details on the dress. It was paired with a black pair of red bottom heels.
"Maddox prefers you wear red tonight. That dress would be fine" Logan comments on the dress in front of us.
"I'm not trying to impress Maddox, I want to impress you, Logan" I can feel myself getting snippy with him, but I was tired of him bringing Maddox into this.
"I'm sorry" he says.
"I don't care what Maddox thinks about me. All I care about is you and what you think about me. This is just part of the job and you should know that" I say.
"You're right. Get the dress and heels and we will go get some lunch before your first official job" he smirks and pull the dress off the mannequin and I notice the price tag.
$895.00.

I take a peek at the shoes and I almost faint.
$695.00

I set the dress down and make my way to Logan, whose standing by the register. I notice the cashier flirting with him and that doesn't set right with me. I step in front of him and lean in for a kiss. When we pull away Logan is smiling that beautiful smile that I like so much. The cashier however rolls her eyes and walks away.
"What was that for?" he asks in surprise.
"She was clearly flirting with you" I say.
"I only have eyes for one girl" he jokes.
Logan looks down and notices I am empty handed.
"Wheres the dress?"
"I put it back because it was too expensive" I say trying to pull him with me to look for something else.
"Riley, nothing is too expensive for the boss. He gave me his card, which has no limit. Pick whatever you want" he smiles.
I take this as my opportunity to get back at Maddox. I grab the red dress and heels and then take it upon myself to pick out something I actually would enjoy wearing. He can think of this as an eye for an eye.
I bring everything up to the counter and the cheeky cashier throws everything in a few bags. Logan swipes the card. I've never seen a register go that high before. I also have never been able to afford things like this. I was getting spoiled. i kind of liked it.
Logan takes me to lunch and we try to get to know each other more. I could get used to being with him all the time. He cared about what I had to say. I don't really have any friends, and my dad is never sober enough to care. Maybe change wasn't so bad after all.
We pull back into the old building and we walk back up to the office.
"Boss is going to want you to try that on" Logan says.
"Um, are you okay with that?" I ask him.
"I have no choice, Riley" he opens the door and shows me where I can change.
Logan sets my bag down and gives me little peck on the forehead.
I put the red dress and heels on and I feel powerful. I feel like an invincible woman ready to take on the world. Although this is not what I would normally wear, I felt good. I fix up my hair a little bit with my hands and get ready to embrace whatever I'm about to throw myself into. I swing the door open. As I look up I see Logan and Maddox both looking at me in astonishment.
"You look amazing" Logan says as he picks his jaw up from the floor.
"Thank you. I'm not use to wearing this stuff, so I was nervous" I say.
"Boss? What do you think?" Logan asks. I know he is just asking out of respect. He could care less what Maddox thought about me.
I look over at Maddox and he breaks his eyes away from me.
"It will work" he turns on his heels and makes his way back to his office. I feel a little defeated after his reaction, but Logan was all I really cared about.
"Can you wear that for me more often?" Logan giggles and pulls me into his arms.
"I mean I could" I roll my eyes and hug him tightly.
"I have to get back to work, but I'll see you here in bit, okay?" he says. Logan makes his way back out of the office and I make my way to my desk. More and more books to go through.
"The dress was nice" I hear as I look of from my computer screen.
"Thanks" I say trying to ignore the jerk in front of me.
"I like red. Did he tell you that?" Maddox toys with me.
"Look, I don't care what you like, Maddox. I'm not here to impress you. I like Logan, let me make that very clear" I bite back. I know I he is a dangerous man, but I will never let him disrespect me. Maddox moves closer to my desk.
"I'll have you if I want you" he places his hand under my chin forcing me to look at him.
I didn't know what to think. All I knew was that Maddox was a dark force, and I had no idea how to hide from his storm.