Locked Hearts

Chapter Thirteen

RAELYNN POV

"Do we know who did it?" He asked.

I shook my head. "No, they were found in an alley way near the club. Single gun shot wound to the head, a quick in and out. They were the same two men Danny and I did the exchange with."

He nodded, still looking ahead. It was 2am and freezing out. "Does he know who you are?"

"No, he still hasn't shown up." I replied.

"Keep me informed." He stood from the bench and walked away.

I stayed there for a few more minutes. I only went home when my thoughts became to much. Grace wasn't here tonight, I'll admit to missing her terribly. She always had a way of calming the bad thoughts. She didn't even know how much she helped me.

●●●

"You've barely been here lately." Danny said as he came into my office.

"I've been living, just like you suggested." I replied twirling the pen in my hand.

He eyed me with a smirk. "This have anything to do with a certain redhead?"

I didn't say anything, while I continued to look at the papers in front of me. It had everything to do with her. I missed her when she wasn't near, I wanted to be with her whenever I could. Sleeping without her became restless nights and I craved her attention. It was needy to say the least, and I couldn't exactly place my feelings just yet.

"I think," I trailed off not really knowing what to say. "I think I told her....I told her something." I mumbled loud enough for him to hear.

"Okay? What did you tell her?" He asked leaning closer, a eager look in his eyes.

I rolled my eyes and leaned back in my chair. "I told her I didn't want to sleep with anyone else. What does that mean?"

He smirked at my question. "I think it means, my little Rae of sunshine, that you like this one."

"Well, yeah, Grace is smart, beautiful and loving. It's hard not to like her." I shrugged nonchalantly.

He sighed with a roll of his eyes. "No, you idiot. I meant like, you're falling for this one. Fucking finally." He got up, patting down his suit as he did. "A girl who has you under control. I have to meet her, but be careful." He stared right at me. "You know what we do, don't bring that shit at home." He left me alone with my thoughts.

He was right, I couldn't let her know. At least not any time soon. I wondered if she'd still want me if she found out. Does she even want me now? Grace wasn't the type of woman to play around, she made that perfectly clear. I never lied to her and I had absolutely no intention of starting.

My eyes found the picture on my desk. There were already enough people I had to worry about. Did I really want to add Grace to the mix? That didn't sound fair, it was selfish of me. She didn't deserve to be dragged into my mess of a life. Yet, as my thoughts consumed me, I didn't have it in me to let her go. My selfish self, wanted her.

I puffed my cheeks out and threw my pen down. After packing up the papers, I decided to leave here. It was only 3pm but I needed some air. I walked out and down the staircase. My eyes caught movement and I turned it see Lena. Since that night in the parking lot, I knew something was off but I didn't want to think about it.
Groaning softly to myself, I walked to the girl.

"Are you living in your car?" I asked getting right to the point.

She looked at me with wide eyes. "I-I...n-no I'm not." She stammered.

"Yeah, see I don't believe you. Your car's full of your belongings and you were sleeping in it." I sat down, placing my arms down on the counter. "Why are you living in your car?" I asked sternly.

Her face paled and she stood there looking scared. Her mouth opened and closed a few times before she finally spoke. "I got kicked out of my place and I have no where to go."

I looked closer at the girl, she looked mature but too young. "Did Danny hire you?"

"No, the other one, I can't remember his name." She fidgeted nervously.

"Bubbly guy, always seems to be happy?" I asked, having a clue it was Clay.

"Yeah, his happiness is actually a bit annoying." She muttered.

I smirked, happy I wasn't the only one who thought so. "Did he ask for your ID?"

Her face grew even paler. "Uh, no. He just looked at the form I filled out."

I nodded. "I thought so. You're not 21, are you?"

"I...please don't fire me. I need the job. I'm going to school and I can't afrord to drop out. Please." She begged.

"How old are you?" I asked, I didn't let my expression falter.

"I just turned seventeen." She answered quietly.

"I see." I drummed my fingers on the counter top. She could pass for older, with her height and maturity. I sighed, frustrated with myself since I knew there were murders all around now. I couldn't just leave her out on the streets. But then again, why was it my problem? "Why don't you live at home?"

Her face dropped at my question. "My mom died and my dad's an abusive drunk. I r-ran away." She spoke quietly.

Fuck me.

Just great.

Perfect.

"Danny!" I yelled getting up.

"What?" He answered calmly.

"We need a new bartender. Find someone before opening tonight." I instructed.

He huffed loudly, leaning against the staircase. "Do I pull workers out of my ass, Rae?" He asked irritated.

"I don't know, do you?" Without waiting for an answer, I turned to Lena. "Come with me." I walked out knowing she'd follow.

We got to her car and I instructed her to bring her stuff. She did without any complaints. From the club to my penthouse, we were in complete silence. When we got out the elevator, I began to speak.

"I don't like messes, clean up after yourself. Help yourself to anything you want, stay the fuck out of my room, food's obviously in the kitchen and this," I opened the door to one of the two spare rooms. "Is the room you can use."

She looked up at me. She was a little tall but about three inches shorter than me. "I can stay here?" She asked with a childlike innocence.

"Yeah. Oh, one more thing. Steal anything and I promise, you'll lose a hand." I said coldly. "And if it wasn't clear, you're fired."

"But I need the money." She argued.

"You're seventeen. Get a job at a damn restaurant or cafe."

"You pay better, I need money for college too." Tears welled up in her eyes.

I gritted my teeth in annoyance. "Just," I breathed in and out. "We'll figure something out." She nodded with a sad look. "I'm heading out. Don't burn down my place." I beelined to the elevators again.

What the fuck is wrong with me lately?

I just brought a kid home.

Awesome.

-E