Finding Mafia

Joey

We aren't expecting a very busy day which is very good news for me as I set up the bar for the afternoon's shift. Seeing as it is a Wednesday the turn out will be suitable for me to make enough money for the day and then get off early  to have some time for myself tonight.

After the heavy conversation with Declan earlier I had time to think about things. I am glad that we are in a good place after what happened the last time that we saw each other.

I don't regret what we did, I am glad I got to have that experience with him. Declan is a good guy, but I just fear the feelings that come along with having that intimate involvement with him. I don't plan on staying long and the more time I spend with the people I have met here the more my heart wants to stay here.

I long for the day when I feel safe enough to be here without the constant fear lingering in the back of my mind. For the day when I am not looking over my shoulder waiting for me to see him and then it will all be over, the life that I have experienced in these last few weeks has been the best in my life. I want this feeling to last forever, like I am strong enough to overcome anything.

But for now, all I can hope for is that the time I do have left here, for it to be the best I can make it. And this shift is just a part of that.

Turning around from my spot at the bar, I jump when I notice someone leaning at the bar.

"God, Declan what the hell?" I express laughing, but his expression remains unchanged as he narrows his eyes taking me in.

Turning my head to the side I try to understand what he is doing. "Can I help you with something?"

"Tell me about the bruises."

My body stiffens at his words. "Declan."

Standing up straight his stance becomes intimidating as I am forced to stare at him. "No Riley, I am tired of asking. What are they from? Who did it to you?"

My initial response is to simply not say anything and get out of there as fast as I can. I turn from where I am and make it to the end of the bar. Before I can get out from behind it. Declan is there in front of me, he's grabbed onto my shoulders and has his face in front of mine, trying to make me listen.

Running his thumbs along my skin to gain my attention he whispers, "Who?"

He won't understand that I just can't tell him, nor do I really want to. "You are just gonna have to accept that I am not gonna tell you."

"That's not good enough" he replies after a long sigh.

My vision starts to cloud as tears fill them. "Declan, please don't do this."

"Tell me love." he brings one hand up to my cheek as he cups it in his large palm. The warmth of his hand is soothing against me. His closeness which is normally very intimidating is bringing me a sense of clam.

Bringing myself back to the situation at hand, I remove myself from his hold and take a step away from him. "My life isn't something I talk about. My life is my own business."

"Does it have something to do with why you left home and came here." He questions, but I can see the curiosity that is brewing behind those caring eyes.

"Stop. This isn't your concern Declan."

"But you are my concern at least I would like you to be." Hope fills my once wet eyes as I stare at the giant of a man in front of me. "I mean as an employee and all." And as soon as the hope came, it went.

I hang my head down too scared to look him in the eye. And instead of leaving well enough alone, he can't seem to help himself from continuing to medel in my life.