Beaten and Bruised

Riley Smith

       I hate Maddox Jones with every fiber of my being. I have never met a man that talks down to me the way that he does. After tonight, I was second guessing my decision to join Maddox's game. The stupid red dress, the nasty men he kept company with, and the killer that was within Maddox. I wanted out already. I knew that I took this job as a way of breaking free, but I was scared. The way that Maddox looked at me when I grabbed his arm was alarming. It was like he knew what the outcome would be with Carl. He enjoyed pulling the trigger. 
     After trying to be nice to Maddox, I made my way back to Logan. He was my safe place. I fought myself over the things that happened. Not only was I mad at Maddox, but I felt like I had failed the objective of what I was suppose to do. Maddox retaliated to things going on around me. 
"Riley, are you okay?" Logan asks from the doorway. He saw me making my way back to him from down the hall. 
"I'm fine. I'm just happy to see you" I say as he wraps his arms around me. 
"I'm sure I know how Maddox took your kindness, but you just have to let him be. He is not used to genuine kindness from anybody. Most of the time the kindness he recieves is out of fear or infatuation." Logan tries to assure me. 
"I don't care anymore. He doesn't deserve my kindness. From now on things will be strictly business." I say as I sit on the empty couch. 
Logan finds his way next to me on the couch. I look over at his big blue eyes and I melt. He reaches his hand out to push the hair out of my face and I lean in. He crashes his lips in to mine and all of the anger and frustration I was feeling was erased. Everything was easy with Logan. It's like he understands what I am feeling, even if I don't tell him. 
"I kind of love it when you do that" I smile at him. He shoots me a bright goofy grin and I know the world is okay. 
"What do you say we go to bed?" he says. 
"I'm exhausted" I agree with him. 
"I'll go lock up, and then I'll meet you in the room" Logan says and plants a kiss on my forehead. 
I put on one of Logans shirts and a pair of shorts. Although logan was not huge, his clothes still hung off of me. I had to tighten the draw string as tight as I could. I pulled the covers back and snuggled my way into the king size bed. Logans bed was much comfier than mine. There was a lot of room to spread out in it. 
"Making yourself comfortable I see?" Logan laughs and start to take his shirt off. I tried not to stare. 
"Yeah. Your bed is a lot better than mine at home" I smile and lay back. 
"Well, you can sleep in it anytime you want" he says as he climbs into the bed and scoots closer to me. 
"I may have to take you up on that offer" I giggle. 
"Don't think I am saying this becuse I want you to leave, because I don't, but what about your dad? Has he not wondered where you have been?" Logan asks.
"I don't know. I have been so busy the last few days, I have only had time to call people in to run the coffee shop. After that, I really don't have time to mess with my phone" I say. 
"I see. Well I can run you by your house tomorrow morning if you want? You can grab some of your clothes..." he says as if he is trying to ask me something. 
"I would appreciate that. I hope that we aren't moving too fast, Logan" I say. I was by no means moving in with him, it was just easier to deal with this business arrangement I had with Maddox.
"Not at all. I want to help you through this. I told you I would be by your side the whole time. and I mean't it" he smiles down at me as we scoot closer together. 
"I am going to have to talk to Maddox about my coffee shop. I can't keep having people come in for me" I say worried. I know eventually, one of my employees are going to ask where I have been. Pay day was coming up soon. 
"Get some rest tonight, and you can worry about that in the morning" Logan reaches over me to turn the lamp off and we settle in close. 
I laid next to Logan all night and couldn't stop thinking about what my life will be like now. The first couple of days on this job were eventful to say the least. I thought that I wanted to be somebody else. Shooting someone didn't affect me nearly as much as watching Maddox take someones life. I couldn't stand the thought of Maddox Jones, but somehow he kept taking over my thoughts. Logan understood me as a woman, but Maddox sees something eles in me that no one else sees. Why? Why him? I drift off finally and hope that I wake up tomorrow to a better day.
   I wake up to City in Colour playing and I look over to see Logan gone. I know that I probably look wrecked after lastnight. I didn't even take a shower before I hit the bed. I had spent the night dancing in a club full of sweaty bodies and alcohol. I had to take a shower this morning and fast. Poor Logan probably smelt me all night. The thought of it made me sick. I make my way to the bathroom before Logan sees the beast of a woman I am right now. I strip out of Logans clothes and jump in the warm water. It felt nice against my skin. I sat in the shower thinking about what to do with my coffee shop. I can't physically work and run my shop while working for Maddox. The thoughts of selling my shop have always been in my mind. I spent more money on running the shop then I actually made running it. I could sell it and work to put my dad through some kind of rehab. He needed it. I wanted to sell but I was always to prideful to go through with it. I built my coffee shop from the ground up. I put hard work and many tears into that shop, but it looks like now is the time to give it up. 
I turn the shower off and make my way back to the bedroom to get dressed. I had almost forgotten about the flower dress I had worn previously. I put it back on and tried to comb my hair with my fingers as best as possible. I couldn't wait to get my clothes from my house. 
"Good morning, gorgeous" Logan comes gliding with another cup of coffee. I loved the feeling of being spoiled by him. 
"Thank you" I smile back. Logan walks closer and pulls me in for a kiss. 
"Did you sleep well?" he asks. Did he want the honest answer? 
"I did" I lied. 
"I think that has been the best I have slept in months. You must have been the angel of sleep that I needed" he teased. 
"I guess so" I say.
"I figured I could run you by your house and then we can go to the shop from there?  Maddox needed you to look at the books some more today" he says. Of course, Maddox needed me to look at his books again. 
"Okay" I say. 
"Are you sure you're okay? You're being pretty short with me this morning" Logan says worried. I shouldn't have lied to him about sleeping.
"I promise I'm fine. Yesterday was just a lot. I'm not used to running around this much" I say hoping that he buys what I am telling him. 
"I understand. Maybe I can talk to Maddox and tell him to take it easy on you today" he jokes, but I don't find anything funny about Maddox. 
"I don't need Maddox to go easy on me. I can handle him, I promise" I say and try my hardest not to worry Logan anymore.
"Alright, lets get going. We can take my car today. Maddox wants to go straight to the shop today so he will take the SUV" he assures me and walk right out of the front door. 
I loved car rides with Logan. His car was something to be loved itself. We never really had the chance to ride alone since all of this started. Somehow both of our worlds revolved around Maddox. Here I was thinking about him again. The dark, sinister man was ruining my time alone with Logan. 
I snap out of the thoughts of him when I see my house come into view. It looks as if nothing has changed over the last few days. Logan pulls into the driveway and parks. He tries to open his door but I touch his arm and give him a look of desperation. 
"You can stay here. I won't be long" I assure him. Now wasn't really the time to discuss my family struggles.
I get out of the car and walk into the house I once called home. My Dad is sitting on the couch and just as I suspected he is drinking once again.
"Where have you been?" he asks in a drunken voice. 
"I was working, dad. Just like always" I say.
"There's no food, and I'm starving! What are you going to cook me?" he yells. He has never raised his voice at me. Not like this. 
"Dad, I can't work and take care of you. Why don't you stop drinking so much and get a job yourself!" I yell back. Just days ago he was assuring me of how he was going to change one day. Now here he is yelling at me because he ate our house out of food. 
"You know what? I took care of you for most of your life! Your mother was taken away from and left me here with you! The least you could do is take of your old dad!" he walked closer to me and started to grab my dress. 
"It looks like you can spend money on a brand new dress but not groceries for our house!" he reaches his hand back as if her were going to slap me. 
"Stop!" I hear yell from behind me. 
"Logan, please don't hurt him" I plea. Tears run down my face as I watch my dad lower his hand. 
"Back away from her right now!" he yells towards the man I once called dad. 
"Who the hell are you?" he asks and starts to make his way for Logan. 
"Don't worry about it. She is here to get her things" he demands. He shoots me a look to go and gather my clothes. 
"You are not taking anything! This is your home and you are not leaving with this man!" my father shouts at me. 
"She can come with me if she wants. I told her I wouldn't hurt you, but if you as much as walk towards her while I am here, you will regret it" Logan threatens him. 
I hurry up and grab my things. I toss any clothes that i can find in a bag. I wasn't worried about if they were dirty or clean. I had to get back to living room before Logan hurt my dad. I didn't understand why he was acting this way. Usually when he is drunk he passes out. he has never been violent with me. On the other hand I was upset at Logan for coming in like he did. I told him to stay in the car. I was fighting with myself. I couldn't be too upset with Logan because who knows what would have happened if he hadn't walked in. 
I finish gathering my things and walk back to living room to see Logan standing in the same place I left him. Him and my father were both glaring back at each other. 
"I'm ready" I tell Logan so we can get the hell out of this house. 
"You are really going to leave me? The only parent that you have left alive?" He says trying to hit me where it hurt. He knew my mother was my weak spot, but I knew his. 
"By the way, I am selling the coffee shop. I have no use for it" I take the jab and walk out of my childhood home.
Screaming and cussing is the only thing I can hear as I walk down the driveway to get into the car. I was still crying and Logan could do nothing but look at me with worried eyes. I hadn't told him about this part of my life. I didn't want to open up about my home life to Logan because I didn't want him to know about how shitty it was.
"Are you okay?" he asks. 
"I'm fine" I say. Obviously I am not fine and he knows that but I didn't want to open this box of problems I have. 
"I am here to talk about anything you need to talk about" he tries to comfort me, but I just want to leave this place. 
"I know and I will talk when the time is right. Let's just get to the shop" I try to switch over the conversation to work. That was something my Mother always did. She was hard working woman. I aspired to be just like her. I never knew what her job actually was but she always told me she was accountable for keeping track of money for very important people. I do the same thing for Maddox, only I knew it was dirty money. 
"Why don't I tell Maddox you aren't feeling well? You can take the day off" he says.
"No. I need I want to work today. I need to get my mind off of things" I say. 
"Alright. I guess let's head to the shop" he says with disappointment. 
The ride to the shop was silent. Thoughts and memories were flooding my head. I had a great childhood when my mom was still alive. My father was a man that I looked up to. After today, I could feel my father's love deteriorating with every empty bottle that lay on that table next to him. My father had never hurt me before. The thought never even crossed his mind. What changed?  I can't believe I told him I was selling the coffee shop. I only said it to hurt him and I am sure it did the job. 
"You ready to go in, Riley?" Logan asks me to break me away from thought. 
"Yep" I say back with a smile. 
We make our way through the warehouse and enter the office area. At least going through the books will help take my mind off things. I move to my desk and I can hear Maddox yelling angrily. Logan enters Maddox's office and I sit down and get to work. When Maddox gets angry his face turns a shade of red that makes grown men shake. He becomes villainous. Men like Maddox like that feeling. Being the most feared man around. That is where is arrogance kicks in. 
"I have some stuff to take care of and I'll be back to pick you up. I was thinking we could grab dinner tonight?" Logan approaches my desk and I smile at his hopefulness. As if I have anywhere else to be. 
"It sounds to me like you're asking me on a proper date, Logan" I tease as his lips come close to mine. 
"It's a date then" his lips collide with mine before he walks out of the office. 
I spent the rest of my day going through the books. I checked them multiple times and everything seemed to be in order. I am a firm believer in checking twice, sometimes 3 times at that. I am still curious about why each account was named after a woman. Were these all of Maddox's "quests?" I try not to be too nosy and get my work done. The day goes by fast and I find myself staring at the clock. I send Logan a text but no reply. I look over to Maddox's office and I see him sitting at his desk with his hands raking through his hair. He looks anxious. I make my way over to his office. He doesn't notice me walking his way. 
"Have you heard from Logan?" I ask hesitantly. I wanted to avoid this man at all costs, but I know he would have the answer for Logan.
"Hes on a job I sent him to. Not that it is any of your business" he says firmly. I can hear the annoyance in his voice. 
"It is my business, Maddox. Whether you like it or not, Logan and I are together. I don't need to know what business you sent him on, but I do need to know how to get home because he was supposed to pick me up!" I fire back. Maddox replies with a laugh. He no longer looks anxious. He stands up and make his way to where I am standing. I back up until I am standing in the door frame and I can't move anymore. His presence is heavy and his eyes are turning a stormy grey and I knew that I had hit a nerve. This man hated my existence almost as much as I hated his. 
"What did I tell you about talking to me like that?" he runs his finger over my lips and I freeze. I pull away from him to turn away and I feel his hand grab my wrist. 
"Don't walk away from me when I am speaking to you" his words are rooting me down into the floor. I don't know if it is fear, hatred, or lust, but I can't leave this place fast enough.
"Now, if you need a ride, I will have one of my cars drive us home" he says as he releases my wrist and turns around to grab his things from his desk. I turn away from his office and sit back down in my chair. I want to scream and storm out of this place, but Maddox is in control. I feel as though he will make every decision in my life now. 
When the care arrives, Maddox opens the door for me. I still haven't heard back from Logan and I am starting to get a little worried. There is no telling what kind of business Maddox sent him to deal with. Every situation that Maddox is involved in ends up in someone losing their life. I sit as far away as possible from Maddox. I don't care to make conversation with him. But I can't say the same for him. 
"Have you eaten?" he asks. I keep my eyes facing the window.
"Hello? Riley?" he says shaking my arm. I turn and acknowledge his presence. 
"No. You were literally in the same office space that I was. Did you ever see me leave?" I have no filter when it comes to this man.
"I'll cook you something when we get back to the penthouse" he scoffs. As if I would eat anything he ever could.
"I'm fine. I'm not hungry. I just want to go to bed" I say in defeat. 
"Are you upset about Logan not showing up?" he prods for answers. 
"Not that it is any of your business, but kind of. He promised to take me to dinner tonight" I say. Maddox can tell that I am disappointed. He doesn't say a word after that. The rest of the ride home was silent. I was relieved he didn't try to further that conversation about Logan. I barely knew Maddox and I didn't want to open up to him about feelings. He isn't that kind of guy. He isn't capable of loving or caring about other people. Not the Maddox I know. 
We reach the elevator and I can't wait to be back at Logan's. I need sleep. I feel like I have lost so much of it after the last few days. Maddox exits the elevator with me and waits for me to unlock Logan's door. I turn to close the door behind me but I feel a push. Maddox pushes on the door.
"Listen, Logan really likes you. I just need you to know that" he says. Almost as if he has sympathy. I give him a small grin and close the door. 
I make my way to the shower and finally rinse off the drama of today. I here the bathroom door open and see those ice blue eyes through the glass. His eyes could bring me to my knees. They were a weakness of mine. 
"I am so sorry, Riley. I didn't know Maddox was going to send me on a job that took that long" he apologizes. I look at him through the glass and wiggle my finger for him to come in. I wasn't mad at Logan. I just wanted to spend time with him. He enters the shower and pulls me close. All of my frustrations with Maddox and stress with my dad and the coffee shop, I finally feel it washing away for the day. Logan grabs my chin and pulls it up to look at him. 
"You promise you aren't mad at me?" he says with regretful eyes. 
"I promise, but you have to show me how sorry you are" I giggle.
"I think I can handle that" he says our lips meet each other again. 
I enjoyed this time with Logan. When we were alone, I felt like I could really see him for who he really was. He didn't have to answer the boss when we were alone. I had his attention and he was willing to give me that. He never made me feel like I had to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. After our shower, we made our way to the bedroom and fell asleep blissfully in each other's arms. I felt safe. 

"Maddox! Maddox! Open up!" I was woken up from my sleep from someone yelling in the hallway. Only that someone was the devil himself. 
"What do you want, Maddox! It is 6 in the morning!" I say pulling him in the doorway.
"Where is Logan?" he demands.
"He's asleep. Did you forget it's his day off?" I say sarcastically. 
"We never have days off. We just like to think we do" he says as he makes his way in a hurry to Logan's bedroom. 
"Get up. We have to go. We have some business to take care of today" he shakes Logan harshly. 
"Okay, okay! I'll get up. Just get out of my room" he yells back in a tired voice. Maddox exits the room and enters the kitchen. He starts to rummage through the fridge.
"Don't you have your own fridge at home?" I say. 
"You know, I am getting really tired of you and your sass. It's too bad I need you tonight" he winks and throws Logan an energy drink as he enters the kitchen. 
"What do you mean need me tonight?" I question him.
"We have some more business to attend to. Just like the other night. Hopefully this time you won't be groped" he says. 
"You said all I was doing were the books. I check the accounts and make sure there is nothing funny going on. Remember?" I ask. I start to feel my frustration and Logan notices. 
"What does she have to do this time? Is there not anyone else?" Logan asks. I know he's concerned, but I don't want anything to happen to him on my account. I didn't want to come between him and Maddox.
"We can talk about it at my place" he motions for Logan to follow him. Logan grabs my hand but Maddox doesn't like that.
"She stays here while we talk" he says. Logan drops my hand and I can see the sorry on his face. They leave and the door slams behind them.
I hate Maddox so much. If it is business that pertains to me, why can't I hear the conversation? I swear he doesn't think things through. I get whiplash from him. One minute I'm just the book keeper, the next he needs me for his dirty schemes. I know I signed up for this, but that man is making it really hard. The one thing I don't truly understand about this man is why he feels the need to invade my space. In his office yesterday, he didn't need to back me into a door frame. His lack of respect is astonishing. I have thought about that moment since it happened. I had so much anger and hatred for this man, but I feel something every time he puts me in a situation like yesterday. It's not fair to me and it's not fair to Logan. But...I liked the feeling.