Bratva's Captive - Piper Stone Page 0,3

one.

Given it was the last class of the day, he left first. I lingered. A huge part of me wanted to know more about him. After a few seconds, I exited the classroom, catching a glimpse of him as he walked toward the exit of the building.

I followed.

My heart racing, I remained far enough in the distance that I hoped he didn’t realize I was following him like some lovesick girl. When he approached his vehicle, he took at least a full two minutes scanning the perimeter of the University’s parking lot before sliding into the Camaro. The moment he revved the engine, the vibrations seemed to resonate in every muscle in my body. I was like a live wire, desire surging to the point I was forced to take shallow breaths.

I dared to inch closer, unable to take my eyes off him as he revved the engine, finally heading toward the main road. When he drove off, I moved closer to the street, my nipples aching from the lurid thoughts racing through my mind.

Wanton sex.

Forbidden.

Even taboo.

He was like a predator in the night, every single inch of his personality screaming of a dangerous adventure. He was almost never seen in town, a quiet man who kept to himself.

I had to wonder what secrets he was hiding.

Everyone had them.

Including me.

Milly’s Diner.

There was nothing glorious about the location, but the food was excellent and the drinks flowing. Almost always packed, tonight it was quieter than normal. The owner liked me well enough, ensuring I could have as many shifts as I wanted when school was over. One more day then freedom.

Yeah, right.

At least the night seemed to go by quickly.

I pressed my hands against the ugly apron I was forced to wear, staring out the window for the tenth time. It was already after ten-thirty. Thank God we usually closed at eleven, although it depended on how many customers were inside. After that, I’d have at least thirty minutes of prep time for the next day. I was exhausted, the long hours starting to take a toll. I’d allowed myself two days off after the end of the term to rest and enjoy.

Then back to the grind.

One more night of hard work.

A loud noise drew my attention, the sound forcing me to bristle. The unruly group of guys had pissed me off more than once. They were getting dangerously close to crossing several lines. I had no issue putting them in their place. Even my boss admired what he called my chutzpa.

“Better go see what they want before they tear up the place. Handle them, tiger.”

I gave the other remaining waitress a playful rebellious look until she laughed. Becky was a pleasure to work with. She’d been around the block a few times, her fresh take on drunk assholes always providing a laugh. Exhaling in an exaggerated fashion, I walked toward the table, taking my sweet time.

“There she is, the most beautiful girl in the world. Come here, darlin’. Me and the boys need some refreshments.”

The dude was huge, ugly, and didn’t like to hear the word no. I moved as close at their stench would allow, smiling sweetly like my mama had taught me to do. “Another round?”

“You betcha, sugar britches. Say, you wanna come have fun with us after work? We’ll wait for ya.” The second guy leered at me as if I was already standing naked in front of him, ready to ride him like a wild stallion.

“I’m sorry, boys. My big, burly boyfriend wouldn’t like it if I stepped out on him.” I turned away abruptly before I said something I was going to regret.

Then I saw him.

The professor.

Gone was his usual crisp white shirt, gray trousers, and the colorful tie that almost always highlighted his gorgeous eyes. Tonight, he wore a tight tee shirt and an even tighter pair of faded blue jeans, the kind that hugged every bulge to the point I couldn’t think clearly. As I approached, I was able to see even more of his tats, the colorful ink crawling up both arms. With the way the neck of the tee shirt hit, I also noticed a slight curl of a vine or something similar peeking out. With his blond hair and chiseled body, he was the epitome of a god.

And he just seated himself in my section.

Shit.

What was I supposed to do?

Think and act like a mature woman, for God’s sake.

My little voice was right. He had to eat somewhere. Why not