Havoc's Mate (Badlands Territory #2) - Lila Rose Page 0,2
didn’t have experience in serving people, so all I could do was pray that nobody asked too many questions.
Drawing in a deep breath, I climbed out of the car, shut the door, locked it, and shouldered my bag. I glanced down at my clothes. I looked presentable enough in black slacks and a light blue shirt, which went well with my blonde hair and blue eyes. Heck, I even applied some light makeup and had washed and styled my hair into a neat braid. Yet, I still felt like shit, like my father had said I looked, and it had to do with the sleepless nights, the big bags under my eyes, and the weight I’d lost.
Right. I had to snap out of it or try to with this fresh start, and first, I would get myself something to eat to help the growling to subside so the employers I met didn’t think I had some type of beast inside me.
On the quick walk, I felt like I was being watched, and glanced around. Locals—at least I thought they were—seemed to be checking out the fresh meat in the town. Pushing my nerves down, I stepped through the door of a coffee shop. Already it was busy and had a line, even at eight in the morning. I waited in line and read the menu above the register, ignoring more gazes coming my way. I couldn’t decide between a croissant or a bagel.
“Next” was called.
Moving to the counter, I ordered, “A cappuccino and a bagel with cream cheese, please.”
My smile faltered when the woman behind the counter just stared at me.
“Um… I did say please, right?”
“You’re new here.”
My brows drew together. I nodded. “Yes.” Was there a problem with being new?
“Just passing through or do you live here?” she questioned.
I tensed and glanced around to see almost everyone was looking at us. This was weird. Unease prickled, to the point I felt like running from the café.
“Brea” came from behind us, and I turned enough to see a man had stepped closer. “How about you get the woman her order before scaring her off?”
“Alton,” the woman sneered. “I’m just making sure—”
“Brea, now,” he ordered.
What was going on here?
“Actually,” I started, deciding it would be best to just leave in case she put poison in my order, which was likely from the way she scowled at me. “I don’t need anything. Thanks anyway, but I better get moving.” I took a step back and then stilled when a hand landed on my lower back.
“It’s all right, sweetheart. Brea won’t do anything to your order.” He winked down at me and then moved his dark brown gaze, which hardened, to Brea and added, “Will you?”
“No, Alton,” she said through clenched teeth, and I still wasn’t sure if I could believe that.
Alton pulled out some cash from his jeans pocket and put it on the counter. “Add my usual order to hers,” he said, and still with his hand to my back, he led me to the side to wait.
I could have run, made up some excuse, but I didn’t, and I wasn’t sure why. The whole situation worried me. Alton scared me a little with how big he was built and so full of muscles, but he’d also helped me out. However, was there an ulterior motive behind his assistance?
“Brea’s harmless,” he offered.
I thinned my lips to keep myself from calling bullshit. Instead, I said, “Thanks for your help, but I really think it’s best if I go somewhere else.” Shifting to the side so I could see him better, and to also remove his hand from my back, I took a look around. Immediately I noticed people were no longer staring at us. Did that have to do with the man at my side? Glancing up, I caught Alton taking in a lungful of air and looking down at me.
Something flashed in his eyes as he smiled and ran a hand through his light brown hair. “I promise she won’t do anything to your food. She’s wary of new people because we had some trouble a while ago when she got attacked by some newcomers.”
“I would never—”
“I know. At least I’m pretty sure I do.”
“Look, all I want to do is stay here for a while with my mom, find a place to work, and be left alone.” Why did I even tell him that?
“So, you are new and here to stay.” It didn’t sound like a question, more of a