Love, Riley: Redemption Highway: Briarwood Read online

  Copyright © 2017 U-Turn by Leaona Luxx

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted by U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior permission of the author.

  The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, establishments, or organizations, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously to give a sense of authenticity. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. U-Turn is intended for 18+ older, and for mature audiences only.

  Editing and Formatting by Masque of the Red Pen

  Cover Design by TE Black Designs

  TABLE of CONTENTS

  Copyright

  Dedication

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Twelve

  Thirteen

  Fourteen

  Fifteen

  Sixteen

  Seventeen

  Eighteen

  Nineteen

  Twenty

  Twenty-one

  Twenty-two

  Twenty-three

  Twenty-four

  Twenty-five

  Twenty-six

  Twenty-seven

  Twenty-eight

  Twenty-nine

  Thirty

  Thirty-one

  Thirty-two

  Thirty-three

  Thirty-four

  Thirty-five

  Thirty-six

  Acknowledgments

  To my girls: The Moral Compass, The Altruistic, and The Compassionate—your individuality makes you who you are, but it also makes you each mirror images. Love of others, moral center, and compassion exudes from each of you. I’m in awe of the incredible women you are and have yet to become. Your undying love and support of me leaves me without words. I never imagined how you would fill this family with your presence the way you have. Our family is not only more colorful and full because of you but complete. You are our hearts’ counterpoints, and we love you. I’m so honored you have chosen my boys to fall in love with. We are blessed to call you ours. I love you…C…D…K!!

  “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

  -Maya Angelou

  “Loopy Lucy, Loopy Lucy.” Ben leers, teasing the little girl as he walks beside her.

  “You have bugs in your hair,” Drew snarls as he flanks her.

  “You’re dirty, and you stink!” Carson yells from behind her as he pushes the little girl.

  “Stop,” the little girl pleads, her lip shaking. Carson pushes her again as she shuffles her feet. “Leave me alone!”

  “Make me, Licie Lucy,” Carson growls as his hands land on her back, making her tumble to the ground.

  Tears well as she inspects her bloodied knees; her hands are scraped, too. All I can do is stand and watch as they kick dirt in her face. She tries to right herself, tears streaking the dust on her cheeks as she wipes the blood from her knees.

  “What’s wrong, Ava?” Drew sneers as he kicks dirt in her face again, and she shields her eyes as she turns away from them.

  “Why are you crying? Cause you stink?” Carson bends to yell in her ear. She buries her head in her arms and draws her knees to her chest, clutching her arms tightly around her legs.

  “Nobody wants you,” Ben teases her as he pokes her in the back, and she begins to rock back and forth, scared and trembling. “Your parents don’t even want you.”

  “Stop it!” someone growls in the distance, but the boys bullying her don’t listen. “I said stop, now!” The voice grows deeper as it gets closer.

  “We’re just having fun with your girlfriend, Brannon.” Carson smirks as his eyes grow cold.

  “And I’m about to have fun with your face. Now, get outta here,” Brannon spits as his hands ball into fists at his sides.

  “Make me,” Carson says as he widens his stance. “There’s three of us.”

  “And three of us,” Walker snarls as he joins Brannon with his younger brother, Riley.

  “So, what now?” Brannon’s lips flatten as his fists pound the side of his legs. Riley holds a tissue to the little girl’s knees.

  “You’re okay. Don’t cry. We’ll protect you.” Riley touches her face, wiping her tears. “I’ll never let anyone hurt you.”

  I wake with a jolt, my breathing ragged as sweat gathers between my breasts. Sitting straight up, I assess my surroundings. The sheet pools around my waist as I scan the room for my belongings. Light streams through the window curtains I left open, brightening the dank space.

  Slipping from the bed, I grab my pants from the floor and my bra from the nightstand. Searching further, I find my purse next to the television, but there’s still no sign of my shirt. Quietly closing the bathroom door, I drag my pants up my legs and hook my bra.

  My purse in one hand and boots in the other, I’m out the door as a groan comes from the sleeping body in the bed I just left. I don’t look back because I’ll see exactly who I am, and I don’t wanna do that. Not today.

  Slipping into my boots, I hold my head high as I pass several tourists, strutting to my car… on the other end of the motel. Fuck my life. Of course, it’d be parked next to the gas station. I hit the lock just before yanking the door open, tossing my purse in.

  “Well, hell. If it’s not Trouble,” a deep gravelly voice says from behind. I don’t even have to turn around to know who it is—Riley Pennington. It’s been years, but Riley’s the kinda guy you don’t forget.

  “Well, hell. What’s up, RIP?” Rolling my eyes, I plaster a knowing smile on my face and turn around. I’m faced with an incredible looking man. Damn, age did Riley good. His shaggy dirty blond hair hangs from his blue hooded Henley. His washed-out jeans look rugged with his brown work boots. All of it pales in comparison to his scruffy face and blue eyes.

  “Not much, you in need of some help?” He nods toward my exposed chest with a smirk.

  “What? It’s beach season.” Eyes wide, I feign innocence.

  “Ava, it’s obscene exposure,” he growls through gritted teeth and rolls his eyes, exasperated.

  “It’s a bikini top.” My face reddens as I cross my arms over my chest. I know I look ridiculous—bra, jeans, and boots.

  “It’s your bra and most definitely obscene.” He strains his words. “Where’d you leave your shirt?” His eyes stray over my shoulder toward the motel. “You ditch him?”

  “Don’t be a dick, Riley. I’m going home.” I turn and slide into my seat, slamming my door shut. He knocks on the window, motioning for me to roll it down. I bite back the mild annoyance that’s snaking up my spine as I roll down the window, and Riley leans in.

  “What are you doing?” He runs his hand through his hair.

  “It’s none of your business.” Clenching my jaw, I stare straight ahead.

  “You’re right, but you can get your ass hauled back to jail.” My head spins, and we lock eyes. “After your last trip, I thought maybe you had learned something.”

  “Like what?” My nostrils flare
as I grit my teeth.

  “I don’t know, maybe being around for your daughter.” He grinds his teeth as his words seep out.

  “Don’t talk to me about what’s best for my child, Riley.” Glaring at him, my heart begins to pound.

  “I just thought someone should since Brannon’s not gonna do it anymore.” A vein pops in his neck. “Get some damn clothes on for Christ’s sake; try to have some respect for Andi if you can’t for yourself.” He stands tall and turns to walk away.

  “Hold on a fucking minute,” I yell, jumping from my seat. “Who the fuck do you think you are? You can’t talk to me like that!” He turns on me, pinning me against the car.

  “If you’re going to run around acting like a fool, I’ll damn well talk to you how I please. Now, get the fuck in that car and take your ass home.” Opening my door with such force, he comes close to taking it off its hinges. Asshole.

  “I hate you. When did you become such a dick?” I sneer as I step in.

  “When you stopped caring.” He stands there with his hands on his side, lips pursed, judging me the way everyone else in this town does.

  “Don’t stand there pretending you care about me. You’re like everyone else. You forgot about me a long time ago, Riley.” My words fall like concrete, hard and damaging.

  “One day, Ava, you’re gonna regret that.” What the fuck does that mean?

  Narrowing my eyes, I spit my words at him. “Yeah, I don’t think so.” Shoving my car in reverse, I leave him standing there, slack-jawed.

  As soon as I hit Highway Seventeen, I take a deep breath. Damn, that was close. Riley’s a little prick saying that shit to me. Just because we grew up together, he thinks he has the right to boss me around. It’s bullshit, and I’ll get my chance to tell him.

  I get to my apartment just in the nick of time to grab a shower and a change of clothes, then I’m out the door and on my way to work. I’m pulling a double today because I have to be at the college early Monday to get my books. After that, I have to get my scrubs.

  Speaking of uniforms, these shorts are riding up my ass. Riley wants to bitch about me being shirtless, yet the shorts I have to work in are a crime. Talk about indecent. Yet, the men at the club appreciate when I bend over; my tips prove it.

  Thanks to Riley’s scolding discussion, I’m gonna be late. Great, my jerk of a manager is gonna chew my ass. Not that I’ll admit it to him, but Riley was right—I need to get my shit together. I know last night was uncalled for. Will I ever get my shit together?

  Riley and I have known each other since his family moved here when he was six I was twelve. I hadn’t seen him for several years until my recent run-in with the law. I’m not sure when he became my self-proclaimed protector, but apparently, he’s let it go to his head.

  One minute after twelve, I’m officially late. Fuck. Pulling through the back gates, I take the first parking spot I find and sprint through the back door. Scanning the room, I hope to get to the time clock before the manager sees me.

  “You’re late!” Steve, the club manager, yells. Too late. Ugh, he’s such a freakin’ creep!

  “I know. I apologize, I got held up.” I wince as I slip into my white sneakers. “It won’t happen again.”

  “My office. Now.” Gritting my teeth, I roll my eyes at his demand. I knew it.

  I follow him to his office in the back. Rounding the corner, my hair stands on end. There’s something about him I can’t put my finger on, but it gives me the willies. Not to mention nightmares. I’ve had those since I was six, I just hate to make them worse.

  I hate being back here in the small, dark space with him. I’m not fond of the dark, and the smell reminds me of something old. He holds the door open for me, and I have to squeeze by him, which is what he wanted.

  It always feels like he’s pushing his crotch forward, so I never know if I should turn my back to him or face him. Either way, he rubs against my ass or my chest. It’s so gross, my stomach revolts at the proximity. If he wasn’t so repulsive, he would be decent looking.

  “You know the drill, have a seat.” He smirks. I cringe when his eyes wander over my body.

  “I’ll stand,” I grind out as he sits behind a small desk, the dim glow from the desk lamp lighting the space.

  “Huh. Have it your way, for now.” Steve leans back in his chair, folding his hands behind his head. I wish the damn thing would tip over.

  “Alright, I know I was late, but this is just making it harder on everyone.” I wrap my arms around me, hoping to deter his staring.

  “This is the second time you’ve been late since you started with us. Is this going to be a habit?” He drags his eyes down my body, and I feel dirty every time he does it.

  “No.” A wave a nausea washes over me.

  “No, what?” he asks.

  Swallowing the rising bile in my throat, I answer with disdain. “No, sir.” My mouth sours with each ‘sir’ I say. Leaning forward, he lay his hands on the desk, folding them.

  “You know, Ava. You do this to yourself.” His eyes narrow.

  “How’s that?” I whisper as I clutch my arms tighter.

  “Everyone knows who you are and what you do. Maybe you should try doing it for someone who can help you.” He licks his lips as his eyes glass over, dragging down my body.

  “Yes, sir. I’ll keep that in mind.” I grind my teeth on every word, trying not to vomit. “May I go now?”

  “Yes.” He nods to the door. “And, Ava, remember to drop a lot of things today, the members enjoy it.”

  Turning to the door, I fumble with the handle. Then I realize the door’s been locked, and I feel a million spiders crawl over my body and shake with unease. He’s such a sleaze. I practically take it from its hinges getting out. Hurrying to the front, I grab a towel and hit the swinging doors.

  “Hey, girl. Table eight has been asking for you,” Nikki says. Taking a deep breath, I shake off the nasty feeling.

  “Thanks. Sorry I’m late. It was only by five minutes because I was in the warden’s office.” I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to clear the image.

  “I know. It’s all good. Go make some money,” Nikki says as she elbows me when she walks by with a couple of drinks.

  “Yeah. Fun times,” I huff as I walk to my best tipping table.

  Ten hours into my shift, I’m behind the bar after the kitchen has closed. I don’t mind. It keeps Steve away from me, and I get great tips. I’ve been working at the Calabash Golf Club since Brannon had me arrested. Brannon is the father to my ten-year-old daughter, Andi.

  “Hey, can I get a Dick Sucked?” the tall brunette asks, slurring his words. I’m sure he knows what he’s asking for, though; he’s being a jackass.

  “A Dick Sucker coming up.” I annunciate the “r”.

  “Either one will work, sugar tits.” I grimace at his attempt to hit on me. I’m so over this day.

  “Here ya go, that’ll be ten bucks.” He digs the ten out of his front pocket, but before I can take it, he jerks it away.

  “Kiss me, darlin’, and I’ll hand it over.” He leans in, puckering his dried-out lips.

  “I’m working, I just need your money.” Clenching my jaw, I reach for the bill.

  His hand wraps my wrist, pulling me to him. The bar top rams into my ribs, and I wince at the forceful contact. Throwing my hand up, I get it between his lips and mine before he can connect. I struggle with him for another second when suddenly, he’s on the floor, face first with Riley standing over his crumpled form.

  “Riley! Don’t! Just throw him out, please,” I yell as I hurry around the bar.

  “I didn’t plan on hitting him, Ava. Just getting him off you.” Riley has the drunken man on his feet and to the door before I can get my bearings.

  Riley walks toward me pushing through the crowded club, swagger with every step. He looks me over, making sure I’m okay, I guess. Walking back behind the bar, Riley doesn’t even ask as he joins me.

  “Are you okay?” He stands beh
ind me as I fill another drink order.

  “I’m fine. I’m used to it, you know.” I shrug as I peer over my shoulder at him. Riley’s face is pinched up as he nods before walking away.

  The next two hours drag, making this day even more intolerable. My bed is waiting, and this may be the first Saturday night I sleep by myself. For once, it actually sounds like a great idea. I need to get my shit together. I’m not working here another minute than I have to.

  “Ava, go on home. I’ll clean up. You’ve been here all day,” Dan says, and it’s music to my ears.

  “Seriously? Thank you so much. I’ll get you back next week.” My feet are already happy.

  “No problem. Get home safe.” He follows me to the door to lock it behind me.

  The back parking lot is dark with only one light over the door. I hurry to my car on the other side of the lot, thanks to my being late. Digging through my purse, I fumble for my keys when I hear a noise. Snapping my head up, I look around to see if someone is following me. Nothing.

  I shake the bad vibes off and continue to my car. But there it is again, gravel crunching against the pavement. It’s footsteps, no doubt. My pulse races, and I make a run for my car; there’s no looking back. Clicking the lock, I’m thrilled it works. It didn’t in my old car.

  The steps grow increasingly louder, warning me that whoever is out here is close. I jerk my car door open, but someone grabs me from behind. “NO!” I immediately thrash against his hold.

  “Ava, it’s me. You’re okay,” Riley loosens his grip and quickly takes a step back. Whipping around, I slap him on the arm.

  “What the fuck? You scared the devil outta me!” I scream at him as he protects himself from my assault.

  “I’m sorry! I was worried about you.” Feeling instant guilt, I stop hitting him. “And I’m fairly sure the devil still resides.” I roll my eyes at him.

  “So, what now?” I ask as I lean against my car to steady my shaking legs. He follows my lead, standing close to me.