Chapter 1

One

JANE

If his eyes scan me one more time, that means he likes me. Right? Did he—was that a full look or just a glance? Or was he looking at the sign behind me?

“If you just remove the plate on the RAM and then… See? It wasn’t seated all the way.” Cal’s soft hand slides over mine to help guide the memory back in its slot. Tingles shoot up my arm as his palm warms my skin. Can he feel how hard my pulse is pounding?

That was definitely a look. Sure, my green eyes met his first, but he’s holding my gaze. Accidentally, the other stick of RAM falls from my fingers.

“Oops!” comes out like a little laugh and, before he can reach it, my legs squat in front of him, slyly taking my time near his crotch before standing back up. Brilliant. Smooth.

His breath catches in his chest as our hands connect while exchanging the stick. My lips quirk, holding back a smile. Was that too forward? Ugh! I hate not knowing how he feels! He is so hard to read.

“So, um. How’s your boyfriend?” Cal swallows as my eyes catch his Adam’s apple dance.

“It’s not serious,” I say a little too quickly.

A staccato laugh escapes him. “Oh, okay. Sorry?” His always worried eyebrows raise. Is that relief or is it mocking?

“I-I just mean that we’ve only gone out on a date, like, twice.” Casually, I lift one shoulder. “You know how it is… Just trying to find ‘the one.’” Does he? Does he know how it is? He’s so private. Is there someone I don’t know about?

I wish I’d never told him about my romantic life. It was all a ruse to make him jealous, and I think it’s backfiring. But explaining that going out to make ends meet or that it’s like a second career doesn’t sound any better… Maybe I can stage a sad breakup scene for him so he can comfort me. Does Cal do comfort?

Running a hand through his loose brown waves, I notice his cut bicep flex under his white T-shirt as he attempts to push back the hair on his forehead, but it falls back again. “So you’ve been doing good here, running things. I’ve taken notice and am impressed.”

“Oh. Um, thanks!” I say with a bright smile, heat filling my belly that he’s pleased with me. Well, I guess I won’t get my answer today, but he was right to change the topic. Cal’s my boss. Flirting is against the company policy, I’m pretty sure. Was that in the manual? Even if he were into me, he’d probably never ask me out. But just so he’ll stay near me, I ask, “I still feel like I’m messing up the orders that come in over the phone. Is there anything else I need to improve on?”

“You’re doing great. You’ve handled the orders just fine.” The cupid’s bow of his top lip spreads slowly as he gives me a small grin. “Good job, Jane.” His weight shifts back on a heel, but before he can leave, I stop him.

“I, uh, did have a question.” My hand reaches out to grab his taut forearm, but at the last minute, I pretend I’m just shoving my blue West Tech sweatshirt sleeves up, then busy my hand dusting the glass display counter with a rag. “I’ve been here a while but was wondering when you wanted to show me how to…” Biting my lower lip, I let my words trail off, giving the added effect of nervousness. “To load up the machines.”

Cal pauses as his serious face scans mine with piercing scrutiny. “Sure, Jane. I can start showing you how to pack up the parts. But…it’s not easy work. I’ll need to put you through the same training as the others, starting at step one. I have women do the jobs, but it’s sometimes very dangerous, especially during those first tasks. Is that still something you’d want to do?” Like honey with an edge of vinegar, his voice lulls me into a trance. Its resonance could easily lure flies before snaring them.

“Yes, I’m ready. I’ll do whatever it takes. This job is so important to me. And it’s important for West Side.”

Ever so slightly, one espresso-colored eyebrow twitches before he replies, “Okay, then. I’ll add you to the task schedule. But I wouldn’t feel right with one of the guys training you. So, I’ll supervise you myself and make sure you’re safe.”

“Wow, Cal! Thank you!” Now my hand does touch his corded arm and the muscles flex underneath it. His eyes and mine both glance to where we are joined before I slowly slide off him and let my hand hang lonely at my side.

His feet curl up as he backpedals away from me in a crawl. “Sure. I’ll be in the back if you need me.” One side of his mouth creeps up into a shy smile before he turns and disappears behind the black curtain to the warehouse.

Was it a smile? Or was it something else? And the eyebrow thing… Was that intensity, like he’s into me or not into me? Did I say too much? Should I not have touched him?

Pounding my forehead into my palms, my head jerks up in surprise as the chime on the door announces a visitor, interrupting my thoughts about my inevitable rejection. A heavy sigh leaves my chest as I put on my ‘I’m a tech geek! Ask me how!’ look and approach to assist the customer.

We at West Tech have our computer repair service front while stuffing computer parts with hallucinogens in the back. My tasks are to answer phones and take orders, something I was trained to do at my previous job at a big-box electronics store. I was lucky to get hired by Cal a year ago when there’s so little work to go around. Times are tough and making rent is not easy for anyone. He pays me more than I made before and there are better benefits. Plus, he smells amazing.

In a true he loves me not move, Cal hides from me the rest of the day. Grateful to avoid any more awkward encounters with him, my shoulders relax once it hits five p.m. After locking up the store, I walk the three blocks to my apartment.

Placing my sneakers in the tray next to the door, the keys go on a small hook hung on the wall nearby. Despite not needing it, the downy winter coat is thrown over a standing rack. Pressing my back against the entryway, my eyes roam the area while I hold my breath.

Silence.

Nothing’s moved.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, shaking my focus from my evening checks.

Will

Meet you at 7?

Me

Sure! Can’t wait to see you again!

There’s enough time to doll up for this one, and I’m anticipating needing it tonight. After a shower, I blow dry my long, auburn hair, frowning at the faded dye. It’s only been three weeks since the last coloring. Briefly, I let my mind consider what my natural hair would look like now and what it must be like to wear it. To have something real. But those thoughts never lead to any good.

Nothing true survives.

Will likes sluts.He has a preference for small Asian women and anal, but he’ll just have to get a medium-sized redhead with C cups. The butt sex? That I may have to do.

Donning a cropped cable-knit sweater and tight miniskirt, I slide on some suede boots. Last minute, I throw an argyle scarf around my neck. Snagging my bag, my hand rifles through the contents, checking for the appropriate date essentials. Lipstick, phone, wallet, powder, mace, and, yep, a loaded pistol in the back pocket. We are good to go.

The first thing I notice is the wires of his glasses shimmering off the light streaming out to the street from the restaurant window. Will’s hair is always a long, brown mess, but I’ll give him points for his tall stature. If there’s anal involved, at least his penis is skinny.

“Hey, wow! You look fucking sexy!” A cold hand reaches out to snatch mine, his fingers clammy with sweat. As he leans in, I turn my cheek for him to kiss. His taste isn’t something I want in my mouth before eating. I’d lose my appetite.

“Not so bad yourself, Will. Look at you. I like this.” My fingers walk up the buttons of his checked shirt, then tug on each wing of his collar. Gently, my breasts graze his body as he wraps his arms around me.

Sliding his hand to the exposed skin of my lower back, he guides us inside. Knowing Will, he thought I would enjoy the eclectic nature of this farm-to-table restaurant. He was probably trying to be hip. All I can wonder is if they have burgers, but I’ll pretend for him.

“Great choice of restaurant, by the way,” I say, slipping my hand into his as we approach the host stand.

“Oh, it’s seat yourself and we encourage splitting up your partnership to mingle with other guests…” the host says, staring at us over his thick black-framed glasses.

“Sure, um, can we have menus?” Will asks.

“Scan the QR code with your phone.” With a wave of his thin arm, the host motions to the open restaurant. There aren’t many people inside.

Pretending this is completely normal, I grip Will’s scant bicep and give him a reassuring smile.

“The window?” he asks.

“I’d prefer the back, if you don’t mind.” Squeezing his hand, my voice nuzzles his ear lobe. At my suggestion, his steps hurry toward the rear of the establishment.

Tables are set up family style, with long wooden tops and benches lining either side. He lets me slide on one while he scoots in next to me. Scanning the menu with our phones, I try to calculate what I should eat to go with anal. A salad? Steak, likely. Not spicy.

“You’re vegan, right?” Will’s light brown eyes catch me off guard for once. Is he? Is he vegan? How could I not know this?

Brushing my fingernails across his back, I lean my shoulder into his. “Ha! How’d you guess?”

“I figured you were, working for Cal and all. Thought you’d like this place.” A wide, lazy grin forms on his lips as his eyelids take longer to blink.

“Well, you figured right, mister. Do they have a black bean burger?” Oh, wait, beans are a bad choice. “Or a salad, some rice.” What do vegans eat?

Will’s heavy brow furrows, casting a shadow over his round glasses. “They have an eggplant parmesan here I was told was good for vegans.”

Isn’t that sweet? “Thanks for thinking of me. I’ll try that.”

“I’ll get it, too. Maybe I’ll become a vegan.” His bony shoulder taps mine. Dammit. All that vegan talk and he’s not one already. Oh well, too late to back down now.

After ordering and receiving our genuine farm raised chickpea hummus and veggie appetizer, I politely hold a piece of celery as I ask, “How’d you know I was working with Cal?” Lifting the cool vegetable to my mouth, sans bean dip, I pretend to munch on it while gazing at my date and batting my lashes.

“I used to work with Cal, didn’t you know?”

“Really? No, I didn’t know that. What did you do?”

Settling back on the bench, he straightens up, one half of his lips kicking up into a smirk. “I was one of the lead programmers. Yeah, the only reason I left was to do freelance programming for myself.”

Programming. Mmm-kay, smart guy. “That’s so interesting! What kind of programming, like what did you do when you worked for Cal?”

“We programmed, uh, you know, the safety and security systems for West Side. All of them.”

“Just West Side?” This time, my mouth inadvertently crunches on the stalk. I’m hungry.

“Well, I mean, his reach goes everywhere in Gnarled Pine. But you work there. You know that.” Leaning in closer, his lips almost touch my temple, but he holds there and says my four favorite words. “Between you and me, I did more than programming. I was one of the eyes in the sky.” Sitting up, he nods, eyebrows raising into a knowing look.

“That’s amazing! I bet you saw so much!”

“Fuck yeah, I did. This one time at the Crimson Angel, I saw—” The waitress sets down a large dish of food in front of us, big enough for a family of ten. Will sends her a helpless look.

“It’s for the table.” She scoffs and lifts her hand in the air, showcasing the almost empty surface. Our heads mutually turn to spot one elderly couple near the opposite end, who both smile sheepishly and hold up their hands, waving off the food with a cursory glance.

“Um, okay. Thank you.” Will points to the serving spoon, allowing me to go first, as the waitress bustles off.

Dishing some onto my plate, I take a bite of the gooey steam. It has no flavor. But when Will looks at me expectantly, I muster up some enthusiasm. “Mmm, it’s great! Good choice!” His shoulders relax, and I prod him with another question. “What did you see?”

“Huh?” He takes a bite and grimaces as he chews.

“What did you see? At the Crimson Angel?”

His eyes dart around the room. Clearly, he’s noticed the cameras. “I don’t remember.”

My palm itches as it runs down the worn denim covering his knee. “That’s okay. Maybe you could tell me about it back at your place.”

Brown hair whips over his shoulder as he turns to face me with a bright smile. “Yeah?”

Pursing my lips, I scrunch my nose, making my freckles bounce, no doubt. “Yeah…I mean, if you want to.”

“What? Fuck yeah, I do.” Lengthy fingers prod between my legs as he squeezes my upper thigh. “I’ve been thinking about it.” It could be how hot they have the heat turned up in the place, but his glasses begin to fog from sweat. He’s not lying.

“Me, too.” Please don’t make me finish this awful dish.

Taking off his glasses, he wipes them on his exposed shirttail. “You want to get out of here?”

“Yes, I do.”

Will’s apartment is two buildings over and four stories below mine. He doesn’t know that. The interior is bland and beige, but spicing things up, there’s a stack of 80s porn magazines from the time we lost power for four days due to one of Strauss’s antics. Will had to resort to old-school masturbation without his computer. I think he stole the stash from his dad’s place, but now they sit in a neat stack next to a bottle of cocoa butter in his nightstand.

Bouncing on my toes, I rub my hand continuously up and down his bicep as he unlocks the door for us. Will’s narrow eyes lower into slits as he investigates my eager face. “You seem excited.” He chuckles with bright eyes, like a boy winning a video game.

“I am.” Brushing my lips against his clean-shaven jaw, he shoves the door open and pulls me inside by the waist.

His lips are full and soft, and his tongue measured in its exploration of my mouth as it envelops mine in a passionate kiss while his foot kicks the door closed with a loud boom. Opening one eye, I monitor where he’s moving us, trying not to trip over anything as well as checking out my surroundings.

“Fuck, how-how far do you… Uh. You want to…”

“How about we take this into your room?” It may be pushing things too fast, but I press my chest to his. Come on, C cups!

Long, cold fingers crawl underneath my cropped sweater and slide into my bra, squeezing my tits before another kiss is shoved against me. Walking me backwards, he takes us into the small bedroom, which is messy and stinks of some cheap body spray. I know he makes more money than to wear something like that. Poor Will just needs a woman’s touch. The yellow neon cooling system from his bedroom computer lights up the room in waves, shadows bouncing around the walls recklessly.

As we reach the unmade bed, I quickly unbutton his shirt as he helps pull my sweater over my head. “Holy shit, your body…” Standing agog, staring at my chest for a moment, Will slips one bra strap down, lowers the cup of my bra, and licks his lips at the sight of my pink nipple. Hmm, he’s a feeder. Raising my chest up to him, his eyes never departing from the areola, I unleash my tits for him as his mouth latches onto one in a frenzied release of pent-up lust.

My hand slides down his chest and unzips his pants, then pulls out his semi-hard thin dick. Semi-hard? I thought I had him going… Unable to look away, I stare down at the shaft held in my open palm at the same time Will’s eyes open wide from their small caverns. “Uh, I, um, was wondering. Can-can I see your feet?” A flash of an awkward grin appears on his mouth before dissipating, embarrassment flushing his cheeks.

Feet? I thought he was an ass man… Hmm, I’m not usually wrong. Feet it is, I suppose.

“Sure,” I say, smiling sweetly. Breasts and feet. Got it. Lying back on the bed, I hike my miniskirt up my thighs, exposing my thong to him, then slide off my boots, slowly, and one at a time. “They’re kinda sweaty⁠—”

“Don’t.” Will grabs a leg before I can wipe the ball of my foot on the sheets. Examining it like a podiatrist, he lifts it to his nose and sniffs. His deep inhale seems to travel down his body and pump up his cock to its full capacity. It makes a leap toward me. “Fuck. Your feet are absolutely perfect. Even your little nails are painted.” So grateful I spent last Saturday doing a pedicure. “You-you don’t mind, do you?” As I lower my ankle to his waist, his eyes latch onto my face. Raising my other leg, I join my feet around his stiff dick. “Oh, god… That’s amazing. The skin is so smooth. Y-yes.”

Bending my knees, my feet rub up and down a few times as he stands at the side of the bed, rocking his hips in sync with my strokes. “Is that good?”

“God, yes. But can I watch you? Can I watch you play with yourself?”

With my most sultry eyes, I say, “You wanna watch me play with my pussy, Will?”

Grabbing my feet and holding them tighter around his cock, he bites his lip and smirks. “Yeah, I do. Let me see.” He nods to my panties.

Once I’ve tugged them down to my knees, I lean over on one elbow and touch my clit with a few fingers, running circles with the tips.

“Damn! Your pussy is perfect, too…”

“You want to play with it?”

Will leans forward and spreads me with two thumbs, just staring at the pink skin. With a small nod to his dick, he says, “Don’t let up, though. Keep going.” I pick back up with my foot job.

Licking his bottom lip, Will continues to study me, as if mine is the first vagina he’s ever seen before. The glasses he’s still wearing only add to the nerdy student vibe he has going on. Watching my eyes, he dips a thumb inside my hole while I continue to tease my clit. “D-does that feel good?”

“Mmm, yeah… It does.” I let my head hang back along with my hair, exposing the open column of my neck down to my breasts. Will takes the hint and plunges his cock rapidly between my feet while finding a nipple with his tongue, then sucks with his thick lips until I release a loud moan.

A hint of a whisper comes through as Will’s fingers wiggle one of my big toes. Barely audible, I think I hear the word “piggy.” Suckling again on my nipple, he breathes onto it, causing me to shiver while he moves on to my next toe. “And this little piggy stayed home.”

I glance down at where he’s singing the child’s song breathlessly in between nursing sucks. Before I can slow my stroke, he grips my feet and rubs on them harder, then looks me in the eye. “This little piggy had, ugh, roast beef.” Dipping his head, he bites my breast as I cry out, my thighs involuntarily closing around his waist from the shock of pain.

His groans vibrate through my skin, and when I add some ball action to my job, I know he’s getting close.

“Th-this little piggy had none.”

“Um, Will?” Unsure if I should stop things, I sense he may take an ax to me after this is all over, but as I pull back, he grabs my smallest toe and starts ramming into my feet.

“And this,” he sputters as he speaks. Then, in some deep, demonic voice, he growls, “This little piggy went wee wee wee all the way come, ugh!”

My head snaps up. That was unexpected. “You good—” But as I ask my question, he spurts cum all over my feet, ankles, legs, and some of my thighs.

Even as it ropes out of the tip, he pants out, “Shit, shit, shit. I’m so, so sorry. Fuck, so sorry.”

“Why are you apolog⁠—”

“I’ll get you a towel. I’m so sorry.” Will pulls on his pants and sprints to the bathroom, returning with a crusty hand towel that’s clearly never been washed.

“Oh, thank you.” While I wipe up, Will paces in front of the bed and runs his hands through his hair repeatedly. “You okay?” I ask carefully.

“Yeah. Sorry, I just, um, didn’t mean to make such a mess.”

“It happens. I’m glad I could make you make a mess,” I say, giving him a bright smile. “Do you have anything to drink?”

“Of course. You want a beer? Is that vegan? Sorry. Water?”

“Water sounds great.” As soon as he steps from the room, my hands push down my skirt and throw on my boots before I waltz to his computer. Just for a gander. What’s Will into these days? Got any secret lovers? Babies from other women? Peeking my head out from the bedroom door, I call to him, “Can I use your bathroom in here?”

“Yeah, of course. I’ll just be in here. Want to watch a movie or something?”

“Absolutely.” But I don’t go into the bathroom. Instead, my fingers tap lightly on the keyboard and… Oops! The monitor lights up, and my eyes happen to catch what’s on the screen.

An appropriate amount of bathroom time later, I reappear in the living room, my arms extended in a long stretch over my head. Will sits on his couch with his elbows on his knees, flipping through the selections for a romantic comedy.

Opening my mouth wide, I let out a big yawn sound. “Hey. I’m sorry, but I’m feeling pretty tired now. I’m going to head on home.”

Will’s deep-set eyes search my body up and down. Heart beating faster, I wonder if I overplayed my hand. “Oh. Okay. Huh. It was the piggy thing, wasn’t it?”

“Wh-what? No, I’m just tired and have to work tomorrow.” My toes edge closer to the door, attempting to ease out of this conversation.

“Was it my cum? Like, coming on you?” Scruffy locks of his hair fall forward as he lets his head drop. “It was. I knew it. Fuck. Why can’t I be normal?”

A fraction of me feels the need to take the three steps and place an arm over his shoulders to comfort him. But mostly? I just don’t care. “No, it wasn’t the cum. I’ll call you!” Edging turns to hurrying to the door and darting out in a flash. We both know I’m not going to call.

Feeling airy and light as I step into the freezing winter air, I suck in a deep breath, my lungs cleansing themselves with the mist of the frozen flakes falling on the sidewalk. Since the streets seem empty, I do a little happy wiggle, my ass thrilled it didn’t have to get stabbed by Will, the programmer, tonight.

Once I reach my apartment, I slide off each boot and put them on the tray. With the keys hung on the hook, my back presses to the door. I listen, scanning. Silence is the only sound that returns.

I’m satisfied and perform my nightly routine and door lock checks. Scrubbing my skin in the shower, I change into my pajamas and brush my teeth. Plopping onto the bed, my legs slide under the 100% cotton sheets like every night. Fingers stretch to turn off the light…

And I see it.

My breath catches even as my hand reaches for the pistol in the nightstand drawer. And though my mind commands it to stop, my pulse races in my arteries. The vision laid before my eyes magnifies as terror overtakes me.

The tissue box next to my lamp is turned at an angle.