Chapter 14

Soma’s POV

I didn’t want to go to the store, but I felt like crap not opening the business. I still had some products and I still had bills to pay. Rolling my eyes I took a shower, did the things I needed around the house, and kissed Mouse before leaving. It was raining up, so I figured I wouldn't get many customers at least until it stopped.

Opening the store, a stillness in the air. I turned the lights on and looked around. I’d forgotten the place was empty. I wasn't sure what to do, but I couldn’t disappoint my customers. If anyone came in and asked what happened, I don’t know what I would tell them. I was hoping these few days would go fast and Nick and I could figure out what we’re going to do.

The chime of the door startled me, turning to face the customer my heart went into my throat.

“Hello there Soma.” Detective Marks said with a sinister smile on his face. “I see we didn’t destroy your business,” he said taking steps towards me.

“What do you want now?” I snapped, I wasn't afraid of him at least not until he continued to stalk me like I was prey.

“Oh I am going to keep making your life a living hell Soma,” he said stopping in front of her. “Don't worry you are going to enjoy me, maybe I’ll even give you some sexual love,” he said eyeing my body.

“I don’t think so.” I snapped trying to take a step back, but he grabbed my arm pulling me closer.

“You think you can reject me,” he said with his face close to mine. “I could rape you and no one would believe you.” he smiled. “But I won’t at least not right now,” he said releasing my arm.

“Stay away from me!” I snapped. “Someone will, believe me, I will ensure you are finished if you touch me.”

He rolled his eyes, “you are fresh meat in this world, you don’t even know who you are talking to, but yet your heart rate tells me you are scared.”

“Who wouldn't be?” I said taking a step back. “You’re a dirty cop and there isn't anything I can do about it, unless you want something, please get the fuck out of my store before I do press charges on you!”

He took a step towards me, and backhanded me, tears formed in my eyes, I wasn't sure what to do.

“You better watch that tongue of yours,” he said kneeling in front of me. “I can make you hurt and there is nothing anyone will do for you. No one knows who you are, and I could take you into the forest and kill you. It would be years before they found your bones. Maybe they won’t find them, the wildlife love to eat meat.” he said getting to his feet. “Don't worry Soma, I am coming in every day to ensure you know your place, you better start being a good girl and do what I say. Otherwise, our next meeting will take a turn for the worst,” he said before leaving me there.

I rubbed my cheek, I knew he was overstepping himself here, but I wasn't sure if anyone would help me if I went to get help at the police station. I knew I should wait for Nick to get here, but I couldn’t wait. This was going too far, and it wasn’t fair. I needed someone to know what he was doing. Something wasn't right, maybe he was this badass and people fell at his feet, well I wasn't going to be one of them.

The chime at the door again made my heart go into my throat. I didn’t want to face Marks again, but when I turned around Oliver Stone was standing there. He half-smiled when he saw me, but that changed when he glanced at my cheek.

“Are you okay?” he said wanting to take a step towards me, but he read me or knew it would be a bad idea.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I said rubbing my cheek. “It was just a misunderstanding, I am going to file a complaint here when I leave.”

“Who hurt you?” he said taking a step.

“Don't worry about it, it’s not anything special. I let my mouth override me, and this is what happens.” I said shrugging my shoulders. “What can I help you with? My store is low on stock right now, but I have more coming.”

Oliver looked around the store, I could see him clench his jaw, a flicker in his eyes, and then he looked at me. “I can help you get supplies, I have a vendor. He will give you a recent price too, that way you can have your store stocked.”

“That’s kind of you, but my best friend is coming and he is a vendor too.” I half-smiled.

“I promise not to step on his toes, please let me help you until your new stock is in.” he half-smiled. “Please I know this is weird, but I also care about your store. You are across from us, we take care of each other.”

“Well okay, maybe you can give me his number?” I said taking in a deep breath. I knew this was going to get me into trouble. If Marks found out about this and him helping me, I don’t know what else he could do. I was afraid, but I truly needed help.

“Why don’t you come over to the coffee shop in an hour, I’ll have him meet you there. He will bring some stuff for you to check out. If he doesn’t have things you can use, at least we tried right?” he said moving towards the door.

“Okay,” I said clearing my throat. “Thank you.”

After Oliver left, I let out a sigh. He was being nice to me, and I wasn't sure why. Maybe because I haven't been a burden to his business and he knows that Marks is an evil bastard. My phone rang.

“Hello?” I said knowing it was Nick.

“Hey Baby girl, you haven't had more trouble? I am getting my bags ready, I have to leave for the airport in a few hours.”

“No,” I said looking at the door where Oliver was. “I have someone coming over to see if he can help me get some stock of teas.”

“Oh does someone have a crush on you?” he giggled.

“No, no,” I said shaking my head like he was standing in front of me. “I wish, he's a good-looking guy but he either has a girlfriend or wife or is gay,” I said sighing.

“Oh well you’re going to have to introduce me, I need to make sure he isn't overstepping you.” he snapped. “Don't worry he will hate me when we’re done, but at least I will know if he is trying to get laid or not.”

“Stop!” I said embarrassed. “I don’t think he likes me like that anyways, and you know me. I am not going to give anyone sex.”

“Yeah well you need to find someone to pop that cherry,” he said giggling. “Besides when I get there I expect to go clubbing and have some fun.”

“Yeah well I haven't been anywhere but here and my apartment, so you are going to have to figure that out all by yourself.”

“Oh no you don’t, you are going to show me a good time. You need to live a little and we’re going to get you laid. You are going to have the time of your life and forget about what happened with your store. We will get everything together, you’ll see.”

“Alright, I believe you, look I need to run. I am supposed to go over to the coffee shop the vendor is going to meet me there, I hope he has good prices, I made some decent money, but I cannot overspend.”

“Well if you need money, I have a few hours, call me back and I’ll give him my card number over the phone.”

“You’re too much,” I said rubbing my head.

“I’m serious Soma, we need to make sure your store is good, otherwise you aren't going to make the money to pay your bills. I don’t want to hear you had to close and go back home. Colorado killed your spirits, you are going to figure this out. We’re going to figure this out I should say. But go and get them, call me if you need money, I am rich now you know this.”

“Alright, I will think about it. Bye for now, and have a safe flight I cannot wait for you to get here, there is so much we need to catch up on.”

“Oh I know, go and get 'em, before you chicken out.” he taunted before hanging up the phone.

I was nervous as hell, but I needed help. I took a deep breath before stepping out into the rain. Opening the door to the coffee shop Oliver was talking to a man in the corner who had lots of booklets with him.

“You’re right on time,” Oliver said walking closer to me. “Soma is this Matt, he is my best vendor.”