Hollow (Hollow Point #1) (6 page)

I took the long way back to my house, needing to clear my head before I met up with the guys at my shop.

Liam climbed off his Harley Forty-eight, groaning as he pulled off his sunglasses. “Here. That fuckwad Tatum is seeing dropped this off for you.” I took the envelope with thanks.

“Where’s Topher and Lucas?” I asked.

“Topher’s getting ready for the fight. Lucas is still passed out.” 

“What did you get into last night after I left?” I asked, and he grunted in response.

“I was balls deep in that chick who kept feeding me shots of Tequila. No fuckin’ Bueno.”

“You should know better than to stick your dick in crazy. You wouldn’t have happened to have seen who Charlotte was talking to, would you?”

He nodded, lighting a cigarette and inhaling deeply before speaking. “Some prick who kept asking if my leather was real, Said he was Vegan. Stupid fucking name,” he muttered as he took another drag.

“Vegan isn’t his name, dumb shit. It means he doesn’t eat meat or whatever.”

“Can vegans eat pussy?” He asked, and I shook my head, unable to keep from laughing.

“I think the question is, can they
get
any pussy.”

“Why you worried about Charlotte?”

“Ivory called. She  had a rough night, and they want to have some words with  the guy.”

He nodded before flicking his cigarette onto the gravel lot sending embers scattering into the dirt. “I’ll keep an ear to the ground.”

“I appreciate it, man.” I turned to walk away.

“Hey,” I looked back over my shoulder. “That girl you were with last night…”

I raised an eyebrow, suppressing a smirk.

“You’re gonna push Topher too far.”

“He has it coming.”

SEVEN

I was livid when I stormed into my house, stopping short when I noticed my father and a few of his colleagues. My eyes drifted to each of their faces, stopping on Ezra. He smiled, running his hand over his light, shaggy hair that made him look like he’d just sauntered off the beach. His fans went crazy for his rugged looks, but it was all a façade. He was just as stuck up as anyone from Hollywood.

“Been a long time, Riley.” His movie star smile grew, and I looked to my father who was just as pleased. He’d tried unsuccessfully to start a relationship between the two of us when the gossip mags snapped a few shots of us out to dinner. We’d run in the same circle for a few months back when my dad was filming season one of his show. I’d made the mistake of trusting Ezra, and it didn’t take long for me to regret it.

Everyone wanted to see Hollywood’s bad boy hooking up with the daughter of a movie icon. It was the stuff the paparazzi dreamed of. For a while, it was what
I
dreamed of.

“Not nearly long enough,” I smiled, and the men laughed. “I didn’t think you were coming back for season two.” By not coming back, I meant he’d been written out of the show after a few weeks of partying hard.

“I hadn’t planned on it, but the movie I was going to be working on fell through and your father couldn’t stop raving about how nice it was here.”

“Really?” My eyes went to my dad, and he shot me a wink. I swallowed hard, struggling to maintain my composure. “Well, I’m sure you’ll love it. Beautiful scenery.”

“It sure is,” He replied, his gaze flitting down my body and making me want to squirm. “You’re looking lovely as ever.” 

“We’re heading out early to dinner so we can catch a show. I thought maybe you could show Ezra around, help him get settled.” My dad looked at me expectantly.

“Settled?”

“I’ve found the perfect little place to stay just a few minutes from here,” Ezra explained.

My smile widened.

“But it won’t be ready for a few more days… couple weeks tops. Your father has been gracious enough to let me crash here.”

“Has he,” I gritted out, struggling to maintain my smile. My dad was utterly clueless as to what had transpired between us, but I didn’t think he’d been entirely blind.

“I trust you two will be on your best behavior.” My father’s hand clamped down on Ezra’s shoulder, and they both laughed.

“Of course, sir. I’ll keep an eye on Riley.”

“I’m sure you will,” My dad smiled as he grabbed his keys from the counter. “I have a few things I need to take care of, but when I get back, we are having drinks.”

“Sounds like a plan, sir.”

“Come on, Ezra. You know you can call me Nate… or
Dad
.”

I groaned, heading to the staircase.

“Riley, would you mind showing Ezra around the property?”

“I’m sure he can manage to find his way around. He’s not completely helpless.”

I heard Ezra say something to my dad, but his voice was too low for me to decipher his words. I shook my head and climbed the stairs to the second floor.

***

My phone chimed throughout the night as Tatum sent me snapshots of her yearbook and I approved of who would be invited to my party. I made a list of things I would need and sent it to Clint, my father’s new assistant that replaced Piper when she got on her knees. Clint could barely even dress himself, but Piper was adamant that my father hire a man, out of fear she would be replaced in her new job.

By the time I was ready for bed, I could hardly keep my eyes open. If it weren’t for the creaking of the door on its hinges, I might have not even noticed someone entering my private space.

“Dad?” I called out, struggling to see through the dark and into the entryway.

“I was just popping in to say goodnight.”

I groaned, flopping back against my pillow. “If my dad catches you in here, Ezra, he’ll kick your ass.”

Ezra laughed. “You mean, have his stunt man do it? I remember a time when you used to love me sneaking into your room at night, and we’d watch movies for hours.”

“That was before I knew how big of a douchebag you were.” I rolled my eyes even though it was too dark for him to see before I reached up and turned the lamp on beside my bed. “What do you want?” I asked, tired of his games.

He held up his hands in front of him. “I just wanted to apologize for the way we’d left things back home.” His hands fell to his sides, and he shook his head.

“You mean when you had your publicist leak a story saying you were dating Henley Swanson, and it was all over the magazines?”

“I was eighteen, Riley. She was my costar. It was to stir up hype for our movie. You think I really liked her?” He rubbed his hand roughly along his jaw, the playfulness had left his tone.

“I didn’t think you’d publically humiliate me. And like her or not, I saw the shots of your tongue crammed down her throat.” My chest hurt just thinking about how young and naïve I had been. I was running with an older crowd that had no limits. Society loved to hang on their every word and loved it, even more, when they crashed and burned.

“You know how it is in our world, Riley. I want to make it up to you.”

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical of his sudden change of personality. I couldn’t tell if his acting had improved or if he was genuinely sorry. “How?”

“I brought you something.”

“You can’t buy me off, Ezra.”

“Not even with this?” He pulled out a small envelope from the back pocket of his jeans and held it out. I pulled my cover higher up my chest. I was only wearing a camisole and panties for bed, and I wasn’t about to hop out of bed and give him a show.

“What is it?”

He smiled before stepping closer and placing it on the stand beside me. “I guess you’ll have to find out.” With that, he turned and walked back to my door, calling over his shoulder, “Goodnight, Riley.” The door closed, and I sighed as I eyed the envelope.

I didn’t have the patience or the energy to deal with Ezra, so I turned out my light and settled into my pillow. The envelope could wait.

***

The next morning I woke with the sunshine pouring through my window. I yawned, bowing my back as I stretched before grabbing my phone and checking the time.
Shit.
I was running late for school.

I hurried out of bed and ran through the shower, my mind racing as I thought of everything I needed to do for the party. It was Friday, which meant that I only had two weeks left to get everything together and get the word out.

After getting myself ready, I threw on some jeans and designer t-shirt and raced down to the kitchen. Ezra was already sitting at the island, shoving an apple into his mouth.

“Dad leave yet for work?” I asked as I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and a banana from the fruit bowl on the counter.

“Two hours ago. But lucky for us, I don’t have any scenes today. Some nerdy kid with a bowtie just dropped off a liquor store. Why would he do that?”

My eyes met his and he smiled mischievously.

“Planning a party, Riley?”

“Nope. Just hanging out with a few of my friends.”

“Come on. You don’t have any friends,” he joked.

My eyes narrowed as I pulled my purse strap further onto my shoulder. “
You
don’t have any friends, Ezra. Everyone
loves
me.”

“You seriously have no idea what love is. They fear you. That’s the way it
should
be.” He stood from his stool, tossing his apple core into the trash. “I could show you what love feels like if you want.” His smirk turned my stomach, and I scoffed as I shoved by him toward the door.

“No one even knows you’re here, and I’d like to keep it that way. So, find some rock to slither under ‘kay? Bye.”

I hurried out the front steps, struggling to find my sunglasses in my oversized bag before sliding them on my face.

I groaned as my eyes landed on a sleek silver car that was parked next to my car, making it impossible to pull out.

Yanking open the front door, I screamed, “Ezra, get your ass out here and move this piece of tin before I have it towed!”

Ezra laughed and strolled leisurely out the door, hitting the button on his key fob and causing the car to chirp as it unlocked. “Why don’t you stay home today and hang out with me?” He asked.

“Not a chance. I’m already late so could you please hurry?”

“I might be inclined to go a little faster if you, I don’t know, invite me to this little gathering you’re planning.”

“No.” I stomped my foot like a petulant child.

His keys fell to the ground. “Oh, look… I’ve dropped my keys.”

“Fine! You can come. Just… try not to embarrass me… or screw any of my friends.”

“That’s my girl.” He winked before grabbing his keys and slipping into his car to pull it forward. I hurried to my vehicle, struggling to maneuver my way between them without having to touch Ezra. “No kiss goodbye?” He asked, jutting out his lower lip.

“Kiss my ass,” I snapped before yanking open my door.

***

EIGHT

I had never been more thankful for the weekend to arrive. My father and Ezra were on set, and that gave me the house to myself…
almost
.

“Do you think this color is weird?” Piper held out her hand, wiggling her freshly lacquered teal nails.

“It’s fine,” I grumbled before breaking a piece off of my muffin and popping it in my mouth.

Piper sighed, shoving her hand in my face. “You didn’t even look.”

Rolling my eyes, I looked down at her hand and gasped, grabbing her fingers tightly. “What the hell is that?”

Piper beamed, yanking her hand free from my grip as she rubbed over the large princess cut diamond in her finger. “He asked last night. He said he was going to wait until New York but, he was too excited.”

“He’s also still married.” I felt like I’d been slapped across the face and my mind raced with how I would break the news to mom. It would kill her.

“Well, that’s really just a matter of paperwork.” She shrugged, never taking her eyes off her ring. “Now for the good news for you. I want you to be my maid of honor!” She squealed, and I was sure if there were dogs within three miles they must be howling at the sound.

“Um…” I shoved to my feet, grabbing my purse and tugging it up on my shoulder. “I have to go. I forgot, I had plans.”

Piper frowned. “I thought we could celebrate. We’re going to be family now, Riley. You can’t keep ignoring me.”

“Maybe… maybe some other time.” I gave her a small smile before yanking open the front door, struggling to catch my breath. I rushed to my car and hurried off the property as fast as I could.

I traveled down the winding roads as quickly as I could manage without getting into an accident before I pulled over in a parking lot for an abandoned building.

Pulling out my phone, I could barely see the screen as I scrolled through my contacts, stopping at Hill Creek Rehabilitation Facility.

The phone had ringed three times before a cheerful voice picked up on the other end.

“Hi, um… I’m calling to speak to my mom… Lauren Vaughn.”

“Just one moment, dear.” Music began to play as I looked around the unfamiliar surroundings. I clicked the GPS on my dashboard, and it said it was trying to obtain a signal.

“Hello?” The voice returned on the other end.

“Yes, I’m still here.”

“I’m sorry, but the patient has checked out.”

“She what?” My chest felt like it was tightening as tears slid down my cheeks. “I just… how could she do that?”

“The program is only twenty-eight days.”

My father had to of known that she was out of the treatment, but he never bothered to let me know.

“Thanks anyway.” I clicked to end the call before a sob ripped from my chest. I hung my head, letting the emotion take over for a few more seconds before swallowing hard.

My phone vibrated in my hand. Clearing my throat, I clicked to accept.

“What?” I snapped.

“You said you’d see me Saturday. I have other things to do, Princess. Not everyone can just sit around and wait for you.”

I choked out a laugh as I caught my reflection in the mirror, running my finger under my eyes to removed my smudged mascara.

“It sounds like that is
exactly
what you’re doing. How did you get my number?”

“From Tatum’s phone. She always leaves that damn thing lying around. Are we meeting or not?”

“Um…” I looked out of the window. There was nothing but trees around me. “That’s the problem. I think I might be lost, and my stupid GPS isn’t loading.”

“Tell me what you see.”

“Trees. I see fucking trees.”

“What else?”

“I’m in a parking lot of an old building that looks like it was closed down a hundred years ago.”

“Good. That’s good. Is there a sign?”

“Yeah. I think this is a sign from God that I don’t belong here.”

He laughed. “I’d have to agree with him on that. I meant a sign on the building.”

“No. None that I see.”

“Did you get out of the car to look?”

“I’m not an idiot,” I groaned before unbuckling my seat belt and opening the car door. It dinged loudly, and I heard him laugh again.

“See anything yet?”

“Um…” I walked closer to the building before turning the corner. “Walden’s Grocery.”

“Stay put. I’ll be there in five.” The call ended and I hurried back to my car, slipping inside and pressing the lock button.

A few minutes had passed before I heard the roar of a motorcycle engine pulling up behind me. I watched him take off his helmet through my side mirror before walking up to my door and knocking on the window. I pressed the button, and the window slid down.

“I’m sorry, I don’t give handouts. I’m sure there is a shelter around here somewhere.”

“Very funny.” He bent down to eye level. “What are you doing out here by yourself? Summoning demons? Sacrificing children?”

I shrugged, flipping my phone over in my hand and swiping my finger across the screen to remove the fingerprint smudges. “Just wanted to get away.”

“You already flew across the country. You go much further you’re going to need a boat.”

“Did you come out here just to crack lame jokes?” I asked, looking over at him. His smile faltered, and I knew he could tell I’d been crying.

“Christ. What happened?”

I shrugged looking out of the windshield again. “Like
you
care.”

“Follow me. I’ll get you back to civilization.” He didn’t wait for me to respond before walking back to his motorcycle. He got on the bike and pulled out onto the road, and I followed behind him over the winding hills.

Within a few minutes, we were driving through a small town and my GPS finally loaded.

I pulled off into a parking lot behind him and grabbed my purse, pulling out some concealer and dabbing it under my eyes so I didn’t look like such a mess.

“What’s this place?” I asked as he walked to my door and I stepped out into the blinding sunlight.

“Starlight Diner. I figured we could get some food while we talked.”

“At a
diner
?” I groaned as I looked over the neon lighting over the entrance to the old building that looked like it was made out of a giant can.

“They may not have that kale bullshit or coffee drinks no one can understand, but I think you might actually enjoy yourself.”

“I wouldn’t count on it,” I grumbled as he placed his palm on my lower back and guided me toward the door.

“Just the two of ya’?” A girl about my age asked, her long brown hair gathered in a ponytail and tied off with a red ribbon.

Knox nodded as she grabbed two menus and showed us to a small booth in the far end of the building.

“Would you like to start off with our famous vanilla shake? I can bring you two straws?” She looked at me and winked, grinning like an idiot.

“You want me to share my beverage with this vagrant?” I asked, and the waitress’s smile fell as she looked at us.

“Um… I could bring you your own. We also have chocolate.”

“No thanks,” I squinted, reading her nametag, “Beatrice, I’d like for my ass to still be able to fit in a booth like this in ten years. Not that I’ll be here.” My eyes locked on to Knox’s. “I’ll have water. Bottled. And chilled with a straw. Think you can handle that?”

She nodded, her tongue running out over her lips before turning to Knox, pen poised above her notepad and ready to see what he wanted.

He grinned, leaning forward on his elbows. “You make those shakes yourself, Bea?” He asked, and she let out a nervous laugh before nodding.

“Yeah.”

“I’ll take one of those then. One straw.” He winked, and I wanted to kick him under the table.
Was he actually flirting with this girl why he was sitting here with me?

I waited for the waitress to walk away before scowling at him. “Could you try to keep it in your pants while we’re here?”

“Are you jealous?”

I felt my cheeks heat. “I just don’t want to be subjected to the mating habits of the less fortunate while I try to eat,” I snapped, as I picked up my menu trying to find food that wasn’t fried and covered in grease.

“I know we don’t have much in common, but I’m pretty sure we
fuck
the same way, Princess. Although it's hard to imagine you enjoy it, or
anything
in your life for that matter.”

My mouth popped open, uncertain if I’d heard him correctly. “You’re disgusting.” I glared at him as Beatrice returned with our drinks.

“Have you decided on what you’d like to eat? I can give you a few more minutes if you like.”

“No, we’re ready.” Knox grabbed my menu and held them up to the waitress. “We will both have the Betty Burger Deluxe.”

“Coming right up.” She gave him a big smile before leaving us again.

“Seriously? Did you just order for me? I don’t think you need to act like we’re in the fifty’s just because we are in this time-warp.”

“You can’t come here without trying the burgers. It would be a sin.”

“I didn’t peg you as the religious type.”

“Nah, I’m not. But I do believe in this burger.”

“So, are we going to talk about food all day while you flirt with the help or are we going to get to planning this party?” I took a drink of my water as Knox took a big sip from his milkshake, moaning at how good it tasted.

“The help?” He snorted. “A girl like that works hard for everything she has. It isn’t handed to her. That’s the type of girl you take out and treat like a queen, and she will appreciate every second of it, without expecting any of it. What are your ideas for this party, Princess?”

“First, my name is Riley, not Princess. And did you seriously just act like if this were a monarchy, she’d be higher up than me? Queen Bea?” I rolled my eyes, but his expression remained impassive.

“That girl would reign like Elizabeth, the current Queen, not Tudor… and you’re more of the Bloody Mary type if you know what I mean. It’s apples and oranges.”

“Ugh. And now you’re boring me to death with history. Perfect.”

“It’s not my fault if you can’t keep up. Why are you in public school, anyway? Shouldn’t you be somewhere rolling up your uniform skirt and getting scolded by nuns?”

“My father thought I could learn something from being around
ordinary
people.”

“Ah, yes. Us common folk are chalked full of cautionary tales and the occasional folk song about our woes.”

“Are you making fun of me?”

He leaned in closer and lowered his voice. “Maybe if you didn’t go to public school, you would be able to pick that up a little quicker.” He took another drink of his milkshake. “This is seriously the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

“I’ll have to take your word for it.”

“Yeah. I guess when all you have going for you is your looks, you need to make sure you watch your figure.”

“You know what? This has been fun, but I just remembered, I have plans with Tatum. I’m going to teach her how to give a blowjob.” I stood from my seat as Knox grabbed my wrist.

“Fine. Playtime is over. Sit.”

I rolled my eyes as I sank back down on the vinyl seat. “What do you have in mind?”

“We need to think outside of the box.”

“Maybe do a karaoke thing but have someone famous show-up?”

“Karaoke is fun. Kind of… basic.”

I scoffed. “People love to meet rock stars.”

“Umm… I think famous people just have their heads so far up their own asses that they believe everyone worships them.”

“Classy.” I took another sip of my water, wishing it was a milkshake.

“So, what do
you
have in mind?”

He shrugged, taking another drink.

“People around here just want to have fun, not be shown everything they
could
have if they had won the genetic lottery.”

“Alright. What is it you
hillbillies
do for fun?”

“We laugh at people like
you
.” He grinned as he leaned back in his seat and Beatrice sat our plates of food in front of us. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t smell amazing. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d eaten a burger, and this one was the size of my head.

Grabbing my silverware that was rolled up in a napkin, I began to cut the sandwich into bite-size pieces. Knox picked his up and took a large bite, struggling to keep his mouth closed while he chewed.

“Why were you crying?” He asked, as my face contorted with disgust.

“Could you at least not talk with your mouth full?”

I ate a bite of my sandwich, my eyes falling closed as I savored the taste.

“Is that your way of avoiding my question?”