4 comments/ 1685 views/ 17 favorites Thorn By: JanuaryMoon1 Chapter One Thorn watched her walk into the restaurant, having felt her presence before she came through the door. Sensing her near had already put him on high alert. Some of his staff reacted to his change instantly. Initially unsure what had caused the tension in his body, the lift of his head. A breeze ruffled her hair as she crossed the threshold. Inhaling her sweet vanilla fragrance he fought the urge to jump the counter and claim her. His fingers gripping the bench, knuckles white as the surge of need rippled through him. He admired her small frame, the long silver-blonde hair. The soft feminine sway of her movements. He watched her move slowly through the busy room. Take a seat at a small table. She adjusted her hair behind her shoulders. A male server headed in her direction, sexual interest in her evident. "No" his singular word making no sound but forceful in its command. The one word meaningful enough that nearly half the room now recognised the reason for the hum of energy coming from him. The server lowered his head slightly sending a silent apology, then exchanged a brief word with her, letting her know someone would attend to her shortly, barely stopping as he passed. "You okay Thorn?" He turned to see a cheeky face beside him. She of course, one of the many that had worked out already what was in the air. "Gem, go and look after her, and try to resist pushing my buttons." Thorn directed. "Then I won't mention the big marks you have put in that bloody counter then. And I certainly won't mention the fact you actually 'growled' when she walked into the place. Animal" At his furious look she bowed her head and almost backed away. "I'm going." Thorn listened to Gemma gently get the facts on her. He found out she was looking for work. That she had not had any luck so far, few places even taking her details. He learned her name caused her some sort of embarrassment, so she went by her initials, LJ. He watched her blush at Gem's antics and then smile at the woman's attitude and energy. He finally let go of the bench, lightly tracing eight new crescent shaped marks in the wooden top. He began to plan. "Hey Boss," Gem spoke louder than required "I'm just grabbing a jug of juice for the blonde over there" helpfully pointing out his prey she continued "She wants the job, so I said you would pop over and give her a quick interview." "Great thanks Gem, it apparently will give me a chance to work on my waiting skills" He spoke quietly his back to the girl of his dreams "I hear I'm a bit rusty. In fact I also heard you were doing a double shift today and after that Lucas is going to teach you what it means to respect your 'boss', had you heard that?" He shared silently. "Thorn, I'm sorry you know I just kid around" she handed him the jug of apple juice, and attempted to look chastised as she continued to listen to his non-verbal communication. "Sorry Thorn, please don't get me in trouble with Lucas, I know you're a little wound up right now, but she'll love you, I was helping I swear. Please don't think I was causing trouble. Crap Lucas always thinks I'm causing trouble, but I'm not, well I don't try to. I honestly don't know how I end up in half the trouble I get in. God I only just got back in his good books after the whole Damon..." "I do not want to hear about that. We all hear far too much about that. I have an interview to do". Thorn left her standing at the counter. Her skin flushed and although her eyes looked nervous she had a smile tugging at her lips "Lucas you are either a masochist or a lucky dog, I'm not sure which" although judging by Lucas' responding chuckle he guessed how he saw it. Thorn thought to his brother "I wouldn't get to cocky if I was you she looked like she thought she knew how to get out of trouble tonight. Seems your wee pet thinks she has you wrapped around her little finger." Grinning he made his way towards his future waitress as he heard Lucas call for Gemma and her groan of dismay "Be a good girl Gem, you really need to work on being a good girl." "He prefers it when I'm naughty I think. Besides even when I try to be very, very good I still seem to get in trouble." She pouted making her way to the kitchen. As he walked toward LJ he saw her face go through many changes. She gave so much away in only those few moments. She would never be a poker player. He watched her recognise him as the "boss", he saw her quick wave of nerves, followed by a flush of colour as she appreciated how he looked. That set his own pulse racing, the knowledge she thought he was good looking was more powerful than words. He then watched her blush, deep pink at her reaction to him. She was embarrassed to admire him. He frowned wondering why that would be embarrassing. His excellent hearing picked up on her lecturing herself and he felt a small smile pull at his lips as she argued why she could not go "crushing on her boss". This all took the same amount of time as it took him to walk the thirty or so steps to her table and as she stood to greet him reach out his hand. "Hi I'm Thorn, I hear you may want to join us at The Rose and Thorn". He waited but she did not meet his eyes. Her hand in his she replied "I'm LJ", she paused and then almost as if she knew he needed to know her name she breathed "Luna" Her small hand still in his he gestured for her to sit down. Reluctantly letting her slip from his hold. "I am very interested in the waitressing position". He watched her nose flare as she inhaled deeply. Unknowingly she enjoyed the smell of him, seeing her breath him in like that made him want her to taste him. Almost as much as he craved to taste her "It's a pleasure to meet you Luna. My sister Rose and I own this place. As you can see it is a busy cafe during the day, and an equally busy cafe and bar in the evenings". "Have you waitressed before Luna?" He loved how she trembled a little every time he said her name. How her eyes widened and her skin coloured slightly. "No Thorn, I mean Sir, I haven't. I know there are probably many experienced waiters or waitresses that would love the job here, but I really need the work and I promise I am a quick learner. I work hard. You won't regret giving me a chance." Her gentle plea ended on a gasp. He poured a glass of juice for her as she gathered herself. "Thanks. I'm sorry I just really need this job. I know others may need it as much, or maybe even more, but Sir I really want to work here." Her head dropped so low now he couldn't see even her eyes "Thorn is fine. Why do you need this job so badly, are you in trouble?" "No Sir, I'm not trouble I swear." She never lifted her head at all. "Luna, little one, look at me." He waited till her eyes reached his chin "Are you IN trouble?" "I have to find somewhere to live, and I'm almost out of money. I can't afford to go to another city or town and try again. I can't stay here without a job and it's not safe for me to keep sleeping in my car." "You're homeless? How old are you?" "Sort of I guess. Twenty-two". She swallowed some more juice "It's okay, I'll be okay, thanks for your time..." she went to stand. "It is not okay. You have the job Luna. Little one where are your family, friends, why are you standing up? Sit back down and let me help you" He was shocked when her eyes finally met his. For the first time he saw how lost she was. How much she needed him. "Mine" He declared her as his for any too deaf, dumb and blind to have not worked it out. "I have family but we are not in touch. Long story short, it is not and never will be, a good family. I only recently came here so have no friends yet. Where I came from before that I was only at a few weeks, but really friends and I seem to be like oil and water. I can't seem to keep one" "Well little one, that is about to change. I know just how to help you. A friend of mine, who I am sure will be a friend to you, may be the answer to two of your biggest problems, well now that you have a job that is" He stood "Come on, I'll show you where you will stay." "But I..." She stopped "Thank you Sir, for the job and helping me, I promise you will not regret it and I will get somewhere to live, so I don't need you to get me somewhere to stay..." "It's Thorn, and as your boss and friend, I will not be able to let you stay in your car, so come on we need to catch Kate before she leaves. Stop looking so worried little one, it will all be okay. I'll look after you." "I'm only little to you because you're so big. My name is LJ" She bristled a little "I can look after myself." "LJ, Luna, Little One, they are all you. If my sister or anyone I know was jobless, homeless, with no family or friends in a new city I would want someone to help them. I didn't mean to offend you or imply you couldn't look after yourself. I just want to help". "I just don't want you thinking I'm weak or useless. I'm not." "Luna I already know you are not useless or I would not have sat at this table so long. Gemma wouldn't even have mentioned the job, we don't exactly put a big sign out front for every person who wanders down the street to see we have a vacancy. She has good instincts and so do I. You have more strength than you know, leaving a family behind even one that is not good isn't easy, nor is making a fresh start in a new city." In his head he added "so much strength, and no idea, and the beauty to make half the people in here fall at your feet". Aloud he said "Please Luna, trust me". "Ok Thorn, I apologize, please help me". She followed him out of the restaurant. Chapter Two They walked a couple of blocks, him controlling his natural speed after he realised his longer, quicker strides were causing her trouble and adjusted his pace. She had not resumed conversation, and worried he may scare her off if he pushed too hard, he remained quiet too. A small distance later he directed her to an entranceway. A small flight of steps lead to a blue door. He knocked. A young woman opened the door. "TD. What a lovely surprise. Come in." She stepped back to allow them in "Who do we have here?" "I'm LJ" Luna quickly answered causing him to smile at her rush to stop him giving her name. "LJ has just been employed at The Rose & Thorn and is looking for accommodation, I wondered if you were looking for a replacement now Gemma has moved in with Lucas" He voiced his suggestion politely for Luna's benefit already knowing Kate could not deny him. "TD, you are awesome, I was going to advertise and now I don't even have to go through all that drama". She looked at LJ and thought how lucky she was to have Thorn's love, and wondered when someone would claim her as his. "I am sure it won't be long Kate" she heard his reassurance but knew some waited their whole lives. "Hi roomie, I'm Katie". Kate had a ponytail of deep red hair and flashing green eyes. Freckles danced across her nose, and a very friendly smile graced plump lips. "When are you moving in?" "Hi Katie" Luna looked at Thorn quickly and then back to Kate "Today please?" "Brilliant, I trust TD with my life, you're very lucky to have him looking out for you. He looked out for me when I first moved here too. Actually if my family hadn't known he would be around I doubt they would have let me come here to school. I'm heading to afternoon classes shortly but here is a key" She fished in her pocket and began removing a key off a large key ring. She beamed at Thorn and at LJ "TD and LJ any more initials and I'd be sounding like I talk in code" She handed over the key and spotted Luna's small frown as he had. "What's wrong?" "I do trust him. It's scary. I only just met him and this is all going so fast. I mean I don't know either of you, and neither of you know me and yet here I am ... I'm nervous, wondering, well, why, why are you helping me?" "Me, easy, a room-mate, friend, help with the rent and housework. You'll be helping me too. Thorn, well that's obvious he is almost drooling he has it so bad for you." Thorn growled "Oops guess he thought he was keeping it a secret, men are so dense" "You, you ..." Luna was opening and closing her mouth looking at Thorn she turned stunned eyes back to Katie "Guess men aren't the only ones who are dense", she smiled to soften the announcement "Relax he is a big boy, if you don't want him he'll cope and probably still become one of your best friends." Thorn interrupted before full panic kicked in "Hey, don't panic, we only just met. Today is just a job, a place to stay and a friend. Today is not about me, or what I want." He took her hands, felt them small and trembling in his own. "Deep breath. It may not even be on the agenda this week." He watched her breath him in again and couldn't resist running his tongue over his lip as he realised he had taken a large breath of her at the same time. He relished the thought of tasting her, yet battled the idea of doing so right then. Where was his famous control. "Okay, job, got it, place got it, rent?" "Okay practical stuff, I like the way you think" Kate encouraged, mentally sending a hug to Thorn "She's half in love with you already, relax" "Gemma paid a hundred a week, half the utilities, then bought her own food is that okay?" "Um Thorn how much do I get paid at the restaurant?" Luna blushed "Minimum wage sorry, but you'll get a meal each shift and certainly enough hours to afford the rent and living here." "Okay so I can do that no problem. My boss and I will get out of here and let you get to class." "First I'll show you your room" Kate lead LJ away and Thorn listened. "Kate I will never forgive you if you scare her away". "Neither would I TD, but you men are all the same, take my advice, enjoy the fun of getting to know each other. She is gorgeous but she's been hurt TD, I can feel it." "Physically?" "I don't think so, certainly nothing long lasting, her heart and soul TD and that takes much longer to heal". Thorn continued to listen in on most of their conversation from the living room "So this is the room, it's furnished, or if you have stuff we can clear it out?" Kate grinned at LJ's wide eyed face "Big room eh?" She smiled "This one is going to be so easy to please TD" "Yeah, um I would like to keep the furniture please, um use the furniture." "No probs. LJ relax it will be ok. You can take your time but just trust it, I know you like him too. Just take it day by day. In the meantime settle in, I'm the best." "Best?" LJ was struggling to keep up "She's so lost TD, she needs us." "Best roomie, best friend and well, I am the best at keeping secrets" She heard Thorn reply silently "No secrets from me Kate, I need to look after her" Kate shrugged "What can I say a girl needs a few secrets" and added silently "I will keep her secrets Thorn, unless I sense you need to know, you can trust me" "Wow, modest too" LJ actually chuckled "I could use at least two of those, but I have no secrets" "No secrets yet, but I think there's going to be some big girl talk about the hunk of gorgeous in the living room in the future and I will be your confidant, promise" "Um thanks, maybe we should go back to ..." "Missing him already," Kate's laugh made it a joke but she knew on some level the two were already going to struggle to be apart. "Clown, no I just don't want to put him out too much, or make you late for class." LJ frowned slightly realising she already felt a connection with these two she hadn't felt in a long time. Back in the living room Thorn waited nervously. "Hey Thorn, she likes the room so I'm going to head to class" Kate grinned as she entered the room. "I'll see you tonight LJ, Thorn thanks for finding me a roomie, I like her" She kissed him on the cheek "Congratulations TD she is lovely" "We'll walk out with you and I'll take LJ back to her car. Actually you don't have a car, is there a park for her?" "Yeah one for each flat just up the service alley and round back" "Well I'm glad this is all looking like a good fit, two damsels in distress rescued in one day - good for my karma I guess" He grinned "Well Lucas stealing my previous flatmate was sort of your fault Thorn so really you owed me" Kate cracked up laughing at his scowl "Yeah just kidding" They were walking down the stairs to the sidewalk. "You may be right but I'm not admitting anything, and just think if she hadn't moved in with him you would still be listening to them every night, be grateful they now live alone" "Ewwww no thank you, I don't want to even think about that," she looked at her watch "gotta run, bye." and skipped off in the opposite direction "Are you okay LJ?" Thorn asked "Yeah it's just a lot to ... well it's all happened so fast." "Sometimes things just fall into place, try not to over-think it" He grinned "Rose will be at the restaurant soon, we'll go back and get you on the roster before we drive back and get you settled." "Thorn, I can drive myself back" She blushed "You've spent a lot of time on me today." "You don't want me to come back?" His surprise only just masked the hurt that hit him. "Thorn, I just don't want to keep taking up your time. I really appreciate what you've done for me today, but I'm going to be okay now." "Well we agree on that but it doesn't mean I don't want to keep helping" he shrugged "I can come if I choose can't I?" She laughed as he did lame puppy dog eyes at her "You're my boss, I can't say no." He almost growled in pleasure then realised he wanted her to know she could say no, anytime, anywhere "I am only your boss in The Rose & Thorn, anywhere else, anytime you feel free to tell me no." "Thorn, I appreciate that, I want to say yes to you coming back to the flat with me, but feel I should say no" She shook her head "that doesn't make sense does it?" "Probably as much sense as me wanting to be the one that helps you, but telling myself to back off before you tell me to get lost." "So, we go back to the restaurant, you introduce me to Rose and I get on the roster, then I will drive myself to my new flat and settle in. Get to know Kate a bit more..." His groan stopped her mid sentence "Fine, but don't let her talk you out of getting to know me too." Chapter Three Luna had been working at The Rose & Thorn six weeks now, and all reports were that she had settled in well. Rose and Gemma had taken her under their wings and she fit in to the family vibe well. He had managed to be there for most of her shifts. Had organised a couple of staff outings. Visited the flat more than he had before she moved in. The male staff at the restaurant, they were keeping friendly, yet distant in respect of the situation, but they all liked her. She seemed to enjoy the work and had come out of her shell a little. Thorn had it on good authority her and Kate were now "besties" and did everything together from mission style shopping expeditions to watching silly soaps on television. Kate didn't give him much info on LJ though so although he saw their closeness he suspected either they hadn't got too deep and personal or Katie was sticking to her plan that he should enjoy getting to know Luna himself. He suspected the latter. He was currently watching her through the window before going in. He watched her share a joke with another staff member, Lexi, as they filled condiment bottles and jars used in the cafe during the day. He watched her wrinkle her nose puzzled when a waiter came in and grabbed Lexi at the waist clearly teasing but barely said hello to her. He knew she wasn't jealous of the flirtation but was starting to pick up on the different way the men treated her. He sent a message to Lucas. Then took a deep breath "Relax Glen, I trust you with her be yourself" LJ still smiling spoke to Glen, and Thorn watched him take a deep breath then reply. He entered the restaurant so he could hear the exchange which till then was just out of his hearing. Thorn "Are you just starting LJ? "No just finishing, but I don't bite so don't look so worried." She smiled in friendship but was surprised when he burst into laughter. Lucas walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder "Little One, he does" He grinned "Stay away from that one, he has fangs" He went on as she blushed "Though I think Thorn's 'Little One' is safe even from the dogs around here, they're all too scared of the big bad wolf, and honey that one is very territorial. You may have noticed the guys flirt and crap with every girl in the building except you. Now don't tell Gem, but we all know you're the prettiest thing in here so you must know it's because they respect him." He almost lost it at the silent tirade Gem blasted him with. "I am not um, well I'm not with Thorn or anything, I ahh just work here, and Gemma is far better looking than I'll ever be" "Gem is hot, sexy, she's a firecracker, a tiger." Gem told him he had just got himself off a very large hook. "You 'Little One' are all sweet, roses and vanilla, a little kitten, and just what these dogs want to chase" He looked at Glen who nodded and then looked at a mortified LJ "Sorry but it's true you make men drool, even most of the regulars." Glen confirmed "Lucas, Glen I ..." LJ saw him approaching turned dark pink and fled "Well Thorn, you sure have a way with the ladies." Thorn glared at Lucas. "Lucas, Glen, both of you, what the hell, you've just made her wake up to her effect on all the men in the area and though part of me wants to kill you I can only blame myself for not giving more clear instructions." "Worried she'll start wanting to test her power with some of the men around here?" Lucas teased. Thorn growled in warning. "Relax TD she only has eyes for you." "I know it's pretty bad, these two came in yesterday, like male model gorgeous and she never noticed them, till I pointed out how I would happily take either or both home." Lexi said as she slapped Glen over the head "And what the hell were you thinking Glen making her nervous about the customers." "I wasn't trying to make her nervous just letting her know Lucas was telling the truth, if Thorn hadn't claimed her there'd be a dog fight in here over her most days." "Enough." Thorn spoke not wanting this conversation to continue. "Lexi, Glen, back to work. Lucas, is the restaurant all good for tonight?" "Yeah, we've got good bookings, but enough staff to cover. Don't tell me you're actually taking a night off?" "Yeah. Catch you tomorrow." He left to find a little vanilla scented blonde. She was taking the braid out of her hair and removing her apron when he found her. He stood silently till she removed her shirt and ran her hands through her hair. The action causing his eyes to focus on the small high breasts above her narrow waist, barely hidden by the singlet top she stood in. A groan escaped causing her to meet his eyes. "Sorry." She quickly put on a light floral top over the singlet. It had a wraparound style she was tying at her waist, right where he wanted to have his hands when she rode him. He shook his head and tried to clear the thoughts. "Sorry, it's my fault Luna. It's just hard not to react to you." "React to me?" She asked her head tilting to the side in her confusion. "I can't wait much longer Little One, I've tried to be patient. Every time I see you I want to touch you. Hold you." He was moving towards her now. "Hold me?" She gasped as he came closer. "Don't be afraid of me Luna." He pleaded. His hands now on her waist. "I'm not afraid Thorn. Surprised I guess, shocked. Why would you want me? I mean I know Katie said you did when we first met, but well you didn't. I mean you couldn't have. You're so beautiful." She blushed and he could resist no longer he pulled her to him. Finally he held her in his arms. "You're so big" she breathed placing a hand on his neck. "You're so tiny, and I did, do, could." He smiled down at her. "Do you have plans tonight?" She shook her head no, her eyes wide. "Would you like to go to dinner with me?" "Here?" She asked looking worried "No Little One, not here. Definitely not here." He ran a hand through her hair and down her back, pulling her slightly closer. "Do I need to go home and change?" Luna asked now one hand on his chest and one on his face as she looked up at him "You look perfect." He assured her, his voice a little rough. "Will we go now?" She asked stretching slightly as she moved the hand along his jaw line, over his ear and into his hair. "Yes, right after my kiss, may I kiss you Little One?" "I'd be very disappointed if you didn't" she sighed and his mouth came down on hers. The kiss escalated quickly, his growl of satisfaction, his mental roar of possession were nothing compared to the wave of intense need that swept through him. Her tongue danced with his, her hand slipped under his shirt and curled in his chest hair briefly before exploring his body. His own hands alternated between trying to pull her into his body and trying to touch more of her. It was only remembering where they were and how much more he wanted for her that stopped him tearing her clothes from her right then. She was lifting his shirt. Little whimpers of need came from her as she felt the drive to join too. He tried to ease back a little, slowed the kisses down, placing little butterfly kisses across her lips. Soothing strokes to her back and arms "Easy baby, we need to slow this down" Her moan of need broke off as she sobbed in mortification when she realised how close they were to getting naked here in the staffroom. "Shhh Little One, it's okay. It's just time to go." She had her head down her hair hiding most of her face. "Luna, look at me. Please." She did her face flushed with her lust and her shame. "God you're beautiful, please don't regret what we just did. I'm sorry I got carried away." "Carried away, I almost ... I almost... Thorn I'm sorry I didn't realise you were trying to stop me." "Stop you? Honey I was right there with you. I only brought us back to reality so I didn't have to explain to everyone else why we were both naked in the lunchroom." "I was trying to pull off your shirt. I was fully clothed. You weren't trying to undress me." "You think I didn't want to? Luna, I want to believe me I want to." He saw her eyes cloud. "Baby I wanted to take of that pretty shirt I just watched you put on. I wanted to raise that singlet over your head and see if those beautiful breasts look as marvellous as they feel. I wanted to lay you down on the table behind you and remove those trousers and then touch every bare inch of you." He ran a hand though his hair. "Not want to? Hell the want is killing me." He touched a thumb to her slightly swollen lower lip. "I can't make love to you here." He groaned as her tongue flicked out against his thumb. "We have a date, let's go." "Thorn, thank you for stopping. Thank you for looking after me again." "I'll always look after you, now stop looking at me like that or I will strip you naked and make love to you on that table and damn anyone who walks in." He growled and took her hand, picking up her bag as she grinned at him "God Luna, one taste of those lips and I am hooked." As they walked back through the restaurant he saw her blush grow darker "Luna, are you embarrassed to be seen with me?" He stopped her the minute they were on the sidewalk. "Thorn, no." She shook her head eyes growing alarmed. "Then why are you burning with embarrassment walking through my restaurant with me?" "I would have let you make love to me on that table and not stopped you. I would have let you make love to me just a wall away from all those people and I had not even remembered they were all there." She breathed shaking. "Luna, the first time we make love I am going to need privacy, a lot of privacy. I am going to need time Luna. Hours in which to touch, taste and explore you. There is no way I would sacrifice that no matter how fantastic the kisses, for a quickie in the lunchroom. Not until at least the tenth time I make love to you." She was staring at him her eyes like saucers, her mouth parted on her shocked gasp. "My heart is yours Luna." He opened the passenger door for her and closed it as she buckled up. He walked around to his side firing off messages to those he depended on to keep things running smoothly. Sending messages to his family. Then he took a deep breath and climbed in next to her starting the vehicle. Her mouth was still slightly open. She trembled slightly. "Are you okay Little One?" "Thorn, I think I need to tell you something. I've never um had a boyfriend. I've never given my ..." "Shhh baby it's okay. Tonight it's just dinner. Tonight it's just you knowing this isn't a casual thing for me. Just knowing you have my heart. I don't expect you to do anything other than trust me." He smiled and stroked her thigh as he guided the SUV into traffic. "Take a deep breath. What do you smell?" "You, you smell like honey," she paused "honey and something else." She leaned closer inhaling his unique sent. "Something good, but I don't know what it is." "I smell good?" he laughed at her vigorous nod. "I like the way you smell too."