Down and Out (Hawks MC: Caroline Springs Charter Book 3) by Lila Rose

there thinking of Koda and his squishy, pinchable face.
    Monday couldn't come fast enough.
    Then I sent a silent prayer to God, asking for strength when it came to Mr Brooks. He seemed like a hard man to get along with, and I knew without a doubt, the threat he made was true. If I caused any type of trouble for Koda or him, I would regret it, and honestly, I wasn't sure if I would survive his type of payback.
    A shiver raked my body thinking of his hard steel eyes.
    I wondered why he was so quick to offer me the job on the spot. Could it be possible the other women were worse than what I was? I knew there were others up for an interview when Mr Brooks's mum mentioned it. She seemed like a nice woman, which left me wondering how and why he had become the opposite to her.
    I guessed come Monday I would find out about him a little more.
    Another shiver ran over me.
    I wasn't sure I wanted to find anything out about him and his world.
     

Chapter Five
     
    Mena
     
    Early Monday morning, I found the perfect spot to store my car near my new job. Thankfully, bushland surrounded the house, so it made it easier for me to find a great hiding spot where no one would find it. The walk to the house only took twenty minutes, and it was a pleasant walk. I was glad the day was yet another sunny one. Still, the weather in Victoria was temperamental.
    Taking the steps up to the front door, my heart beat faster in my chest. Nerves churned my stomach and with a trembling hand, I reached out and knocked.
    "Come in," was clipped out harshly and loudly.
    Opening the door, I walked in to find Mr Brooks in the kitchen with Koda already in his high chair while having some breakfast.
    "Morning." I smiled. A grunt was offered from Mr Brooks and when Koda looked over to me, he smiled, warming my heart.
    "Mum will be here in an hour. She'll show you through the ropes, what Koda likes and his normal sleeping time and stuff," he explained and stood from his chair, taking the bowl with him to the sink. "Not sure how Koda will go when I leave. He's used to his nanna being here, so he might make a fuss and cry when it's just the two of you."
    "Don't worry, Mr Brooks. I can handle it."
    He turned, his eyes hard. "You had much experience with kids?" He would have already seen my answer on my resume. Still, I humoured him.
    "In my early twenties, I used to work in a child care centre. I left because I wasn't happy with the person who ran the centre. It had nothing to do with my work." Which was what he really would have wanted to know, but he seemed to like to play around it to try to intimidate me. "I know what I'm doing. I promise."
    He eyed me from top to bottom. Suddenly, I felt very dirty, even though I'd washed my clothes during the weekend.
    Jutting my chin out, annoyed with his appraisal, I shot out, "He will be in good care with me."
    "Right. Well, cook and eat what you like." I quickly wiped my hand across my mouth to hide my wide smile. Relief swept over me. "Koda likes a bottle before his naps, both times. His formula is in the cupboard. Text me a list of what you want at the grocery store, and I'll pick it up on the way home."
    Well, dang. "Um, I, ah, broke my phone recently, and I haven't had the chance to get a new one." Since six months ago.
    Again, he studied me and then sighed. "I've left my number near the phone. Ring me around five and I'll get the stuff then."
    "Okay."
    Koda started to whine and fidget. He didn't like just sitting there. Before his dad could get to him, I walked across the room and pulled him into my arms, sitting him on my hip. "Good morning, little man." I tickled his belly. He giggled and then reached out and grabbed a fistful of my blonde shoulder-length hair, giving it a tug. Of course, he laughed more when I said, "Ouch."
    "Yeah, he likes to do that," Mr Brooks said while running a hand over his chin. It seemed Koda liked his dad's beard. "Anyway, I'm gonna hit the road." He didn't move. In fact, he looked like he