Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 69875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 349(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 349(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
He leaves. My chest is heaving from being so close to him. The scent of his cologne still hangs in the air, invading my senses. Ignoring his anger, and his order for me to change, I make my way down to the party. Deep down, I’m sure it’s going to end with him in a rage, but if he hasn’t laid a claim to me, he has no say.
When I reach the foyer, I turn left and find Callia watching me with an arched brow. She stops next to me and giggles lightly. She’s probably heard what went down.
“I think someone has a crush,” Callia says when she sidles up to me.
Even though we’re in lockdown, the club bar is busy. With all the brothers here, even a couple of what they call nomads, it’s packed, noisy, and the women who hang around seem to be enjoying the attention.
“What do you mean?” I look at Callia to find a glint in her stare as she side-eyes me.
“You and Monster,” she says then, causing my face to flush. “I’ve never seen him lose his shite like that before. Granted, he’s a grumpy bastard, but that was new to me. There have been fights in the bar before, in the club as well, but he’s always allowed Rebel or Racer to take the lead.”
“He’s just being overprotective because I’m new.”
“I was new once too.” Callia looks away, and I follow her gaze. In the corner of the bar, I spot Rebel, the VP. “But Monster never came to my defence.”
“And Rebel did?” This time, it’s her turn to blush.
She nods. “He did.” There’s a sadness in her eyes, though. Makes me think of unrequited love. The ache that coils deep inside your soul for that one person. But they never notice. The frustration of it must linger long after your feelings are gone.
I look back at Callia. “But you’re not together.” It’s a remark that has her smile falling for a moment.
I shouldn’t have said anything, but my observation was only that the men will defend us, but it doesn’t mean they see us as anything more than projects. They enjoy the protective commands they offer, but it’s only because they’re trying to ensure our safety. I look around and find Rebel, then my gaze lands on the Monster. His face is pinched in anger. I’m pretty sure it’s about me.
He made it clear he didn’t like my outfit, and he made it very fucking clear he wasn’t happy about me coming down here. But there aren’t any men pawing over me as he put it. I think he’s scared everyone off.
“Romance and the road don’t always go hand in hand,” Callia says with a sad tinge to her voice. “Rebel loves his bike more than he’ll ever love a woman.” She sighs softly, her gaze faraway.
I’m convinced she’s a dreamer. There isn’t anything that this girl can’t do. I’m in awe of her. I think it’s incredible she’s able to still look at a man who doesn’t want her and see someone who’s worth the love.
Shaking my head, I look back at Monster and stifle a groan of annoyance. “Aren’t all bikers like that, though?”
She looks over at me and smiles. “That they are, darling.”
I want to ask more, to find out what happened between her and Rebel, but I don’t. If she’s ready to talk about it, I’ll listen, but we’re not close enough to get emotional. So, I leave it.
“I better collect the empty glasses and get them washed up. I don’t have to tidy, but it will take my mind off things for a little while,” I tell her.
Monster wanted me to get back to work, so I’ll obey. For now. He may be angry, but I have a feeling it’s not at me, it’s because of me. Deep down, what Callia said has hit me. I busy myself tidying up, but I can feel his eyes on me. He tracks me, and I know it’s also because he’s trying to figure out what I’m hiding. Monster is observant, and each time someone asks about my past, I don’t offer any specific details.
I don’t know how much longer I have to stay here, how much longer I have before someone notices, or I slip up. But I need to keep my head down and focus on saving enough to get out of Belfast. It’s going to be the safest option. If I can get back to London, I know my way around. It will be easy for me to disappear in the crowds that the Big Smoke has.
I wouldn’t go back to the townhouse, and I certainly wouldn’t want to contact any of my friends. It would put them in danger. But I have enough savings that I can withdraw without anyone knowing. It’s a long shot, but it’s still a plan. It’s a solid one because it will be easy enough to do it. Now, all I need to do is bide my time and get out of here.