“It’s okay. I needed a shower anyway.”
She tugs at my dirty clothes. “Here, let me wash them.”
I pull back. “I can do it.”
She pulls them toward her. “Stop being so stubborn. Let me look after you for at least one day.”
My shoulders fall, and I reluctantly pass them to her. The side of her mouth lifts victoriously.
“Did you want me to organize a doctor to come and check up on you?”
I’m quick to answer. “No. It looks worse than it is.”
Her brow furrows. “Are you sure?”
“It’s okay. They are only bruises. They will heal in no time.”
“What about getting a protective order? I can ask the club’s attorney about it.”
I shake my head. “I’m away from him now. That’s all that matters.”
“I can get Jake to sort him out for you.”
“Elena,” I warn, “please stop.”
She sighs noisily. “Okay... I’ll wash these for you. I’ll be back.”
“Just chuck them out.”
“What? Why?” She looks at my clothes. “The dirt will come out.”
“I want nothing that reminds me of him. Can we go shopping so I can get some clothes?”
Her eyes dart to my bruises. “I’ll organize the clothes. You just relax.” She forces a smile.
After she leaves, I get up and flick the lock shut, then go over to the window and pull at it to ensure it’s locked as well. After finishing the plate of food, I lie down and roll over onto my side. Still feeling drained, I close my eyes and fall back asleep.
THREE
NEW WORLD
Ava
I sit up abruptly, covered in sweat. I’m panting, trying to catch my breath. The room is dark, but it isn’t long until I realize where I am. A blanket of relief covers me. “He’s not here,” I whisper to myself. I’m on edge and a shadow of who I once was. He’s sucked the life right out of me.
The music and voices are loud, reminding me I’m here with more people than just Elena. I will go insane if I stay in this room by myself, dealing with my demons, so I get up and shuffle to the wall before turning on the light. After I blink a few times, my eyes adjust to the brightness. If they are having a party downstairs, it could be the perfect distraction. I grab my makeup bag, unlock the door, and walk over to the bathroom.
After I finish applying my makeup, I lean closer to the mirror. There’s no hope of getting rid of the bruises, but I have covered them up somewhat. There’s no mistaking my cleavage in this dress. I’m surprised it fits me. I’m lucky it flows out at the bottom. I stare at myself again. This will have to do.
After putting my belongings away, I walk through the hallway. A girl with only a thong on comes running in my direction, so I flatten myself against the wall and look away from her naked body. She’s pulling the guy I met this afternoon behind her. He winks at me again as he walks past.
When I reach the top of the stairs, I hesitate. Every ounce of me wants to run back into the bedroom, but I take a deep breath and slowly make my way down. The song playing is “Debonaire” by Dope. I used to love all different music. I’ll have to get a new phone to download all my favorite songs, and I’m sure there’s new music out I haven’t heard yet.
Squeals and high-pitched sounds of laughter make me physically cringe, and when I look over, two women are running away from a man with a different MC cut on. When he catches one, his arm curls around her back, and he pulls her into him and motorboats his face against her boobs. Her head falls back while she laughs.
“Ava!” Elena calls out.
I scan the crowd to see her rushing toward me. My sister is wearing white skinny jeans with a cute blue shirt tied up at the front, exposing her stomach, and it looks as though she’s wearing a cut over the top.
