“Bomber doesn’t seem like the type to negotiate,” Elena chimes in.
I down one drink and place the glass on the bar, then the next. The burn is ferocious. I swallow a few times to ensure I don’t bring it back up.
“He never argued with me,” I point out, thinking back to when we were younger. “He had a soft spot for me and was fiercely loyal and caring.”Which only increased after Misty’s disappearance.
“Bomber is protective of the club. If he called you his ol’ lady, he’s going to be even more protective of you, so I can’t see him letting you sleep anywhere but with him. There’s plenty of single men here, and without a property patch, anyone can hook up with you.”
My stomach drops. “I didn’t realize. I guess I am staying with him, then.”
I have mixed feelings about that.
“So what do you do?” Ava asks.
“I work in a women and children’s shelter.”
Ava inhales sharply. A flash of terror widens her eyes. Elena peers at her and frowns.
My eyes dart between the two of them. “Is everything okay?”
Ava’s body slouches, tears lining her eyes. I stand and lean over, putting my hand on her arm. “What’s wrong?”
“I got out of a DV relationship last year. It was a nightmare.”
I gently squeeze her arm, giving her a sad smile. “I can contact my boss and see what resources are available here for you at Crown Village.”
“Thank you, but no need. I’m feeling better and I’m healing. It’s been a slow process.”
“Before I leave, make sure you take my number down, in case you change your mind.”
Ava smiles. “There needs to be more people like you in the world. Even though I’m enjoying my chef course, I’d love to do something meaningful like that.”
My heart clenches. “From what I recall, there’s no shelter here, but there might be one in the surrounding towns. You could call them, see if they need any help.”
She stands straighter. “Excellent idea. I’m going to do that.”
“Count me in,” Elena says.
The women are friendly.
“I’m sure they need all the help they can get.”
My gaze goes to the living room.
“Who are the other women, sitting on the couches?”
“Sweet butts,” Elena answers. “They cook and help out for a roof over their head and food and...” She drops her gaze to the ground, then looks back up at me. “I’d say they are mostly here for the sex, though.”
Ouch!Another blade to the heart.
They must see the look on my face because Elena is quick to say, “You have nothing to worry about. Bomber never slept with any of them.”
My shoulders fall as the tension dissipates.
Ava asks, “The vigil is in two days, isn’t it? Reaper mentioned it.”
“That’s right.”
“Would you like some company, or we can help somehow?”
