He nods. “Sure am.”
“I’m capable of driving myself, but yes, I promise I won’t be alone with him.”
The side of his lip twitches. “Are you staying over at mine tonight?”
“Uh...”
“There won’t be any more strangers at the clubhouse,” he’s quick to respond.
A little relief filters through. I’d rather not be home, where my boss can show up unexpectedly. It makes me question how my roommates are friends with someone like that. “Okay, I’ll get my things.” I lean up on my toes. His eyes slightly soften, but there’s still an edge to him.
I get in my car and glance at him, but he stands off to the side, waiting for me to drive off. I put my key in the ignition, but nothing happens. I take the key out and try again. It doesn’t start. “Great...” I mutter, then open the car door. “My car just died. Can you check it out for me?”
He smirks, appearing thoroughly amused with himself. “It’s so old. The parts will cost a fortune, and you’ll probably just have to buy another car.”
My stomach drops. I can’t afford that. He opens the hood and looks at the engine. My head falls back against the headrest. How will I manage to travel to work now? I refuse to move back home with my parents... I just can’t.
When I hear the hood shut, I look up at Axle optimistically, but the shake of his head all but crushes my hope. “There’s probably something wrong with your fuel pump. It seems I’m taking you to work every day now,” he says proudly.
I stand, shut the car door, and lock it. “You must be happy that you’re getting your own way.”
“You bet I am,” he replies with complete and utter smugness, but his cheeriness doesn’t reach his eyes. He puts his arm around my waist and draws me closer, and exhales deeply. “We’ll go to yours and pick up your clothes. You should bring a big bag. I don’t know how long the part and fixing the car will take.”
“Okay, but I have to make it to every shift on time.”
“I can do that.”
I peer around. “Where’s your bike?”
He points to the van a few parking spaces away. I’m grateful. That means I don’t have to carry my bag on my back.
“We’ll grab some dinner on the way,” he suggests.
After we arrive at the clubhouse, he parks the van in the shed. I thought he’d be happy I’m staying with him, but he still seems distant. He was quiet on the way over. He takes my bag from the back seat and takes my hand.
Carrying our takeout in my other hand, I walk toward the house. I listen for loud music or any signs of a party, but there are none. My body becomes rigid and I cower as we walk inside, but when I steal a glance at the living room, I don’t see anyone having sex. I exhale gratefully.
“Disappointed, are you?” Viper is at the bar, smiling widely, a beer in his hand.
“I’d say I’m relieved,” I reply, making him chuckle.
“Don’t worry, we’ll be out of your way tonight.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t...” I hate making him think I don’t want him here in his own home.
“The fights are on tonight. All of them will be out,” says Axle. He tugs on my hand, so I follow him up the stairs.
When we walk into his room, he sets down my bag by his wardrobe. I frown. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” he says, but his voice is emotionless and he’s not making eye contact.
I know something is wrong. I’m getting whiplash from his mood changes today.
“You want to go and grab a drink with dinner?” he asks, tilting his head toward the door.
I release a ragged breath and follow him out, down the stairs.
“Go take a seat in the living room, and I’ll get us some drinks. What do you want?”
