“Your roommates have been asking about you. You should spend some time with them.”
I think they only want to talk about or see Axle, not spend time with me. I don’t know how to respond. “I’m busy,” is all that comes to mind.
He steps toward me and lifts his hand, but I step back in time before he touches my hair. It seems too personal. Having to be hypervigilant of my boss’s actions every time I’m at work is a sickening feeling.
“You’re beautiful and deserve so much better than the likes of a club member can offer you.”
He just crossed a line! I force my face to be passive because I don’t want to cause a scene, especially since Rage can walk in at any moment and I haven’t found another job yet.
“Umm... I’d better get to work.” I briskly walk out and busy myself with work. Time passes and I’m lost, just going through the motions. Menacing thoughts filter through my brain.Is Axle safe? What’s he doing?Do I want to know? As long as he’s safe, that’s what really matters.
Mel stops at Rage’s table as much as she can. He always smiles at her. She’s loving it.
“Where’s Axle?” Mel asks when she reaches me.
I frown. I miss him. “He’s out with the MC. He’ll be back soon.”
“Aww...”
I raise my eyes to meet hers.
“You really like him.”
There’s no point denying it. “I do.”
The sympathy in her eyes bugs me. “Just be careful. He’ll hurt you.”
“Thanks.” I sigh. “It’s not the first time I’ve heard that.”
She lays her hand gently on my arm. “Leopards can’t change their spots.”
I pull back my arm with more force than necessary and stride toward my bag. “Bye everyone,” I call out and go to Rage, who stands.
“Ready?”
“Yes.” I follow him to the truck. After being helped inside, I pull out my phone to see messages from two people. Axle and Henry.
Axle
Everything’s good babe. We should be back tonight.
Relief floods me.
How’s everything been going there? How’s Rage?
He’s really nice. There was really no need for him to follow me.
Yes. There was. Have you missed me babe?
Yes, I have.
I’ve missed you too. I’ve got to go. But I’ll see you tonight.
Be safe xx
I gaze through the window of the truck, recalling last night. The way Axle looked at me, like he was starving. Goosebumps travel up my arms. The way he made me feel good and didn’t rush me. I appreciate that more than he’ll ever know. Everyone portrays him as a player, but he’s been attentive, protective, and caring.
I remember that I have a message from Henry.
