“Most of the time, they don’t have to do a damn thing. As Havoc says, abusers are pussies. They want to slap around a woman, not square off with a biker club. Ladies first also helps with counseling, legal representation, and any other needs we can meet. More importantly, we remind our clients that abuse is not acceptable and assure them they are strong enough to escape.”
But my mind couldn’t skip past the role of the club. Staying with strange men sure as hell wouldn’t make me feel safe. Sex was one thing, but I didn’t do sleepovers. Ever.
Until Landon.
And look where that had gotten me.
“The women stay in safe houses alone with bikers?” I asked.
“Sometimes.” She glanced around and lowered her voice. “Sometimes survivors stay at the club.”
“But what if there are children?”
Julia shrugged. “Morse’s background checks are the digital equivalent of a full cavity search. Nobody can hide anything from that man, and he definitely wouldn’t let a child predator join. Believe that. In fact, none of the DPs would. That club is the safest place on earth for my son.”
“I’ve seen your husband. Pretty sure Ruckus is safe anywhere. Nobody would dare provoke Havoc.”
Another proud smile. “True. Still, all the club's common areas are wired with cameras. You should come in and see it for yourself.”
I eyed the massive old fire station. “I’m not dressed for a motorcycle club.” It was a solid excuse. Last night, my trench coat had gotten bloody, and Landon had shown me out to treat the stain. It was now in the washing machine, and I was praying for the best. My pink puffer jacket was today’s replacement, and the sage green cable-knit sweater under it looked like someone’s grandma had made it. Paired with boyfriend jeans and white chunky platform sneakers, my style couldn’t have been further from badass biker babe had I tried.
“Nobody will care how you’re dressed. Come in. Meet some people. Once you do, you’ll feel a lot better should you ever have to recommend someone to us.”
She had a good point, and I was curious, so I let Julia lead me to the front doors of the club. As we neared, the door swung inward, and Havoc appeared with an adorable dark-haired toddler on his hip. Ruckus’s enormous ebony eyes studied me for a solid ten seconds before his attention slid to the person beside me, and he flung out his arms.
“Mom!”
“Not Mommy or Mama. Mom.” Julia reached for her son, who immediately changed his mind and clung to Havoc.
“Dada.”
Havoc beamed.
“You’re playing with my emotions, kid.” Julia shook her head and led me into the club.
11
Landon
SHE FUCKING THREW me out.
It was my fault, really. I knew better than to stick around after sex. What the hell had possessed me to make breakfast? I’d known exactly what this was before I went into it, and I should have kept my mouth shut and stayed in my own goddamn lane.
What did I care if she got herself into trouble?
I didn’t.
I couldn’t.
She’d been fine before I showed up, and she’d keep right on surviving after I left. The woman was too damn stubborn to do anything less.
Shoving open the security door, I banished the memories of last night and stepped out into the cold, rainy morning. The weather app on my phone had alerted me that Seattle was likely to get freezing rain today, and I could definitely see that happening. Hurrying my steps, I jogged the distance to Mom’s house and let myself in using the hidden key.
I’d hoped to slip into my room unseen so I could process all the shit that had just happened, but no such luck. Mom was knitting in the living room when I walked in.
Her gaze met mine, and the clacking of needles halted as she asked, “Is Mercy’s brother all right?”
I shrugged and sat beside Mom on the sofa. “I don’t know. He took off as soon as he woke up.”
