“And when that piece of shit lost his job and couldn’t afford his drinking habit anymore, he entered me in the local underground fights going up against men twice my size just so he could bet against me and win. Did that for years, three a month since I was fourteen. He didn’t expect me to feed off my rage, get bigger and stronger. Adrenaline and anger is a deadly combination.”
“Did you leave him?”
“No.” Wraith smirked. “I was barely seventeen. I knew if I tried to leave, he’d report it. I mean, I was his fucking meal ticket. Either they’d send me back to him or a group home. Both shitty options. Then, I got an offer. From Inez. She’d taken over the underground ring I’d been working and called me in. Started prospecting for the club the next day.”
“What about your dad?”
“She paid him off.” Wraith paused. “He didn’t get to enjoy all that cash though. He was found dead in his apartment two days later. The police never came looking for me. Inez made sure of that.”
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, inching closer. This time he didn’t back away but froze when she wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her cheek on his chest. Wraith balled his fists. He didn’t need or want anyone’s sympathy or tears. Especially hers. When he felt her tremble against his body, he clenched his jaw.
“You and the club. That’s it.”
“You’ll always have me.”
And that’s all I need.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Day twobackat the clubhouse.
And hopefully, our last.
Cleo was eager to get back to her little house. With Wraith. Normal and boring had never been so enticing. But she understood why she was there. It had little to do with her and more to do with the stranger in her old room. Jane Doe, as Inez had dubbed her, remained holed up in the room for the past two days. The only one she’d allow inside was Cleo. She’d spent some time with her, Cleo doing most of the talking. She didn’t try to get any information. If she wanted to share, she would. On her own terms.
While it wasn’t the ideal situation, Cleo enjoyed her company. She’d checked on her when she first woke up.Janewas still sleeping so Cleo retreated to the kitchen to grab herself coffee before heading back to Wraith’s room. When she walked out, Cross was sitting at the table alone, smoking a cigarette.
“Morning.”
He lifted his chin but remained silent. She offered an awkward smile and started through the room. Cross had never been one for conversation.Especially with me.She was about to breach the hallway when he finally spoke.
“You good?”
Cleo turned to face him.
“Oh yeah.” Cleo pointed upstairs. “She’s still sleeping, but I’ll check on her in an hour. I’m going to try and get her out of her room today. I think she just needed some time to decompress.”
“Wasn’t asking about her.” He arched a brow and pointed his cigarette in her direction. “Asking about you.”
Oh.
Cleo walked to the edge of the table, tightly grasping her mug. This was a first.
“Oh yeah, I’m okay.”
He slowly nodded, eyeing her and taking special note of the injuries on her arms. The bruising was still visible. He settled back in his seat, taking a drag of his cigarette. Clearly, he’d gotten what he wanted, and she was eager to get back to Wraith’s room.
She hooked her thumb over her shoulder. “So, um…”
“We’re gonna move” —He rolled his eyes— “Jane Doeover to Minnie and Ralph’s tomorrow. Need you to stay here another night.”
While she wasn’t thrilled with the news, Cleo would happily comply.
“No problem.”
“Inez wants you with her.”
“I’ll stay with her for as long as she needs.”
