And just like that, I hear the bedroom door close behind him.
I run the shower, waiting for it to warm up whilst secretly kicking myself for not replying to him.
I’ve spent far too long isolating myself upstairs, letting my mind play tricks on me. I need to keep myself busy and focus on something else, so I make my way to the bar.
I can hear the music thudding away already, and I frown, wondering why there’s a full-on party happening at . . . I glance at my watch and see it’s only four-thirty.
My eyes land on Siren. The club whore has her tits out on full display, and she’s not ashamed of it. She’s dancing on the bar,her hips swaying and her chest bouncing. Anger boils through me as I move towards her. Rock is trying to ignore her, his expression awkward as his eyes dart away. He notices me and grimaces before knocking his drink back and exiting his seat. She throws her head back laughing as she bends down to gather her bra.
“What the actual fuck, Siren?” I yell, storming over to the jukebox and shutting it down. Everyone stops what they’re doing, their eyes following my every move.
Siren rolls her eyes, which only manages to piss me off more. “Get off the fucking bar and show some damn respect,” I shout, not caring that all attention is now on me.
“What’s up, Rochelle? Jealous?” she asks, laughing as she slides off the bar.
I scoff, my eyes widening in disbelief. “Jealous of a club whore? Don’t be fucking ridiculous.” A few sniggers circulate around the room. “You know Rock has an ol’ lady, so keep your fucking claws away from him. There’s plenty of dick in here that isn’t taken.”
She stalks towards me, clearly rattled. This bitch is brave. She’s one of the latest recruits, and quite honestly, she needs to be put in her place. I smirk at her audacity as Kira rushes over to stand between us.
“Siren,” Kira warns, placing her hands on her chest, pushing her backwards. “I’m sorry, Rochelle. I did try to tell her you wouldn’t approve, but she wouldn’t listen,” she rushes out as a way of explanation.
Siren isn’t fazed. Her hands rest on her hips, and her brow is arched as her lips curl into a cruel smile.
“Well, she better learn and fast because next time, I’ll drag her off the bar by her fucking hair,” I snap, staring straight past Kira at Siren. “We have rules here. There will be no dancing for anyone unless specifically asked. Do I make myself clear?” Shedoesn’t respond, just glares back at me. “If you want to dance, get yourself in the strip joint, not here.”
She nods, but I don’t miss the look of contempt. I step closer. “Do I make myself fucking clear?” Her eyes dart around the room, taking in everyone watching before they rest back on me. Her jaw twitches.
“Crystal,” she spits, her tone laced with the venom radiating off her. She turns on her heel and storms towards the lounge.
“What you all staring at?” I ask, looking around the room. Everyone scuttles off, making themselves seem busy. I narrow my eyes and sarcastically add, “Glad to see you all jumped to my rescue.”
“We knew you had it all handled,” shouts Slider, raising his glass with a laugh. “Wouldn’t mind watching you two scrap it out naked next time, though.” He laughs again, turning back to his game of pool.
“I’m so sorry, Rochelle. She’s a wild one,” Kira mutters. She’s been with the club for years, and even though I can’t stand the club girls, at least she has respect for the order of things.
“In the future, make sure she tows the line. If I had anything to do with it, none of you would even fucking be here.”
Kira recoils at my words, and I feel like a bitch, but I’m not here to be their friend. If anything, their presence alone pisses me off. It may be part of life here, so I may have to tolerate it, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.
DRIFTER
The rain’s beating down on us when we pull up to the clubhouse. Clay and I spent the entire evening chasing down leads and flushing out those dealing on our territory.
All I want right now is a few drinks to take away the overwhelming stress that rests firmly on my shoulders.
I often wonder how the hell my dad handled the club and didn’t show an ounce of stress or pressure, at least, not in front of me. I always remember him as being happy, smiling, without a care in the world, and it makes me wonder where the fuck I’m going wrong.
As I walk into the bar, Hell launches herself at me, and I catch her as she wraps her legs around my waist. It’s the welcome I’ve been missing.
“I’ve missed you,” she whispers in my ear, and a shiver radiates down my body. I’m unsure if it’s from being soaked right through or the warmth of her breath against my neck. “Fancy round two?” she asks, running kisses along the nape of my neck.
“Get a fucking room,” Clay says with a laugh, placing his helmet on the bar.
I slide her down my body, and she frowns at me. I kiss her tenderly on her head, trying to squash the disappointment in her eyes.
“I just need a drink, Hell,” I say carefully, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. “It’s been a long day.”
She stares into my eyes, almost searching for something. She opens her mouth as if to speak but stops herself, giving a weak smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. She grabs my hand and leads me towards the bar without another word.
