Ainsley’s eyes get wider and wider as I talk.We sit there in silence, just watching each other, seeming lost in our own thoughts.
Ainsley shrugs.“As true as any of that might be, why are you asking?”
“We all know how these men feel about secrets.”I sigh.
“Charlie, you're talking in circles, and I need you to just be honest with me.”Ainsley looks at me with narrowed eyes.
“It’s nothing, really.I’m just curious because everyone has secrets in life, and the brothers don’t need to know every little detail,” I say hurriedly.
“Right, they don’t have to know every little detail about our lives, but if it’s something that could put a brother, our families, or the club in danger, then they do need to know to protect everyone.”Ainsley's serious tone causes my breath to catch.
I cannot look at her because that’s just it.My secret could bring danger to the club and everyone attached to it.I’ve broken one of the biggest and most important rules of being in another club’s territory—hell, their fucking clubhouse—with no one knowing who I really am.How do I even begin to explain to anyone, especially the Enforcer’s Ol’ Lady?
“I understand,” I finally mumble before standing.“I’m going to go for my run, then we can soak up some rays by the pool before these men get home.”
Ainsley says nothing but watches me closely.I give her a small wave and smile before turning to leave.I make it to the door when Ainsley calls out, “You're not alone here, Charlie.We’ve got your back!”
I look back at her over my shoulder.“I appreciate that.”
My shattered soul tries to claw for comfort in her words, but I’m unable to find any solace in them.Not when I’m drowning under the lies I feed them all every day.I slip through the door with my head down, silently begging the universe to let me reach my room before any of the Club Bunnies spew another round of their poison-laced commentary.When I finally make it into my room unscathed, a shaky breath escapes me.After taking a moment to pull myself together, I quickly change into my running gear before grabbing my phone and headphones.
When I get outside, I turn left to start the long loop around the edge of the property.As I round the lake and come to the split in the path, I stand there looking out over the water while catching my breath and deciding which one to take.Laughing at the irony of this situation and my life, I decide to take the path that leads back around the lake towards the clubhouse.My gut tells me to stay closer than normal.As the path breaks through the trees beside the wall that surrounds the property, I push myself harder, sprinting the rest of the way to the clubhouse.Slowing my pace to a slow jog as I come around the front, I take note of an SUV leaving.
Couldn’t tell you how I know it, but I can feelhiseyes scanning my body.I warm from the inside, and not because I’m running.My core clenches at the thought of Blitz drinking me in.Shaking my head hard to escape those thoughts, I finish my run just as the SUV exits the property.I go to the side of the clubhouse to stretch and cool down when my phone chimes with a message.
Blitz: Please be careful while I’m gone
His text warms my chest while pissing me off simultaneously.The same man who made it very clear this morning that I was nothing and no one is now trying to show me he cares?Fuck that and fuck him.Maybe it’s time I finally do what I should have done when I woke up inside a goddamn motorcycle clubhouse—run far and fast.Once I’ve cooled down and gotten my emotions kind of under control, I go to get ready to meet Ainsley out by the pool.
We’ve been relaxing, laughing, and reading for a few hours when the rumble of bikes drowns out our music.Ainsley stretches, then stands from her lounger.She wraps a towel around her body, then gathers all her stuff.
“Better get in and get a shower before Mercy decides it’s not an option.”Ainsley winks at me.
I just chuckle and get up to follow suit, knowing that I’m going to need to be behind the bar for the guys.I head inside and hustle through a quick shower.Just as I step out of my bathroom into my room, there is a hard knock on my door.With my towel wrapped around me, I throw on my robe before answering the door.My eyes go wide when I see the man on the other side.
“Mercy, um, what can I do for you?”I stumbled over my words.
His eyes never leave my face but are as hard as ever.“Terro needs you now.”
“Do I have a second to put clothes on?”I mumble looking at my feet as fear rises to suffocate me.
Mercy just shrugs and steps back, leaning against the wall across from my door, arms crossed over his chest.Closing the door to my room, I take several deep breaths, trying to fight the panic attack rising.Wildly I look around the room for an escape.Terro having Mercy escort me to talk to him could only mean they know something that could cause them concern.I don’t have any idea how long it takes for me to finally get my spinning thoughts under control before I’m able to get dressed.Just as I slide my feet into my sandals, there are three hard knocks on my door, causing my heart to drop into my ass.
“Coming,” I yell nervously, swallowing the bile pushing up my throat.
I pull the door open to find Mercy’s ever-present glare there.He gives me a nod before stepping back so I can step through the door.Looking over my shoulder, I raise an eyebrow in silent question to Mercy.
“His office,” his tone is bored.
Nodding, I turn away and fight my instincts to run away from the predator at my back.We make it to the end of the hallway and find the great-room full of brothers and Club Bunnies.I search the room, sighing when I find Twitch behind the bar, thankful that it’s not a Club Bunny fucking up my stuff.I turn left and go down the long hallway with all the offices.We pass the first door, which is Prez’s office.The door on the right is the conference room where outsiders are brought in for meetings.We finally make it to the second door on the left and find it slightly open.
I stop, taking a deep, calming breath before raising my hand to knock on the door.Through the crack, I watch as Terro lifts his head and our eyes collide.When I see care and concern on his face, some of the anxiety and stress fall away marginally.He waves me in, so I pull up my figurative big-girl panties and push through the door.The sound of the door clicking closed behind me has me spinning around and releasing an inaudible sigh when I don’t see Mercy right behind me.
“Charlie girl, come sit,” Terro calls to me.
Spinning around, I drag my feet to the chair across from his desk.Sitting down, I finally realize that Anvil is leaning against the wall behind Terro.I sit on the edge of the chair, back straight, hands in my lap.Anvil peels himself off the wall and stalks towards me, squatting down when he reaches me.
“Breathe, sweet girl,” he mutters.“We just want to check in on you.”
