“You want to get out of town? Do you need money? Anything you want, VeeVee.”
“No, not out of town. But I was hoping I could stay at your clubhouse for a while. I have to work tonight, but then I’m asking for some time off.” I start fiddling with the edge of the blanket, trying my hardest to keep from bursting into tears again. “If I’m at your compound, behind the gates, then I don’t have to worry about seeing them.”
He sits there, nodding his head, but doesn’t speak. We’ve just reconnected, so I begin to think it’s foolish of me to think he’d let me just waltz into his club and hide out.
“If that’s what you need. I can get you a room ready.” He places his hand over mine when he notices them shaking. “Just know our club isn’t like the Hellions. They’re vicious and shit happens there; I’d never want you exposed to. I’m changing things, but it’s taking a while, especially with some of the older members of the club.”
“I don’t care. And until Ash showed up, the Hellions weren’t as lax as they are now.” I laugh, but it’s not one that comes from amusement.
“When are you wanting to come stay?” he asks, already pulling out his phone, typing a message to someone. Most likely Nic, his best friend and the VP of the Satan’s Rejects.
“I can come in the morning if you want. Tonight would be better. I just need to be away from here for a little while.” I tell him.
“Pack your bags and bring everything you need.” He laughs. “I’ll have everything ready for you tonight. Just message me before you head to the clubhouse.”
“I love you, Luca. I’m so glad we found each other.” My arms are flying around his neck before he even has a chance to respond. I break down again, but he just holds me. His hand rubbing soothing circles on my back until all my tears are gone and I have none left to give.
What I need to do now is figure out how to close off my heart when I have to see them every day. To do that, I need some time away from them.
I pull into the parking lot of Hell’s Desire, my heart pounding so loudly I can hear it over the radio. I’ve been dreading this since I left my house. Hank works tonight, and I’m going to have to face him.
“Come on, Vee, get your shit together. You need to walk inside that building, head held high, and let Bash know you’re taking some time off. At least a week. If he says no, then I’ll figure that out later.”
My eyes drift to the back seat where a suitcase filled with my clothing and toiletries sit. A few pillows and bedding arecrammed into the trash bag beside it. Figured that would make it easier to carry.
Opening the door, I get out of my car and make my way to the building. Each step that brings me closer feels like I’m trudging through quicksand. I keep moving, fear of chickening out and running straight to my brother takes over.
But when I open the door, it’s not Hank I see. It’s Mack.
“Hey girl.” He quickly greets me.
I want to ask where he is, but I don’t.
“Parking lot already looks crazy. Is Bash in his office?”
“Yeah, there’s a bachelor party and some frat group inside. Tips should be good as long as they don’t get stupid. He’s there. If not he’s on the floor.” He gives me a wink. Not a flirty one, but a friendly one that makes me feel like he knows what happened between me and the guys.
I smile back and head inside. Straight upstairs to the office. I need to get this over with. When I reach the top I take a deep breath, calming myself, before lifting my hand and knocking on the door.
“Come in,” comes gruffly from the other side.
Taking hold of the knob, I open the door to see Bash at his desk, and Javier sitting right in front of him.
“Can I talk to you for a minute?” I ask, my voice shakier than it normally is.
“Yeah, come on in and take a seat.” He waves me forward, gesturing to the chair beside Javier.
I take my time moving across the room, trying my damndest to hide my shaking hands, but I must not do a good job.
“Everything okay?” Javier asks, lowering his feet to the floor, from where they were propped on the desk.
“Umm yes… No,” I answer. Fuck, this is harder than I thought it would be.
“I hate to do this. But I need to take some time off. I need to work through some things.”
Bash leans back in his chair, lifting his hands behind his head and just gazes at me for a minute like he’s trying to put the pieces to a puzzle together.
“How long do you need?” Bash doesn’t even ask me why I need the time.
