Penny
Being tucked in the back of a van isn't exactly what I had imagined going down today, but having Leliah curled to my chest is making things a little more comfortable.
Hugging her closer, her laughter is still ringing in my head. It feels like a lifetime since the last time I'd heard her giggle like that. Had to be months now, when times were still good. Before our relationship started falling apart to the point where Johnny could easily leave us both behind to save himself from his own mistakes.
Might as well accept it was well before that, between the two of us. Our romance died when Leliah started growing up.
Sighing softly into her hair, it's the low rumble of motorcycles keeping up with us that helps bring me out of my head.
It's almost funny. The very same rumble would've had me frantically looking behind me, filled with a dreadful fear I wouldn't have known what to do with. Now, a tiny part ofme feels safe. That if any of those Outlaw Sinners appeared, I wouldn't be by myself anymore. I've got someone in my corner.
Ace, was it? He looks around my age, maybe a little older, but not by much. Do they have a lot of members in their clubs around our age? Even the other guy, Smoke, looked young, too. Closing my eyes, I still remember Ace's smile behind my lids.
It didn't look sinister, but more genuine than anything. Makes me want to lower my guard and slip up somewhere. Those kinds of smiles are the most dangerous. Especially when he's not asking for anything in return. Nothing is truly free in life, but I haven't figured out what he's getting out of this just yet.
I don't know how long we sit soaked in darkness before the van slows to a stop. The rumbles outside grow quiet before the door slides open.
Carefully getting up and watching my step, I don't miss the way Ace lifts his hand, offering to help me out. My gaze flickers down to his offer, and I notice the tattoos on his fingers. All four suits decorate each finger, with a faded J on his thumb. He curls them, beckoning me to give in.
Despite knowing I shouldn't, I do. I let him take my hand so I can step out.
His palm is warm. Calloused in a way that says he works with his hands, but the grip is careful. Gentle. Like he's aware I might bolt away if he squeezes too hard.
"Welcome to paradise, sweetheart." He squeezes my fingers only once, and I feel that squeeze somewhere below my ribs before I can stop it. I blame the hunger. I blame the exhaustion. I blame anything except the way his thumb brushes across my knuckles before he lets go.
"Where are we?" Looking around, I note this street isn't as lit up as the previous one.
He turns toward a large brick building and presents it as if it’s not the crumbling mess it appears to be. "This is the warehouse."
Instead of releasing my hand completely, he catches it again. Looser this time, like an invitation rather than a hold. He uses it to guide me toward the building. I should pull away. I don't. I tell myself it's because Leliah is curled up in my arm and I need the stability.
I don't miss how many bikes are parked in a row. This must be Steelwood's headquarters. Looking over my shoulder, Smoke following close behind doesn't help me feel much better.
Entering inside, I hold Leliah closer to my chest. Expecting some kind of run-down joint to match the outside, what I walk into is the complete opposite.
Soft music plays overhead as we step into a large, spacious room. In one corner, a large plasma television plays a movie with a few people wrapped around a large couch. In another, two guys play a game of pool while another slaps his hand against an older arcade machine, almost knocking off the drink he has perched on top.
Ace walks past all the bikers, ignoring the few glances we get sent in our direction. I don't know how he does it, but I feel more and more heat as each set of eyes flickers between my daughter and me. His thumb is still stroking the back of my hand. I'm acutely aware of it, but it’s becoming increasingly comforting.
Smoke only follows us for so long before he's turning a corner, heading somewhere else.
"You hungry? Bet you haven't eaten in a while, huh?" Ace aims that curve at me. My chest stirs, and I pick up on how quickly my pulse races every time he purposely keeps looking my way.
Just the thought of food is enough to make my stomach growl on cue. He's got me down easily. I didn't even have time to think about eating. Couldn't use my card, just in case they were tracking me that way, so I opted to starve.
He chuckles when I nod, and I hate the way I notice that his eyes drop to my mouth for half a second. Just a flicker, like he can’t help himself.
I look away first, forcing myself to believe that I’m overthinking this man, but my hand doesn't leave his as he continues his guiding path.
We end up in another section of the warehouse, and this big room is easily the kitchen. It's not just a stove and fridge, but there's a mini bar too, one that's fully stocked.
I stiffen up when I notice another guy in the room. He's leaning over the island in front of everything, chowing down on a corndog. The strangest part about him is the sunglasses he's wearing inside at this late hour. They're dark enough that I can't tell where his eyes are, but I can still feel them as he crunches down on another bite.
"Cute kid," he offers up before lifting a blond brow, nearly white. "Didn't know we had any of those around."
Ace releases my hand, and I almost reach out for him before catching myself. He moves past the guy, digging around in the top part of the fridge. "We are now. Meet Penny and Leliah. They'll be hanging out for a little bit."
The guy's mouth quirks up, and he motions for me to come over. Reluctantly, I do. He then offers his hand up. His skin is pale, almost as pale as his blond hair. "Casper. Welcome to the club."
