I lifted a hand, shushing the guy I now recognised as Stag, and turned to hold it out to the staff guy.
“You got a key?”
“Huh?”
I pointed at the door with my other hand.
“Key. Now.”
He shook his head frantically. “I can’t! I can’t access without permission, and I don’t… don’t know you! You could be whatever she’s afraid of.”
I glanced back at the door, cold fear trickling down my spine.
“Did she answer?”
“Huh?”
“Did she answer the fucking door?”
He shook his head. “I heard sounds, but no, she didn’t call out or anything.”
“Fuck! What if something’s happened to her?” I ran back to the door, thudding my fist against it, wondering if I could kick the fucking thing in.
“Glory! Glory, sweetheart! It’s okay, I’m here. Can you let me in?”
I heard Rocket murmuring to the guy and the next thing he appeared beside me.
“Promise you’re not here to hurt her?”
My shoulders sagged as I rested my forehead against the door, surprised I could hear a damn thing over the roaring of my heart, which seemed to fill my ears as well as burning the centre of my chest.
“Please. My god. She’s on the run from an abusive asshole. I’m… I’m her best… friend…”
The guy hesitated for a moment, holding out the key as he swallowed hard.
“If this is the wrong thing, I’m… oh god, just do it.”
He slotted the key into the reader, and the light pinged green, while I instantly pushed it open, and my eyes hit the still form on the floor.
“FUCK! Get a doctor! Fuck! Glory, sweetheart, I’m here. Babe, I’m here.”
I dropped down onto the carpet, stroking my fingers through her dark hair, leaning close to see if she was breathing, even though I still felt deafened by the roaring in my ears.
“Fuck! Is she okay?”
The staff guy was already on the room phone, and Stag had stayed outside, but Rocket was on his knees beside me. I realised they weren’t wearing their cuts, and like an idiot, I was. Fuck. That meant the Phoenix colours were on display during this drama that could bring the wrong fucking attention to the club.
“Glory?” I eased my cut off and passed it to Rocket, as I leaned down and rolled Glory over, a soft sob leaving her throat as her eyes popped open. The second she focused on me, and realised she was safe, she started to cry. Not little sobs, but loud gasping wails that sounded like they were tearing her chest apart.
I lifted her, pulling her into my lap, and cradled her against my chest as she broke my heart, and probably everyone else’s in earshot.
We heard raised voices outside the room, and Stag leaned in.
“First aider is here, but it’s a guy. What am I doing with him?”
I leaned close to Glory’s ear.
“Are you hurt, sweetheart? Did someone hurt you?” She shook her head frantically and I spoke again.
