She bolted up. “Nicholas?” she called out.
No answer.
Had he left while she slept, or was he curled in her second bedroom, sleeping like a baby? She rose to her feet and shuffled to the guest bedroom. It was empty. She went to her bedroom, but it was empty as well. She groaned and rubbed her neck, working out a kink that had sprung up from sleeping at an angle all night.
She went back to the living room and cleared off the coffee table; she hated the smell of left-out food. When she went into the kitchen to toss everything in the trash, she noticed a piece of paper on the table. “Had to run. You looked so comfortable on the couch that I didn’t want to wake you. I had a nice time with you. It was like the old days. Thanks. I’ll call you. Nicholas.” She smiled and folded the note, shoving it in her pocket.
After cleaning up the mess, she went over to her laptop and checked her e-mails, hurriedly opening the one from her supervisor. She read it and yelled out, “Yesss!” Her supervisor told her that she and the others were impressed by her report and they’d decided to allow Chenoa to live with her father on the condition that he live away from his club. Joy surged through her.
I have to tell Steel. He’s going to be thrilled. Oh, but he has to get a house ASAP.
She checked her phone, a thread of disappointment weaving through her when she didn’t see any text messages or phone calls from him. Deciding not to get bent out of shape, she decided she’d go to the clubhouse and personally deliver the message.Don’t kid yourself, Breanna. You know it’s because you want to see him.She dashed to the bathroom to shower and get ready for her day.
When she arrived at the clubhouse, the member manning the gate recognized her and motioned for her to go through. She pulled into a space near the front door and walked into the main room. It wasn’t very crowded, and she supposed the early hour was probably the reason; partying all night didn’t go hand in hand with early-morning rising.
She went over to the bar and waited for someone to notice her. A member came over. “Hang-arounds aren’t allowed in the club until tonight. Who the fuck let you in?” a tall man with a dark beard and darker eyes asked.
“I need to talk to Steel.”
The man ran his gaze over her. “I told you, hang-arounds aren’t allowed in here right now.”
“I’m not a hang-around. I’m a social worker. I have some news about Chenoa. I’ve got to speak with him.”
A slow smile replaced the man’s scowl. “Oh, you’re the blondie he’s been hanging with. Stay put. Lemme go find him.” He disappeared down a long hallway.
She lifted herself onto a barstool and grabbed one of the napkins, which she proceeded to tear apart in tiny pieces. A couple of men stared at her, but they kept their distance. A redheaded woman came over to her, wearing a tight T-shirt and jean shorts. She stood in front of Breanna and pointed to the front door. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing in here, skank? Get your ass outta here before I kick it out.”
“I’m waiting for Steel.”
“I’m sure you are, but the only women who get him at this time of day are the club girls, not hang-arounds. Get your ass out!”
Another woman with long black hair came up and stood by the redhead. “Aren’t you the bitch who was with him on Saturday night?”
Breanna stiffened. “Don’t fucking call me a bitch.”
“Okay. Weren’t you with him on Saturday?” The black-haired lady crossed her arms.
“Yeah. What of it?”
“Nothing.” She and the redhead exchanged looks. “Well, I hope you got some time because Steel’s busy with Alma right now. You can wait if you want.”
“Alma? Who’s that?”
The redheaded woman took one step closer to Breanna. “She’s been Steel’s main girl. Has been for the past several months.”
Breanna’s stomach dropped, and it felt like she’d been sucker punched. “I gotta go. I just remembered there’s something I have to do.” She slid off the stool.
“You see, Steel has his women right here at the clubhouse. He doesn’t need anyone else.” The black-haired woman looked at the redheaded one. “Am I right?” The woman nodded.
“Leave her the fuck alone, Fina. Why don’t you and Lucy go help Lena in the kitchen if you’re bored.” A tall buffed man with brown hair and eyes came toward her. “Steel’ll be here in a minute. Want something to drink?” Speechless, she just nodded. “You want a beer or a shot?”
“Orange juice, please.”
“You want a couple of shots of vodka in it?”
“No, thanks.”
He pulled out a carton of orange juice and poured her a glass.
