Page 77 of Guarding Glenda

“I know. It was wrong. But–”

He held his hand up, his normally stern face softening. “We all did you wrong. I did you wrong. I’m sorry.”

Confused, I shook my head. “No. Reggie is to blame. You just did what you had to.”

“Two things can be true at the same time,” he said, taking another drag. “What Reggie did to us was fucked up. I’m still unsure how or why.”

“I get that.”

“I bet you do. What he did to us was bad, but I understand what he did you to was pretty fucked up, too. And not just at the end.”

Shrugging, I said, “Well, it’s over now.”

“That it is. But while I have every right to boot you out, I’m not going to. This club appreciates you, Glenda. And I know you’re loyal to us, not just him.”

“I’m not loyal to him anymore. I can’t be, knowing what I know.”

Hammer nodded. “But you were. Even when he treated you wrong.”

I wasn’t sure how to respond. For a long time, Reggie had other girls, but that was typical. So I didn’t understand what he was saying. “I knew what I signed up for.”

“Yeah but you’re not just some club whore, Glenda, and you know it. Maybe some of what he did was normal, but it doesn’t always make it right.”

“That’s kind of you to say.”

He took another long drag. “Now, I did fine you, but Leigh said he’s handling it.”

And there he was. “I can pay my own way. How much?”

“I don’t want no smoke with Leigh. You take that up with him,” he said with a chuckle.

“Then why even tell me?”

He leaned his elbows on his knees. His brown eyes were tired looking. “Are you good? With him?”

My heart sped back up again. Why the hell was he asking? Had I misread him all this time? Was he making a move? I thought he wanted Allie. “I am. He’s good to me. Really good. Why?”

“I just want to be sure. You’ve been through a lot. Leigh can be intense. He had you transported to his house without asking me. I hope you know that.”

I grinned. “I’m not mad. I was,” I blurted. “But it turned out to be what I really needed.”

“Alright.” He took another long drag then blew a huge plume of smoke. This time, it went the other direction. He stood up, then held his other hand out.

I once again was confused, but took his hand and stood up. He pulled me into a big hug, wrapping his arms over mine.

“You’re a good girl. Leigh will take care of you. And we’re straight. You don’t have to avoid me, alright?”

The tension in my shoulders melted away and I nodded against his broad chest. “Thank you. I love this club. I really do. I’ll be smarter next time.”

“I don’t think there will be a next time.” He pulled away. “If Leigh doesn’t do right by you, I’ll take him out myself. Okay?”

“Okay.” I didn’t believe him but the sentiment was nice all the same. He didn’t even have to say it. “Thanks for letting me stay, Hammer.”

“Well, Leigh may be on my fucking nerves this week, but he’s still one of our best guys. I imagine he’d run off into the sunset with you if I kicked you out.” He let me go but playfully bumped my shoulder with his fist. “Not that I would really kick you out. I hope you know that. I’m a hothead, but once I cool off, I try to make things right.”

“I get it. I know.” I wanted to tell him to work on that, but you don’t sass the president, especially when he’s giving you a pass on a rule you broke.

“Alright, Bama’s been standing over there watching us so let’s break this up. Leigh will be back in a bit. I’m gonna send him home, but he’ll be needed this week.”