“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I knew Clay. I didn’t want you to think I was only interested in your friendship because of him.”
“But that’s the only reason you stopped by, right?” I ask, staring straight ahead.
“Well . . . yeah, initially. But now, I consider you a friend. I knew the second you crouched down to my unruly toddler, that we would be friends. Besides, I want to help you get your babies back. You’re a great mum,” she says, her tone pleading.
“So, do I call you Lizzy or Red?” I ask, smiling. How can I be mad when she’s trying to help? That’s all they’re all trying to do. If it wasn’t for Clay coming to my rescue in the first place, I wouldn’t even be here. And she’s right, we’ve really hit it off.
She sighs, relieved. “Thank you. Everyone here calls me Red. It was the nickname Rock gave me, and it just kinda stuck.”
There’s a wolf-whistle from across the courtyard, and Red rolls her eyes. “What can we do for you, Slayer?” she asks, her tone bored.
“I know what youcoulddo for me,” he says suggestively with a wink. Red grins, shaking her head.
“Have you got a fucking death wish?”
“You know me, I like to live life on the edge. How about you, doll?” he asks, turning his attention to me.
“I wouldn’t, Slayer,” Red warns.
I take a long drag of my coffee as he places his arm around my shoulder. “Don’t let this ol’ lady put you off the pussy puller.” A laugh escapes me, and I snort before choking on my coffee. “If you choke like that on coffee, imagine what you’d be like sucking my cock,” he says, wiggling his brows.
“Slayer!” Clay’s voice booms from the doorway, and even Slayer flinches at the force of it.
“What?” Slayer throws his hands up. “VP, I’m just giving the new girl an introduction to the Slay Master.”
Clay doesn’t slow—he storms across the veranda.
“Shit,” Slayer mutters under his breath. “He looks positively pissed.”
Red laughs. “Ididwarn you.”
Clay stops beside me, his jaw tight and his eyes locked on Slayer before he finally looks at me. “You okay?” he asks, his hand settling on my shoulder, gentle, in contrast to the rage rolling off him.
I glance up and nod, offering a small smile. “I’m fine.”
“She’s off limits,” he says in Slayer’s direction.
He scoffs. “Nah, you know the rules, VP. You gotta claim her.”
“I ain’t gotta do shit. You’re a prospect, and if you don’t wanna be polishing my fucking wheels for the next six months, you’ll do as you're told,” he snaps.
Slayer gets to his feet, his eyes narrowed in annoyance. “Tosser,” he grumbles under his breath as he stalks away.
“Two weeks on gate duty for you, arsehole,” Clay shouts after him. “Sure you’re okay, beaut?”
“Yeah, positive. He just caught me off guard.”
“Fucking kid’s a pain in the arse, but he’s harmless,” Clay says, watching as Slayer flips him the bird.
“Unless you’re a club whore.” Red chuckles, and my mouth drops open. “I’ll explain everything,” she adds.
Clay
Belle has been sitting up in my room for most of the day. Red gave her the lowdown on how the club works and introduced her to everyone. She looked completely overwhelmed and needed some time on her own.
I knock on the door before cracking it open slightly to find her asleep on the bed with her book open on her chest.
I carefully lower to the space beside her, marvelling at how peaceful she looks right now. I remove the book from her chest and place it on the bedside table. She stirs, her eyes flickering open. And then she jumps in fright, clutching her chest. She relaxes slightly when she realises it’s me. “Sorry, I didn’t meanto startle you. I just wanted to check on you, make sure you’re okay.”
