I was let loose so quickly that I stumbled and almost went down. I would have gone down if Raze hadn't caught me by the elbow, steading me.
“You ok, Briella? Not hurt?”
He was asking whether the man had done more than grab at me. I didn't even want to think what would happen if I said yes.
“I didn't touch her.”
“Shut up. Tommy will want a word with you before the night's end,” Raze spat. “Come on, Briella, let's get you inside and I will go and find Tommy for you.” he started to lead me forward, “It's good to see you again, and you look gorgeous. Tommy is a lucky man.”
I don't know what I expected but it wasn't what greeted me. I wasn't a naive fool or a prude. I owned a tv so I had a rough idea what went on in biker clubs but nothing could have prepared me for the sight that met my eyes.
Blushing, I turned my face away from the woman on her knees giving some guy head just inside the door.
“Just ignore them.” Raze’s voice was light, but his grip on my hand tightened like he was afraid I was going to bolt.
The thought did cross my mind. Keeping my eyes on his back, I followed him. I could do this, take whatever shocking surprises that club party threw at me if it meant I got to see Tommy.
“It's ok, I'm not...”
Raze glanced behind him. “Tommy won’t like you seeing this shit. He thinks you're too good for the likes of us and for once I have to agree with him.”
I blushed before I could help myself.
Raze chuckled.
The music was louder as he pushed open the double doors to the room where I had eaten breakfast that first morning. I grimaced at the bass pounding through my body.
I had never been one for parties and clubbing. Even through university it wasn't my style so the thumping music instantly gave me a headache.
“Here.” Raze ushered me to a stool in the corner of the bar. Patting it to let me know I should take a seat. “Sit and have a drink and I will get Tommy for you. He's around here somewhere.” He cracked another smile and this time it didn't reach his eyes.
Raze was worried about something. “Get her whatever she wants, and make sure no one touches her.”
The girl behind the bar raised a very blonde eyebrow in his direction.
“Briella.” Raze said my name like it answered a multitude of questions and the woman nodded.
“I'll make sure she's fine.” Turning her attention to me, she leant over the bar, flashing me a great view of full high breasts. “What can I get you?”
“Just water is fine.”
There was a moment of silence and then she nodded. “One water coming up.”
The moment the water was pushed across the bar, she forgot all about me. I was left sitting there. Alone. Feeling every bit the outsider. And every minute seemed to take an hour as I tried to ignore what was going on behind me.
“Did you hear?” A girl to my left spoke. “Tommy has a new woman. A serious one.”
I couldn't help but smile. He had been talking about me. It made me feel better about being here.
“I heard he has a human pet over at the old apartment. I don’t know if a fuck toy is the same as a serious woman.” Another said.
I held my breath, not daring to breathe in case it drew attention to me. I shouldn’t have worried. Both women ignored me totally.
“You know how Tommy is, he won't take an old lady.”
More laughter filled the air. It seemed to drown out every other sound in the room. I was hyper aware of every word they were saying.
“Oh I don't know. Tammy has been in and out of his room since he got back yesterday looking like he wanted to murder someone. I'm guessing things aren't going well with the little girl he rescued and he fancied a real woman who knows what he really is. You know Tammy likes being taken by the monsters. That's just her thing.”
