Blinking, I let one hand move to the steering wheel and slowly move my foot off the brake. My lungs burn as I hold my breath, waiting for this man's face to twist in rage seconds before he busts the window open.
"There you go," he coos loudly, nodding his head. "Keep going. Cora and Sue are at the front desk today. They're sweet. Good girl!" he praises as I zoom away from him.
Just the mention of the two women I met propel me forward. I'd probably rush to Bash if the guard mentioned his name, but thankfully I get to see Cora. She's like me, Little, even if she doesn't know about me.
I want to be like her.
Fantasizing about her high energy and adorable outfit, I realize I'm about to unbuckle my seatbelt.Can I do this? Should I do this?
The weight of life rests on me now, so I have to do this. I don't want to, but I have to. This job, any job really, means thedifference between having warm milk for bed or tap water until it runs out.
"Ohmigawd! Mommy! My friend is here!"
To my surprise, my shoulders droop in relief when I hear the high-pitched squeal. Cora's eyes pop over the edge of the window to look at me. I'm unbuckling my seatbelt and slowly opening the door before I can second-guess myself. I don't know if it's Cora's energy or the hula-hoop she has in her fists, but I'm drawn to her.
"Hi!" she shouts, bouncing on her toes after I close the truck door behind me. Before I can respond, Sue's commanding presence zips my lips. It's obvious she's in charge and dominant. I know not to be too much around someone like her.
"Oh!" Sue beams with a big smile. "Hi, sweetie. I'm happy you're here!"
She is?
"Come on. Let's get you set up for your interview. Or—" Sue pauses mid-step and a dark look shadows her friendly eyes. "Are you here for shelter?"
"Um..." Gosh, Lulu,speak. "Job. I need a job."
Sue blows out a breath and waves me forward but I glance back into the cab of my truck. "Bring your blanket," Sue says with a soft look I don't want to read in to. "It's chilly in here today."
"Very," Cora agrees and shivers dramatically. I swear I even hear her teeth chatter.
Thankful for the excuse, I heave the door back open, tug Binks from my seat, and close the door. Patting my pocket I double-check my keys are in there. Satisfied I've done a good job, I follow the two kind women.
Things are looking up, and I think a smile is tugging on my lips. My shoulders aren't hiked up as far as they can go and I canbreathe properly.All good signs. Right up until Sue says, "Hello, Pres," to a very large man who could snap me in two.
"Pres?" I whisper hoarsely, my steps reversing so fast I tumble onto my butt. "Like–like from the MC?"
This can't be happening. I knew from a very young age that my father was in trouble with bikers. They would come to our house sometimes demanding he pay them back, then a new guy in a different-colored jacket would come back. I didn’t know if they were in different groups, but the way my father would trash-talk MCs gave me enough information to understand to stay away from Motorcycle clubs.
The tall man with sharp features frowns at me and that's all I see. He's upset. He's mad at me, like Sue almost was when she asked about why I was here. I've made the president of a motorcycle club mad.
I have to go. "Go!" I huff and scramble back. "I go!"
His frown deepens and I swear I'm about to pass out.
Maybe I should. Just close my eyes and dream of absolutelynothing.
Nothing sounds good.
four
PRESTON
I'm very aware that I'm a big man. My height at six-foot-three can be intimidating to shorter people, especially considering my muscles. I'm not vain, I'm realistic. In this line of work, I need to be aware of my presence in people's lives.
There have been plenty of womenandmen who have shied away from me. I've trained myself for it. Studying psychology and building my body up, I'm reaching my goal as a protector.
Using my parents' life insurance after their death a few years ago to create this program has given me purpose. I want to help, to heal, and above all, I want to protect.
So, I've taken great lengths to know how to shrink myself down to be less intimidating. My friends come to me for pointers and tips on how to help people feel more comfortable around them.
