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It doesn’t bother me, I got used to their stares and whispers a long time ago. Occasionally, I hang around with some of the guys in my class but only when things get desperate.
I’ve always preferred older guys. I guess growing up in the club has rubbed off on me.
When Mr. Pelenski turns his back, I quickly send Ryder another text saying I’ll talk to him later, and shove my cell in my pocket.
But I don’t hear a word the teacher says for the rest of class.
Because I’m too busy imagining being with Styx…
While Ryder watches.
* * *
“Hey, Mom,” I call out the second I enter the house.
“In here, sweetheart.”
My heart cinches at the agony in her voice but I paste on a bright smile and go find her in the living room.
“Aunt Cassie is spoiling you,” I say, taking in her little setup on the couch. She’s covered in a blanket with a sea of cushions around her. And the coffee table is littered with snacks and drinks.
“She headed out for her date.”
“A date, do tell?” I pick up the blanket and slide under, pulling Mom’s feet onto my lap.
“He’s a friend of the club apparently.”
“And here I thought she wanted her very own biker.”
“Oh, I think she does. I’m just not sure the guys know what to do with her. Axe introduced her to Jimmy and they hit it off. He’s taking her out for an early dinner and then they’re going to catch a movie.”
“Good for her.”
“And what about you, how was your day?”
“It was fine.”
“And last night…”
“Come on, Mom. We already went over this. I was safe. I texted to say I wouldn’t be home. I—”
“I worry about you.”
“I know but you don’t need to. I can take care of myself.”
“It’s not you, baby. It’s this world. You’ve had to grow up a lot the last few years, I know that. But you’re still my little girl. I’ll always worry.”
“I’m okay, Mom. I promise.”
“Are you being safe?”
“Mom!” Heat creeps into my cheeks.
“What? It’s a perfectly valid question. I’m not naïve enough to think you’re not having sex, sweetheart. But please, for the love of God, be safe.”
“You don’t need to worry, Mom. I’m on birth control.”
“Yes, well. Birth control won’t prevent you catching—”
