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Natasha searched my face. “Can see you mean that. Okay, honey, I understand. As long as you’re fine, that’s all that matters. How long have you been hiding?”
Honestly, I couldn’t decide whether Natasha was nosey or genuinely caring.
“A week now. I was getting cabin fever, which is why I came down. Usually, Magic brings me food, and we chat during his breaks. But I felt claustrophobic today. I had to escape these four walls,” I replied, watching Natasha carefully.
“Can’t say I have ever experienced an abusive partner, but that doesn’t mean I’ve not encountered one. Seen friends suffer, and it takes a lot to break free. You did, Alice, so be proud of that fact. Lean on your friends, honey, and let them take the weight while you heal. And I don’t mean physically. Mentally can be far more harmful. And when those voices in your head start up, you tell me, and I’ll whack them into submission!”
It was impossible not to laugh at the image of Natasha wielding a bat and whacking thoughts in little clouds above me.
“You’re on. Could I ask why you are working here?”
“Yeah, ain’t got nothing to hide. My car blew up, and I mean a big boom. I took it to the Hellfire garage, and they shook their head in despair. I’m a stay-at-home mom, but I needed the car back on the road. My hubby, the kid, and I usually live comfortably. Still, I required a whole new vehicle, and this year’s budget didn’t include one. So, I got a loan and took this job to help pay. Hubby thinks I’m crazy. He says it’ll be tight, but we can afford it, but it’s always on his shoulder.
“If I work a few months, that’ll take a load off his shoulders. It’ll help make the payments until the holiday is paid, and then we’ll be fine. He’s a good man and a bit averse to me working in a biker’s bar, but he’s popped in twice this week and seems reassured.”
“That’s great.”
“Although I’m not sure how calm Hubby should be with me surrounded by hunks all day. I don’t know how you restrained yourself with them. There are quite a few I’d like to tie to my bed!”
“Guess I’m immune. At first, I was shy and content to hide behind Magic. And Magic made it very clear I was hands off to everyone. And nobody messes with Magic. By the time I found my footing, I was used to hunky men, and they didn’t bother me. But there is some real eye candy down there,” I agreed, my thoughts going to Diesel.
Ever since our kiss, he’d been on my mind. Had that been a one-off thing? I doubted it because Diesel watched me. I would sense eyes in the back of my head, and I’d turn, and there he’d be, watching. Although I had little interaction with men, I believed Diesel was interested in me. The question remained, though. Could I trust Diesel enough to try a relationship?
Diesel was a typical biker, all alpha male and ego. His personality would overwhelm mine, and that caused me to hesitate. Diesel was Hellfire through and through, and I knew his rank was enforcer. Working in a bar meant you got to know their positions quickly. Otherwise, you risk offending someone. But could I handle everything that came with Diesel?
“Oh ho, I see that glint in your eye. Who is it, honey?” Natasha crowed, interrupting my thoughts.
“No one. I’m not actually dating anyone.”
“But there’s somebody you like?” Natasha pried gently.
“I don’t know about like. He grabbed and kissed me, and I’d never been kissed before, so it was a shock. And I hadn’t experienced the feelings he aroused in me,” I answered honestly.
“Your ex needs an ass-kicking. How did this kiss make you feel?” Natasha asked.
“Out of control, excited. I wanted to explore. But also scared. Who says he won’t let me down if I allow myself to fall?”
“Oh, Alice. That is a part of life, honey. Taking a risk is a big thing. When situations happen, you can only go with your gut. Everybody fears being hurt. Hubby and I are very much in love, but even to this day, I worry that he’ll hurt me. That’s because heholds my heart in his hands. When you love someone, you take a chance and give them the power to upset you. But trust plays a huge part. I trust hubby not to hurt me, so I give him all the love he needs.
“Hubby does the same. He trusts me to not betray him as I hold his heart. Male or female, we hurt the same way. Our emotions are no different. Men hide them behind a front, while women wear them on their sleeves. But I will tell you, if you think he is worth it, go for it. Take a chance, honey, and something beautiful might happen. Alice, your heart may get broken, but there is also the possibility of a wonderful life waiting for you with him,” Natasha said kindly.
“You know, I’ve never had a female friend. Bunny was the closest I had. Now she’s all wrapped up in Pyro. Would you be mine?” I asked shyly.
Natasha’s face saddened before lighting up with joy.
“I would love to be. Even if I think you’re hiding shit. In time, Alice, everything comes out in the wash. How about we build this friendship when I am on break? I’ll bring your meals, and we can gossip like old ladies!”
“That would be amazing. Natasha, I’m bored here,” I replied happily.
“Then, honey, we gotta get excitement into your life. Do you have this biker’s number?”
“Yes?”
“Take the bull by the horns and message him!” Natasha suggested, rising to her feet.
“What?” I squealed.
Natasha grinned as she collected the dirty plates.
