AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Actually,” I interrupt. “Do you have a room with two beds?”
The man nods. “‘Course we do. I’ve got one with two queens in it. How’d that be?”
“Sounds perfect,” Hawk says.
As safe as I feel with him, the thought of spending a night in a room by myself is terrifying. I know it’s like asking to have a nightlight turned on like a child, but everything is still so fresh and raw on me right now that I don’t want to be alone. I can’t banish the image of Hammerhead breaking his way into my room and carrying me off. I know it’s not logical, but the full weight of what I’ve gone through is starting to press down on me so hard, I’m finding it hard to breathe.
Hawk just makes me feel so safe and cared for. I know I’d sleep a lot better if he were nearby. If he were there to keep anything from happening to me—even if it’s just to tell me that everything’s okay if I’m torn from sleep by a nightmare. Sitting on the back of his bike, watching the world go by, filled me with a lot of hope. But not even riding as fast as we did is going to allow me to outrun the bad dreams, which is something I’m already expecting.
“Where can we go for a good steak around here?” Hawk asks him.
“Oh, for that you’re gonna want to go over to Busters,” the manager says. “Best steaks in Southern California as far as I’m concerned.”
“Sold,” Hawk nods with a smile. “Thanks very much.”
“You bet.”
Hawk takes the key to our room, and we grab our bags from the back of his bike, then head up. It’s a u-shaped building with a pool in the center. This time of year, though, the chill in the air is keeping anybody from doing any sunbathing out there.
“Up for a swim?” he asks as if reading my mind.
“Oh hell no,” I say with a laugh. “But I wouldn’t be opposed to giving that jacuzzi a shot later on tonight. It’s been a long time…”
I let my voice trail off as the realization of how long it’s been since I’ve done anything normal, anything I used to love doing. Back in the day, my girlfriends and I would regularly sit out in the hot tub on cold nights just because that contrast was nice to feel. Hawk bumps me gently with his elbow and gives me a smile.
“Go easy on yourself,” he says. “Everything’s going to feel normal again soon. I promise.”
“So, you’re a professional mind reader then?”
“Strictly amateur,” he says. “Never went pro.”
I laugh and feel the tension of a moment ago start to melt away. He has that effect on me. He seems able to lift me out of the darkness I’m swimming in with barely any effort at all. Hawk seems to be able to make me laugh when I need it most. And I’m grateful for that. We get to our room and he unlocks the door then steps aside, letting me go in ahead of him. I notice that he’s looking around outside, his eyes darting everywhere before he gives himself a small nod. Seemingly satisfied, he finally comes in and locks the door behind him. Glad to know I’m not the only one being hypervigilant.
The room itself is gorgeous. It’s got tall ceilings and lamps in soft yellow light. There isn’t exactly much of a view out the window, but I don’t care. There’s a big-screen TV on a dresser and a mini-bar stocked with all sorts of goodies. But what I care most about are the beds. They’re large with sheets so soft they look like clouds. The bedspread is expertly made and there are even little mints on the pillows. I’m almost overwhelmed by the difference. Only a few hours ago I was sleeping in a dirty hovel. But now all this?
It’s all I can do to keep my jaw from falling onto the floor as I walk into the room, amazed at the amenities. I’d forgotten places like this exist.
“Hawk, you didn’t have to do all this for me.”
“Think nothing of it, Mols.”
Something about the nickname sends shivers down my spine.
“But this place must be so ex—”
“Don’t worry about that,” he cuts me off. “I can afford it. Remember?” He lifts up the heavy duffel bag of cash up in his hand. “It’s worth the expense.”
I look around, still marveling at even the littlest things like the down pillows.
He laughs softly. “Why don’t you go hit the shower?” he suggests. “We’ll get cleaned up and go see about having a steak over at Busters. I hear it’s very highly recommended.”
“You know, I’ve heard that too,” I reply. “I hear they have the best steaks in all of Southern California.”
We share a laugh and I gather my things and head to the bathroom. Before I step inside though, I pause and look back at him. He’s pulling his cellphone out of his pocket to check it when I make him pause.
“Hey,” I say.
“Hey yourself.”
