Page 13 of Torch's Torment

“Am I that transparent?” I pour another shot, salute Danyella and toss it back. Then I slam the shot glass on the bar top and pour another.

“Transparent? Yes. Now spill it.”

I stare off into space trying to figure out how to get out of this mess. Should I just tell Danyella and get her advice or find Daisy and just leave? Before I can answer, Nina comes back with a pair of white tennis shoes and climbs on the bar stool next to Danyella. She sets the shoes on the bar and takes off again. I pick up the little shoes with a pain in my chest. I’m going to miss Nina and Aerial when I leave. But it has to be done. I’m going to make my time with them as special as I can.

With my mind made up, I answer Danyella. “There’s nothing to spill.” I cap the Tequila and slide it back in its spot on the shelf. Thankfully Danyella drops it when Nina comes back with our box of her bedazzle stuff.

After spending hours making Nina’s shoes and a glass for Aerial, I’m wiped. Like put me away and let me sleep for a month wiped. The sun is setting and my stomach growls along with everyone else. The girls snacked here and there but these crafts kept them occupied all day. Those two little girls are chatter boxes full of excitement and energy. Maybe if I stayed a few more days and do some more of this with the girls, it’ll be OK. That way I can work out a better plan. I’d have to avoid Torch though and I don’t know how that’ll be possible. The man just has to think in my direction and I’m ready to drop to my knees and worship his cock.

The rumble of Harley’s grabs my attention and I quickly kiss Nina and Aerial on their heads and hurry out of the commons room. I slam my bedroom door shut and lock it.

Footsteps come stomping down the hallway and I hurry into my bathroom, shutting and locking the door. I turn the shower on, acting like that’s what I’m doing and not hiding.

A loud bang on my bedroom door vibrates all the way into the bathroom and I jump. Another loud bang echoes before shouting begins. I can hear the deep timber of Torch’s voice but I don’t move.

Finally, after a few minutes of shouting, it grows quiet. I slowly open the door and peek my head out. No one is here and my bedroom door is still shut tight. Breathing a sigh of relief, I grab my PJ’s and really do take a shower. Maybe Torch will be busy with Daisy and he forgets about our conversation. Wishful thinking on my end.

With as painful and it is, it’s the way it has to be. Torch and I were never supposed to happen. Daisy can give Torch something I can’t. Something that’s never been mine to begin with. Not since he walked into my life when we were teenagers.

I fall asleep a while later with the T.V. on low, NCIS LA playing a marathon. My mind finally rests since this morning. Hope filling me with a better tomorrow.

A light tap awakens me. I roll over and check the time on my phone. The battery is dead. I forgot to charge it before I fell asleep. Son of a bitch. Oh well. I throw the covers over my head and try to fall back asleep but the tapping that woke me is now more persistent.

I hold my breath trying to hear anything else. When I don’t, I throw the cover off and slide from the bed.

“Whoever’s there better have a good fucking reason,” I grumble. I’m not and never have been a morning person. I yank the door open ready to give someone a piece of my mind when my jaw drops instead. Aerial is standing on the other side looking terrified.

I drop to my knees so we’re face to face. “Aerial, what’s wrong?”

“I can’t find Daisy or Danyella and I’m scared.” This little girl has been through so much in her little life. I’m surprised this hasn’t happened yet. Being taking when you’re five years old and have no clue where your mom is can have lasting damage.

My heart shatters and I need to help her, “OK, let’s find them.” Going against my gut to avoid Torch and the rest of the MC, I grab Aerial’s hand and we walk down the hallway. I have yet to change from my PJ’s and know my hair is a ratty mess. We walk to Daisy’s door and I knock loudly. No one answers nor makes a sound. Aerial’s grip on my hand tightens.

I bend down and pick her up. Aerial snuggles into my chest, wrapping her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist. “Let’s go check the kitchen.”

“Ok.”

We walk down the hallway and voices are drifting from the kitchen. My steps falter when I hear Torch’s voice.

“She’s hiding something and I want to know what.”

“When you need to know, you’ll know. Until then calm the fuck down and drink your fucking coffee asshole.” Capone demands. His word is law and you don’t go against it. Torch bitches but Capone ignores him. Capone is the only one who knows everything I’m hiding. By the sound of it, the rest are going to know soon enough if I don’t get out of here.

I set Aerial on her little feet. “Go ahead in the kitchen, Aerial. I’m sure Torch or Capone know where Daisy and Danyella are.”

“You’re not going with me?” The confusion on her face yanks at my heart.

“No, honey. I can’t go in there.”

“Rose, I’ve never seen you like this.” She tugs on my hand until I’m eye level at her. “You’re one of the strongest women here. Don’t lose that.”

Hearing a seven-year-old tell me that makes me want to cry, laugh and say fuck you to all of them. “Thank you, Aerial. I needed that.” I give her a big hug. “Go see if Torch or Capone knows where Daisy and Danyella are. I have to shower and get dressed so I can be brave and strong.”

“Then you’ll come back?” Aerial’s eyes look hopeful and I don’t want to crush that.

“Yes. I’ll be back and be a badass.” I wink at her and she opens the swinging door leading into the kitchen.

Torch’s eyes land on me and a scowl forms on his face before the door swings closed. Well, fuck him for acting like an asshole.

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