Page 63 of Raze

Just checking in, hope you're okay.

I read the words a few times over and realize it’s what any normal dad would say to his daughter. I take a lot of comfort in that, and checking over my shoulder to see if anyone’s around I hit the call button so I can hear his voice again.

“Peyton?” He sounds surprised to hear from me.

“Dad.”

“You okay, did they find you?”

“No, I’m fine I just wanted you to know that.”

“That’s good, real good baby. Are you still with the Souls?”

“Yeah, I’m with them.”

“And they treat you good, you're not–”

“No, I’m not working at the club. In fact, there's a member here who I’ve gotten close to,” I admit, not sure if it’s exactly what he wants to hear but if he knew Raze and how well he takes care of me I think he’d be grateful.

“He lookin’ after ya?” His voice gives nothing away.

“Yeah, very much, but I’m worried about Kane. These Souls, they really hate the Reapers and I know for a fact they’re gonna be riding through Reaper territory soon. If something happens and they end up fighting… There are some men who could do real damage here, Dad.” I hear the fear in my voice and realize that I've been letting how happy I am with Raze be too much of a distraction.

“When’s this happening?” he asks.

“Tomorrow, they have a pick up in Reno and are bringing whatever it is back. I don’t want Kane getting caught up in all that.”

“There’s nothing you can do about it, Peyton. It’s the life Kane chose. He knows the risk. You just keep your head low, okay? Call me in a week. It’s good to hear your voice.”

“I will.” I smile as I hang up then decide to slide the phone into my pocket so I can charge it while Raze is away.

When I get back to the club I smile across the room at Raze when I see him deep in conversation with Sasquatch and Dev, then slip into the bathroom to help Alicia with her crisis.

“Thank you so much.” She snatches it out of my hand when I pass it her under the stall.

“My pleasure, you wanna tell me what happened.” I rest my shoulder against the wall and wait for her to come out.

“I did something real stupid,” she admits, washing her hands and then dabbing some water over her face.

“What did you do?”

“ I spent the night at the motel, with Griller,” she whispers.

“Griller?” I almost choke.

“I know. I know it sounds crazy but last night when everyone went home, we got talking and I told him how I feel about Vike. I got upset over the lack of notice he gives me and then one thing led to another.”

“Wow!” I’m shocked.

“There was blood on the sheets this morning, I had to tell him I was on my period, it wasn't like I was gonna admit the truth.” She blushes. “How long did it take you to stop bleeding after your first time?” She lowers her voice to a whisper. And hits me with another cold twisted memory.

I remember the blood on my bed sheets the morning after that first night of hell. I was so embarrassed I tried to get them to the laundry room without Kane seeing but he was sitting at the kitchen table right by the door eating his cereal. Billy stepped right out in front of me with that friendly smile on his face like he hadn’t turned my world inside out the night before. He took the sheets right out my hand and pulled out a chair for me at the table.

“Peyton. Hello.” Alicia shakes me out of the thought and back to her crisis and I stare at her in shock, when I realize what she just told me. Alicia is four years older than me and beautiful, how the hell was she a virgin until last night?

“I can’t remember.” I shake my head.

“He was a lot to take, I’m thinking that might be the problem. Do you think I need to see a doctor?”

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