Page 33 of Darkness

I take the stairs two at a time to get away from the brat. She might be getting on my nerves, but she has a way about her that’s growing on me. I like her. She’s the right kind of person for this club. A little bit of attitude, a hell of a lot of balls.

Her sister, on the other hand, I haven’t quite worked out how she’s going to fit into this whole mess. She’s highly strung, but maybe that’s my fault. I haven’t given her the opportunity to relax, to unwind. She’s been cooped up in a room with no windows since she got here. I want her to trust me. I can’t let her in just yet. I can’t break down my walls with her, but I can do something to make her feel more welcome.

I walk up into the main clubroom, where Pepper and my sergeant-at-arms, Whiskey, are talking at the bar. Our eldest member, Crow, sits next to Whiskey, sipping on a brew like he isn’t listening, but he is.

He’s always listening.

Spark, Atomic, and Nerve are at the pool table, being rowdy fucks, while Dash and West, the prospects, flirt like dickheads with Trixie and Stacey. The thing about prospects is they’re allowed to flirt all they want with the club girls, but until they earn their patch, they can’t go anywhere near that pussy.

Brass and Void are drinking at the other end of the bar. Void is deep in thought, but I can’t deal with him right now. I need to gain everyone’s attention. Bringing my fingers to my lips, I let out a loud whistle. Everyone stops what they’re doing and turns to face me.

“You’re all aware of the situation we have downstairs and in my room.” Everyone nods, so I continue, “While package two is settling in nicely, package one needs a little more attention. So, I’m letting her out.”

Void pipes up. “You sure that’s wise, Pres?”

“No one is to tell her or so much as insinuate about package two being here or knowing where she is. If package one brings it up, be sympathetic, but change the topic.”

“What if she tries to run? My legs aren’t up for a chase these days,” Crow says in his gruff voice, making us all snicker.

“She won’t be running anywhere. I’ll make sure of it. Just play your damn parts. Act normal. No mention of package two. Got it?”

“Understood, Pres,” Void answers.

“Want me to make her something to eat?” Trixie calls out.

“Yeah. Let’s do a small gathering. Make her feel welcome.”

“You got it.”

Void strides over. “Close the door to the Cell,” I tell him. “I don’t want Ivy hearing this. It might upset her that she’s missing out.”

“You underestimate her, Pres. It would make her happy her sister is finally going to be enjoying herself like she is.”

I narrow my eyes on Void. Enjoying herself? In the Cell… with Void, a man who doesn’t do emotion. A man who closes himself off from feeling anything. He may be more delusional than I am. I slap his shoulder, knowing he’ll be itching to head down to see Ivy.

“Don’t be down there too long. I’m going to get Eva now. Make sure you’re back up here before I come out.”

He gives me a two-fingered salute, then walks off.

Now, to go get Eva.

I just hope when I walk in, she doesn’t throw another book at me… or worse.

Chapter Thirteen

EVA

I really wish I had another set of clothes.

I am so sick of wearing the same dress. I mean, I’m not even sure how long I’ve been here. A day? A couple of days? A week? Being locked in this room gives me no sense of time. Meals aren’t run to a schedule, so I can’t be sure when it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They come when they come. I’m at a loss. I feel disgusting. I’ve been wanting to take a shower for so long, but with Nycto coming and going whenever he wants, I’m nervous he’ll come in when I’m in the shower, and seeing me naked is not something I believe would be good for either of us.

I mean, he stole me, for crying out loud. For all intents and purposes, Nycto is not a good guy. I need to not get caught up in his attempts to persuade me that he is. He proved it to me by walking out on me. I bared myself to him, thought we could have a moment to share something together, but he left with the intent of sleeping somewhere else. Well, if my sob story scared him that much, then he’s weaker than I thought.

With a huff, I stand from the bed I’ve been moping on for the last who knows how long and storm over to the closet between the two doors. Why haven’t I thought of looking in here before now? I’ve had enough of this party dress. It’s time to get comfortable.

As I pull open the tall wooden door, the smell of leather hits me. Inhaling the scent instantly reminds me of Nycto as I take in his closet. The left side is all hanging space. The right lower half is drawers, with a shelf halfway up, lined with knickknacks. A Zippo lighter with what I’m assuming is the club logo inscribed on it. A small wooden box. A bottle opener. A set of Bluetooth headphones. An expensive-looking watch. A matchbox motorbike—maybe from his childhood. Picking up the miniature Harley, I study it. Is this where his love of bikes came from? As a kid?

After returning it, I turn to the left side and run my hand through the hanging clothes. Mainly white or black tees, the occasional dress shirt, one random pair of formal pants…

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