Page 20 of Quiet Chaos

I attempt to give it a shake, but he kisses it. Catching me off guard, I steal my hand back.

The second man pushes Influencer’s shoulder and says, “Don’t mind him, he’s a drunk ass.” He rests his hand against the wall above my head. “I’m Rocker.”

Mr. Influencer nudges him aside. “Yo, dick, we were talking.”

Their language is painful. My shoulders tense and I bite down to keep from saying something.

Mr. Rocker says, “Calm down, we can all have some fun.” He turns to me. “Hey Doll, you play pool?”

“Um, I’ve sat by one.” Their laughter brings attention in our direction.

He points to one of the green tables and says, “That’s pool.”

Mr. Rocker takes my elbow and eases me over to the table while I turn back to Cade. He still has women by him, even though he isn’t paying attention to them and is watching me. Mr. Rocker and Mr. Influencer move to one of three pool tables, and around them are small, round tables and stools.

Mr. Rocker says, “I’ll show you how to play.”

Before I know it, another man comes over. He’s handsome, though not as handsome as Cade. His black hair contrasts against his pale skin, and he has deep green eyes.

“Hello ma’am. I’m Gunner and a new prospect. What’s your name?”

I tell him over the howls of the other two making fun of him. He ignores them.

“Can I get you something to drink?”

I sit on a stool near the table. “A water would be nice.” He tips his head a bit and goes to the bar. The other two smack each other while they place the balls in a plastic triangle when the other returns with my water.

“Thank you, Mr. Gunner.”

When he smiles, dimples appear on his cheeks. “Gunner is good enough, Sky.” I take a sip of water.

Mr. Rocker nears. “Come over here, Sky. Let’s shoot some balls.”

My eyes browse each of theirs and then over to where Cade is sitting. He’s gone. Where did he go? I feel my heartbeat increase. Did he leave me here? Mr. Rocker stands behind me, shows how to hold the stick, and places his hands on mine. His breath warms my neck. I’m so uncomfortable, yet I don’t know what to do to avoid a scene or make Mr. Rocker mad. Or worse, upset Cade. He wants me to get familiar with his life. Where is he? A sheen of sweat appears over my upper lip.

I move back so Mr. Rocker will release me, which he does. My hands are shaking, so I hand him the stick and say, “I’d rather watch, if you don’t mind.”

His thumb rubs along my jaw as he says, “No problem at all, Doll,” and then returns to the table.

Taking a sip of water, I remember Patsy referring to Reed as Boo. She said that’s what he’s called at the club, so I ask, “Is Rocker your last name?”

As he slaps Mr. Influencer on the chest and laughs, he says, “No, Darlin’. I’m Rocker because I love rock music.” He nudges Influencer, and says, “And this ass is a social media junkie.”

I turn to Gunner, who voluntarily says, “I got my name from the time spent in the army.”

They play a game of pool and out of the blue, some woman charges toward us. I stand and press against the wall.

She’s pointing at me, yelling, “Is this the bitch?” A woman behind her confirms it.

She lunges at me, but Mr. Rocker is faster and comes around to my side, hugging my waist.

Mr. Influencer holds her away from me as he says, “What the hell, Josie?”

She’s kicking at the air, struggling to get out of his grasp. “This bitch is living with QC!”

As soon as she says QC, Mr. Rocker releases me and steps back along with Gunner while he has his hands up. Mr. Influencer loosens his grip enough for her to come after me. The next thing I know, she pushes me into a table, hitting my forehead as the table topples over. My hand shoots to my head. The guys are yelling at each other and the woman who pushed me. When I pull my hand away, blood streaks my palm. I’m trembling and have trouble breathing. What did I do? The blood is making me queasy, and I cower, afraid the woman will come after me again.

The table flies off. Cade squats in front of me, and he turns to the rest of them. “Back the fuck up!” He looks at me and says to no one in particular. “Get the first aid kit.”

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