Page 36 of Eagle

It said he wanted a chance, but what did that mean? When? It almost felt like a game. As irritated as I was, I nearly called him several times. Yesterday was spent lounging around, snacking, and hydrating. I was scheduled to work for the first time today so I did my best to pull myself together. Being idle gave me too much time to think and it was making me crazy.

Jeannie’s house was pretty tidy, so besides cleaning up after myself, there wasn’t much to do. I had gotten so used to tending to the clubhouse or helping Mama Hen I hardly had a dull moment. Even if I was caught up on housework, there was always someone to watch movies with or play video games with me. Hell, I found COD to be pretty cool to play online. I wasn’tgreat at any of the games, but I still had fun and was getting better. I still didn’t understand all the terms thrown around. I just tried to kill the enemy and not shoot one of my teammates, but it was still fun.

But Jeannie didn’t have any gaming systems. She mentioned an old laptop, but I’d never gamed on a PC. I’d also heard you needed a pretty good setup for it or you’d get killed over and over because of the lagging.

We watched TV and ate. That was about it. After learning her schedule for work, though, I realized she was missing out on her clubhouse time. Seemed she spent most of her offtime there. She didn’t mention it for my sake, probably.

She was kind enough to offer to drive me to work even though she didn’t have to be there until the night shift. I tried to refuse and call a cab, but she scoffed. “They’re so expensive! At least let me drive you and you can take one home since I’ll be working later. Or maybe you can talk one of the guys into driving you home? They take shifts there, too. Someone has to be leaving when you do and my house is on the way.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” Eagle seemed edgy. I was already wondering when he’d find out I was working there. I couldn’t imagine how he’d react if I rode on one of their bikes.

“Well, until you guys figure out if you’re gonna work it out or not, Eagle can’t say shit.”

“Maybe he shouldn’t, but I’m pretty sure he would.”

She cocked her head. “True. But this mess is on him. So, he can get over it. You’re technically free as a bird.”

She was right of course, but I didn’t feel free. I felt trapped. I just wanted to be happy. With him. But how was I to know if this was all a game or if he was really trying to prove himself for good?

I couldn’t worry about that now. We were pulling into Destiny’s Desires and I had to get stage ready. It was my first shift at a new place, and I didn’t want to let Mama Hen down after she gave me a chance. Once Eagle found out, he wouldn’t be happy with her, so I understood the gravity of what she did for me. She may be the HBIC, but she was still a woman, and members ruled with the final word.

Jeannie pulled around front to drop me at the door. “Love you girl, but I’m not hanging out all day. I’ll see you at shift change.”

Looking over, relief washed over me that Butch wasn’t at the door. It was a prospect. I couldn’t remember his name, but I’d seen him at the clubhouse a few times. “I don’t blame you. I’ll figure out a car soon but I appreciate the lift.”

“Go get that money!”

I squeezed her hand then headed inside with my bag. The prospect smiled and opened the door. His brown hair was shaved on the sides and cropped short on top. Sunglasses covered his eyes but he seemed to be fairly young. “Hey, Lacy.”

Shit. I didn’t know his name. Should I? “Hi, thanks for grabbing the door. See you around.” I’ll ask someone for his name. They didn’t have little patches with their road names until they were officially members so I couldn’t just read it. But he was being sweet so I wanted to address him, but didn’t want to seem like a bitch for not already knowing it. Although, he probably understood why I didn’t. Most of the men steered clear of me and Daisy.

It wasn’t time to open yet, and it was quiet besides the clanking of glass from the bar and sounds coming from the kitchen. I was booking it to the dressing room I had gotten ready in for the audition when I heard footsteps behind me. Boots.

Turning quickly as my heart raced, my shoulders sagged and I rolled my eyes. “You could have announced yourself.”

Butch stepped closer and leaned on the wall, his arm up over his head. “Why, you heard me?”

“What happened to your face?” It was bruised and riddled with small gashes that didn’t seem properly tended to. He didn’t look like that Sunday.

“Your boyfriend and I had a disagreement.”

“He’s not my boyfriend.” Why did I tellhimthat?

He grinned, letting his eyes roam over me. “Well, that’s good to hear.”

The way he was scanning me sent a knot to my stomach. “Did you get a concussion?” I asked with pinched brows.

He chuckled and righted himself, crossing his thick arms over his chest. “Why would you ask that?”

“Because you’ve never said two words to me until Sunday, and were kind of a dick then. Now either you’re just making nice with the new girl, or you’re hitting on me. Either way, super confusing.”

He stepped closer, but I had space in the hall so I moved back. “Would it matter which to you?” he asked.

What the fuck? “I need to get ready.” I needed to get away from him.

“First, I need to show you around and introduce you to the cook and bartender. Standard tip outs are expected.”

Cursing Jeannie for leaving me, I nodded. “Let me put my bag down.”

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