Page 10 of Breaker

Of course, it was always possible she was freaking out, but not showing it. If she allowed me to see she was vulnerable, it might make her feel like she was at a disadvantage. Which is why I’d offered to prove to her she could leave anytime she wanted. I needed her to feel like this place was her home and not a prison. Something told me she hadn’t experienced something like that since she’d lost her parents.

So far, no price had been required for her staying here. Now that she was awake, things could change, and fast. I didn’t want to think of what Fox might demand of us. I’d already decided I’d do whatever it took for Juniper to have a safe and happy life. But would she agree to the extremes we might have to go through just to appease my club president? Most women wouldn’t. Unless they were aiming for a property patch, and she didn’t seem the sort, but club whores were the only ones I knew who thought that way.

“Come on. I’ll show you how to get to the front gate,” I said, standing and carrying my cup to the sink. I rinsed it, then left it to be cleaned later.

Juniper followed me to the door, and I handed her a coat I’d bought for her and pointed out a pair of waterproof winter boots on the rack. “Those are yours too.”

She eyed the coat and boots. “You really did think of everything, didn’t you?”

“I tried. I’m sure I missed some stuff.” Once she was ready, I opened the door and ushered her outside. “We could take my bike, but something tells me you’d prefer to walk.”

She nodded, then shoved her hands into her pockets. The movement made me realize I did forget something. Gloves. I’d have to get someone to grab a pair for her when we got back. Starting off down the street, I led the way to the entry of the compound. I didn’t live too terribly far, but walking in the cold made it seem like a mile or more. When we approached the gate, I waved to Leo. He was one of our newest Prospects but seemed to have a good head on his shoulders.

“Juniper, this is Leo. He’s one of the club Prospects, which means he wants to be a patched member like me. He’s only been with us about a month.”

She gave him a slight smile. I was sure everyone around here knew about Juniper by now. News traveled fast in this place.

“Nice to meet you,” he said.

“Leo, can you make sure anyone guarding the gate knows Juniper can leave anytime she wants?” I asked. “I think she’s concerned she’s a prisoner and not a guest.”

Leo’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh, Breaker would never do something like that. Ask anyone around here. He’s risked his life quite a few times to save women and kids. Just like he said, if you come here and want out, we’ll open the gates for you. But it might be safer to take a bodyguard with you when you leave.”

I arched an eyebrow at him, and his cheeks flushed. “Want to tell her why?”

“Um, I heard Fox and Spider talking. They mentioned her uncle was getting out of prison and might come looking for her.” He pressed his lips together and glanced from me to her. “You really don’t have anything to worry about with Breaker. He’s one of the best men I know.”

“Thanks for telling me,” she said.

“Want to go back home?” I asked. “Or do you want to walk some more?”

She shook her head. “I’m ready to rest, I think.”

Leo cleared his throat. “Shift changes in about ten minutes. Derek is taking my spot. If you want, I can run to that little café in town and grab some of their raspberry hot chocolate and warm croissants.”

“You don’t have to go to all that trouble,” she said.

“He wouldn’t have offered if he didn’t want to do it,” I said. “Besides, he can pick up a pair of gloves for you while he’s out. I didn’t remember to get you any, or a hat and scarf. This cold front we’ve had the last few weeks isn’t letting up anytime soon.”

Before she had a chance to say anything else, I pulled out my wallet and shoved sixty dollars into Leo’s hand. I knew if there was change, he’d bring it back to me. And if there wasn’t, he was the sort to pay the difference without saying a word.

Juniper sighed and started back the way we’d come. I fell into step beside her, and we made our way back to the house in silence.

Chapter Five

Juniper

It had been about a week since I’d first woken after Breaker found me, but I was still slowly getting acclimated to this strange place. I sat on a barstool at the end of the bar inside the Hades Abyss clubhouse, feeling out of my depth. The raucous laughter and coarse shouts echoed off the walls, an assault on my already frayed nerves. My eyes darted from face to face. The men either talked over beers, were shooting pool, or throwing darts. I was the only woman in sight.

What if these men decide they don’t want me here? Will they make Breaker toss me back onto the streets?

A particularly loud burst of laughter made me flinch. Across the room, I spotted Breaker deep in conversation with two other men -- Fox and Spider. He’d pointed them out to me when we’d first arrived, and after getting me a soda, he’d walked off to speak with them. His brow was furrowed, his posture tense. Discussing me, no doubt. Plotting the best way to get rid of the stray he’d brought home.

No, that wasn’t fair. He’d been nothing but kind, and extremely considerate. If anything, he made me want to stay here as long as I could. Just as Leo had told me the first day I’d woken up, Breaker was one of the good ones. I’d honestly never met anyone like him before.

My stomach churned at the thought of being alone again. I’d only just begun to let myself believe that maybe I’d found a safe place to land. A place where I wouldn’t have to constantly look over my shoulder, wondering where my next meal would come from or if I’d make it through the night. But now, surrounded by the rough-and-tumble members of the Hades Abyss, I felt more lost and alone than ever.

Breaker suddenly broke away from his conversation and strode toward me, his tall frame parting the crowd. I tensed, bracing myself for the worst. But when he reached me, he gently touched my cheek.

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