Page 46 of Acid

“She’s safe here,” Acid states firmly.

“How many bedrooms?” Maggie asks Scar.

“Just one,” Scar answers.

“Rhea, you can stay above the new tattoo studio. The place has its own alarm system and one of us or the prospects can crash down in the shop to keep you safe,” Ghost interjects. I’m thankful for his input because I was feeling like whatever I decided would have caused tension.

“Thank you, and I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insult your club. It’s just with everything today, and this...” I sigh.

Star’s arm is still draped over my shoulder. “Don’t apologise for wanting to protect your son,” she states. “And with you living above the tattoo place, we can still go ahead with the opening, right?” Star asks Ghost in a hopeful tone.

“With conditions,” he states sharply.

I look to him. “Conditions?”

He gives a sharp nod. “Anyone you want to employ, we can check them out and give them a full background check. Then when the shop is open, it is by appointment only. They give their full name and address when booking and bring ID when theyarrive for their booking. If they ask why, you just make out it’s some new government thing.”

“When?” I ask, feeling bad for sounding so desperate to get away from here, especially after all they’ve done for me. All I can think is that maybe whoever this guy is, he will realise I’m of no importance to them when I’m living and working at the tattoo studio. I would merely be an employee.

“We can move you in there tomorrow. Star has already had some furniture delivered there. Anything else you need, we can get for you,” Ghost assures me.

“Thank you. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful for all that you’ve done. I just...” Pausing, I try to find the right words.

“You just want to protect your son,” Ghost says, finishing the sentence for me.

I nod and give him a small smile.

Tensions ease a little until Dixie asks a question. “Rage, have you been collecting again?” she asks, her voice so soft and gentle. Never in a million years would I imagine her and Rage being together, but they just work. Rage’s lips twitch and Dixie sighs. “Look, I know I said I was okay with this, that as thong as no lives were taken that it was harmless, but...” She pauses. We all stand there, silently waiting for her to continue, no one mentioning to her the word she wrongly said. “One day, I would like to start a family. Maybe at first, we could get a pet and see how that goes. But I mean, we couldn’t even get a dog because well, what if they got into your collection? I don’t fancy walking in to find our dog gnawing on a foot.” She sighs.

My mouth hangs open and Star gives my arm a little squeeze. I look at her and she simply shakes her head no with a look.

“A dog,” Rage counters.

Dixie shrugs. “That’s just a suggestion.”

“I want a big dog,” Rage continues.

Dixie stands and closes the distance to him. She wraps her arms around his middle and he looks down on her petite frame. “Then let’s go down to the shelter.” She smiles up at him.

The love pouring form Rage as he looks down at Dixie melts my heart. Even after hearing a little about whatever his freaky hobby is. He places a gentle kiss on her lips.

“You need to move your collection,” she says across his lips.

“Done,” he agrees before he takes her hand in his and they walk out of the club.

We all stand there for a moment. “What just happened?” Josie asks confused.

“Well, I’d say they’re getting a dog, and knowing Rage, it will be the biggest and ugliest bastard at the shelter,” Hawk answers.

“What does he collect?” I ask. Everyone exchanges a look. “What?” I ask.

“I will tell you after a nice strong drink,” Star says before leading me toward the bar.

“I don’t want a drink,” I protest.

“It’s not for you, it’s for me,” she states.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

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