Page 29 of Acid

“Well, we are going to the mall first for hair and make-up, then getting our outfits. Then we’ve hired a car to take us there, so we can all have a drink and a good time,” Star states, only half telling the truth.

“Okay then, I will get the prospects to tail your car to and from the event,” Ghost states.

“You don’t need to do that. We will be fine without them,” she assures him.

“No, I want someone on you all. And I know Beast does too with Belle being in her condition,” he asserts.

“Fuck,” Star silently mouths to us.

“Can’t you just meet us at the event?” Maggie asks. “I mean, it’s for a woman’s charity. It will look at bit odd if we are escorted by a bunch of burly bikers,” she scoffs.

Cash looks at her. “Burly bikers?” he asks, his lips twitching.

“Okay, big scary bikers. That better?” she asks, rolling her eyes and shaking her head.

“I mean, if you’re in a limo and it’s going straight to the event, we can make sure the prospects are there and out of sight to ensure you arrive safely,” Ghost suggests as an alternative.

“Yes!” Star agrees a little too eagerly.

“That’s settled then.” He kisses Star on the top of her head before his eye pierce mine. “Rhea,” he says sharply.

I jump and freeze like a deer caught in headlights. “Yes?” I breathe anxiously.

“I have found something out that I find very interesting,” he says, crossing his arms over his chest.

I can feel the fear trickling down my spine. What is it they say? That they will do anything to protect their family? I’m not family. He could think this is all my fault, that I’m putting his love at risk, the mother of his child. Shit, is that sweat running down my back?

I swallow, my throat suddenly feeling dry like sandpaper. “Yes?” is all I manage to say.

“At first, I will be honest, I was sceptical about it. I mean, you don’t look like the type of person to do that,” he states.

“I’m not,” I whimper. I have no clue what he is talking about, but I swear, I can feel the sweat in my ass crack. I have a sweaty ass.I’m going to die with a sweaty ass. Do you think he will let me shower before they kill me?

“I have a proposition,” he states.

A proposition? Am I going to have to choose between being shot or having my throat slit? Will they raise Oliver? Oh god, Oliver.

“I have a son!” I say, panicked.

Ghost frowns, a little confused at my outburst. “I know, that’s why I would offer you the position of management. You can hire another tattooist or two, depending on business, and I figured you could even live in the apartment above it,” he suggests.

I blink as the words slowly penetrate my panicked mind. “Huh?” I blurt out.

Ghost’s lips twitch. “I have a shop, not very big, and it has a small 2 bedroom apartment at the top. It’s just a few stores down from Nova’s bakery. Acid mentioned your tattoo, so I’m offering you a job and a place to live,” he states.

I open and close my mouth, wanting to scream thank you, wanting to cry, but all that comes out is gibberish. “Aba, ba, huh?” Utter gibberish.

“Mama,” Acid says from beside me. His hand clasps the back of my neck, gently squeezing it. I look at him and he smiles. “It’s for real, if you want it?” he states.

I look back at Ghost who is not hiding his amusement at my flabbergasted state. “I, I haven’t got anything to put into it,” I state, my voice breaking. “I have nothing to offer you,” I add, emotion clogging my throat. Acid notices and squeeze the back of my neck again.

“I’m not wanting anything other than your talent for tattooing and running the shop. We will talk wages properly nearer the time, but I expect no rent for the apartment. You won’t need to pay for the bills, as it’s linked to the shop. Star will help you shop for the apartment and studio. What do you say?” he asks. Star watches me, smiling. She knew about this.

“I, I...” My voice completely shatters as tears run down my face. “Yes, yes,” I sob. Acid pulls me into him, holding me tight while I sob into his hard chest. His hand strokes up and down my back in a soothing motion. I lift my head and after wiping my tears away, I look to Acid’s warm gaze. “Thank you,” I say softly, meaning it from the bottom of my heart. Acid nods, his smile widening before he places a soft kiss on top of my head. I turn to Ghost and see those cold, hard eyes flicker with a dash of warmth. “And thank you, so much. You have no idea how much this means to me. What it will mean to Oliver, to have a room of his own, a safe home.” My bottom lip wobbles as the emotions and tears threaten to spill again.

Ghost merely shrugs. “No thanks needed. I know it will be in safe hands with you. One thing though.” He pauses, waiting for my response.

“Anything.” I nod.

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