Page 10 of Bullet

Ispent the next week hanging out at home with my dad and brothers, and I hated to admit it, but I enjoyed their company. I'd missed them more than I'd realized.

By Monday, though, I was ready to get out of the house. I needed to get a new phone and find a job. My mind briefly wandered to Matteo as I applied my makeup. I didn't have to cover up bruises and black eyes for the first time in a long time, and I wondered if he'd figured out I was gone for good yet.

My stomach knotted as I thought about the abuse he subjected me to, and I closed my eyes. He can't hurt you anymore.

Exhaling a deep breath, I opened my eyes and stared at myself in the mirror. This is a fresh start. You're free now.

A smile curved my lips as hope blossomed in my chest. Maybe Matteo wouldn't waste his time looking for me. He had woman throwing themselves at him all the time. And even if he did find me, my dad and brothers would protect me at all costs if it came down to it, but I wanted to prevent that if possible.

I'd withdrawn all my money from my savings when I'd left LA so I had something to last me while I got settled and got basic essentials.

My first stop in town was the phone store. I had enough money to buy a new phone and set up a service plan to get me started.

Then I filled out applications to waitress at a few restaurants and bars. I didn't have much experience in other fields, but I also applied for some receptionist jobs at some of the local businesses. Desk work didn't seem like it would be that hard, and I'd take what I could get. I didn't want to live with my father longer than necessary, and to move out on my own, I needed money.

My last stop was a bar in the heart of downtown. I needed to unwind after the long day—scratch that, long week—I'd had.

Loud music and smoke filled the air as I entered. I made my way to the bar, then waved to get the attention of the bartender. She nodded at me as she finished up with the customer she was serving.

When she came over to me, she set a napkin in front of me. “What'll it be?”

I leaned over the bar so she could hear me over the music. “Scotch on the rocks.”

She nodded before grabbing a glass and making my drink. After she set it down in front of me, she went to help another customer.

“Well, I'll be damned,” a deep, rough voice sounded next to me.

I turned and stiffened. The person in front of me was not who I expected to see.

My dad's biggest rival—Ford Lawson.

He smirked. The small gesture made heat coil in my abdomen. “You lost, kitten? This bar, here, ain't your territory.”

I arched a brow. “My territory?”

He took a seat in the barstool next to mine, then swiveled to face me. “Yeah. This bar is Suicide King territory. No Forsaken welcome.”

I rolled my eyes. “I'm not Forsaken.”

“Your daddy is. That makes you guilty by association.”

I took a sip of my drink, annoyed by the conversation. “Look, I don't give a shit about your club politics.” Locking eyes with him, I continued, “I didn't know this was your bar; I don't care that this is your bar. I've had a pretty shitty week with my grandpa dying and all, and I just needed a drink. So if you could just leave me alone, that would be fucking great.”

He held my gaze for several seconds, amusement playing in his eyes before he extended a hand to me. “Ford Lawson.”

I eyed him before shaking his hand. “I know who you are.”

He cocked a brow, an amused smile lifting his lips. “Oh, do you now?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. He was wearing a fitted black muscle shirt under his cut. He had several patches; one read “President” and another read “Bullet.” Their logo, the suicide king from a deck of cards with motorcycle wheels behind it, sat on the opposite side. “Yeah. My brother already warned me about you.”

He crossed his broad, tattooed arms over his chest with a chuckle. “They'd be pretty pissed if they found out you were here.”

I shrugged, taking another sip of my drink. “I'm a grown woman. I don't answer to them.”

“Well, I won't tell if you won't.”

I didn't miss the hidden innuendo in his words. A thrill rushed through me at the thought of Ford being a dirty little secret.

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