Page 22 of Bee

Free and Mojag are so perfect for each other, but I still don't understand their dynamic. Most of the time it seems like they hate each other, they argue like mortal enemies, but I've never seen two people more committed to each other. More supportive.

It's just another version of love I've never got the chance to experience.

The type of love I thought I could've had with Cage.

I stumble as I hit the first stair and the thought flashes in my mind. Why can't I get him out of my head. I wish I would've never seen him at that farmer's market.

Ever since that small interaction with him, I've been questioning so much about myself. Like what the other woman he was with has that I didn't. Am I truly just not lovable.

"You okay?" Free softens a little and reaches out for me.

I jerk away before she can touch me. The last thing I need right now is for anyone to pity me. I'm going to be fine. I'm not a victim.

"You're so strong." Rye's words echo again, and I pull myself up straight before I start making my way up the stairs.

I don't see the rest of the girls, but that's not abnormal, they're probably out on a ride or doing something for the club. There's never been a lag in work for us to do.

When I push open the door to my room, I'm surprised by how disappointed I feel.

It's exactly how I left it. A mess. Bottles and clothes all over the place. My photos are still on the wall. My makeup and jewelry still on the dresser, yet it feels empty. It's like something is different.

It only takes me a moment to realize what it is.

Rye isn't here.

I may have only been staying with him for a short time, but I've grown used to seeing him walking around in those low lounge pants and a plain black t-shirt. The man did absolutely nothing to enhance his looks but by god every day that I was there with him, I found more and more sexy about him. The way he was good with his hands. Strong when he needed but so gentle at other times.

The way he bit his bottom lip when he was concentrating on something.

The way his shirt sleeves hugged his biceps.

Fuck, he's sexy.

"Bee!" Free snaps my name and I shake my head.

Was she talking? Did I miss it already? "Hmm, sorry. What happened?" I ask, turning to look at her.

As my big sister, Free always feels like it's her duty to take care of me. To a point it is, when I was younger I followed behind her like a puppy. But I'm grown now, I make my own decisions. I got myself into this mess.

"Do you understand how worried I've been?" She squints her eyes at me and I sigh.

"You knew where I was? I just saw you the other day."

"Bull. I knew the location, but I've never been to that man's house. I didn't know if he was keeping you there against your will. I didn't know if you were safe. I didn't know shit."

"I told you I wanted to be there, that he was helping me."

She scoffs, "Plenty have men have come into our lives under the guise of helping us out, only for it to all turn to shit." She's breathing fast, her eyes darting around.

This is a trigger for her. It should be one for me, but I know Rye. I know he's nothing like those assholes who pimped us out when we first got to the states.

Mine and Free's introduction to the United States came at great cost. We came here for a better life. A way to survive, only to be tricked and sold as sex workers. It's one of the main reasons we fit in so well with Eve's Fury. All of us come from some sort of trauma at the hands of men.

"He's not like that, Free. I know you don't know him, but I do. I trust him. He's a good man." I nod, trying my best to put my sister at ease.

"If he's such a good man, why didn't he come to find us? I'm sure he knows you're part of this club." Free is going to find something wrong with anything I say. It's just her way.

I release the tension in my hands, I know she's not going to like what I'm about to say. "I... I told him not to. I didn't want to bring my mess to the club. I've done enough damage."

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