Page 42 of Soul

“Yes and no. They all get an allowance, and they can’t say no to a member’s request unless they’ve a really good reason. But they get paid to do things like laundry, cooking, cleaning, and for the men, mowing the grass or general maintenance. But apart from the male sluts, the females are awful cooks and Iona, Rosalea, Lissy, or Lindy usually cook.”

“I know Iona is Warden’s woman. Who are the others?” Bryony asked.

I was pleased Bryony was showing interest. “Rosalea is Warden’s younger sister. Lindy was the only old lady we’ve had for years. She is Spice’s old lady, and Lissy is their daughter. Katie comes and helps, but not often. She is Vogue’s sister, and she’s…” I blew my cheeks out. “Katie was kidnapped and trafficked. We didn’t find her for months. She is not recovering like we hoped. And I’m not talking about it.”

“Was she the club member?”

“No. We’ve two women who were abused. But, as said, it’s not up for discussion, Bryony, unless they talk to you. Katie has most of her memories blocked because she can’t cope with it. Romeo is helping her with that. Katie has a team supporting her and ensuring she heals in her own time,” I answered.

“Okay. I’ll come Saturday and bring the children. But can nobody please approach them about abilities until I have a handle on this?”

“But what if the kids ask?” I inquired, because Maci wouldn’t keep her mouth shut for certain.

“Then they should be honest,” Bryony said after a few moments.

I nodded and leant back.

“I like watching the stars,” Bryony said, and I smiled.

“Me too.”

“Want to join me?”

“Sure,” I answered and moved across to her swing.

Bryony lifted the blanket, and I slipped under and sat as the swing gently rocked. Together, we had a perfect moment in time.

Bryony

What the hell did someone wear to a clubhouse? Jeans? Skirt? Dress? Fuck. I gritted my teeth and banged my head on the wall. In the end, I yanked out a pair of jeans that I knew made my ass great and a gypsy blouse. It hid my little stomach pouch from having the kids. My ass, boobs and legs looked amazing, but I had a tiny belly that no number of sit-ups would get rid of.

Madden had told me to get it removed surgically, and I had hit him in the head with the boots I’d been putting on at the time. Fucking asshole.

I ran a brush through my hair, glad it was behaving for once, and headed out to get the kids. Maci had been ready for two hours at least, insisting on wearing a pretty dress. Ham was wearing shorts and a Captain America tee.

I checked I had everything needed and picked up the two containers of brownies and cookies I made, and we went out to the car.

Soul had given me instructions on how to get to the club, and they were simple to follow. When I arrived, I saw a big wall and a gate. I’d not been out this way before, so I was pretty interested.

A man sat in a guard box, and I stopped by a speaker.

“Hey, Bryony, come on in,” Priest invited, and I waved at him.

I pulled inside, and the gate closed behind me.

“Follow that road, and you will see the clubhouse. There’s a lot of land here, so it’s easy to get turned around. You’ll see where to park. Soul marked a space for you,” Priest said.

“Thanks. Do I need to know anything?”

“Yeah, beware of the old ladies. They’re rabid to get to know you,” he warned, and I paled.

I wasn’t sure if that was a bad or good thing and drove slowly down the road Priest had pointed to.

The kids were craning their neck, and I’d admit I was pretty impressed. There was a lot of green, and in the far distance, I could see what looked like houses. A large building appeared, and I stared, stunned, at the view behind it.

“Wow,” Ham said, peering over my shoulder.

“You can say that again!”

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