Page 87 of Avenging Devil: Part 1

My hands start trembling. At least most times the only violence and abuse I had to fear was from Duke himself. Though etched on my memory, it was only on rare occasions he’d share me. Here I belong to no one, and my MC knowledge tells me, an unattached woman is fair game.

“Have you got everything you need?” Patsy’s shown me the attached small bathroom, which is adequate if not anything fancy, and I’ve brought with me the stuff that I use.

The one thing I’m lacking is a suit of armour, a chastity belt and a gun for protection, but I keep that to myself. “Yes, I’ve got everything. Thank you.”

The older woman regards me with sympathy. “I know you’ve had so much thrown at you at once, Saffie, hopefully you’ll be able to get some sleep. Try not to worry too much.”

Patsy’s old enough to be my mom, and she’s got her own daughter. Her advice is that which would come from a mother. I’m mentally drained, and appreciate she understands.

“So,” Patsy glances around. “You’ve got juice, water and snacks. It looks like you’re fixed. Lost and I are staying here tonight. We’re the furthest door at the end of the hallway. If you want anything, come and find me. I’ll leave you my son’s number. He’s a prospect so he’s used to being at anyone’s beck and call at all hours. If you need more water and don’t want to go down to the kitchen, just give him a shout and he’ll bring whatever you need up.”

I allow her to program his number in my phone but know I won’t be calling him however dire the situation. Again, visions of Jude being beaten to death go through my head, and I turn away to swallow back my tears, vowing again, I won’t put another prospect in danger.

“I’ll be fine, Patsy. Thank you.” As long as no biker comes to bother me. Oh, how I wish there was a lock on the door. Not that it would keep anyone determined out, but they’d make a racket breaking in, and maybe someone would hear and come to save me.

“Saffie,” Patsy says, hesitantly. “Er, I’d say you’re welcome to go back down to the clubroom, but—” She breaks off, then stretches out her hands and shrugs. “Well, there will be sights that maybe you don’t want to see. As I told you, most of the brothers are single.”

Yeah, I know exactly what she’s talking about. Bikers getting drunk and rowdy, forcing the club girls to meet their deviant needs. Though she hasn’t stated it in those terms, maybe there’s a chance by showing my face I’d risk being treated like a whore. I’ve no standing here, no reason for them to give me sanctuary. Maybe they’ll be expecting payment in other ways than thanks or money.

“I’ll stay up here.” I try a half-smile, knowing it looks weak.

There’s a knock at the door. Patsy goes to open it.

“Curtis. Thank you.” She takes a bundle of bedding from the Black man wearing a prospect patch, closes the door behind him, and places the fresh-looking sheets and comforter on the bed.

As she starts to unfold them, I go over to help. Within moments, we’ve got the bed made. Patsy gives a satisfied nod then comes over, stands in front of me for a moment, then reaches out her arms in invitation. When I step into them, she gives me a quick hug and a peck on my cheek.

“We’ll catch up in the morning, Saffie. You try and get some rest.”

“Goodnight, Patsy. And, thank you.” I add the last belatedly, and though I hope it sounded sincere, a little half-heartedly. Right now, I’d prefer to be back in my apartment all alone and not in this nest of biker iniquity.

I shiver when Patsy leaves me alone. Though there’s a television on the wall, and I brought my tablet and e-reader with me, I know I won’t be able to occupy myself with frivolous activities. So far today, my mind’s been engaged on survival, now it circles back to the constant regret in my head.

Does Patsy know I aborted my baby? If she does, would she blame me?

How could she not? I blame myself. If I hadn’t been taken in by Duke, then maybe instead, I’d by now be married to a good man and be raising my family. If I hadn’t been exposed to the Crazy Wolves, I wouldn’t be so scared, and would be taking the Satan’s Devils at face value, trusting them as the good men they appear to be.

But having had the experiences I have, trusting them is far from easy. I’m frightened to relax my guard, worrying doing so would prove I was being blind all over again. My caution of bikers I wrap like a protective cloak around me.

I pick up my e-reader hoping to lose myself in a fictional world, but of course it doesn’t work. Placing it back down, I lie on the bed, thoughts of how I move forward from here vie with fears of the bikers downstairs.

The music has grown louder, and the odd shout filters up, suggesting that alcohol has started to do its work, making me all too conscious I’m in a clubhouse full of men and no way of stopping any of them coming in.I need to find a weapon.

When the drawers and closet offer nothing to me, I look under the bed. I don’t know what I expect to discover, but as no one had conveniently left a gun, knife or baseball bat behind, I’ve come up with zilch.

I’m never going to be able to sleep.

A check in the bathroom finds there’s no lock on that door either. Desperate for a pee, I quickly use the facilities but don’t even consider the shower. As for undressing for the night, nope, I’m going to sleep in my clothes.

My heart is beating far too fast as my mind throws me back to how this would play out in the Crazy Wolves’ clubhouse. An unclaimed female wouldn’t just be molested by one, she’d have them all queued up outside all night, and probably more than one in the room together.

Patsy and Lost are just up the hall.Surely, they’d hear me if I screamed out?

My car’s still outside.Could I escape and go back to my home? Or will I be stopped on my way out?

Sitting on my bed, I rock with my arms wrapped around my stomach. My whole life is a mess, and I’ve no idea what to do for the best.

Suddenly there’s a sharp double tap on the door. I breathe in deep and hold it. But whoever’s outside doesn’t enter. Instead, they knock again.

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