Page 55 of Daddy Issues

Then I whispered, “Can I go back to the clubhouse for a few days?” It was easier than telling him I had nothing, was nothing.

“No,” he said softly.

I didn’t think it was possible for my heart to drop further.

“I’ve got somewhere you can stay.”

When I eyed him, confused, he sighed. “Trust me.” Then he extended his hand.

It wasn’t like I had many other options. I took it and let him pull me from the room, both bags in his other hand. The tension was so heavy and thick it made me sick to my stomach.

I bent to pick up the money Nadine hadn’t scooped up herself, shoving bills in the pockets of Puck’s shirt. Puck shook his head no when I dropped to my knees. “Leave it. You’re not getting on the floor to pick up her mess.”

Then he turned to David. “You need to sort this shit out. Soon.” What he wasn’t saying was that if David didn’t…he would. Though twenty years younger, Puck was an officer. Not just any officer, but the Sergeant at Arms. Security and punishment were his role. His position at the table meant his threat carried actual weight.

I ducked my head, ashamed.

At the bike, I took a ragged breath while Puck strapped one backpack to the bitch bar on the back of the seat. Then he held the other one out for me to drop my arms through. “It’s my money, Puck. Do you know how many ass grabs I had to dodge for that?”

“You can make more money.” Then he caught my gaze. “You don’t get on your knees for anyone but me, understand? If it’s that important, I’ll give it back to you.”

Shocked to the point of total silence, I shouldered the other bag and climbed onto the bike behind him.

“Hang on,tight.”

I did, leaning forward and wrapping both arms around him as tightly as I could, smushing the contents of my entire life between us, and wrapping my fingers tightly in the hem of his shirt.

When he cranked the bike, he revved the engine. The roar of the exhaust echoed so loud it hurt. Then he pitched the bikesideways in the gravel, forcing me to really hold on, as he shot gravel all over Nadine’s SUV with his spinning back tire.

After that, he navigated the driveway and let it rip on the highway. And for those few miles, I let everything go…except him.

***

I was surprised when we pulled into the back alley of the tattoo shop. Puck killed the engine and kicked out the stand, waiting for me to climb off the back before he did. My hair was a mess, my makeup ruined, and whatever buzz the alcohol and sex had given me was long gone.

Even the ride over was a blur of painful emotion. David had given me a life where I felt safe, secure, and happy. This felt like being with Mom all over again. Abandoned, beaten down, and less than nothing.

“Hey…” Puck pulled me to his chest, cradling me there. I didn’t like it when he was nice like this. It was weird. Not that he wasn’t nice in general. But this intimate kindness made him feel like…a boyfriend.

I was an easy fuck for him. Definitely not a girlfriend. And giving myself those ideas made me no better than bitches like Nadine.

But his arms and chest were warm and safe. I let that warmth envelop me for several deep breaths before I pulled away. “You gonna hide me in your office?”

Puck grinned and shook his head. “No, follow me.”

I did, through the side door behind his office, where he turned up a staircase I’d never noticed. Never had a reason to go back that far.

He unlocked the door at the top of the stairs and flicked on the light. I stood in the doorway, shocked by the clean, urban space.The walls were an unfinished block on two sides and pretty, dark brick on the other. A small kitchenette dominated the back corner and large windows took up the exterior walls.

Puck moved across the studio apartment, opened a large cabinet style wardrobe, and pulled out sheets and blankets. The domestic task should look out of place on him but didn’t. For such a big man, he moved smoothly and effortlessly.

Thinking about that kept me from thinking about everything else.

I was homeless. David had let her kick me out. And other than the small amount I had in the bank and what I’d shoved into my pockets, I was broke.

The room pitched then. I turned away from him, closed my eyes tightly, and gripped the door he’d left open to keep from tumbling down the stairs. I didn’t want to panic in front of him, break down, sob and beg like Mom would do when she didn’t go her way.

I was nothing like her. Reminding myself of that, I found the strength to clear my throat.

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