“Well, we have.” Tally proclaims. “She’s one of us and she needs to know.”
“The guys caught up to her and brought her back here. Izzy and I questioned her. It’s how we discovered Deion had you. Renee won’t be a problem for anyone again.” Kingsley states.
I nod with approval as Tally examines the bruising on my arm left by Trask. She gives me a cold pack to put on it. Axel, who followed us into the infirmary, is standing nearby as he clenches and unclenches his fists. I know he’s thinking about strangling Trask. I’m not against the idea, but I don’t want him going off without backup.
“He’ll get his soon enough.” I remind Axel. I wait until our eyes meet. He gives me a nod, and I know I’ve kept him from taking matters into his own hands. For now.
“Why did Deion take you?” Evie asks. She and Kingsley are sitting in two of the recliners while Caitlin sits cross-legged on a bed.
“Bait for Reaper.” I reply. “He was angry that Reaper left the gang.”
“Boys and their clubs. They hate when they lose members. But why wait this long?” Evie asks.
“I think it was more than just about Reaper leaving. He wanted information on some kid who got shot while trying to rob a house. Reaper told Deion that the homeowner shot him.”
“I wonder if anyone has ever wanted to leave the Demon Dawgs.” Caitlin muses. “I know they’ve kicked people out, like that bastard Nerd, but have you heard of anyone asking to leave?”
Tally shakes her head. “Just the Nomads and they didn’t ask to leave the club, only to stay Demons without a fixed home.”
“The Nomads?” I ask as Tally leads the way back out to the common room. The men are still missing, so I assume they’re still in Church.
“There are three of them, Eagle, Padre and Stone.” Tally explains. “They belonged to this chapter when Dante’s dad, Dale, was President. When Dale died and Dante took over, the three of them asked for Nomad status.”
“Why?” I ask as I take a seat next to Tally. “Didn’t they like Dante?” I see the girls share a look. “You don’t have to tell me if it’s a secret.”
“She’s going to find out.” Caitlin says. “She’s associated with Crossroads. She’s bound to meet Desdemona and hear her story.” Crossroads is the name Caitlin decided on for the non-profit she’s creating to help victims. A Crossroads Demon is a demon someone calls when they’re desperate. So the name implies a connection to the club. But a crossroads is also a place where someone can take a different path in life. I know Caitlin wants to give this chance to all who need an alternative path.
With a nod of agreement, Tally relays a story that has my mouth opening wider and wider with each plot twist. I know the name Desdemona Konstantin. Her reputation extends past the art world. She has immense talent, but I never knew about her painful history. The amount of betrayal and fear she must have endured to overcome years as a man’s sex slave. To discover that Dante’s father was the one who trapped her in that world is almost unbelievable.
“After Dante learned what his father was part of, he asked Chaos to help him clean house. I don’t have the details, but I imagine those members who took part in the skin trade reunited with Dale sooner than they planned. Grimm and the Nomads passed all the tests, but while Grimm stayed on as VP, the Nomads asked to leave but still remain part of the club. Too many memories in the clubhouse.” Evie chimes in.
“Is Desdemona the reason you’re starting Crossroads?” I ask Caitlin.
“She’s a big part of it. The man who bought her died leaving her trapped in his home, although he left instructions for his sons. Luckily, one of them found her and he helped her to establish herself as Desdemona.” Caitlin explains. “When I inherited the money from my grandmother, I realized I could use the money to help others. My plan is to have plenty of people around to help those who come to us. Desdemona has offered to speak to those who come from a situation similar to hers, as well as teach an art class or two. I’m hoping to find other people to help. Not only therapists, but people who can teach skills and offer their life stories. Like you and your mom.”
“Me?” I ask in surprise. “I don’t think my life offers much of a lesson.”
“Look at all you and your family have accomplished with a single mom?” Caitlin protests. “I’m expecting some who come to us will need help to end an abusive relationship. Some may have stayed because they have kids and they don’t want to leave their kids without a father. Also, aren’t you studying to be an accountant? It’s possible some may need help learning to manage their finances.”
I nod slowly as I consider her words. She’s right. I’ve always been proud of my mom and how she took care of us after our dad ditched us. She’s an excellent role model. The only memories I have of my father are fuzzy and loud. He was a shouter. Not having him around didn’t stop me from achieving my goals. “I have one more year to finish my degree.”
“That’s fine. I’m hoping to hire you to handle our finances while you’re still in school.” Caitlin continues.
“I’ll do whatever I can to help, but you might want someone with more experience.” I offer. “Although, I could see if one of my teachers will mentor me. She has her own bookkeeping business, and I think she’d be willing to help.”
“That’s perfect!” Caitlin says.
We spend time discussing the plans for the shelter. I find out that Carver and some of his men start work on the apartment complex in the morning. I know Caitlin has enough money to get things done fast, but in this case, I’m certain it is for Caitlin herself that these guys are busting their asses to help her achieve her goal.
I watch all the men file out of the room they call their Chapel. The room where they meet for Church. Like a choreographed move, Dante, Grimm, Chaos and Scar all head straight for their women. They pull them up out of their chairs so they can claim their seats before pulling their women onto their laps. The thought of Reaper doing the same to me has me ready to sign up as an Old Lady. I know Reaper has his doubts about us. Doubts about him being good enough for me, but Reaper is the best man I know. I’ll do whatever I have to make him see that he’s the only one for me.
I expect him to appear as my thoughts focus on him, but he doesn’t come out. Neither does Flame. As I imagine the worst, I feel my stomach tighten. Excusing myself, I make my way to the room. Rather than hearing flesh hitting flesh, I hear voices. Which is a good sign. Knowing they’re discussing my relationship with Reaper, I eavesdrop.
I wince when I hear Reaper defend my decision for wanting to wait until I was done with finals before telling Flame. He did as I asked, even though he didn't agree with me. I feel proud that he took my side, but a little guilty because I know it’s now causing a rift between them. But when Reaper spouts off nonsense about me finding someone better than him, aka someone without his perceived baggage, and Flame bitches about not being consulted, I’ve had it with both of them.
“What the fuck?” I barge into the room and give both of them a piece of my mind. This isn’t the 1800s. I can’t remember everything I say to them, but I can tell by the stunned looks on their faces that I got my point across. “Now you two, kiss and makeup, or whatever the fuck brothers do when they realize how stupid they’re being. I’ll be in the common room.” I turn my back on them and leave them to their petty bickering.
I barely make it down the hall when I feel two muscular arms wrap around me, pulling me flush to an extremely hard body. I can’t stop the grin when Reaper’s scent envelopes me. Damn, he smells good. A heady mixture of leather, soap and, for some odd reason, vanilla and sugar. I fit perfectly in his arms and I know that this right here is the only time I ever feel perfectly safe. He kisses my neck and I sigh. I go from relaxed to high alert when he whispers in my ear.