Page 51 of Shattering Nash

Inez scoffed, taking a slow drag from her cigarette. “You ain’t going anywhere, and you won’t fuck up the apartment. ’Cause if you do, you’re gonna pay with a lot more than cash.”

The tone and the statement sent a shiver down her spine.

“Take the money back.”

Charley slowly leaned forward, grabbing the money and tucking it in her pocket. She was unsure of what to do next as she rocked on her heels. Inez made the choice for her.

“Are you waiting for a receipt?”

Small snickers erupted from the room, and she fought against the blush spanning over her cheeks. She forced a smile and gave a short wave, hurrying to the door. She grabbed the knob, turned, and pulled before realizing it was locked. She furrowed her brows noticing two deadbolts, another three locks and a device commonly used at hotels. Inez had clearly taken her safety seriously.

She fumbled with the first two but managed to unlock them. The third was proving to be more than challenging.

“Come on,” she whispered. “Open.”

It wasn’t until she heard his breath that she realized one of the bikers was standing behind her only inches away. She turned in the small space and pressed her back against the door, careful not to touch him. Ace made no move to back up and give her any more space.

She nervously laughed, pointing over her shoulder. “I’m having trouble with the last one.”

Ace stared back at her. He had very intense dark eyes. The kind that gave a warning without him ever saying a word.

“Last name’s Hudson, right?”

“Yes.”

“You know Cody Hudson?”

She widened her eyes. Her face had already given her a way. If she lied, he’d know.

“My brother.” She cleared her throat. “A-are you friends with him?”

The corners of his eyes crinkled. “No.”

Her heartbeat pounded, and she swallowed the knot in throat. When Ace reached for the lock, Charley pressed her back against the door. Ace’s brows dipped, and he scanned her face, inspecting her. He’d see fear. While Charley hadn’t really spoken to anyone about the night with her brother, she was still dealing with the trauma.

Ace unlocked the door and opened it slightly, which pushed Charley closer to him. In an unexpected move, Ace stepped to the side, allowing her to pass.

“Thank you.” She slipped out the door and turned in the hallway. Ace remained at the door with his hand gripping the edge of the battered wood frame.

“It was nice meeting you.”

Ace’s gaze sharpened, but his mouth softened.

“Was it?”

It seemed like a trick question, but she answered anyway. “If I hadn’t, I’d still be in the apartment trying to figure out the locks.” She waved her hand toward him. “Thank you again.”

He lifted his chin and closed the door. As soon as it locked in place, she heard someone howling with laughter.

“Look at our Prez being the motherfuckin’ gentleman. Classing up Killcreek.”

Prez? She knitted her brows, staring back at the door. Charley had done her best not to stare at any of the men, but she noticed they’d all been wearing vests, some with more elaborate patches than others. None of them sat with their backs to her, but as she pieced it together, it became clear. They were indeed members of the Killcreek Drifters. It was the first time she’d seen one, let alone met six bikers. But she’d heard of them.Or should I say, overheard.

Months ago, Zeke had been at the house with her brother and mentioned the motorcycle club as being a huge factor in his rise if some deal could be met. Charley had no idea what he’d meant, but just knowing there was some type of affiliation between Zeke and the club, she was left unsettled. Was that why Ace asked about her brother? A chill spread across her skin, and she slowly stepped away from the door. Then raced down the hallway.

Shit!

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