Page 44 of Cinder
“So how do you fit in to the Knights of St. Boniface?” I ask her.
“I’m a club girl.”
“And what are club girls?” I ask, before taking a sip of coffee.
“We take care of the boys when they need taking care of,” she says with a smile. “And they take care of us.”
“So you’re… girlfriends?”
“More friends with benefits.” She winks.
“Oh…” I say, still not understanding how it works. “So you can spend time with any of the Knights?”
“If we’re both feeling it and the vibe is right. But club girls don’t go near any of the Knights with old ladies. It’s how the club girls and old ladies live in harmony.” She blows out an exaggerated puff of air. “All hell would break lose if a club girl hit on someone’s old man.”
“Is there ever not any harmony?” I ask.
“Not between the old ladies and club girls. We all know our place.” She takes a sip of her coffee. “We’re family. And the family bond among the Knights and the women who live in this clubhouse is strong. You fuck with one of us, then you fuck with all of us.”
I think of my family and what it’s become and how much I miss my father.
“I like that,” I say softly, missing the security of having a family that loves and protects you.
She hisses in a soft breath. “That’s some shiner?”
My hand self-consciously goes to my cheek. I had successfully hidden it beneath makeup earlier, but it’s probably worn off by now. “I got that from a man who liked to think he could control me.”
“Then he’s not a man. Real men don’t hit. Whoever did this to you is a coward.”
“You’re right. Heisa coward.”
“Ex-boyfriend?”
No, my narcissistic, psychopathic half-brother.
You can call him Satan.
“He was my boss. I used to room with him and his wife.” Inwardly I curse myself for the flimsy excuse I gave Lars. But at the time, I was on the spot, and it was the first thing that popped into my head. But now it sounds so fake, and I’m worried Mya will see through it, so I quickly add, “Thankfully, I don’t have to work for him anymore thanks to Lars giving me this job.”
Her face brightens at the mention of Lars.
“Oh, that sounds like Lars. He’s the sweetest.” She looks dreamy. “He looks like trouble, but he’s got a big heart.”
The way she talks about him makes me wonder if she’s ever been a club girl for him.
“So have you and Lars ever…?”
Her eyes widen. “Oh no…never!”
I feel a surge of relief but try not to.
Because it shouldn’t matter to me if they’ve been together or not.
“It was instant friendship from the moment we met. He’s like my brother. Actually, he’s like my best friend.” She smiles and it’s warm and affectionate. “You know when you meet someone, and you just know that they’re going to be special to you?”
No, I don’t.
I’ve been sheltered my whole life, so I never made any real friends.
