Page 44 of Straight to Me

As Michelle moves out the room, she lets out a dreadful, insane scream. Panicking, I race towards her, only to find VP standing in the hallway.

“V—Dean, what the hell are you doing?”

“We need to go. I’ve got to get to work.” He said he didn’t have work today, which means it’s club related business he needs to get to. We stare at each other. Do I tell him to just go and I’ll catch a taxi back, or do I leave with him? I have to think quick.

“Do you know this man?” Michelle asks petrified, looking at VP’s clothes. I watch her eyes scroll over his beautiful soft features, before she looks at me in disgrace.

“Michelle, this is my friend.”

I turn my head to VP and see his face drop. I meet his gaze but he looks away. “You scared me sir,” she says as she straightens herself out, trying to control her uneven breathing.

“Dean, give me two minutes, I’ll meet you outside.”

His eyes lock on mine. I give a little nod before turning to Michelle. She’s visibly shaken by the outlaw biker. “Are you okay?” I ask, walking towards her, VP’s feet pad towards the front door.

“Miss Reed. I have to say, I’m shocked by your choice of friend.”

“It’s the leather isn’t it,” I laugh, trying to make light of the situation.

“Will he be here often should you choose to rent the flat from us?”

Why is that any of her business? I’m assuming they don’t want trouble in here. Thinking on the spot, I lie to her. “Um no. He’s just doing me a favour. He won’t be here. I don’t really associate with his kind.”

She looks relieved as my heart sinks.

I feel shit.

But I need a place of my own and if Michelle can give me that, she’ll hear whatever she needs to. “Thank goodness, Miss Reed. You had me worried that bikers would be here, tearing up the place. The landlord would not accept that under any circumstance.”

That’s perhaps a little judgemental of the landlord and her, but I get it. Sort of.

“No. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Okay, that’s sorted then. Can I assume you’re happy with the flat?”

Happy? I don’t feel happy that I’ve played down how I feel about VP. “I’ll take it as soon as possible, if I can?”

She smiles as my face drops slightly. “Certainly. I’ll email over the property agreement for you to sign. Then once all the credit checks are finalised, you’ll be able to move in.” She starts walking towards the kitchen.

“That’s great. Thank you.” I offer my hand which she takes in hers. “I look forward to hearing from you.”

“I’ll be in touch once back at the office. I’ll lock up here if you’re happy to see yourself out?”

Nodding, I turn on my heels, rushing slightly to get outside to VP. As I round the frame of the front door I crash straight into him and stumble backwards.

“Shit! What are you doing?” I meant I’d meet himoutside, not directly outside the door.

“Just a friend?”

My shoulders droop, a pulsing heat mists my vision. Regret falls thick between us. “I didn’t mean what I said—” His eyes are flaming. He starts down the stairs before I even finish. “VP!” I shout from behind, but he doesn’t look back.

Sneaking a peek back into Michelle, not wanting anything to jeopardise my getting this place, I catch sight of her busying herself turning off lights, unaware of what was happening. Taking two stairs at a time, I chase after him.

Outside, he’s picking up his helmet as I approach. “Wait, let me explain,” I huff, slightly out of breath from running after him.

“You don’t have to say a word. I heard everything.”

“You heard what Michelle needed to hear.”

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