Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 69875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 349(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 349(@200wpm)___ 280(@250wpm)___ 233(@300wpm)
“That’s… that’s so sad,” I finally say to Callia.
When I was brought here a few hours ago, I was given one of the bedrooms upstairs and introduced to her. Out of all the women here, she’s closest to my age and not one of the club whores as she calls them.
“I’m okay now,” she tells me happily. “Life happens when you’re planning yer future. I’m lucky Monster took me in. He’s a good man.” I follow her eye line and find the President of the MC looking directly at us. Callia offers him a wave, which he responds to with a nod. “He’s so hot,” she whispers now, and I can’t help but want to agree with her. But I don’t. Not that I don’t think he is, but I know men like him. They’re dangerous; they’ll kill without thinking, and something tells me Monster wants me dead.
“I guess.” It’s all I can add to my new friend’s comment.
She giggles and turns to me. “You ever had a boyfriend, lassie?”
I think about the guys who I’ve been on dates with and shake my head. “Not really. I wasn’t really allowed to date. My mother would have killed me and whoever the guy was. There was one, just before I graduated, but…” I catch myself before I can speak out of turn. I can’t tell her I had a boyfriend just before I was kidnapped by my father.
“What?”
“I just haven’t had that much experience with lads, especially ones much older than I am.” I shrug it off, but as I say this, my thoughts stray to Monster.
“You’re a virgin?” she whispers, her eyes wide.
“Not exactly,” I say. “I’ve done it a couple of times, but…”
Leaning closer to ensure nobody around us can hear her, a soft giggle falls from her lips. “Which means you’re practically a virgin.”
“Not practically,” I retort while my cheeks heat. “I know how it all works.” This has us laughing out loud, and I feel Monster’s gaze on us. As much as I can’t stop looking at him, it seems the man can’t tear his eyes away from me. “Anyway,” I say. “You were one once as well; so, it’s not that far-fetched to think about. Is it?”
Callia smiles, then shrugs. “Aye, you’re right, but you’re a year older than me, so it’s odd to me. Nothing wrong with it,” she continues, nudging me with her shoulder.
“I guess now I’m away from home, I’m going to have to figure out what to do with my life.” I’m not really talking to her. The thought spills from my mouth before I have time to consider it.
“You could work at the club,” she tells me easily. “I’m there five nights a week. It’s good pay, and you’re able to save up. Soon, I’ll be out of here. But I’ll never forget what the MC has done for me.”
This captures my attention. “The club?”
“Aye, the boys run a bar and strip club closer to town. It’s safe, and the girls are looked after. You don’t have to take yer clothes off. There are other things to do. I waitress. There is no touching, but if you give them a smile, the feckers leave good tips. You can save, and then you’ll be able to find your freedom again.”
Her voice echoes my thoughts.
Freedom.
I have never known what that feels like. It’s always been me against Mum’s rules. On one hand, I know she was trying to keep me safe, but on the other, I realise how much of a prison my life had become.
Going back to London and picking up my old life isn’t going to be possible. The men will always be hunting me down. I will have a target on my back.
“I’ll think about it,” I tell her, but I know I may not have a choice.
The thing about it is, I can’t afford to tell them who I am. I don’t know if my father really did die in that explosion. He may be hiding out. If he is, I’m still in danger.
And if he is alive, he will come for me.
“Lia,” one of the other girls calls, “Are we heading to the city?”
The brunette walks up to us, her eyes never straying towards me. It’s as if she doesn’t notice I’m even here. I’ve become used to people trying to avoid me, but this is different. I’m out of my depth. These girls know each other, they’re all friends. I’m an outsider who should find her own way.
I hop off the stool and offer a smile at Callia. She’s been nice to me, and I don’t want to be rude. “I need fresh air.”
I leave her with her friend and make my way outside. The night is dark, with only the full moon offering illumination. The compound we’re on is large, but there isn’t a lot of lighting. I move away from the house, my mind focused on my future. The unknown is scary.