“Melody, this is Addie. Addie, this is Melody. She’s Chase’s old lady.”
I had never heard the term before, but unless I was horribly misreading the situation, I assumed it meant girlfriend. “Nice to meet you,” I said shyly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’ve gotten more than enough time with my Daddy today.”
Daddy?
By this time, Chase had put on a t-shirt and he pulled Melody in for a passionate kiss on the lips. I only felt more confused. I glanced at Luke who didn’t seem at all phased by it. I’m guessing this was normal behavior?
I really wanted to ask about it, but it wasn’t any of my business. Besides, I had more pressing concerns.
Chase gave me a once-over. “Your name is Addie, right? I’m Chase. I own the Celtic Knot and I’m president of the Hell’s Renegades.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” I whispered.
“Do you want anything to eat or drink?”
I hesitated and then nodded. “Do you have hot tea?” I probably sounded like an idiot. Why would there be tea in a biker bar?
“Do you want herbal or black tea?” Melody asked. “I think we have peppermint and chamomile. And Irish Breakfast, of course.”
I blinked, surprised. “Um, Irish Breakfast, please.”
She smiled. “That’s my favorite too. How about some food as well? Blaine makes a great smoked salmon.”
My stomach rumbled again and I nodded. “Please.”
“I’ll let him know.” She skipped out of the room, leaving me with just Luke and Chase. I felt myself relaxing a little. If a sweet girl like Melody felt comfortable here, then I probably didn’t have much to worry about. At least, I hoped.
“Have a seat,” Chase said, gesturing to a couch on one side of the office. He leaned against his desk, facing me and Luke as we sat down. “What’s going on?” He crossed his arms, giving us his full attention.
“Well, my car broke down,” I said. “But Luke said it was sabotaged. And when we went to a gas station for help, the cashier knew my name and he pulled a gun on Luke.”
“The cashier was working with the Demons,” Luke said. “He had a tattoo on his arm.”
I didn’t know what any of this meant. I had never heard of the Demons before.
Chase looked thoughtful. “It’s not often the Demons target someone like this. They usually snatch random passersby or collect on debts. Did your parents have debts?”
“My parents are politicians,” I said slowly. “They take campaign donations, of course. But they don’t take on formal debts.” One of my father’s favorite quotes was “never a borrower or lender be”. He didn’t even let me take out student loans for college. They made me take a gap year and work in their campaign offices to earn tuition money.”
“Who are your parents?” Chase asked.
“Thomas and Maria Johnson.”
Chase’s eyebrows rose and Luke’s head whipped around to look at me. I shrank back. I had a feeling they weren’t popular around here.
“Didn’t your mother try to cut welfare programs?” Chase asked.
“And your father successfully ended government funding for battered women’s shelters,” Luke said, a small growl in his voice.
I cringed. I didn’t like their politics either. My parents tried to reassure me they needed to make compromises to act on the really important stuff, but I always felt too stupid to understand it. “I’m not involved in any of it,” I said. “Really. I show up for the photoshoots when they tell me to but I honestly don’t believe in their politics and they don’t listen to my opinions on anything.” Panic flared inside me. What if they didn’t help me now? Maybe they would just hand me over to the Demons. “I’m sorry,” I said. “I-I’ll try to change their minds. On whatever you want. I promise. But please help me. Please don’t give me over to the Demons.”
“It’s all right,” Luke said. “Of course, we’re going to help you.”
“Yeah,” said Chase. “We’re not monsters. Even if you agreed with your parents, we wouldn’t turn you over to the Demons. No one deserves that fate.”
I took a deep breath and nodded. “Thank you,” I said. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” I didn’t know what else to say.
A warm hand grabbed mine. I looked down to see Luke’s hand practically encasing mine. He rubbed circles on the back of my hand. “Breathe,” he said. “It’s okay, Addie. We’re going to help you.”