I obeyed, if for no other reason than that the men intimidated the shit out of me.
“Did Sabre explain what we wanted to do?” Venom gruffly cut right to the chase.
“Yes.” I hated the slight crack in my voice.
“First of all, we have a job for you, if you’re interested. It’s temporary while Faith is on maternity leave, but it’s something,” Venom offered.
“Oh my God. Did one of you get her pregnant? Like—every female here is knocked up!” I blurted out, then slapped a hand over my mouth in embarrassment. My face burned, and I knew it must be bright red.
“No, her husband is a mechanic for us,” Venom explained with a chuckle.
“Mmhm,” I hummed suspiciously. He smirked at my narrowed gaze and shook his head.
“Are you interested in the job?” Venom queried with a cocked brow.
“You know I have no identification, right? No driver’s license, no birth certificate, social security card—nothing.”
“We know. It’s fine. We’ll pay you cash. It won’t be a lot because part of the pay will be your room and board here,” he disclosed.
“Okay. What would I be doing?” I warily asked, then wanted to smack myself upside the head. Beggars couldn’t be choosers, but then again, there were limits to what I’d do for money. That stripper pole came to mind, and I mentally shook my head. Nope.
“You’d be working as a receptionist at the tattoo studio we own,” Venom clarified, and I sighed in relief. “Faith would train you until she has the baby or has to quit working, and then you’d cover while she’s off recuperating.”
I sighed in relief. “Okay, that sound good. I can’t thank you enough,” I finally had the common sense to say.
“My name is Hawk,” an older gentleman announced, and I jumped with a squeak. I hadn’t noticed him approach, since I was so focused on Venom and Sabre, who stood next to him. He laid a gentle hand over mine that was tightly curled over the arm of the chair. Immediately, I relaxed. The man seemed like a sexy younger Santa Claus. How did I even know who the jolly fat man at Christmas was when I didn’t know my name? Weird.
There were a few stifled chuckles, and I slowly glanced around. Evidently, the fact that they were so willing to help me eased my mind and body. I felt nearly, well, chill—almost floaty.
Hawk gave me a half smile that was almost hidden in his mostly gray beard.
I blinked. “Did I say that out loud?”
“Yeah, sweetheart, but it’s okay. You’re in good hands, I promise,” he replied with a bit of humor that made me smile at him.
A sharp intake of breath drew my attention to Sabre. My smile grew, and his mouth parted. “He’s so pretty,” I found myself murmuring, but couldn’t find it in me to be embarrassed. The guys again hid grins. I actually didn’t even care. I liked them.
Another man approached, and I gazed up into his dark, dark eyes. He had tattoos everywhere. “Chains,” I read from his name thingy. “You’re gonna have a baby. I love your wife already. Sabre said you’re gonna try to help me.”
He actually cracked a bit of a smile, and I sighed contentedly.
“Yeah, I’m gonna try.” He pulled one of the chairs up to face me. I realized Hawk still had his hand over mine, and without thought, I turned mine over to hold his. He gave me a comforting squeeze. If I had a dad, I hoped he was like Hawk.
“Umm, close your eyes and, uh, relax,” he stammered a bit.
I frowned at him, then glanced at Hawk. “Are you sure he knows what he’s doing?”
Chains actually huffed out a laugh, as did Hawk.
“Yeah, baby girl, he sure does. It’s just been a while. Give him time,” he practically rumbled in his deep voice. I trusted him, so I nodded.
I already felt more relaxed than I had in months. So much so that I had to rest my head back against the wall. I almost wanted to sleep.
Before I dropped my lids, I saw him take off his black leather gloves.
He took my other hand in his warm ones, and I swear I experienced a pulling feeling. Like someone had a vacuum against my palm. It was wild.
Then there was nothing. It was like I was dreaming. All around me was white. No up, no down, no walls or floors. I simply walked in a bright nothingness. It was like I was strolling through my own mind—a whole lot of nothing.