SEVEN
MIREN
I try notto look at him, but my eyes seem to be like magnets, and he’s the metal. I’m in his home, a place where I’m surrounded by danger, because if they found out who I really am, they’ll kill me. There’s no doubt in my mind I’m the enemy. As he watched them carry body parts from the wreckage, I could tell from the anger in his expression he wanted those to be of my father.
I don’t know who he is, or why he hates us, but I plan to find out. I glance at Callia who’s sipping her beer and smile. “So,” I start. “How long have you been living with the club?”
She shrugs. “A couple of years now. They found me on the streets, turning tricks. Racer over there,” she says gesturing towards the guy with ink all the way up his arms to his neck. His dark hair stands in spikes, and his deep blue eyes are on the girl sitting in his lap. “He came across me when I was out in Dublin. He was on a run and wanted to hire me. When he found out I wasn’t old enough to be doing that shite, he lost his mind.”
“How old were you?”
“Sixteen,” she informs me with a wink. “I had to grow up pretty fast, and when I ran away from home, I didn’t plan on going back. So, I did what I needed to.”
She doesn’t seem at all perturbed at telling me this, but I’m shocked anyone at that age would even consider selling themselves.
But then again, I’ve been lucky all my life.
Even though my mother was focused on her work, she ensured I was safe and looked after. I never needed for anything. Some would say I was spoiled, but I didn’t see it that way. With the schooling and the gifts I received, they never could equal the love of a parent. My mother was good in setting rules and boundaries, but she never offered me the gentle affection most maternal figures do.
“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 hadthatmuch 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.