Page 34 of Jackal

“I understand, Prez. And I won’t let you down. Especially after finding those trackers, I’m happy to make sure they don’t get out, and nobody gets in.”

Hawk grinned. “Be careful not to get too distracted with Shiv. Ma is itching to stage a coup and get out of here just to annoy me.”

“It won’t be a problem.”

“Hey, man, I’m glad you finally tackled that. And I know you’re not one of these assholes, but every time a new woman pops up, shit hits the fan around here and has the best of us going crazy.”

“Like I said, it won’t be a problem.” I wasn’t about to explain that it wouldn’t be a problem since she was trying to act like nothing happened. Maybe having a couple of days to make her sweat a little would help me show her what was really going on.

She was mine, now she just had to decide it for her stubborn self.

Chapter 19

Shivana

The only time I was at the clubhouse yesterday was to grab a bite to eat. Jackal wasn’t around, but neither were most of the guys. After drinking two nights in a row, I thought it was best to take a break. I had a big week ahead and needed to be on my A-game. After having some food, chatting with Jeannie for a few when she showed up, and reminding Lacy we needed to start gathering some bridal magazines to help her plan, I headed back to my temporary home.

I spent the prior evening at Mama Hen’s catching up with my parents, while blowing off important questions. Until I knew more firm details, I didn’t want to have a discussion about staying. Especially when Mom was dropping names of her friend’s sons over and over and all the upcoming parties and events we were invited to.

Once I spoke to them for a while and assured them I washaving fun and being a good daughter, I got back online to do a little interview prep and look for a few more possible rentals based on the locations of the interviews. I also shopped around a little for cars, since I couldn’t rely on Lacy and Mama Hen to cart me everywhere.

Every time I heard the door, I wondered if Jackal had come by. Not that it mattered that he didn’t, but I wouldn’t have been opposed to a little fun. Well, actually…my lady bits were torn on that. Probably best to let them recover a little first. But seeing him would be–nope. Not doing this, Shiv.

The whole point was to find a super casual, easy breezy hookup. I would not allow myself to be one of those girls–women. Whatever.

After a broken sleep and being annoyed at the feel of the sheets on my skin, I finally climbed out of bed and went downstairs for some tea. Penny seemed to enjoy hot tea as well, and there was a nice variety in this kitchen. There was only green or black at the clubhouse.

My first interview was in a few hours, so I made some tea, wolfed down a granola bar, then went upstairs and knocked on Penny’s door.

“Come in,” she called.

Opening the door, I poked my head in. “Hey, I have a couple interviews online later. I was going to use the kitchen table. I know it’s your house, but can I ask you to not enter between 12-3?”

“It’s not my house. But I’ll steer clear of the kitchen for you. Good luck with the interviews.”

“Okay, thanks,” I said.

Closing the door, I went back to my room and tried to decide on a nice top and what I was going to do to my hair. It was curly, but more wavy than tight curls, and still required styling to be presentable for an interview. The wild wavy look was finefor hanging out with bikers and bunnies, though. I could pull it back, but even that took time due to the coarseness of my locks.

I had interviews tomorrow as well, so either direction I went would still be intact tomorrow. Still indecisive, I texted Lacy.

Me: I don’t know what to do with my hair, haallpp

Lacy: For the interviews? Away from your face, and minimal makeup

Me: I don’t hardly wear makeup so not a problem, thanks!

Lacy: Good luck, come find me when you’re done!

I had hidden out most of the day yesterday. Eventually, I’d have to face him again. Maybe it was best to see him and clear the air. Something definitely felt off yesterday morning. Oh well. I needed to focus on finding work and a place to live.

After settling on a rose-colored top so I could match my lipstick, I headed to the bathroom to style my hair and get ready for the interviews.

Grabbing my laptop, I headed downstairs then set up on the kitchen table. I spent a while reviewing notes about the company for the first interview, then checked their website one more time.

“You got this, Shiv,” I said to myself, drawing in a deep breath and blowing it out slowly. I had lots of options and could do online therapy if nothing else.

The reminder email for the first meeting came through, so I adjusted in my seat, put on my professional–only moderately fake–smile, then clicked the link.

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