Page 58 of Paladin's Hell

Chapter 20

Jayden

I’m beginning to think yet another day will pass with no news from Paladin. A dozen times I’ve picked up my phone, only to put it back down. I’m still angry at him and don’t see why I should be the one to make the first contact. It’s him who keeps putting me off.

It’s hard to accept I’m not his priority any more. I’d got used to having him at my beck and call. Slick, too, at my back, often stepping in to make sure Paladin could drop whatever the club had wanted him to do, to take me where I needed to go. Biting my lip, looking at it through older eyes, I suspect the kindness I received from all the men in Tucson was because everyone knew how I’d come to be there. Some even witnessed my abuse first hand. I hate thinking about that. But it did mean I felt loved and supported, as if they were all my real family. Even the gruff sergeant-at-arms, Peg.

I wonder what this club’s like. Now Moira’s explained the set-up, I won’t, as I’d previously thought, be just changing location, but meeting a completely new and very different group of men. At this rate, though, I’m not sure I’ll ever see the clubhouse. I’m also not certain that’s a bad thing. I know the reputation they’ve got, and that not all bikers are good people.

I’d offered to help Moira with dinner, but she ordered in. Just pizza, but that was fine with me. I rinsed and put the plates in the dishwasher afterwards, then escaped to my room. I like Moira, but don’t feel comfortable being around her all the time, still feeling an intruder in her space.

I’ve just finished FaceTiming with Ella, when a message comes through on my phone.

Pal: Can I come over?

I might not be feeling the tingling Moira spoke about, but I’m excited all the same as I tap out my response telling him he can. Now that I’ve had to wait for what seems like ages, I’m looking forward to seeing him again.

I’m downstairs ready when his bike pulls onto the drive, and opening the door ready and waiting.

He’s standing there, his eyes raking me over from head to toe, before saying, “Fuck, I’ve missed you.”

“Me too,” I respond breathlessly. That’s the truth. Then, “Are you coming in?”

He nods as a voice calls out from behind me. “Beer’s in the fridge.”

I cock my brow at him. “Want one?”

“Yeah. Love one.”

Standing aside, I let him pass, then my eyes catch Moira standing outside the family room. Suddenly I’m embarrassed letting my friend into another woman’s house, unsure of the formalities.

“I’ll be in here,” she informs us. I might be mistaken, but her words seem to convey a warning.

Interpreting she probably wouldn’t be on board with the idea if I took Pal up to my room, I nod at her. Message received and understood. Then lead Paladin through to the kitchen area.

“How are you settling in, Doll?”

“Good. Moira’s okay.” Or is when she’s not criticising Pal. “Haven’t seen much of Hellfire.” I go to the fridge and take out a beer. Handing it to him, he pops the tab. There’s so much I want to say to him, but I’m feeling tongue-tied. It’s also hard knowing Moira’s in the next room, probably listening to every word.

“You won’t see a lot of him. He takes his role of prez pretty seriously.”

“Like Drummer.”

“Yeah. Like Drum.”

There’s something about the way he says it, a wistful tone that makes me wonder whether he’s missing Tucson. I’ve been selfish, thinking about myself. It must be equally strange for him. My fault he’s been uprooted.

“What’s the compound like? How’s your room?”

He huffs a mirthless laugh. “Different from Tucson that’s for sure. Hey, you won’t guess what happened last night.” As I raise my eyebrow, he continues. “Yeah, was warned to keep my door locked. I forgot. Went to bed to find Bitch already there.”

My hands go to my hips. “A bitch?” I squeal.

“Not a bitch. Bitch.”

“There’s a club girl called Bitch?” And why is he telling me this? Is he listing all the conveniences on offer? And just how far did it go with Bitch?

“I’ll tell you this. Bitch has got sharp claws.”

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