Page 9 of Nikolai

Sam's jaw clenches, and he shakes his head. "I don't know. I didn't speak to him, but he did ask around, trying to find me. My boss, Henry, covered for me. He told your dad I was out on a job site. I think he suspected something was up since I put in my two weeks this morning. He tried grilling me on why I was suddenly quitting since he was going to lose one of his best workers. I didn't tell him the details, only that I had a family emergency and was moving. After your father left, I asked my boss what he wanted. Your dad didn't say much, only that he was looking for me. Henry told me not to worry about finishing out my two weeks. He said he would give my next employer a glowing recommendation and wished me good luck."

"Did you come straight here after leaving work? Do you think my dad followed you?"

Sam shakes his head. "I'm pretty sure no one followed. I watched your dad leave out of the parking lot. He headed in the opposite direction. I also drove around a bit to make sure."

I close my eyes and blow out a relieved breath.

"Your dad has gotten a little too close for comfort. I want us to pack and be ready to go within the hour."

I don't say anything. Sam is right. My dad showing up at his job means he's on our trail. I'm sure by now he's been to the apartment. And if he was there, he saw my cell phone and car were left behind. On that thought, another one comes to mind. "I should call him."

"What?" Sam levels me with a look.

"This is ridiculous, Sam. I'm legally an adult. I shouldn't have to hide from my father. Maybe I just call and tell him I am not coming home. Right? It's not like he can make me."

"Do you honestly think it will be that simple? That your father will simply leave you to live your life in peace?"

"No. My father demands control. Especially over his family. But I have to try." I can tell Sam doesn't like my idea but passes me his phone anyway. Taking it from him, I type in my dad's number and place the phone to my ear. On the third ring, he answers.

"Winters."

Just the sound of my dad's voice has me clamming up. But I manage to keep it together. "Dad."

The other end of the line is silent for a moment. "Leah, where the fuck are you, young lady? Do you know I have been out looking for you? Why the hell are you not home?"

"I'm not coming home, dad."

"Do you need reminding as to what will happen if you disobey me, Leah?" The tone and underline threat my father delivers sends a chill down my spine. Memories I live with every day, and the bruises on my body remind me. "You're with that boy, aren't you? You've gone against my word to slut around, is that it?"

"No, dad, that's not it at all." My voice sounds small.

"We'll discuss this when you get home, which I expect to be by the end of the day," he clips.

I suck in a deep breath and close my eyes. "I am not coming home," I say for the second time, and my father loses it.

"Listen, you ungrateful little bitch. I want you home, now," he roars through the phone. "Do you honestly think that boy is going to put up with you for very long? Don't kid yourself, child. As soon as he's done using you, he'll toss you out like the trash you are. Save yourself and me the trouble and do as you're told. Do I make…"

My father doesn't get the chance to finish his tirade because suddenly, the phone is ripped from my hand, and Sam ends the call. The tick in his jaw tells me he heard what was said. My eyes well up with tears, and my body begins to shake. I don't understand why my father is fighting so hard to make me return home when he hates me so much. You would think he would be relieved not to have to deal with me anymore.

"We're leaving, now," Sam growls, and the two of us begin packing.

We rollinto Polson just before nightfall. My nerves start kicking in again when Sam pulls into a small apartment complex and parks next to a motorcycle. I immediately recognize the man as Gabriel. All The Kings men look the same…intimidating.

"Give me a minute," Sam says, hopping out of the truck and making his way over to Gabriel. I take this time to scan my surroundings. Polson is a small town, much like the town where I grew up. The complex that I assume is our new home looks new. I like the fact it's not massive. I only see a dozen or so units. And it's located just on the edge of town. We drove past a garage called Kings Custom on the way here. I remember Alba saying the club owned the garage, and her sister works there. We are also well within walking distance of several stores, a plus for me since I don't have a car. Hopefully, I can get a job soon and start saving for one. I also want to start paying my way. I can't allow Sam to support me for too long. I just need to wait for the dust to settle with my dad. Once I have taken in my new home, I bring my attention back to Sam and Gabriel. The two shake hands, then Gabriel hands something to Sam while pointing to the apartment on the top floor in front of us. They exchange a few more words before Sam makes his way back toward the truck. Gabriel starts up his bike and takes off. How anyone can ride a bike in the cold is beyond me.

"Come on. I have the key to our place," Sam says as he grabs some of our bags from the truck's back seat. Nodding, I climb out of the passenger seat and go to help him with our things. "Leave them. I'll come back for the rest once I get you upstairs."

Holding onto the rail of the stairs, Sam helps support me as we make our way up to apartment eight. For the most part, I have healed from my injuries, though I still have a slight pinch in my ribs, and my face still has a significant amount of bruising that has faded from a colorful shade of purple to more yellowish-green. Using the key Gabriel gave him, Sam lets us into the apartment. The moment we step inside, a man steps out from the hallway, making me jump. Sam is quick to reassure me. "It's okay, Leah. That's Reid. He's a member of the club."

"Sorry for scarin' you like that, sweetheart. I'm here to install the security system. I'm finishin' up now."

"Th…that's okay," I whisper.

Reid doesn't say anything else. He just stands there for a moment, taking me in, and when his gaze lands on my bruises, his face hardens. Several seconds pass before Reid and Sam share a look then give each other a nod.

"I'll be done in five," he tells us.

"Thanks, man. We appreciate you coming and helping on short notice."

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