Page 25 of Killer's Obsession
As long as it doesn’t touch my woman.
Chapter Six
Memphis
I fidget with the hem of my borrowed top, hyper-aware of the men in the clubhouse this afternoon. Without Killer’s massive presence beside me, I feel exposed, vulnerable. But I’m doing this. I’m sitting here in the common room, and I haven’t had a panic attack yet. That’s progress, right?
“Earth to Memphis,” Pinky waves her hand in front of my face, her neon pink nails flashing under the lights. “You still with me?”
I blink, focusing on her perched across from me at our little corner table. She’s got her knees pulled up against her chest, pink hair twisted into two buns on top of her head, making her look like some punk rock Minnie Mouse.
It’s adorable.
“Sorry,” I smile sheepishly. “Got lost in thought.”
She grins, popping her bubble gum. “Uh-huh. You’ve been staring at that same spot on the wall for like five minutes.”
The common room isn’t as crowded as it gets at night, but there’s still a handful of club members scattered around. Chilly and Devil are playing pool in the corner. Bubbles is behind the bar, wiping glasses.
“I’m really proud of you, you know,” Pinky says suddenly, her voice softer.
My brow furrows. “For what?”
“For going out today. For sitting here in the common room without Killer.” She reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. “That’s huge, Memphis.”
A warm feeling spreads through my chest. “Thanks. I’m trying.” And I really am. I want to get my life back. Like Killer said, I can’t let those assholes win.
“Well, it’s working. A week ago, you wouldn’t have left his room without him.”
I feel my cheeks warm. A week ago, even the thought of stepping outside Killer’s bedroom door alone would have sent me into a spiral of panic. But today, I went shopping, rode on the back of his motorcycle, and now I’m sitting in the common room with just Pinky for protection.
I want to be better. Not just for me, but for him too.
“It’s what he said to me last night,” I admit. “About reclaiming my power. It made sense, you know? I don’t want to live the rest of my life being afraid of everything.”
“Atta’ girl!” Pinky smiles big.
I can’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm. “I think I want to get a job.”
Pinky’s eyes widen, and her smile gets bigger. “Holy crap, babes. You ain’t playing around.”
“Life is too short, ya’ know. I need to start living again.” I twist a strand of hair around my finger. “I used to work in a coffee shop when I was in art school. I’m good with people. Or at least, I used to be.”
“You still are,” Pinky insists.
I’m not so sure about that, but her confidence in me feels good.
“I don’t know where to start, though,” I confess. “It’s been... a while since I’ve had to apply for a job. And I don’t have any ID or anything.” All my belongings—my wallet, my phone, everything—were taken from me that night. I have nothing to prove who I am. That’s something I need to get a handle on. That, and calling the school and letting them know I’m not coming back. Then there’s my family…
I sigh, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
“The club can help with that,” Pinky says with a dismissive wave. “Zero can make you a whole new identity if you want one.”
I blink, not sure if she’s joking. “He can do that?”
She snorts. “Oh, honey. There’s a lot you don’t know about these boys.”
Before I can ask what it is that I don’t know, the hallway door swings open, and Killer steps into the common room.
