Page 67 of Benga's Rise
Seren nods so seriously I laugh again. “I can see that.”
“I bet the cast is a downer, but Raid figures shit out, he must have found a way to drive you crazy or do you drive him crazy?”
“It’s definitely him. I’m learning what gets to him though.” I know my face is red, but I keep going. Raid doesn’t shy away from talking about sex. “He’s found ways around the cast. I never dreamed sex while injured would be the best sex I’ve ever had. He’s turning me into a one legged-sex-crazed-ho.”
They crack up. “Sounds like he’s doing it right. Wait until the cast comes off. Raid loves a challenge.” Seren is right, he so does.
Freedom is just watching and I feel bad. We give the Prospect our order and Seren asks her. “What’s up with Hade?”
She shrugs. “He needs time to get his head straight. Those are his words. I’ve been at my condo for three weeks. The last two weeks, he hasn’t spoken to me unless it’s about work, so I don’t know if his head is straight and we’re done, or he’s still figuring shit out.”
Seren shakes her head. “Men can be idiots.”
I nod. “Anyone can be an idiot. I was, but him sayinghead straightmeans it’s shit in his head. We just don’t get where it’s coming from. What doyouwant, Freedom?”
She smiles. “My life set up the way I want it. My studio, classes running, friends and family. The guy was never at the center of that. He was like the topping for when I had everything in place and I’m happy with where I am. I’m getting right where I want to be.”
Seren doesn’t look convinced. “I’m glad you’re where you planned. It’s taken you years to get here. Are you waiting for Hade?”
Our lunch arrives so we wait for her to answer. Finally, the Prospect leaves. I don’t know why we can’t go in line like everyone else. It would be faster.
Seren isn’t going to let her out of answering. I was going to ask, but she beat me to it. “So, are you?”
“You’re like a fucking pit bull. I don’t think I am. If stopping Victory from being hurt caused shit for him, what will be next? He wanted me out of Training. He called me a stone-cold killer. That’s not how you refer to someone you love.”
“Holy crap. He said that?” I’d never believe Hade would be so hurtful.
Freedom nods. “It was while we were talking. I was a little unnerved because it was just mixed in with a statement. Who thinks like that? I didn’t kill the guys. Even told them the one that would need a hospital. Those words and the calm way he said them float through my head all the fucking time.”
A chill runs through my body. Holy crap. “I’d be unnerved too. Did they take the guy to the hospital?”
“No. Patcher told the other two, but their President said to bring him home so he died on the way. Apparently, that’s my fault.”
I shake my head. “What idiots.”
Seren is watching. I know she’s got something to say, but she’s not talking. “Moving forward with your dream may bring you that guy that’s the topping, Freedom. I’m sorry if it isn’t Hade, but I’m excited for your dreams finally being realized.” I squeeze her hand fast.
She smiles, but it’s sad. “I am too. Maybe he isn’t the one to stand by me, but I’m not stopping.”
“Good for you.”
We eat and it feels weird. Seren isn’t really talking. “Why can’t we go in line like everyone else?”
“Women get served, it’s a Prospect lesson thing. There are also Brothers from everywhere so women mixing with them could be dangerous. Not everyone here is Phoenix.”
“Oh. There aren’t many women here. I don’t think I’ve seen but a couple behind the cafeteria serving line.”
Seren shakes her head. “The others get food brought to them. I think you’re number twelve. In a world where women outnumber men, it’s weird to be outnumbered by them in our community.”
“At least they aren’t all assholes. It was so bad before. I like the bikers and Masons here.” Freedom has a point. The Brothers start leaving quickly, but I don’t pay much attention to them. There are a few still here.
“I need to get back to work. Thanks, Freedom, for the stellar advice and Seren, for having lunch with us.”
I just stand up and Enforcers come into the cafeteria almost at a march. What the hell? Looking at Seren doesn’t help. She’s normally pale, but right now, she looks like she’ll pass out. I can see the veins in her face.
“What’s happening?” she asks the Enforcer that stopped in front of us.
“We’re locking down the town, ol’ ladies and family will be brought here. Pres said you’d coordinate for us. I am your Lead.”
