Page 7 of Dagger's Property
But that’s complete bullshit and he knows it. Milton’s told me about the men they’ve killed, and the theory about them having their own burial ground up on this mountain. Maybe I should take a walk and find it. Prove him a liar.
“Come on.”
He takes me to his room, and I’m shocked to see how big it is. It’s like a studio apartment. With a king-sized bed and all the amenities you could ever need. A little kitchenette, a huge TV, and carved wooden furniture. I was picturing a seedy motel room with dirty carpet and a bathroom with a chipped laminate countertop and moldy tub. But the floors are made ofrustic wood, and the bathroom is something straight out of a magazine. There’s a slate stone shower on one side, and a giant soaking tub on the other. These guys spared no expense when it came to their living accommodations. But I guess when you’re a leader in a motorcycle gang, you can afford nice things.
“I need to go have a word with King. Why don’t you get your shit unpacked while I’m gone. The bottom two drawers are available, and there’s plenty of space in the closet. If you need more hangers, you can ask Shay. She can get you anything you need. Except booze.” He narrows me with a glare. “I’ll be back shortly and then we can grab some dinner together. And tonight, you’re gonna start making up that classwork you’ve missed.”
“Yes, Daddy,” I smart off, flipping him the bird. I won’t be asking his girlfriend for anything. And I won’t be unpacking. I haven’t decided yet whether I’m staying. Or for how long. It’s to be determined on how much of his bossy attitude I can take.
I bite back my smirk as his entire frame locks up, including his jaw, but those tight lips never unlock to hit me back with a remark. He shakes his head and turns, stalking out of the room and leaving me alone in this strange place. I dig through my bag, looking for my smokes and lighter, then I’m out the door in search of the nearest exit to the building.
The only way out seems to be the way we came in. As I walk through the great room, the men turn and eye me down. A couple even give me a once-over, looking to be checking me out. I’d be flattered except for the fact that I can barely breathe. The attention is smothering. I need to get outside and get some fresh air.
I walk down the porch steps, my pace quickening as I head toward the woods. There looks to be some sort of trail, so I take it. As soon as I’m shrouded by the trees, I light up a cigarette and breathe in deep. Letting the nicotine infiltrate my lungs and calm my nerves. A few more puffs and I start my trek down thepath, expecting it to lead me to a cemetery. But it leads right to a beautiful lake. Damn, I wasn’t expecting this. It’s so peaceful out here.
I hop up onto the boulder by the water’s edge and finish my smoke, almost tempted to snub it out so I don’t pollute this serene place. A breeze blows in, and I shut my eyes, savoring the moment. The coolness on my skin, my hair wisping around my face, the quiet. I don’t remember this feeling: calm. The last time I think I felt it was when I was a little girl. Back before my mom’s affair. Back before my dad turned into a monster.
“You’re going to turn out to be a whore just like her, aren’t you?”
His grip around my neck tightens. So tight I can’t feel the air moving in or out of my lungs. I start to panic. There is something terrifying in his eyes. A look I’ve never seen.
“You’re going to leave me just like she did.”
I open my eyes and scrounge for another smoke, struggling to get one out of the pack as my hands start to shake. I finally get the lighter to cooperate and inhale deep, trying to focus on the horizon. On the trees and the feeling of the breeze.
“Hey! Mind if I join you for my break?”
I nearly jump in my spot at the sound of her voice. I didn’t hear anyone approach. It’s the bartender, Shayna. She hops up and takes a seat next to me, leaning back and breathing in the fresh air. I’m not in the mood to talk to anyone, so I hope she doesn’t expect to chat.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you. I just wanted some fresh air. This place is great, isn’t it?”
“Don’t need to apologize. It’s a free country.”
I look out toward the lake, ignoring the bristly feeling casting down my nerves. The memories have been flashing back a lot these days. Ever since his letter showed up in the mail. It’s thefirst I’ve heard from him in years. And he didn’t even offer an apology.
“So how long have you and Dagger known each other?”
I take another drag, deciding whether I should answer her. If she wants to know the details about her boyfriend’s life, she should ask him.
“I met him when I was twelve,” I say, blowing out a ringlet of smoke. Just like the ones forming on the water every time a fish jumps. It must be feeding time.
“You know, he talks about you a lot.”
I can’t imagine what he has to say. Only bad things, I’m sure. He probably gets all his updates from my mom, and I know she’s not singing my praises.
“Is that so?”
She shifts next to me, and I can feel her studying me. The heat of her curiosity is starting to make me self-conscious.
“You know he loves you, right?”
That’s hard to believe. I’m unlovable. Even my own father didn’t love me.
“Do you love him?” I turn my head, glaring her down. I don’t know what her motive is, but if she wants us to be best friends, that’s never going to happen.
“I do love him. Dagger’s different from the other guys. I feel like I could tell him anything and he’d never judge me.”
Well, isn’t that just special. I’m so happy for her. She’s in love with my brother. And I’m guessing he loves her back. Just look at her. Who wouldn’t want to be with her? She’s perfect.
