Page 5 of Claymore
“It’s keeping me busy. That’s all,” I said, raising my eyebrows at him.
“Uh-huh. I’m sure that’s all it is.”
I devoured the Chinese food, tossing the box in the trash, feeling the exhaustion finally hit me. No matter how tired I was, I couldn’t stop thinking about Ella. The Kings got a little too close tonight, and I knew it’d only be a matter of time before they tried again.Whether you like it or not, you’re safe with me.
Chapter Two
Ella
The sun peeked through the sheer curtains in my living room. I clutched a piping hot cup of coffee between my fingers, trying to calm the fear that rushed through me at every waking moment. Last night reminded me of a time when Ray would constantly be popping up. He’d beg for money, telling me that he’d always have my back even though he was the one that ruined my life. His club was the start of something truly dark, a thick cloud that loomed over Sedona for far too long.
When Claymore told me he was in the wind, I wanted to believe that he wasn’t coming back, that someone finally had enough of his bullshit and took him out, but I knew better. He only got stronger with time. His plans were carefully thought out, no matter how wild he appeared to everyone out. He wasn’t happy unless he controlled every single thing around him.
I felt the pain settle at the back of my neck, up into my head after another sleepless night. I kept replaying those few moments over and over in my head. Ever since Ray became President of the Freeway Kings, I’d been watching my back. I looked over my shoulder every day anxiously awaiting the next time he’d show up. The last few weeks I’d been feeling like someone was watching me, like no matter where I was, I’d never be safe.
I headed into the hallway, opening up the linen closet and pulling out two large blackout curtain panels. I put them up in the living room, creating a darkness that for once felt comforting because I no longer felt exposed. I had a few hours before work started, so I made myself a quick breakfast. I cracked an egg into a hot pan, popping half a bagel slice into the toaster. I ate quickly, rushing back into the bathroom to finish getting ready.
Once I’d finished diffusing my thick curls, I grabbed my keys, making my way to the front door. I was about to open it up when I heard the sound of an engine revving and my heart instantly sank into my stomach. I gulped, peeking out the living room window to find Claymore standing there, perched on the side of his bike, waving at me. I rolled my eyes, walking out to meet him.
“Claymore. What are you doing here?”
He had two coffees in his hand and a bag of pastries from that French place across town. I furrowed my brow, wondering how in the world he knew those were my favorite.
“I’m here to deliver some breakfast.”
“I already ate,” I said.
“Well, eat some more. These are hot. They’re real good when they’re hot. I ate two of those chocolate croissant things on the way here.”
“Yes, they are.”
“You serve people breakfast all day. When was the last time someone brought some for you?” he asked.
I took one of the coffees and the bag of pastries from him, fighting the urge to smile.
“Thank you, Claymore. I really need to get to work now. I’m going to be late,” I told him.
“Great. I’ll be right behind you.”
“Claymore, really. Yes, last night was scary. Those Kings are terrifying, but I’ve been pretty good at keeping myself safe all these years. Just call me when you guys have a plan to find my brother.”
“All right, Ella. You win.”
He put his hands up, swaying that full coffee cup around, and I furrowed my brow.That was easy.I got into my car, slipping the hot latte in the cupholder before I pulled out, heading down the street. I heard the sound of a bike engine behind me. When I looked up in the rearview mirror, there Claymore was.
I sighed deeply, parking in my spot outside Crystal’s.I looked up to see Claymore slow down, waving to me before he took off. I was happy to have a little alone time at least, but seeing him speed away made me realize how much I wish he’d stayed. I tried to shake the feeling off, the worry that I was somehow in more trouble than I realized, but it was no use. It crept up when I least expected and it was all I could think about.
I made it inside to find Derek and Louise standing there. They both waved to me, their smiles helping ease the pressure I felt. I headed around back to put my things away and grab my apron, notepad, and pen. Louise came in, standing by the doorway with her long dark hair and bangs, studying my face.
“You okay, Ella? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“No ghost. Just this guy that won’t leave me alone,” I said.
“Is someone bothering you, Ella? Look, if it’s serious, I can go down to the station with you. Derek knows a cop that always comes through here for late dinner.”
“Oh, no. No. It’s nothing like that. I actually don’t mind having him around. He’s nice. He can be a real pain in the ass, but he’s no trouble. Trust me,” I said.
“Are you sure? Something’s got you spooked and if it’s him, don’t ignore your gut.”
