Tori
I took a seat at the empty bar and thrummed my fingers across the shiny surface. Trench said Aimee was on her way, but I wondered how far out she lived. A small part of me felt guilty that Aimee had been assigned with babysitting duty, but I could really use a friend and she seemed the most likely candidate.
“You do realize this is temporary, right?” The female voice sent chills up my spine like nails on a chalkboard. I turned to find Jinx carrying two crates of clean beer glasses to the bar, setting them down with ease and quickly replacing each one of them on the shelves underneath. I shifted on the stool, angling my body towards her, and waited for her to continue. She seemed the type who needed to make herself heard. Since I was waiting anyway, I would entertain her for the moment. “You’re just another trophy for his wall of shame, princess. Here one minute and gone the next.”
“And, from where I’m sitting it looks like you haven’t even received honorary mention on this so-called wall. Which means, if you’re trying to make this a contest between you and I, Jinx, you aren’t even in the running, sweetheart.”
Jinx stopped in the middle of placing the next glass down. Her eyes suggested she was positively murderous, but I was saved from further banter when Aimee walked in. This was only the second time I had seen the woman and she still blew my mind. On the outside, Aimee looked like a porcelain doll. Her sleek, black hair was pulled up in a cute ponytail that swished back and forth as she walked. Her outfit, though simple enough, a pale pink tank top, paired with dark skinny jeans and pink Chucks on her feet, was in complete contrast to the company she kept. She was the light to their dark, adorable, and a walking, talking contradiction of this life. The slight imprint on her side was the only indication of her deadly personality.
“Hey, Tori!” Aimee’s smile beamed wide, showcasing her perfectly straight pearly whites. “I’m so glad Trench called.”
She walked over, placed her arms around my shoulders, and pulled me in for a hug. I was shocked still. No one ever hugged me, except my mother and step-father, and more recently, Trench. I wasn’t quite sure how to react so I gently squeezed her back before pulling away. Aimee stared down to the end of the bar and offered a quick wave.
“Hey, Jinx. How’s it going?” The tone of greeting was no less friendly than the one Aimee offered me, but Jinx’s response lacked any real emotion as she waved one-handed and bent to finish her work.
“Thanks for coming, Aimee. Sorry you got stuck with keeping me busy.” She laughed and waved her hand dismissively.
“I should be thanking you. There’s never enough to do around this town. I’m always looking for an excuse to get out of the house,” she leaned in to whisper conspiratorially, “or to see Clutch.”
I nodded and suppressed my own laugh. I suspected she had a crush on the man after our first meeting, but I wondered if Clutch had any idea Aimee was hot for him. I could see her giving that brooding man a real run for his money.
“Got any ideas?”
“I got a few, but I don’t think Trench will agree to any of them,” she laughed.
“Trench said I was free to come and go as I please, so hit me. I need a break from all the heavy.”
“You up for a ride?” Aimee asked.
“Careful, Aimee. That’s how Trench got stuck with her,” Jinx spouted off as she stood with the empty crates and sauntered out of the room.
“What the hell is her problem?”
“You,” Aimee winked. “That girl has been trying to get Trench’s attention for the last three years. Until you showed up, Jinx hasn’t had any real competition.”
“Have the two of them ever…hooked up?”
“Oh, hell no! That’s just it. Jinx has done everything, short of begging for it, and Trench turns her down every time. As far as I know, she’s only been with one of the brothers, and that was mostly rumor. She sticks around for Trench, but if things keep getting hot and heavy with you two, then she’s got no reason to keep coming to the club.”
“Damn, I almost feel bad for her now.”
“Don’t. Jinx is a tough bitch. She’ll bounce back quicker than a whore on a pogo stick.”
“I said almost, Aimee.”
We laughed and she dangled her keys in front of me, taunting me with the thought of escape. I could do it. I would feel like a bitch for using her, but it might be the only chance I had at getting away before everything came crashing down around Trench and his club. I didn’t want to be the one to bring a war to his doorstep. Then why did the thought of leaving hurt me worse?
“Where are we going?” I hopped off the stool, excited for the field trip, though underneath the thrill was the very real threat that stalked outside the chain link fence. I had a moment of clarity to second guess the decision to go to town before a deeper voice crashed through my thoughts.
“You ready, ladies?” Stryker sauntered into the room with a devilish grin I still wanted to wipe clean from his bruised jaw. The dark spot drawing a smile from me now that I knew Trench had put it there. Smug bastard deserved it.
“Ready for what?” Aimee’s balled fist settled on her hip as she looked at Stryker accusingly.
“To go shopping. What else?” Stryker sighed having realized we had no clue. “Trench didn’t tell you?”
“Tell us what?” I jumped in to the inquisition, earning a chuckle from Stryker at my shared irritation.
“Trench is allowing your little outing on the condition that I drive you both and follow you around. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather hang out here?” Aimee and I turned toward one another and started laughing. Did he get assigned to be our security detail? That must have hurt. “Fucking hilarious, ladies. Go ahead and laugh, but remember who’s controlling the radio. Can we go now?”
“Well, since we get a chauffeur and a handsome bodyguard how could we say no?” Aimee smiled and looped her arm around my own as we walked towards the door.
I wanted to be as excited as Aimee, but I couldn’t shake the apprehension of being out in the open.