HANNAH
Whatever kept those guys out on the road all day must have been really serious. When Hunter and his guys walked through the door of the club that night, they all looked pissed and ready to fight. I wasn't in the mood, so I kept to the bar and helped Carly sling beer and whiskey.
Carter managed to leave me alone while the guys were gone. I’d gotten a solid five hours of sleep before Carly woke me up. The longer they were gone, the more I worried for Brandon. The two clubs hated each other. Even if the cartel made them play nice, how long would it last? What were they up to? I knew enough to know I didn’t want the details, but I needed to know Brandon got home in one piece.
Hunter left the guys at the bar and headed to Carter’s room. If his scowl was any indication, I’d say they all had a pretty shitty day. “Just keep the liquor flowing. Most of these guys are gonna suffer whiskey dick pretty soon. Just keep it coming, sweetheart.” Carly ran a hand over my back.
I nodded. That would suit me fine.
“Hannah, bring a couple of beers back to Carter and Hunter,” Martin called out to me as he walked through the lounge.
I found them in the meeting room, Hunter’s face red and Carter looking as cool as ever. “I did what you said, tried everything. I couldn’t fucking shake them.” Hunter threw a chair back from the table and plopped down in it. “Fucking Knox wouldn’t give me an inch after he saw those fucking troopers on the road. What the fuck were they doing out there anyway? Today was just a trial.” He grabbed the beer I handed him and chugged it, not stopping until the bottle was empty.
Carter eyed me when I put another bottle on the table for Hunter, then put one down next to him. “Hey, sweet thing.” He reached his hand out and gave my ass a pinch.
“Knock it off, Carter.” I swatted his hand away.
“What? You don’t like me anymore?”
“Anymore?” I laughed.
His eyes narrowed, and the thin lips I could see under his thick mustache curled. “You know, Hannah. I was gonna talk with you in private. But, we’re family.” He waved to his brother, who looked pretty confused at the change in topic. “I’m gonna forgive your debt.” He held up a hand before I could react. “I’m gonna make you my old lady. And my old lady don’t need to pay her way.”
I nearly dropped the tray I balanced in my palm. “What?” The air left my chest with that one word. “Why would I ever agree to that? You don’t like me.”
“Like you? What does that have to do with it? I don’t even know you. It doesn't matter, though. You see, as my old lady, you’ll be whatever I want you to be. If I want you to be a little housewife, that’s what you’ll be. If I want you to keep being my slut, that's what you’ll be. See?” He looked up at me from his chair, his eyes not showing an ounce of care or compassion.
“Carter, I have plans,” I started to say, ignoring the snort that came from Hunter. “I’m going to go to school. Be a nurse. Do something with myself.” I spoke, but it wasn't’ for him. It was for me. Reminding myself why I was standing up to him at that moment. Trying to make him see reason.
“You can still go to school. I’ll let you get your nurse’s hat. Martin had a good point. We could use someone around here with medical training. Save the boys from having to go to the ER every time they split their fucking noses open.”
“How much more do I owe?” I avoided the topic at hand. I needed time. An escape.
“Not sure. A lot.”
“Why me?” I whispered the question. I wasn't even sure I was asking him or the universe in general. When my mom got sick, I didn’t pity myself. I didn’t blame any super being for what happened. I took control of the situation and handled it. When I ran out of money from paying Mom’s bills and lost my job because the store closed down, I didn’t mope about it. I picked up my shit and moved on. Now, though…now I wanted to fucking know why this was happening to me.
“Because you’re here. And I won’t lie, Hannah, you’re hot.” Carter ran his fingers over my stomach, over the tight knit dress I wore. I felt nothing but repulsion at the touch. Not the electricity and fire I felt when Brandon’s fingers did the same thing.
“There are a lot of hot girls out there. One who would want to be with you, with the club,” I pointed out. I tried to keep the tremble from my voice, but I could still hear it. Hunter just looked on as though the entire conversation was entertaining. A sitcom instead of my death sentence.
“Yeah, all a bunch of whores and silly girls. You have spitfire.” He wrapped his hand around my hip and gave me a little shake. “No. It’s you. The only good thing to come out of that bitch Lisa bringing you here.”
I looked at Hunter at the mention of Lisa’s name, hoping for some reaction. He looked almost bored. She was his girlfriend! He killed her, and he barely recognized her fucking name.
“I don't know…” I stepped back, letting his hand drop from my hip. How does one gently let down the president of the club?
“Well. Let me put it this way.” His eyes darkened as he watched my retreat. “If you say no, your debt will never be paid off. You’ll be the official club Mama. We haven't had one of those in a while.” He shot a grin to Hunter, who laughed.
“Fuck, that girl was tough. Took a train every week, that one.” He nodded as he reminisced.
“A train?” I shot a worried glance between them.
“Yeah. A train. Every member—”
“No. Stop. Never mind. I know what you mean.” I took a deep breath.
“You think about it. I’ll give you ’til tomorrow.” Carter waved his hand at me. “Now go. I have work to do. There won't be anyone at your door tonight. You’re closed for business, Hannah. But deny me what I want, and that door will never close again. Got it?”
I nodded, suddenly mute, and headed for the door. I needed space. And time. And a way out of the nightmare that had become my life.
“And Hannah.” His voice struck a nerve in me. “If you see Brandon Knox again, so much as look in his direction, I’ll fucking kill him. Do you understand me? And his mother, too.”
I didn’t react. I didn’t have the capacity to at that moment. So many threats in such a small amount of time. I walked out of the room in silence. The tray I was carrying clattered on the bar when I dropped it, and then I walked through the crowded lounge and headed for my room. Carly called out to me, but I didn’t care. I needed to get away. I knew Carter wouldn't let me leave the compound, so I buried myself in my room.
I had to get a message to Brandon. He had been so determined the last time we talked. There had to be a way to get a message to him to drop the idea. To forget me. I was dead weight at this point. Carter didn’t let anyone touch me after he dropped his idea on me, he kept his word on that. He even didn't come to me either.
Putting all my hopes into one basket, I dressed and headed out the door. I left a message that I was getting breakfast. Carter didn’t respond, so I took that as a go ahead. I’d conveniently left out where I’d be getting breakfast from. Brandon had been at the diner the last time I ran into him outside the club. I hoped to hell he was there now.
The sun blared into my car, heating up the already humid space, and again I promised to get the air conditioner fixed before full on summer hit. The clubhouse had been empty, the guys still sleeping off their drinks from the night before, so no one seemed to be tailing me. I doubted Carter thought I’d try to see Brandon so soon after his threat to kill him. If I were lucky, Brandon would be at the diner with that friend of his. Then I could get him to help me talk sense into him.
Luck was on my side for once. I saw his bike as I pulled into the lot and sighed with relief.
He sat with Shark in a corner booth, and immediately he caught my stare. I could see the tension build in his muscles and immediately he looked out the window to see who was with me. I shook my head as I walked over toward him, sliding into a chair at the table next to him.
“Sit here.” He slid over in his seat, but again I shook my head and picked up the menu.
“I can’t. I just came to tell you, Carter is serious. You have to stay away from me. And whatever your deal is with the club—they aren’t honoring it. I don’t know any details other than they are trying to shake you guys loose.”
“We already knew that, darlin’.” Shark’s thick voice answered me.
I blushed. Of course they already knew that. “Good. I just wanted to tell you that. You have to stay away. Please.” The rev of an engine caught my attention and I looked out the window. Hunter. Fuck. What was he doing? “Just stay.” I ran for the bathrooms. He was alone. He was probably just picking up some bagels. I’d wait him out.
I heard Brandon call my name. But I didn't hear him move. He followed me into the bathroom, shoving the door closed and bolting the lock. “You’re going to get yourself fucking killed.” I shoved his chest.