by K. T Fisher
“Got something to say?” He asks me.
“No, just looking out the window.” I stupidly say.
I hear quiet laughter from behind us and feel so embarrassed. Shit, Brace and Choke blatantly caught me staring at Brandon.
“Just concentrate on your driving VP.” Choke laughs.
Brandon moans. “I can’t wait to be back on my bike.”
I can totally see him on a bike, legs straddling a huge piece of machinery between his legs. Again, I have to stop my thoughts. I don’t know what’s wrong with me! I’ve just been saved from a nightmare of torture and abuse and here I am fantasizing about Brandon like nothing happened.
“We’re nearly there.” Brandon breaks my thoughts. “You ready?”
“Not really.” I breathe heavily.
We slowly round the corner and I see the hotel. I grab the door handle with a shaky hand and Brandon reaches for me. “We’ll be waiting out here.”
I nod and run out of the car, I don’t feel safe walking around by myself. Even though there are three men heavily loaded and watching my back.
I enter the hotel and look around wide-eyed. This place is really freaking fancy. I spot some tables and chairs on the far side and decide that’s the best bet.
I’m not waiting more than five minutes when I hear the band member’s voices. I break out in goose bumps from the nerves and try to brace myself. Before they can make a run for it, I quickly stand and make my way over to them. My body is still sore and battered in places so it’s not that easy and I have a pair of Elise’s sunglasses to hide the bruise under my eyes that Demon gave me.
“Hey guys.” I eagerly greet.
“What the fuck?” Leo, another band member, steps between Max and me.
“Shit,” Jax curses.
Max moves Leo out of the way. “What are you doing here, Lauren?”
I take a deep breath.
“I need to see you,” I beg him.
“What, you pregnant with his baby?” Leo asks sarcastically and I guess after all the lies I have told, I deserved that.
“No, we haven’t even had sex. So that wouldn’t even be true.” I say sternly.
“Wouldn’t surprise me,” Jax growls. “Don’t you ever give up?”
“I’m not here for Max,” I insist. “I found out you were staying here, so I had to come.”
“No, you didn’t,” Max answers.
“I did, because I have to tell you that I’m sorry.” I hold back my tears because I don’t think these guys will appreciate or believe in them. I remove the sunglasses to quickly wipe at my eyes and look up at Max. I realize that he now sees my bruised eye by his reaction.
“Ouch,” Rhys, another band member winces.
“Did Maisy do that?” Jax asks with honest shock in his voice. My sister isn’t at all like that.
Max shakes his head. “No.”
I lower my head out of embarrassment. “No, this is new. Look Max, all I wanted to say is that I really am sorry. I’ve learned from my mistakes, and believe me when I tell you that. I can’t believe what I put both you and Maisy through. I feel terrible.”
He hears what I’m saying but because of the type of guy he is, he’s more concerned with my face. “Lauren, who did that to you?” He asks, pointing to my face.
“That doesn’t matter. I was wondering if you could do me a favour, and I understand if you say no.” I start.
“Go on.” He nods.
“Could I borrow your phone to call Maisy? She won’t answer my calls.” I beg him. I know her number by heart and I have tried calling her but she won’t answer. That might be due to the fact that it’s a strange number because my mobile was smashed against my bedroom wall.
“I wonder why that is.” Max scolds.
“I know, I really do, but I need to actually tell her that I’m sorry. I’m telling the truth this time, Max.” I insist and I really hope he believes me.
“Why the change of heart all of a sudden?” He asks.
“Let’s just say, I’ve had a wake-up call.” I laugh a little. “A big one.”
“I’d say,” Leo adds.
“Please, Max?” I ask again.
With a nod of his head, he agrees and leads me over to a large table in the back of the lobby. As we sit, he gets out his phone and passes it to me. I see it’s already dialling and hold it to my ear.
“Max?” I hear Maisy answer.
“Maisy?” I ask. “It’s me.”
“Lauren?” Her voice rises. “What are you doing with Max’s phone?”
I immediately start crying. “I found Max, because I had to say sorry, Mase. I’m so fucking sorry, and you will never know just how true this is. I’ve lost my sister.”
I hear Maisy start to cry on the other end. “You don’t know how long I wanted to hear you say that, Lauren.” She whimpers. “But after what happened, I don’t know if I can forgive you right now.”
My sobs become louder and I don’t even care that the men are looking at me. They haven’t seen this side of me, so they’re either thinking I’m playing a game or have cracked up.
“No, I understand that. I’m just so sorry, Maisy. I wish I could have done this in person, but I really needed to hear your voice at least.” I try to explain.
“That’s ok, Lauren. It will take some time, but you’re my sister no matter what and I will always be here.” See what I mean, my sister is amazing.
“Thank you.” I sob. “I’m coming back to England. I’m not coming home, so don’t worry. I just can’t stay here anymore.”
“Ok, do you need any help with your house?” She asks and I cry even more. I’ve taken Maisy for granted for way too long.
I explain about the house and she takes everything she needs down. I know that in a couple of days all my belongings will be sold because I let her know I don’t want anything from that house. I don’t explain why though, she doesn’t need to know that.
“Are you safe, Lauren? Maybe you should come home, stay with mum and dad?” She asks me and my heart breaks. I really wish I could.
“I can’t come back, Mase.” I insist.
“Is this because of what mum said?” She asks.
“No, it’s not just because of mum and dad, but I can’t say right now. I’m glad I got to speak with you.” I look up to the large clock above the reception area, wiping away my tears. It’s about time I go, Brandon will be outside wondering about me. “I have to go now Mase, I will call you when I can. OK and thank you so much for hearing me out. I really didn’t deserve that.”
I end the call, sniffling as I continue to wipe away my tears and give Max his phone back. “Thank you.”
I stand and begin to walk away. I can’t see that they would have anything to say to me.
“Wait,” Max calls, looking me over. “What’s happened to you, Lauren?”
I begin to panic, “What?”
“The bruises.” He points down to my wrists, and I quickly cover my arms with the jacket. I didn’t realize my sleeves had ridden up while I was talking to Maisy. “Your black eye.” He looks at my face, and he doesn’t look very happy. I put the sunglasses back on, even though it’s pretty much pointless now.
I look around, starting to feel a little off. “Nothing. Look, I have to go.”
“Why are you rushing off?” Jax asks.
“I have to be somewhere.” I urge.
Rhys steps closer to me, and I have to step back. I don’t like being that close to a man just yet. Apart from Brandon.
“Lauren, what’s the matter? We can help you, whatever it is.” He assures me, but he doesn’t realize that not only can he not protect me from my fears, but I won’t accept it. I could put them all and their children in danger. I couldn’t live with myself.
A stranger barges into me and I can’t help it, I scream and hold my hand to my chest. My heart feels like it’s going to rip out from my skin. I spin and look at everyone passing, trying to see if any one of them belongs to the Devil Spawn.
“Lauren?” Rhys asks and breaks through my panic.
“I can’t,” I cry. “I really have to go. I can’t drag you into this.”
I back away from them some more, fuck I really need to get out of here.
“Into what?” Max asks.
“I have to go!” I shout and run out of the hotel.
Luckily Brandon is right outside, so I run straight to the car and jump in.
“Lauren?” He asks.
“Go!” I scream. “Go now!”
Brandon quickly pulls away, tires squealing loudly, and other members from the American Kings of Rebellion charter follow on their bikes.
“You ok?” Brandon asks me as we race away.
“It’s fine.” I answer, not wanting to say anymore.
Chapter 28
After the talk with Max, I’m left feeling a little down. There was a lot of tears and emotion, but at least I got to talk to my sister. I knew she wouldn’t forgive me, and she said as much but at least I got to hear her voice and let her know I’m gradually becoming the sister she should have always had. Even if I had to go through shit to get this far, I’m glad Maisy benefits and maybe myself too.
“You get to talk with your sister?” Brace asks from behind me.
“Sure did.” I smile.
When we walk into the clubhouse, I freeze when I see my suitcases by the sofa. The last time I saw those I was taken away and now here they are. I slowly make my way over and Savage quickly appears out of nowhere.
“We got you extras.” He motions down to the three bags.
“What are they?” I ask.
“I thought you might like your own shit.” He answers.
I look through them and grin so freaking wide when I see all my beauty supplies. My make-up bag, filled with all my favourites, plus all the extras that have been thrown in also. My hair brushes, perfumes, along with my shampoos and conditioners. I can’t believe he thought to get all of these for me.
“Thank you!” I scream. I feel like it’s Christmas day. “I can’t believe you got these.”
I can feel a lump in my throat and tell myself off for it. It’s only beauty supplies, get a grip!
“Saw them littered everywhere and thought you might miss them.” Savage shrugs off my thank you.
“Yeah, I bet you did.” Sneers Brandon. “Well done, Savage.”
I look up from my goody bags to see Brandon and Savage glaring at each other. A sudden overwhelming testosterone fight silently battles and I decide to get out of here. I grab as many bags as I can but Savage puts a stop to that.
“Don’t worry about that babe, my men will help you.” He motions for his men to get over here but Brandon steps closer to me.
“I think I got it.” He takes my suitcase, with Choke and Brace taking the bags from my hands and around my feet.
“Just keep quiet and follow us.” Whispers Choke as he empties my hands.
I look between an angry looking Savage and a retreating Brandon, confused by this whole exchange and decide to take Choke’s advice and follow them.
“Enjoy.” Savage smiles at me as I go and all I can give him back is a small smile.
When we get to my room, I watch with my arms folded over my chest as they place my bags around my designated room.
Choke and Brace decide to get out as soon as they can. If I wasn’t so confused, I would think it was comical but the more I watch Brandon frown, the angrier I get.
“What the fuck was that?” I finally ask him.
“What?” He asks, but I know he knows what I’m talking about.
“Don’t act dumb, Brandon.” I glare.
He loudly sighs. “He’s trying to piss me off.”
“Why would he do that?” I ask and Brandon stares at me, not saying anything. “Well?”
“I just know him better than you do.” He storms out of the room, leaving me with the bags and I fall back on my bed in frustration.
Elise finds me still lying on the bed and laughs. “Wow.”
I groan into the pillow and she laughs harder.
“On the bright side, we’re going back home tomorrow!” She squeals.
“No, you’re going home.” I correct her.
“You know what I mean.” She shoves me over. “You’re coming back to England.”
“I just wish I could go home.” I moan.
“When the Kings are sure you’re safe, I’m sure you can.” She tries to comfort me.
“No, even if it were safe to go and see her, she wouldn’t want to see me. She doesn’t forgive me and after what I did, I’m not surprised.” A single tear slides down my cheek.
“What exactly happened?” Elise asks. “I mean, I know that it was bad and that she ran away when she saw you trying it on with Max, but that can’t just be it.”
“When she saw me and Max together, she thought it was real.” I cry. “She ran out into the night, and got in her car. Max ran after her and I followed, but he was too late. He just stood in the rain, watching her drive away and then quickly he drove after her. I knew he wouldn’t want me in the same car so I ran to a taxi waiting for the crowds to come out of the concert. The driver managed to follow Max, but what I saw when I got out was horrible. I cried and I didn’t deserve to.” I take a deep breath before carrying on. “Her car was crushed against some huge fucking truck! The car looked so small, they had to cut her out it was so damaged. Everyone ordered me to go, but I later found out her legs were completely crushed and she wouldn’t walk again.”
“Oh my god,” Elise whispers.
“Luckily my sister is a strong bitch and she told those doctors where to shove it and eventually walked again but she won’t forgive me. I don’t blame her and weirdly if it wasn’t for the Devil’s, I don’t think I ever would have come to that. I would have carried on being the same old me, not giving a shit.”
“You don’t owe Demon anything if that’s what you’re thinking.” Elise scolds.
I nod my head, but I’m not so sure she’s right.
***
Three days later I wake with a very happy Natasha looking over me as I lie in bed.
“I got the approval!” She shrieks.
“Really?” I jump up, taking the letter from her hands. Sure enough, in black and white, I read that Natasha is allowed access to England for three freaking years!
“I’m so happy for you!” I jump with her.
At breakfast, she breaks the news to the King’s English members and that uplifts their spirits. You can tell that they have all been dying to go back home. Especially Brandon because he has some weird thing going on with Savage.
After our little confrontation in my room, and after whatever that was with my belongings, I haven’t seen much of Brandon. So it’s weird when people start to leave the table and he sits down next to me.
“You looking forward to going home?” He asks and I decide not to get into the whole ‘home’ topic with him.
“When do you think we will be going?” I ask and then take a bite from my toast.
“Tomorrow or the day after, whenever, we can get the flights.” This is the happiest I think I’ve seen him. “Speaking of which,” He quickly stands and walks over to Brace. “You need to come with me. We need to let Savage know we will be gone very soon.”
Brandon quickly glances over at me before leaving and I have to laugh at how happy he is.
Chapter 29
The next day I’m told by Elise, that we’re leaving that night and I couldn’t be happier. The sooner I get back to England the better I will feel. Here, I can’t shake the feeling that Demon is close by. I want to be as far away from him as possible.
I decide to pack up all of my things right away, so it’s all done. I put on my jeans and thin vest top for now, but I will make sure to leave out a jacket for when we land in the UK. Unfortunately, England isn’t as hot as America and to be honest, I don’t think I will miss it. I’m a British girl at heart.
I sit at the bar,
talking with the prospect for the last time. Laughing with him as he tells me some graphic stories from the previous night, I don’t hear Savage behind me until he speaks.
“So, you’re leaving me tomorrow?” I hear from behind and spin around to face Savage. I think it’s weird that he made a point of saying me in his question.
“Finally going home.” I smile.
Savage steps in front of me and my back straightens in response. “I thought you might have chosen to stay.”
Alarm bells start to quietly ring and I look behind me to see the prospect has left. “Why is that?” I ask.
“I thought we could get to know each other more.” He looks down at my chest and I desperately look around. “You were grateful about your belongings?”
Is he serious? Because he brought back my things he needed something in return?
“I was and I said thank you.” I remind him.
He doesn’t say anything, so I decide to get up from my seat but when I step around him he holds onto my arm.
“I think you should stay. I can make a very happy and comfortable life for you here.” Savage tries to pull me closer to him, but I stand my ground even if he is hurting my arm.
“Thank you.” I fake a smile. “But I would like to go home, maybe I could come and visit sometime soon?”
His grip tightens on my arm and I try to pull away some more. I thought this was supposed to be a good club? That I would be safe here? Seems the President isn’t as nice as I originally thought.
“Savage,” I speak as loud as I can, but not so loud as to get everyone’s attention. “You’re hurting me.”
As soon as I speak the words, he lets me go looking down at the floor. “Shit.” He growls.
