Chapter 23 Blade
Blade
I’ve been in Bridgewater Bend for a little over a week now, and this is the first time I’ve actually ventured out.
When I came to this little town, I knew that I had found my place.
A place where I can finally put down roots.
It just felt peaceful, and I knew in my heart this was where I was always meant to land.
Everyone that I’ve met so far has been super nice to me, and you can tell this is a close-knit community.
I’m currently renting a cute, fully furnished, one-bedroom apartment that is over Farrington General.
I almost cried when Mrs. Farrington showed me the apartment for rent and that it was already fully furnished, as I didn’t come with much, nor did I have much savings in my account.
So I was well and truly grateful. Grandma Silvia has been nothing but super supportive and nice.
Honestly, as sad as it is, she is my first true friend.
I didn’t have very many growing up, as everyone looked down on me.
She took one look at me when I got out of my car and into her store, and I knew I must have looked a mess from driving so long, and declared me one of hers.
When she wrapped me in her arms, I almost cried right then and there in the middle of the canned food aisle.
Because honestly, I don’t even remember the last time someone actually hugged me like a genuine motherly hug.
I grew up in foster care, and let’s just say it wasn’t very nice, so when I aged out, I fought my way to get my accounting degree and bounced around from job to job until I found my place in life.
And I believe I have in this small town of Bridgewater Bend.
So when I saw the ad in the store for an accountant and secretary at an automotive shop, I jumped at the chance.
That day, I had forwarded my resume and got a call right away and, with a phone interview with a man named Callum, I was hired right then and there.
I thought I was going to burst out crying at my good luck.
Callum honestly sounded like he wanted to cry himself when I told him I would take the job.
His whispered “thank fuck” made me giggle, since he was the one who had to do the job before.
He told me it’s a laid-back place and to dress accordingly.
Since it is a garage, it does tend to get dirty, which I have no problem with, since comfort and I go hand in hand.
I have no idea who my parents are, nor do I have a desire to know.
I’ve been alone for so long; that's all I know. It’s probably why I clung to Grandma Silvia so hard because she was the first person to show me any type of caring, but I’m tired of being alone.
I just want happiness. I want someone to love me.
For once, I want to be shown what true love feels like and not be discarded like yesterday's trash.
I had to fight my way through life, seeing how ugly this world can be and all the scary and bad people in it.
At the last place I was in, my foster parents weren’t the greatest; they hardly made sure we had enough food.
Forget about giving us the necessities we needed to live day to day.
They were only in it for the money they got monthly.
The foster father was a creepy man, always giving us girls' looks. I was so tired of having to look over my shoulder when he was around. I was scared all the time that he would actually follow through with his threats. So when the gym down the street was offering free self-defense classes, I jumped at the chance to take them. I won’t ever be made to feel scared ever again.
I’m not saying I’m some badass warrior, but I can hold my own now if it comes down to it.
Hopefully, I never have to find out. A few months later, I aged out, and I couldn’t seem to get out of that house fast enough.
Now here I’m standing in front of the local bar trying to find the courage to actually go in.
I look down at my attire one more time, hoping I look okay.
Black skinny jeans, a pink short- sleeved shirt, and my white Chucks.
My long black hair is flowing down my back in waves, and my makeup is light, just a little liner, mascara, and some lip gloss.
Grandma Silvia told me about the bar down the street, and I wanted a little celebratory drink before I start my job tomorrow, and she told me I would be perfectly safe at Jake’s bar.
I met Jake once when I was picking up some stuff at the general store, and Grandma Silvia introduced us.
He seemed like a nice, older man. I look around the parking lot and see that it is pretty busy.
I blow out a breath and square my shoulders back, and head for the door.
No sense in standing outside looking like a crazy person.
I’ll go have one drink and maybe some food and leave.
I open the door and let my eyes adjust to the darkness of the bar.
Music is playing in the background. You can hardly hear it with how loud it is in here with everyone talking.
I try to plaster a small smile on my face as I make my way inside and find a spot by the bar.
Jake’s smiling face puts me right at ease, knowing I know at least one person here.
Jake walks over to me. “Well, if it isn’t Hailey Grace. How are you doin little lady?”
I give a little awkward wave. “Hi Jake. I’m doing good and you?”
He wipes a spot on the bar. “I’m doin good; business is busy, so I can’t complain. Are you here to celebrate your new job tomorrow at Saints Automotive?”
My eyes open wide, and my mouth drops open in shock that he would even know that, which just makes him burst out laughing, making me jump in my seat.
He gets himself under control and shakes his head with a smile. “Don’t look so shocked, Hailey Grace. You’ll find in Bridgewater Bend that nothing really ever stays a secret here. Small town and all that. So what can I get you?”
I can’t help but laugh with him. I guess that’s something I’m going to have to get used to living here. “Um, a beer, please, and maybe that famous burger Grandma Silvia told me so much about.”
He sends me a wink. “Comin' right up, darlin'. If you need anything else, just holler for me.”
He places a beer in front of me. “Thank you, Jake.” I watch as Jake walks away to put my order in.
I look around the bar, and a few older people nod at me, and I give them a polite smile.
As I look around some more, I notice a few guys at a table behind me, and one guy licks his lips while looking at me, making me shiver in disgust. I don’t get why men think that is a turn-on because I’ve got to tell you it isn’t.
I turn around quickly, not wanting him to get the wrong idea of my being interested.
Throwing the creep from my mind and just in time, as Jake comes back with my burger and fries, and the smell alone has my stomach rumbling.
He drops it off and walks away to the patrons down the bar, grabbing them a few more drinks.
I take my first bite, and flavors explode on my tongue.
Grandma Silvia wasn’t kidding. This is the best burger I’ve ever had.
I devour it in no time, not leaving a single bite on my plate.
I push my plate forward, feeling full just as Jake comes back with another beer, grabbing my now empty plate.
“So, what’s the verdict? Did it live up to your expectations?”
I give him a genuine smile. “That was the best burger I’ve ever had. I will definitely be back for another one.”
“My wife, Julie, will be happy. She has another fan. How do you think I’ve been able to keep my figure?
” He pats his round belly, making me burst out laughing.
He walks away, and I take a swig of my beer, so glad I decided to come out tonight.
It feels great to get out of my apartment.
I have a feeling I’m really going to enjoy living in Bridgewater Bend.
Just as I take another sip of my beer, the hair on the back of my neck stands on end and I shiver, but not in a good way.
I look out of the corner of my eye to see the creepy guy who licked his lips when I first walked in, taking the seat beside me, looking at me with a leering gaze, making my skin crawl.
“So, baby, how about we get out of here and I show you what a good time really is?” The creep whispers in my ear, making me back up as much as I can without falling out of my chair.
I don’t even look at him; I just keep my head focused forward. “No, thank you. I'm not interested.” I pull out some money out of my pocket and place it on the bar because I think it’s time I get out of here before he tries to do anything else.
Before I can even so much as take a step away, he has my arm in a tight grip.
Shit, that really hurts. I look at him and can see he’s drunk and has a dark look on his face at being dismissed.
Well, too damn bad. “Let me go.” I grit through my teeth, getting pissed off. I mean, who does he think he is?
“Ya, I don’t think so. You think you can just dismiss me like that?
You're a cock tease who thinks she’s too good for a guy like me.
I saw the way you were looking at me. I know you want it.
” He growls out, and any humanity I thought he might have had just flew out the window with his disgusting words.
Before I’m able to drop this piece of crap to the floor, I can hear chairs scraping the floor behind me and a hush falls over the bar, making me wonder what the hell is happening now.
A shadow falls behind me, making me turn my head slightly to see who it is.
I suck in a deep breath at the beautiful man standing behind me with a seriously pissed-off look on his face directed at the guy in front of me.
A few other guys are standing behind him as well, looking just as mad as he does.
He has to be the hottest guy I’ve ever seen.
His hair is shaved at the sides, keeping it longer on the top, jeans with a black t-shirt and biker boots.
His body looks like a work of art with all the tattoos I can see.
My eyes travel up to his chest, seeing he has a cut on.
The words Blade and president make me swallow.
Not in fear, but something else I’ve never felt before.
Hey, I’ve seen every episode of SONs. I know a biker when I see one, but I have a feeling these guys are a different breed altogether.
“I suggest you let her the fuck go right now before I make you, and trust me when I say you don’t want that. Because if I have to, I will rip your arm off and shove it so far up your ass you will taste it.” He growls out the words, making me shiver at the dangerous tone.
The guy quickly drops my arm so fast it makes me stumble a little until my rescuer, Blade, catches me and puts me behind him.
His hands are gentle compared to the words he just spoke, making me shiver at the feel.
I swallow hard as I watch the president step forward along with the rest of the guys he’s with, having words with the creep until I can see his face pale even more but can’t hear what he is saying.
I look around the bar and notice everyone is watching what’s going down, and I take that as it’s time to get out of here.
As I slink out the door, making a mad dash to my apartment, I have one thought on my mind: hopefully I will never have to see that creep again.