Chapter 22
CASSIDY
Killa was right about the cot in the closet.
The little room is a safe haven for Noah and me.
We left the door ajar, and he slept through the night in a strange bed, with a clubhouse of MC members, who are as just as deadly as Killa—if not more so—without a single nightmare.
I don’t know who was more thrilled about it, Noah or me.
“So, this is Killa’s new sidepiece,” a female says in a sultry voice as she flicks a lock of my hair, snapping me out of my daze.
My spoon stills mid-way, and I take in the woman who I’m guessing is a club whore.
Her long blonde hair is tussled, her red lipstick is smeared across her chin, and I grimace at imagining how that occurred. Does she even realize it’s on her chin? And the mascara tear marks tracking down her face, does she know they’re there?
“Cassidy, meet Jenna. Jenna, this is Killa’s ol’ lady, Cassidy,” Stella says from beside Noah, with disdain in her tone. She leans toward me and whispers, “A club whore.”
I figured as much, and Stella scans my face. I don’t give a reaction. I’ve become a master at schooling my emotions to protect myself and my son. Only Killa has seen beyond that, beyond the mask I portray to others.
“She’s not wearing a cut.” She motions up and down my body, and I glance down at Killa’s T-shirt I grabbed from the floor this morning and the cut-off jean shorts I’m wearing.
“That’s none of your business,” Stella tacks on, with a disapproving cluck of her tongue.
“Well, she needs his cut on to be called his ol’ lady.” She wrinkles her nose and pouts her lips.
Stella snorts. “Pretty sure he has that all planned.”
I feel like I’m missing something.
“She has his property brand.” Stella smiles. “She’s officially a member.”
“You know…” Jenna turns her attention toward Stella. “I heard you say Killa needed to get close to her to get answers. Is that what he’s doing by pretending to make her his?” She hisses the words out.
And I hate myself for flinching at her insinuation and exposing a weakness. Is that what he’s been doing? Is that really what Stella suggested?
“You know damn well we’re not privy to club business.
When I heard Killa was catching feelings, I suggested he stop being such a dick and get to know the girl, that’s all that conversation was.
Stop trying to cause trouble, Jenna. Otherwise, I’ll let Killa know.
” Stella smiles in my direction and holds her hand out toward me.
“Cassidy is here, and she’s staying. I’d say he fell harder getting to know her than I first anticipated, wouldn’t you? ” She smirks.
Jenna pouts and a sneer plays on her lips as she scans me up and down for a second time.
“Just leave Cassidy and Noah alone and tell the rest of them to do the same,” Stella adds, wafting her hand in her direction.
“Can’t she speak for herself?” the inflated blonde grits out, and her question irks me, especially when Noah jolts at her words. He’s been used to people condemning him for not speaking, and now he’s watching his mama endure it too.
My gaze narrows on her. “Oh, I can speak alright.” I push out of my chair and round the kitchen table.
Her eyes widen as I step up to her until we’re toe to toe.
“And I’m warning you…” I lower my voice, surprising myself at how deadly I sound.
“I’m stronger than I look and would happily rain down devastation on you, starting with your smudged-up face.
” My hands curl into fists, and my gaze slowly travels down her body.
She stumbles back, wobbling on her high heels, then grips the table for support.
But I move closer, so close only she can hear me.
“I’d take your teeth first, pulling them out one by one until you’re a slobbering, bloody mess and your face swells in agony.
” I pin my glare on her hand, where she clutches the table like it’s her lifeline, and her eyes follow my path.
“Then I’d move on to your fingers; those long nails will be torn from you while you howl.
” I glance back up at her ashen face and revel in the fear in her eyes.
Never did I think I would repeat the words once delivered to me as a form of terrorizing another, but I’m putting her in her place. I’m becoming the mama bear and showing her; you don’t mess with me, you don’t mess with Noah, I’m Killa’s ol’ lady.
“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t …” Her lips quiver, and part of me feels sorry for her, but the other part, the part that has fallen victim to a bully in the past, the same part that’s standing up for Noah, that part of me is high-fiving myself for pulling off the persona of a badass.
“That’s okay.” I pat her shoulder, and she jumps. “Now you know.”
I saunter back to my chair and continue eating breakfast like I didn’t just threaten a woman with torture.
“That was impressive.” Stella grins in my direction while Jenna stumbles out of the room like her ass is on fire.
“Thank you.” I grin back at her while taking a bite.
“You’re going to fit right in here, Cassidy. You and Noah.” Her words send a rush of excitement through me. The truth is, I already feel like it’s home.
Noah beams up at her, with milk dripping from his chin, and for the first time in years, I think I’ve got a best friend.