Chapter 2
HAVEN
Yup, that went as well as I expected it to go.
Joel barely got to the sink before he started to puke. I tap my fingers on the kitchen counter as I lament the whiskey pooling around my heels.
What a waste of booze.
Sighing, I find the mop, bucket, and broom so I can start cleaning up the mess while Joel comes to terms with the fact that Danica fooled him. She robbed us both of that night. But he’s been looking back on it fondly for years, versus me hating him for not being able to tell the fucking difference.
But with age comes wisdom, and I know in a dark room and teenage hormones, there was no way in hell he could have known what she did. Maybe now wasn’t the right time to tell him, but dammit, he had asked!
“I’m sorry. I should have waited to tell you the truth. Today was the worst timing ever.” I admit as I sweep up the glass.
“Haven, I’m so fucking sorry. I didn’t know.” I hold up my hand to stop his words.
“I forgave you long ago. It took me a few years to realize you were also a victim of Danica’s manipulative ways. She changed in the end, so I’ve forgiven her, too. I hope she finds peace.” He shakes his head as my words sink in.
“She’s dead?” I take a deep breath and nod.
“We need to sit down and talk. About our past and present. Our lives are going to cross more often than not.” I can see the confusion in his eyes.
“I’m a Harlot, Joel. Or should I call you Cable now?” I point at his cut hanging on the coat rack, new and pristine.
“What?”
I smile gently and point at the sofa.
“Sit. I’ll make tea since you wasted the whiskey.” I ignore his scowl and move around his gran’s house like I own the place.
Memories of summers spent in this house rush back to me while I grab her old kettle to fill with tap water. I hear the stool scrape against the aging floor behind my back.
“How the hell did you get involved with a biker club?” I turn off the tap and move to the stove as I let out a noisy breath.
“That is a long ass story that I’d rather not get into. Let’s just say I inherited Danica’s problems.” I turn the stove on and set the kettle on the flame.
“Some things never change.”
I can’t disagree with him, so I just turn to face him with a shrug of my shoulders.
“This one I’m not too mad about. Anyway, this is about you. How the fuck did the Bastards get their claws into you?” I cross my arms and lean back into the counter, listening for the kettle to shudder since Joel has gone quiet.
“Cat got your tongue?” I raise an eyebrow at him.
“I’m not sure what I should and shouldn’t tell you.” I nod in understanding.
“Keep it simple. I’m sure Jameson doesn’t want all his secrets shared.” His face morphs in shock at my knowledge of his National President’s name.
“I don’t feel comfortable discussing any of this with you.” I tilt my head and stare at him.
“Don’t trust me?” He snorts and leans in as the kettle starts to whistle.
“Honey, I don’t even trust the hair on my ass to keep me warm in assless chaps.” That’s oddly specific, and I’m sure there’s a back story, but fuck if I’m asking it.
“Ok then.” I grab two mugs and place tea bags into them before pouring in the hot water.
I push the milk and sugar at him and watch as he mixes it to his liking, wondering how I’m supposed to gain his trust. Honesty only goes so far, and I can tell that the young man I knew isn’t the man sitting in front of me today.
I guess that can be said about me, too.
“I don’t want anything from you, Joel. I thought you deserved the truth. You were under the assumption that we had some crazy romantic one-night stand before you sailed off with the Navy, but that’s not what happened.” I take a second to sip my own tea.
“It really wasn’t you?”
I shake my head sadly.
“She apologized before she died. If it helps, I believe her, for once.” I watch the emotions play across his face.
“It doesn’t, but I won’t speak ill of the dead.”
I click my tongue.
“But you want to. She was a bitch and owned it. I got my revenge in a way.” A memory of Apex floats through my mind, and I grin into my mug so Joel doesn’t see it.
“You fucked her man as payback?”
I tilt an eyebrow and nod.
“Her husband, actually.” Well, fuck is a strong word, but I came on that man’s tongue so damn hard.
“Jesus, you two had a fucked up relationship.”
I place the mug down on the counter with a frown.
“She was already dead,” I add as if it would make that much of a difference.
“Sure, that makes it better.”
Ok, I can see that this conversation has taken a left turn.
“Yeah, well, staying a virgin all these years didn’t sit well with him.” Or me, for that matter.
“Wait, what?” Joel stands suddenly, and I back up.
Stupid Haven!
“Forget I said that. I’m gonna get going. I’ve got work to do.” I high-tailed it to the hall where I left my purse and keys.
“No, you don’t.” He grabs my arm, spins me around, and shoves me into the wall.
He runs his nose up my neck, and I shiver, but leave my leg ready to knee him if I have to. He ain’t the only one with trust issues after all.
“You can leave after you answer one question for me.” His lips stop just shy of my lips.
Fuck, if he kisses me now, I may just beg him to fuck me against this wall. Nineteen-year-old Joel was sexy, but this adult version is dangerous to my libido.
“What?” I wanted that to sound snarky and breathy.
Shit, shit, SHIT!
“What happened to the black eyeliner and tiny plaid skirts?” His hand runs up my thigh, and my leg jerks, hitting him square in his junk.
He bends over with a loud groan, and I make my escape.
“Same thing that happened to your hairline. Age and maturity. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a body to prep.”