Chapter 78
Lark
To say the last few days have been stressful would be an understatement.
There’s been no sighting of Zac and it was also surprising to learn that there’s been no sighting of Richard, Kelly, or Genivieve the last four days either.
My gut says it’s not a coincidence and Anthony and the guys agree because every day, I’ve had at least two of the guys with me at all times.
Even when I’m home or at the clubhouse. They follow me to the bathroom for fuck’s sake!
While I love that they’re so protective, it’s getting on my nerves having my every move watched.
I have absolutely no space and no privacy.
It’s made me jumpy, cranky, and snippy. I keep reminding myself that it won’t last forever, but fuck is it hard not to snap at them.
Sighing, I shake my head and refocus back on pouring a mug of beer before adding it to the customer’s tab.
Next to me, Erica groans when she gets more than half a glass of foam out of the tap. “Fuck, I think the Spotted Cow keg is done.”
“I’ll go get another one,” I tell her, more than happy to do something else, even for a few minutes.
I wipe my hands on the dishtowel hanging from my apron, and turn, stepping out from behind the bar and head into the hallway marked ‘employees only’. Instantly, I sense someone behind and spin on my heel. Nathan comes to an abrupt halt, damn near crashing into me.
“I’m just getting a keg from the back room! You don’t need to follow me everywhere!”
Nathan winces and immediately, I feel bad for yelling and snapping at him, but fuck am I fed up with this.
I sober as I try to calm down. “I just need some space. Please. Five minutes. Can I please just have five minutes?”
“Reaper said I needed to follow you no matter where you go. Well, except for inside the bathroom, but I’m to make sure it’s clear before you go in,” he states, and I swear his cheeks turn a little pink.
He hesitates for a moment before nodding.
“Let me make sure the back area is clear and then you can have five minutes.”
“You guys cleared the back area when I got here and Drake’s watching the back door. No one’s going to get in. The back room is locked. Only my employees and the club have keys. Thanks to Python, it’s even got a fucking thumbprint scanner. No one is going to get to me.”
Nathan looks visibly torn but finally nods. “Fine. But if you’re not back in five minutes, I’m coming back there.”
“Fine,” I agree, eager to have five minutes to myself for a change.
Spinning on my heel, I stomp down the hallway before he can change his mind.
I dig the keys out of my pocket, unlock the door and then scan my thumbprint to unlock the second lock.
Opening the door, I’m about to step inside when suddenly a cloth is held over my mouth, muffling my startled scream and a strong arm bands across one of my arms and stomach.
I struggle, trying to break free of his hold even as things start to feel fuzzy in my head.
Somehow, I manage to slip an arm out from under his.
When my elbow slams into him, his muffled ‘umph’ gives me a boost of strength.
Liftin my leg, I kick back, aiming for his kneecap.
For a second, his grip on me loosens and I use his distraction to bring my fist down hard behind me.
His grunt of pain tells me I hit him squarely in the balls.
His arm holding the cloth against me loosens and I stumble away from him, feeling dizzy and lightheaded.
For a moment, I see two of my attacker but then it becomes clear who it is.
“You!” I snarl as I try to stay upright.
“Yes, it’s me, my little Songbird, and now you’re mine.”
“I’ll never be yours,” I slur and then my eyes widen when he pulls something out of his pocket. I try to run, but I stumble, falling to the floor. The next second, electricity runs through my body and I try to cry out, but I don’t know if I actually make any sound at all.
My sluggish brain conjures an image of Anthony and I mentally tell him I’m sorry.
That I shouldn’t have pushed Nathan away earlier.
As dark spots dance across my vision, my last thought is that this is all my fault.
My body crumbles as the darkness swallows me and I barely register a strong arm catching me as I fall.