Chapter 8
CHAPTER EIGHT
A week later, I was walking inside from being with Dad and Saint, working on Saint’s ride, and staring down at my phone when a text from Cal popped up. He was replying to one I’d sent hours ago, asking him why I was handling things differently than them.
They were still struggling to get through the ordeal—having sleepless nights or waking from horrid dreams—but I wasn’t.
Cal:
Rommy, I’m saying this with love, but you’re unique.
I’ve never met anyone like you and I don’t think I ever will.
You were our rock on that boat. You were our sunshine, our hope.
Everyone wanted to be around you because you were happy and positive all the time.
Even those idiots who complained, they still listened to you, watched you, and wanted to be near you because you were our strength, our warmth.
Honestly, I’m grateful this hasn’t affected you like it has us because I doubt you could have been those things for us on that boat if you were any other way than you are.
You’re an inspiration and someone I want to call a friend for the rest of our lives.
Thank you for everything you did for us and don’t stress that you’re not having nightmares. Talk soon!!!
Awww, that was so damn sweet it had my heart swelling. I loved when people took me for me and supported me as I was.
Yeah, I was glad I could stay positive, but I really did think it had a lot to do with my faith in my family. I knew without a doubt that we were going to be saved, and we were.
I’d just finished replying to him when I overheard Quake saying, “I haven’t seen you in a long time.”
There was a female snort. “There’s a whole heap of club girls that’d keep you entertained.”
“Eve, you know I don’t sleep with them.”
“Why don’t you? I’m not stopping you.”
“Maybe I want you to. Maybe I want you to care.” He sighed. “Why are you avoidin’ me?”
There was silence. I didn’t think Eve was going to answer until I heard, “It doesn’t matter.”
“Don’t you get it? I want you to trust me. To lean on me. Eve, I—”
“Just leave it,” she snapped.
Quake said no more, but I heard his footsteps pounding away.
My chest ached for them both. I’d suspected there was something between them.
Even a blind person could see the looks they tried to hide.
Okay, probably not a blind person. But there was something stopping them.
I didn’t know what, though, but I figured they weren’t sure either.
Eve probably had an inkling, but I wasn’t sure she was ready to face whatever it was holding her back.
When I heard a sniffle, I started to step forward but stopped.
I wasn’t sure Eve would want me to see her upset.
Since at the compound, I’d seen her in the background, watching, listening, but she was never close enough to interact with.
I was confused why she kept her distance, but she was going to have to deal for now as I wasn’t someone who stood around when someone was upset.
Drawing in a breath, I nodded to myself, determined to assist in some way. Even if it was so she could take her mood out on me.
Walking around the corner, I saw Eve’s attention swing my way and her look of horror before I waved.
“Hey, hi, hello, Eve. What’s happening? I’ve just been working on the bikes with Saint and Dad.
But I needed to come inside for some shade and to grab some drinks.
You’re not out with Mum, Courtney, Raya, and Dusty? ”
Yes. I internally punched the air at remembering Courtney and Raya’s name. Over the few days here, my parents and I had met just about everyone, and there were a lot to remember.
Eve’s jaw clenched as she shook her head.
“Yeah, I like shopping, but not as much as Mum.” I cocked my head to the side. “Are you okay?”
She glared. “Why?”
I shrugged. “You seem… more moody than usual. Not that there’s anything wrong with being moody.
We all have days where life shits down our throat.
And anyway, you should see me on my period.
No one wants to work close by my bay in the garage.
I threw a screwdriver at Knife’s head one day when he was teasing me.
” I laughed at the memory and then shrugged.
“The shock on his face was priceless. Snapped me right out of my mood. Now the brothers just make sure there’s chocolate bars stocked high in my cupboard and steer clear if they even think I’m on my period.
” Leaning in, I mock whispered with my hand up to my mouth, “Sometimes I pretend to be grumpy, so they get me more chocolate.” Straightening, I grinned.
The smile Eve gave me started small and then grew bigger. “You threw a screwdriver at a brother?”
“Ah yeah, he was teasing me about blushing over a customer we had and just wouldn’t shut up. I shut him up. Now he doesn’t tease me. Well, not as much. Most days I don’t mind the guys and the shit they say, except—”
“When you’re on your period,” she said, still smiling.
I liked her smile. She was gorgeous already, but when she smiled it was like a shot of warm sun.
Huh, her and Quake’s smiles make my body react.
Oh, shit, how hot would it be to see them together?
Crap, I couldn’t think about that now, else I’d get hot and horny, and so far, I hadn’t found anyone I wanted a roll in the sheets with. Well, besides Quake and Eve.
I tugged at the collar of my tee. “Exactly. What are you up to right now?”
Wanna hang out? I’d love to get to know you more. And maybe we could be friends before I work out how you’d respond to me sticking my tongue down your throat.
My gaze flicked down to her lips and up when she said, “I was going to see if Dusty was around to help me dye my hair, but you said she’s out?”
I nodded and looked to the plastic bag in her hand. “What colour are you dying your hair? I can help. I’m more than happy to help. I’ve helped heaps of friends back home.”
Eve looked down to the bag and back up. “Um, sure. As long as you have time.”
I waved a hand. “Dad taught me everything I know; they’ll be fine. But just wait one second, I need to grab them a drink and let them know I’ll be back later.”
“How about you go tell them, and I’ll send a prospect out with drinks for them? I’ll meet you in the common room?” she suggested.
I gave her two thumbs up. “Sounds like a plan.” Clapping my hands together, I turned and walked back outside. “Guys, I’m going in to help Eve with something. A prospect will bring your drinks.”
“No problem, kid,” Dad said.
“Thanks, Rommy,” Saint called.
On the way to the common room, I passed the prospect who was carrying a tray of assorted drinks. “Thanks, they’re just around the corner from the front door.”
He tipped his chin up at me.
When I stepped in the common room, I saw Eve waiting by the bottom of the stairs. I skipped up to her with a smile. “Ready.”
Eve nodded and led me up the stairs. We went down some halls before we stopped in front of a door. “This is my room. Tech and I permanently live in the club.”
Her tone sounded like she was worried what I’d think about it.
“That’s cool.”
Eve’s shoulders dropped. She opened the door and moved in, stepping aside for me.
“Oh my God, it’s a window seat.” I walked right over to it. “I love window seats. I got Dad to put one in my room, but it’s not as big as this.” Looking out the window, I saw the back of the property where the trees overtook the land. “Sweet view.”
“Thanks,” Eve said.
Turning, I made my way over to her and picked up the bag she’d put on the bed.
Peeking, I gasped and pulled out the box.
“This colour is going to look awesome on you.” Her blonde hair would soak up the red just nicely.
Opening the box, I went to the door that led to the bathroom. “Should we do it in here?”
“Probably. I don’t want red on the carpet.”
“Ha, true. If I made a mess, it would look like you killed someone.” I looked around the spacious bathroom and said, “You’ll need a chair.”
I heard the wheels before she pushed one into the room. “Got it.”
“Perfect. It says it works best on damp hair.” I pulled the shower curtain back and grabbed the hose connected to one of the showerheads. I glanced back and tipped my head toward the shower. “Get over here.”
Eve nodded before she grabbed a towel from the shelves that were embedded in the wall to place over her shoulders.
I started the water and made sure the temperature was perfect before I had her move closer.
“I can do this part myself,” she said.
“I know” was all I said.
I wanted to do it for her, though.
She eyed me for a moment before moving up beside me and resting her hands on the edge of the bath to flick her hair over as she bent.
I gently brushed my fingers through her soft locks at the base, making sure all strands were forward and then let the water flow over, darkening them to a medium blonde.
They weren’t long, just past her shoulders, but Eve had a thick head of hair.
Once I shut off the water, I said, “All done. Towel dry it a bit and then I’ll get to work.”
I left her there and went to read the instructions again. They were pretty much the same as what we had in Australia. I was to part in sections, root to ends, use the gloves, mix the formulas, and start.
When Eve took a seat, I placed half of her hair up before breaking it into three where I tied two up.
Eve watched me in the mirror as I pulled on the gloves after I’d mixed it all together in the provided tub.
“This is the quietest you’ve been,” Eve said.
Laughing, I shrugged. “Sometimes I can be. If I’m busy and my mind is on a task, like when I’m working or sexing it up with someone.” I lifted my gaze to catch her blush. “But again, if I say anything you don’t like, let me know. I won’t get offended. I know I can be a bit much for some people.”