Page 12 of Hook
"Who the fuck is that?" He points at the screen.
"Her name is Bea," I answer while I rub the back of my neck. I'm not sure why I'm so ashamed of what I've done. Anyone else would have done the same in my shoes.
Brick's entire body stiffens as he takes a step back from me.
This isn't protocol. As the VP of Brutal Chains, I know better than anyone that we're not supposed to have guests without letting the rest of the club know. Too much could happen. It's a breach of security. I have to get ahead of this before Brick starts to think the worst.
"Listen man, I know I fucked up bringing her here without permission, but I couldn't leave her out there alone." Taking a deep breath, I launch into the story of how I met her. "I was towing a car on Lempock Street and didn't notice her hiding under a blanket until we were back here. It was insane." I scoff in frustration. "I kicked her out, thinking that would be the end of it, but she showed back up tonight. And two guys came looking for her, total scumbags with prison tats all over their arms. They're after this woman for God knows what reasons. She tellsme she's running from her ex who just got out of jail for assault. She's terrified and I unknowingly took away her only means of escape. I had no idea what else to do."
"There's shelters all over the place. The cops? Hell, she could go back home to family." Brick quickly interjects. I can see the anger all over his face. He's not heartless, but we all know that something like this could cause problems for the whole club.
"I told her the same thing. Apparently, she's tried to go to the cops, but they can't help her. She looked like she was running for her life when she showed up tonight. I've already locked her in my office so she can't get at anything. I just didn't feel right putting her out again."
"Hook, you know I trust your judgment. But this shit is reckless as fuck. You don't know what the hell she's into. I'll let this slide for tonight, but come tomorrow, you're going to have to get her a different option. I can't have strangers running around here, not when I know she's got trouble chomping at her heels." Brick gives me one final look before he directs his eyes back to the screen where she's sleeping.
"Why are you spying on her anyway? I never knew you were a creeper."
"I'm not a fucking creeper. I was just making sure she didn't steal anything."
"Yeah, sure, she's going to steal all your nonexistent paperwork and the old ass furniture you got in that death trap. I doubt it." He smirks. "Be honest; you were getting your rocks off."
"Fuck you, I was not." I reach over and press the mouse to change the image from my office so it's no longer focused on her.
Brick shakes his head and walks to the door. "Don't lie. Shit, she's the prettiest thing you've ever brought up here. I'd think something was wrong with you if you weren't creeping on her a little."
Silence fills the room as Brick exits, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I slowly pivot back to the desk and click on the screen, revealing a serene image of Bea, fast asleep on the couch in my office. He was right; she truly is the most beautiful thing I've ever brought up here. Her delicate features and peaceful expression make her seem almost otherworldly. She lies there, vulnerable and inviting, just waiting for me to join her in dreamland. The soft glow of the monitor casts a warm light on her features, highlighting every curve and contour of her face. I can't help but feel drawn to her, like a moth to a flame.
It's stupid of me to think I’d even have a chance at someone like her, but she can’t stop me from fantasizing, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. She’ll be mine tonight, even if it’s only in my dreams.
I take the morning off so I can find somewhere safe to bring Bea. When I told her my plan this morning, she fought me every step of the way. She tells me that she’s already tried all the options I’m proposing, but Brick already gave me the order. I have to get her out of my office.
My skin itches as I walk around my truck and open the door for her.
"I already told you, Hook. They're not going to do anything to help me. The cops are useless."
"I'm not saying I don't agree with you, but this is the best option for the mess you’re in. I mean, hell, did you expect to live in your car for the rest of your life?" I snap at her, annoyed not only that she's going against what I want her to do, but also because I'm standing in front of a police station. My relationship with the boys in blue hasn’t always been the best.
"Not forever, just until Lance stops looking for me." She shrugs and slides out of the truck in front of me. When I look into her eyes, I know she’s telling the truth. She thinks that her crazy ex is just going to stop.
"I don't mean to be the one to burst your bubble, sweetheart, but people like your ex don't give up. If he went through his whole bid with a grudge, he's not going to let it go just because he's on the outside now. In fact, it'll only get worse."
As I watch her, her eyes begin to glisten with tears, making them appear watery and glassy. Her lashes flutter, trying to hold back the tears that are threatening to fall.
It seems like she’s going to cry. I hope not; I’m not good with emotions. I never know what to do with myself when someone gets all in their feelings. Thankfully, she takes a deep breath and swallows hard and her eyes clear.
She takes a step around me, but before she can clear my body, she jerks backward, her eyes focused on something over my shoulder.
Quickly, I glance in the direction she’s looking and realize that the two men who came searching for her last night are walking out of the police station with two officers in tow. Shit, they’ve already come here for her. She’s not lying when she said she’s really being hunted by this man.
"Get back in the truck," I urge her.
"What?" she hisses.
"Get in the fucking truck," I say a little more aggressively.
Without wasting another second, I skirt the front of the car, staying out of the sight of the cops or the two goons that came for her last night, and get into the driver’s side of the truck. They’re going to see us. Without a doubt. I just have to make it uncomfortable for them to keep their eyes on us.
Leaning over the center console, I grab the back of Bea’s head and pull her in my direction, dipping my head, so I’m close to her face.