“Nobody drives my car except me, anyway, you’ve told me one too many stories about near misses and scrapes in your SUV,” she laughs. “So it’s passenger princess on this ride.”
“You’re right, I’d crap myself driving a Porsche around here. My insurance doesn’t cover PMS and bad drivers.”
“Touche. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Later.”
I have a nice, hot shower before getting ready for work, blowing out my hair and prettying up my eyes.Not trying to look good for anyone,I tell myself. Nor do I pull on the pencil skirt that makes my ass look amazing just because of a certain someone. Nope. None of that is any incentive. I spritz on my favorite perfume, and head out the door with five minutes to spare.
I walk past the reception desk, waving to Harold as I pass by. I like Payden’s building. It’s in the rich heartland because she’s got plenty of money, and it’s not only gated but also has all the amenities I could never afford. She doesn’t need a roommate for the money, but sometimes I think she likes the company. I know she also has a big heart and likes to help out, especially because I’m related to the Dawsons. Payden is very loyal to the club, and I believe it’s not just because she’s on retainer when they need her help, but she also likes the family aspect. It reminds me I don’t know a heck of a lot about her, but I should try to ask more questions and maybe even bring her something to say thanks for letting me stay. There’s been no end date to my bunking in, and I think we’ve kinda fallen into a nice routine of livingtogether. The apartment itself is huge. It has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a huge study, lounge, massive kitchen with all the modern furnishings, and a huge outdoor balcony with an amazing view of downtown. I could never afford this on my own, or want to share with six people, and I don’t take her generosity for granted.
I hum a tune while I walk to my car, yep, she has two parking spots underground. It’s a miracle.
When I get to work, I immediately check to see if Sawyer’s motorcycle is in the lot. It is, along with all three of my cousins. They must be having a meeting.
I’m fifteen minutes early — one thing I promised myself when the boys offered me this job is I’d change my tardy ways. I was a bit of a loose cannon when I first arrived, Brew even asked me if I was using. Personally, that was insulting. I donotlook like a drug user, but I guess some people don’t. It didn’t help that I was sleeping rough and smelled like a brewery because someone spilled a drink on me the day before. It hurt my heart a little that Brew would think like that of me, but in his defense, he hadn’t seen me for a long time and knew I’d been locked up. If anyone is gonna be brutal with the truth, it’s gonna be him.
Erica hasn’t arrived yet, her mini-van isn’t in the lot, but when I step inside, I see a big box of donuts on the counter right above my desk.
My stomach growls. I only had a slice of toast and a banana for breakfast, hence the need to shop after work, so I head right for the box.
I don’t even ask, I just reach in and grab out the powdery white one which smells like vanilla.
“Help yourself,” Haze laughs, making me jump.
I wipe my mouth, slinging my bag under the desk. “If you leave a box of donuts out here on my desk, Iamgonna help myself.”
“Wanna take notes for the meeting?”
I frown. The boys rarely get me to sit in. Not that they discuss motorcycle shit in there, that’s all done at the clubhouse, but usually Erica sits in for the important stuff we need to do later.
“Um, sure.”
He gives me a chin lift. “You doin’ okay?”
I nod. “Fine.”
“Sawyer told you about your ex?” Thank God he doesn’t say his name.
“Yep. The fucker had it coming.”
“He did, and he’ll think prison is a sanctuary when we’re done with him.”
“Hazey, you don’t have to do anything on my behalf. I know what he did was wrong, but?—”
He holds up a hand. “He put his hands on you. End of discussion.”
I open my mouth, then close it again. I’m not gonna argue or try to defend what he did. It isn’t like I can stop the brothers and Sawyer anyway, so I let it go.
“Well, thanks, all of you, for being brotherly.”
He takes the box off the counter. “We protect our own, Nove, you of all people know that.”
“Grab yourself a coffee and head in.”
“Okay.” I don’t wanna miss this opportunity so I take two more bites, finish the donut, then head to the breakroom. I pour myself a coffee from the pot and add the creamer.
“Mornin’,” I hear from behind me.