But not before Pocket had given me his number.
He said I might need it, but I didn’t understand why I would. I knew Ghost would make sure I had everything I needed, because he always did.
Still, it might be nice to have someone to talk to. Even if it was only by text. It wasn’t like I had any friends.
I opened the door to the bathroom and my eyes found the bathtub — deep and long, with claw feet and brass taps — my heart skipped a beat at the thought of sinking into it and letting some hot water soothe away my stresses.
Pocket kissing me would have eased some stress as well, I thought suddenly. Back there in the clubhouse, I had been sure he had been about to.
Would I have let him though? Had I wanted him to?
It didn’t matter now because the moment was over. I would have to find some release in hot water and fragrant bubbles instead and then get an early night. Tomorrow was a new day, and I had loads to do. Like buying clothes and finding a new job.
Tomorrow would be busy, but tonight I could just relax knowing that I was safe.
I paused. Was I safe, though? Sy had said there was a serial killer on the loose. A killer who preyed on women.
What was with men taking what they wanted?
Turning on my heel, I moved towards the front door and threw the locks.
And now I really was safe, and I could take my hot bubble bath in peace.
Chapter Six
Ionly knew a handful of people around the table, and those I did know were scowling at me while the others simply looked concerned.
“Look,” I said, my tone heavy with meaning as I leaned back, “I know you don’t want me to be here and believe me…” I let my eyes travel around the table. “I would prefer not to be here as well, but you guys seem to be having some problems, and I’m here to try to sort it out. The sooner we do that…” I shifted my weight as my mobile buzzed in my pocket. I ignored it. “The sooner I can get home to London.”
A chuckle went up from my right. “Is there something wrong with Cardiff?”
I turned sharply. The man who had spoken was older than me and I only knew him by reputation, and what I did know of him wasn’t good.
“There’s nothing wrong with Cardiff. There is plenty wrong with how you’re running this chapter, Hawk.”
His face closed down. “I'm not running this chapter, Pocket,” he retorted. “No one is. That’s the problem.”
In my pocket, my phone buzzed again, and this time I reached for it instinctively, opening the message before I even looked at the name.
Hi, just thought I would say hello. Thank you for today. Xoxo Chloe
I couldn’t help it. I grinned. She had messaged me just like I had hoped she would.
“Someone important?” Hawk asked, and I ignored him as I typed out a quick message.
Just in Cardiff sorting out some club business, babe. Is everything ok?
“He’s texting a woman.” Someone laughed, and I snapped my eyes back to the men around the table.
Hawk boomed out a laugh. “Yeah, it’s definitely a woman. We didn’t know you had an old lady, Pocket. It complicates matters.”
Placing my phone face down on the table, I frowned at him. “She’s not my old lady. Just a girl I know.”
“A girl you want to fuck, you mean.” Hawk turned suddenly serious. “We want you here, Pocket.”
I did a double take. “What do you mean?”
“We need a president. One that knows what he is doing and can get us out of the shit we find ourselves in, and your reputation precedes you.”