Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 106003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 530(@200wpm)___ 424(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 106003 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 530(@200wpm)___ 424(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
I tried to move once, to get away from him, but he found out and, well… in the aftermath of that I decided it would be much safer for me to wait him out and leave once he got bored of me. Being the protective guy he is, Creep would surely get it in his head that he needed to keep me safe. Things would escalate, because they always did with Domino, and Creep might end up injured, or provoke the wrath of the Hell’s Butchers.
I’ve only been in Vulture Hollow for a short time, but the village and its inhabitants already feel like home, and I don’t want to drag them into a needless conflict, just because my ex is a bit crazy. And at this point he is most definitely an ex, since Creep is all I can think about.
Still, when Creep left me at the doorstep of my cabin earlier with barely a goodbye, I felt lost, and that sentiment hasn't left me since. Sure, we parted because we both had stuff to attend to, but echoes of the unfinished conversation keep rattling in my mind.
At least I have the hair treatment to focus on. Working on hair or nails can be meditative at times, and since Clyde’s hair is so long, it’s taking a lot of time. When I met him, his hair was in a braid, but now that I see it in all its glory, I’m shocked a biker like him takes such good care of it.
We’re in a cabin that must have been a small salon before. I had a lot of cleaning to do to get it in order, but there’s a swivel chair that leans back, a large mirror, and a sink suitable for my purposes. I’ve not been asked to pay for using this space, which means anything I earn goes straight to my pocket. Especially since everyone pays with cash here. Unless, of course, Prophet comes to collect a tax from me at the end of the week, but I don’t think he will.
The hair treatment smells of honey and almonds, but it packs a punch, and by the time Clyde leaves my chair, his hair will fall in a smooth veil Road will inevitably tangle later. The tall, butch biker is clearly obsessed with his husband’s mane, so I’ll make sure it’s extra smooth. That’s how kind I am when I want to be. “Would you like me to cut your split ends once I’m done?” I ask.
“Yeah, just don’t take too much off.” He stares at the ceiling as I make sure the water’s the right temperature. His ice blue eyes are so striking even when he isn’t looking straight at me. It’s strange how that only makes me think of the bottomless black of Creep’s gaze when it settles on me with such intensity. I have him on my mind all the time and everything reminds me of him.
“I wouldn’t dare. I like my balls where they are,” I quip, as the clean water swirls inside the sink, making the pale strands float.
Clyde chuckles. “And you think I’d be snipping them or Road? That man is fucking obsessed with it. Not that I’m complaining. Speaking of which… You’re gonna cut Creep’s any shorter? Or is that up to him?”
I stall, wanting to voice my protest, but Creep’s hair is up to him, and I shouldn’t impose my taste on him just because I know he’d fold. “I think he enjoys it the way it is now, but he’s his own man,” I say, massaging Clyde’s scalp. “I think it’s so cool you guys are out. That’s quite unusual, I think. I once marched behind a gay MC at Pride, but this is different. I’m happy Creep has this.”
He definitely couldn’t count on the good will of people like Domino, if he was a member of the Hell’s Butchers.
Clyde smiles. “I was also surprised Road’s coming out went smoothly when push came to shove. I was fully prepared to leave with him and nothing but the clothes on our backs. But we were all pretty shocked about Creep, and now he brought you under, let’s be honest, shady circumstances. I guess I’m wondering… Are you okay? He’s a weird guy.”
My thoughts, which have been fizzing like prosecco, go still, as if the question sucked out the pleasant buzz, leaving behind only the stale aroma of worry. “He is just a bit different, but he abducted me only so I can’t rat him out to the cops. I mean… lots of people would have done it, given the circumstances.”
“He didn’t um… hurt you? In the cave?” Clyde closes his eyes as he speaks, probably so no water gets in them, but it’s for the better, because I don’t want to catch his gaze after this insinuation.