AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER NINE
___________________________
NEATLY STACKED AND STORED HOOKERS
OPHELIA
“WE’RE GOING OUT with some brothers.”
Looking up from my book, I saw Judge leaning on the doorjamb of his bedroom, his hands shoved into the front pockets of his black jeans—ones with jagged rips at the knee that I was willing to bet hadn’t been there when he’d bought them. His white tee was bright and clean, contrasting with the well-worn black leather of his vest—no, his cut.
In the almost week since I’d been brought there, I hadn’t left. And short of one time for a few hours, neither had he. I’d asked what he did for a living that allowed him to stay home for so long, and he’d said security. He hadn’t expanded, which I’d taken to mean I likely didn’t want to know.
He may not have left, but a constant rotation of brothers came to see him. They’d had two meetings in their back room.
Swedes had shown up every day to cook lunch and get dinner started or prepped. I’d tried telling him he didn’t have to, but him being territorial about the kitchen had not been an exaggeration.
A couple of nights, brothers, and even some bunnies, had come by to chill and drink.
The first time they’d shown, Judge had been in the back room with Jury, so I’d retreated to the bedroom—partially because I was an outsider in their territory and partially because I’d been intimidated. The next night when they’d come to watch a Bruins game, I’d tried to sneak off again, but a tipsy Judge had pulled me into his lap.
I should’ve gone for his nipples.
I should’ve just stood since his hold was possessive but not tight.
I should’ve done anything but sit there, sharing sips of his vodka tonics and laughing at the hilarious stories of drunken nights—and some afternoons.
But I didn’t. I sat. I drank. I laughed. I enjoyed the loyalty and bond they shared. And I let myself pretend I was a part of it.
Not all the brothers were happy I was there, but thanks to that loyalty—and the glares from Judge—they were civil in their mistrust.
Surprisingly—or maybe not—that included Jury. He’d barely said a word to me, though he seemed to study me almost as much as his brother did. Even though Nox had researched me thoroughly, I got the feeling Jury still didn’t trust me. It made me wonder if he was the one who’d had his heart broken. Or maybe he was just protective of his brother.
Whatever the reason, it didn’t matter because Judge and I weren’t anything. Minus the one night sitting on his lap, he hadn’t touched me. His focus had been elsewhere, and though he’d stopped to patiently answer my fifty billion and three questions, he was obviously preoccupied.
“Out?” I asked, working hard to keep my voice even despite the thrill shooting through me.
I’d never been a homebody. Nursing school and then actually being a nurse had sucked up a lot of my time, but when I had the chance and our schedules lined up, I enjoyed my nights out with friends.
And even when it was just me, I had no shame in my solo game. I ate out alone. I went to movies alone. I shopped and explored and shopped some more. All alone.
The time in the clubhouse had been a nice break—especially once Judge made someone pick up the books I’d been wanting to read but hadn’t gotten around to. But I was ready to get out, I didn’t even care where.
“Yeah. Drinks at a bar one of my buddies owns.”
I looked down at my capri leggings and loose tee that I’d spilled coffee on that morning.
And maybe butter from Swedes’ homemade pancakes that were even better than his waffles.
And definitely hot sauce from my wrap.
I’m a garbage person.
“Uh, when’re we leaving?” I asked, fighting the urge to touch the messy bun—emphasis on the messy—that flopped around on the top of my head.
“Five minutes.”
“What?” I practically shrieked, jumping up.
