Page 57 of Stag

Fuck me. I was pissed already. Five seconds talking to this fucker and I hated him even more.

“For the record, boss, I was in a place where I couldn’t make a call. I had no option.”

He chuckled. “Pretty sure The Horny Goat doesn’t have a no mobile phones policy, bruv. Don’t forget we always know where our people are.” I don’t want to be his people. This shit is terrifying.

“What’s the job?”

“Oooh suddenly he’s all about the work. There’s a bellend we need watched. You’ll be on duty with Danno, and you’ll be there in one hour. Plan to be there all evening.”

What the fuck.

“I can’t just leave C… I can’t just disappear all evening!”

“Your lady will be fine, bruv. She’s very resourceful, I’m sure. Tell her you need to work for a few hours, and as a result she can buy a new fucking car or something. We pay well, don’t we?” He knew I couldn’t argue with that. Fucker.

“Fine. What’s the address?”

“Do I look like your fucking day planner? Danno will message you. Don’t be late.”

Did I flip the phone off a few times once the call ended? Sure? Did I know for sure that they couldn’t see it somehow? Not really.

I watched Claudia returning from the bathroom, and dialled Micro.

“Hey, brother. Don’t worry, she didn’t break anyone. To be honest, I think she’s the broken one.”

I reached for Claudia as she approached me, tugging her close.

“I’m sorry about all that, Pres, but I’m calling because I’ve been given another job for the Bennetts. I need to be there in about an hour, so I’m dropping Claudia back at Henley’s, and I need to be gone all evening. I’m a bit worried about dumping her all that time alone in a strange place though.”

He didn’t need me to elaborate, because he’d grown into a fucking amazing President, and man.

“I’ll see if Harley and Rocket can swing by with their old ladies, yeah? Kind of a welcoming party. Probably one involving a very bitey pup too.”

“Nixie?”

“Yeah, still doesn’t like me. I got bit. Enough said.”

Geez. That dog was weird about men. She didn’t like me either.

“Thanks, Pres. I’ll let Claudia know to expect them. They’ll have to text when they’re outside. She won’t hear the door.”

Claudia

Imagine my surprise when I found out that Stag wasn’t ditching me all evening, his words, but that he’d arranged for a few friends to stop by and hang out. He kept stressing that it wasn’t babysitting, but I didn’t see it that way anyway.

I wanted to meet more of his family. Henley and Glory were lovely, I mean, they were letting us stay in their home, so maybe the others would be nice too.

When my phone buzzed in my pocket to say they’d arrived, I got up and let them in. Two large bikers and two women, plus what turned out to be a sweet little dachshund pup in one woman’s arms.

“Oh my god, what a cutie!”

One of the men waved to catch my eye and grinned. “Thanks, love. I like to think so.” That led to the woman beside him punching his arm, and him turning to grumble at her. I missed the words, but I put my focus back on the pup.

“Sorry, I’m being so rude. Come in. I’m Claudia. You probably know I’m deaf, so tap my arm or hand if you need to talk to me.”

The girl holding the pup offered me a warm smile. “I’m Caroline, and this is …” I had no idea what word she’d just said. Nicky? Nissie?

“I didn’t catch that. Her name is Nissie?”