Page 94 of Stag

“Stag?”

I cleared my throat, grabbing a glass and filling it with water from the chilled filter jug in the fridge, because Henley’s a posh fucker and I’m starting to love the way he lives.

“Nightmare, I think,” I finally said, setting the glass down to lean back against the counter, “I don’t really know what to do for her when things like this happen. Do I hold her? Make her talk? Let her absorb it in silence?”

Glory ate a spoon of yoghurt while she pondered my question. Again, it would be sexy as hell if Claudia was the one doing it. Instead it was just a person eating.

“I guess you just have to leave it up to her whether she talks, but always, always hold her, Stag. You’re her safe place.”

I liked that. The idea of being a safe place for anyone, but especially her. I’d never be anything else where she’s concerned.

“Do you think she’ll have more of them?”

She laughed, idly stirring the yoghurt as she shook her head at me.

“Stag, I have no idea. Nobody does. Well… maybe Lissa. You should see if Claudia wants to talk to her, she’s been amazing for helping me. Well, and Lenore, but that’s because she rescued me. Her and well, the Bennetts.”

I groaned, folding my arms as I realised that actually I didn’t mind those bellends as much as I had in the early days. Look at how they’d let us drop everything to save Claudia. No bitching, no hesitation, just go help him. He’s one of ours. I’m one of theirs, me.

“Yeah, they’re not as bad as I expected them to be. You know… for bosses.”

Glory widened her eyes at me. “You work for them? Wow. I didn’t realise that, but I’ll be honest with you. If I didn’t know them through the charity, I’d assume they’re monsters. They’re… well, they are, but they also have good hearts underneath it all. They did a lot to help me, and I know I’m not alone in that.”

I picked up the water again, ready to head back up to check on my lady. I couldn’t believe I’d left her alone with a shirtless fucker, but he was the only one who could talk to her in that way. I’d work on fixing that for the future, but for tonight he was my only option.

“Yeah, I had my doubts, especially after… I mean, they didn’t even hesitate today. They just told Danno to get me to Claudia, and sent their doctor to help. I think they’re exactly who I need to be working for, at least for now.”

Claudia

When Stag left the room, I was worried he’d felt left out or ignored, but when I signed that to Henley, he just shook his head.

*He’s probably just taking a leak. So do you want to talk about it?*

He dropped onto the plush chair by the window and adjusted the angle of it so we could ‘talk’ easily. I was wrapped up in the bedding, and even though I wore just a t-shirt and underwear beneath it, I felt perfectly safe with him. Something about him was calming.

*I think I’ll dream about being in that car for a while. I was so sure we’d die in it.*

He offered me a sad smile, lifting his hands to respond.

*I can imagine it must have been terrifying. You do know you have a whole club of bikers at your back now? Plus I hear you had other help too.*

I giggled, despite everything, because everyone got the same look on their faces when they referred to Stag’s bosses. Wary, almost disgusted, but I had a feeling they preferred it when most people had that reaction to them. The reality was that they’d allowed him and his partner to abandon their post immediately to come to my rescue. And they’d sent their doctor to help too. Bad people didn’t do such things. Hell, I’d worked for managers in offices who wouldn’t have made any effort to support me if the situation were reversed.

Henley was still waiting for me to reply so I signed back to him.

*I don’t think they’re as bad as they want everyone to believe. I think Stag quite likes working for them.*

Henley grimaced again, keeping an eye on the door as he replied, even though we both knew Stag wouldn’t pick up his words anyway.

*I think we all need to be careful he doesn’t get in too deep with them. They’re demanding Grimm’s club for an event of theirs now too. He doesn’t want to let them in, but looks like he’s going to allow it, for the sake of the club.*

Stag reappeared before I could reply, a glass of water in hand, which he passed to me before he rounded the bed to climb in beside me again. Henley got up, and I saw Glory waiting in the doorway for him.

“Sorry I woke you all.”

They both smiled, shaking their heads as they backed out of the room and closed the door. Stag was sitting beside me, not demanding my attention, but he deserved it. I sipped the water, sighing with relief at the crisp coldness as I swallowed it. I offered him the glass and he took it while I wriggled back over to him, half turned so I could watch him if he spoke.

He sipped the water briefly and passed it back to me.