“Well, I’m sure we can think of something other than cleaning Hunter’s sheets. I mean, who knows what’s on them.”
“I honestly don’t mind.” I cringe, knowing she’s probably right. I don’t pay too much attention to who Hunter takes to his bed, but I have noticed since his main girl left him a couple weeks ago, he has a new woman on his arm practically every night.
“I know you don’t, which is what makes this even worse. You want to clean Hunter’s sheets. Girl, this is bad.” I laugh at her disgusted tone, but don’t argue anymore. She’s right. This is bad.
Seriously, who likes doing laundry anyway?
“Well, what do you have in mind?” I ask, moving from the laundry and back out to the kitchen. Besides cleaning everyone’s sheets, I’ve kept myself busy with baking. Something all the members are grateful for, even Beau when I make his favorite brownies.
“What did you do for work before you came here?”
“Before Chad I was a receptionist, and after I was a waitress.” My mind flicks to Fred and Carly. My boss and his wife from the diner I worked at in Ohio. It wasn’t the most glorified job in the world, but I miss it. My boss was a good man, and even though he didn’t know the extent of my past, he still helped me out more than anyone else has done in my life.
I need to call him, and let him know I’m safe.
“So yeah, I’m an all-round go-getter.” I force Fred and Carly out of my head and laugh at my own joke.
“What are you two talking about?” Holly looks up from the table, joining in on our conversation.
“Mackenzie needs a job.” Kadence takes the seat next to her and I move to fill my coffee cup.
“Oh, I was going to suggest something this week. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the clubhouse so clean.” She points around the kitchen. She’s right. I’ve spent virtually every day cleaning over and over.
“Not that we don’t appreciate it, but I think it’s time to step outside the clubhouse,” she adds and I nod in agreement. I’ve been here hiding out for over a month and no one has come for me. I think it’s safe to say I’m not in any immediate danger.
“Okay, so do you know anyone who’s hiring?” I move to the oven to check on the cake I’m baking. Chocolate mud cake, with orange glaze today.
“I know Jesse is,” Holly offers and I take a minute to think about it. Working with Jesse? It might work.
“It could work.”
“No,” both Kadence and Nix say at the same time. I look back watching Nix enter the kitchen and move to his wife.
“Not at the club, I mean help with his books.” Holly ignores Nix and Kadence making-out like teenagers, and explains her suggestion.
I hold in my smile as she rolls her eyes waiting for them to come up for air. After what feels like a minute, she gives up.
“Hello, important discussion happening here. Get a room.” A giggle escapes my lips when Nix pulls back from Kadence and a slight blush coats her neck.
“Sorry.” She smirks but there is nothing to be embarrassed about. I wish I’d had a marriage where my husband walked in and literally took my breath away with a passionate kiss.
“So Jesse needs help with the books?” She straightens herself, her eyes following Nix’s ass as he walks to the fridge and pulls out a beer.
“If Jesse can’t use you, you could help me out. We have three businesses to keep on top of and I’m always behind.” Nix cracks the top of his beer and bends down to check what’s in the oven.
“You own three shops?” I ask, unaware of this news. The club has been welcoming with me being here, but it doesn’t mean they talk much about their business.
“Yep.” HHe stands, his eyes coming to mine. “You making a cake?”
“Yeah, it’s nearly done.” His grin grows full, making him a hell of a lot less scary. Out of the guys here, Nix and Sy are the two I know least about. Sy still scares me. Ever since the night Beau saved me, Sy’s made it clear I’m too much trouble for the club, and Nix is the Prez of this club. He intimidates me.
“Come find me when it’s ready,” he orders, and I can’t help the smile as it lifts the corner of my mouth.
“Sure. And if you need help, I can start right away,” I add, eager to start.
“You can start tomorrow.” He moves toward the door, done with the conversation. I nod, trying not to show too much excitement. I mean, it’s not like I’ll be leaving the clubhouse, but at least it will get my mind off things and give me my own income, hopefully enough to help me find my own place. As much as staying here has been great, I’m slowly starting to feel comfortable enough to leave and be on my own. The need to always watch my back is fading and with each day, my confidence grows.
Maybe it’s really over?
“So it’s sorted then. No more washing nasty-ass sheets.” Kadence stands, her eyes shining with achievement.
“I can still do washing,” I add, not really caring either way. Over a month of free rent, feeding me and keeping me safe? These people are my saviors. Cleaning and washing are the least I can do.
“No, no more washing, Mackenzie.” She levels her stare at me. I don’t want to piss her off, so I don’t say anything. I don’t bother arguing. A few loads won’t hurt anyone. She doesn’t need to know.
Past Mackenzie
His arm rests heavily on my chest, pinning me down to the bed. Paralyzed with fear, I continue counting in my head. Starting at one and finishing at one hundred. Over and over I repeat it. I’ve made it through counting to one hundred over fifty times now. Each one bringing me closer to my freedom.
Not knowing if he’s feigning sleep, I force myself to wait it out another twenty rounds of counting. Chad is a heavy sleeper most days, but I can’t trust he isn’t waiting for me to make a move.
Once I count through the final hundred, I slowly shift my weight praying to God he doesn’t wake. Each small movement cracks at the carefully constructed armor I’ve erected to stay strong. Once I know he’s asleep, I untangle myself, and tiptoe my way to the bathroom and make quick work of changing out of my nightgown.
I know leaving Chad may bring more pain, but it doesn’t stop me from trying. I know out of anyone, Heidi will help me. Most people don’t want to know about the ugliness that hides behind people’s doors. They prefer to look away, pretend to not notice the bruises, the busted lips. But Heidi has never been one to shy away. She’s been begging me to leave him.
In the beginning, Chad would leave marks that wouldn’t raise suspicion, until he didn’t. On one occasion after he had blackened my eye he told me that he liked to see his mark on me. The sick bastard enjoyed it. I didn’t know then how bad it would get.
Until tonight.
After the big blow-up earlier, that ended with me lying on our hallway floor used, abused and broken, I knew it was the end. Knew I had to leave. I wasn’t sure if next time I would survive.
Trying to forget the nightmare of earlier, I give one final look at a sleeping Chad, and then slowly creep out of the room, down the stairs and out the front door to my escape. I know this is risky walking out the front door, but there is no other way. Our house is closed in on both sides.
Josi, Chad’s dog, would have a fit if I walked out the back door and didn’t take her out and there’s no way I can take the car. Sparing one last thought of Josi, I swallow my tears at leaving her and continue my escape. I can’t think of her or anyone but myself tonight. For once think of yourself, Kenz.