Page 83 of Reaper's Claim

“I don’t want him to hate me.” She smiled sadly at me. “I know this sounds stupid, but I would rather be his friend than nothing, you know?”

“Then be his friend.” I went to sit beside her. “Stay, and then at the very least you can show him what he is missing out on.”

Trigger wasn’t a clear-cut type of guy. Which made me think that this ‘relationship’ of his wasn’t clear-cut either.

Kim sighed, looking around the room. “You so have to redecorate this room if you are staying here.”

“Funny, I was thinking the same thing.” I grinned at her, “So are you going to stay?”

“I wouldn’t be a good sister if I left you here by yourself with Reaper, would I?”

Laughing at her, I couldn’t help but think about how much I had changed since I left this room. I just hoped I didn’t fall back into old habits.

***

“You going out in that?” Dad’s eyes widened slightly, his nostrils flared. “It’s a bloody bra, Abby. Put a top on.”

“It’s a sports bra, Dad, and I’m going for a run. Not like I’m heading down the street.” I felt highly annoyed at him. All I wanted to do was go for a run, and he had to be hovering around the gate.

“What are those? Underwear!” He pointed at my shorts.

“They are Loren Jane, Dad. Hardly underwear!” I snickered at his overreaction. While I knew a few of the guys were giving me a once over, there was only one pair of eyes I wanted on me, and he wasn’t here. In fact, I hadn’t seen him since morning.

“Can I go now?” I huffed at him while clicking my phone into my armband.

“Not till you get changed.”

“Dad. Back off.” I wasn’t letting him stomp all over me again. “I’m going for a run. I have my phone. Call me if you need me.”

I turned my back sharply and headed out the gates. After all, what could he do? Stop me? Doubtful.

Putting my headphones in, I started to quicken my pace. Time to have some me time, and I really needed it.

***

I was sweaty, I was hot, and I really needed a drink. Bursting into the clubhouse, I headed straight to the bar, reaching over for a scoop of ice and some water.

I gulped it down at an incredible rate while still listening to my music. I was in such a rush to get a drink I hadn’t even stretched or taken my headphones out. Which I suppose led me to a humiliating moment when I finished my drink only to realize that the end of the bar was full.

My chest heaved and I still hadn’t managed to get control over my breathing, taking out my headphones, then Trigger decided he wanted to be a smart arse.

“Lose your top, Abby?” He made a point to stare at my chest for a few moments.

I slapped my glass down on the bar and ignored him.

“You know, babe, I could get you a sweater if you want.” Some greasy, dirty man on a bar stool smirked at me.

I walked past them, not bothering to give them a response. It was when he slapped my arse that I got mad. Spinning on my heel, I slapped the man’s hand away.

“Don’t touch me,” I snarled.

“Come on, darling; that’s no way to talk to a bloke.”

Who was this man? Usually, the guys had respect for Kim and I. Clearly this guy didn’t know who I was or more importantly, who my dad was.

Trigger leaned back against the bar, looking amused and not seeming to want to step in.

The man reached out for me again, and I was quick to push him away. “I said leave me alone!” I picked up his half empty beer and threw the contents in his face.