Page 14 of The First Cut

“Sure. Just tell me where to go, then.”

He opens his mouth and closes it when he realizes I have nowhere to go. He knows damn well I’m not allowed to leave the compound without an escort, as per Driller’s orders. Everyone here thinks it’s for my protection, but I know it’s because he doesn’t want me to run away.

For years, he held Havoc’s safety over my head as a way to control me. He made it sound so fucking easy to get to him in prison—like all I had to do was behave, and Havoc wouldn’t end up getting stabbed in the shower. It worked far better than anything else ever had. His words were the handcuffs that kept me in line.

But now, Havoc isn’t mine, and I don’t have to protect him anymore. Maybe if I managed to get away, Driller would let me go. His whole reason for taking me was so he could rub it in Havoc’s face. Only it backfired—Havoc has another woman now and doesn’t feel a thing for me. And honestly, I’m not sure he ever did.

“You can come hang with me.” I turn to see Gunther standing with the quilt in his hands.

I blink rapidly, instantly knowing it was him that covered me. I don’t know if that makes me hate him more or less.

Byte huffs. “If Driller catches you with her?—”

Gunther laughs. “He’s got me watching her. That’s what I’m doing. Watching her. Someone better keep her safe 'cause it sure as shit ain’t our VP.”

“Whatever you think, but I suggest you keep your mouth shut. He’s still our VP, and if he hears you talking about him, he’ll lose his shit.”

“You know what, Byte? Right now, I don’t give a fuck. But tell me, where are our wondrous VP and president? ’Cause I don’t see them anywhere and haven’t since they snuck out last night.” He steps up beside me. “You don’t have to like Lola, Byte, but she’s an old lady—one that couldn’t go home last night.”

He holds up his hand to cut off Byte before he can say anything.

“It doesn’t matter who owns the place. Lola’s been living there for fucking years. And last night, her old man fucked off, leaving his pregnant old lady to sleep in a fucking doghouse ‘cause he couldn’t be bother to get her out a fucking room.”

Seeing Gunther defend me brings tears to my eyes, a move that neither man misses.

“Look, now’s not the time for this. Havoc’ll be here any minute, and I’ve gotta tell him that Khan’s MIA.”

Gunther curses. “Just go. I’ve got Lola. Find out when she can head back to the house and grab her shit. If Havoc wants her out, then I’ll find her a room here ’til Driller gets back and figures shit out.”

Byte grunts at him before walking away.

“Come on, Lola. Let’s get out of here.”

I nod and follow him out. Smart or not, I know I don’t want to be here when Havoc arrives. I can’t stomach seeing him with that woman again—not while my wounds are still so fresh.

I grab my bag on the way, catching myself when a now awake Razzle stands up and pushes me.

“Bitch, get the fuck out of my way,” she snarls.

Before I can react, Gunter has his hand around her throat, lifting her clean off her feet.

“Since when do club whores speak to old ladies that way?”

She claws at his wrist as she struggles in his hold. “Nobody likes her. Not even her old man.”

Gunther leans forward. “I like her. And I don’t give a fuck what you think, bitch. You touch her, or even look at her wrong, and I’ll have your ass thrown outta here faster than you can blink.”

He tosses her to the floor.

A few brothers stand around watching, but nobody says a word.

I shiver. Violence is part of club life—I know that better than anyone—but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.

“Come on, Lola,” he says, holding out his elbow. I slide my hand through and let him lead me out of the room.

We head up to the second floor, and all the way down to the far end of the hall. He stops at the last door on the left before opening it and ushering me inside.

I figured he was taking me to an empty room, but this one clearly belongs to someone. I look at him and realize whose room I’m in.