15. He’s a Drug and I Crave Another Hit

Fifteen

He's a Drug and I Crave Another Hit

Elena

Yesterday's happiness has been dwindling since Axle left. I haven't moved from his bed, although I know I must get ready for work. I grab my phone and message him.

Axle

How is your trip? Did you get there safe? xx

I wait for a reply, but it doesn't come. My stomach churns.

I go downstairs and see the new guy stocking the bar fridges under the watchful eyes of Grace and Mercedez. When he turns, I see the girls weren't wrong—he is very handsome. He's clean-shaven, and I can see the indent of his biceps through his shirt.

"Elena is it?" he asks with a friendly smile.

I smile back. "Yes, and you must be the new prospect."

"The name's Rage." His eyes flick over me, but not in a sleezy way. "Are you ready to leave for work now?"

"I am."

"I'll take you," he says.

I follow him to the front door, but he stops at the computer room. I sense the intensity of Grace's death stare as I wait for him.

"Hey," Rage says to Twitch, who's sitting at his desk. "I'm taking Elena to work. Do you need anything while I'm out?"

"I'm all good, thanks," Twitch replies.

I follow Rage to the shed. The truck beeps, signaling that it's unlocked. I move to the passenger side and stare. With my short legs, how am I supposed to get up?

"Is everything alright?" Rage asks from the back of the truck.

I flush. "Do you mind helping me up?"

He smiles. "Sure." He steps over to me, opens the truck's door like a gentleman, and picks me up like I weigh nothing so that my feet reach the step.

I take a seat and close the door. He gets into the driver's side. As we're driving down the dirt road to town, I glance at him and make small talk. "So... why did you want to become a prospect?"

He looks at me for a second before his eyes return to the road. "I got to know the guys through the fights. After school, I never knew what I wanted to do other than fight, so I thought it would be cool to be part of something."

"The women at the clubhouse have taken a liking to you."

"Yes." He chuckles. "They have."

He's been here for only a day, which makes me wonder what the girls have said to him already. "Grace is available."

"Which one's Grace?"

"Big boobs and red hair." Passive-aggressive queen B.

He bops his head. "Thanks for letting me know."

It will make my life easier at the clubhouse if she likes someone else.

Once we get into town, Rage asks, "Where do you work?"

"Crown Village Seafood Restaurant, on the main road."

After he parks outside the restaurant, he comes over to my side of the truck and holds out a hand to help me down. "Thank you," I say, but then I hear the beep of the truck locking. I peer over my shoulder to see Rage following me. "What are you doing?"

He puts his hands in the pockets of his jeans and glances down before making eye contact. "I'm coming with you."

My stomach drops. Of course he is . "Axle is forcing you to watch me, isn't he?"

Rage doesn't reply. His lips are set in a firm line. Rage seems harmless, so I decide not to make his life difficult and walk inside.

"She's back," Mel says, her eyes wide. I smile at her, but she looks over my shoulder, her smile brightening ten-fold. She comes over and whispers, "Who's that?"

"Rage. A new prospect for the MC."

"Wow! He's fiiine."

I grin at her and turn to Rage. "Take a seat anywhere. I'll be setting up and assisting in the kitchen."

"I've got to follow you into the kitchen, though."

I blow out a calming breath. "You're literally going to follow me into the kitchen?" I ask, unable to keep the disbelief out of my voice.

"Yes, I can't see you from out here."

He's taking his job too literally. "Trust me, I'll be fine. Axle never followed me in there." Well... he did once, but I won't tell Rage that.

Rage gives me a suspicious look.

"Go sit down. You'll find a menu on the table, and you can order something to eat. Would you like a drink?"

"Water, thanks."

I leave, go into the kitchen, and get my apron out.

Mel's at my side. "He's like..." She flaps a hand in front of her face, fanning herself.

Cameron comes out of his office with his hands up. "Is that another War Brothers MC member?" He looks me up and down with a sneer. "How many are you with?"

I scoff. Even though I try not to let it, his words still cut. "Axle's got something on, so Rage has decided to... join me today."

Cameron straightens his spine. "I told you I don't want any MC members here. You've disappointed me," he says, shaking his head. "If my parents see the security cameras and see you've brought them here, I can't stop them from letting you go."

If I can get another job, I don't really mind, apart from missing out on the good tips. There'd be less bickering between Axle and me.

"Don't you think it's too much?" he asks, but before I can answer, he carries on talking. "It's harassment, and it's not healthy."

"It's not harassment," I'm quick to point out. Unhealthy, maybe...

"Oh, they can harass me," Mel says in a sultry voice. I try not to smile at her. Cameron's eyes narrow.

"What? If anything, you'll get more female customers. The cougars with their ugly rich old husbands are going to enjoy perving on him while eating their meals. In saying that, I'm going to go talk to Rage and work my magic." She hastily leaves, and I'm left with Cameron, who's staring at me.

"Your roommates have been asking about you. You should spend some time with them."

I think they only want to talk about or see Axle, not spend time with me. I don't know how to respond. "I'm busy," is all that comes to mind.

He steps toward me and lifts his hand, but I step back in time before he touches my hair. It seems too personal. Having to be hypervigilant of my boss's actions every time I'm at work is a sickening feeling.

"You're beautiful and deserve so much better than the likes of a club member can offer you."

He just crossed a line! I force my face to be passive because I don't want to cause a scene, especially since Rage can walk in at any moment and I haven't found another job yet.

"Umm... I'd better get to work." I briskly walk out and busy myself with work. Time passes and I'm lost, just going through the motions. Menacing thoughts filter through my brain. Is Axle safe? What's he doing? Do I want to know? As long as he's safe, that's what really matters.

Mel stops at Rage's table as much as she can. He always smiles at her. She's loving it.

"Where's Axle?" Mel asks when she reaches me.

I frown. I miss him. "He's out with the MC. He'll be back soon."

"Aww..."

I raise my eyes to meet hers.

"You really like him."

There's no point denying it. "I do."

The sympathy in her eyes bugs me. "Just be careful. He'll hurt you."

"Thanks." I sigh. "It's not the first time I've heard that."

She lays her hand gently on my arm. "Leopards can't change their spots."

I pull back my arm with more force than necessary and stride toward my bag. "Bye everyone," I call out and go to Rage, who stands.

"Ready?"

"Yes." I follow him to the truck. After being helped inside, I pull out my phone to see messages from two people. Axle and Henry.

Axle

Everything's good babe. We should be back tonight.

Relief floods me.

How's everything been going there? How's Rage?

He's really nice. There was really no need for him to follow me.

Yes. There was. Have you missed me babe?

Yes, I have.

I've missed you too. I've got to go. But I'll see you tonight.

Be safe xx

I gaze through the window of the truck, recalling last night. The way Axle looked at me, like he was starving. Goosebumps travel up my arms. The way he made me feel good and didn't rush me. I appreciate that more than he'll ever know. Everyone portrays him as a player, but he's been attentive, protective, and caring.

I remember that I have a message from Henry.

Henry

Looking forward to seeing you soon for your birthday.

I let out an audible sigh. I prefer not to meet him and my parents for my birthday. He's nice, but he's not who I want to spend my birthday with.

"What was that big sigh for?" Rage asks.

"My ex messaged me. My mom has organized for my parents and his family to go out with me for dinner for my birthday."

"Your ex?" he clarifies, looking disturbed.

"Yes."

"Axle doesn't seem the type to let you spend time with your ex. He's very protective of you."

"I've decided I'm not going to go because I want to spend it with Axle instead. I just haven't told my parents or my ex yet." I recoil. "My mom will be mad."

"Just tell them. You'll feel better once it's done." He's right.

"I'll do it when we get back to the clubhouse."

Upon our return, I walk through the door and head to the kitchen for water. Vera is pulling the dishes out of the dishwasher while Grace is drying them and putting them away. Mercedez and Candy are seated at the counter.

I give them all a small smile. "Did you screw Rage too?" asks Grace.

I blink at her, taken aback by her words. "I didn't screw him!" I'm offended. "I went to work." You know, like actual work. It's on the tip of my tongue, but I keep my cool.

"Well... I'm sure Axle won't mind sharing you around," Grace says with a mocking grin.

I scrunch my nose. "He'll care. He gets jealous easily."

Mercedez and Vera are watching us. Candy is looking anywhere but at us, trying not to get involved.

"Why don't you spend time with Rage," I say offhandedly, wishing she'd give me a break.

She giggles. "Oh, I will be, but don't get that twisted. I'll be waiting for Axle when you dump him, and you will. It's only a matter of time."

Rage walks in, and his head tilts as he watches me closely. Then it comes to me. Rage is checking on me, making sure I'm alright. I give him a small smile back.

"Hey, Rage," Grace says, trying to sound sexy. She sashays over to him, rubs her hand down his stomach, and then grabs his hand. "Come have a drink with me?"

"Are you alright?" Rage asks me.

"Sure, you go and have a drink." Get Grace out of my presence. She's a horrible person.

Grace looks at me, her grin even wider. "Don't forget, whatever happens on a ride, stays on a ride."

I stand and watch Rage and Grace walk to the bar. I'm left wondering what Grace meant by that comment. Vera and Mercedez finish up and leave. Candy remains. "Try not to let them get to you," she mumbles.

"Hmm... easier said than done."

"Hopefully, Rage will give Grace someone else to obsess over."

I like Candy. She's always bubbly and positive. "I hope so. What did she mean by whatever happens on a ride stays on a ride?"

Candy cringes. "Well... it's a rule with most motorcycle clubs. If the men leave the clubhouse to go to a different town, they can have sex with anyone. So it's not classified as cheating."

Heaviness weighs on my shoulders. I grab my bottle of water and go upstairs to Axle's room. After having sex with me last night, would he have sex with another woman? I'd like to think he wouldn't.

Dread washes over me. I grab my phone from next to the pillow and call my parents.

"Hello," my mother answers.

"Hey, it's me, Elena."

"You have been ignoring us," she says. "No phone calls."

"You know you can call me too." My mouth slams shut. It slipped out before I could stop it.

"What did you say to me?" she asks.

"Nothing," I mumble. "I'm just calling to say I'm not coming home for my birthday."

"You're not what?" she screeches. "Yes, you will. I've organized dinner, made plans with Henry's family. Don't you embarrass me like that! You're coming and that's final."

"Actually... I'm not. I appreciate the dinner; send Henry and his family my regards. I've decided I want to have a quiet birthday here."

"You will come home!"

"I'm not arguing with you. I told you what I'm doing. See ya, Mom." I disconnect the call and send Henry a message that I won't be seeing him, but I hope he's well.

My phone rings, alternating between my parents' number and his, but I let it ring and lie down, knowing I've got another shift in a couple of hours. I take the time to rest, though my brain won't shut off from the negative thoughts.

Reluctantly, when the time has come, I pull on my uniform, preparing for my next shift. My heart's heavy, and it's hard to shake the unsettling sensation in my stomach. I take a deep breath, forcing a smile that doesn't quite reach my eyes. I'll need to put on a customer service smile tonight.

I go searching for Rage. He's in the living room, Grace on one side, Mercedez on the other. I groan. I'd rather not go to him, but I need a lift.

"Excuse me, Rage. It's time for me to go to work again."

He's on his feet in a second, but the girls whine. I dart out to the truck before I hear what they're saying.

The drive over is silent. He parks outside of work. "Don't you drive?" he asks.

I point over to my sad car that's still sitting there. "That's mine. It's not working."

He chuckles. "Isn't Axle a mechanic?"

"Yes, he is." That reminds me: I need to get onto him about fixing it.

Work goes by slowly, my eyes flickering back to the clock constantly. I'm relieved once my shift is over.

After Rage drives us home, and once I'm out of the truck, I say, "Do you know when Axle will be back?"

Rage replies, "I think he'll be here within the next hour."

Anticipation bursts through my chest. "Finally!"

He chuckles. "You two seem great together. I hope I can find something like that one day."

Oh... he's so sweet.

When we go inside, the sweet butts don't affect me... nothing does. I'm glowing and have a bounce in my step. Closer to the time Axle's due to arrive, I stay by the front door and wait. My stomach is doing flips, but adrenaline is firing through my veins. He's a drug, and my body aches for another hit.

As soon as I hear the rumble of motorcycles, I run out the front door and impatiently stand on the porch. As they all pull up, I wait until I see Axle, then I hurry down the steps to him. He gets off his bike and takes his helmet off just in time as I launch myself at him and wrap my legs around his waist. I pepper his face with kisses while he laughs.

His head inches back. "I missed you too, baby girl," he says, then presses his lips firmly against mine.