Chapter Three

Brooklyn

IT'S BEEN A week since the guy tried to attack me at Soul Escape. I don't know the details of what happened or why he chose to come after me, and I don't care to know them. This is just one more incident in the series of fucked up shit that's happened in my life since meeting Bennett and learning how little my parents truly care about me. What I do know is that no matter how much I try to forget the night in question, the worse the nightmares plaguing me get. Each night I dream of him coming after me and getting his hands on me. Not only does he beat the hell out of me the way Bennett has done in the past, but he uses the knife I caught a glimpse of to carve up my body. The man carves horrible words into my skin and places cuts deep enough to bleed like crazy but not enough to kill me. It's the worst pain I've experienced in my life and that's saying something after everything Bennett has done to me since we got together.

Wheels and Soul have been awesome throughout it all; waking me up and then doing what they can to soothe me so I fall back to sleep. Right now, we're all looking a bit haggard around the edges, but when I try to apologize, they shush me, which is kind of funny if I think about it since they're both badasses in their own right. I guess logically I know I'm safe, it's my subconscious that won't let me forget the horrors of my past.

Chayse ended up getting released from the emergency room after being there for several hours and being treated for his injuries. Fetch took him home to his apartment and stayed with him that night. He wasn't allowed to shower or get the bandages covering the worst of his damaged body wet and needed someone to help him take care of the basic necessities for a few days. Fetch got it cleared with Anguish to be there for him and I'm glad he's not alone. Though, I have sent over a few things with Soul when he went to visit with him and make sure Chayse is really okay. I used one of Nanny's recipes to make him some soup and Nanny gave me a loaf of bread she made to go with the soup.

Chayse isn't the type to read so the books I've been loaned from the ol' ladies and Nanny are useless, but I did check with the guys and sent him some of the magazines that were in the clubhouse. They include getting tattoos, bikes, cars, and all the other stuff guys read about. Or at least these guys. Bennett wouldn't be caught dead reading about anything that's not the stock market, the financial section, or anything else he feels will keep him relevant when he's out in public. Bennett is all about his image and making sure nothing tarnishes it and that he never looks like a damn fool.

My thoughts turn from Bennett to the two men who have been there for me since the night I walked into Cricket's. They've been at my side every day and have done everything in their power to ensure I learn, grow, and realize exactly what my parents and Bennett have been doing to me for so long. It makes me sick to realize that all the lies my parents and Bennett told me are just that—lies. Plus, the fact that all three of them felt comfortable hitting me whenever they wanted? Yeah, I now know from the guys that no one should ever put their hands on me in anger. It's not okay and I have the right to protect myself. When I'm ready, Wheels and Soul will be teaching me self-defense here on the compound because they're the only ones I'm comfortable touching me or being up in my space. Fetch and a few others will be there to help them, but they aren't allowed to get too close to me or touch me in any way. I'm honestly excited to get started with that and plan on telling the guys when they get home so we can start training.

From what I understand, Wheels and Soul aren't just going to teach me self-defense. They plan on giving me an entire routine to get through on a daily basis. We'll be running, working with weights, strengthening my core, and stretching out my muscles so I become flexible and better able to get away from any potential attacker who might come at me because of Bennett, his family, or for any other reason. I'm not looking forward to working out, but I'll do whatever the guys ask me to do because I know they have my best interest at heart and won't ever make me do anything I'm uncomfortable doing.

When I've been alone in the cabin with Wheels and Soul, I've noticed the looks they give me and how they each disappear to the bathroom for extended periods of time. I've heard them both mumbling about needing a cold shower more than a handful of times since we've all been staying together. When we all sit down for a meal or to watch TV, I've leaned on both of them, falling asleep on their shoulder or with my head in their laps. Still, neither one of them pressures me for anything physical. While I love that they're taking what's been done to me into consideration and not forcing anything I'm not ready for, I'm just as frustrated as the two of them. Bennett never made me feel the way the two of them do, and the touches have been innocent with no sexual intent.

I might be naive in all things regarding sex, but I can realize the looks Wheels and Soul are sending my way and I know how I feel about them. I've never touched myself sexually, and it's something I think about every damn day lately. The only thing stopping me is the fear of one of them walking in and catching me. Or Nanny showing up and entering the cabin without knocking as she's known to do every now and then. I'd die of embarrassment in either scenario. This is something I've talked to Nanny about when we spend our mornings together. She's witnessed the same looks from the guys toward me and knows they're waiting on me to make a move. I'm just not sure if it's a move I'll be able to take. The fear of rejection is real and every time I even think about leaning up to kiss one of the guys, I end up backing off and pretending as if I don't see them as the sexy men they are. Nanny thinks I should just go for it and let them know I'm ready. She says they'll take over and it'll all ‘come out in the wash' whatever that means, but I'm still scared. They're both so virile, and obviously experienced, and then there's me.

Wheels and Soul are completely opposite and yet the same. They balance one another perfectly and when one of them can't give someone else what they need, the other steps up without hesitation. I've watched them mentor the Prospects and talk to them through various issues they've had going on in their lives. Wheels has coached Fetch on getting the girl of his dreams—Moriah. She works at TnT Ink and they have a pretty solid relationship from what I've witnessed so far. Moriah absolutely adores Fetch and the smile on his face when he sees her is something I didn't believe was real and only something I'd read about in books when the hero falls for the heroine.

Anyway, what makes the difference between the two guys is that Wheels is harder than Soul is. Soul harbors deep pain and I want to find out all of his darkest secrets to pull that burden from his shoulders. I'm sure Wheels has already tried, but there's only so much a friend can do. Soul has to want to share the secrets he holds close and let it out so someone can talk to him about the shit in his life. Maybe someone who doesn't already know what's going on and can give him an outside perspective.

Today I'm heading to the grocery store to restock the cabin. The exciting part? The guys got me a new car last week. It's one they bought at an auction that had been repossessed or something like that, and they took it to the shop and made sure it was better than road-ready. It's the newest vehicle I've ever driven, and I'm excited to check out all the options it has. Not only that, but the guys got me a radio subscription service since we're in an area that doesn't always get good reception. I love reading, so I want to check into audiobooks, as well as some true crime podcasts. Not only that, but I like a variety of music, so I'm thrilled to be able to find those stations and program them.

While they've both been buying food, I want to do this because ever since I started at the club, I've been making money hand over fist, more than I've ever made at the grocery store. The best part about it is while most places pay their waitresses a pittance, then they expect that tips will make up the difference, Soul Escape pays all the staff at least minimum wage, so even with me tipping out my bartender and the kitchen, I have a serious stash of cash from all my tips. My paycheck goes into the bank, but I keep my tips at home in a fireproof lockbox that Wheels bought for me to use just for that purpose. Then Soul brought home one of those huge empty water jugs so I had somewhere to collect all my change. The two of them spoil me and don't even realize how much it means to me, so I want to treat them both to a dinner that I've cooked all by myself, without any help from anyone. After counting up my tips and pulling out what I think I'll need, I get myself ready to head out. Nanny gave me one of her tried and true recipes, so I have a list for those items, as well as the other things I need.

Finally ready, I practically skip out to my vehicle. It's a midsize SUV since the guys will occasionally be riding with me when the weather's bad, but mostly, I'll be the primary driver. After I get inside and check that all my mirrors are set, I program several stations in and head off to the local grocery store. It may be somewhat small, but it still carries a wide variety of items, including a whole section of farm fresh fruits and vegetables. The time goes quickly as I move down each aisle, checking my list so I don't forget anything, and soon, I'm walking back to my car only to stop short when I see something underneath the washer blade.

Shaking, I approach slowly and pull it out, barely holding back the scream that wants to erupt when I read "I'm coming for you sooner rather than later, bitch".

"I need the guys, they'll know what to do," I mutter as I quickly put my bags in the cargo area. After returning the cart, I get into the car, my eyes bouncing around as fear tries to overcome me. "Just get back home, Brook, they'll help you," I chant as I crank up the car and peel out of the parking lot.

I'm almost to the turn into the compound when I see a cardboard box that wasn't there when I left. Looking around and not seeing anyone, I pull to the shoulder and get out, my keys clutched in my hand. As I get closer, I hear chirping and rush to the box. Pulling open the flaps, I see six tiny chicks and decide that I'll take them to Nanny because she'll know what to do with them. I put them in the passenger seat where I can keep a close eye on the box to make sure it doesn't tip over and hurt the chicks in any way.

Back in the SUV, I make my way through the gate and wave to Theo. He's one of the newest Prospects in the club. From what I understand, he's been working with Scorch at the community center the guys volunteer at. That's the reason he's been made a Prospect without having to wait the usual period of time most other people would have to. Scorch knows him and what kind of man he's turning out to be and trusts him with his life. From what I understand, that's one of the highest endorsements anyone could get from him. Scorch isn't a man who gives his endorsement to just anyone and the guys all know this.

Making my way to the cabins where I know Nanny will most likely be sitting out front with her after lunch snack and pitcher of lemonade, I skid in the grass because I try to stop too fast. Nanny sits up and stares at me as I jump out of the SUV and race around to the other side.

"Child, what's going on with you?" Nanny asks me, getting out of her rocking chair and moving as fast as she can to my side.

"Nanny," I begin, pausing for breath when I realize I'm about to hyperventilate as the black spots start to form around the edges of my vision.

"What do you need, Brooklyn? Tell me and I'll get it for you without hesitation," she says, fear filling her voice as Nanny finally reaches me and puts her hand on the small of my back.

"Guys," I manage to get out as I latch onto the door with my hand so hard my knuckles are turning white but I already feel my legs starting to give out from under my body.

"Wheels! Soul! Goliath! Hulk!" Nanny starts yelling at the top of her lungs though it sounds muffled and distant to me.

I can't hold myself up any longer as I allow myself to collapse to the ground just outside the SUV. Unfortunately, I'm close enough that I hit my head off the runner causing me to see stars as a sticky substance immediately starts running down my face.

"Brooklyn!" Nanny shouts as the last of my vision and sense fades into oblivion.

***

Waking up, my head is pounding and it hurts to open my eyes. Still, I manage to pry them open and look around to see my bedroom. Confusion fills me as I try to piece together what happened and why my head is killing me right now. The last thing I remember is pulling over outside the compound and finding a box of chicks. I was going to take them to Nanny because she'll know what to do with them and make sure they're okay. Then I remember the note that was left on my new SUV when I came out of the store from getting groceries to cook dinner for Wheels and Soul. After that, nothing.

"What happened?" I croak out, my voice weak and raspy as I find Soul leaning forward in a chair he pulled over next to my bed.

"What do you remember, Sweetheart?" he asks me, his voice low and gentle as if he already knows how much my head hurts.

"I remember going to the grocery store for what I need to cook you guys dinner tonight. When I came out, there was a note on the SUV under the windshield wiper. My first thought was to get home to talk to Wheels and you because you'll know what to do. When I got just outside the gate, there was a random box that wasn't there when I left. So, I stopped to find out what it was. I know it wasn't the best thing to do, but I couldn't stop myself. Anyway, the box had baby chicks in it. I put it in the SUV and went up to Nanny's because she'll know what to do with them. Before I could get the box out, the fear from the note consumed me and I guess I blacked out. I'm not sure why my head hurts so bad though," I answer Soul as so many emotions rapidly filter through his eyes making me dizzy and nauseous.

"We'll get back to the note you found on the SUV in a second, Sweetheart. Nanny has the chicks and is takin' care of them as we speak. They started chirpin' up a storm after you passed out. Your head hurts so bad because when you fell, you hit it against the runner and made a deep gash just past your hairline on your forehead. It was bleedin' like crazy when Goliath, Hulk, and I got to you. Nanny was yellin' her head off and didn't stop until we got there. Doc's been here and took care of you before I brought you back to the cabin," Soul informs me, grabbing my hand in his when my breath starts to pick up again. "What note did you find when you left the store?"

"I'm sure it's from Bennett, Soul. It says, "I'm coming for you sooner rather than later, bitch". I know it's him but I didn't see him anywhere in the parking lot and I know he loves to watch the fallout from whatever he's doing. Especially when it comes to me," I tell him, my voice breaking and faltering as I remember the note and the possibility of missing Bennett as he watched me in the parking lot. Tears fall from my eyes and roll down my face as I start to hyperventilate again, fear coursing through me.

"It's okay, Sweetheart. Wheels and I will take care of everythin'. Anguish and Wheels are goin' through your SUV as we speak. They're lookin' for any sign of a tracker or anythin' else that bastard could've done to it while you were in the store. I'll let Wheels know what's goin' on before he gets back here because he's gonna lose his damn mind. If we have to have church about this, we'll make sure Theo and Fetch are here at the cabin and Nanny can come in and sit with you until we get back. You won't be left alone until we get this situation taken care of. For now, get some more rest and I'll be right here," Soul says, not letting go of my hand as he gently runs his fingers through my hair while not pulling the strands to aggravate the injury I inflicted on myself.

Closing my eyes, I let the exhaustion pull me back under and sink into the oblivion where I don't have to think about anything going on. This is the best place for me until I know more about what's going on with Bennett and my SUV. At least that's what I'm telling myself as images of Wheels and Soul fill my mind in the happier memories they've helped me create over the last few months since I took the plunge and got away from a vile piece of shit like Bennett.