The inside is bare bones. Plain beige walls create a blank slate, broken up only by club flags and pictures taken with members over the years. Spotting one of Wizard and Dad in his office, I pause. He looks happy there beside Wizard. It’s been a long time since I saw that expression on his face.
He and Mom are oil and water. They never mixed, but they could settle one on top of the other for significant chunks of time. When she decided to get out of the life and run off with some insurance salesman, it took a lot of his spark. I couldn’t fault him for leaving. It made sense for him, and I was used to his neglect.
Other than keeping me clothed and fed, he’s never been much of a father. I’ve come to terms with it over the years. All about living free, Hulk saw me as an anchor he didn’t always want to ground him. I still miss him. If he’d been an uncle instead of a father, he would’ve been my favorite one. Too bad you were my dad. Sighing, I move away from the photo to continue across the room and down the hall to the laundry.
Settling in has been remarkably easy. All of my things are unpacked, hanging in my closet or stored in my dresser, and Wizard is easy to please. I keep his clothes clean, the fridge stocked, and food on the table or readily available three times a day. Life with nothing hanging over my head is a completely new experience. My insomnia has disappeared virtually overnight and I’m not looking over my shoulder every few minutes.
I enter the small room and sort through the hamper. It’s like black is the only color the man is interested in. His scent wafts up from the clothing, a heady mix of leather, sweat, and man. It brings a sense of comfort and safety. I bring the T-shirt to my nose and inhale deeply. He’s the closest I’ve ever come to having a hero.
The door opens. I toss the T-shirt into the washer and shut the lid.
“Nevy.”
I jog out of the room. “I’m doing laundry, Wizard.”
“We got a problem.”
My stomach drops into my shoes. “Fuse?” The name chokes me on the way out.
“What? No.” He shakes his head. “He’s still licking his wounds. This is about Hulk.”
“Dad?” I ask, startled.
“Yeah, Stone let him know what happened. He thinks you could’ve done better and I should’ve talked it over with him.”
I snicker. “Too late to give a fuck now.”
“He doesn’t see it that way.”
“What’s he plan on doing from Florida?” I cross my arms under my breasts. The blissful bubble that had surrounded me has been effectively popped.
“Nothing. He’s on his way back.”
“No.” I shake my head. My ponytail thrashes around, slapping against my back like a whip. “I’m not going to let him do this to me, Wizard! This is the first time in years I’ve had a proper roof over my—head.” My voice wavers. I hate myself for the weakness, but the prospect of being yanked from a safe environment has sliced through my armor.
“Hey.” Wizard steps forward and holds my chin in his firm grip. His long, calloused fingers are cool and his voice is calm. “You’re not going anywhere. We’ll hash this shit out and he’ll let it drop.”
“B-but—”
He narrows his eyes. “It’s not for you to worry about. You think I’d let someone come in and disrespect me? Treat me like some punk ass prospect who can’t keep what he’s claimed?” His nostrils flare and his voice deepens.
I shiver. I like being Wizard’s property more than I should. “N-no.”
“Exactly. None of this is your business. It’s mine to handle. I told you because I didn’t want you blindsided by Hulk, or someone else talking around the club. I’m showing you respect. In return, I expect the same.” His eyes have grown cold.
The change is off-putting for me. “How is it not my concern? It involves me.”
Wizard growls and grabs my upper arms. “Am I your old man?”
My mind goes blank. Is this a trick question? We both know he never wanted this.
“Let me rephrase that. I am your man. I’m the one taking care of you, defending you, and giving you a property vest. That means your problems are mine. The only thing you need to do is worry about work and shit around the house. You’re not a free agent. The title old lady has pluses and cons. You know that. Remember, your actions reflect upon me now.”
His words were a bucket of cold water to the face. If I fuck up, it’s his rep that gets tarnished. When he releases me I take a half step back.
“I been in this shit too long to let it be fucked up because you want to act rash. You’re level headed, Nevada. More than most, because you had to be. I thought you could handle this role. Don’t prove me wrong after I stuck my neck out for you, kid.”
My face grows hot. I feel scolded. “I’m not a kid.”