Trek

Heidi

His words should have scared me away, but they didn’t. They turned me on, called to me like a drug, and I wanted a hit. I’ve known Trek since we were kids. Granted, I don’t know the man all that well. I think I know his heart. He’s a good guy, which hasn’t changed over the years of us being apart.

“I used to love following you around,” I tell him.

“I liked it. I know I didn’t always show it, but I did like it,” he tells me.

“You always looked at me differently.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know. I just felt it, like I was different from the others.” He lifts his hand to my cheek and smiles.

“That’s because you were different. I liked you different. I didn’t want the same shit over and over again, Heidi.” He lowers his hand and begins to walk as I follow him. Trek watches the area inside the fence while someone else is outside. It makes me feel safe and secure.

“Thanks for what you’re doing for me.”

“It’s not a problem.”

“It’s a lot, though.”

“I’m pretty sure you know I’d just about do anything for you at this point.” My cheeks heat at his words. I know he would. I’ve seen it with my own two eyes.

“You’re still raiding that house?”

“Yeah, we are. There’s just been a few things come up that’s stopped us, but we are.”

“Good.”

“Does that scare you?” he asks as we continue walking.

“I’m scared for the girls who are there. I don’t know how well they’ll handle things after they’re out of there. Most of them are like me, used to it.”

“I can’t make the same arrangements for them that I did for you,” he deadpans. I didn’t want him to. I kind of like having him all to myself.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I’m just bein’ honest. We’re not like that. That isn’t who we are, but we can make sure they have the best possible care there is,” he reassures me.

“They’d appreciate that.”

“You sure you’re good with them comin’ here?”

“It’s not my place to say no. It’s your club,” I reply, although the thought of that many girls in one space does set my nerves on edge. I’m not exactly sure why either.

“You have a say, Heidi.”

“No, I really don’t. I’m just grateful to be here.” He nods his head as we walk the rest of the way around the fenced area of the backyard. I don’t see or hear anything, and I suppose that’s a good sign.

“What time is your shift over?”

“Few hours. Why?”

“I was thinking I would stay out here with you if that’s okay.” I hope he doesn’t say no. I like being around him and knowing he’s close if something happens.

“You can stay.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I’m sure, darlin’. What do you wanna talk about?” he asks, and I have no clue what to say.

“Do you think they were after me?” Trek shakes his head before pulling a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it up.

“I don’t think so. Why would they? They can just pick up another girl,” he says.

“That’s probably true. Victor favored me for some reason. I don’t know why,” I tell him.

“What do you mean favored you?”

“He just liked to use me more than the others,” I admit as a shiver rolls through my body. I hate that he has that effect on me. I hate that just thinking of him can cause me to falter.

“That’ll never happen again.” His tone is firm, just like the man himself.

“I know. Thanks to you,” I murmur.

“I’m glad you showed up here.”

“Me too.” The silence is comforting as we walk the perimeter once more. I watch him, how he moves, how he acts. He’s so poised and strong. I don’t know how he got that way or when it all happened. I want to ask him more questions about the club, but I know most of it is off-limits.

Nevertheless, I open my mouth to ask.

“Why the club?”

“What do you mean?”

“Why did you join the club?”

“It was a brotherhood. Somethin’ I’d always wanted but never had. I had sisters, but this is different. These are men I can count on. Men I can rely on when I need them. They have my back, and I have theirs. I like knowin’ that.”

“You’re family.”

“Just like my mom and sisters. I wouldn’t change that for the world, either. They’ve always been there when I needed them,” he says.

“I like that. I love watching how you all interact together. It’s one big family.” Trek flicks his cigarette through the air, and I watch the red tip arc through the air before hitting the ground. He backs me against the fence once more, pressing his lips to mine. Our kiss is heated this time, and I can’t stop the moan that falls from my lips.

“Let me keep you, Heidi,” he whispers against my lips. He doesn’t give me a chance to respond before kissing me once more.