“Not anymore.” She steers down the long driveway where tons of trees shade and protect the area.
“Who owns this place?” I look at her. She’s got a huge scowl on her face and her index finger is angrily tapping the steering wheel.
“Jason. His grandfather bought it in the sixties, gave it to his son Bobby, and then Bobby died, so it’s Jason’s and the stupid club’s.” She reaches into her bag for a cigarette. I think I literally might be the only nonsmoker in this compound.
“Who’s Jason?” I continue looking around, trying to pinpoint landmarks in case I need them.
“Oh, right… sorry.” She sighs, shaking her head. “Jason is Blade. I forget you’re new.”
“Oh.” That’s all I say because for some strange reason, hearing Jason rather than Blade humanizes him. And I don’t want to think of him in any other way than a healthcare provider for my dad. Dolly peels out onto the pavement and we’re speeding toward town.
“I think…” She glances over at me. “Yeah, let’s go to my salon first. After that, we’ll get lunch and shop.” I don’t respond—she’s not asking me a question. She swerves into an alley and parks her car. A big pink and turquoise sign that says “Dolly’s Doll Shop” greets us.
The door is pink and the building itself is turquoise and gold. She unlocks the door.
“We don’t open until eleven a.m.” I look around and it’s fabulous. My eyes greedily take in her turquoise and gold lounging sofas and white walls. There’s even a chandelier in the middle of the store, the crystals casting rainbows all around.
“Here, sit. Let me take a look at you.” I drop into a chair and cringe at my appearance. My hair is insane and with Blade’s T-shirt and my jean shorts, I couldn’t look any more like white trash if I tried.
She looks at me in the mirror and I slump down. Her attractive body and sophisticated hair make me want to run out the door. But I won’t; I’ll play the game.
“Eve?” Her voice is gentle.
“Yeah?”
“Have you ever had your hair styled?” Her pretty brown eyes hold no judgment. If anything, they’re filled with compassion and that’s worse.
“Um, yeah just the other day. That’s why it’s so silky.” I rub my fingers on the dry ends.
“You know, Eve, I’m not the enemy. As a matter of fact, I like you. You’re gorgeous and you have spunk. Unfortunately, that is a deadly combination at the club.” She pulls my hair off my face and the brand shows its ugly redness.
“Holy shit.” Her small pixie head is so close I feel her breath.
“I heard that he marked you. I had no idea he did it here. Lucky bitch. I had to get mine here.” She shows me her wrist.
“Yeah, I’m lucky all right. My dad is dying, my brother is a thief and a junkie, and I’m living with one of the deadliest MCs. I’d say I’m totally charmed.”
She shrugs. “Well, at least he claimed you. That’s why we need you up to par. Have you heard about Crystal?” She spits the name out as she takes off her tiny camouflage jacket revealing arms covered in tattoos.
“Is she the naked redhead on Blade’s wall?”
“Yep.” She drapes a smock over me. “Let’s get your hair first then I’ll wax you.”
My eyes snap to hers. “Wait… what? No waxing.” I frown as I look at the door opening. A guy and a girl are entering carrying coffee and bagels.
“Hey guys.” Dolly hugs the guy carrying the coffee. “Doug and Jenny this is Eve.”
Both are dressed in black and, of course, covered in tattoos. Jenny has purple hair down to her waist, and Doug has pitch-black hair cut close on the sides and long on the top. Skintight jeans and biker boots complete his look. He’s like a cross between biker and rockabilly.
“Well, what do we have here?” Doug comes up close, his cologne so thick I have to lean back.
“Relax, Dougie, she belongs to Blade.” Dolly pats his cheek.
He pouts. “Fucking Blade. He gets everyone. It’s bad enough that he’s yummy, but does he always get everything?”
“It’s one of the perks of being king.” Jenny flops into the chair to my left swiveling to look at me.
“How old are you?”
“I’m eighteen,” I respond, not bothering to look at their faces. I can hear Doug whistling.
“Blade never likes them young. If anything he usually goes older. You must be special.” She gets up and walks toward the back. Suddenly music blasts on making me jump. My brain is spinning, trying to figure out if these people are friendly or not.
“Come on, beautiful, let’s get your hair washed.” Dolly leads me to the washing section. A couple of bikers stop by but go straight to the back. Closing my eyes, I sit back and let her massage my scalp.