“I’m not the only woman who’s been injured because of the club.”
“You were the first one who died on the operating table. We were all there. You jumped in front of Zero to protect him. He was nothing to you, yet you jumped in front of him. Did you even know they were shooting?”
Angel stared at the monitor for several seconds. Eva had never brought this up before. She tried not to relive old, painful memories. Angel was too damn sweet and didn’t need reminding all the time.
“I saw the gun, and it was aimed at Zero. I don’t know what came over me. Lash was talking, telling me what he wanted to do to me when we got home. I saw the gun and knew I couldn’t let Zero die. He does mean something to me as he’s part of the club. Lash told me the club came first and he’d do anything to protect the club. I had to play my part, and letting a man die is not who I am.”
Eva reached out to take Angel’s hand. “You’re Lash’s first priority. The club no longer comes first to Lash. You do.”
“I don’t care. I thought I did, but I don’t. I love Lash and the club. You’re all my family, and I have to say, I see Tiny as the father figure and you as the mother. I know, it’s strange but it’s true. When I see you both, I know everything is going to be okay.” Angel withdrew her hand. “I’m not going to stop helping the club, even if it means jumping in front of bullets.”
“It’s dangerous.”
“The guys don’t want us in danger, yet all of their enemies know where to hit The Skulls. Everyone knows that the club loves their women. We’re always the target. They need to learn to help to defend us rather than leaving us blind.”
For a short time the guys had taken them to the warehouse where Nash had gotten over his addiction, and the women had started training. That soon ended as life changed, they had to take out another enemy, and before she knew what was happening they hadn’t restarted their training. Lash took Angel off to Italy, and nothing had happened since they got back.
“We can start up the training once again if you voice your concerns,” Eva said.
“I asked Lash. He doesn’t want me to do it.” Angel sighed.
“Why not?”
“He doesn’t think it’s necessary.” Angel looked sad as she looked at the monitor once again.
Eva took a sip of her hot tea wondering what to say to her.
“I don’t mind. Let’s not talk about training and everything else.” The doorbell went interrupting Angel talking.
“Give me a moment, and I’ll see who that is.” Eva moved toward the door. She found Rose waiting for her with a bottle of wine in hand.
“Hey,” Eva said, shocked to see the red haired woman.
“I know. I’ve been out of it for some time. I thought we could have a bit of bubbly, some girly chat, and catch up.”
“Angel is here, and I’ve got the kids.”
Rose stepped inside. “That’s great. We can have some bubbly, watch the kids, and chat. I love Angel. I don’t have a problem with her unless she doesn’t want me to ruin your day.”
Shaking her head, Eva let her in. “There’s nothing to ruin. It’s just us girls and hopefully some fun.”
She followed Rose into the kitchen. Angel embraced Rose before they took a seat.
“I’m not drinking tea,” Rose said. “I want to drink wine and not deal with men or anything else.”
“What’s up?” Eva asked, grabbing a wine glass for Rose.
“Nothing is up. Hardy is busy with the club, and I don’t want to be around that many cocks.” Rose poured herself a healthy glass of wine. “Besides, it’s an anniversary of sorts.”
Just then Eva’s cell phone went.
“Here we go, Hardy’s checking up on me.”
In all the years Eva had known Rose and Hardy, she’d never seen the couple like this.
“Hello,” she said, answering the call.
“Is Rose there?” Hardy asked.
“Yeah. She’s drinking wine and talking about an anniversary. What’s going on?”
“Don’t ask him that. He doesn’t like that, do you, Hardy?” Rose sounded like she’d been drinking already this morning.
“Fuck, please, keep her there. I’ll be by later to pick her up.”
“What’s going on?”
“Nothing. It’ll be fine. I promise. Just, don’t let her leave.” Hardy hung up the phone, leaving Eva with so many questions.
“Let me guess, you’re not allowed to let me leave and I’m pretty much to stay here until he comes and picks me up?” Rose asked.
“Yeah.”
“Typical male. He’s bossing us around.” Rose looked toward Angel. “You should know all about that. I have to say, your man is a keeper.”
Frowning, Eva looked at Angel at the same time as she looked at her.
“The secrets, they all suck. Do any of you want a drink? I’m going to consume this whole bottle, and I can promise you, it won’t be my last today.”
“What secrets?” Angel asked.
“Oh, honey, I can tell you so many secrets about Hardy.”
“You and Hardy are perfect for each other. You’re a wonderful couple.”
Rose started laughing, and once she started, the other woman couldn’t stop.
Eva thought about the time she spent with Rose. Not once could she recall ever seeing her like this. However, Hardy always made sure that Rose took some time away from the club.
“Honey, we’re not the perfect couple. In fact we’ve had problems just like everyone else.” Rose took a large gulp of her wine, raising a finger toward them. “In fact, it has been ten years exactly today when our marriage was the f**king worst. Usually, Hardy keeps me locked up in our house for me to have my sob and cry. Shame he’s busy and he can’t keep me in one place.”
Eva had a feeling she didn’t want to hear the rest. For the most part she liked to think Hardy and Rose’s relationship was solid. What she was witnessing was telling her otherwise.
“Rose? Are you okay?” Angel asked.
The humor left Rose’s eyes, and all that was left was pain. “Yeah, I’ll be fine.” For several seconds no one spoke. “Ten years ago Hardy started to act differently. He was spending more time at the club and rarely came home. Sex was a chore to him. He stopped wanting to have anything to do with me. So, I decided to spruce things up. I put on the sexiest, sluttiest outfit I could find, and I went to the clubhouse. No one stopped me as I made my way toward Hardy’s room. No one knew what was happening, and neither did I until I opened that door.” Rose took another large gulp of wine. “I watched him f**king one of the sweet-butts that hung around the club at the time.”