Chapter 6 Ava's Pov

“You should go to your room,” Cain said, the words coming out less like an advice and more like a command.

I stepped closer, brows furrowing, “I’m not staying here for another night.” I complained.

The sharp metallic scent of blood quickly filled the room, making me nauseous.

“And where would you go?”

I was just as clueless as I was last night. I had nowhere in mind. “That’s my business.” I simply shot back.

My gaze snapped toward Rafe just as another pained whimper left him.

“Damn it,” he hissed through clenched teeth as someone poured alcohol over what looked like a bullet wound.

What the hell do these people get themselves into?

“Quiet down, Rafe,” Cain ordered, his voice calm despite the chaos around here.

Rafe’s eyes widened instantly as he bit back another cry, his entire body tensing against the pain.

I turned back to Cain, “I’ll need my car.”

“It’s in my garage.”

I pushed back my head a bit, surprised that he didn’t argue with me this time around.

I stretched out my hand, “My keys?”

Cain slipped a hand into his pocket, his grey eyes still fixed on me. A quiet clink of metal followed before he dropped the keys into my palm. His hand lingered just long enough for our skin to touch.

“Thank you,” I said, turning around towards the stairs.

“I do hope you’ve got some money for gas though.”

Someone let out a chuckle.

I stopped in my tracks, my palm squeezing over the keys before I turned back to him. I knew there was something strange when he willingly handed me the keys to my car.

“I’ve got money to buy some.” There was a bit of truth in that, though I highly doubted what little I had left would be enough to get me far away from here.

He tilted his head to the side, dipping his thumbs into his pocket, “Oh, do you?”

“Yeah.” I snapped, attempting to leave again but his voice stopped me, “And how exactly do you plan on paying me for repairing your car?”

I let out a gasp. He’s got to be kidding me. I walked down the stairs again, standing before him. “Are you trying to trap me here?” I asked, silence occupied the room. “Because I feel that’s exactly what you’re trying to do.”

Silence filled the room.

I sensed the others watching us like we were entertainment for the night. But I couldn’t care less if they thought the worst of me.

Cain chuckled briefly, but that amused side of him left as quickly as it came, his face went back to being neutral. “If that’s what you think, then I’m doing you a favour.”

He turned and walked towards the counter to get a drink, leaving me in the center of the room more annoyed and dumbfounded.

Mara stood in their midst, “Listen to him, Ava.”

I hated the way everyone said my name like they’ve known me for years.

With the way Mara stared at me, it was obvious she had her reasons for persuading me to stay.

But as much as I wanted to trust her. 

She served.

Cooked.

And apparently just helped out with patching up a bullet wound without batting an eye.

And part of me already believed that they were all into something illegal. I just don't know what exactly. 

For a moment, I hesitated.

I let out a sigh. “Fine, I’ll work enough to pay you back.” I muttered, lifting my gaze to Cain. “But I want your word that I won’t get dragged into whatever it is you’re all involved in.”

“And what exactly do you think we’re involved in?” Grim shot back, his tone instantly defensive.

Mara shook her head, disappointment obvious in her expression. Rafe held his tightly bandaged arm, muttering something under his breath. It was definitely an insult thrown my way, while the others glared at me like I’d committed the unforgivable by simply speaking.

“Grim.” Cain’s sharp voice cut through the tension, drawing his attention from the counter.

Grim immediately backed off, “Understood,” he raised his hands in surrender. “She’s all yours,” he muttered, though the cruel glint in his eyes lingered on me for a while.

“I belong to no one,” I retorted, refusing to break eye contact before Cain’s voice came up again. I turned to him, “You have my word.” He assured me, taking a slow sip of his drink. 

“Good.” I said, my eyes darting between everyone, before turning towards the stairs.

“Don’t forget your bag,” Mara called after me. I turned just in time to catch it as she tossed it my way.

The silence in the room welcomed me like it did last night. I locked the door, leaning against it for a moment while I judged the decision I made back there.

Was I really going to work here to pay him back? 

For how long though?

I shut my eyes, immediately regretting it.

I looked down at my bag before deciding to sit down on the bed. And just as I zipped it open, spotting my clothes, I figured that I hadn’t showered for a while now.

It already felt like a habit.

A disgusting one.

Then suddenly my phone buzzed again, my heart jumping for a moment as my hand braced my beating chest.

It was another message from the unknown number. 

From Damian.

“You really think you are safe now, but you only got yourself mixed up in more trouble.”

My hands trembled over the screen, confusion etched on my face.

What did he mean by that?

Another message entered.

“I know you’re receiving all these messages. Come back, Ava. Before it’s too late.”

The warning stayed in my mind for a scary, lingering moment.

My fingers hovered over the screen as I immediately blocked the number, then pressed hard on the power button, shutting off the phone completely.

Damn you, Damian.

I tossed the phone to the other side of the bed.

Everything around here already made me dread with fear.

Cain Harlow.

His biker club members.

Their illicit occupation hidden under the unsuspecting reputation of this bar.

And Greystone itself.

Damian was too late to instill fear in me about this town. I already imagined how dangerous things might get if I stay here for too long.

I collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Funny.

I ran from Damian believing I was escaping the devil I knew.

Only to land in a town filled with secrets, dangerous men, and a biker club that clearly wasn’t as innocent as they pretended to be.

Maybe the saying was true after all.

Better the devil you know than the angel you don’t.

The only problem?

I was beginning to realize…Greystone might be far more dangerous than Damian ever was.

But I’d keep my guard up regardless.

I didn’t run from my abusive fiancé to end up dead in a strange town.