Stripping Callum (Last Hangman MC Book 6)(39)

Something else weird has been happening these past two weeks. I had already felt like someone was watching me before that; probably my overactive mind, or maybe because of my nighttime job. Some clients don’t want to take no for an answer. You keep a close eye on your surroundings after one of them threatens you.

The worst has been the notes I’ve received. They range from the sweetest thing to the vilest you can imagine, and they escalated quickly. I’ve received five in the span of two weeks. I’ve been too scared to let anyone know. Maybe it’s someone playing a prank on me and it’s nothing, or it could be something serious and I don’t want to bring anyone into my mess. I couldn’t forgive myself if something were to happen to one of my friends because of me. Maybe it’s time for me to pack up and leave, as I always do.

“What’s with the sour face?” Callum asks, scaring the shit out of me.

“What the f*ck?” I yell, jumping back.

“Easy, tiger.” He chuckles and wraps his arms around me.

“You don’t just show up out of nowhere like that and sneak up on people.” I blow out a breath trying to get my heart to steady.

“Yet, you do it to me all the time.” He kisses my neck.

“I know, but you’re part ninja. Half the time you know I’m there.”

“Fair enough. So, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, why do you think something is wrong?” I ask defensively.

“Because you look scared out of your mind.”

“Because someone scared me!” I glare at him.

“Sorry, babe.” He kisses me, and I melt into his arms. This man is going to be the death of me. Either by too much cuteness, or he’ll scare me one too many times and I’ll have a heart attack.

“I suppose I can forgive you.” I smile as we walk to his car. We’re going back to his place after my time at the strip club.

“Good, so, are you going to share?” He opens the car door for me, and I get in. I don’t know if I should tell him or not. I know he has enough on his mind with his club business, and I don’t want to add to that.

“It’s nothing.” I smile at him.

“I know something is up, Bella. You look scared, and you’re very jumpy. Jumpier than usual. Your car window was smashed. You’ve had your tires slashed, and I’m sure there are things you’re keeping from me. Don’t tell me nothing is happening.” He glares at me, and I feel really tiny as he pins me with his gaze.

“I’ve been getting threats,” I confess. I know it’s pointless telling him some bullshit; he’ll get it out of me either way.

“How long?” he says through gritted teeth, holding the wheel so tightly that his knuckles turn white.

“Two weeks or so.”

“After we first had sex,” he says more to himself.

“Yes. Do you think it has anything to do with that?” I ask confused.

“It could.” He blows out a breath and mutters some insults that I can’t make out.

“Care to explain?”

“It’s a long story that I can’t tell you, just be careful.” He squeezes my thigh.

“So, you’re telling me, or rather not telling me, that someone could be targeting me because I’m close to you, but you refuse to tell me who?” I ask outraged.

“Trust me, it’s best if you don’t know.”

“I beg to differ. If someone is after me, I want to know so I can be more careful. It’s not just me, you know!”

“What do you mean?” He sounds perplexed. I know that I’ve just said too much, but I’m not ready yet.

“There’s Gail. They could target her, too. I couldn’t forgive myself if something were to happen to her.”

“What’s the deal between you two? Are you lovers?”

“Trust you to think that!” I scoff.

“What? Can’t blame a man for imagining two women together.” He chuckles.

“No, we’re not lovers. She’s my best friend. She’s taken me in since I moved here and has been helping me a lot. If I’m the one bringing her trouble, I won’t forgive myself as she’s been nothing but a blessing to me.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure nothing happens to you or her.” He kisses my hand as he parks in his driveway.

We’ve made it a habit to come back to his place after I strip so I don’t wake Gail and Elijah, and it means I get to spend extra time with Callum. I do feel bad that I’m spending so much time away from Elijah, though. It’s all messed up and confused in my head. I don’t know what to do anymore. I want to be able to live my life and have fun but also not miss the little things about my son growing up. I have to find a balance, but it’s hard when your heart and your head want something different. When your * gets in the middle of it then you’re in for a treat. I’m rarely able to think with my head or my heart when I’m alone with Callum at his place. I’m sure you would feel that way too!





Callum

Mother f*cking sons of bitches! I can’t believe she would hide the fact that she’s been getting threats for two weeks. Granted that she didn’t know someone would be after her, but still. She knows I can protect her and would have. I don’t know why she would keep it from me. I don’t like the fact that she’s been targeted. I’m assuming it’s from one of the Satan’s Inferno. I have nothing to go by besides the notes, which isn’t much. For all I know, it could be someone from her past.