Read Online Savior: A Tattered Club Story (Tattered Social Club Series Book 1) by Pauline Allan - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Pauline Allan
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underneath. The fact the upstairs apartment wasn’t furnished posed a problem. No bed equaled no place to sleep. Maybe Ben would let Ethan crash on his couch. No. Ben was too private. There’s no way in hell Knox was an option. He’d probably come home bleeding or end up in the ER and not make it home at all. Ethan didn’t need to deal with that. Seth, hell, no. Ethan would end up in handcuffs.
Niko’s jaw ticked.
One night. Ethan could sleep on the couch in his apartment for one night then tomorrow he’d call in some favors to get furniture.
What in the hell was he doing?
CHAPTER FOUR
“Are you serious?” Ethan stood in the lobby of The Tattered Social Club with his mouth open unable believe total strangers would be willing to help. “Why would you guys do this for me? You don’t even know me.”
The Professor leaned against the front of the leather couch, mustache parted with a smile and dress shirt cuffs folded to reveal several colorful tattoos covering his forearms. “Because you remind me of someone. Niko said you were a stand-up young man. I trust you’ll be respectful and not destroy the place. Besides, any funny business and I’ll send Seth up there. Trust me, you don’t want him pounding on your door. So, what do you say? Rent can be negotiated.”
Ethan stared wide eyed then looked over at Niko who had rounded the couch to sit down. He’d gone to bat for a kid he barely knew. Did people this nice still exist? Apparently so, even for a tattooed, strong willed bad boy like Niko.
“I’d be grateful. I have a part-time job at The Coffee Bean. They’ve cut my hours because a new place opened on campus, but I have online applications all over. I should hear something soon.” Ethan wanted The Professor to know he wasn’t looking for a handout. “If you’re willing to work with me, I can take on two jobs. Where’s the apartment? I’ll apply for jobs nearby.”
Sleeping in the library had sucked. Hiding the two rubber tubs of what few belongings he’d taken from Charles’s was getting down right ridiculous. He should’ve went back, brought the police or something and gotten the rest of his things. But then what good would that do? Charles had contacts all over the city and Ethan feared he’d do anything to keep the affair secret.
“It looks like we have a deal. Above the club, I’ve remodeled two small studio apartments. When my grandfather owned the place, they were used for well...no ladies were allowed downstairs. That meant wives, but upstairs was for...well, wives weren’t welcomed up there either.” The Professor laughed. Those days were filled with cards and booze. They’re nothing fancy, but you’ll have everything you need. The apartment isn’t furnished.” Ethan’s heart skipped. How was he going to furnish an apartment when he barely had enough money for food? “But, don’t worry about that. Niko’s going to help out and I have a few things to donate. I’m sure the guys will chip in. Hey, don’t look so shocked. No strings attached.”
Ethan had no idea how he was ever going to pay back such a debt. With Charles, everything was cut and dried. A bed and spending money meant bruises and a mouth on his cock. What cash he’d saved would go towards first and last months’ rent so he had no cash to spare. “I don’t think...I don’t think I have the money to pay you back, at least not yet.”
Niko stood and started toward the counter. “He said no strings attached. That means keep your money.” Scarlet was typing on the computer and stopped to watch Niko grab a piece of candy from the glass dish. “Where’s your stuff?”
The Professor gave a side glance in Scarlet’s direction. What was that about? “It’s at the library.”
Niko spun around, swallowed. “At the school?”
Ethan felt the heat in his cheeks blaze. Either he could cower and expect pity or raise his head and be proud he’d left an abusive situation. He lifted his chin and
Niko’s jaw ticked.
One night. Ethan could sleep on the couch in his apartment for one night then tomorrow he’d call in some favors to get furniture.
What in the hell was he doing?
CHAPTER FOUR
“Are you serious?” Ethan stood in the lobby of The Tattered Social Club with his mouth open unable believe total strangers would be willing to help. “Why would you guys do this for me? You don’t even know me.”
The Professor leaned against the front of the leather couch, mustache parted with a smile and dress shirt cuffs folded to reveal several colorful tattoos covering his forearms. “Because you remind me of someone. Niko said you were a stand-up young man. I trust you’ll be respectful and not destroy the place. Besides, any funny business and I’ll send Seth up there. Trust me, you don’t want him pounding on your door. So, what do you say? Rent can be negotiated.”
Ethan stared wide eyed then looked over at Niko who had rounded the couch to sit down. He’d gone to bat for a kid he barely knew. Did people this nice still exist? Apparently so, even for a tattooed, strong willed bad boy like Niko.
“I’d be grateful. I have a part-time job at The Coffee Bean. They’ve cut my hours because a new place opened on campus, but I have online applications all over. I should hear something soon.” Ethan wanted The Professor to know he wasn’t looking for a handout. “If you’re willing to work with me, I can take on two jobs. Where’s the apartment? I’ll apply for jobs nearby.”
Sleeping in the library had sucked. Hiding the two rubber tubs of what few belongings he’d taken from Charles’s was getting down right ridiculous. He should’ve went back, brought the police or something and gotten the rest of his things. But then what good would that do? Charles had contacts all over the city and Ethan feared he’d do anything to keep the affair secret.
“It looks like we have a deal. Above the club, I’ve remodeled two small studio apartments. When my grandfather owned the place, they were used for well...no ladies were allowed downstairs. That meant wives, but upstairs was for...well, wives weren’t welcomed up there either.” The Professor laughed. Those days were filled with cards and booze. They’re nothing fancy, but you’ll have everything you need. The apartment isn’t furnished.” Ethan’s heart skipped. How was he going to furnish an apartment when he barely had enough money for food? “But, don’t worry about that. Niko’s going to help out and I have a few things to donate. I’m sure the guys will chip in. Hey, don’t look so shocked. No strings attached.”
Ethan had no idea how he was ever going to pay back such a debt. With Charles, everything was cut and dried. A bed and spending money meant bruises and a mouth on his cock. What cash he’d saved would go towards first and last months’ rent so he had no cash to spare. “I don’t think...I don’t think I have the money to pay you back, at least not yet.”
Niko stood and started toward the counter. “He said no strings attached. That means keep your money.” Scarlet was typing on the computer and stopped to watch Niko grab a piece of candy from the glass dish. “Where’s your stuff?”
The Professor gave a side glance in Scarlet’s direction. What was that about? “It’s at the library.”
Niko spun around, swallowed. “At the school?”
Ethan felt the heat in his cheeks blaze. Either he could cower and expect pity or raise his head and be proud he’d left an abusive situation. He lifted his chin and
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