“What? No!” The denial comes too quickly, too forcefully. “I've known him for like two days. That's ridiculous.”
“Is it?” She raises an eyebrow, “Because you've got that look.”
“What look?”
“That dreamy, just-been-thoroughly-ravished-by-a-Viking look. I've never seen it on you before, but it suits you.”
I groan, burying my face in my hands. “It's just chemistry. Really, really good chemistry.”
“Mmhmm.” Her tone drips with skepticism, “And when we leave tomorrow? What then?”
The question hits me like a bucket of ice water. Tomorrow. Minny flies back home, and I drive back to San Simeon. Away from Vegas. Away from Thor.
“I don't know,” I admit, my stomach knotting with anxiety.
Minny watches me carefully. “Do you want to go home? It’s not like you have anything tying you there except for the cat. He’ll be okay for a few more days if you want to see where this goes.”
“I...” My voice falters. “Maybe? I mean, he lives in California too, but his life is so different from mine. And he's clearly involved in something dangerous here. He basically told me to stay out of it.”
“Wait. What?”
“Yeah, um, Thor is in a motorcycle club. He’s here in Vegas taking care of something for his boss. I mean, president. It’s president, right?”
“Hold up. A motorcycle club? Like, Sons of Anarchy motorcycle club?”
“He said it's not like that,” I say quickly, though doubt creeps in. “He said they're trying to move away from their past, whatever that means.”
“What exactly did he tell you about this club business?”
I fidget with the hem of my dress, suddenly feeling naive. “Not much. Just that it's complicated, and I should stay away from it. He said the less I know, the safer I am.”
“Jesus Christ.” Minny runs her hands through her hair. “And you're considering staying here? With him?”
“I don't know!” The words burst out of me, frustration and confusion warring in my chest. “I know it sounds crazy, but Minny, when I'm with him, I feel alive for the first time in years.I feel like myself again. Like the person I was before Terrance crushed every bit of confidence out of me.”
“I get that, honey. I really do. But you just got out of one horrible marriage. Are you sure you want to walk into another one?”
“It's not the same thing,” I protest. “Thor would never hurt me. He's different.”
Minny sighs, her expression softening. “Charlie, I've watched you rebuild yourself piece by piece after what Terrance did. You're finally finding your voice again. I just don't want to see you lose yourself in another man—especially one who admits he's involved in something that he’s keeping you away from.”
I stand up abruptly, pacing across the hotel room. “You think I don't know how this sounds? That I'm not terrified I'm making another mistake?” My voice cracks. “But what if this is my chance to actually experience something real? Something that isn't built on lies and manipulation?”
“And what if it gets you killed?” Minny counters. “Motorcycle clubs aren't book clubs, Charlie. They're involved in things that put people in prison—or worse.”
The truth of her words hits me hard. She's right, and I know it. But the memory of Thor's touch, the safety I felt in his arms, the way he looked at me like I was something precious—it clouds my judgment.
“I need to think,” I mutter, grabbing my purse and tucking my phone inside. “I'm going for a walk.”
“Charlie—”
“I'll be back soon,” I promise, already heading for the door. “I just need some air.”
The hallway feels too quiet after I close the door behind me. I lean against the wall, taking deep breaths to clear my head. Minny's concerns echo in my mind. But the way he makes me feel…
I need to sort through these feelings before I see him again tonight. The hotel's sprawling layout offers plenty of space to think, so I head toward the atrium, where tropical plants and fountains create a peaceful oasis amid the casino chaos.
The morning crowd is sparse—mostly hungover tourists nursing coffees and business types heading to meetings. I wander, barely registering my surroundings as my thoughts circle in endless loops. Thor's world versus the safety I've finally created for myself. The intensity of our connection versus the rational voice screaming that two days isn't enough to know someone.
