Savior: A Tattered Club Story (Tattered Social Club Series Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

shook in violent waves. What in the hell had he done? There was no way he was going to be able to afford an apartment yet. He ran to the dresser and pulled out the envelope from behind the folded T-shirts. Recounting the bills he’d counted a million times before, he realized the reality that as of tomorrow morning he’d once again be homeless.
     
    *****
     
    Niko unrolled a tube of white paper and spread it on the table in his mentor’s office. “I think I should go with a playground scene. What do you think? Does it look like shit?”
    The Professor stood and rounded the mahogany desk. “Very impressive. Do you want it more realistic or whimsical? This is a great start. This is the building on fifth, the boys’ and girls’ center?”
    Niko scanned the artistic blueprint. Maybe whimsical was a better idea. “Yeah, the director wants me to stop by tomorrow for a tour of the building. I wanted to use bright colors. I should make the scene more like a kid’s imagination. He wants me to paint the cafeteria too.”
    The Professor patted Niko on the back. “I think that’s great. You should make the kiddos multicultural. The neighborhood is getting more diverse by the moment. Did they give you an equipment stipend? You know, I can help out with supplies if you have to cover the cost. Buying a million cans of spray paint can hurt the wallet. And, Niko, you should wear something professional. Do you own a tie?”
    Niko turned his head so the heat creeping over his cheeks was hidden. He could afford the equipment and no, he didn’t own a tie. When Caleb, the center’s director, offered to purchase the supplies, Niko had told him to keep the money. He’d spent too many hours shooting hoops at the place while his mom and dad were throwing punches at each other. Taking the extra money felt wrong. “I got it covered, but…Thanks.”
    “You know, it’s a shame that place doesn’t offer an after school art program.” The Professor’s white and grey eyebrows rose when he casually peered over at Niko. “Maybe you could suggest starting something when you go over there. The club would be happy to fund the program.”
    Niko wasn’t too excited to jump right into volunteering. He was making killer money and for the first time in his life looking forward to the days ahead. Worrying about what a bunch of kids were doing after school didn’t fit into his life. Instead of giving his mentor some asshole excuse for not doing it, he opted to say nothing and nod.
    “Niko?” Scarlet leaned in the doorway. “There’s a client here to see you.”
    Her always cheerful smile seemed wider than usual. Already on a tight schedule, he didn’t have time to see someone without an appointment. “They’re going to have to schedule a time.”
    She stepped into the room, her hands planted on her rounded waist. “I think you’re going to want to see him.”
    Damn, he couldn’t catch a break. “Send him back. What does he want?” He looked at The Professor. “Yeah, I think the art program would be cool.” God, when had he become a sucker?
    Niko walked into the hall where Seth waited. “Hey, man.” He rubbed his palm over the smooth skin on top of his head. “So, I’ve got this little problem.”
    Niko never knew Seth to have a problem. If anything, he fixed problems.
    “What’s up?” Niko tucked the blueprint under his arm.
    “So, I’ve got this chick on my table. Apparently her hubby’s been to the club and I... Well, I fucked him and she found out. Now, she’s in my studio with her tits hanging out saying she wants some of what her old man had.”
    Niko tucked his fist against his mouth to stifle the laugh. “And?”
    Seth rubbed the tight T-shirt covering his thick pecs. “I don’t. Jesus, I don’t do women. Stop laughing.” He looked first to the right then to the left and leaned in closer. “Her man is a bigwig downtown, owns a business and shit. I don’t want him to bring trouble here. Come on, take one for